12 Outstanding Examples of a Topaz Ring

Topaz makes for an ideal gemstone ring. The gem embodies certain properties which make it a desirable stone, it comes in a range of sought-after colours, it’s good hardness means it’s not easily scratched or damaged, and it’s relative abundance and accessibility ensure it continues to be one of the most popular gemstones. Topaz rings are a staple of the jewellery market and are ever increasing in popularity.

Imperial Topaz which is characterised by its golden yellow colours is the most valuable colour of Topaz, followed closely by stones with a dark pink/red and orange/red hue. The value of the stone increases in proportion to the deepness of the orange and reddish coloured hues. However, the most common colour used in jewellery today is the blue topaz. Blue topaz is a relatively recent occurrence, which is chiefly due to the fact the nearly all blue gem topaz is formed by being irradiated and heat treated.

Natural Topaz Rings

 

BABETTE ROUND TOPAZ RING - Buy it from Otomo

BAILEE SNOWFLAKE TOPAZ RING - Buy it from Otomo

BAYLEE MYSTIC FIRE TOPAZ RING - Buy it from Otomo

BAYLIE SKY BLUE OVAL TOPAZ RING - Buy it from Otomo

 

BELDA SEA BLUE SQUARE TOPAZ & ZIRCONIA RING - Buy it from Otomo

 

 

BERENICE BLUE PILLOW TOPAZ RING - Buy it from Otomo

BERNADETTE BLUE PRINCESS TOPAZ RING - Buy it from Otomo

BERNADINA BLUE ETERNITY TOPAZ RING - Buy it from Otomo

BERNITA BLUE CUSHION TOPAZ RING - Buy it from Otomo

Blue Topaz Ring - Buy it from Etsy

925 Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Ring - Buy it from Etsy

Split Band Round Cut Blue Topaz Engagement Ring 14k White Gold - Buy it from Etsy

Topaz is an abundant and cost-effective gemstone. It is often found formed into very large and flawless crystals. These giant gemstones can be cut into giant gemstones and are capable of weighing thousands of carats. Due to this, some of largest gemstones which have ever been created and used in jeweller were made of Topaz.

Topaz is an innately hard and robust gemstone and is not easily damaged or dissolved in solvent solutions. However, it’s still important to be careful with Topaz, it is possible to chip or cracking internally if exposed to significant trauma. Topaz is described as a pleochroic gemstone, which essentially means it’s capable of showing a range of colour intensities and hues depending on the angle the gem is viewed from.

Despite its common use in jewellery, natural blue topaz is rare and it’s almost always very faintly coloured. Most blue topaz you’re likely to encounter has been irradiated and heat treated in order to create the blue hue. Before being treated, the original stones where likely colourless or very lightly coloured, the radiation process will then work to deepen and emphasise the blue hue and lastly the heat treatment works to stabilise the colourisation.

Topaz History

It is widely agreed that the name for Topaz originated from Topazios, which is the old Greek name for an island located in the Red Sea, which is now called Zabargad. The island actually never produced Topaz, but it was a producer of peridot. It’s likely that the peridot was confused with topaz, which is something that has been rectified with modern mineralogy methods.

The ancient Greeks thought that Topaz would give them power and strength. During the Renaissance period in Europe, it was commonly believed that topaz had the power to prevent and break magical spells, as well as having the ability to dissipate anger. For hundreds of years, it was believed by many people in India that when topaz is worn above the heart, it can assure a long life, intelligence and promote beauty in the wearer.

Imperial Topaz originated in 19th century Russia. During this time, the Ural mountain range was the leading source for topaz, and the uniquely pink gemstones mined in the mountains were named to honour the Russian Czar. To ensure its exclusivity, ownership of the pink gemstones was restricted to only the royal family.

Topaz Engagement & Wedding Rings

Topaz engagements are defined by the beautiful eye-catching and hardy gemstone at the centre of the design, topaz is a perfect choice for an everyday wear wedding ring. With the huge variety of options available, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the choice and options available. This short guide will hopefully make your decision easier and allow you to pick the perfect ring.

On paper topaz is the perfect gemstone, it’s durable, stunning, flashy and very affordable. Additionally, topaz is easily shaped and cut to match almost any desired option, including emerald, pear, heart, cushion and round.

Topaz is a type of silicate crystal mineral and has been a popular engagement and wedding ring for a number of years. Most topaz rings sold today have been enhanced in some way in order to emphasise the vibrancy of the colours, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Topas is mined in a number of countries including, Brazil, Afghanistan, Germany, India, Russia and the United States to name but a few of the topaz producing countries.

Blue Topaz Engagement Rings

Most of the blue topaz found in today’s engagement rings started life as a colourless stone, this stone is then irradiated and heat treated to produce the stunning range of blue shades which are now commonly associated with blue topaz engagement rings. The sort of treatment is very common occurrence and only serves to enhance the appearance of the gemstone, the resulting colour is very stable and no special care or attention needs to be paid to the ring in order to maintain the colour.

A blue topaz engagement ring is very affordable, with prices ranging from around £8 per carat through to £40 per carat. Some of the hues of blue are inherently worth more than others, normally darker colours such as ‘Swiss Blue’, ‘London Blue’ and ‘Sierra Blue’ will cost more than a lighter variant.

London blue topaz rings are characterised by their deep almost teal colouring and are one of the more costly types of Topaz available.

A large portion of the intrinsic value of a blue topaz gemstone is not in the raw stone, it’s in the labour that goes into shaping and cutting the stone into the desired shape. As such, a commercially massed produced cut stone can be bought for as little as £30, however, a custom designed and cut stone may sell for more than £200.

As most topaz is naturally clear, high clarity does not significantly impact the price of a stone. However, any visible inclusions or faults can significantly reduce the price of the stone.

Unlike many other gemstones, the price per carat does not exponentially increase as the size of the stone increases. For example, a five-carat blue topaz engagement ring might not cost significantly more than a one-carat blue engagement ring.

It’s not unusual for the rings metal or any accompanying gems, such as diamonds, to have the biggest impact on the final cost of the ring. As such, choosing a sterling silver blue topaz engagement ring might be a perfect choice if you’re looking to keep costs down.

Imperial Topaz Engagement Rings

Like blue topaz, almost all imperial topaz on today’s market has been treated to enhance the natural colourisation of the stone. Most of the gems would have originally been faintly coloured, which has then been irradiated and heat treated to produce some impressively intense oranges, reds and pink colours.

A pink topaz engagement ring will cost around £30 per carat, but unlike their blue counterparts, the price per carat can increase significantly once the carat weight goes above 5 carats. Intensely bright pinks will often sell for more than £30 per carat.

Naturally pink topaz which has not been treated will sell for many thousands of pounds per carat, making them some of the most expensive gemstones available. It’s worth noting that some jewellers will sell competitively priced ‘natural pink topaz’, this is actually slightly misleading, as they are still treated to achieve the colour. All topaz, even enhanced versions are still classed as natural gemstones.

Precious Topaz Engagement Rings

Precious topaz is used to describe the bright almost luminous yellow or orange gemstones.

As with every other type of topaz, the incredible yellow hues and orange colours are created by exposing the gemstones to radiation and heat treatment. This treatment has very good stability and is very unlikely to fad over time.

Yellow or orange engagement rings will usually be priced at around £20 per carat for anything underneath 5 carats, this will increase to around £60 per carat for gems over 5 carats. If a topaz has an especially vibrant and intense yellow or orange hue then the cost of the gemstone can increase dramatically. Custom cuts and designs will invariably demand a higher price tag.

Mystic Topaz Engagement Rings

Mystic topaz engagement rings are exemplified by their ability to reflect a rainbow of colours, this can range from dark peacock colouring through to light rainbow effect. Mystic topaz was developed in late 1998, but it was not until 2003 that the colour began to gain traction in the jewellery world. Today the gem is very popular, but thankfully the price remains affordable.

Just like every other topaz variety described here, mystic topaz begins life as a colourless stone. There are varying treatments available to create the mystic effect, however, only the diffusion method has been demonstrated to be effective at holding the colouring for a long period of time.

Brown Topaz Engagement Ring

Topaz frequently occurs in natural brown hues or can be altered via irradiation and heat treatment. Despite the connotations associated with the colour, some Topaz with brown colourings can be quite beautiful. However, there are some issues these stones in particular. They have a tendency to fade once exposed to direct sunlight, so, for this reason, we cannot recommend the stone colour for use in an engagement or wedding ring.

Green Topaz Engagement Ring

Most green topaz available on the market has been treated in order to create the colouring and vibrant green colour.

Unfortunately, the stability of the colour in green topaz is largely unstable. Most green gemstones have been shown to fade over time, the fading process is also accelerated by exposure to sunlight. For this reason, it’s hard to recommend green topaz for an engagement or wedding ring. However, work is underway to improve the stability rating of green topaz, so we’d hope to be able to change our opinion very soon.

Colourless Topaz Engagement Ring

Colourless topaz is the most common natural form of Topaz that is frequently mined. A clear, brilliant and beautiful colourless topaz ring is a great way to exhibit the stones innate splendour and fire. 
Colourless topaz or white topaz is a very affordable option, with prices starting at around $5 per carat. This price point remains largely stable regardless of the carat weight of the stone. 
A white topaz engagement ring is one of our first choices for a diamond ring alternative, these gems are very beautiful and can substitute a diamond wedding or engagement ring easily.

Caring for a Topaz Ring

Topaz is generally regarded as a long-lasting, resilient and hard gemstone, which is one of the reasons it makes for such a good everyday ring. However, even though the gem is hard, it can still become dirty and require some minor maintenance to ensure it looks its best. The simplest and one of the most effective methods for cleaning a Topaz ring involves soap and water. Simply place a small amount of warm water in a bowl, add a few drops of mild soap and the ring soak for a couple of minutes. Using a soft bristle brush or cloth, work your way around the ring and try and get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any built-up dirt. Once cleaned rinse the ring with fresh water to remove any soapy residue, pat the ring dry and leave to one side to dry in a well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. If you can, avoid doing all of this over the kitchen sink, the last thing you want to do is accidentally knock the topaz out of its setting and watch it disappear down the sinkhole.

If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner, you should have no problems using this with your topaz ring. However, as with all advanced cleaning methods, it’s recommended to thoroughly read and understand the instructions before starting the cleaning process.

It might seem obvious, but if you’re going to handling harsh chemicals, carrying out DIY or working extensively with your hands, it would probably be a good idea to remove the ring until you’ve finished these tasks. Even though the gemstone will remain intact, you don’t want to damage the rings settings.

As Topaz is a relatively hard gemstone, you’ll need to be careful when wearing the ring with other less sturdy gems. For example, both pearls and opals can be easily scratched and damaged by another adjacent gemstone ring. So just be wary of what you’re wearing with your Topaz ring.

source https://www.otomo.co.uk/blogs/news/12-outstanding-examples-of-a-topaz-ring

14 Exquisite Emerald Rings

If someone close to you was born in the month of May, then an emerald ring might just the perfect gift. Emerald is well known as the birthstone for anyone born in May.  Not only does emerald represent May births, it’s also the gemstone used for the 20th, 35th and 55th wedding anniversaries. If you’re looking to buy a natural emerald ring be prepared to spend some money, natural emeralds are one of the most expensive gemstones available.

If your budget is limited, or if you’re not overly obsessed with buying a natural emerald, then it’s worth considering buying a synthetic emerald. There are many lab grown emeralds available in a huge range of hues, sizes and cuts, many of which are on a par with any naturally mined stones. If your goal is to buy a top quality affordable emerald ring then there’s no reason not to consider a synthetic stone if however, you’d rather buy a mined variety, then you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the absolute best deal possible. Emerald rings can be quite expensive so it’s with this in mind that we decided to write this article, we want to make sure you’re armed with all the necessary knowledge in order to make an informed decision. Read on and let us take you through the history, characteristics and features to look out for in this fascinating gemstone.

ALAIR MARQUISE EMERALD RING - Buy it from Otomo

ALBERTINA ROUND EMERALD RING - Buy it from Otomo

ALGRENON ROUND EMERALD & ZIRCONIA RING - Buy it from Otomo

ALISANNE CUSHION EMERALD & ZIRCONIA RING - Buy it from Otomo

ALIX ROUND EMERALD & ZIRCONIA RING - Buy it from Otomo

ALLAIRE EMERALD & ZIRCONIA RING - Buy it from Otomo

ALLISON OVAL EMERALD & ZIRCONIA RING - Buy it from Otomo

ALLEFFRA MARQUISE EMERALD GOLD RING - Buy it from Otomo

ALLYSON ROUND EMERALD & ZIRCONIA RING - Buy it from Otomo

ALYSON OVAL EMERALD & ZIRCONIA RING - Buy it from Otomo

Gold Emerald Ring - Buy it from Etsy

Raw Emerald Ring - Buy it from Etsy

Sterling Silver Emerald Textured Ring - Buy it from Etsy

Platinum Emerald Engagement Ring - Buy it from Etsy

 

Emerald Ring History

The word emerald originated from the French word ‘esmeraude’, while in turn ‘esmeraude’ comes from the Greek and Latin word for greenstone ‘smaragdos’. Emeralds are ancient gemstones. According to the oldest surviving book in the world today, the ‘Papyrus Prisse’. “But good words are more difficult to find than the emerald, for it is by slaves that it is discovered among the rocks.".

The ‘Papyrus Prisse’ is over 4500 years old, but this particular passage is referencing another piece of writing from 1000 years earlier. It’s likely that the book is referring to the ancient Egyptian mines. Cleopatra’s mines were lost for thousands of years but were rediscovered in 1818. The poor quality and relatively small size of the stones produced by the mines was probably a factor in why they were originally abandoned.

It wasn’t just the Egyptians that prized emeralds, the Incas and Aztecs valued emeralds greatly when they were discovered in Columbia. Many cultures around the world have sought emeralds, attributing great value to the possession of these gems. Unfortunately, violence has been entwined with the history of emeralds, which is well illustrated by the fact that during the 16th century, Spanish inquisitors looted thousands of gems from mines in South America, murdering thousands of natives in the process. This even also put South America into the gemstone limelight. From this point forward, many wealthy individuals and royal families looked to South America to supply them with beautiful emerald stones to adorn their crowns, bracelets, necklaces and rings.

Regardless of whether the gem is the at the centre of a Russian crown, part of the Iranian state treasure, or is a favourite of a billionaire collector, emeralds have long been associated with status and royalty.

Choosing a Quality Emerald Ring

Making the decision to press the buy button when shopping for emerald rings online might not be a straightforward task, especially if you’re looking to ensure you’re buying a genuine emerald ring. There are a number of gemstone qualities which are worth understanding before committing to clicking the buy button. When selecting an emerald ring to buy it’s advisable to pay close attention to the emeralds shape, colour, size and clarity. Unlike diamonds which are graded using a specialist tool that allows for close inspection of the gemstone for any imperfections, emeralds are often graded using the naked eye. This makes your job as a buyer that much easier since you will have access to a range of product images that will allow you to review the gem with a critical eye. Before you can make an informed decision as to what constitutes a worthy buy it’s important to understand the critical characteristics of a high-quality emerald ring. Armed with this knowledge you should easily be able to get the best deal possible.

It should be noted, as with all coloured gemstones, the subtle differences that differentiate one high value gemstone from another are best left to the professionals. If in doubt seek expert advice before spending large amounts of money on an emerald ring.

Colour

The most sort after and desirable emerald colours are a bluish green through to a pure green, the colours must be vivid but the stone should not be overly dark. Stones which are highly transparent are intrinsically more valuable. The gem should have a uniformly even distribution of colour, with no obvious colour zoning. If the hue of the emerald is too blue or yellow, then stone is no longer classified as an emerald, but another type of beryl gemstone, and as such the value of the stone will decrease.

The colour intensity and saturation in an emerald is directly influenced by the trace elements chromium, valadium and iron. The presence and quantity of each of these elements determine the colour of the gem.

An emeralds visual qualities are sometimes closely associated with the mine it came from. For example, Columbian emeralds are said to produce an intense warm pure green colour. While Zambian emeralds are famous for producing stones which are cooler in colour, containing a noticeable blue hue.

Clarity

Most emeralds will contain inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. Due to this fact, it is widely accepted amongst jewellers and consumers that an emerald ring will likely contain an inclusion. A stone which is clean to the naked eye is very valuable as they are so rare.

Emeralds sometimes contain inclusions which appear mossy or garden-like. These flaws are often referred to as ‘jardin’, which is French for garden.

In all coloured stones, clarity and transparency are often closely linked. This is particularly true for emeralds. Professional jewellers will generally accept inclusions that are visible to the nakes eye, however, if those inclusions have effect on the transparency of the gemstone, then the value of emeralds is reduced.

Cut

It’s the cutters responsibility to consider carefully the rough gems depth of colour, durability and any inclusions before deciding on what cuts to make. A mistake may reduce the gems carat weight, which can significantly reduce the potential value of the emerald.

There are four important characteristics of emeralds which a cutter must take into account before beginning. Firstly, almost every stone has significant fractures. A cutter must, therefore, take those fractures into consideration to minimise the impact the fractures have on the finished stone.

The second factor to consider is the fact that emeralds are surprisingly brittle. This can make them vulnerable to damage while being cut, polished or set in a ring. A skilled cutter will design a gem in such a way as to minimise the potential for inadvertent damage to be caused to the stone.

Thirdly, due to the importance of colour in an emeralds value, the cuts must work to maximise the appearance of the saturation, tone and hue of the gem. The cutter can directly influence the colour by adjusting the emeralds proportions and number of facets. For example, a cutter can darken the appearance of a stone by creating deep cuts, a small table and creating few facets, or indeed lighten a stone with shallow cuts, a large table and additional facets.

Fourth, the bluish or greenish hues present in an emerald encourages the cutter to create the table so it lies perpendicular to the length of the crystal. This encourages the bluish-green hue to be more apparent in the finished gemstone.

Carat Weight

Cut and shaped emeralds come in a huge variety of sizes. There are of course huge emeralds in private collections and museums that weigh hundreds of carats. At the complete opposite end of scale are very small emeralds that weigh in at a fraction of a carat.

The Sandawana emerald mine located in Zimbabwe is famous for producing very small, but exquisitely coloured gemstones. The emeralds produced are often only 1mm square, but they are still incredibly beautiful with a stunning green hue. The mine’s stones average between 0.05 and 0.25 carats once cut, and very infrequently are in excess of 1.5 carats. Most jewellery is usually created from stones which are in between those carat weights.

As with most gemstones, as the size of the emerald increases, the cost will increase exponentially.

Emerald Ring Buying Tips

• Learn as much as you can about emeralds, this will help you to make an informed decision.
• Know that the finest gems originate from three Columbian mines: Muzo, Chivor and Cosquez. Be wary of anyone selling emeralds perpetrated to be from these locations at a cheap price. 
• Examine the emerald for noticeable inclusions. Inclusions can serve to give the gemstone character and enhance the look of the gem, but they can also be used to help identify where it originated from. For example, a two-phase tubular inclusion is characteristic of a Chivor gemstone.
• It’s important to remember that all emeralds will typically contain inclusions, no matter the size. The process of forming an emerald dictates that inclusions will occur. Due to this, colour is far more important in an emerald, so don’t be afraid of buying a gemstone with brilliant colour which also includes inclusions. 
• Make sure you know about the oiling process. Emeralds by nature are quite porous and will most often contain small air bubbles and fissures which are exposed when the gem is cut. In order to protect the emerald, a small amount of clear resin or oil is applied to the gem. This prevents contaminants such as hand lotions or detergents from seeping into the stone. As long as the oiling process is completed with a clear oil, it’s a standard practice, virtually all emeralds are treated in this way. However, if a green coloured oil is used in order to enhance the colour or to hide defects, then this needs to be clearly disclosed. 
• Be wary of sales. Emeralds are exceedingly rare, so there is very little reason or incentive to discount the gemstone. Any heavily discounted stones should raise alarm bells. 
• Don’t be overly concerned with the proportions of an emerald. As the gems are incredibly rare, they are generally cut in order to conserve as much of the original stone as possible. As such you might see some unusual shapes.

What is a Lab Grown Synthetic Emerald?

In short, a synthetic or lab created emerald will have all the exact same properties as natural emerald, the only difference will be where the gem originated from. A lab-grown emerald is 100% a real emerald, but it is not a natural emerald. It will possess all the same chemical, physical and optical properties as a natural emerald. However, synthetic emeralds are massively less expensive versus a similarly sized and graded natural stone. 
A good natural emerald will cost a lot of money, a synthetic emerald much less so. If you’re not sure what to get, consider where your priority lies. Balance your desired weight, size and quality against how much you’re willing to spend.

Emerald Engagement / Wedding Rings

If you’re considering buying an emerald engagement or wedding ring, be absolutely certain that this is something that your fiancé would like. Even if your partner is not traditional in many aspects of her life, she might surprise you when it comes to her engagement ring. If you’re certain that it’s something that she would love, then you have a huge number of decisions to make. One of the first things you should consider is your budget, decide on how much you’d like to spend and stick to it. Consider if a natural or lab-grown emerald would suit your needs. Both types can be very beautiful, but a lab-grown emerald can allow you to buy a far larger stone for much less money, so it’s well worth considering.

source https://www.otomo.co.uk/blogs/news/14-exquisite-emerald-rings

The Best Mattress To Buy In 2018

People might laugh, but buying a quality mattress is one of the most important buying decisions you can make, you're making a decision of a lifetime (or at least for the next 10 years). A mattress is the single most important item in your bedroom (aside from the bed, of course), as sleeping on a bad mattress can bring about a whole lot of problems for you, from simple snoring to back problems and sleep apnea. The best mattress will ensure you're sleeping well and wake up well-rested, which can make or break your day.
So, if you’re looking for a mattress, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll teach you what kinds of mattresses there are, and what they’re good for, as well as present you a “best mattress” UK list so you can take a look of what good mattresses are supposed to look like. And away we go!

Best Mattress 2018

Name	Type	Price
Casper Memory Foam Rolled Mattress	Memory Foam	Check Price
Simba Hybrid Mattress	Foam & Pocket Spring	Check Price
Eve Memory Foam Mattress	Memory Foam	Check Price
Emma Mattress	Memory Foam	Check Price
Dormeo Memory Plus Mattress	Memory Foam	Check Price
Silentnight 3-Zone Memory Foam Rolled Mattress - Best for Budget	Memory Foam	Check Price
Happy Beds Orthopaedic 1000 Pocket Sprung Majestic Medium Tension Mattress	Pocket Spring	Check Price
Silentnight Classic 1200 Pocket Deluxe Mattress	Pocket Spring	Check Price
Leesa Premium Foam Mattress	Memory Foam	Check Price
Dunlopillo Mattress - Royal Sovereign - Editors Choice	Latex Foam	Check Price

Types of Mattresses and What They’re For

Alright, let’s start by saying there are three main types of mattresses, according to what they’re made off, and several subtypes, according to their firmness. The three main types are innerspring mattresses, foam mattresses and air mattresses. Spring mattresses are further subdivided into open and closed spring mattresses. 

Open Spring Mattress

Open spring mattresses are the most common type of mattress, with over 80% models being this type of mattress. As the name suggests, they’re filled with springs that support your body, with these springs being open and exposed. These mattresses, however, are often unsatisfactory, and the springs lose their elasticity over the years. On top of that, if you’ve got two people sleeping on a mattress, the other person might feel the bed bounce when one person is moving around, which can be unnerving. These mattresses often sag and assume a concave shape, and they, on average, don’t have a satisfactory level of lumbar support, and the springs lose their elasticity over the years. 

Closed Spring Mattress

On the other hand, mattresses that have closed springs (often called pocket spring mattresses) do a slightly better job at retaining their shape and supporting your body. The springs here are closed in pockets of fabric, which allows them to flex independently from one another. This leads to the mattress being more stable, such that you can thrash all you want, and your old lady won’t feel a thing. They also offer better lumbar support, but they suffer from similar defects as regular spring mattresses, i.e. they tend to sag and they don’t take the shape of your body all that well, which can cause back problems, especially to heavier persons.

Foam Mattress

Moving on, foam mattresses, though not as common, are certainly gaining popularity, mostly due to their ability to adjust to your body's shape. They come made from two materials – memory foam and latex, with each material having its own advantages and disadvantages. Memory foam does an excellent job retaining your body shape, providing lumbar support and keeping your spine in a horizontal position as you sleep. These are excellent for people who have back problems or suffer from allergies, as memory foam has hypo-allergenic properties. However, memory foam can get a little hot during the night, so people who are more sensitive to heat might have a problem with them. In addition, not all people like the feeling of foam mattresses, as you kind of “sink” into it and they might be hard for some people to get out of. Latex mattresses have similar properties but are also cooler and more breathable. However, they're often quite hard before you break them in and can get lumpy after prolonged use. They’re heavy too, and it will be hard to flip them over, something you should do on a regular basis to avoid sagging and caving in.

Air Mattress

Lastly, there are air mattresses. These are filled with air via an electric pump and you can be adjusted using this pump. They've also got foam layers on the top, to ensure breathability and lumbar support. However, these layers are often quite thin and don't perform like they're supposed to. These mattresses also offer you the ability to adjust two halves individually, so you and your partner can cater the mattress to your own needs. However, the pump is noisy, and this might annoy you.

Mattress Firmness

Now, for the firmness. Mattresses come in soft, medium soft, medium firm and firm levels of firmness.

Soft Mattress

Soft mattresses are ideal for people who shift around in their sleep, or for people who sleep on their sides. The softness of the mattress allows it to adjust to your position as you change it. Naturally, these mattresses will sink, making it less desirable to people who like to sleep in fixed positions.

Medium Soft Mattress

Medium soft mattresses are also for people who like to change their sleeping positions, but they offer a little harder sleeping surface. This is ideal for people who like to have that extra lumbar support, and who don't like mattresses that cave too much. In addition, these mattresses might stand the test of time a little better and will require less flipping to keep them from caving.

Medium Mattress

After medium soft come medium firm mattresses. These are made for people who like to sleep on their backs, as the extra firmness means extra lower back support. They’re also ideal for people who have trouble getting out of bed in the morning (mechanically, that is, for most of us have problems parting with our bed in the morning) or who don’t like that distinct “sinking” feeling of softer mattresses.

Firm Mattress

Finally, there are firm mattresses. Firm mattresses are prime for people who sleep on their stomachs, but also people in excess of 90 kg and people who suffer from bad back and back pain. Firm mattresses offer a stable sleeping platform, which is very important for those with back problems and heavier people, as the mattress won't cave in and facilitate a concave shape of the spine while you're sleeping if you're sleeping on your side. They're also much easier to get out of.

And, now that you’re familiar with the types of mattresses and what they’re for, let’s switch to actual mattress reviews.

Top 10 Mattresses 

Casper Memory Foam Rolled Mattress Review

Our first mattress comes from Casper. Casper Memory Foam Rolled Mattress is one of the most coveted mattresses around, offering an excellent sleeping environment to you and/or your partner, regardless of your sleeping habits, size or weight. To ensure such environment, Casper has been made out of premium memory foam with pressure-relieving capabilities making it an excellent choice for people with back problems. The mattress does an excellent job of adjusting to the shape of your body, thus supporting your body from all sides. On top of that, the mattress is hypoallergenic, so you can sleep tight and not be bothered by constricted airways and/or a runny nose. It’s also made for fit for children to sleep on it, and even babies, thanks to its high-quality materials, and Casper’s determination to achieve perfection in their manufacturing process. Casper is also made with symmetric contours and five zones to ensure it adjusts well to your body shape and sleeping habits.

As we said, memory foam mattresses are very warm by default, so Casper strove to improve their design. The foam used in Casper mattresses is actually significantly cooler. Even so, the mattress won't be as cool as other types of mattresses, but it's cool enough not to cause you to wake up drenched in sweat and in desperate need of a glass of cool water. This is achieved through an open-cell layer on top which utilizes the conduction and convection technology to ensure unobstructed air flow, making the mattress not only cooler but also, more breathable.

One of the coolest things about Casper mattresses is that they come with a 100-night trial. This means that you can test the mattress for 100 nights, and, if you don't like it after this period, you can return the mattress for a full refund. Additionally, if you choose to keep the mattress, you're looking at a 10 year's guarantee, which is pretty good. Of course, this guarantee pertains to manufacturer's defects, so be sure to not to slash it, burn it or have your cat scratch it.

Overall, Casper is what you’d expect out of a high-quality mattress. It’s breathable, hypoallergenic and moulds well to your body, but it’s a little on the hot side, despite Casper’s efforts to create a different foam formula – suppose we can’t have everything, eh?

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The Simba Hybrid Mattress Review

Next up, we’ve got a mattress from Simba, and, as the name says, it’s a hybrid. At its core, the mattress is a pocket spring mattress, but the springs are sandwiched between several layers, including a foam layer and a latex layer. This allows the mattress to be very breathable and adjustable, supposedly boasting all the good traits latex and memory foam mattresses have. Aside from that, the mattress features 2,500 springs, which, again supposedly, makes for a mattress with better adjustability.

In reality, things are a little bit different. It's been proven that more springs don't equal a better mattress. In addition, hybrid mattresses’ additional layers are often too thin to provide any noticeable difference. Even so, Simba is a very solid mattress, and, though its Velcro and latex layers don’t do much in regards to making your sleep more comfortable (but they do an excellent job at keeping the mattress hypoallergenic and breathable), the pocketed springs are of exceptional quality, and they should perform as advertised, meaning, they will allow for comfortable sleep and proper back support without sagging or caving. As we mentioned, pocket spring mattresses are perfect for two people, as it adjusts to either person’s sleeping habits without affecting the other.

Just like the Casper, Simba mattresses feature a 100-night trial. With that being said, you're allowed to keep the mattress in your possession for 100 nights, then return it for a full refund if you don't like it. The mattress also features a 10-year limited guarantee against manufacturer defects.

So, what is our verdict concerning Simba? Well, in our opinion, this is a very good mattress. It's a little softer than the Casper, so it will fit side sleepers better. Pocket spring mattresses are always an object of debate whether they're really that good or is it just a way to hog more cash with as little effort as possible, but Simba really does the trick. It's a spring mattress, to be sure, but the springs are of really high quality and mould well to your body shape. Even so, the sinking feeling is prevalent, so people with very acute back problems should look for a firmer mattress, as the springs, no matter how good they are, won't provide enough support to such people's backs. All in all, worth the £600 you're spending on it.

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Eve Memory Foam Mattress Review

Another foam mattress, Eve Memory Foam is just about everything you want in such a product. Eve is made of memory foam, as the name says, which means it's very well suited for people who don't have very acute back problems but are looking to prevent such problems or simply need something to relax their aching joints.

Like any such mattress, Eve provides very nice support for your back and ensures your spine is in the correct position all throughout the night. The mattress is, perhaps, ideal for people who sleep on their sides, as it will mould around your body, ensuring your spine rests straight. Foam also returns to its former shape easily, so the mattress won't collapse or cave, making sure it serves you well for years to come. Eve also ensures its customers that the mattress is made in the UK, and of highest quality fabrics, which is very much evident by the overall quality of the mattress. Eve is also delivered compressed and vacuum sealed to make sure nothing compromises the mattress’ hypoallergenic capabilities. It’s also shipped in a rolled box, for easier handling, and you only need unwrap it and it will expand to its normal size within a few hours. Open it at dinner, and it will be ready by bedtime – neat!

As with the two products before, Eve has a 100-night trial, so you can return it if you're not satisfied with it. On top of that, if you do decide to keep the mattress, it will be insured for ten years.

Eve is also made with breathable fabric, to ensure you stay cool during the night, but, as with all memory foam mattresses, Eve tends to get a little hot. Still, the 3cm-thick cooling layer does its job, significantly decreasing heat build-up during the night. The cover is made of fine mesh weave, so it can articulate the mattress’ cooling and supporting qualities. To ensure the mattress doesn't cave, it has been rigorously tested and proven that it will indent the only 2mm over the course of ten years, whereas a spring mattress will cave 2cm.

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Emma Mattress Review

At spot number four on our list is a mattress form Emma. As we said in the intro, foam mattresses are getting more and more popular due to their incredible softness and ability to support your body and keep it in the correct position as you sleep. Emma mattress is one of such mattresses, made of premium visco-elastic memory foam. The foam isn’t hard, but it’s not too soft either, so you won’t sink into it. Even so, we wouldn’t recommend it to people who suffer from very potent back pain, as you’ll probably feel like you’re sinking into the mattress, as Emma is too soft for you.

However, Emma is not a foam mattress, but a hybrid. The product features 2000 pocketed springs that will hold your body in the correct position and allow you to change sleeping positions during the night effortlessly while allowing you not to wake your partner, in case you don’t sleep alone. Emma also features a layer of cooling foam in order to keep your temperature at a normal level during sleep, so you wouldn’t wake up sweaty and sticky. Spring mattresses are more breathable and less hot than memory foam mattresses in the first place, so Emma could be just the thing you’re looking for if you suffer from night sweats. Naturally, the addition of foam and the pocketed springs make the mattress hypoallergenic, so you can even let your kids, and even babies, sleep on it.

Just like Eva, Emma too comes in a rolled box for easier handling. As before, you should simply unwrap the mattress then leave it for a few hours so it can unroll. The mattress also has a 100-night guarantee and a 10-year limited warranty that protects against manufacturer defects.

On a final note, you shouldn’t wrap Emma into waterproof sheets. The sheets will negate the effect of the mattress’ cooling system, as they will stop air flow completely. In addition, moisture will become trapped in, which may lead to mould forming on it.

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Dormeo Memory Plus Mattress Review

Certainly, one of the best-known manufacturers of memory foam mattresses is Dormeo. The product we're presenting today is one of the most affordable mattresses on our list, costing some £280 with the top four costing in excess of £550. Even so, the mattress is made of 3cm memory foam layer followed by the 14cm-thick Ecocell foam layer. This makes Dormeo very appropriate for people who like a little bit more support under their backs, and a little bit extra heat. The mattress is protected against dust mites and dust in general, so you can be sure it's hypoallergenic.

Ecocell also makes the mattress very breathable and very cool. Ecocell is an open cell system that allows for air to flow unobstructed, thus reducing heat build-up, allowing for the mattress to remain cool throughout the night. The top layer we’ve mentioned is sewn directly into the cover, and further facilitates this cooling effect, making Dormeo Memory Plus the coolest memory foam mattress around.

Unlike the more expensive products before it, Dormeo is actually made in Italy. This doesn’t mean that the mattress is of inferior quality, though, as Dormeo is, after all, one of the most respected mattress brands. Alongside the usual 100 night trial period, Dormeo offers five more years in their warranty than most UK-based brands, so your new mattress is ready to serve you for a long time, and you don’t have to worry about getting a replacement if this one rips or fails due to manufacturer defect. It is a limited warranty, though, so it won’t protect the mattress from mischief on your part.

Overall, Dormeo Memory Plus is one of the best value mattresses out there. Costing only £280, Dormeo is a very good alternative for a much more expensive mattress if you can’t afford it. Naturally, the price reflects quality, and the mattress won’t be of sublime quality like the four mattresses before it, but, then again, it doesn’t have to be – it’s still a very decent mattress and it will serve you well throughout the years.

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Silentnight 3-Zone Memory Foam Rolled Mattress Review - Best for Budget

Dormeo, however, isn’t our most affordable mattress – that title goes to Silentnight 3-Zone Mattress. This memory foam mattress costs only about £150, almost half what Dormeo costs.

Naturally, with lower cost comes lower quality and cutbacks when it comes to performance, so you shouldn’t expect premium performance out of Silentnight. Even so, the mattress is more than capable of supporting your body like high-cut mattresses, and it should, by no means, make matters worse for you. Certain standards are there to ensure a mattress is beneficial to you, and you can bet that Silentnight meets these standards.
So, what are the cutbacks we're talking about? Well, instead of getting 5 or 6 support zones you would get on some higher-end mattresses, you'll get 3. This makes the mattress a little worse when it comes to adjusting to your position, but it will perform this job well enough. You won't be in seventh heaven when sleeping on this Silentnight mattress, but you'll be sleeping on a cloud none the less. The mattress features a foam core 18 centimetres deep and is sufficiently flexible to adjust to your body shape to support it in any sleeping position. However, this is a basic memory foam mattress, so it won't feature a cooling layer, meaning it's going to get hot during the night. If you're a hot sleeper, then we suggest you pick a mattress with a cooling layer or don't go with a different type of mattress altogether.

Along with the mattress itself, Silentnight also offers additional deals. You can choose to buy the mattress all by itself, or you can choose to buy it in combination with a pair of pillows or a duvet. However, you also have a complete Silentnight bed set available for purchase too, so, if you’re in need of a complete set, then Silentnight has got you covered.
So, is Silentnight 3-Zone Mattress for you? Yes, but only if you don’t need anything other than a simple memory foam mattress, and an affordable one at that. It will do a very decent job at supporting your body regardless of shape and size, and, while there may be other mattresses that do a better job, they’re certainly not going to be this affordable, and they certainly won’t even have such value for money (except, maybe, a Dormeo).

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Happy Beds Orthopaedic 1000 Pocket Sprung Majestic Medium Tension Mattress Review

At number six is another affordable mattress, and our first full spring mattress. Happy Beds Orthopaedic mattress is a very nice choice for those who don’t like memory foam and latex, and are looking something affordable and more traditional, but still something that won’t cave after 5 years of use.

As we said, Happy Beds is a spring mattress, but its springs are pocketed rather than open. This, as you know by now, gives the bed better adjustability and eliminates “roll together”, so your partner can have a good nice sleep even if you’re thrashing around. The mattress features 1000 springs, which is an impressive number, but not as impressive as the numbers we’ve had above among the £600+ mattresses. Even so, the springs should hold up nicely, and, better yet, hold your body up nicely, in a position that is comfortable, relaxing and anatomically correct. The springs are medium firm, meaning they will be perfect for people who like to roll over in their sleep and change positions, but still get a little support for their spine. The product also features hypoallergenic filling to eliminate problems that arise from coming into contact with dust and dust mites, ensuring, once again, firm and comfortable sleep. In addition, the mattress also features air vents for extra breathability and cooling during the night.

So, is Happy Beds a mattress for you? Most certainly. You will hear a lot of things about spring mattresses and pocket spring mattresses, and about how memory foam is a thousand times better. However, not all spring mattresses are your grandma’s ancient mattress, and we’ve come a long way when it comes to manufacturing technology, so don’t underestimate Happy Beds simply because of its springs. Sure, springs have problems, and they cave more than memory foam, but Happy Beds will still ensure you sleep well and wake up relaxed for the next decade or so.

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Silentnight Classic 1200 Pocket Deluxe Mattress Review

Three spots from the bottom of the list and we arrive at yet another Silentnight mattress. Unlike the one before, Silentnight Classic is a pocket spring mattress, but none the less effective at providing you with a good night’s sleep. The mattress is filled with 1200 pocketed springs, medium firm, so it’s going to be perfect for people who like to sleep on their backs and suffer from back pain. Silentnight classic will be just what the doctor ordered, as it will offer plenty of lumbar support while not being overly firm so as the worsen your condition and give you a feeling you’re sleeping on a naked board. In addition, the pocketed springs will prevent “roll together” so your partner won’t feel a thing if you squirm on your side of the bed.

Along with the springs, the mattress has also been filled with deluxe fillings to ensure it’s hypoallergenic, breathable and cool. The mattress is 24 centimetres deep, which ensures that the mattress can adjust well to your body; on top of that, the depth of the mattress means that it is quite comfortable and that there’s plenty of room for enough hypoallergenic filling to make sure it actually counts. As we said, the Silentnight Classic is very breathable and cool, so if you suffer from night sweats, you should definitely consider buying this mattress.

As far as price goes, this mattress won’t be as expensive as the top four, but it won’t be as affordable as the other Silentnight we’ve had. Silentnight Classic costs some £400 and comes with a 5-year warranty, which we're not too happy about. However, midrange spring mattresses always come with such warranties, so we doubt you'll find a better deal. Even so, the mattress will perform well, and we doubt you'll have any problems with it in the next ten years.

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Leesa Premium Foam Mattress Review

Our penultimate product comes from Leesa. Leesa is a memory foam mattress, and one of the best on the market. It will cost you some £700, but you're paying for real quality here. Leesa offers support, relaxation, pain relief, and excellent adjustability, thanks to its unique foam formula. The foam wraps wonderfully around your body, offering support from all sides, so you won't wake up sore in the morning. The mattress is also filled with cooling foam and materials, so it's much cooler than a standard foam mattress. However, Leesa is a little bit on the soft side, so it's not for people who roll in their sleep a lot. Some customers have also reported sagging, but these seem to be isolated incidents, and this is considered substandard for this mattress, so be sure to return yours. Naturally, the mattress comes with a 100-night trial, so you can always return it if you don't like it.
As we said, this mattress is a little soft, so if you sleep on your side, this is the ideal mattress for you. Leesa will buckle and hold fast where it needs to in order to ensure your spine is level and in the correct position. However, the softness of the mattress will make it a little hard to get out of, which can be a little annoying. Even so, this is a minor problem and one that we consider not too detrimental to the overall enjoyment of this exceptional mattress. Leesa also adapts well to any body weight, so even people who are a little on the heavier side won't find it problematic to sleep in, as it will relieve joint pain. With that, even mothers-to-be will benefit from Leesa, as it will deal well with the additional body weight and cradle the stomach softly but firmly, making it ideal for both naps and full night sleep.

What’s our verdict concerning Leesa? We feel it could be a little better concerning its price. It’s nice enough, with all that lumbar support and good adjustability, but reports of the mattress sagging are sure to raise up an alarm in a customer’s head, as stuff like this shouldn’t be happening with mattresses of this calibre. However, you can always lean on the 100-night trial, so you can always return it if you find fault with it.

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Dunlopillo Mattress - Royal Sovereign Review

Finally, we come to the conclusion of our list. Our list item is, by far, the most impressive, but, also, most expensive. Dunlopillo Royal Sovereign Mattress is Which Magazine’s winner, having been voted the best mattress, and with plenty of evidence to back that decision.

Royal Sovereign is our only full latex mattress, and, as such, it provides all the benefits memory foam does, while also being much cooler. This means it offers lumbar support, no roll together, muscle relaxation, joint pain alleviation, is hypoallergenic and it doesn't sag or cave. Royal Sovereign features 7 zones, offering ultimate support no matter your sleeping position or habits. Whether you sleep on your back, your stomach or your side, Sovereign will always keep your spine in a proper position. Actipro Probiotic Fabric Cover not only makes the mattress, as we've mentioned, hypoallergenic but also eliminates bacteria and reduces unpleasant odours.

With this, it seems like Sovereign is an ultimate mattress. Well, it, sort of, is, for it was envisioned to be. However, its price is its biggest downside. At almost £1,500, it costs more than double even the most expensive mattress on this list costs. We already said that with price comes quality, and Sovereign is the highest-end mattress on our list, both when it comes to price and when it comes to overall performance.

So, is this a viable option? Certainly, if you can afford it. But, if it will put a strain on your wallet, maybe it’s best you steer clear of it. After all, there are mattresses half its price that perform similarly well. They may not be a Royal Sovereign, but, then again, they don’t have to be. As long as you can sleep on it well, and wake up rested, a mattress is good enough and you don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for it. Unless you really want to.

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Conclusion

And, there you have it, these are the best mattresses coming into the year of our Lord, 2018. Among our selection, there are midrange ones, affordable ones and even some very high-end ones, so there's a mattress for every kind of sleeper and every wallet. Luckily, all of the mattresses feature 100-night trials, so you can always get a full refund if a mattress doesn't live up to your expectations, but ends up breaking your bank. However, know one thing – a mattress is an investment, and you need to give it time before proclaiming it the next best thing besides fire, or throwing it away. Make sure you make good use of those 100 nights; sleep on it, nap on it, jump on it, heck, let your kids play on it, and only then will you know if it's good enough. All that's now left to say is happy shopping, and, if we don't see you, good morning, good day and good night.

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source https://www.otomo.co.uk/blogs/news/the-best-mattress-to-buy-in-2018

18 Exquisite Ruby Rings

Ruby engagement rings and weddings rings have at their heart a gemstone which has been treasured for hundreds of years, the stones are durable, feature an unparalleled brilliance and fire, they are also increasingly rare and above all else are beautiful.

Like most online shoppers, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the absolute best value for money from your ruby ring engagement ring, ensuring you’re picking a quality gemstone. The aim of this article is to provide all the information you’ll need in order to make an informed buying decision. We’ve also included a special guide for caring for your ring, and some top shopping tips in order for you to find the ruby wedding ring of your dreams.

If you still have questions after reading this article, please feel free to reach out to us. Either through the comment form at the bottom of the page, or reach out to us over email or on our facebook page. We love to hear from our readers, so don’t be shy. If you’ve recently bought a ruby ring, feel free to share your pictures and comments.

A Ruby has many remarkable properties:

• Durability = Excellent 
• Hardness = 9.0 
• Refractive Index = 1.762 – 1.770 
• Specific Gravity = 4.00

Rubies and saphires come from the same mineral family know as Corundum. The only real difference between rubies and saphires is the colour. Rubies are always red and saphires make up all the other corundum colours, with the exception of pink-orange colours which are known as Padparadscha.

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Sterling Silver Ruby Ring - Buy it from Etsy

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Meaning of the Ruby

The ruby has long been regarded as a gemstone which is closely related to passion, but the gem is also understood to imbue several other desirable characteristics to the wearer, such as knowledge and an ability to make the correct decisions. Additionally, rubies are associated with awareness and inspiration, they are able to guide the wearer towards the ideal path in their life.

For a couple considering purchasing either a ruby engagement ring or a ruby wedding ring, the gemstone perfectly symbolises a long lasting passionate and affectionate relationship. The gem is and expressive representation of a long, loving and beautiful relationship.

The ruby is also the classic birthstone of anyone born during the month of December, in modern times it’s the birthstone for a July birth.

Enhanced Rubies

Most if not all ruby rings you’ll see for sale have been enhanced in order to improve the colour as well as the general form of the gem. It’s very important to be aware that some types of enhancements will impact the value, durability and appearance of a stone. Some types of enhancements are not at all suitable for a ring to be used every day, as such these should be avoided when picking an engagement ring.

One of the most common enhancements you’re likely to encounter is heat treatment, this is used to improve both the colour of the stone as well as the overall appearance. The treatment process is very common and results in a stone which has an excellent stability rating, rubies which have been heat treated do not require any specialist care or considerations. This sort of gemstone enhancement only marginally affects the stones value.

Another popular ruby enhancement involves filling the gemstones surface with another substance, such as lead glass, this works to both reduce fractures and improve the smoothness of the gem. The addition of another substance has a stability rating of good to fair. A ruby which has been treated in such a way requires additional considerations when it comes to care, they should not be exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals, ultrasonic cleaning, extreme pressure or heat. A fill treatment can in some circumstances greatly reduce the value of the stone.

Other methods of stone treatment involve dyeing or exposing the stone to radiation, both of which are carried out in order to improve the colourisation of the stone or change the colour entirely. These methods are rated as having poor stability and will invariable reduce the value of the gemstone dramatically. Such stones must avoid chemicals, heat, ultrasonic cleaning and pressure. Furthermore, any stone treated in such a way should not be polished or cut as this can cause the treatment to be lost.

When looking to buy a ruby engagement ring in the UK, it’s best to avoid rings that have been dyed or irradiated.

You may rarely come across a ruby which have undergone a treatment called surface diffusion, this type of treatment is intended to enhance the red colouring of the gem. This treatment has a good stability rating, but a ruby which has been treated with surface diffusion are still best kept away from harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaning methods. This treatment has a minor effect on the value of the gemstone.

White Gold Ruby Engagement Rings

Any white gold ring will need to be occasionally re-plated with rhodium, on average a wedding or engagement ring which is worn every day will need to be re-plated at least every two years. The rhodium plating process can adversely affect a ruby gemstone which has been enhanced, eventually leading to chips and fractures. For this reason it’s best to avoid white gold when picking a ruby engagement or wedding ring. It’s better to choose platinum, palladium, 18k or 14k rose and yellow gold, or silver. However, if you have your heart set on a white gold and ruby ring, be sure to pick a gemstone which has not been treated, or limit the treatment to heat enhancements only.

Price Guide for Rubies

For a natural ruby the price will most likely be around £800 per carat, however the cost can vary greatly depending on the 4 C’s, which are carat, colour, cut and clarity.

Ruby Colour

For rubies colour is the most important factor to consider. Typically a sought after ruby will be a deep blood red colour which has secondary purple flashes. The colour will be uniformly brilliant across the whole stone.

A ruby which is too light, verging on pink, or are oversaturated with red causing them to be difficult to see through, are the least valuable sort of ruby.

Ruby Carat

As large natural rubies are increasingly rate, the carat weight of a ruby has a very big impact on the price of the stone. A good quality stone that exceeds one carat can be very expensive, easily exceeding £2,500 per carat and in some circumstances go as high as £200,000 per carat.

Ruby Cut

A ruby which has been expertly cut in order to maximise the stones brilliance and fire while also minimising the appearance of any inclusions will be priced far higher than a generically cut commercial stone. A quality cut ruby will maximise the clarity and depth while decreasing the visual impact of any flaws.

Ruby Clarity

Clarity is the last of the 4 C’s which has the least impact on the overall price of the stone. Almost all rubies will contain an inclusion, and even lab grown synthetic gems will have intentional or unintentional inclusions in order to complete the Ruby look.

A large inclusion which is easily visible to the naked eye may impact the value of the gemstone, but generally speaking smaller inclusions will have very little impact on the price of the stone.

Stone Chips or Blemishes

A defect which effects the external appearance of a ruby will have a significant effect on the price of the gem. For example, a chip or track is extremely undesirable and will decrease the rubies value.

Synthetic Lab Grown Ruby

If you’re on a budget or would like to get more bang for your buck, then buying a synthetic ruby should be on your to do list.

Synthetic rubies where first made in 1902 when the French chemist August Verneuil developed a method known as flame fusion in order to create synthetic ruby. It didn’t take long for Verneuil to appreciate the potential commercial value in synthetic gemstones and his lab facility was creating 1,000 kg of synthetic ruby annually by 1907.

Flam fusion was primarily created in order to create synthetic rubies, however the method is also capable of producing other gemstones such as sapphire, star sapphire, rutile spinel and strontium titanate.

The basic concept of flame fusion involves taking the raw elements present in a natural gemstone and heating them to 2,000 degrees Celsius. As this raw material cools it naturally forms crystals. In the case of rubies, aluminium oxide is used as the raw material.

A ruby produced by the flam fusion process is chemically and physically the same as a natural ruby, the only way to tell the difference is with very strong magnification and a trained eye. A synthetic ruby will generally have curved growth lines, while a natural ruby will have parallel growth lines.

As synthetic and natural rubies are nearly identical, there is often no good reason for not choosing a synthetic version if that’s all your budget permits. You will be able to buy a substantially larger ruby for much less money, and for all intents and purposes, it’s still a ruby.

Ruby Engagement Ring Buying Tips

Choose a retailer which specialises in gemstone rings and wedding rings. If you want to buy online, be sure you’re aware of the refund policy.

If you’ve purchased an expensive ruby and you want to be sure of its authenticity and value, then there’s no harm in having it professionally appraised by an independent laboratory. It’s better to check it once and have any concerns laid to bed.

Always bear in mind that by definition rubies are red, in fact the name originates from the latin word ‘ruber’ which means red. A ruby which is pink or a variation of pink is not a ruby.

The most sought after stones are a deep dark red blood colour, the stones are well cut and good clarity, some inclusions are to be expected. Any stone which is externally damaged or marked should be avoided.

Don’t be afraid to ask the seller if the gems have undergone enhancements. Heat treatment is incredibly common, so you might be hard pressed to find a ruby which has not undergone this treatment, this enhancement has little effect on the ruby value so it’s not really a concern. Other sorts of enhancement can affect the durability of the ruby so it’s important you understand what has happened to your stone before you decide to buy.

Synthetic rubies are fairly common on the market, and as we’ve already established they are an excellent cost effective substitute for a natural ruby. However, what we don’t want to do is pay natural ruby prices for a synthetic stone. Be wary of any seller that promotes natural rubies at a fraction of the cost of their competitors.

If you see a ruby engagement ring that contains gems which have excellent clarity, brilliant colour and are large at an affordable price, then chances are the rubies are either heavily enhanced or lab grown gems. Always bear in mind that a natural ruby will cost at a minimum £700 per carat and will often go far higher than this. If something seems to be too good to be true, then it probably is.

If you’re thinking of buying an antique ruby engagement ring then you should definitely consider getting it appraised by a trusted third party. It’s better to spend a small amount of money verifying that you’re potential purchase is genuine before investing a lot of money in something which is not as advertised.

Cleaning a Ruby Ring

One of the easiest and safest ways of cleaning a ruby ring is to use soap and water.

• Put your ruby ting in a bowl of warm water, add a small amount of mild soap or detergent 
• Allow the ring to soak for around 20 minutes.
• Use a soft cloth to gently clean the ring and gemstone, alternatively use a very soft bristled childs toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies. 
• Pay special attention to areas that are likely to gather dirt and grime.
• Clean the ring metal with a lint free cloth. Take extra care not to scour the metal, especially if your ring is made of a soft metal such as gold. 
• Once cleaned thoroughly rinse the ring thoroughly to remove all soapy residue. 
• You can also choose to clean your ruby ring with commercially available cleaners. Just make sure you double check to ensure the cleaner is compatible with the metal of your ring and won’t adversely affect the ruby.

Advanced Cleaning Ruby Rings

In most circumstances it is safe to use your ruby ring with an ultrasonic cleaner. However, some enhancements and fittings are not compatible with the cleaning process. If in doubt consult a professional.

Steam cleaners can also be used on your ruby ring. You’ll probably want to make sure that if any other gemstones on your ring are also compatible with a steam cleaner.

Any gemstone that has had a colour enhancing coating applied or has been fracture filled should not be used with an ultrasonic or steam cleaner. Any stones treated in this way should only be cleaned with soap and water.

Storing a Ruby Ring

Ideally you’ll want to store your ruby ring in a well ventilated jewellery box, either in its own cloth pouch or wrapped in a soft cloth. Ruby is a very hard substance and apart from diamonds, not much can actually scratch it. However, it can easily scratch less hardy gems or metal, as such it’s best to have a physical barrier between it and other pieces of jewellery.

Care Tips for your Ruby Ring

Even though rubies are a very hard type of stone, they are not impervious to damage.

It’s best to remove your ruby ring when you’re at the gym, cooking, cleaning, gardening, piecing together flat pack or any other type of physical activity that involves using your hands. 

• Always keep your ring away from acids and acidic liquids.
• Try to avoid putting your ruby ring on until you’ve applied your makeup and creams. 
• Filled ruby rings can be quite delicate, so take extra care if you have one. 
• Keep filled gems away from fruit juices and any other sort of mildly acidic substance.

We hope this article has been helpful but please do let us know if there’s anything you’d like to add.

source https://www.otomo.co.uk/blogs/news/18-exquisite-ruby-rings