Diamond and Gold Warehouse Blog

Lab Created Diamonds Dallas

Posted on September 15, 2020September 15, 2020 by diasuer

Lab Created Diamonds

Lab diamonds are perfect for customers that are looking for an ethical and less expensive alternative to natural diamonds. They have the same sparkle compared to a natural diamond but are sold at a lower price. You may be wondering, what is the difference? It is simple – mined diamonds are formed underneath earth’s crust and man-made diamonds are created in a laboratory with new innovative technology. Regardless of how the diamonds originate, they are both considered real diamonds.

How are lab diamonds made?

Lab grown diamonds are created with evolutionary technology at high temperatures and pressures, just like mined diamonds. A tiny diamond seed is placed in a laboratory chamber with carbon and gas. Once the chamber reaches around 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, the diamond seed is pressed to form a crystalized carbon diamond that perfectly resembles a mined diamond. Although lab diamonds are not sourced from beneath the earth’s surface, they are less expensive, have superb quality and are more environmentally friendly compared to mining diamonds naturally.

Less Expensive Alternative

Natural diamonds can reach remarkably high prices due to the market demand and desire for the perfect cut, color, clarity, and carat of diamond quality. They also have a much longer supply chain and mining process than lab created diamonds which involves spending more money. Lab diamonds can range to be 20-40% less expensive than natural diamonds. This price difference is attractive to customers, especially millennial’s that are looking to buy an engagement ring and want to save money!

Ethically Sourced & Environmentally Friendly

Diamond mining can be seen an unethical practice due to the unsafe conditions and unfair labor wages. When you decide to purchase a lab created diamond, you are given full transparency of where it was sourced and are not supporting any possible unethical practices. Mining for diamonds requires a lot of land and can negatively impact the ecosystems nearby. For example, chemical pollution is a result from strip mining and can affect the land or oceans around it. Purchasing a man-made diamond ensures that it was created in a lab with less harm to the environment or people involved.

Quality Scale

After a lab diamond is created, it is sent to a diamond certification lab, for example the International Gemological Institute, to be graded and certified. It may be surprising but lab created and mined diamonds are both graded on Mohs’ scale to determine the hardness. The higher it is on the scale (10), the more durable it is.

Where can I purchase a lab created diamond?

Diamond and Gold Warehouse carries all different shapes and sizes of lab diamonds all for wholesale prices! Additionally we can custom design all and any gemstones such as ruby, sapphire, emerald and more. If you are interested in creating a Lab Diamond Engagement Ring, call or text us at 972-404-4499 to set up a FREE consultation today!

Common Lab Diamond Jewelry:

All Diamond Jewelry
- Engagement Rings
- Stud Earrings
- Diamond Pendants
- Bracelets Gold and Diamond
- Diamond Necklaces
- Diamond Bands
Engagement Rings (for men and women)
- Halo Setting Engagement Rings
- Three Stone Engagement Rings
- Solitaire Engagement Rings
- Bridal Rings
- Wedding Bands

Where to buy an Engagement Ring in Dallas, TX

Posted on July 9, 2020July 9, 2020 by diasuer

When shopping for an Engagement Ring, there are many reasons as to why you should always choose a Wholesale Jeweler for your custom Engagement Ring Dallas purchase!

Saving money is the best, and by using a trusted family wholesale jeweler you are cutting out the high (and we mean, VERY high) retail prices. There are many overhead costs a huge retailer must maintain. Without having to sacrifice quality, your dollar goes further with a wholesale jeweler. That means more diamond for your buck!

You’ll Have a Personal Experience

Most wholesale diamond jewelers work in an office building. This allows for a more intimate personalized shopping experience. We take a detailed account of what you’re looking to purchase and provide you with many different options which stick within the budget. We encourage you to ask questions! Purchasing fine diamond jewelry can be overwhelming, but we are here to pass on our expertise!

Create a Custom Engagement Ring without extra costs

Every woman loves to feel special. That’s even more the case when choosing an Engagement Ring in Dallas or Custom Jewelry Dallas. Our simple, transparent, and educational process allows you to design a custom engagement ring with total confidence. You are involved in every step of the process, and to most peoples surprise, creating a custom engagement ring doesn’t have to include a large price tag!

To get a detailed step by step list on how the custom engagement ring process works, click here!

Why Choose Diamond and Gold Warehouse?

Located in Dallas, TX, Diamond and Gold Warehouse creates beautiful diamond engagement rings, and are direct manufactures of wholesale loose diamonds. As the Best Wholesale Jeweler in Dallas, we offer high quality fine jewelry at the best prices.

Most first time shoppers looking for Engagement Rings or Wedding Rings run to their local mall or popular retail store. However, what most consumers don’t realize is the big name retailers mark up their products almost triple the price. Not only are you paying high prices, the quality is also sacrificed as big chain retailers go through several different vendors to acquire their diamonds and jewelry. Choosing to work with a Trusted Wholesale Jeweler like Diamond and Gold Warehouse means you are going straight to the diamond manufacturing source, bypassing the middle man!

Our jewelers and setters are highly trained and experienced craftsmen. Using their expertise, they will craft a piece of jewelry for you that you can be proud of for many years to come!

Custom Engagement Rings and Custom Jewelry Dallas

Posted on June 9, 2020June 9, 2020 by diasuer

Let us create your custom Engagement Rings!

Diamond and Gold Warehouse provides Custom Jewelry Dallas options for those who like to create their own Engagement Rings! Working with us is the best way to ensure that your dream engagement ring or any other item will be a one-of-a-kind piece!

To Custom Design the perfect ring, it is necessary to know what makes up the part of the ring. By customizing your ring setting, you can be sure you will get the exact ring you envisioned!

The Stone will account for 75-90% of the overall cost of the ring.
The Setting holds the center stone. A strong precious metal is imperative in securing your investment.
The Band will endure the most wear over time since it’s in constant contact with the fingers and everything that the hand touches
The Stamp indicates the type and purity of the metal. All rings must have this.

We offer best Wholesale Diamonds Online and Loose Diamonds for less, so after you’ve chosen your diamond (always buy diamonds wholesale), we guide you to the next step of custom designing. You provide us with your inspiration and ideas which we hand over to our design experts who begin to create a personalized Computer 3D Model. We email you that file and once you approve the design, that CAD gets printed into a molded wax (seen below). Then our casting company casts it into the metal of your choice: White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold or Platinum and once the casting is ready, our jeweler is ready to start the setting & finishing process!

An estimated time frame to create a custom designed ring or jewelry item can vary! Typically it takes anywhere from 10-14 business days from start to finish; but there may be delays as everything is based on your approval of the initial design!

With Diamond and Gold Warehouse, you can always purchase diamond jewelry at wholesale prices as we are a loose diamond broker who also offer wholesale Engagement Rings and much more! Our goal is to create beautiful, sentimental, and ever-last custom pieces for you! We want to ensure that any custom design you create with us is a piece that you will treasure forever!

For more inquiries and designing options, contact us anytime at info@diamondandgoldwarehouse.com !

Engagement Ring Cleaning – Important Tips To keeping the sparkle!

Posted on April 28, 2020December 3, 2019 by diasuer

Now that you’ve received your dream engagement ring, it’s important to keep up with daily maintenance. While diamonds are known as the hardest natural material on earth, it doesn’t mean they are indestructible.

Everyday activities such as applying lotion, showering, and basic sweating cause your diamond to become clouded. When a diamond becomes clouded with dirt and debris, a diamond loses its sparkle. Therefore, it’s important to clean your engagement ring to keep any buildup to a minimum. While you can’t change the quality of the diamond, it’s best to keep regular maintenance.

If you lead a very active lifestyle, try and keep your ring behind if you’re headed to the gym. Sweating can hinder the shine of your diamond

If cleaning your ring at home, it is safe to clean your engagement ring dallas once a week. It’s very important to use MILD cleaners such as dish soap, as hard chemicals can tarnish or scratch your ring. You can use at home products such as a tooth brush and mild dish soap to gently get rid of any debris and dirt. It’s not advised to use an at-home ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, as it can loosen the prongs.

How Much Should I Spend on an Engagement Ring?

Posted on April 14, 2020May 14, 2020 by diasuer

Engagement ring shopping can be one of the most exciting experiences for a couple! While this is a milestone many people are excited to reach, it’s important to be mentally and emotionally prepared before you start the buying process.

4.52ct Brilliant Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

Spend What YOU Can Afford

You never want to purchase an engagement ring that will leave you in an uncomfortable financial situation. Remember, an engagement ring is meant to symbolize your commitment and love to your significant lover. It’s not meant to put you in financial stress!

Make sure you’ve reviewed your current debts and income, even before setting a budget and visiting a jewelry store. Of course, this will be different for every couple. As you sort through your finances, give yourself a ballpark estimate on what amount you’d feel most comfortable investing in an engagement ring.

If you feel uncomfortable reviewing your finances on your own, it’s a great idea to contact a financial planner to give you some advice on a reasonable budget to set. They will be able to guide you during this process.

What is your fiancé-to-be expectation?

Being proposed to can be one of the most exciting milestones in a persons life.

Be sure you’re on the same page as your partner. You wouldn’t want to ruin the moment by doing the wrong thing. If your partner expects an extravagant engagement ring, it might be helpful to talk about finances before shopping. In todays modern times, there are couples who are open to splitting the cost between both of them.

Three Months Salary Rule – Is it outdated?

If you’ve done any online research so far, you’ll most likely come across the two month salary “rule”. This rule was created by De Beers marketing team after

Let’s do some simple math. If you earn $60,000 a year, you’d be expected to spend $15,000 on an engagement ring. If that sounds like a reasonable amount for you, then stick to this guideline. For most people, this is not a comfortable budget. Therefore, we say calculate your budget based on your current income, debts, and desires.

Prioritize! What’s most important to you?

Priorities differ from couple to couple. Perhaps you dream of putting down a large down payment on a house over purchasing a large engagement ring. Or vice versa!

There are diamond “alternatives” such as moissanite and manmade diamonds which can significantly bring down the final cost. You don’t have to sacrifice on quality if you have a lower budget.

What is your lifestyle?

This portion of the engagement ring shopping often goes unnoticed. If you’re soon to be fiancé lives a very active lifestyle, it might be a clever idea to purchase a smaller center stone. A smaller center diamond reduces the chances of an engagement ring getting damaged by outside activity. There are a few couples who even decide to get rid of the engagement ring all together, and stick with wedding bands. Discuss these options with your partner!

Is Bigger Better?

Often times, designing an engagement ring filled with sentimental qwerks that will tug at her heart strings. That being said, bigger carat weight isn’t always what she wants. There are ways to personalize any ring without a large center stone.

How do I Save up for an engagement ring?

Try working backwards. Once you set your budget, figure out a timeline for your proposal date. Divide your budget by the number of months you have until your proposal day. Keep in mind, it could take up to a month to create an engagement ring, especially if you’re hoping to create a custom design.

So for example. Let’s say you have set a budget of $5,000 for your engagement ring, and want to propose in 5 months. You should plan to save $1000 a month. Make sure you contact your jeweler and ask if any financing is available if you’re not able to save up before your planned proposal date. Keep in mind, wholesale jewelers like Diamond and Gold Warehouse offer better prices than most jewelry stores, but typically do not offer financing plans. It’s a great idea to discuss payment during the beginning moments of your appointment.

Contact Us: (972) 404-4499

New Rules of Engagement Ring Shopping

Posted on March 31, 2020May 14, 2020 by diasuer

There are many traditions being broken in the wedding industry. Women are opting to keep their last name, and some are keen on ditching the idea of a white dress. Here are a few new trends we’ve seen when it comes to engagement ring shopping.

It’s normal to shop for the ring together

As tradition goes, the groom-to-be takes up the responsibility of choosing the engagement ring for his future fiancé. With so many jewelry designs and styles available, this can quickly become an overwhelming task.

Shopping together takes the pressure off when having to choose the perfect ring without the insight of your significant other. Ring shopping together gives you an opportunity to choose specific styles that represents your everlasting connection.

Since this is a big investment, it’s a great idea to get exactly what you want the first time around. If you’re still looking to be surprised, suggest certain elements you MUST have, and leave the rest up to him!

The Center stone doesn’t have to be a Diamond

With cost-conscious movements like Tiny Homes, you can see there’s a big wave of people looking to save money on big investments. While diamonds are the most traditional route, a great way to save costs on your engagement ring is by choosing a Gemstone as the center stone.

Popular gemstones include (but are not limited to) sapphires, pink moissanite, and amethyst. For those who lean towards very unique center stones, there are about 130 species of gemstones to choose from. While a gemstone can add a fun pop of color to your ring finger, it’s a smart way to save on costs.

Non-traditional Stone Shapes are Trending

Engagement rings have become a way to express your personal style. While Oval Cut and Round Cut diamonds will always be popular for its timeless aesthetic, it could be worth your while to choose a diamond cut that is less expected. Keep in mind, trending diamonds usually see a spike in price. As the market fluctuates, browse diamond cuts that have been overlooked.

Take for example the Marquise Cut diamond. This particular diamond cut has the illusion of appearing larger than its carat weight. Its unique shape is unexpected, yet elegant. Shopping for non-traditional cuts has the potential to save you money in the long run, and is a great way to express your individuality.

Splitting the Cost is an option

Engagement rings can be an expensive investment! While this is a controversial topic, more couples are having the conversation to split the cost. Some women agree to contribute, relieving their partner of any financial pressure. Other women don’t find it appropriate and see an engagement ring purchase as the duty of their spouse. Whatever your perspective is, it’s best to open the conversation and see what your partner stands on this matter.

Guys can wear engagement rings too

This switch in tradition has slowly gained popularity within the past few years. It has become more common to find men are equally as interested in showing off their commitment before the wedding day, just like their bride-to-be. The rise of “man-gagement” rings can surely be a new trend to come, as more woman want their partner to be more inclusive in the engagement process. And as an added bonus, the price for men’s wedding bands is far more affordable than an engagement ring.

Unique Wedding Bands for your Engagement Ring

Posted on February 18, 2020December 3, 2019 by diasuer

Rose Gold and Yellow Gold Stack

Here’s a very classic, yet flirty way to enhance your diamond engagement ring. Create your stack using both yellow gold and rose gold diamond bands. For best results, be sure to have your jeweler match the bandwidth to your engagement ring. This will give the illusion of a wide band engagement ring.

Ladies 14k Emerald Eternity Diamond Ring

Emerald diamonds are the most elegant diamond cuts. This chunky diamond ring is one of our most popular diamond rings.

14k Gold Alternating Sapphire and Diamond Band

Looking for something blue? Blue sapphires are among the most popular gemstones.

Blue sapphires are very popular among royal families. This sapphire diamond band is the perfect addition to your very own personal crown jewels.

1.00cttw Marquise Diamond Anniversary Ring

This diamond ring is perfect for the edgy bridge! Marquise diamonds have a narrow shape towards the ends and becomes fuller in the middle. The best part – this elongated diamond shape usually appears larger than its carat weight!

Custom Baguette and Round Diamond Eternity Band

This dazzling diamond band is a custom creation! This wedding band is both elegant and modern.

CONTACT US – (972) 404-4499

How to Shop For An Engagement Ring

Posted on May 12, 2020May 14, 2020 by diasuer

When shopping for an engagement ring, be sure to keep the following tips in mind!

1) Determine your budget

This is a great place to start your engagement ring shopping. Before you’ve even see any type of jewelry, be sure to calculate what you can afford. A professional, well-trained jeweler will be sure to guide you and show you options that will get you the best diamond for your price range. Considering looking for well reputable wholesale diamond dealers.

2) Know her ring size

Without a ring size, it’s hard to go ring shopping. There are times when ring prices are raised due to ring size. Also, some eternity diamond rings are not able to be resized, and must be completely recreated.

Planning on surprising her? Keep an eye on her favorite rings and bring them to the store with you. Don’t make it too obvious! If you’ve taken her favorite ring she might get suspicious.

3) Spy on Her Pinterest Page

The first stop on the research train, Pinterest. Every girl has AT LEAST 1 ( if not, multiple) highly organized boards on her Pinterest page dedicated to her dream wedding.

It’s one of the first places a woman will go to be inspired. In here you might be able to find clues as to what types of stones and styles she prefers. This will give you a great starting point on understanding what shape, gemstone, and cut she’s interested in.

For our current products and engagement ring inspiration, visit our Pinterest page.

4) Non-Traditional Center Stones

2.97ct Tanzanite Oval Split Band Engagement Ring

Of course, the most common stone for an engagement ring is a Diamond. Though with todays modern world, many women are choosing more eclectic, non-traditional center stones for their engagement rings, such as blue sapphires or pink moissanite.

5) Understand the 4c’s

6) Shop for Certified Diamonds

7) Try different Metal Colors

1.66ct Round Diamond Engagement Ring with Rose Gold and Yellow Gold Diamond Bands

There isn’t an endless amount of options when choosing metal, but that’s not to determine the importance of your choice. Metals will influence the gemstone or diamond you choose in a very literal way. Some metals will not pair well with certain jewels, causing your gemstone to be perceived with less quality. For example, paring a lower grade diamond with a gold band might make your diamond look more yellow than it actually is. It’s best you work with a quality jeweler for their expertise in guiding you to make the proper choice for you.

8) Know your soon-to-be fiancé’s lifestyle

Understanding your fiancés daily routine can help with determining the basic style of the ring. Choosing simplicity over extravagant can lead you in very specific directions. Whether she lives an active life, or is always traveling, be sure to ask her what she’s looking for in a diamond engagement ring. She might want something simple and small as to not be so intrusive on her daily routine. Or she might want an extravagant ring to wear for special occasions, and a separate band for everyday.

9) Think of the Wedding Band

Custom Baguette and Round Diamond Eternity Band

When purchasing an engagement ring, it will save you time and money to purchase the wedding band as a set. It will also be easier to match the engagement ring style to the band if purchased at the same time.

10) Trendy Styles vs Classic Styles

This is where things can get overwhelming. There seems to be an endless amount of styles, it could be hard to know what’s the best fit for your bride-to-be. As mentioned before, visit her Pinterest page! Ask her friends if she’s ever mentioned engagement ring styles. There are many ways to determine how your fiancés personality might influence her engagement ring style.

Engagement Ring Do’s and Dont’s – 10 Tips

Posted on March 3, 2020December 3, 2019 by diasuer

1) DON’T – Ask about price

It’s always so exciting when someone close to you gets engaged! Although it’s never appropriate to ask the two love birds about the price tag. Instead, ask questions geared towards their proposal experience, or how the couple came up with the final ring design. Because in the end, the ring is a symbol of their love and commitment to each other.

2) DO – Tell your spouse if you don’t like the ring

With the endless options available in the jewelry industry, it can be an overwhelming process to choose the perfect ring for your spouse. With that said, it is possible to make a design decision that might leave your partner feeling disappointed. If you have been proposed to and do not like your engagement ring, never bite your tongue on this matter. It’s better to be honest upfront to prevent future resentment or arguments. Engagement rings are big investments and it’s important you wear a ring that you’ll be proud to wear for a lifetime. If you are particularly picky, perhaps discuss shopping for the ring together.

3) DO – Clean your ring regularly

Your everyday activities can affect the sparkle and shine of your ring. Anything from applying lotion, to sweating at the gym, all these factors build up germs and contribute to the dullness. There are gentle at-home remedies to clean your ring, but it’s always recommended to drop off your ring at the jewelers for a professional cleaning at least once a year. Another pro when dropping of your ring at the jewelers, is they will take the time to replace lost stones and fix loose prongs.

4) DON’T – Travel with your ring

It’s always a good idea to leave your diamond jewelry safe at home when traveling. Adjusting to different temperatures and environments can cause your finger to swell/shrink, which can easily cause your ring to discreetly slip off. If you do decide to travel with your ring, know when to wear it. Keep your engagement ring locked up in the hotel safe when going on outdoor activities and adventures. If you want to keep your ring at home while traveling, but don’t want to flaunt a bare finger, wear your wedding band.

5) DON’T – Be careless, diamonds CAN chip or fracture

Diamonds are known to be the hardest naturally occurring surface on earth. Do not be fooled by this definition. It is possible to accidentally chip or facture your diamond, as they are not truly indestructible. If your engagement ring is features a high mount, be especially careful when engaging in daily activities.

6) DO – Insure your ring

Accidents happen all the time. Whether you are at a restaurant and take off your ring to wash your hands, leaving it on the counter, or the center stone falls out – you never know what can happen. Just as you would get home insurance or car insurance, it’s important to protect your investment. We suggest you purchase insurance immediately after leaving the jewelry store. Your jeweler will provide you with an appraisal that will prove the rings value, which you then will submit to your insurance. It’s recommended to protect your investment sooner than later!

7) DO – Keep an eye on the setting

Are all your pave diamonds still in place? Is your center stone loose? It’s important to pay attention to your ring as occasionally the prongs could potentially loosen up. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your ring looking brand new for years to come!

8) DO – Set a reasonable budget

You’ve probably been dreaming of your engagement ring for a long time and want it to be perfect in every way. It’s important to set a reasonable budget before entering the jewelry store, as you can easily get distracted by options outside of your means. It is the responsibility of a trained professional jeweler to guide you towards engagement rings that keep you within your budget.

9) DON’T – Shop for loose diamonds online

While you might find low prices online, be weary. There is innovative technology which allows you to view a diamond with high tech 360 cameras, providing detailed angles and magnification. And while the pictures look great, and the specs seem perfect on paper, a diamonds essence is better seen in person. You never know what you gravitate towards until you see it in person. Shopping online is a great way to do research. When it comes to the final purchase of your loose diamond, be sure to contact a trustworthy diamond jeweler to assist you in your engagement ring shopping.

10) DON’T – Take your ring off frequently

There are certain situations where you should definitely take your ring off. For example, applying lotion to your hands could cause this lotion to pile up on your stone. But keep in mind the more you take off your ring, the more opportunity you have to loose it. Try your best to keep your ring on at all times to prevent loosing it!

How to Stack Rings – Styling Stackable Rings

Posted on February 4, 2020December 3, 2019 by diasuer

You can’t have a true ring stack without multiple rings. This of course might take time to accumulate your collection. What makes a good ring stack is using multiple rings at one time.

Browse our collection of STACKABLE RINGS here

Stackable Rings = The New Charm Bracelet

These days, stackable rings have become the new charm bracelet. With each milestone or accomplishment, you can purchase a ring to represent any memorable moment. This is a very special way to collect jewelry that you’ll be able to wear for a lifetime!

Why Should I Buy Expensive Jewelry

Here is why it ‘s a great idea to invest in high-quality jewelry. Costume jewelry, that is, jewelry bought at local fast-fashion stores, can tarnish quickly and possibly leave your skin looking green.

This can not only be embarrassing but causes you to always purchase jewelry over and over again. While purchasing fine jewelry might seem expensive upfront, in the long run, it’s a smarter investment that will last a lifetime.

When Should I Start My Stackable Collection?

Right now, of course! We have found that most women are only inspired to start their fine jewelry collection once they have been proposed to or are already in a marriage.

Perhaps this is because you’ve received a diamond engagement ring, and are introduced to the fine jewelry world at that time. There is no perfect age or moment in life to add sparkle into your jewelry collection!

We say, the sooner the better. What matters is that you choose jewelry items that are most sentimental and valuable to you, that way you will wear them forever.

BELOW ARE A FEW SIMPLE TIPS TO STARTING YOUR STACKABLE RING COLLECTION

1) Try Different Metal Colors

Diamond and Gold Warehouse is located in Dallas, TX and specializes in creating engagement rings, always at wholesale prices.

The easiest place to start when choosing stackable rings is selecting different metal colors. You’d be surprised how a bit of color can put a modern twist on a timeless piece. Whether it’s Rose Gold or Yellow Gold, try on these different colors to see what you like best!

2) Try Different Band Widths or Textures

Most of our clients are excited to add ultra thin diamond bands to their stack. And while we absolutely adore thin band rings, we also like to mix things up with our wider band widths. This adds a bit of visual contrast to your ring fingers.

If you’re not too fond of adding color to your ring stack, Texture is the easiest way to add visual interest. A variety of textures will make certain rings

3 ) Mix Different Gemstones

If you love the idea of adding color to your stack, then it’s a good idea to explore different gemstone rings. Not only do gemstones add a fresh and unexpected twist, they can also have beneficial metaphysical properties.

4) Write Phrases or Initials

We see diamond bands and eternity bands as the perfect way to start your ring collection. Recently, we’ve seen a spike in initial rings! This is a fun way to flaunt the initial of your significant other, or a beloved family member. In fact, you can even spell out phrases with you rings. Makes for a cool conversation piece!

5) You can never go wrong with Diamonds!

If you’re not a fan of colored metal or gemstones, stick with collecting all diamond bands. You can still collect a variety of styles and diamond shapes