My Pink Diamonds

De Beers was founded in South Africa in 1888 and today is the largest producer and seller of diamonds.  Almost from the beginning the De Beers company has had a strangle hold on the diamond industry and a huge advertising budget.  Diamonds are not as rare as the advertiser would have you to believe.  De Beers keeps a huge stockpile of diamonds and tightly controls supply.

De Beers started the very successful advertising campaign A Diamond Is Forever in 1947.  The Advertising Age magazine has voted this to be the most recognizable advertising line of the twentieth century.  This advertising campaign was designed to discourage diamonds owners from putting their old diamonds back into the market.  The success of this campaign turned diamond into the symbol of eternal love and dramatically increased demand for the gems.

The ability to create cubic zirconium happened in the 1950 but it was not until 1979 that it became economically feasible to mass-produce and use them as a diamond substitute.  Only a gemologist can tell the difference between a diamond created by nature and a diamond created in a laboratory.

There are several companies that are investing a lot of time and money in developing a laboratory-grown diamond process and are doing quite well.  Because of the diamonds optical, thermal, chemical, and electronic properties, laboratory-grown diamonds have a lot of potential to affect many industries and not just the Jewelry industry.

Gemesis is a company founded in 1996 and based in Sarasota, Fla., that is growing diamonds in high-pressure, high-temperature crystal growing chambers.  Each chamber starts with a tiny diamond crystal or diamond seed that is bathed in a molten solution of graphite and a metal-based catalyst at about 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit and 58,000 atmospheres of pressure.  The diamond begins to grow, molecule by molecule and in about three and a half days a gem-quality 2.8 carat rough diamond has been created.

A rough diamond of this size can create a diamond of about 1.5 carats that has been cut, polished, and is ready for mounting in a setting.  Naturally occurring colored diamonds will show color because of the trace amounts of impurities in them.  Replacing fewer than five atoms per 100,000 of carbon atoms in a diamond crystal lattice with nitrogen atoms gives a diamond with a yellow coloration or tint.  These diamonds sell for about $4,000 per carat, which is about one third of the cost of a mined diamond.

The company adopted the term Gemesis Cultured Diamond to distinguish its laboratory-grown diamonds from the mined diamond to assure that consumers were not being misled as to the nature of the product.  The first commercial production of gem quality diamonds, were made in 2002.

The company business strategy changed in 2005 from producing from offering individual loose, cut and polished diamonds to retailers to producing and selling only rough stones in lots to jewelry manufactures and designers similarly to the way in which diamond mines sell natural diamonds. 

The man-made diamonds made today are of a better quality than the natural ones.  A trained jeweler will be unable to determine a real one from a made-one unless he had some very expensive equipment.  Insist on a certification before purchasing a diamond for investment purposes.  It will tell you the stone’s carat weight, its color and clarity, and its flaws.  If the seller is unwilling to supply a certification with the diamond then he may not be telling the truth and you should find someone who will.  After all when you want to sell the diamond the new owner will want a certification from you.

Diamond EarringsDiamond earrings are some of life’s most precious things. And what’s not to love about diamond earrings? These treasures are made from the toughest gems on earth. Their name has rightfully been derived from adámas, which is Greek for “unbreakable and untamed.”Diamond earrings, including diamond hoops, diamond loops, and diamond stud, have grown in popularity since the beginning of the 19th century. This is because of the improved techniques used in the cutting and polishing of diamond earrings, diamond hoops, diamond loops and diamond studs. At the same time, the world saw prosperity in developing global finances and increased supply of diamonds. The media had likewise increased the stature of diamond earrings, diamond hoops, diamond loops and diamond stud with strategically designed and targeted advertising campaigns. Diamond earrings todayToday, there is a steady demand for diamond earrings, diamond hoops, diamond loops and diamond studs. And it is more so if these treasures rank high in terms of the four Cs: cut, clarity, color and carat.The gem that diamond earrings, diamond hoops, diamond loops and diamond studs are made from originate mostly from the southern and central regions of Africa. This sums up to about 49% of diamonds. However, India, Canada, Brazil, Russia and Australia are all catching up in diamond mining and distribution. How to choose diamond earrings, as well as diamond studs, diamond hoops, and diamond loopsNot all diamond earrings, diamond loops, diamond hoops, and diamond studs are created equal. Some are worth their price tags. Others are of bad quality or are badly cut. If you are in the market for diamond earrings, diamond loops, diamond hoops and diamond stud, make sure you know how to spot the gems from the lemons. Here are some tips. 1. Use the four Cs when examining diamond earrings, diamond loops, diamond hoops and diamond studs. Since the carat of these will already be known to you, examine based on cut, clarity and color. These can be distinguished by the naked eye under good lighting. 2. The brilliance of diamond earrings, diamond hoops, diamond loops and diamond studs can be distinguished by putting these gems against your skin’s tone, against a dark piece of clothing and under low light. The more they sparkle at these conditions, the better they are.3. Repeat these four C tests using all your choices for diamond earrings, diamond hoops, diamond loops and diamond stud. Select those that “grade” well.4. Watch out for visible occlusions, especially when buying diamond earrings, diamond hoops, diamond loops and diamond studs with smaller stones. This is because these occlusions weaken the diamond, and lessen their capacity for refractions and reflection. How to clean diamond earrings, as well as diamond loops, diamond hoops, and diamond studs Once you’ve selected your diamond earrings, diamond hops, diamond loops and diamond studs, you need to know how to best take care of these. These are investments, which can grow in value with time. Here are some tips:1. Diamond earrings, diamond hoops, diamond loops and diamond studs may acquire dirt from your skin. This is through powder, lotions and oils in the area close to the diamond earrings, diamond hoops, diamond loops and diamond studs. These chemicals may cover your diamond treasures with a thin oily film. This then leads to gunk in the crevices of these gems. Make sure to decrease the possibility of this happening by trying to keep away from these elements. 2. You can used a jewelry cleaner to clean your diamond earrings, diamond loops, diamond hoops, and diamond studs. Or you can mix your own solutions, using ammonia, water, and baking soda or a liquid dishwashing soap. 3. Use only a microfiber cloth in wiping your diamond treasures. This is to avoid the accumulation of lint.

As owners of a website offering fine, gold, designer handcrafted jewelry, and specializing in bridal selections, we’ve been noticing an interesting trend amongst our customers.  It appears that some soon to be engaged couples are purchasing birthstone engagement rings for the bride-to-be.  The most popular choices, lately, have been the gemstone in the center, flanked by diamonds on either side, such as with the pink sapphire diamond three stone ring, or emerald diamond three stone ring, as well as ruby diamond  three stone ring.

It is an interesting phenomenon, and I was surprised, myself, when I got my first call from a woman on the west coast inquiring about purchasing a gemstone ring as her engagement ring.  I realize now, that while diamonds are the most popular gems for wedding and engagement jewelry, birthstone engagement rings are increasing in popularity for women for several reasons.  First of all, some people always want to do things differently than others, they pride themselves on doing things out of the mainstream, and marching to their own drummer.  What grander way to make a statement on your uniqueness than with a birthstone ring as your engagement ring? Secondly, a birthstone ring can potentially cost far less than traditional diamond rings, because many birthstones are semi-precious gems, which typically have a lower value because they are less rare.  And finally, some woman might find the birthstone ring just layered with symbolism and sentiment.

The easiest choice for birthstone rings is to use the bride’s birthstone. You can use the birthstone as an alternative center stone instead of the traditional diamond.  With regards to using birthstones in engagement rings, it is important to keep in mind the fragility of certain gems.  For example, while a sapphire is very suitable to be worn as an engagement stone because of its durability,  an opal or a tanzanite is not.  It is something to consider, unless of course you will not be wearing your engagement ring every day. If longevity is what you are looking for in your birthstone engagement ring, try to choose a gem that can take the wear usually associated with an engagement ring.

Whatever your reason for choosing a birthstone engagement ring,  the combination of  semi-precious or precious stones and diamonds, are sure to make for a  unique and stunning engagement  ring.  You can also dress it up with a matching wedding band of alternating  diamonds and your birthstone gem.

When a girl accepts a man’s proposal of marrying her, the first thought that comes is of making the moment ever memorable. So, you buy her an engagement ring. However, today’s girls should not be taken for granted when it comes to satisfying them with any ordinary and out of fashion ring. You better know about the newest trends of engagement rings to please her even more.This year, according to the trend observers, engagement rings are being liked with different features. Most of the trend watchers agree that symbolizing past, present and future of a couple, the three-stone engagement ring has gained popularity due to its romantic symbolism associated with it. The three stones were previously used for anniversary ring. Because of the three diamonds on the top of the ring, its overall visual impact spectacular and spells brilliance. Or you can present eternity engagement ring, which studded with endless gems. The sublime round shape of the ring and numbers of gems symbolize a love that has no end. White diamonds are the trend for these rings. And, the preferred band metal is platinum. Another noticeable change in choice of people for engagement rings is for colored gemstones. While classic diamond solitaires have always been popular, the new trend is emerging for colored stones, which are quite affordable as well. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds and even garnet and topaz are providing colors to the engagement rings today. Apart from these rings, if she may also take interest in some vintage engagement rings to symbolize eternity of romance. To echo the romantic era of yesteryears and for creating strong feelings of love, vintage engagement rings are gaining popularity. An intricate handiwork of floral and filigree patterns and lattice work on these engagement rings gives them very special look  classic and antique aesthetic cuts of cushion, round , pillow and other cuts of stones only add to the sophistication of these rings for the occasion. And a word of caution now for the buyers of engagement rings. Never rush to a jeweler if it has little or no reputation. The ring is costly and it should be bought with utmost care. So, compare the jewelers and the rings extensively. Better scan websites for buying engagement rings of your choice at competitive rates after a good comparison of what is being offered and what price. A glittering engagement ring that matches with the latest trends also reflects your awareness of the world of your bride-to-be. Keep her choice of ring in mind while shopping for it.

Renewed interest has spawned in the synthetic diamond debate, in part due to new color technology by the Gemesis Corporation. The company, located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, has been creating cultured diamonds for over a decade.

Gemesis has always specialized in yellow diamonds simply because that is what the machines make, influenced somewhat by the nitrogen in the air. Recently though, the company has been experimenting with the creation of pink and blue diamonds—highly coveted and extremely rare, naturally occurring stones.

If this takes off, not only will Gemesis be able to provide an abundance of color, but it would also bring economy to the world of diamond buying, with greatly reduced prices.

It is no wonder De Beers is sweating bullets these days. They have a lot to lose if machine-grown gems become a standard in the industry. Typically these stones sell for about one-third of what their naturally produced counterparts would.

Though it hasn’t been the easiest ride for Gemesis and other synthetic diamond makers, there have been steady gains made. In January, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) started accepting laboratory-grown diamonds for commercial grading.

Gemesis Chief Executive Steven Lux is hopeful. “By the end of next year, Gemesis expects to be making enough pinks to bring them out commercially. By 2009, Gemesis will have commercial quantities of blues,” Lux said. There are also plans to create different colors in the future, including the traditional “white” or “colorless” diamond.

De Beers, by far has been the biggest defender in this cultured vs. natural diamonds debate. De Beers spokeswoman Lynette Gould appeared confident when discussing the future of the diamond industry, though. “If synthetics do enter the jewelry market we believe that over time, production costs will fall, and synthetics will probably occupy a similar position in the marketplace to Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite, and other such materials,” wrote Gould.

To counter this notion that Gemesis’ real diamonds are even remotely similar to cubics, Gemesis recently hired Joan Parker, a former De Beers spokeswoman and marketing executive. Gemesis does not even approve of the term “synthetic” because of the fact that its stones are physically, optically, and chemically real diamonds.

The only difference is one is made by nature, and one is made by man. Pick your poison…or your treasure.

There is nothing more exciting for jewelry lovers than wearing diamond rings. Diamonds are forever and girl’s best friends no matter what age. To get an engagement ring set with quality diamonds is every girl dream and she cherishes all through her life and finally likes to settle her life with a dream prince charming. Diamonds are wonderful gifts for all occasions type no matter what the season or fashion and winning one’s heart what else could be a better way than giving her the most exciting and sparkling gems that will become a lasting token of love and relationship.

Diamond rings come in various colors to choose from. Blue, white, yellow, pink or black colors all look gorgeous and elegant when set in either white or yellow gold and platinum. Since they are priced according to its quality based on color, clarity and carat, these rings come in various price ranges from $100 to $5000 or more. Shop around for the best possible affordable prices without compromising on quality.

If you are looking for yellow diamond rings, browse through all possible designs, diamond settings – as to how the diamond is set. There are many types of settings to choose from and each one gives a different look. Fancy yellow oval diamond rings or three stone rings or with half moon cut diamonds, the rings accented by pave diamonds and gold filigree. The designs and settings are endless and one should go only for the type that fits and looks perfect on your finger,

Designer diamond rings are equally popular and are the latest craze, as every woman wants to wear a unique diamond ring. It not only defines her persona to look elegant and beautiful but her good taste for wearing a piece of jewelry that is perfect in every respect.

When buying yellow diamond rings, one should always look for good quality diamonds as they are not only a true life time investment but can be a treasured heirloom that will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Even if you have never been shopping for diamond jewelry, you have probably heard about the four Cs used to classify diamonds—clarity, cut, carat and color. These collective metrics are used throughout the world to determine the value of individual diamonds, with diamonds exhibiting the most desirable combinations of clarity, cut, carat weight and color rising to the top as the most universally unique and highest valued gems.

Clarity refers to the extent of inclusions, or natural features such as fractures present in the diamond that originated from its formation deep within the earth. A diamond’s cut describes the design and proportions of the diamond after it is crafted by a diamond cutter, an art form that manifests itself in the diamond’s outward appearance and brilliance. Carat is a concrete description of a diamond’s weight, with one carat representing a weight of 200 milligrams. Color is a diamond quality that generally refers to the extent to which a diamond is colorless. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has established a widely accepted color scale to rate diamonds falling in the normal color spectrum, which ranges from colorless to yellow. Diamonds which fall closer to the colorless end of the color spectrum are generally considered more valuable than yellow or brown tinted diamonds of equivalent clarity, cut and carat weight. Intensely colored diamonds are the exception, their rarity and beauty making them extremely valuable and exotic despite being far from colorless.

Although many people perceive all diamonds to be colorless, true colorless diamonds are extremely rare, and thus the most valuable on the GIA color scale. A majority of diamonds commonly used in jewelry such as engagement rings and eternity rings have a tint of yellow or brown, placing them in the normal color range. Though slight variations in the color of diamonds are to be expected, the difference among various shades is usually indistinguishable to the untrained eye.

While diamonds in the normal color range are the most common, diamonds form within the earth in an array of colorful hues. Diamonds in vibrant colors such as pink, yellow, green and blue, called fancy colored diamonds, are highly sought after by diamond connoisseurs and jewelry consumers alike. The rarity and splendor of such exotic diamonds contributes to their high value, and is the reason that colored diamonds are often attractions at museums and exhibits. The famous and fabled 45.52 carat Hope Diamond on display at the Smithsonian Institution since 1958 is a prime example, requiring dedicated security measures and personnel of its own.

Like white diamonds, the value of a fancy colored diamond is determined in part by the collective value of its four Cs. However, the color attribute becomes a more significant dynamic in the valuation of a colored diamond. Rather than being evaluated on its lack of color, a colored diamond is valued based on the quality of its hue, intensity and consistency.

GIA is an international non-profit gemological institute that appraises the value of loose diamonds. If you already have one or more GIA diamond rings, the stones were evaluated before they were set in the rings. The GIA set the tone for evaluating and analyzing diamonds and the same process is followed today by other diamond appraisal institutes, such as IGI appraisals. Such an appraisal is essential if you want to make sure that the diamonds you purchase are best value diamonds.
When you send loose diamonds to the GIA for grading, you will receive a report on each diamond. Reports of GIA diamond rings grading are extremely comprehensive, which is why you should be able to understand what the report says about the stones you have had appraised without too much trouble.
The date of the appraisal is always at the top of the report and there is a report number which is entered into the institute’s international database. If you wish, you can have this number laser inscribed on the diamond. The next part of the report on GIA diamond rings deals with the shape and the cutting style of the diamond.
The shape of the diamond has a lot to do with determining the setting of the diamond in the ring. The cuts include round, Princess, Marquise, oval and pear-shaped. Certain settings are suited to specific cuts to ensure that the diamond looks elegant in the ring and on the hand of the person wearing it. The most common settings for diamond rings are:
• Solitaire in which the diamond is secured in a basket of four or six prongs so that it catches the light with each movement of the hand.
• Sidestone settings have other stones on each side of the diamond to keep it in place and to add enhance the brilliance and color of the stone.
• Three-stone settings have a diamond for the past, present and future.
The report for GIA diamond rings, much like IGI appraisals, also gives the measurement of the diamond. For round diamonds this is represented by the minimum depth and length and for fancy diamonds by the length times width times depth. The overall weight of the diamond is given in carats and the more carats there are the more expensive the diamond will be. This is another way of knowing whether or not you purchased best value diamonds. One carat is 1/5 of one gram and the weight is recorded to the nearest 1/100 of a carat.
There is a GIA master comparison scale when grading the color of diamonds. The best diamonds are white and almost colorless. While yellow diamonds are given the lowest grade, there are canary yellow stones that are quite valuable. These fall into the category of fancy diamonds along with those that are pink, blue, and green.
The clarity or clearness of a diamond according to the rating scale of GIA diamond rings refers to any imperfections that can be seen when the diamond is analyzed under high-power microscopes. Those diamonds with slight imperfections can still be considered best value diamonds if the imperfections in the gems are such that they cannot be seen with the naked eye or under a normal microscope.
Diamonds for GIA diamond rings are graded according to their polish and finish to determine their level of brilliance and how they reflect the light that falls on them. The diamonds are inspected for smoothness and the number of facets in the stone. Symmetry is also important to ensure that all facets are in balance and to determine the best placement of several stones in a ring.
Gemologists use ultra-violet lights to determine the amount of fluorescence in the diamonds and this is also given on the report. Many other appraisal institutes do not provide a report that is as comprehensive as one you receive from GIA. Your report will contain diagrams of the stone as well as keys to the various symbols used in the report.

 The Centenary 

The Centenary was found on July 17th, 1986 at the Premier Mine.  Only a handful of people knew about it and all were sworn to silence.  On March 11th, 1988, the centenary celebrations of De Beers took place in Kimberly and a banquet was held to close the Kimberly Mine also known as the Big Hole.  Over 400 people were in attendance.  Representatives of several national governments of diamond-producing countries and dignitaries from various sections of the industry listened as the chairman, Julian Oglivie Thompson, declared; we have recovered at the Premier Mine a diamond of 599 carats, which is perfect in color.  Indeed it is one of the largest top-color diamonds ever found.  Naturally it will be called the Centenary Diamond.

This extraordinary mine has produced several outstanding diamonds of the most superb color, which have been cut into famous gems: The Cullinan in 1905; the Niarchos in 1954; the Taylor-Burton in 1966 and the Premier Rose in 1978.  The Premier Diamond Mine has produced close to 300 stones weighing more than 100 carats each, and 25 percent of the world’s diamonds weighing more than 400 carats each.

 Conde Pink Diamond 

Louis XIII are said to have bought the stone in 1643 after which the King presented it to Louis de Bourbon, Prince of Conde, and Commander of the French Army during the Thirty Years War.  It is a light pink pear-shaped diamond that weights 9.01 carats.  The stone is currently on display in the Musee de Conde in Chantilly, France.

 Cullinan Diamond 

The Cullinan 1 also called the Star of Africa, is a pear shaped diamond weighing 530.20 carats.  It is called the Cullian 1 because it was it was the largest of 9 stones cut from the Cullian Diamond.  The Cullian 1 is the 2nd largest cut diamond in the world and is part of the Crown Jewels of England.  It is currently on display in the Tower of London.

The famous blue diamonds come in different shapes including pear shaped and octagon shaped.  The cut of these valuable gems is especially important for large, colored stones and the cut must enhance the natural beauty of these wonderful gems.  Sometimes the largest stones that are found with a blue color are studied extensively before any cutting is begun.

 Cullinan II Diamond 

The Cullian II is 317.40 carat stone cut into a cushion shaped.  It is the center-front of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britian.  Note the 2 platinum loops on the top and bottom edges.  This feature has been added to allow the stone to be worn as a brooch or alone with the Cullinan 1 attached.

A watch isn’t a wierd possession, and watches are unusually beneficial. Excepting some girls, the sort of jewelry you will give them still matters. They are going to be wearing it for all times and they will be ecstatic about it because you’re the one who gave that to her, not only a present, but as an engagement present. Isn’t that priceless? If you are worried about the price of the watch, then let me tell you that watches are less expensive than the engagement rings you are giving. You may also engrave your names on it or get a custom made.
They say that June is the ideal time to be married. If you need everything to be noteworthy, then start with your engagement. Make it special and everything will be suggestive.
When selecting your white gold wedding rings, you may wish to have a ring for the bride that may counterpoint the engagement ring she is already wearing. Often , well decorated white gold wedding rings may look good on but detract attention from the engagement ring so you might need to try a number of white gold wedding rings to find out which suits it best.
The commitment 2 people make when they are saying their promises is symbolized in the white gold marriage ring they then place on each others finger. Traditions vary of course but many have present giving between the couple prior to the marriage, ending with the wedding ring. Today, a modern approach to this practice is to heap an ‘eternity’ ring as a last gesture to the commitment of a long-lasting relationship and marriage.
Another way to make your white gold marriage rings more unique and special to both you and your better half is to have them engraved with a private message. Just to add another bit of individuality to both rings, why not have the edges engraved ; then your white gold wedding rings can be actually unique and reflect your personalities. It is worth remembering that you are selecting rings for your marriage and not someone else’s so as long as you both agree you can’t go wrong with your decision.
When selecting your white gold gemstone engagement rings, you may want a ring for the bride that may complement the engagement ring she is already wearing. Frequently well decorated white gold wedding rings may look good on but detract attention from the engagement ring so you may need to try a number of white gold marriage rings to find out which suits it best.
The commitment 2 folk make when they assert their promises is symbolized in the white gold marriage ring they then place on each others finger. Traditions vary of course but many have present giving between the couple prior to the wedding, culminating with the wedding ring. Today, a modern approach to this practice is to bestow an ‘eternity’ ring as a last gesture to the commitment of a long-lasting relationship and marriage.
Another way to make your white gold marriage rings more unique and special to you and your partner is to have them engraved with a private message. Simply to add another bit of individuality to both rings, why not have the sides engraved ; then your white gold wedding rings can be truly unique and reflect your personalities. It is worth remembering that you are selecting rings for your wedding and not someone else’s so as long as you both agree you can’t fail with your decision.