My Pink Diamonds

Argye mine located in the Kimberley region in the far north east of Western Australia. Owned by Rio Tinto, this mine is the world’s largest single producer of volume of diamonds. However, due to low proportion of gem quality diamonds it is not the value leader. It does produce 90-95% of the world’s supply of pink diamonds.  Diavik is also owned by Rio Tinto, located in Canada it is a very large mine.  It is located north of Yellowknife and south of the Artic Circle on an island. The island is connected by an ice road. It is also an important part of the regions economy employing more than 700 people and producing more than 8 million carats annually. Ekati diamond mine is owned by BHP Billiton and located south of the artic circle in the Northwest Territories of Canada.  The Ekati is Canada’s first operational diamond mine.   Diamonds mined here are sold under the Aurias trade name  Authenticity is verified through Canada Mark service. CanadaMark service is also owned by BHP Billiton Diamonds, Inc. Baken diamond mine is located along the lower Orange River in South Africa. It is owned and operated by Trans Hex. The average size stone for 2004 was 1.29 carats.  In 2004, this mine produced a 78.9 carat D color flawless diamond that sold for more than 1.8 million dollars (US), as well as a 27.67 pink diamond that was sold for over 1 million US dollars. Merlin is the second of only two diamond mines in Australia. No longer operating it was owned by Rio Tinto and sold to Striker Resources, who has explored the possibilities of reopening the mine.  Orapa is the world’s largest diamond mine.  It us located 240 Km west of Francistown. The mine is owned by “Debswana” which is a partnership between DeBeers and the government of Botswana. This mine operates 7 days a week. It maintains pre primary and primary schools for its employee’s children.  There is also a 100 bed hospital and game park. This mine began production in 1971 and is the oldest mine owned by the Debswana Company. The Premier mine located in Cullinan, South Africa produced the largest gem diamond ever in 1905. The Cullinan Diamond weighed 3,106.75 carats. This mine also produced the Golden Jubilee diamond which weighed 545.67 carats. This mine is owned by the De Beers Company and was renamed The Cullinan Diamond Mine in 2003 in celebration of its centennial.

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.

Diamonds has been the source of inspiration and fascination for centuries, and is one of the hardest, most popular and most beautiful stones in the world. The word ‘diamond’ comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning ‘unconquerable’.

A diamond is made of carbon, one of the earth’s most common and natural elements. There are different types of diamonds, each boasting its own unique charm and beauty. Some types are extremely rare, while others are quite common.

Pink diamonds are the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. The Argyle mine in Australia is the world’s largest supplier of intense pink diamonds, producing over 95% of the world’s supply.

White diamonds, on the other hand, are produced by mines all over the world in a wide and impressive variety of shapes and sizes. It is probably the most common and popular of the diamonds, used all over the world to adorn jewelry and other pieces.

Champagne diamonds are naturally coloured diamonds that are produced in a variety of colours, from light straw to rich cognac.

Yellow diamonds are also stunning and come in a variety of shades, from light yellow, to brilliant canary yellow. Blue and green diamonds are also available in a wide range of shades, but are also quite rare.The History of Diamonds

Diamonds has a long and fascinating history, and one filled with mystery, power and beauty. In the past, diamonds have held special powers for Kings, Queens and their subjects. Diamonds stood for love, power, wealth, spirit and magical powers. Kings would wear diamonds into battle as a symbol of good luck and a blessing from the gods.

The diamonds were also believed to hold magical powers from the gods. Because of this, warriors would stay away from kings for fear of these magical powers. Kings also wore diamonds as a symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. More recently, diamonds has secured its status as the ultimate gift of love, romance and adoration.

The first diamonds were probably discovered in India thousands of years ago. When India started dwindling as a valuable diamond source, it led to the discovery of diamonds in Brazil, the next important diamond source.

At the beginning of 1866, massive diamond deposits were discovered in South Africa, which led to a world wide diamond rush. South Africa was the leading source for diamonds for some time, until deposits was found in the Siberian permaforest in 1954. Most recently, Western Canada has become the site for the world’s newest diamond rush.

Loose diamonds are commonly used for diamond jewelry manufacturing. They are widely used to embellish bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and yes – watches, too! The presence of a diamond in any piece of jewelry makes it significant, not only in value but also in style. A ladies diamond watch is no exception – it gives the wearer an element of class.Hotel chain heiress and ultimate fashionista Paris Hilton has recently joined forces with Abazias, one of the biggest names in the diamond jewelry industry, to design her own signature collection of ladies diamond watches. The collection will be composed of 4 signature watches, made of genuine leather alligator straps and all of 1000 diamonds in each piece. Priced a whopping $100,000 to $250,000, the Paris Hilton watches are today’s ‘it’ diamond watches. The most expensive among the four designs is the “Pink is Love” piece which happens to be her personal favorite as well. Brandishing a blush-pink alligator strap, this diamond watch contains in its design over 6 carats of pink diamonds, 6 sapphires and more than 3 carats of white diamonds. Meanwhile the “Canary” design substitutes yellow diamonds with the pink while the other 2 designs named “Cotton Candy” and “Snow White” features white diamonds exclusively. For those with a more conservative bank account, there is no cause to fret. Paris Hilton also launched a substantially lower priced collection of fashion watches with the beginning price of only $29. Sans diamonds, this collection is definitely friendlier on the pocket! The ultimate fashion addict will be pleased to sport the Paris Hilton look with an elegant signature timepiece.The difference between investing on diamond jewelry and a diamond watch is that the latter is a more functional piece. Simply put, a diamond watch is essential because it has another purpose on your body apart from the fact that it beautifies. Typically, the diamonds are embellished on the face of the watch. In some cases, loose diamonds are contained inside the watch, and can be moved about upon each movement of the wrist. This is an interesting diamond watch design that became popular in the 1990’s. A diamond watch is a sound investment, as well as a remarkable gift. The status that it gives to the woman is inimitable because of its value and elegance. It can also be paired with just about anything in a woman’s wardrobe, just as diamond jewelry can also be worn with any type of clothing. Diamonds are the most versatile, graceful and enduring gems. No wonder they have been cited as a girl’s best friend! Paris Hilton can say Amen to that, indeed.

Most people have had experience with diamonds, the beautiful, shimmering and shining gems that are a symbol of eternal love. However, more and more there are colored diamonds being marketed that seem to be the exact opposite of what a diamond is supposed to look like. It is now not uncommon to hear of ruby red diamonds, amber diamonds, yellow or pink diamonds or even blue and green diamonds. There are even very unusual colored diamonds in gray, browns and black colors. This is not a marketing scam, there really are colored or fancy diamonds that are naturally produced in the same fashion that traditional clear diamonds are, they just had additional mineral in the carbon that formed the diamond millions of years ago.
These fancy diamonds are more expensive than the traditional and more common clear diamonds, largely because they are very rarely occurring in nature. It is a true find to discover a fancy diamond and the deeper and more distinct the color is the more costly the diamond is. One estimate states that of 100,000 gem quality clear diamond stones found, only one will be a gem quality colored diamond. Keep in mind that it takes between 200 and 250 tons of mined ore to produce just one gem quality clear diamond, so these really are a rare find.
One of the most famous colored diamonds is the blue colored Hope diamond that was actually cut from a much larger blue diamond with a total weight of 112 carats. The current size of the blue Hope diamond is 45.52 carats, and the famous necklace that features this diamond also has a surrounding setting of clear diamonds. This celebrated diamond also is believed by many to have a curse attached to ownership and it would cost you a cool 250 million dollars to purchase, if the Smithsonian Institute would even consider a sale. Perhaps a bit less well-known pink diamond is the Darya-I-Nur (Sea of Light) diamond that is mounted in a gold brooch setting. This massive pink diamond is a staggering 182 carats and is a very pale pink color. The Hancock diamond, one of the most impressive examples of a red diamond sold for $880,000. Before thinking that this was quite a deal, you might want to consider that the Hancock diamond is less that one carat in size.
Colored diamonds can now be produced in a lab, however these colored diamonds are not as valued as the naturally occurring diamonds. Colors are produced by applying varying degrees of pressure, irradiation and high temperatures to the brownish colored diamonds to produce vivid greens, yellows and blues. Red diamonds can now be produced in a lab through the same general process that includes very high, rapid heating and cooling, irradiation and high pressures. These red diamonds are still difficult to purchase but the lighter pink varieties that are developed in labs are becoming more common and readily available.
Whenever shopping for a colored diamond be sure to use a reputable jeweler and always ask to see a certificate on the diamond. Be very cautious of sales and “deals” on naturally occurring colored diamonds, they are usually not a sale item under any condition.

Whether we like it or not present trend in diamond rings say bigger is so much better. For examples check out the styles of diamond rings celebrities are choosing. And we all know that celebrities may have a lot of faults but they do set the standards for style and what is cool.

J Lo’s engagement to Ben Flick a few years ago started a trend of consumers seeking out pink diamond rings. The popularity of pink diamonds remains at an all time high and it doesn’t look like it will diminish soon with a new Leonardo Dicaprio movie coming out which focuses on a pink diamond.

Do any of you remember Marilyn Monroe singing her famous line about “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend?” Do you have any idea what that did the diamond rings market. Guys are still paying small fortunes for that statement. Sure back in the 50s women knew it wouldn’t be sensible to wear such a large diamond ring but that didn’t mean a lady couldn’t yearn for it.

Today women shouldn’t feel in the least bit guilty about wearing a large diamond ring, in fact there are many women that judge how well they are loved by the size of the diamond rings that they wear. Especially in a two income family, it is often the woman who ends up paying for part of her own diamond ring.

When we see the diamond rings worn by celebrities like Madonna or Catherine Zeta-Jones we take notice and their choices influence the trends that follow. Celebrities are the leaders in setting fashion and jewelry trends.
Madonna with her Edwardian diamond ring and Catherine Zeta-Jones’s antique styled 10 carat diamond ring has revived the desire to own antique diamond rings. In fact it’s one of the hottest engagement ring styles in 20 years.
The size of the diamonds in current styles of diamond rings has also grown from the average one carat to over three carats. That’s a pretty big rock that’s going to set you back a bit. But girls know they deserve it! If you aren’t sure whether bigger is better than have a look at the jewels at this years Oscars which are said to total over $50 million dollars in value. Diamonds are now more affordable than ever and you can easily find diamond rings similar in style to your favorite stars with out having to spend $50 million.

With bling being the in thing one has to stop and wonder how the heck normal average working guys plan to pay for these rings. When their fianc?s are asked the standard answer is “doesn’t matter I’m worth it! That’s great if your guy is earning a 6 figure salary but wait what if he’s not. What if he’s joe average living from pay day to pay day. What should he do move into the bush and give up his home, perhaps take up walking and sell his car?
Okay girls lets be real here. Dreaming and lusting for that big 5 carat diamond ring is just fine. No problem with dreaming, but when it comes time for your man to buy that ring remember that the ring is not what you are marrying so perhaps it’s time to consider the quality and quantity of the husband to be rather than the ring

One of the best diamond resources is www.engagement-rings.com.au> they are a wholes seller who offer rock bottom prices for big rock.

VARIETY OF DIAMONDS

Diamond the most valued gemstone. The name comes from the Greek word “Adamas” meaning ´invincible´. The diamond is considered the greatest of stones, revered throughout the ages for its great beauty, and strength. The diamond is said to enhance the wearer with charm and beauty, which makes it women’s best friend from ages.
1. Pink Diamonds
The pink diamond is the world’s most rare and valuable diamond. The Argyle mine is the world’s foremost source of unrivalled intense pink diamonds, producing 95% of the world’s supply. Argyle has sold pink diamonds for up to $1 million a carat. For years the white diamond was considered the world’s most beautiful diamond,
2. White Diamonds
White diamonds are produced by mines all over the world in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The white diamonds recovered from the Argyle mine are particularly brilliant and of high quality. The Argyle mine also produces white diamonds with secondary pink color that command a higher price per carat. A higher price is commanded for pink secondary color depending on its depth and strength, because pink is one of the most rare colors found in diamonds.
3. Champagne Diamonds
Champagne diamonds are naturally colored diamonds that are produced in a wide range of colors from light straw to rich cognac. The 4C’s of color, cut, clarity and carat weight apply to colored diamonds just as they do to colorless diamonds except the intensity of color, not lack of it, plays a greater part in the valuation. The diamonds are graded on a C1-C7 color scale. The fancy cognac diamond is graded C7.
4. Pink Champagne Diamonds
Attractive champagne diamonds with secondary pink color are also available and command a higher price per carat than champagne diamonds. These stones display slight to bold flashes of pink in their fire. Pink is one of the rare colors found in diamonds.
There are some more varieties of diamonds available in different colors such as yellow diamonds, blue diamonds and the green diamonds. These are some of the rarely found varieties of diamonds.
Diamonds are not only used for jewelry, other than fashion it is also widely used in the industries. These industrial diamonds are a bit different from the gem diamonds. Diamonds hold their own significance in different streams and its beauty and tendency to perform helps it to excel over others.

Diamonds are most elegant, simple and the dazzling diamonds sparkle with the promise of eternity. Though we all love these beautiful, shimmering gems they are considered to be, “girl’s best friend.” A diamond in any form is a must have for every girl.

Diamond popularity is vast and we all love those dazzling white gemstones, but hold on you can also get a colored diamond that matches your outfit. Colored diamonds are a rage these days and are marketed extensively. As far as color goes you can have from reds, yellows, pinks to blues and greens and for that matter even brows and blacks. 

The colored diamonds or the fancy diamonds are not artificial diamonds, but are naturally produced as the traditional clear diamonds. However the colored diamonds are expensive traditional diamonds. The more distinct the color is the more costly the diamond is. This is probably due to the fact that the colored diamonds occur very rarely in nature. Let us take a sneak in this colored world.  

Pink Diamonds: Pink diamonds are hot favorites these are considered the treasure of treasures. Pink diamonds are epitome of love and grace as the color pink is always associated with femininity, love and grace. 

Yellow Diamonds: These are the diamonds with delicate dramatic appeal. The charismatic yellow diamonds has a distinct glow that has a sensual appeal. Each shade of the yellow diamonds illuminates the woman.   

Blue Diamonds: These are exceptional gems and are extremely rare. These are gorgeous gems with ranging from pale blue to deep hue of peacock’s tail.  

Green Diamonds: The elegant green diamonds could be ranging from yellowish green to bluish green to green yellow. Pure greens however are found very rarely. 

Brown Diamonds/Champagne Diamonds: These are soft glowing diamonds resembling the champagne bubbles. It is difficult to take your eyes away from it. 

The above are just a few examples there are many more colors available. These stunning diamonds in vibrant colors have a mesmerizing effect and you cannot resist the temptation to buy it. However when shopping for color diamonds always shop from a reputed jeweler and ask for an authenticated certificate.

Suncrest Diamonds, creators of the first collection of beautiful yellow “HPHT” diamonds, is expanding their lines of these *High Pressure, High Temperature gems to include a new collection of pink diamonds.  In their release at the JCK 2009 Las Vegas Show, they announced their intention to make the new pink HPHT diamonds available to retailers nationwide.The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has now designated the proprietary HPHT processes used by the company as “Suncrest”.  In this process, Suncrest selects naturally-mined diamonds and then places the diamonds under tremendous pressure and heat to bring out each gem’s color and natural beauty.  This can take an ordinary or less-than-jewel-worthy diamond and make it stunning and nearly perfect.  Some argue that, because the process is not done naturally over millions of years, that the diamonds have less value.  The proof, however, might be in the sparkle.  Suncrest pink diamonds get an additional treatment that ensures that the color will not fade over time.  Lab certification, from GIA or another recognized gem lab, can accompany each of Suncrest’s new pink diamonds, documenting the stones natural origin and processing.“We are very pleased that retailers can now offer beautiful, high-end pink and yellow HPHT diamonds to their discriminating diamond clientele at a price suited for today’s economy,” assured Sonny Pope, General Manager of Suncrest Diamonds.  “Our proprietary processes enable retailers and the diamond trade to dramatically upgrade existing natural diamond inventories with breathtaking results.”  Looking through a jeweler’s loupe, you would see nothing unusual about these beautiful, nearly-ideal diamonds—except that each diamond is inscribed with the “Suncrest Pink” designation. Because these are real diamonds that are enhanced mechanically, they are less costly than diamonds that are nearly-perfect after millions of years in the earth.  Most diamonds that are collected are not gem-quality, and go for industrial usage.  The fewer gems that are gem-quality are, indeed, very expensive.  Suncrest has developed a procedure that combines the natural and the mechanical to create a gem-quality diamond every time.  With a global economic recession and growing awareness about the origin of most diamonds, Suncrest might be exactly in the right place at the right time with this cutting-edge technology.