March 2006 Archives
Whatever Happened to The Jubilee Diamond?
On a diamond internet forum today someone asked whatever happened to the much hyped Jubilee Diamond? This modified square shape was introduced to great fanfare as being the pinnacle of light performance for those preferring the square shape stone.
What may have really happened is this cutter has decided to stop manufacturing the Jubilee due to the fact that achieving this cut level is very time-consuming and not financially worth it. Cutters are paid by the carat weight piece of diamond rough they are working on and the more time they have to spend working on a given piece of diamond rough in order to achieve the specs of the Developer, the less real money they earn. Cutting a diamond to "Good" Symmetry and Polish as opposed to Excellent or Ideal Symmetry/Polish allows for more rapid turnover and completion of cutting projects and viable earnings. The developer of the Jubilee is now actively seeking a new cutting firm. With the ever increasing prices of diamond rough and decreasing profit margins at retail, we predict it won't be easy finding one.
Jubilee Diamond
The real question now becomes what happens if the production of the Jubilee does not resume or even if it does resume at a sporadic production pace. Where does such a scenario leave consumers who have already purchased Jubilees and wish to avail themselves in the future of the upgrade policy that many Jewelers and Internet vendors provide. Will they be able to do so if there are no bigger Jubilees to upgrade to? With a shrinking market and popularity due to decreased supply, will the Jeweler/Vendor honor their Upgrade Policy if they no longer have a re-sale market?
With increasing competition for the consumers diamond dollars and the growing popularity of buying a diamond from Internet diamond websites, several members of the Diamond Industry seek to re-invent the wheel by introducing new fangled shapes and marketing campaigns to sell them. Introducing a new product and making it stick is not easy.
We covered this scenario in depth in a recent DiamondVues Blog entry here:
New Diamond Shapes: Success Or Bust?
Just to test your diamond knowledge, here is a very partial list of diamond cuts that have been introduced to the market in recent years. Can you identify them and tell if they are popular sellers?
Ashoka Cut
Amorillion Cut
Asprey Cut
Asscher Cut
Baguette Cut
Baguillion Cut
Barocut Cut
Briolette Cut
Buddha Cut
Christmas Tree Cut
Context Cut
Corona Cut
Can you correctly identify any three?
70,000 Wholesale Loose Diamonds!
Diamond Drop Shipping
It is no secret that many of the diamonds you will find listed on one website are also offered for sale by many different online diamond vendors.
Upon doing your research for diamonds online you will find many vendors boasting a diamond database of anywhere from 50,000 to 70,000 diamonds. Many times the same diamond listing will appear on multiple websites from different vendors. Truthfully, none of these vendors owns the loose diamond, much less have it in stock. They merely act as a drop-shipper to sell diamonds from diamond wholesalers. When an order is placed on the website the diamond is shipped directly from the manufacturer to you, the customer. These diamond vendors never physically see the diamond and offer you little help with any questions you may have about the stone. Indeed many of these online diamond merchants have very little knowledge about diamonds altogether.
Below is a diagram that we have put together to illustrate the drop ship diamond method:
At ExcelDiamonds.com we are the home for our Exclusive Collection of SuperbCert Hearts & Arrows Super-Ideal Cut Diamonds which are manufactured by us and are here in house. These are diamonds that you cannot buy anywhere else. We are also a family owned and operated business of diamond cutters and experts in our field. We know diamonds intimately and look to supply our customers with the very best diamonds at excellent values.
Added Value With ExcelDiamonds
On our website you will find in addition to our exclusive collection of branded ideal cut diamonds, we also offer databases with thousands of wholesale loose diamonds from many different manufacturers.
There are however a few major differences between us and many of our competitors who similarly provide lists of thousands of loose diamonds for your consideration:
1. We only list loose diamonds that we can and will bring in house immediately to evaluate on your behalf. This includes actual diamond photographs under various lighting conditions and magnifications, as well as copies of the diamond lab grading report, diamond Megascope, and light performance analyses.
2. Unlike some of our competitors who may offer you a similar service, we DO NOT CHARGE your Credit Card to call in these diamonds. We are happy to provide all of this information to you upfront with no financial commitment on your part.
3. We are a family oriented business third and fourth generation, diamond cutters and experts with 30 years of experience and a strong commitment to the same old world values shown by our parents and grandparents, not merely computer geeks or MBA suits who KNOW NOTHING ABOUT DIAMONDS and have decided to open a drop-ship diamond website. We will only sell you a diamond that we have first inspected for you and deem to be of excellent quality and value.
Diamond Price Match Guarantee
Finally, we are so confident of our service and commitment to you that we offer this guarantee: If you find the exact same diamond advertised on any other website for less money, just direct us to this page and WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT THE ADVERTISED PRICE OF THE STONE, GUARANTEED!
You will still get all of our amazing services including the most extensive scientific qualitative and quantitative reports and photos immediately at your finger tips, plus the very best price on the diamond!
The choice is easy and we hope you will shop with us for your dream diamond!
Precious Palladium Metal Gaining favor Among Jewelers.
Jewelery makers in Asia shrugged off platinum's falls from record highs as they struggled to use up inventories, and dealers said today more carmakers were turning to sister metal palladium as a substitute.
"Over US$1000 you should get less interest, certainly less demand," said Alastair McIntyre, head of marketing at ScotiaMocata in Hong Kong.
"After US$1000, you should start to see, you have either perceived or actual substitution in palladium," he said.
Platinum increased to US$1,055 an ounce on today mainly due to gains in gold as investors diversified into precious metals on worries about inflation, the US dollar's outlook and tensions in the West Asia over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
The metal, which rallied as much as 18 per cent in 2005, has since dropped as funds booked profits, but dealers said the declines failed to stir up interest from main consumers such as China and Japan.
Customs data from China showed declines in platinum imports in January, when the metal used in jewelery and to clean car exhaust fumes began its steady climb. China is the world's largest consumer of platinum jewellery.
China's imports from Switzerland, South Africa and Japan fell to 952 tons in January, down 41.3 per cent from the same month in 2005.
Spot platinum was quoted around US$1,044 an ounce while its much-cheaper sister metal, palladium, was at US$300.
"Consumers don't react much to prices but if you talk to the manufacturers, they are very sceptical about continuing their production," said a dealer in Shanghai.
"The margins are very low. Because of the price fluctuations in the international market, manufacturers are not really keen to stock up. They only make jewellery when they receive orders," he said.
Precious metals refiner Johnson Matthey said China's purchases of platinum for jewelery manufacture was expected to fall about 10 per ent to 910,000 ounces in 2005 as high prices scared off buyers.
Talk that more carmakers would shift to palladium had triggered fund buying, propelling the metal to its highest in nearly two years at US$320 in February, but dealers said the increase may not deter demand.
"The thing is that when people are waiting for a price level to enter, they tend to make mistakes," said a precious metals dealer in Hong Kong.
"If you look at the gold price, it has gone up from US$250 to almost to almost US$600. Every time they waited for the price to fall, they'd been burned because the price continues to go higher," he said.
Some Hong Kong dealers said they saw demand for palladium from jewelery makers in China since the price fell from highs.
Because of poor margins, China's platinum jewellers have turned to palladium and white gold - an alloy of gold and other light-coloured metals such as silver and palladium.
"Selling pressure increased when palladium reached US$320. I am still bullish on palladium but it must consolidate," said another Hong Kong dealer.
Look for Palladium to become more prominent if Platinum maintains and increases it's price strength.
Precious Metal Silver Exploding Up In Price! Why?
Silver futures closed at a fresh 22-year high Friday, up more than 4% for the week with the gains tied to expectations that an exchange-traded fund based on the metal will soon be launched.
The May contract for silver closed at $10.235 an ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up 2.7 cents, following an earlier rise to $10.31, a level not seen since at least 1984.
The contract climbed by more than 4% on Thursday as traders bet that the silver ETF in registration from Barclays Global Investors may soon begin trading. Silver's prices closed last Friday at $9.825 an ounce.
"Conditions are set to remain volatile in silver for some time to come as traders await the SEC's decision on Barclay's ETF application," said James Moore, an analyst at TheBullionDesk.com in London.
But "a positive outcome and subsequent launch is likely to generate plenty of upside with $12.50 remaining my price target," he said.
Although there was no official confirmation that the ETF has gained regulatory approval, the Securities and Exchange Commission recently closed a 21-day public comment period on the fund.
Lance Berg, a spokesman for Barclays Global Investors, said Friday he was unable to comment on the iShares Silver Trust, which is still subject to an SEC-imposed quiet period.
Analysts said silver's rise may reflect buying on speculation the silver ETF would soon get the green light. Gold experienced a similar pop in the weeks leading up to the launch of StreetTracks Gold Trust.
"The 130 million ounces of silver needed for the launch of securitized silver are not going to be easy to come by, nor will they leave much available for investors who have been just starting to chase after the white metal as soon as gold reached new highs," according to Jon Nadler, an investment products analyst at bullion dealers Kitco.com.
Wholesale Loose Diamonds Online
Wholesale Diamonds Online
Wholesale Diamonds Online
Do a search on Google, yahoo, msn, or any of the major search engines for terms like discount diamonds, wholesale diamonds, or diamonds for sale online, and you are sure to be inundated with hundreds of pages of “internet diamond vendors” offering all kinds of promotions and “wholesale diamonds”.
The problem with these kinds of “cheap diamond” slogans and terms is that it is often misleading and sometimes outright fraudulent.
Consider this simple fact; any diamond seller or vendor who is engaged in the online sale of loose diamonds and jewelry is by definition a retail diamond establishment, not a “diamond wholesaler”.
Unfortunately, in the world of cyberspace one of the most abused terms is “wholesale loose diamonds”.
Internet diamond vendors would like to give you the impression that they are offering you a loose diamond at the wholesale price. What they hope you do not realize is that they are in virtually all instances, acting as a reseller of loose diamonds. What this means is that they are basically attaching a database of thousands of loose diamonds that they get as a feed or listing from an actual diamond wholesaler or diamond manufacturer.
The diamond re-seller or diamond vendor basically attaches his profit margin to the spreadsheet of loose diamonds and uploads to his diamond website. When you, the customer place an order for a loose diamond on one of these websites you are essentially paying for a loose diamond being sold as a retail item through a drop-shipper or middleman. As a matter of fact, when you buy a loose diamond from one of these guys, he will never see the stone before you do. The diamond is actually shipped directly from the manufacturer to the end consumer with the tags, and paperwork of the middleman placed on the package. Many of these diamond vendors don’t even know much about diamonds at all. These are entrepreneurs or computer geeks who decided to sell diamonds on-line by setting up a website and tapping into the wholesale diamond lists of various diamond companies.
An additional fact for your consideration (one that the diamond vendor doesn’t want you to know about) is that not unlike many other products and services there is a certain general pricing structure for loose diamonds. This is called the RAP (Rappaport sheet) list. The pricing factors are based on the diamond shape, diamond color, diamond clarity, and diamond carat weight.
The bottom line is that there is no such thing as a wholesale diamond being sold on the internet, or anywhere else. The diamond reseller, or vendor doesn’t give you the wholesale diamond price simply because he needs to make a living too. If he gave you the diamond at his cost he wouldn’t be much of a salesman, would he?
The advertisement of “wholesale diamonds” is therefore unethical, and misleading. It is also a falsehood.
At www.exceldiamonds.com we do not sell “wholesale diamonds”. We are also not acting as middlemen to blindly drop ship diamonds to our customers.
We are third and fourth generation diamond manufacturers and dealers manufacturing our Exclusive collection of SuperbCert Hearts and Arrows Diamonds. These are loose ideal cut diamonds that are also AGS-0 Diamonds, cut to the highest standards for diamond precision and brilliancy.
With us, there is no empty rhetoric. You may not get a “wholesale diamond” but you will get the closest price to it. Our margins are very small and we give you tremendous value by including all kinds of scientific reports, photos, and documentation with your loose diamond.
When you buy a loose diamond online with us, you know what you are getting:
No blind drop shipping.
No computer guy turned “diamond guru”,or “Diamond expert”.
No claims of “diamonds below wholesale”.
Top quality loose diamonds and jewelry.
Comprehensive and detailed diamond reports and information.
Personalized attention and commitment to customer satisfaction.
We certainly hope you will join our thousands of happy online diamond and jewelry customers.
Feel free to call us at any time Toll-Free at 1.866.829.8600
How Search Engines Find Your Site
I just found a really awesome article by Lara Ewen on how search engines crawl cyberspace looking for websites.
This is a must read for anyone that wants a good basic idea of the dynamics of Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
If you own or operate a diamond or jewelry website, read the rest of this article!
Continue reading "How Search Engines Find Your Site" »
Diamonds, Gems, and Designer Jewels At The Oscars 2006!
Don't know how many of you guys watched the Oscars last night, but if you are a diamond and jewelry enthusiast like me you must have been blinded more by the stunning (and gaudy :)) diamonds and jewelry hanging from the Holywood stars than from the stars themselves!
I mean, you literally had millions of dollars worth of borrowed inventory from all of the major jewelry designers and manufacturers on display last night.
I couldn't help but wonder whether these items were all insured or if Tiffany, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels all sent over special "chaperones" to keep a close eye on these magnificent baubles!
Read the full coverage article by the Associated Press below to see who was wearing what.....
Continue reading "Diamonds, Gems, and Designer Jewels At The Oscars 2006!" »
Diamond Encrusted Camera For Oscar Nominees!!
Rapaport News reports today that Kwiat Diamonds partnered with Eastman Kodak Company to create a dual-lens digital camera encrusted with diamonds.
The Kodak Easyshare V570 was adorned with 75 brilliant-cut diamonds, forming the initials of all best actress nominees at the 78th Academy Awards.
Kwiat and Kodak put the value of each camera at $20,000.
Founded in 1907 in New York, Kwiat is a fourth-generation family business.
Jeez!! what a waste of space for perfectly cut diamonds!
I think they had it right a few years back with the way they used diamonds on Tyra Banks:
Definitely more appropriate!
Valeri Crenshaw loved this idea and so did we!
GIA Or AGS Graded Diamonds? Take Both.
Recently on various diamond forums I see certain diamond experts getting their pants up in a bunch with all kinds of lengthy polemics even Albert Einstein wouldn't understand as to which diamond grading lab is considered to be the end all and be all. The two labs in question are the GIA and AGS. Certain flaws on the part of both labs are pointed out to support an argument one way over the other. What everyone agrees on however, is that both of these labs are the top two diamond laboratories in the world. Any loose diamond accompanied by a grading report from one of these labs is your assurance of only the highest and strictes standards for diamond grading.
In reality, it really doesn't have to be made so difficult. We're not talking rocket science.
Here is a rather simple break down:
Every loose diamond that you are considering for your purchase should be accompanied by a grading report (or diamond certificate) from an Independent grading laboratory whose job it is to ensure that you are getting what you paid for.
Many labs are incompetent. Other "labs" are really some guy in the back of the diamond store printing out cards with arbitrary grades given to each diamond. Usually these diamond color, diamond clarity, and diamond cut designations has you paying more for considerably less.
The strictest and most respected diamond grading labs in the world are the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gemological Society.
There is however one key difference between these two labs.
GIA until recently did not issue a diamond "cut grade" while AGS has been issuing cut grades for diamonds going back quite some time.
The coveted GIA certifed diamond has always been the GIA EX/EX or Excellent/Excellent for diamond polish and symmetry.
The coveted AGS certified diamond has always been the AGS-0 (or AGS-000) indicating ideal cut diamond proportions for all measurements.
As to the question of which lab is better? The answer is they are both excellent.
A loose diamond graded by the GIA or AGS is more valuable then any other "certified" diamond of dubious distinction. You are assured that a loose diamond graded by any one of these labs is exactly as described.
An AGS-0 loose diamond or a GIA certified EX/EX diamond will BOTH be visually beautiful and brilliant to the eye. Ultimately this is what really matters to the customer. All of the other nitty gritty permutations and considerations are moot.
Finally, for those who would like to know how a loose diamond measures up on both the AGS and GIA scale, there is a simple solution; get both.
I'm not suggesting here that a customer ask for two diamond certificates, that is ridiculous and unwarranted.
What I am suggesting however is that you can get a GIA certified EX/EX diamond and also ask for a sarin, or MegaScope analysis of your diamond which will give you an indication of the AGS score for the stone. You will see clearly whether the diamond in question qualifies as a true AGS-0 or not.
There are many diamond companies and websites that offer all of this comprehensive information up-front to their customers without you having to ask for it. It is always advisable to seek out a company the provides this level of data and full disclosure on all of their loose diamonds.
Thus, you can have your cake and eat it too!
For more information on the actual cut parameters and differences between the AGS and GIA models, here is an excellent link.
Isee2 Diamond "Beauty Evaluator"....What A Scam.
People have been asking us about the Isee2 Machine which ostensibly measures a loose diamonds brilliancy on a performance based assesment scale (Isee 2).
Isee2 Machine
On the surface of things this new technology seems pretty cool.
Certainly cannot hurt to use this machine with all of the other scientific tools we use to evaluate and measure diamond beauty and cut precision, no?
NO.
What many diamond shoppers do not know is that this machine was engineered and created by this company for the expressed purpose of promoting, marketing, and selling Ideal Cut Diamonds of their own exclusive manufacture.
In order for any company to "lease" the Isee2 diamond machine, a requirement to buy this company's (overseas diamonds) ideal cut diamonds for stock is placed upon the diamond vendor. This arrangement is a yearly agreement to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Ever hear of the proverbial expression "the fox is guarding the henhouse"?
Certainly a "scientific" company that puts out a product for measuring and assessing diamond beauty, should not have a vested interest in doing so for the (expressed) purpose of selling their own goods....clearly a conflict of interest.
Additionally, besides for a fluff piece here and there regarding what the machine does, there is absolutely no hard data on exactly how this machine evaluates brilliance in a loose diamond.
NO faq's
NO peer review
NO independent review by any major industry authority
NO information
YES - Clear conflict of interest.
Sounds like a raw deal to me.
Bottom line is that the isee2 measurement for loose diamonds is much to do about nothing.
Loose Diamonds and Beer!
What should a beer lover do to enjoy his home drinking and impress his friends? Perhaps buy a draft beer dispenser studded with more than 1,000 diamonds, suggests Dutch beer maker Heineken.
Heineken is now offering its BeerTender, a draft beer dispensing machine, set with more than 1,100 diamonds with a total weight of 35 carats for 110,000 euros ($128,000). They call it the BeerTender Millionaire Style.
A prototype of the machine, made of 18-karat gold with the help of the Amsterdam Diamond Society, will be offered at the Millionaire's Fair in Amsterdam December 9 - 12.
Heineken introduced the BeerTender a year ago and has since sold 150,000 machines for a more modest 279 euros. The device was conceived in an effort to boost home beer consumption, to counter the decline in West European beer consumption.
Hey Heineken, Change your radio and TV ads to: "Its' NOT all about the beer!"
$30 Million Dollar Diamond Bikini!!
One of the most popular magazines is the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. And, while many of the magazine's readers are probably less interested in the swimsuits than the models, this year’s issue includes one very unique swimsuit - a diamond bikini worth $30 million.
With 150 carats of D Flawless diamonds supplied by Steinmetz Diamonds, the two-piece, modeled by Molly Sims, is reportedly the most expensive item of diamond apparel ever made.
Designed by Susan Rosen, the bikini has a 51 carat pear shape diamond, a 30 carat emerald cut diamond, a pair of 15 carat rounds and a pair of 8 carat pear shape diamonds. The sparklers are set in rust resistant platinum.
This year’s swimsuit issue showcases 26 models, including tennis star Maria Sharapova and super model Heidi Klum, who is depicted wearing body paint instead of a real swimsuit
Did someone say diamonds??
Diamond Dealers Need To Laugh Too!
One of our customers just sent me this fantastic pic.
Enjoy The laugh!
Gold Going to $800 Dollars?!
Blanchard and Co., a precious commodities and rare coin brokerage in the Central Business District, New Orleans, has bullishly forecast gold prices climbing steadily to $300 an ounce, then $400 and $500.
With gold futures for April delivery topping $560 Feb. 24, Blanchard’s new prediction still raises eyebrows — $800 before year’s end.
Blanchard CEO and President Donald Doyle Jr. said the precious metals market is on the cusp of an upswing.
“We’re in the middle of a cycle. The whole commodity complex has declined by two-thirds over a period of 20 years,” Doyle said. “The price of gold and the price of oil in the latter part of the ’90s hit 20-year lows so you had an oversold market that was ready for a recovery. And then you add to that the fact there’s a tremendous amount of demand coming from countries like India, China and throughout Asia.
“It’s obvious no market goes up forever but it appears we’re just at the beginning of a long bull market. Most analysts predict the market probably has a decade to run before it turns in the other direction.”
Doyle said lengthy cycles are the norm in the precious commodities market because production rises to meet the increased demand when prices go up. As supply increases, the market and prices stabilize and then go down.
Neal Ryan, Blanchard director of research, said hedge funds created some false increases in gold prices through speculative buying, but he sees an upside to the tumult.
“There’s a lot of volatility in the market but at the same time that’s good because it brings a lot of interest in the market,” Ryan said. “The prospects for precious metals moving forward ... even though they are decade highs is potentially up to 50 to 100 percent on the upside.
“This year we’re putting our target at $750 for gold by the end of the year, possibly above that if we see some certain things happen.”
Doyle was more bullish, forecasting $800 by year’s end.
Ryan also expects increased commodities investment to drive prices. With just one-tenth of 1 percent of the money in the stock market, he said, demand for precious metals would increase exponentially. Private investment and government portfolio diversification — like foreign countries choosing to back their currency with gold versus the U.S. dollar — should lead to a “massive increase” of funds into the metals market, said Ryan.
Fool's Gold or do we get off the train now?
Tiffany Engagement Ring? You Decide.
Why in the world does every diamond vendor on the internet selling these ugly, generic, cookie cutter, 6 prong diamond mountings feel like they can call it a "Tiffany Engagement Ring"?
I mean, these things rings are inferior to the actual Tiffany ring in sooooooo many ways.
They are poorly constructed in lightweight "platinum" or "14kt. gold".
They have porosity all over the place.
They don't look like the actual Tiffany.
They don't feel like the actual Tiffany.
They are not of the same quality as the actual Tiffany.
It seems like any ring that has a 6 prong head on it gets labeled as a "Tiffany style engagement ring".
Why don't you decide. (Remember this is just off a picture. In real life you'd "see" the difference with your eye closed.)
Actual Tiffany Ring
Cheap "Tiffany" Knock Off
Decent "Tiffany" Knock off
Exact Tiffany Replica
Here is the finest Tiffany replica engagement ring on the internet. See the difference.
WhiteFlash Diamond Video Tutorial
Brian Gavin and the folks at Whiteflash have put together a really excellent selection of diamond videos designed to educate consumers on the four diamond "C's", better known as diamond cut, diamond, clarity, diamond carat, and diamond color.
If you are more of a visual learner these videos will be very beneficial to you.
Hearts On Fire Diamonds. Why?
Some time ago I blogged here concerning Hearts on Fire Diamonds and their website makeover.
There are websites that piggy back on the hearts on fire brand name recognition every day.
My question is why?
The Hearts on Fire Diamonds are very nice and extremely expensive.
They are possibly the most recognizable diamond brand no small thanks (due) to their uber marketing to the tune of millions of dollars a year.
Customers who buy into this brand are paying for this marketing.
The reality is that there are similar or better cut diamonds available today for less money, plain and simple.
With a little bit of homework on the internet you will find websites that offer Super-Ideal Cut Diamonds which are crafted to achieve greater precision and brilliancy than the typical ideal cut Hearts on Fire Diamond, and for substantially less money.
Most importantly, some websites will actually give you real hard data, and scientific information to quantify your diamonds cut precision and beauty, not just the romantic fluff and marketing spit out by Hearts on Fire's website.
In short, the Hearts on Fire Diamonds are definitely nice.
Are they the best diamonds that money can buy to the exclusion of all others? Certainly not.
Are they pricey? Hmm... not unless taking out a mortgage to buy a loose diamond is no big deal for you.
Are they worth the premium? You decide.
Do they offer any real information to actually back up their claim of selling "the world's most perfectly cut diamond"? NO.
My personal opinion (others may disagree) is; "Buy the diamond, not the Brand".
The reality is that Hearts on Fire has built a very successful business model selling their diamonds through carefully selected and authorized store-based jewelers across the Country.
The jewelry stores love their flagship diamond brand because of the mandated pricing structure which allows them to make a whopping profit on every diamond they sell.
The customers who buy into the brand (and don't realize or mind the hugely inflated price tag) are also happy with "The world's most perfectly cut diamond" because assuredly the diamond is quite beautiful.
What is interesting to note however, is the fact that Hearts on Fire branded diamonds are not sold or marketed on the Internet.
In fact, Hearts on Fire diamonds could never survive on the Internet, where diamonds of even better cut quality and beauty are sold every day for a fraction of the price.
The customers who buy Hearts on Fire diamonds in the stores, would probably never buy a diamond on the net...period. They enjoy and are willing to pay for the beauty, brilliancy and consistency of The Hearts On Fire Diamonds.
Conversely, the customers who research buying diamonds on-line and wind up with an ideal cut, hearts & arrows diamond purchased on the net at a fraction of the Hearts on Fire diamond prices, will probably never walk back into a local jewelry store again......
The "right decision" and the "right diamond" is the one that works for you, personally.
Diamond Branding. Are They All A Cut Above?
Diamond branding is really nothing new.
There are so many companies that are branding their own diamonds today, it's almost impossible to keep up.
Companies market a branded diamond in an effort to create a niche and distinguish themselves from their competition.
A "brand" in any industry, especially the diamond industry should be synonymous with a higher standard of quality and craftsmanship. In this context, the brand adds value to the product.
The problem exists when companies put out less than stellar loose diamonds in all kinds of shapes and configurations and put more focus on marketing them then worrying about a quality standard.
These "branded diamonds" are usually here today and gone tomorrow.
These diamonds may be marketed as being a cut above the rest, however the sad truth is that they are often cut for weight retention to achieve a certain shape which consequently sacrifices the diamonds ability to maximize its refracted light and brilliancy.
A diamond brand is only as good as the quality behind it. Otherwise it's just a label.
Some diamond brands (these diamonds are all marketed and copywrited by their respected companies.) are:
Hearts on Fire Diamonds
Aglaia Diamonds
SuperbCert Diamonds
A Cut Above Diamonds
Lazare Kaplan Diamonds
Amore Diamonds
88 Cut Diamonds
Eighternity Diamonds
Regent Cut Diamonds
CrissCut Diamonds
Baroka Cut Diamonds
Blue Nile Signature Diamonds
Tiffany Ideal Cut Diamonds
Eightstar Diamonds
Hearts to Eternity Diamonds
The Love Diamond
Couples Diamond
Here is an excellent link for many different diamond brands.
Tiffany Jewelry Stores in 52 Cities!
(March 7, 2006) Tiffany & Co. announces its plans to open new locations in Yonago and Mito, Japan, bringing the number of retail locations to 52.
The approximately 1,500 gross-square-foot Yonago boutique will opened March 12 at the Takashimaya center and a 2,900 gross-square-foot Mito boutique will open on March 17 in the Keisei center.
Tiffany Ring & Box
Round Diamond Parts
Here are the principal parts of a 58 faceted round diamond.
Zales Diamonds Has Disappointing Year
Following a lackluster year (fiscally) for the Zales Diamond Corp., Mary Forte, the company's president and chief executive officer resigned recently.
Mary Forte
Forte, a retail veteran who joined the chain in 1994 as president of Gordon's Jewelers was president of the company since August 2002.
Zales has described its sales figures over the past year as disappointing, and the chain has closed 29 Baily Banks & Biddle stores as part of its shift designed to move its national brand into the upscale arena, and cut back on its sales events.
Barry G. recently blogged on this steady decline over here.
Maybe people are starting to realize that with a bit of homework there is far better quality diamonds and jewelry to be had out there at prices that are just as competitive.......
Promoting Platinum Jewelry
Platinum Guild International has recently launched a new advertising campaign for bridal jewelry. This is a multimillion dollar global push that they hope will emotionally hook consumers and trigger bridal sales for precious platinum jewelry in a market that has seen prices for this precious metal soar.
Here are a few of these ads:
Let me share with you a few of the "insider tips" they are giving us for selling platinum bridal jewelry:
1. Never prejudge customers on their budgets. Show Platinum first, because it's easier to sell down than to sell up.
2. Put the setting's cost into the context of the ring's total price, or the customers total wedding budget. Remind them that the ring will last longer than items like the wedding invitations, cakes, or flowers.
3. Let the customer touch the ring (duh..) - the metal's substantial luster and heft speaks for itself.
4. Steer the conversation away from price, and toward love and emotion.
Now you got the inside scoop!
Borrow Diamonds and Jewelry!
Yes, you heard right!
There is this really cool website that has functioned up until now as a source for loaning beautiful handbags and purses for that special night out. The site features collections from Balenciaga, Chloe, and Fendi. The site lets customers pick from 3 levels of monthly membership, paying $19.95 to be a "trendsetter," $49.95 to be a "princess" and $99.95 to be a "diva". Each level gives members access to a different "closet" of handbags in various styles and prices.
Well, they have been so succesfull with this that they are now planning to round out their bag offerings with fine jewelry and watches starting in early April 2006. The company says its collection will boast baubles by David Yurman, John Hardy, Judith Ripka, and Tiffany, and will include watches by Marc Jacobs, Raymond Weil, Gucci and more!!
Check them out here!!
Porsche Design Focusing On Watches!
Combining a sports car's 'elan with the precision of swiss watchmaking, Porsche Design is quickly maneuvering into the retail watch market.
Introduced on a limited basis at BaselWorld 2004, the Porsche Design Indicator P'6910 has now reached mass production maturity. The watch had its U.S. launch with much fanfare at a press conference at New York's Tourneau Time Machine, complete with overhead screen to show its complex mechanics.
Awesome Watch!
About Precious Platinum. All You Need To Know
Pure
Platinum jewellery is generally 95% pure, unlike 18 carat gold, which is 75% pure. No metal is completely pure and all have alloys - blends of other metals. Platinum has few alloys, making it so pure it doesn't fade or change colour and it retains its shine for years. The pure white lustre of the metal reflects the true brilliance of diamonds; provides the best setting for precious jewels and complements gold's natural yellow shade. Platinum's purity also makes it kind to the skin because, unlike some alloys in other metals, it does not cause allergic reactions.
Rare
Platinum
Platinum is 35 times rarer than gold and is found in very few places in the world, mainly South Africa and Russia, and to a lesser extent in Zimbabwe, Canada and South America. Every year only 88 tonnes of platinum are made into jewellery, compared with 2,700 tonnes of gold. It takes eight weeks and 10 tonnes of ore to produce one single ounce (31.1 grams) of platinum, whereas only three tonnes are mined to produce the same amount of gold. There are also fewer platinum mines. For every 10 gold mines there is just one platinum mine.
Eternal
Platinum's density and weight make it more durable than other jewellery metals. A six-inch (15 cm) cube of platinum weighs 165 lbs (75 kg), the same as an average man. Platinum is also resistant to heat and acids and has a high melting point - 3,223ºF (1,768ºC). Platinum doesn't wear away and holds precious stones firmly and securely. Some of the world's most famous gems are set in platinum, such as the Koh-I-Nor diamond, part of the British crown jewels. All precious metals can scratch, and platinum is no exception. However, the scratch on a platinum piece is merely a displacement of the metal and none of its volume is lost, whereas scratching gold wears it away and decreases its volume. If visible scratches do appear on a platinum piece, a qualified jeweller can re-polish it.
Versatile
In addition to its strength and density, platinum has another remarkable quality - pliability. Platinum is so pliable, that just one gram of the metal can be drawn to produce a fine wire over one mile (almost 2 km) long. This quality has enabled jewellers to create some amazing versatile platinum mesh accessories, which could not be fashioned from other precious metals. Platinum is also in demand in other fields - it is used in industry, most notably in catalytic converters. Platinum also plays an important role in medicine. It is not affected by the oxidisation reaction of blood, has excellent conductivity, and is compatible with living tissue. Because of these properties, platinum is used for pacemakers. At present, more than 50,000 people are living healthily on pacemakers. Platinum is a life-saving metal for these people.
Oscar Nominee Declines Diamonds From De Beers!
She could have been showered with diamonds and plied with champagne in Hollywood. But humble Scots illustrator Sharon Colman turned down the offer, insisting she's not really here for De Beers.
Miss Colman, was in Los Angeles, where her seven-minute animated film Badgered was among the Oscar nominations, and has never enjoyed the big star treatment. (Badgered lost to 'The Moon and the Son.')
The 27-year-old film school graduate, who has a modest and intermittent income, struggled to find sponsors to fly her to the states and put her up in a hotel so she could attend the awards.
But when De Beers offered her a Diamond Healing therapy and massage using gems worth $6 million, plus her pick from a $30 million selection of diamonds to wear, she said she was "too busy."
"I really don't have time to sit around sipping champagne," said Colman, from Balloch in Dunbartonshire. Her attitude was in sharp contrast to that of Keira Knightley, who spent hours choosing from De Beers' diamond rings, necklaces, earrings, and tiaras laid out at the heavily-guarded Soho Hotel in the Hollywood Hills before Oscar night.
But a spokesman for Colman said she was "perfectly happy" with the costume jewellery she had already chosen at Butler and Wilson, whose necklaces start at GBP18.
"Diamonds are not really her thing," said the spokesman.
"Sharon doesn't feel it is in keeping with the image she is trying to portray." A stunned Hollywood source said, "De Beers don't just select anyone. Of course she must be busy, but her film is only seven minutes long, for goodness' sake."
"I hope it's not a decision she lives to regret - these people don't ask twice."
Source: The Mail on Sunday.
Diamond License Plates.
Automobile license plates in Arkansas have a new design that incorporates a faceted diamond background image to represent the state's public diamond mine -- the Crater of Diamonds State Park.
State officials considered other motifs, but found the diamond design represented the state best.
During the unveiling in Little Rock on March 9, Richard Weiss, director of the state's finance department, said a sheaf of rice, a mallard duck, and the diamond were considered for a design montage, but the look became "too cluttered."
Arkansas license plates are made by Waldale Manufacturing in diamond-rich Canada.
Perfect Diamond Gift for Her: Listen Up Guys!
Are you still contemplating what to buy her, insisting on that one perfect gift? Engagement ring? If so, you might want to head over to eBay, which is offering some exceptional items, including a $10.95 million 81.98 carat D / IF emerald cut loose diamond.
Maybe not for everybody's pocket, but if you are looking for a truly exceptional item, and have the financial ability, some of the following stones offered on eBay will leave the recipients speechless.
If you are looking for something slightly more modest, how about a 50.98 carat, I / VS1, IGI certified, pear shaped loose diamond, offered for $3.32 million?
Three other seven-digit diamond offers include a parcel of 22 GIA certified flawless diamonds with a total carat weight of 65.31 carats, on offer for $1,752,600; a 40 carat VS2 / D round sparkler offered for $1.608 million; and a 6.67 carat, VVS1 modified pear brilliant, HPHT treated fancy purplish pink diamond for $1.2 million.
All of these are yours for the taking - if you are on the seller's pre-approved bidder/buyer list.
Just another day at the office.
Custom Designed Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring!
Hiya Folks!
Here is a beautiful custom made princess cut diamond engagement ring that we just built for one of our customers!
The center diamond is our Exclusive, Branded SuperbCert 1.32 carat, F color, ..........now hold on to your seats...I1 clarity (yes you heard right) Princess Cut Diamond.
Because of this diamonds incredible brilliance, the inclusions are masked and it is virtually impossible to detect with your unaided eye!!
The diamond engagement ring is completely hand crafted of solid 18kt. gold and features exceptional detailing, matching side trillion diamonds, and round brilliants pave set in the band!
We also placed a custom basket on the ring with special V tips (chevron tips) to protect the four corners of the princess cut diamond.
A masterpiece that picture don't quite do justice to.
Enjoy!
Custom Diamond Studded Cuflinks!
Someone sent me a link to this great website which sells custom manufactured engraved jewelry in gold or platinum with diamonds.
Custom made Cufflinks in Gold
This guy designs some really cool stuff like solid gold cufflinks carved with your initials, engraved neckleces etc.
Check him out.
Gem of A Bridal Gown! Most Expensive In U.S.
Most Expensive Bridal Gown (on record) To Be Worn In U.S.!!
When his little girl asked her dad for her dream wedding gown one Brooklyn father just could not say no. Even when the price tag for the schemata was a whopping $300,000! Anthony La Bate of Francesca Couture has been charged with the task to design what is most likely the most expensive wedding gown ever worn in the U.S.
The bride (whose name remains a mystery) has commissioned a dress encrusted with 1,100 diamonds totaling 300 carats and 3,000 Swarovski crystals all combined with 50 yards of silk organza. The wedding, scheduled to take place in New York in late summer, will definitely be one in which no guest will out sparkle this bejeweled 23 year old bride.
When the bride - whose father paid for the dress - called La Bate, she asked for an "over-the-top magnificent wedding dress."
"I've never heard of a gown at this price before in the U.S.," said La Bate. "I've designed gowns with semi-precious stones before, but never diamonds." And so when La Bate suggested using diamonds, "She said no problem... when I told her the value came out to $300,000, she was cool with it."
But the bride isn't cool with the world knowing who she is just yet. "She's a little shy and doesn't want to deal with any of this at the moment," said La Bate. "She comes from a great family."
The silk gown (pictured below) is in two pieces, with a diamond-adorned bodice that flares out like two leaves. The bottom of the dress is a detachable ball gown, which contains 50 yards of bias-cut petals in six tiers of scalloping, that the bride can take off at the end of the ceremony - so she isn't weighed down.
One of a Kind Bridal Gown
Each diamond was individually hand-stitched on the fabric. If they were to be replaced by crystals, the value of the dress would drop to $30,000, said La Bate.
On average, brides will spend anywhere from $500 to $12,000 on a gown. Further establishing this gown as one of the most expensive ever made in the US a rep at Saks Fifth Avenue bridal, which carries top bridal gowns priced from $3,000 said, "I've never heard of a gown of that price, not even from the highest couturier in the world."
(Source: IDEX Magazine)
GIA Cut Grade for Round Brilliant Shape Defined.
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) the worlds foremost diamond grading laboratory introduced their new Cut Grade system for round diamonds on January 1, 2006. This new cut grade system is based on 15 years of intensive research which included sophisticated computer modeling and over 70,000 human observations of diamonds differing in cut quality and measurements.
The new Cut grades are divided into the following categories:
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
99% of the diamonds graded by the GIA will fall into one of the top three categories.
On March 10, 2006 Tom Moses issued a release further defining the parameters of the new GIA Cut Grade. I have reprinted his comments in their entirety below in order to give you consumers a better understanding of this new Cut Grade system and how it may help you in your purchasing decisions.
From the GIA website, 3/10/06.
March 10, 2006
From the GIA Laboratory: Six Defining Qualities of the New GIA Diamond Cut Grading System
"With the announcement and subsequent launch of the GIA Diamond Cut Grading System, I am frequently asked to explain the benefits of our system. Over the last several months, we have tried to address this and other aspects of the new cut grading system during the many presentations we have given on it, both domestically and internationally. At this time, I would like to share some of what we have presented.
The defining qualities of the GIA Diamond Cut Grading System are:
1. The system is Scientific. It rests on a foundation of peer-reviewed research, which included computer-modeled light behavior and statistical analysis of observations by members from all sectors of the international diamond community. Rather than starting with preconceived notions of which proportions and other factors lead to beauty and high cut quality in round brilliants, we used custom-designed computer ray-tracing and extensive observation testing to explore broad areas of proportion space. During the course of this methodical process, we scientifically proved what many in the industry had long felt about good proportions in round brilliants, but also discovered areas of proportion space that many in the trade never suspected could produce quality diamonds.
2. The system is Practical to use. It is visually intuitive—attractive diamonds receive favorable grades and unattractive diamonds are described as such. We also carefully considered what the “right number” of grades should be in a practical system—and arrived at five (excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor) based on the limitations of visual discrimination. The visual basis of the system also allows it to be taught (and learned) easily in our Education courses, and experienced members of the diamond trade can quickly see that GIA cut grades make sense and are easily understood.
3. The system is Comprehensive. Face-up appearance may be the most important part of a diamond cut grading system, but it is not the only part that should be considered. Our new system also includes aspects of physical design (such as weight and durability) and craftsmanship. All of these factors are considered in the determination of a final, overall cut grade.
4. The system acknowledges personal and regional Tastes and Preferences. One of the most compeling findings from our observation tests and interviews was that different people prefer different appearances in diamonds. Sometimes these differences are from one person to another, and other times they represent preferences in certain countries or regions. We knew that the GIA Diamond Cut Grading System had to be applicable around the world. In some cases, this meant recognizing that a certain face-up appearance might be favored by some but not others. This recognition, backed by the findings of our ray-tracing and observation tests, is incorporated into the final system. Even though there can be different appearances within a given GIA cut grade (a good thing from both a sales and consumer point of view), the overall performance (e.g., the brightness and fire) of each diamond with the same grade is similar.
5. The system is Predictive. Manufacturers, whether polishing a diamond from rough or recutting a polished diamond for a better grade, need to know before they start what cut grade they can expect from a certain set of proportions. The GIA Diamond Cut Grading System allows them to do this by using any of the GIA Facetware™ products—the free online Facetware Cut Estimator and Facetware Look-Up Tables, or the Facetware Database as embedded in non-contact measurement devices (such as those offered by Sarin and OGI).
6. Last, but certainly not least, the system is Accessible. Consistent with GIA’s status as a public benefit corporation, we have made the system available to anyone who wants to use it. To this end, we have developed software (GIA Facetware) that predicts cut grades and is available in several different formats, as described above. We have also dedicated a whole section of our website to presenting relevant information about the GIA Diamond Cut Grading System. In addition, since we announced the system in August of 2005, representatives of GIA Research and the Laboratory have been offering presentations at trade shows and in major cutting centers in the United States and internationally. Starting in January, GIA Education began teaching students how to use the new cut system in half-day seminars, and it now includes this instruction in all new diamond-related course material. Everything needed to use and understand the new cut grading system is readily available.
We are confident that we have created a diamond cut grading system for round brilliants that is accurate, complete, and practical. It is a system that can be used and understood by the public to make informed buying decisions, and by manufacturers to maximize the beauty from rough. For more information about the new system, please visit our diamond cut microsite. www.gia.edu
Thank you,"
Tom Moses
Senior Vice President, GIA Laboratory and Research
Winter Olympics Slows Jewelry Buying on the Net.
Interest in the 2006 Winter Olympics drove significant activity, according to comScore Network’s monthly analysis of consumer activity at top online sites.
In February, jewelry, luxury goods and accessories ranked fifth, increasing eight percent to 14.6 million visitors compared with the previous month. Tiffany & Co. helped propel the category in February with 52 percent growth to 1.3 million visitors. However, compared with February 2004, the category saw a four percent drop off.
“Although Valentine’s Day drove up traffic in several categories versus the previous month, those categories actually experienced declines when compared to February of the prior year,” said Peter Daboll, president and CEO of comScore Media Metrix. “Conversely, heavy interest in the 2006 Winter Olympics propelled the Sports category to a 16 percent traffic gain and 32 percent increase in engagement over February 2005. It appears that the Olympics took away mindshare from Valentine’s Day during the middle part of the month, possibly resulting in softer sales for Valentine’s Day retailers.”
OK Gals, you're safe for another four years.
71% of Women Desire Platinum Jewelry
Desire vs. Aquisition
U.S. bridal aquisition is up to 44%
Conde Nast 2003
71% of women seeking engagement rings want platinum.
BASE: All women aged 18-34 shopping for their engagement ring (125)
QUESTION: Thinking about an engagement ring. Which of the following phrases best describes how you feel about each of these precious metals?
Turn desire into acquisition
Closing the gap between the consumer's desire for platinum and the actual sale of platinum jewelry requires sales staff armed with knowledge and confidence. You can increase your bottom line immensely by ensuring your sales associates understand and communicate platinum's value.
PGI's new training program, which uses the brand line 'Pure. Rare. Eternal.' as a basis for talking points, will help sales associates capitalize on the rapidly growing interest in platinum. Using clear, simple, easy to remember sales tips that distinguish platinum from all other metals, our method educates and reassures customers of the value, wisdom and appropriateness of a platinum purchase.
Pilot Programs of the PGI training program have proven enormously successful. Not to mention profitable.
Sell more effectively to women
A large scale research effort that monitored 20 jewelry retailers revealed critical insights. Stores are often losing sales by underestimating the seriousness of the female shopper, her ability to purchase and her influence on the purchase decision when a man buys the ring. By assuming that only couples or a man shopping for jewelry are your primary targets, you may be alienating a critical factor in platinum sales.
Women shop differently:
- less inclined to online research. Use retailers as the prime source of information.
- usually shop alone or with women friends.
- clear labeling of jewelry and visible signage is crucial.
- touching, handling, trying on are key factors in making a sale. If it stays behind glass, she's likely to pass.
Acknolwledge women in the store:
- take them seriously, whether they are shopping alone, with a man or friends.
- pay attention, answer questions, make jewelry available for trying on.
- women who feel ignored lose the desire to shop in your store and will tell their fiancé so.
- positive attention has a tremendous impact on sales.
- treating the women as a desired customer often turns her into a paying customer.
Women want information about platinum:
- women want to understand platinum's superiority. Demonstrating the difference between white gold and platinum (such as wear factor) is a proven sales technique.
- sales associates who communicate platinum as a superior product, discuss its value and introduce it as a better symbol of a couple's relationship, make a highly positive impression on consumers which reflects on sales.
- information about platinum's purity is a very compelling reason for customers to buy it.
- you must stock it to sell it. Lack of selection and/or styles is a leading drawback cited by women.
GIA To Issue Reports for Rubies and Sapphires.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has updated its identification reports for colored gemstones. Rubies, sapphires, and alexandrites will now receive their own gem-specific reports, according to the GIA. In the past, only emeralds received their own reports.
Due to "increasingly sophisticated treatments" for gemstones today, more research and time is required to identify and analyze gemstones, said Tom Moses, senior vice president of the GIA Laboratory and Research. "As a result, we continue to expand our testing processes."
Identification reports will be available for unmounted or mounted gemstones and provide "better descriptions, more detail, and more information on treatments," according to the GIA's statement.
Moses said, "Through collaborative efforts with various trade groups within the color gemstone industry, our goal is to provide our clients with the most thorough research and clear reporting available. Specifically, our new ruby and sapphire reports reflect the harmonized disclosure nomenclature that GIA has been developing with other gemological labs around the world through the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee."
The fee schedule is divided into four categories: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Alexandrite Services; Gemstone Identification (for other gemstones;) Pearl Services; and Additional Services, which include the updating and verification of previous reports.
In other news from the GIA, the organization is providing diamond cut grading seminars in select cities.
"We developed these free cut grade seminars to provide industry trade members with the opportunity to learn the new grading system through hands-on training," said Brook Ellis, GIA's vice president of education.
During these free seminars, for round brilliant cut diamonds, attendees will gain practical experience in estimating cut grade; judging brightness, fire, and pattern; assessing a diamond's proportions; and grading polish and symmetry to estimate its cut grade. By learning the cut grade system firsthand, attendees will be better able to explain this system to their customers. Previous diamond grading experience or training is required. All attendees must also have a working knowledge of GIA's International Diamond Grading System.
Seminars will be held at GIA's campuses in Carlsbad, California; Los
Angeles, and in New York. Additional seminars are scheduled for: Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; San Francisco, California; Yellowknife and Montreal, Canada; and Johannesburg, South Africa.
AGS Labs To Help Consumers Buy Diamonds
Beginning in April 2006, the American Gem Society Laboratories LLC, (AGS) plans to launch a national consumer campaign, which organizers predict will help consumers understand the diamond buying process.
Peter Yantzer, executive director of AGS Laboratories, said, "This initiative will arm consumers with the knowledge necessary to make an informed diamond purchase."
The first of two initiatives is titled 'Alphabet Soup' in which the campaign sets to "demystify the acronyms in the jewelry industry." AGS targets consumer press writers and broadcast agencies to provide the media with "valuable information and quotes about grading report differences, leading to increased consumer confidence and comfort."
'So Many Cuts, So Little Time' is the second initiative and will focus upon "the cut of a diamond and the fashion opportunities that exist in today's marketplace," AGS reports.
Silver Hits 22 Year High!
U.S. silver prices reached their highest level in more than 22 years early Wednesday, before pulling back somewhat, boosted by rising mining shares and market hopes of a launch of a new U.S. silver investment product.
Buying spilled over into the other precious metals, with gold scampering above key chart resistance at $555 to $556 an ounce and platinum and palladium also gaining.
Silver for May delivery on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange hit $10.3950 an ounce, the loftiest level for futures since October 1983. By 10:35 a.m., it was up 6.5 cents, or 0.63 percent, at $10.31 an ounce.
"It is basically a technical move, and the specs are also following the silver stocks up," said a COMEX floor silver trader.
Futures in New York have surged 15 percent this year as investors await possible approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of a proposed silver exchange-traded fund from leading ETF provider Barclay Global Investors.
Barclays' IShares Silver Trust was designed to mimic investment in physical silver, while trading on an exchange like a listed stock. If approved, it would be backed by silver held in vaults in England.
There has been no word from U.S. regulators on the ETF since a public comment period ended last month.
Dealers said prices on Wednesday also got a lift from rising silver shares like those of Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp. (CDE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Pan American Silver Corp. (PAA.TO: Quote, Profile, Research), which climbed 3 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively.
Independent analyst Greg Weldon said recent new investment inflow in the sector seemed to suggest that the bull move was still in the early stages for silver.
"... Capital flow into the precious metals from longer term stock portfolio-type investors has only just begun," he said in a daily note.
"This would be particularly true if the Federal Reserve were to signal an end to their rate hike campaign, an event that would likely cause the dollar to depreciate, which could in turn provide the next big upside catalyst for the entire precious metals sector," said Weldon.
Market players also eyed a declining gold/silver ratio, which traders often take as a bullish signal for the gray metal.
Blue Nile.Com Sales Up, Stock Down
Blue Nile's stock price sank in Februray, despite reports of record fourth quarter an full year sales.
The online diamond retailers net sales increased 20 percent to $203.2 million for the year ended Jan 1.
However, shares of BlueNile were recently trading at $30.85 down $6.44 or 17.4 percent on volume of about 2.1 million shares.
Additionally, if you research Blue Nile on the Internet you will see that the big honchos have been selling off their stock like crazy.
So what's up??
Hearts on Fire Outfits Terri Hatcher
Hearts on Fire Diamond company bedecked golden globe winner Teri Hatcher at the third annual Ladie's Home Journal Funny Ladies We Love celebration held last month in Hollywood.
The star of Desperate Houswives who was one of the event's winners, wore the company's "Hoopla D" earrings and a 30 carat Hearts on Fire "Effervescence" bracelet to complement her gold hued Valentino gown.
Custom Made Diamond Eternity Ring
Hey Folks,
Check out this custom made diamond eternity band we just finished making in our factory!
Diamonds are G /VS and total 2.20 carats
Metal is 950 Platinum
Constructed was completely customized so as to allow maximum surface area of the diamond to be visible from all sides without compromising the integrity of the set diamonds.
Notice the distinctive U shaped Prongs and how it allows for maximum viewing of the diamonds.
It almost seems as if the diamonds are just floating out there....really beautiful the way it came out (IMO)
Christies Magnificent April 6 Diamond Auction!
Christie's New York will hold its Magnificent Jewels sale on April 11, 2006, which will include the Joan Kroc collection. (Kroc was the wife of fast-food chain McDonald's founder, Ray Kroc, and a well-known philanthropist.)
One item up for auction is a pear-shaped (D,IF) 50.53-carat diamond, set in a ring and flanked on either side by pear-shaped diamonds (priced upon qualified buyer request.)
Of the natural colored diamonds up for auction, one ring set offers pear-shaped fancy dark blue-gray diamond within a pavé-set pink diamond surround of approximately 14.43 carats (estimate $1.2-$1.5 million.)
Christie's says the blue-gray color is due to the presence of minute quantities of the element boron incorporated into the stone’s crystal structure at the moment of its formation.
Other colored diamonds include: Fancy intense blue, internally flawless diamond of 3.17 carats (estimate $500,000-$700,000) and a modified square-cut fancy pink diamond of approximately 5.25 carats set in a ring and flanked on either side by a trapeze-cut diamond (estimate $400,000-$600,000.)
Kroc's collection includes emeralds, sapphires, and diamond rings from Bulgari, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston. Leading Kroc's collection are two diamond necklaces by Harry Winston, the first of which is a colored diamond necklace set with a detachable pear-shaped fancy intense yellow diamond of approximately 42.13 carats (estimate, $1.0-$1.5 million.)
The second is a “Holly Wreath” necklace composed of two graduated rows of circular, pear and marquise-cut diamond clusters (estimate, $500,000-$700,000.) Holly Wreath is designed by Ambaji Shinde.
The sale also features a number of signed pieces, including a colored diamond and emerald “Camaieu Tiger” brooch by René Boivin, with a pavé-set colored diamond articulated body and marquise-cut emerald eyes, this unique piece offers a surprisingly realistic interpretation of this exotic animal's crouching pose through detail and execution.
Viewing begins April 6 at Christie’s Galleries, 20 Rockefeller Plaza, in Manhattan.
Asscher Cut Loose Diamonds: Very Popular.
The Asscher Cut is generally described as a forerunner of the emerald cut. The Asscher Cut was developed prior to 1910, when the rotary diamond saw revolutionized modern diamond cutting.
It is a square cut characterized by a smaller table and larger steps than an emerald. It features dramatic, cut corners. It usually has a higher crown and a deeper pavilion than today's emerald cuts. There are no "ideal" proportions for an Asscher Cut.
The Pavillion facets on the bottom part of the stone are usually divided into segments or 'steps' of three or four divisions. Look for the diagonal facets at the edges to be even and in symmetry to the center of the diamond.
Well cut Asscher diamonds are highly dispersive and scintillating due to their unique facet alignment and are a very attractive alternative to the more rectangular Emerald Cut shape. The Asscher has gained tremendous popularity among consumers in the past few years.
Example of a beautifully proportioned Asscher Diamond.
Gold: Ready To Break Out.
Experts are calling more upside in the gold price, short term, as the metal seems to have consolidated at the $550/oz level and appears ready to set some new 25-year records.
Jeffrey Christian, head of the CPM Group, a New York based precious metals consultancy, is one of those expecting a near term jump in the yellow metal.
“We are going into the April Comex gold and Nymex platinum delivery period and you have a high open interest in both of those contracts right now which suggests to us that we could see $580 or even higher between now and early April,” said Christian at the offices of South African based institutional brokerage, Noah Financial on Thursday morning.
Futures contracts, traded on the New York Commodities Exchange (Comex) are an agreement to buy or sell a commodity at a specific price and date. The delivery date is the day the metal is transferred from buyer to seller or that the contract is paid out.
Christian says it is usually in the five-month period between December and April, that commodities tend to peak at new highs.
“One of the reasons why prices tend to peak in that period is because there is a very strong seasonality to precious metals and copper prices and that seasonality grows on fabrication demand trends and investment demand trends.”
Christian describes the upcoming peak as seasonal and not cyclical, implying even higher prices in the future.
However, do not get over-excited just yet. The price could fall before it gets there, according to Christian.
“We think the price is going to fall off and move into a consolidation phase second and third quarters (2006) and then possibly rise to new peaks in December and April next year,” says Christian.
And while he talks of a price between $580/oz and $600/oz coming up, he says the eventual cyclical peak is not as clear and will be driven by investor demand rather than jewellery demand.
“Where those peaks are and how graciously the markets get to them will depend on currency market developments, stock markets, interest rates, international politics and domestic politics,” he says.
It is for gold’s safe-haven appeal that others are seeing future upside in the price. Uncertainty over what Iran is up to in its uranium enrichment programme is just one of the recent headline events leaving investors uneasy.
“These issues are not going to go away quickly and hence we expect to see gold prices average $555 per ounce in 2006, rising to $575 average in 2007,” said Helen Henton, Head of Commodity Research at Standard Chartered Bank in a note on Monday.
Christian agrees that geopolitical events are still pushing the gold price. “The factors that have been stimulating higher gold prices and have been stimulating higher investment demand for gold, primarily have not changed,” he says, “They may have gotten better and we may have seen that investors have moderated their bullishness, but we have not really seen a sea change in the economic and political environment.”
GFMS, the London based precious metals consultancy also released its quarterly newsletter, looking at the outlook for gold investment.
In the note, Philip Klapwijk, GFMS’s chairman, says that the current bull rally is driven by a variety of motives, which can all be summarised under the traditional headings of “greed” or “fear.” He adds that we are still some way off of the peak.
“There is increasing media coverage of gold’s performance, with anecdotal evidence that this is beginning to encourage ordinary investors to look at gold,” says Klapwijk, “Of course once the retail bandwagon really starts to roll this would indicate that the rally is entering its final phase, although that point is still some way off.”
Christian described a typical global scene that would signal the top of the gold price’s bull run: “If peace broke out in the world and a lot of the problems in financial markets were resolved, corporate earnings were very strong, stock markets start rising higher and interest rates stabilise then we can say, maybe we have seen it (the peak).”
Custom Micro Pave Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum!
Hey Folks,
Check out this custom made diamond engagement ring just completed in the factory.
You are looking at a custom built setting of solid 950 platinum, set with 48 (melee) round brilliant diamonds of .01 each (.48 carat total weight) in a intricate micro pave setting.
If you are familiar with this gorgeous style you will recognize this as being an exact replica of the now famous Micro Pave Diamond Engagement Ring by the popular designer, Vera Wang.
Personally, I think this is a beautiful and unique engagement ring setting for showcasing a well cut diamond.
It is not something that your going to typically see on the fingers of all of your co workers.
And it is a showstopper!!!!
St. Patricks Parade in The N.Y.C. Diamond District..Help!!
Hey Folks,
Happy St. Patricks Day to you all!
Unfortunately for me this day isn't going to well.
I'm sitting here in my office high above the street level in the heart of the N.Y.C. Diamond district where we have our diamond offices and showroom. I'm trying to do some work today on our diamond website before the weekend.
For anyone familiar with the famous diamond and jewelry district of New York City, we are right off Fifth Avenue and smack in middle of the yearly festivities of the St. Patrick's Day parade.
The noise is so loud I can hardly hear myself think. This is getting to be a yearly occurence...see my similar blog posting on St. Pat's day of last year over here.
So you might be thinking..well at least I can go downstairs and enjoy the view, no?
NO! I finally decide to go downstairs and get a coffee from the corner stand to ease my throbbing migraine. Well, the stand isn't there today (probably sent away by the cops), instead I am greeted at the corner by this:
Moral of the story; don't ASS-ume until you see the facts!!
Enjoy the weekend!
Oval Loose Diamond Shape: Regal Beauty!
The oval's diamond technical name is "oval modified brilliant," based upon its shape and modifications of the traditional round, brilliant configuration. The oval was invented by Lazare Kaplan in the early 1960s.
A length-to-width ratio of 1.5:1 is almost universally considered a pleasing shape for ovals, with a range of 1.4:1 to 1.6:1 acceptable. Shape outline is important; look for Ovals with rounded as opposed to square shoulders and some "bow-tie" effect to provide necessary Contrast Brilliance. As with all fancies, "numbers" on the lab grading report do not give you the true picture of how the diamond looks. Look for shape and cut that are pleasing to the eye. The ends should be gracefully round, not flattened or too narrow. Shallow ovals, perhaps even more than some other fancy shapes, create a larger look that belies their actual weight. Buyers should look for an oval that looks its weight, rather than appearing to be much heavier or lighter than it is. This balance will translate into good brilliance and overall appeal. Fifty-six facets are typical for oval diamonds.
Oval diamonds of very good to excellent cut are very popular as center diamonds for engagement rings. One to 2-carat sizes are in high demand at this time, as are 2- to 3-carat sizes in higher qualities, D through H color and VS to VVS clarity. Smaller engagement sizes in the .50- to 1-carat range are also selling well.
Beautiful Oval Diamond. Note the Excellent shape outline, Symmetry, and Proportion.
Chicago Board of Trade Moving to be #1 In Gold Trading.
The Chicago Board of Trade, pleased with growth in its gold and silver contracts, might pursue a broader presence in metals derivatives, company executives said on Thursday.
The No. 2 U.S. futures exchange has built market share with its electronically traded gold contracts by siphoning some volume away from New York's Comex.
"We've had good success and are focusing on broadening that success," Bernard Dan, CBOT's president, said at the Futures Industry Association meeting in Boca Raton, Florida.
The exchange would pursue a "stair-step approach" to expansion to avoid diluting users who have shifted to CBOT or are new to metals trading, he said.
CBOT's gold and silver futures are electronically traded, in contrast to the open-outcry that still rules at the New York exchange, long the dominant force in U.S. precious metals markets.
The electronic platform gives CBOT "a distinct competitive advantage versus Comex," Dan said.
Officials from the New York Mercantile Exchange, parent of Comex, said there were no immediate plans to offer electronic trading in metals during the core U.S. business day.
Volume in the CBOT's metals complex, which includes full-sized and "mini" gold and silver futures, averaged 20,716 contracts a day in February, having started electronic trade near zero in 2003.
In February CBOT gold futures accounted for about 23 percent of listed gold futures traded in North America. Options on CBOT 100-oz gold futures were added this month, a move typically done by exchanges once futures liquidity has reached a critical mass.
Dan said he would not say that the CBOT was close to a "tipping point" in terms of market share, but that the users of its gold contracts were getting "more diverse, much broader."
NYMEX officials expressed little panic. "They're getting a little slice of our pie," Richard Schaeffer, NYMEX vice-chairman, told Reuters. Still, he said, NYMEX was "watching it carefully."
China: Major Precious Metal Silver Holder.
China currently owns 116,500 tons of silver reserves, the sixth largest in the world, following the United
States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Peru, according to the China Gold
Association.
There are 569 silver mines in China, and eastern China's Jiangxi Province owns the largest reserves, contributing 15.5% to the country's total. Other major silver mines are located in Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, Guangxi, Hubei and Gansu.
In China, 80% silver ores occur as associated mineral material in
copper, lead and zinc mines.
Huge Canary Yellow Diamond Found in Park!
MSNBC reports about this lucky dude who just found this gorgeous (and valuable) flawless canary yellow diamond in a local Stae park. Here is the picture with the link to the story below.
Happy Hunting everyone!!
Click on this Link.
Abazias Offers New Diamond Line For Men
Diamond and jewelry website Abazias Diamonds added a new line to its offerings, targeting price points between $100 and $2,000, the company reports. The new line reaches out to young males. Abazias' previous online offerings were restricted to engagement and wedding rings with a small sampling of women's jewelry.
Oscar Rodriguez, Abazias CEO, (and a personal friend of ours) said that the next step is to add a ready-to-wear Paris Hilton watch line, expected to debut in April.
Hey guys, we are happy for you and wish you every success!
Team at ExcelDiamonds.com
Buying The Right Jewelry For Your Spouse
I've been talking on the phone recently with so many clueless men who are looking to buy their spouses some jewelry, I figured I'd dedicate an article on the topic.
Here are a few common problems facing men who are trying to buy a gift for a spouse or a girlfriend:
What does she like? What does she need? What's her size? Will this gift really dazzle her?
Left to our own devices, men will often opt for the "safe" method of buying stuff that they know won't get thrown back in their faces. Things like teddy bears, flowers, chocolate truffles, are all common gifts that us men tend to purchase for our loved one. Problem with these things are that they are too predictable and really get stale over time. I mean, how many times are you gonna come home with chocolate to celebrate a milestone??
Problem with buying jewelry is that there are so many variables and styles to choose from. How do we know were going to buy something she's gonna like??
Click on this link to find out.
Continue reading "Buying The Right Jewelry For Your Spouse" »