October 2006 Archives
This Wedding Is Going To The Dogs
From today's Sunday London Times.
Who Chooses The Diamond Engagement Ring?
Here are some new stats. just in, regarding who influences the selection of your diamond engagement ring. (Stats. are taken from Cond'e Nast Bridal Group and Bridal Association of America BAA, and national jeweler official surveys)
I picked it out myself......17%
My fiancee and I selected it together...............28%
I gave guidelines to my fianc'e................11%
I gave indirect hints to my fiancee..........13%
I had no influence...........................31%
David Yurman Jewelry Will Now Also Smell Good
The David Yurman brand will soon expand beyond jewelry cases and into cosmetics counters.
The company announced on Thursday that it had signed a global licensing deal with Clarins Group USA to produce beauty and fragrance products bearing the David Yurman name. The first fragrance initiative will begin in the United States and Canada, although the companies have not provided a launch date for the line.
"Clarins has achieved much success through high-quality standards and a commitment to maintaining brand integrity. David Yurman shares the same values," David Yurman CEO Paul Blum said in a statement. "This was a natural evolution, and we are looking forward to a very successful collaboration."
The individuality and values of the David Yurman brand make it an "ideal platform for the launch of unique fragrances," Clarins USA Group President and CEO Jonathan Zrihen said in a statement.
Clarins and its subsidiaries are creators, marketers and global distributors of skin care, makeup and fragrance products. With 20 subsidiaries in major countries, Clarins sales exceeded $1.2 billion in 2005.
GIA Takes The Plunge: To Grade Synthetic Diamonds.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced that the GIA Laboratory will begin accepting synthetic diamonds for grading starting Jan. 1, 2007.
"We are moving forward with our arrangements to grade synthetic diamonds," said Tom Moses, GIA senior vice president and head of the GIA Laboratory and Research, in a statement. "Last June, GIA Chairman Ralph Destino declared that it was GIA's intention to 'start grading these stones in the near future.' At that time, GIA pledged to consult with producers of both natural and lab-grown diamonds in order to be sensitive to the concerns of each."
Moses said GIA has held a number of recent meetings with industry stakeholders on the issue.
"We listened carefully and with an open mind, as we promised to do, while never losing sight of GIA's core commitment to ensure and enhance the public's trust in gems and jewelry," he said.
Manufacturers of lab-produced diamonds have generally been at odds with those who produce and sell mined diamonds over the use of language in the grading reports. A core debate has been over the use of the word "synthetic," which those on the man-made side believe is misleading and is equated with "fake." The announcement from GIA did not clarify the specifics of how the reports will look or the descriptive language they will use.
Acting GIA President Donna Baker, who participated in the meetings, commented that "the final synthetic-diamond grading report has now been accepted by stakeholders on all sides of this issue and is totally consistent with GIA's high standards of science, public service, education and professionalism."
First reports are that the GIA Report color for synthetic diamonds will be Yellow as opposed to the current Blue for mined diamonds and that the reports will have the GIA Logo and the word synthetic inscribed on the diamonds girdle.
Information on Platinum or Gold Mens Wedding Bands
Platinum is an incredibly rare metal of exceptional beauty. Unlike gold, (which is yellow in its purest form) platinum does not require rhodium plating since it is naturally white.
Platinum is a very dense, heavy metal. Platinum is also more durable than gold which makes it much preferred for wedding bands. However, because of all these attributes, it is also significantly more expensive than gold. Platinum provides an excellent contrast for diamonds but is also exceptionally elegant by itself. Most men tend to prefer platinum wedding bands, if they can spring for the additional monies, because of its timeless beauty, and hypoallergenic proprieties. Platinum also develops a gorgeous patina over time, which is completely uniqe to this metal.
Considering the rarity and cost of platinum, it is small wonder that the selection of men's platinum wedding rings is smaller than the options available for gold and titanium rings, and even palladium rings.
Most men, when selecting a platinum wedding band, will choose a simple and timeless band without accent diamonds.
Certainly, white gold or yellow gold mens wedding band are an extremely viable option for any mans consideration. What appeals to you personally, is entirely up to you!
The good news is, there is no bad choice to make!!
Pearl Jewelry is Hotter Than Ever!!
Pearl jewelry is simply hot!!
Tiffany is opening up more and more jewelry stores selling designer pearl jewelry.
Wherever you look..every bridal magazine, every jewelry catalog, you will find loads of diamond and pearl hoops, earrings, pearl strands, pearl necklaces, pearls...and more pearls...with no sign of letting up!
Go to the Emmy's..what are they wearing?.........Diamonds and pearls!
Here are some beautiful diamond and pearl jewelry offerings by Assael.
Guess Watches Supports Breast Cancer Awareness
Guess is raising awareness for breast cancer with this outstanding new watch!
Breast Cancer Awareness Watch. Silver steel round casing encrusted with clear and pink Swarovski crystals. Silver face textured with silver ribbon insets and one pink stone encrusted ribbon at the bottom. Multi-function dial. Pink silicone bracelet band with safety clasp. GUESS is proud to donate 20% of the retail sales price of this watch to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for each piece purchased by the customer. Domestic and/or imported.
10194L $100.00
Ashley Judd Teams With Jewelry Designer, H. Stern
Actress Ashley Judd is the new face of H. Stern. The star reinforces the brazillian jeweler's ongoing international branding campaign, dubbed "Part of You", which spotlights bonds between "strong, powerful, and sensually modern women" and the jewelrs she must have. (sheesh... howzat for marketing fluff!!)
Judd gushed about H. Sterns jewelry in this interview.
Ashley Judd at the H. Stern Inaugural Party.
Snap On, Snap Off, For Body Jewelry!
A new type of belly ring called TummyToys is one piece, hinged, and claims to make life easier for wearers of body jewelry. Charms can be added for aesthetic purposes, but you needn't screw on any other components for the ring to stay put!
Cool!
Jewelry For Your Belly!
Ellen Barkin's Jewelry Nets Record Prices At Christies.
Love—or rather ex-love—was for sale last night at Christie's and it took home a premium, as actress Ellen Barkin sold off jewels given to her by her ex-husband, billionaire Ron Perelman, for more than $20 million.
"Tonight's sensational $20 million result makes Ellen Barkin's collection the highest single-owner jewelry sale of the past 15 years in the United States and also places it among the top four ever worldwide," said Rahul Kadakia, head of jewelry for Christie's Americas, in a statement.
Ron, looks like Ellen has got a better business Kop than you. This 20 mil sure would come in handy to help you bail out your sinking Revlon.
Shoppers to Spend More Money This Holiday Season, says Survey.
The average consumer plans to spend $791.10 this holiday season, up from $738.11 last year, according to a new study from the National Retail Federation.
The 2006 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by Big Research, also finds consumers will take advantage of holiday sales and discounts, spending an additional $99.22 on themselves.
Almost half of the consumers surveyed (48.4 percent) say they plan on shopping at specialty stores for holiday gifts, and 70.3 percent say they will buy gifts from discount stores.
Of those surveyed, 47.1 percent say they will shop online for holiday gifts, and 61.6 percent will go to department stores. Department stores may see the greatest traffic from young adults, with 79.1 percent of 18 to 24 year olds surveyed planning to shop at department stores for holiday merchandise.
The average holiday gift budget will divide as follows: $451.34 on family, $85.60 on friends, $22.40 on co-workers and $44.52 on others, including clergy, teachers and babysitters.
Jewlers To Increase Ad Spending This Holiday Season.
More than one-third of jewelers surveyed by the Jewelry Information Center (JIC) are very likely to expand their channels of advertising this holiday season.
The JIC Jeweler's Panel Survey finds that retailers in the Southeast, South and West are most likely to expand their advertising channels, and retailers in the East are least likely to do so. Only 30 percent of all retailers surveyed say it is very unlikely they will expand their advertising channels.
The survey also finds national wholesale and manufacturing organizations are more apt to expand advertising channels this holiday season.
Of those surveyed, two-thirds will select local and regional newspapers to advertise for the holidays, 48 percent will use radio and 63 percent will use traditional Web sites.
The JIC created the online member panel this year to better understand regional markets, how jewelry and watch trends translate to sales, and how the selling power of trends varies by region.
Palladium Gaining Popularity.
Says Barclay Capital.
Barclays has identified the sector that has shown most promise in palladium demand as holding the key to price performance in the short to medium term. "We expect demand for palladium to continue to grow robustly in the jewelery sector, led by strong gains in China. Chinese jewelery demand for palladium rose by 71.4% last year, accounting for more than 16% of global demand compared to levels close to virtually zero in 2003," it suggested.
We recently blogged on the merits and characteristics of Palladium here:
Folks, keep an eye on this metal. Currently at $300/oz, prices will surge if the Big Boys like Stuller get into the market and start manufacturing and promoting Palladium jewelry pieces on a large scale.
Diamonds in Commercial Applications: New Bonding Process Makes Debut.
London based Centaur Communications reports today that United Kingdom-based coatings specialist Hardide has overcome the problem of gripping diamonds in cutting tools by devising a glue that holds the gems in place.
Diamonds aren't forever. Known as the hardest material in existence, diamond is, in fact, rather vulnerable and subject to chemical attack on several fronts.
And while diamond has many uses in engineering, it is a hard material to work with; while it cuts through anything, keeping it in place in a cutting tool is not easy. However, a UK-based engineering coatings company now claims to be able to fix industrial diamonds in place and protect them from harmful environments without compromising their hardness.
Hardide, which is based near Oxford, specializes in ultra-hard coatings, particularly tungsten carbide. "We mainly coat stainless steel, to protect it in arduous applications," said technical director Yuri Zhuk. "We've developed our own technique for applying the coating, where we form the crystalline tungsten carbide directly on the surface of the metal."
This technique, a form of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) where tungsten hexafluoride is reacted with a carbon-containing gas, forms the basis of the diamond protection system. "This isn't primarily to protect the diamond from wear," Zhuk said. "In fact, it's mainly to keep the diamond in the tool."
One problem with diamond, Zhuk said, is that it's very hard to get anything to stick to it. Most drills or saws that use diamond as a cutting element use a metal matrix to grip the diamond mechanically, in the same way that diamonds are set in jewellery using a claw-like setting. But when the tool is in use, this matrix wears away and eventually the diamonds just drop out.
The tungsten carbide coating, applied in a similar way to the CVD process, forms a chemical bond to the carbon atoms in the diamond and bonds strongly to the metal body of cutting tools. In effect, Zhuk said, it acts as a glue between diamond and steel.
The coating also protects the diamond from the steel. The iron component of steel is not diamond-friendly, Zhuk explained it catalyses a reaction that eventually turns the diamond into soft graphite. With the tungsten carbide layer both binding the two materials together and forming an impermeable barrier between them, the tools last much longer.
The company has been granted a patent for the coating process and its application to diamond tools and hopes to exploit its discovery in the mining, oil and gas and construction markets.
The global diamond tool market has estimated annual sales of $5 billion.
Ideal Scope: Information
The Ideal-Scope was developed by Garry Holloway FGAA, DipDT, JAA Appraiser, of Australia.
Garry Holloway
This is a device that has deservedly gained much popularity today amongst diamond consumers, especially on the Internet, for its ability to accurately project and display light performance/leakage in a loose diamond.
Ideal-Scope (Trademarked by Mr. Holloway)
Here is what Garry Holloway says about his Ideal-Scope technology:
It is a simple bright colored reflector with a viewing hole and lens. It creates what is known as a structured light environment.
The Ideal-Scope gives us indications of a diamonds brilliance; i.e. its light return and leakage as well as its contrast (which has a lot to do with scintillation).
It may also be used as a simple optical symmetry grading tool, like a Hearts and Arrows viewer (but the H&A's viewer only shows symmetry). Advanced users can predict the amount of fire a diamond might have. This gives diamond polishers additional control by adjustment to some "minor facets" like the lower girdle facet length.
The Ideal-Scope may be used with any shaped diamond, of any color or clarity.
For more information on the Ideal-scope and to purchase one of Mr. Holloway's Ideal-Scope's for yourself, please visit www.ideal-scope.com.
What A Well Cut Emerald Diamond Looks Like
Emerald cut diamonds are a type of fancy shape loose diamond which are often cut with no regard for beauty and brilliance. In an effort to achieve an "elegant" looking emerald diamond shape from the diamond rough, the diamond cutter will often "cut corners" (pardon the pun ;)) with maximizing the beauty of the loose diamond.
The reality however, is that a well cut emerald cut diamond can be quite beautiful and dispersive. Indeed, cutting a diamond into an emerald shape does not have to come at the expense of its beauty and sparkle.
Here are a few photos I took yesterday of an absolutely stunning emerald cut diamond for one of our customers!
Now, That's What I'm Talking 'Bout!
Looking for a Unique Diamond Gift for Her? How about this Diamond Bra?
Hearts On Fire has created a dazzling diamond bra to celebrate the 10-year-anniversary of the Victoria's Secret "Fantasy Bras," which have a combined value that surpasses $96 million in diamonds, jewels and precious metals.
Inspired by the Victoria's Secret "Very Sexy" collection, the balconet-style bra includes more than 2,000 diamonds and weighs 800 carats. The centerpiece is a 10-carat Hearts On Fire diamond brooch with a Victorian floral motif, meant to embody "the romance, glamour and sophistication that is Victoria's Secret."
Karolina Kurkova
Karolina Kurkova, a Victoria's Secret "angel," models this year's bra, which will be featured in the 2006 Victoria's Secret "Christmas Dreams and Fantasies" catalog, coming out this month. This is the second time Kurkova has had the honor of modeling one of the diamond bras, having donned the "Star of Victoria" in 2002.
The 2,000 Hearts On Fire diamonds that make up the Diamond Fantasy Bra required over 20,000 hours of labor to cut and polish, the company said. It took another 300 man-hours to design and create the bra.
"Trust but Verify", were the sage words of advice by our late President, Ronald Reagan. I'd like to get up close and examine those diamonds with my 10X loupe.
Pakistan Has Diamonds: You Kidding Me?
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said today that his government would work towards establishing the nation as an internationally competitive, world-class hub for diamond and gemstone cutting and polishing, and for jewelry manufacturing. Pakistan borders India's northwest.
The minister is working on a development strategy for the country's jewelry sector and concluded that Pakistan holds great potential due to the availabilty of natural resources and skilled craftsmen. Pakistan is rich with a variety of gemstones and deposits have been largely untapped by explorers.
The country established the Pakistan Gems and Jewelery Development Centre after a two-year working group delegation studied best practices used in other major trading centers. The group's project leader, Ambarine Bukharey, and a delegation visited the United States in 2005 in time for the JCK Las Vegas Show and to meet with New York industry leaders in July that year. The development center's main focus for now is to increase gemstone and jewelry exports.
Some of the issues Pakistan's Ministry of Industries and Production would work out in coming months include conducting market and industry surveys in order develop a Pakistan brand and roadmap for international recognition. The ministry will also be conducting geological surveys on gemstone deposits to identify potential mining locations.
At present, Pakistan exports about $25 million of gemstones and jewelry, but the government targets growth to $500 million in exports by year 2010.
The government plans to establish gemstone testing and certification centers in the cities of Gilgit, Quetta, Peshawar and Karachi.
Inspired By Tiffany Diamond Engagement Ring By ExcelDiamonds.com Gets Accolades On The Internet!
The Tiffany style replica diamond engagement ring that we manufacture in our own factory, was designed to be an identical replica Tiffany engagement ring in every respect to the actual diamond enagagement ring by Tiffany.
Over the course of time, Excel Diamonds has developed a well deserved reputation on the Internet, for manufacturing the highest quality Tiffany replica engagement ring at an outstanding value.
SuperbCert Replica Tiffany Classic Engagement Ring In 950 Platinum
Here is a recent testimonial from one of the many thousands of satisfied customers of SuperbCert Diamond and Tiffany inspired diamond engagement rings.
This testimonial for the Tiffany engagement ring by ExcelDiamonds.com was placed on a very popular diamond discussion forum on the Internet. Read the testimonial here:
Magical Anniversary Ring....Check This Out!
Ever get into trouble because you forgot your Anniversary date??
Well, now there is a solution....and its right there on your anniversary wedding band!!
This innovative technology programmed into your gold or platinum mens wedding band, will make sure that you never forget your Anniversary date again!
Score major points with your woman...(and keep your marriage intact..;))
Check it out at Gizmodo.
Designer Diamond Rings With An Interesting Twist!
Award winning desinger Tammy Kohl is known for her ability to combine artistic influences from antiquity to ultra modern into her work.
Creating custom jewelry for her cliental is a favorite challenge keeping in mind the sensibility of the wearer. The understanding of design to enhance each person uniquely is a forte. Her most famous collection, the Taköhl Treasure Ring® is an inspiring piece of art. At first glance the ring seems to be a simple band set with or without gems. She empowers her clients to become the designer, letting them select every aspect of their custom handmade ring. Whatever one treasures most is what is written inside. The rings are for both men and women and can be customized to make any occasion an everlasting memory.
Photos of Taköhl Treasure Rings
"What makes my design philosophy unique is that it is not just about adornment, but rather the communication between the wearer and a much deeper meaning. I love enabling people to use their own words to express what really inspires them, as human beings on a very individual level." ..says Kohl.
Kohl has received worldwide recognition for her design talents. Her creations are sought after by everyone from Hollywood celebrities to sports legends to royalty, with notable clients including Teri Hatcher, Ellen DeGeneres, Renee Zellweger, Carson Daly, James Gandolfini, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, and John Elway. The genuine sentiment behind Taköhl Jewelry is unique and inspiring. It comes from the heart and serves as more than ornamentation, creating an intimate heirloom which becomes a legacy.
Cartier Diamond Engagement Ring - Reproduction. Wow!
We just finished creating an absolutely breathtaking reproduction of a classic, vintage Cartier diamond engagement ring in our N.Y.C. Diamond and jewelry factory! The ring was done in heavyweight platinum and set with 18 of the most brilliant, hand selected diamonds, with top flight color/clarity grades. We even set a dark red ruby on the inside of the shank (bezel style), per the request of the customer.
Here is one photo of this masterpiece!
Find more photos of this ring on our ExcelDiamonds.com website.
You Choose The Topic At DiamondVues.com!
Check out this awesome new poll I was able to access courtesy of PollDaddy, and through Barry of CartoonBarry
Basically, you pick the topic to discuss!
Please vote and see the results!
How To Advertise An Ideal Cut Princess Diamond
So how are we going to advertise our new and incredible selection of the finest AGS-0 Ideal Cut Princess diamonds??
Well, with an ad slick/brochure of course!
Our graphic artists are busy trying to put together a suitable advertisement for our selection of ideal cut, loose princess diamonds. Here is one particular version which I thought was very cool.
I just think there is something incredibly funky about the idea that the diamond ring is sitting there on a bench with a bunch of gals who are gawking at the handsome hunk on the other side who is completely oblivious and engrossed in his lap top!!
The only thing separating the gal(s) from the guy, is the diamond engagement ring!
Almost like art mimicking real life ;) ;)
African Leaders See Their Diamonds As Opportunity to Higher Living Standard
African ministers and senior government officials representing mines, minerals and energy met for a one-day workshop to discuss the essential role diamonds play in the development of Africa.
Representatives from Angola, Botswana, Liberia, Namibia, Sierra Leone and South Africa were in attendance.
During the workshop, which was facilitated by the De Beers Group, the ministers spoke of the need to tell the story of diamonds and the benefits they bring to their countries' economies.
"Every diamond not purchased is a missed chance for Africa—a missed opportunity to send more children to school, build more clinics and hospitals, and continue the fight against HIV/AIDS," said Erkki Nghimtina, Namibian minister of mines and energy, in a statement. "Our challenge is to work together to strengthen the continent's diamond industry so that we can better provide for our people, enabling us all to share a brighter future. This workshop gives us the opportunity to do so."
According to the statement, African diamonds make up 65 percent of world production and contribute more than $8.4 billion annually to the continent. Revenues from the stones help fund the construction of hospitals, medical centers and hospices, providing access to healthcare for more than five million people worldwide. The diamond industry employs more than 28,000 people in southern Africa alone.
Diamond Engagement Rings and Immigration: Green Card Scam Exposed.
From the Seattle Post Intelligencer:
Diamonds Can End Conflict and Bring Peace to The Middle East.
From the International Herald Tribune. Let's hope this grows.
Diamonds May End This Conflict
Diamond Prospecting Is Alive and Well.
Retailers Take Note: Expensive Jewelry Favored by Young Women.
Women ages 20-29 spend almost half (48.2 percent) of their disposable income on accessories, fashion and beauty, according to a new study from Jane magazine.
Of that, about 16 percent goes toward purchasing jewelry and watches, the study finds.
"There is a big opportunity here for retailers," says Carlos Lamadrid, vice president and publisher of Jane. "They should think about a way to lure 20-something women into their stores because they will buy. If they are buying $2,000 Fendi bags, there is no reason they won't buy $2,000 watches."
Today's 20-somethings have a much greater appreciation for fashion than the 20-somethings of 10 years ago, who made fashion choices inspired by grunge and minimalism.
"This generation (modern 20-somethings) is much more about pretty dresses, pretty jewelry and high heels," Lamadrid says. "Ten years ago, that was almost nonexistent."
Women in their twenties, or millenials, are children of the affluent baby boomers, so they grew up with an appreciation of quality goods and a desire to stay on top of trends, Lamadrid says.
Millenials also have no qualms about living beyond their budgets; the study finds that 84 percent of those surveyed will find a way to purchase something they can't afford if they really want it.
From 1996 to 2006, the number of women carrying credit card debt has remained stable at 67 percent. But the amount of debt has skyrocketed 33 percent to an average of $5,365 per month, after being adjusted for inflation, according to the study.
As for specific trends, Lamadrid says 20-something women want high-quality jewelry that will set them apart from their peers, and they would rather splurge on a genuine piece than save by buying costume jewelry.
The survey of 1,000 women, ages 20-29, was conducted online through Greenfield Online's panel.
Creating A Beautiful Diamond Takes Time & Effort
We see gorgeous loose diamonds and diamond engagement rings in a jewelry showcase and we just assume that it always looked that way.
Not true.
Creating a gorgeous and brilliant diamond from the diamond rough is no small feat and requires the expert skill and patience of a master diamond cutter. There are 58 facets that need to be cut into a piece of diamond in the rough, in order to transform it into the beautiful diamond you are used to looking at. Additionally, the way that the diamond cutter fashions these facets is crucial in determining how brilliant and dispersive the polished diamond is going to be.
Would you buy this piece of rough diamond for your engagement ring?
This is probably more in line with what you had in mind...;) ;)
Not all polished diamonds look the same. Some look like frozen spit, while other diamonds are of ideal cut quality and look absolutely breathtaking! The only way to manipulate the beauty of the polished diamond, is by cutting the diamond to achieve ideal proportions and maximum light performance, instead of maximum weight retention and a dulled and lifeless appearance.
Harry Winston Earnings Dive In 2nd Quarter.
Luxury Diamond and Jewelry retailer, Harry Winston reported an earnings decrease of 83% to $486,000 in the second quarter.
Cost of Sales rose 8.1% to 25.3 million on total sales of 48.4 million.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by 22%.
Aber Diamond Corporation which had a 52% interest in the Jeweler purchased the remaining interest during this period. More here: Harry Winston Diamonds
High Tech Diamond Cutting Machines, How Good Are They?
There has been some press recently regarding some of the newer technologies for cutting diamonds. Many of these new machines, like the one photographed below, eliminate the need for human intervention (the diamond cutter).
Or do they?
High Tech Diamond Cutting machine
My Dad, Barry, of ExcelDiamonds.com, who is a master diamond cutter with over 30 years of diamond cutting experience, argues that there will always be a need for human intervention in the diamond cutting process, especially where fancy shape diamonds are concerned. This is due to their irregular shape and architecture, as well as the myriad permutations and possibilities that would result in a visually pleasing diamond. Indeed, there are many diamond cutters and experts who agree with my Dad's sentiment.
They argue, that although machines tend to be associated with cutting edge technology and superior craftsmanship, this principle is not accurately applied to the art of diamond cutting. Indeed, they point out that quite the opposite is true.
To cut a beautiful diamond, such as a hearts & arrows or ideal cut diamond, requires a tremendous level of skill, patience, and perseverance. These attributes and all of the nuances that goes into perfecting the art of cutting the world's most perfect diamond, requires the time tested skill and patience, that cannot be leveraged by today's new generation of "quick-fix" "mass-produced" diamond machines that churn out mediocre quality diamonds at a faster clip.
The fact of the matter is, that most superior cut diamonds, such as hearts and arrows or superideal cut diamonds, which are produced today in various diamond cutting factories around the world, are done by master diamond cutters (humans) not by machines.
Barry Gutwein of ExcelDiamonds at the diamond cutting wheel 1987.
Spend More On Your Diamond Or Your Wedding Gown?
Here are the results of a recent survey conducted by a local bridal website. Pretty cool stuff!
Our High Tech Jewelry Engraving Process
Every piece of jewelry or precious metal sold on the market, is required by law to be stamped with its precious metal content. Whether it is made of 14kt, 18kt gold, or platinum, a proper designation and stamp must be placed on the jewelry item. Similarly, all sterling silver giftware gets stamped with the appropriate precious metal content.
Many high end jewelry companies like Tiffany, Van Cleef, and Harry Winston (just to name a few) will also brand their jewelry designs with their unique, trademarked company logo in addition to the precious metal content.
The Tiffany Etoile wedding band is stamped with their unique "T&CO" logo.
Obvioulsy this is done to highlight the quality and beauty of the design, as well as to distinguish and protect the trademarked brand of the company.
The process of actually engraving a piece of jewelry is quite complicated and involves the use of specially designed equipment. While some companies use the older method of stamping jewelry with a hot iron that brands a mark into the hot (pliable) metal, this has become antiquated with the advent of newer laser inscription and engraving technologies.
Iron Jewelry Stamp
There are many problems with the older jewelry stamps, including poor visibility and legibility, fonts that are too large, lack of flexibility in design and execution, and often the negitive way it can impact on the precious metal itself.
Newer technologies for inscribing jewelry, involves the use of specialized computer systems that hallmark and inscribe jewelry by means of a highly efficient laser beam.
Laser marking is the new frontier for inscribing jewelry and is more efficient and effective than traditional jewelry stamping in the following ways:
1. Permanent. It is an indelible process which cannot be easily removed.
2. Non Contact Type. It does not produce any deformation in product unlike in punching, stamping, pneumatic pin, vibratory pencil etc.
3. Flexibility. It can mark any images and fonts without changing any punch, die, stencil etc. unlike other conventional process.
4. Aesthetic/Accuracy. Since the laser can produce a very fine beam with accuracy in microns, many accurate and micro details with precision can be marked with laser inscribing.
5. Low Operating Cost. Laser marking helps significantly, in cutting operating costs by reducing labor cost, tool cost, consumable cost, set up time, rejection, and improved cycle time.
High Tech Jewelry Laser Marker
This kind of high tech jewelry engraving process is what we use to engrave and stamp all of our unique and custom jewelry pieces.
For Example; our hand made, Tiffany inspired diamond engagement ring, which is the most popular solitaire engagement ring that we exclusively manufacture, is laser engraved with its 950 platinum designation as well as our "SC" (SuperbCert) trademarked brand logo.
Famous Tiffany Replica by Excel Diamonds
This beautiful logo would never get done to this kind of specification in microns, with the aesthetic beauty and enduring quality, if not for the fact that we use a high tech laser similar to the one pictured above.
The Art of Marking a Loose Diamond In The Rough
Marking a rough diamond, is the process by which the diamond rough is evaluated and subsequently marked for the most desireable cutting method to yield a polished diamond(s) per the parameters of the diamond manufacturer.
There are numerous considerations and factors that go into the marking of a rough diamond.
Diamond Rough
Every piece of diamond rough has its own gestalt, or characteristics. Depending on the size, weight, and internal graining/inclusions of the rough diamond, as well as the objective of the diamond manufacturer, a decision will be made on how to cut the diamond.
Many diamond manufacturers will opt to cut away less of the rough diamond, so that they can yield a polished diamond of heavier carat weight, even though this will usually result in a larger diamond of minimal brilliancy and beauty. Conversely, many perfectionists and purists will opt to cut away more of the diamond rough to a very specific set of ideal cut diamond specifications, so that the polished diamond will achieve maximum beauty and brilliancy.
Considerations of the rough diamond's unique makeup and characteristics, will often determine actual loose diamond shapes of the polished diamond, as well as how many diamonds are cut from one piece of diamond rough.
Because this initial mapping process is most crucial in determining best ROI (return on investment) for the diamond manufacturer, the job of marking the rough was always left to expert diamond cutters and markers who were able to look at a piece of rough and immediately size up its best future potential in the polished diamond stage.
These expert diamantaires (who are in high demand, and quite scarce) are paid a huge salary for their invaluable contribution to the diamond manufacturer.
As the diamond industry and technology has evolved, there are special scientific machines and diamond markers that have been created to accurately map out a piece of diamond rough via a highly efficient computer program.
The rough diamond sits on a pedestal which has a suction feature to keep the stone immobile. The pedestal swivles on a '360 degree rotation, while a specialized laser takes calculations of the diamond's height, weight, mass, and composite. The computer calculates all of these variables and then issues a list of options/results for what it considers the best method/yield for cutting the diamond rough. Depending on the software program, options listed can be set, or arranged in order of importance for best ROI, or any number of additional factors/considerations put forth by the diamond manufacturer.
High Tech Computerized Diamond Marker. Notice the diamond pedestal and screen shot of a marked up piece of diamond rough.
Computerized diamond marking...with human intervention ;) !
The fact of the matter is, these diamond machines have not entirely eliminated the need for the "old school" human diamond markers and experts. Indeed, many companies still insist on (human) expert markers for this crucial phase of the diamond cutting process. The reason being, the human ability to anticipate market trends, consumer desires, past history, and an intimate understanding of the subtle nuances of diamond rough and polished diamonds; all of which may factor into the equation of how best to cut the diamond.
To read another fantastic article that covers the entire process of cutting a rough diamond into a beautiful loose diamond, click HERE.
The Weekend Never Looked This Good!
What a hectic week!
Crazy amounts of orders to get out with all manners of custom rings and engagement rings.
Tons of appointments to view loose diamonds in our N.Y.C. diamond showroom.
Everyone needs the diamond ring yesterday...and everyone's got a good reason for it.
From the couple who ordered a custom engagement ring last week, for their wedding this weekend (I kid you not)!....to the brave and honorable serviceman being deployed to Iraq next weekend and needs to present his gal with our Custom 'Tiffany' diamond enagement ring before he goes overseas.....
Then we had a power outage in our dedicated computer for our in-house Gemex BrillianceScope Machine and had to wait for a new power supply before we could re-calibrate the machine.... :( :(
Don't get me wrong, being busy is good.
Still, this weekend never looked better!!
Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Vegas To Get New Jewelry Center.
The City of Las Vegas and real estate developer Probity International Corporation unveiled plans for one of the largest jewelry projects in the world on October 26, 2006.
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman welcomed guests and Probity's Robert Zarnegin and Bill Boyajian to celebrate this future one-million square foot mixed-use World Jewelry Center.
The World Jewelry Center is expected to host both corporate offices and trading offices of several hundred domestic and international gem and jewelry companies. The center will also have free-standing retail jewelry stores. The complex is planned to open for business between late 2009 and mid-year 2010.world jewelry center
Altoon & Porter Architects have designed the cornerstone of The World Jewelry Center, which will be an iconic, state-of-the-art office tower (one of the tallest office buildings in Nevada.)
Artists rendition of the new Las Vegas Jewelry Center
Tenants will own their own subdivided space in the tower and the structure will include meeting and exhibition facilities, international restaurants, a private club and a fitness center.
The top floors of the tower will be dedicated to luxury residential condominiums with panoramic views of the Las Vegas sprawling, desert landscape. An adjacent three-story retail jewelry center will offer a world-class gem and jewelry museum and exhibition space for the public.
"We're very excited about this global project coming to our city," said Mayor Goodman. "The World Jewelry Center will revolutionize the jewelry industry as well as change the way people and businesses view Las Vegas.
"The entire concept of the World Jewelry Center is very progressive and will fit in well with all the other innovative, international business projects coming to our city. The tower itself will change the face of the Las Vegas skyline and become a key landmark for the city."
The Center will be built with every amenity and service in mind to make it the world's premier fully integrated, service-oriented business hub catering to international and domestic retailers, manufacturers, dealers, and wholesalers in the gem, jewelry, and pearl industries.
Other features include state-of-the-art security; secure shipping and receiving; gem grading labs and educational facilities; trade associations; and plans for a dedicated Foreign Trade Zone.
The World Jewelry Center will be located in downtown Las Vegas (not on the Strip) within the prominent master-planned community of Union Park.
Give Her This Diamond for her Engagement Ring and You'll See RED!
Liz Taylor Voted Jewelry Industry's Top Icon
Timeless, ageless, Liz Taylor Does it Again!!
House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOTJ), today announced that principal
shareholder, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, graced the cover of The National
Jeweler magazine's 100th Anniversary Edition.
The venerable trade publication said Dame Elizabeth Taylor was selected
as the jewelry industry's top style icon based on an online poll of jewelry
industry professionals.
"My Love Affair with Jewelry is one of the great passions of my life. I
enjoy the special magic that precious gems radiate. I thank the members of
the jewelry community who have acknowledged the special relationship that
we have shared for so many years. This is a very thrilling celebration of
that relationship," said Dame Elizabeth.
"Everyone knows that in the world of jewelry there is no greater genius
and icon than Dame Elizabeth. This honor is richly deserved by the most
beautiful and gifted leader in the arena of fine jewelry. Everyone at House
of Taylor Jewelry joins me in congratulating our mentor and our leader,"
said Kathy Ireland.
Excel Diamonds.com Announces New Loose Diamond Search Tool
Exceldiamonds.com, home of the SuperbCert Signature Ideal Cut Diamond, has just launched a brand new search tool for filtering loose diamonds on its diamond website.
The search tool features a special slider which allows the user to set the parameters for a loose diamond's size, color, clarity, cut quality, and price.
The filter automatically eliminates diamonds which fall outside those parameters and showcases accurate results for the pre-determined diamond specifications.
Read more about it here.
Diamond Vues.com Wishes Everyone a Happy Halloween!
The staff at www.DiamondVues.com would like to wish all of our readers a very Happy Halloween!
Halloween begins tomorrow evening and we hope all of you have a great time and encourage you to stay safe and sober!
We hope to welcome you back right after the Holiday with more updated information on all things related to diamonds and diamond jewelry, so check back with us soon!
Remember, don't drink and drive, and try to make sure you don't look like this pumpkin at the end of the evening!
This Is What A Perfect Ideal Cut Diamond Looks Like!
I just finished taking some photographs this morning of an absolutely gorgeous 1.78 Carat E, SI1 Round, Ideal cut diamond for an interested customer.
Wanna know what a beautifully and perfectly cut, loose diamond is supposed to look like?
Here is a photo I took about an hour ago of this beautiful hearts and arrows diamond.
Halloween Costumes Using Duct Tape?
Google today, has this realy neat image up for Halloween depicting a taped-up and mumified Google Icon.
Then, I turn on the radio and hear a news report on WABCvarious Halloween costumes that can be created using duct tape! I know that duct tape has many functions, but a costume wasn't on my list.
It seems many people disagree. Check out this Fox news report on Halloween duct tape costumes.
On-line Sales To Hit 100B in 2006.
Online sales tracker comScore Networks reported that third-quarter retail e-commerce sales rose 23 percent to $23.1 billion in the United States. All consumer online spending (which includes travel) rose 16 percent to $43.1 billion for the quarter comScore estimates.
For the quarter, which ended September 30, 2006, comScore noted that some retail categories performed exceptionally well including apparel and accessories (up 32 percent,) and sports and fitness (up 29 percent) and consumer electronics (up 42 percent.)
From January through September, the total online consumer spending on non-travel retail rose 24 percent to $69.1 billion. ComScore is predicting full year 2006 online (non-travel retail) sales to break the $100 billion mark by December 31.
“Online consumer spending at – and particularly non-travel spending – remains strong,” said Gian Fulgoni, chairman of comScore Networks. “With year-over-year growth rates in the United States online non-travel spending at about 23 percent in the third quarter, the web continues flexing its muscle as one of the important drivers of retail sales growth.”