January 2007 Archives
Diamond Quandary: What Would You Do?
Teddy Allen, writing in The Shreveport Times asks this question:
"-- If you're a man and marry a jeweler, do you buy your engagement and wedding rings from her? Is it more tacky to buy from her and expect a discount, which you might not get, or buy from somewhere else so she'll be surprised? Romance is not without its questions ..."
Well, I know one thing is for sure: If you do buy it from her, you'll get the finger sizing correct on the first try.
Unique Ideal Cut Princess Diamond Engagement Ring Set
We recently sold a beautiful AGS-0 Ideal Cut Princess Diamond to a customer in a classic solitaire engagement ring. The customer then went and had two matching diamond bands created to sit flush against the solitaire diamond ring. He just sent us two pictures of the finished ensemble (with a nice testimonial e-mail..;)) and it looks beautful!
See for yourself:
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Hello Barry,
I just wanted to wish you a great New Year! Princess #24605 (AGS000 1.028 I IF) is just a fabulous diamond. It still takes my breath away when I see it. I have attached some pictures that you may enjoy. Post them if you would like. They are a testament of the drop-dead gorgous stones you guys have. I have not presented this to the very lucky lady yet. Maybe very soon!
Thanks so much for all your efforts!!
Sincerely,
Michael
2006 Internet Sales Top $100 Billion!
Internet sales surpassed the $100 billion mark for the period January 1, 2006 to December 23, according to data released by comScore Networks. The total is the first time online retail (excluding travel) surpassed $100 billion.
During the first 56 days of the 2006 holiday season, total online retail spending increased 26 percent to $23.11 billion. Sales during the week prior to Christmas (December 18 – December 22,) sales rose 38 percent compared with the same week in 2005.
“Online sales continued to show strong growth during the last week before Christmas when procrastinators were clicking with confidence,” said Gian Fulgoni, chairman of comScore Networks. “Consumers making purchases in those final days expressed both their faith in retailers’ ability to pick and pack their orders in a timely fashion and shippers’ ability to drop them on recipients’ doorsteps in time for Christmas.”
According to comScore Networks, retail e-commerce accounts for approximately 7 percent of consumers’ retail spending (excluding gas, autos and food,) making it an important component of the total economy
3 Matching Oval Diamonds For Engagement Ring!
Here are a few pictures I took today of 3 really beautiful matching loose oval diamonds for a customer.
Ideal Princess Cut Loose Diamonds
More diamond eye-candy!
Here is an example of an ideal cut loose princess diamond (certified as an Ideal Cut, or AGS-0 by the AGS Diamond grading lab) photographed by yours truly, this afternoon.
Shane McClure of GIA Diamond Lab Wins Prestigious Award.
The Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA) has named Shane McClure of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Gem Trade Laboratory the recipient of this year's Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
Shane McClure
The award, named in honor of the AGA's founding father, was created to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the gemological field.
For the last 28 years, McClure has served on the staff of the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory, now located in Carlsbad, Calif., where he currently works as director of West Coast identification services, managing both gem-identification activities and numerous research projects. McClure joined the GIA in 1978 after earning his Graduate Gemologist diploma from the institute.
McClure is also an accomplished writer and photographer, and is a seven-time recipient of the Gems and Gemology award for the most valuable article, an award voted on by the readers of that journal.
Gems & Gemology, The Premier Gemology Journal published by the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory.
This year's announcement of the award winner comes before the Tucson Gem Show and Jan. 31 AGA conference—a break with the former tradition of announcing the winner at a gala following the all-day conference.
"We wanted to make the gala a celebration of the winner, so we decided to publicize the winner in advance this year," Antoinette Matlins, daughter of Antonio C. Bonanno and founder of the award, said in a statement.
The award includes a check for $2,000 and, in addition to calling attention to the outstanding contributions of the recipient, also draws attention to the responsibility of the gemological community to encourage and reward ongoing research and education.
The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory is the Leader in Diamond and Gem research and education.
Congratulations, Shane!
Where have all the Regent Cut Diamonds Gone...
long time passing...
No, we're not re-writing the lyrics to that famous Peter, Paul, and Mary; Ballad of the 60's (you can't re-write a Classic) but just following up our prescient and on-target blogs of just about one year ago when we cautioned consumers to be wary and very careful in buying new-fangled "branded" diamond Cuts that had just hit the market. We warned of the super-hype marketing and shtick of Diamond retailers both in their Brick & Mortar stores as well as on their Internet diamond websites hawking the Regent Cut as the greatest thing since sliced bread, Apple Pie, and Motherhood. YOWZA!
We questioned whether this Diamond Cut would gain the public's approval and if not, then how would Retailers honor their Upgrade policies if the Regent Diamond was discontinued by the manufacturer. Review our blog comments and predictions here:
and here:
1. Generation A "Regent Cut" Diamond by Horowitz, Atlas
2. Generation B "Queen of Hearts" Diamond (Same manufacturer)
3. Generation C "Jubilee Cut" Diamond (same manufacturer)
Can you tell the difference? All three have been discontinued.
Well, my friends, now comes word that the Regent Cut Diamond has been officially discontinued with the company having been sold and all existing Regent diamonds going to be re-cut into another diamond shape. So long, Farewell, Auf Vidersein, Goodbye.
Read it here: Bye, Bye Regent Diamonds
The lesson for diamond buyers is clear: Stick with quality, well-cut traditional diamond shapes that have stood the test of time. If you are smitten with a new type of diamond shape that has just been introduced to the diamond market, stand back and allow a period of time of a few years and Market Forces to determine whether this particular diamond shape will survive and catch on with the public.
There is no worse feeling than for us guys to spend thousands of our hard-earned dollars on a diamond "Edsel" and for our women to be wearing a diamond that is obsolete and no longer in existence.
Caveat Emptor.
3 Beautiful Matching Emerald Cut Diamonds!!
I just took these photographs today for one of our customers.
These are 3 of the finest and most elegant loose emerald cut diamonds you will ever find!
These 3 diamonds are a perfect match for this 3 stone emerald cut diamond engagement ring.
Center stone is a 1.83 E VVS2, flanked by a .57 E VS1 & .56 F VVS1.
Does A Diamonds Cut Quality Have Any Relation to its Clarity?
Is a question we get asked all the time.
The answer is an emphatic yes. The better the Cut Quality of the diamond, the less likely it is that you will be able to see any inclusions in the face-up position from the normal viewing distance of 8-14 inches.
This is so because improving the Cut Quality of a diamond increases the amount and intensity of refracted light coming to your eye up through the top of the diamond. This light performance will "mask" your eyes ability to pick up and see any inclusions within the diamond.
Consumers can therefore max their budgets and get excellent value by seriously considering lower clarity grades such as SI-1 through I-2.
Below are two examples of GIA lab graded I-1 clarity grades that face up super eye clean and display superb light performance.
1.01 D color, I-1 clarity SuperbCert Diamond.
1.12 E color, I-1 clarity Superbcert Diamond.
Chocolate Sprinkled in 24kt. Gold Flakes!!
...And you thought Godiva manufactures expensive chocolate!!
This company manufactures swiss chocolates which are sprinkled in 24 karat gold flakes and come in two sizes: "Celebration" and "Intimacy" which sells for $99 (8 pcs.) and $37 (2 pcs.) respectively.
You can even customize the box with a special message!
WhiteFlash.com Raises Awareness For Conflict-Free Diamonds
Diamond and jewelry e-tailer, WhiteFlash.com has launched a campaign to raise awareness for Conflict Free diamonds..
In conjuction with their campaign, Whiteflash.com has produced the 'Dreams of Africa’ diamond pendant to raise awareness for and bring financial relief to African children, particularly those affected by the illicit trade of rough diamonds. Co-founders Debi Wexler and Brian Gavin hold these issues close to the heart.
The pendant’s sparkling conflict-free diamonds symbolize innocence. On the other side, its bold sapphires symbolize truth. The beautiful 'A Cut Above' center stone represents mother Africa and the sweeping spirals portray the dream of expanding awareness of the plight of these children to the strong outer circle, symbolizing the world we live in. Worn near the heart, this artistic expression is intended to touch the hearts of all who share their 'Dreams Of Africa.'
WhiteFlash intends to give 100% of the profits on the pendant, which sells for $4350, to the World Centers of Compassion for Children International (WCCCI) for the children who are affected by conflict diamonds.
Whiteflash has also recently launched a separate website at www.dreamsofafrica.org with special diamond merchandise from this line as well as various other products, a "dreams of Africa" song and a blog which adresses this important topic.
Kudos to Whiteflash for this incredible initiative!
Dreams of Africa Pendant, Designed and Produced by Whiteflash.com
Diamond TV Is Here!
Electronics giant Phillips unveiled a new flat screen television set for the Las Vegas consumer electronics show on January 8, 2007. The television set has some 2,200 round brilliant cut diamonds placed in a swirling design around the frame of the television set. The television set will not be sold to consumers, but it is valued at about $150,000. Phillips plans to auction the television for charity.
Nicolas Cage is Mont Blanc's New Face
Mont Blanc, New York, has appointed actor Nicolas Cage as international brand ambassador. The brand will feature Cage in a campaign entitled, "Helping others gives success true meaning." It will highlight Mont Blanc's chronograph watches.
Will Las Vegas Overtake New York as the #1 Diamond Center In the United States?
Sure looks like a definite possibility from our perch.
We brought to your attention a few months ago the very ambitious Las Vegas Diamond & Jewelry Center Project spearheaded by Bill Boyajian. The link is here: Las Vegas Jewelry Center
We also commented at New York Real Estate Developer Gary Barnett's difficulties in building a state-of-the-art Diamond/Jewelry facility here in the 47th Diamond District. The link is here:
New York Diamonds
Now comes the announcement that World Jewelry Center (WJC) Managing Director Bill Boyajian has received a favorable response and several signed letters of intent for space in the WJC office tower after a recent visit to Israel to explain the project to members of the Israeli jewelry industry.
Boyajian discussed with Israeli diamantaires and other jewelry business leaders the many benefits of doing business in the WJC, including the anticipated Foreign Trade Zone, which allows for goods to enter Las Vegas duty-free and remain that way until sold. Other advantages for business owners include Nevada's business-friendly environment and favorable tax laws, the more than 40 million consumers who visit Las Vegas annually, and the city's state-of-the-art communications and transportation systems.
Wake up NEW YORK!
Do You Recognize These Diamond & Jewelry Stores?
I just saw this really cool posting in one of the industry magazines.
Here is how it goes:
After losing his job at the Department of Public Works, Sully the dyslexic signwriter has been given a lifeline at his cousin's jewelry-store sign shop. In a flurry of activity, Sully knocked out 10 jobs. Below is what he's come up with, and he needs your help to straighten out the letters.
(Hint: All are big name jewelers or watch retailers with the exception of one independent - a pretty cool store from the South. Additionally, all these signs were fashioned according to the well known and recognized brand logos and nameplates of these various stores.)
I've Got My Eyes On This Watch!
I love this watch from Waldan International.
Are Weddings Going To The Dogs?
This Press Release is sure make you sit up and take notice:
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Last month, in a very unusual wedding in Las Vegas, Deborah Serfas was contracted by the Reverend of a chapel to provide jewelry for a bride and groom for whom wedding rings were out of the question. The happy couple? A couple of pug dogs. The dogs exchanged collars designed by Deborah. The wedding sounds like it had all the glitz and kitsch of a Liberace concert. The dogs arrived in a pink Cadillac driven by Elvis. The collars she designs look like the kind of thing you'd expect to find around the neck of Paris Hilton's dog.
Deborah of Gillett, PA had just such a magic moment almost two years ago. For years, she had been buying and selling vintage jewelry and designing her own pieces. One day, she was working in her studio and, on a lark, slipped one of her necklaces on her cocker spaniel-mix. She was stunned by what she saw. "I just thought, I've got a great idea here," she said. It was a great idea because Deborah knows some people live to pamper their pets and are willing to spend money to make their dogs and cats look special. The idea was to turn her jewelry designs into custom, extra-fancy collars for dogs and cats.
Check out the website at Doggy Bling-Bling for the wedding photos and the designed fancy collars.
Create A Custom Diamond Engagement Ring With CAD Technology Only at Excel Diamonds!
At ExcelDiamonds.com we have the ability to create one of a kind diamond jewelry and diamond engagement rings to mimic your exact tastes and desires. We will create the engagement ring or jewelry item of your dreams using the latest in 3-d CAD software technology. You will see your vision come to fruition before you very eyes!
Do you want a special design for your diamond engagement ring?
Perhaps a custom made wedding band to contour to and fit snugly against your engagement ring?
Whatever your choice, we can make your dream a reality!
Please take a look at our custom made diamond engagement ring section.
Here are some 3d CAD photos of an exquisite custom made wedding ring set for one of our customers. The rings being manufactured are of the popular and famous designer engagement ring line by Vatche.
Call us toll free at 866-829-8600
Or contact us at sales@exceldiamonds.com
Designs By Vatche Launches New Updated Website!!
As an authorized retailer for the fabulous Designs By Vatche diamond engagement rings and jewelry, we are pleased to announce the re-launch of the updated Vatche website, located at www.dvatche.com.
Here you will find Vatche's famous bridal jewelry collection, featuring beautiful and timeless diamond engagement rings meant to be cherished forever!
Golden Globe Awards Sees Mucho Bling-Bling.
So much for the Blood Diamond-fueled war between Hollywood and the diamond industry.
Celebrities from Little Miss Sunshine Abigail Breslin to The Queen Helen Mirren, sported bling at last night's 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood.
The Diamond Information Center said 82 of Hollywood's finest from film and television wore diamonds to the event.
Beyonce
Breslin, 10, star of the Globe-nominated hit Indie film, wore diamond loop earrings and a three-stone diamond-drop pendant by Harry Winston.
Helen Mirren—who won Globes for best performance by an actress in a motion picture drama for The Queen and best performance by an actress in a miniseries or motion picture made for television for Elizabeth I—wore 3-carat kite-shaped diamond earrings set in white gold, a diamond bracelet, and a Tahitian pear-shaped Golden Diamond pendant set in micro pavé on a white-gold and diamond chain by Chopard.
Actress Sienna Miller in diamond chandelier earrings from the Cartier Private Collection.
Jolie—known for her philanthropic efforts in Africa as well as her A-list association with Brad Pitt—worked with fashion stylist Jen Rade to create a glamorous look that included a vintage-style uncut-diamond necklace, earrings and bangles set in 22-karat yellow gold by Bochic.
Sienna Miller
Best actress in a motion picture drama nominee Gyllenhaal chose vintage Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry consisting of a 1937 Ludo Hexagone bracelet with the company's sapphire Mystery setting in the center with diamonds, a 1937 Pont oval sapphire bracelet with round-cut diamonds, and 1923 Pampilles earrings with sapphires and baguette-cut diamonds. All the pieces were mounted in platinum.
Penelope Cruz
Overall, top diamond trends at the Golden Globes included right-hand rings, earrings and vintage-inspired necklaces.
Diamond right-hand rings were worn by best actress in a motion picture musical or comedy nominee Beyoncé Knowles, in a 25-carat grey-, yellow- and white-diamond right-hand ring valued at $110,000 by Lorraine Schwartz; Jennifer Lopez, in a yellow-diamond right-hand ring by Lorraine Schwartz; and best actress in a motion picture drama nominee Penélope Cruz, in a diamond and platinum right-hand ring by Chopa.
Diamond earrings were worn by Jennifer Hudson, best supporting actress winner for Dreamgirls, in 19th-century old-mine-cut diamond earrings by Fred Leighton; Cruz, in diamond studs by Chopard; Lopez, in yellow- and white-diamond earrings set in yellow and black gold by Lorraine Schwartz; and Sienna Miller, in diamond chandelier earrings from the Cartier Private Collection.
Diamond necklaces were worn by Heidi Klum, in a diamond and platinum choker with diamond-heart locket, valued at $1 million; and best actress in a motion picture drama nominee Kate Winslet, in a heart-shaped diamond pendant by Chopard.
Kyra Sedgwick, best actress winner for the TV drama "Closer," in Piaget's white-gold and diamond "Golden Globe" right-hand ring.
In one of the more interesting accessory choices of the evening, Kyra Sedgwick, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a television drama series for Closer, arrived on the red carpet with a "golden globe" already in hand. She wore Piaget's Golden Globe right-hand ring in 18-karat white gold with diamonds, which features an intricately faceted globe that reflects light as it dangles.
Kyle Sedgewick
You Can Run, But You Can't Hide. I Have X-Ray Eyes.
From this morning's Scotland Daily Record:
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A THIEF who swallowed an engagement ring was caught after police ran a metal detector over his stomach.
Then a hospital X-ray showed up the platinum and diamond sparkler in his gut, a court heard yesterday.
And police kept Simon Hooper in custody for three days until nature took its course and the £1750 ring reappeared.
Jobless Hooper was jailed for 12 weeks after he admitted the bizarre theft at the Clock House jewellery shop in Dorchester, Dorset, in November.
Jeweller Fred Burgess, 57, said after the case: "He walked in and told me his girlfriend had just had a baby and so he wanted to ask her to marry him.
"We discussed what type of ring he was after and I showed him a platinum princess cut ring from the window.
"As he held it in his hand, I turned back to the window to get two more rings but when I looked at him again the ring had gone.
"I asked him where it was and he claimed he had given it back to me. I asked him to empty his pockets.
"I still couldn't find the ring and I could only assume he had swallowed it because there wasn't anywhere else it could be.
"He was eating peppermint cream sweets at the time - I don't know if they helped him to swallow it."
Police took Hooper for an X-ray after a strip search failed to produce the ring.
Even when it appeared on the image, Hooper claimed it was a piece of foil he had eaten by accident. But police refused to swallow his story and put him in a cell.
Justine Gayford, prosecuting, told Blandford magistrates: "By the following day, the ring had still not passed, so his detention was extended by magistrates for 36 hours.
"By November 26, his time was up and at that moment he passed a single stool which contained the diamond ring."
Hooper, from Fordington, Dorchester, who is still with his long-term girlfriend, avoided paying compensation to the jeweller because the ring was recovered.
But Mr Burgess said another buyer had backed out after being told the ring's history.
The jeweller said: "I had to tell her what had happened. Unsurprisingly, she doesn't want the ring now.
"I don't want to sell the ring in my shop now I know where it has been so it will be polished up then sold through the trade.
Desmond Reynolds, defending, said Hooper's judgment had been affected by alcohol."
Take This Blue Sapphire, Please!
Only $420,000.
"You have to not only be wealthy to own this, you have to be lucky to have the opportunity to purchase it," says gem cutter Michael Arnstein of the Natural Sapphire Co., which is selling the largest natural blue sapphire available in the United States.
Discovered in 1952 in the gem mines of Sri Lanka, the 129-carat rough sapphire crystal yielded an 80-carat sapphire in its first cutting. It was then sold to a British family and held in private ownership until the late 1990s. At that time, it was re-cut into a more perfect shape and with better symmetry to improve its light and color reflection.
I'll take two!
Custom Made Tiffany Style Diamond Eternity Ring!
Here is an absolutely breathtaking Tiffany style diamond eternity ring we just completed today for one of our customers!!
A very lucky lady will be receiving this 4.01carat, custom made shared prong diamond eternity ring in heavyweight platinum, tomorrow.
These icy white ideally cut diamonds are top flight color/clarity with blinding sparkle!!
Here are a few pictures (don't do any justice :( )
Platinum Wins Golden Globe Award for Best Precious Metal!
National Jeweler reports that At Monday night's 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards, fashion faux pas were notably few, and platinum proved to be the metal of choice as celeb after celeb showed up on the red carpet accessorizing with the gray-white metal.
While stars such as Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez chose yellow-gold designs for a more bohemian look, platinum offered stars such as Mary Louise Parker, Edie Falco and Patricia Arquette a classic, glamorous accent to both diamonds and colored gemstones.
"A-listers choose platinum jewelry because it holds their gemstones more securely than any other metal and makes their jewelry sparkle from afar," Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) Senior Vice President Michael O'Connor said in a statement.
One notable standout was famous mom Kathy Hilton, who stunned in a platinum evening jacket with 2,000 diamonds totaling 300 carats by Lazare Kaplan. Perhaps even more impressive is the jacket's cost: $1,000,000.
Another platinum fan was MTV host and current Nick Lachey-squeeze Vanessa Minnillo, who arrived decked out in $400,000 worth of platinum and diamonds. From earrings by Lazare Kaplan to a necklace by Jacob and Co. to a cocktail ring and bracelet by Ricardo Basta, Minnillo showed no loyalty to any one brand, but a definite affinity for platinum and diamonds.
Despite a bevy of diamond designs, colored gemstones weren't at all ignored: Grey's Anatomy's Sandra Oh chose Neil Lane platinum earrings and a ring, both set with diamonds and sapphires; Dreamgirls' Sharon Leal chose a platinum and Tahitian pearl necklace, earrings, ring and bracelet by Mikimoto; and Wedding Crashers' Isla Fisher, fiancée of funnyman Sasha Baron Cohen, donned a platinum ring with diamonds, moonstones and sapphires.
Edie Falco
Men were no strangers to the platinum craze, either, with best actor winner Forest Whitaker, Dancing with the Stars' Mario Lopez and Entourage's Jeremy Piven choosing platinum cuff links from the likes of Neil Lane and Kwiat.
Prior to the ceremony, celebrities were invited to attend an envy-inducing event, the PGI-USA Golden Globe Awards Red Carpet Jewelry Preview at the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive. Attendees were able to indulge in a complete platinum experience, including over $10 million dollars worth of platinum jewelry to wear on the red carpet; gift bags valued at $1,700, filled with goodies from Core Pilates, Redken, Neutrogena, Aldo and more; limited-edition Platinum Guild-engraved iPod Nanos; and spa services provided by Spa 415 Beverly Hills and Chocolate Sun.
Update: Jewelry Designs By Vatche
Update:
Begining February 1, 2007 Designs By Vatche will be raising prices on all jewelry and custom diamond engagement rings, by 4%.
All Authorized retailers (including our company) will be required to increase prices on Vatche jewelry to reflect this change.
This price increase is due to increased labor costs, production costs, and the price surge for precious metals.
For those who are considering purchasing diamond jewelry by Vatche, now is the time to buy before the the 4% PRICE INCREASE in February.
Kind Regards,
ExcelDiamonds Family
3 Stone Matching Princess Cut Diamonds For Engagement Ring!
I'm in the office (actually in the diamond photo lab.) tonight working late...
I just finished photographing 3 absolutely gorgeous princess cut diamonds for an interested customer.
Center is an Ideal Cut diamond certified by AGS (AGS-0 Ideal Cut), 1.51 G VVS1.
Side diamonds are a .71 G VS1 and a .71 G VS2.
This customer is contemplating the gorgeous and distinctive Vache 3 stone Truffle diamond engagement ring in platinum for these 3 diamonds.
Here are the pictures I took of the 3 diamonds side by side.
What's In A Diamond-Jewelry "Name"?
Do "Brand" names make a difference in the purchasing decision of consumers?
They do if the "Brand" stands for consistent quality over time.
In the world of Diamonds and Jewelry, The Luxury Institute of New York ranked leading jewelry brands based upon results from a high net-worth customer survey. The Institute's 2007 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey of luxury jewelry, ultra-wealthy consumers rated Harry Winston the leading brand by a wide margin. Buccellati ranked second, slightly above third-place Cartier, among 20 luxury jewelry brands surveyed.
Brands rated, in alphabetical order, included: Asprey, Blue Nile, Boucheron, Buccellati, Bulgari, Carrera y Carrera, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, David Yurman, De Beers LV, Dior, FRED, Graff, Gucci, Harry Winston, Mikimoto, Piaget, Tiffany, and Van Cleef and Arpels.
Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute, said they developed the brand reputation survey at the request of luxury CEOs to provide objective, independent tracking metrics that luxury executives can use to efficiently gauge where they and their competitors stand with wealthy and ultra-wealthy consumers. The Institute considers high net-worth consumers to be those who have a minimum household income of $200,000 and a net worth of $5 million.
"Many luxury brand market research teams use our surveys as a 'second independent opinion' versus their own internal surveys. This year's survey includes a new 'brand referral' metric, as well as 'next brand purchase intent' metrics to better understand the strength of each brand," Pedraza said.
Love & Marriage Is More Than Just the Diamond Engagement Ring.
Valuable Life Lesson Here:
Love & Marriage In "Real" Time.
Cool New Concept For A Luxury Watch!
The disinfectant hygenic "Karrusel" watch by St. Gallen
Just when you thought the word "techno" and "geek" would never seep into the world of luxury watches, think again!
Techno geeks rejoice!
This company has created a luxury watch that disinfects itself???
No need for this on your watch, when your watch can do it for you..
Not even sure myself...take a look.
Jewelry Gift Cards Collecting Dust.
As of the second week in January, shoppers had spent less than half the value of the holiday gift cards they received, forcing companies to encourage consumers to spend them as soon as possible so they can count as a sale, a new National Retail Federation survey reports.
"January and February tend to be slow months for shopping, so retailers will be doing everything possible to bring customers into the stores to spend holiday gift cards," NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin said in a media release. "It is in the retailers' best interest to encourage recipients to spend gift cards before they become lost or misplaced."
Retailers also know that customers redeeming gift cards are likely to spend more than the card's value. According to the survey, conducted by Big Research, half of the consumers who redeemed holiday gift cards said they spent beyond the value of the card to purchase an item.
Gift cards, expected to be a common holiday gift, were even more popular than projected. According to the survey, consumers spent an average of $164.81 on gift cards, up from the $146.20 they expected to spend, resulting in $27.8 billion in holiday gift card sales. Men spent the most on gift cards ($176.84), and young adults, ages 18-24, spent the least ($118.12).
According to the survey, gift cards to department stores (37.9 percent), restaurants (26.8 percent), bookstores (18 percent), electronics stores (16.2 percent) and discounters (14.8 percent) were the most popular to give, and most consumers chose to buy the cards from establishments where the cards could be used. Many shoppers, however, purchased store gift cards from other retailers such as convenience stores and supermarkets. Also, nearly one-fifth (17.7percent) of consumers said they purchased a gift card online.
"As gift cards increase in popularity, retailers are looking for more convenient ways to sell them," Big Research Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. "Many time-strapped holiday shoppers chose to buy several different gift cards at once by purchasing gift cards at supermarkets or convenience stores, which is a trend we expect to continue."
Beautiful Diamond Choker For Heidi Klum!
My Dad blogged recently on some of the gorgeous diamond jewelry worn by the celebrities at this years recent Golden Globe Awards ceremony.
He left out one particularly stunning piece worn by an equally beautiful celebrity!
Supermodel Heidi Klum strolled down the red carpet at the Golden Globes in this diamond choker with a stunning locket from her Heidi Klum Collection for Mouwad.
Pelosi Makes Statement With Pearls
Now that Nancy Pelosi has become Speaker of House, she is being graded not just on her politics but also on her fashion.
The Washington Post noted that, when she made her debut, "Pelosi had to decide how a woman who will be second in line of sucsession to the presidency should look".
Pelosi responded to the challenge with a power suit accessorized with a beautiful strand of multi color pearls (hopefully they were real :)...).
I guess pearl jewelry isn't just in style, it has now entered the political arena as well!
Where To See Some Of The Worlds Most Beautiful Diamonds!
At the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Well worth the trip!
More here from the Smithsonian's resident Diamond Expert:
Enjoy!
Women Just May Have to Buy their Own Valentine's Day Gift.
Although more than half of women want jewelry as a Valentine's Day gift this year, only 14 percent expect to get it, a new study by Jewelry.com finds.
But the survey also finds that many women (68.5 percent) would consider buying themselves a Valentine's Day present this year. Almost half of those surveyed said they would buy themselves jewelry, and 54.5 percent said they would spend more than $50 on themselves.
None of the respondents said they want nothing for Valentine's Day, but 18.4 percent of the 3,000 women surveyed expect to get nothing.
The study also finds that only 1.8 percent of those surveyed want a card, although 18 percent expect to receive a card.
Valentine's Day Spending Up 19%.
Showing your love on Valentine’s Day is costly. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2007 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch for NRF, the average consumer will spend $119.67 on Valentine's Day, up from $100.89 in 2006.
With 63.4 percent of consumers planning to celebrate the holiday, total 2007 Valentine's Day spending is expected to reach $16.90 billion.
Men have historically been the big spenders when it comes to Valentine’s Day and this year is no exception. According to the survey, the average male is expected to spend $156.22, nearly double the $85.08 that the average female will spend.
Flowers remain a popular holiday gift, with 58.3 percent of men planning to buy their sweet heart some type of flower (vs. 52.3 percent in 2006). Men will also be showering their loved ones with cards (56.7 percent,) candy (42.9 percent,) an evening out (53.1 percent) and jewelry (27.6 percent.)
When it comes to showing that special someone how much you care, both men and women will hit the stores for the perfect token of affection. Popular gifts include cards (62.8 percent,) candy (48.4 percent) and flowers (36.7 percent.) In addition, close to half of consumers 45.3 percent) will treat their loved one to a special evening out.
No surprise, Approximately 25 percent of women surveyed indicated diamonds were on the top of their wish list.
Excel Diamonds Has A Customer For Life!
Here is a beautiful and heartfelt testimonial we received yesterday for Excel Diamonds.com.
This diamond testimonial was originally posted on a popular diamond discussion forum, here.
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Having been ripped off in the past by a Portland, OR-based internet jeweler, I was skeptical about buying a substantial piece of jewelry online again. Let’s face it, wiring thousands of dollars to someone you don’t know for something you haven’t seen in person can be a leap of faith, add the fact that you’ve been burned once before, and it’s even more stressful!
I was looking for a shared prong eternity band, wasn’t sure of carat weight, but I wanted something blindingly substantial. I’m wise to the 200% - 300% mark-up scams and hard-sell tactics of bricks and mortar jewelers, so buying locally wasn’t an option. What to do, what to do? I contacted 3 internet-based jewelers about this piece and based on my gut feeling, one stood out from the rest…it was Judah at Excel Diamonds.
In my early communication, I mentioned wanting 5 carats, but Judah advised me to go with 4 saying, “the price differential would be significant and the ring would not look better, IMO…I’d love to take your monies on a bigger and more expensive ring, but not at the expense of my integrity and honesty.” Wow! There’s something different for you
I’d initially contacted Barry and Judah in early December and despite being right in the middle of the holiday rush, Judah always responded to my emails within an hour or two. When he hadn’t heard from me in a couple of weeks, he sent an email to find out if I was still shopping for a ring. It was great that he cared enough about my business to follow-up.
During those weeks, I was shopping locally to get a feel for carat weight, color and clarity. Similar rings were only available at high-end stores, and the color and clarity was inferior to what Judah was offering for about 1/3 the price of what the local stores were asking, and they wouldn’t even talk “cut” with me saying that it didn’t matter in an eternity band. Really???
I finally placed my order about a month after my first contact with Excel, Judah really earned it! He spent a lot of time with me in the month leading up to my purchase. He never dismissed me as a “browser”. He promptly and patiently answered every question I had (including the stupid ones), even before I’d committed to placing an order.
Once ordered, Judah said it would be about 3 weeks before they could deliver the ring. 3 weeks is an eternity when you’re waiting for a 4 carat sparkly, so I followed up with him early in the second week and he told me the wait was still as expected, but 2 days later on my way home from work, I got the call that my ring was ready and would be overnighted!
Now, the moment of truth…
Judah delivered exactly what he’d promised! A substantial ring, 16 quarter carat stones, white and full of fire, set in a nice heavy platinum setting. It’s even nicer than the two I saw locally for 3 times the price, and people (including me) constantly stare at it! I was having some other pieces repaired by a local high-end jeweler, and the saleswoman wanted to know where I got the ring, and called her coworker over to ogle it. Yes, it’s THAT stunning!
Excel diamonds has a customer for life! This is the first that a piece of jewelry has exceeded my expectations, I’m tough to please, but I couldn’t be happier, and I will be back for more!
I still need to have my ring appraised, and will post an update (and some hand photos) once that’s in, but my guy is booked for a while and I wanted to get this testimonial up ASAP because the guys at Excel really deserve it!
MissS.
Now, the eye candy…
What Is Palladium?
What is Palladium?
We get asked this question every day.
The short description is as follows:
Palladium is a natural white pure precious metal of 95% purity. It enahances the beauty of diamonds (similar to platinum), is hypo-allergenic, nickel free and needs no rhodium plating (which makes it slightly more desireable than white gold, albeit more expensive as well).
Palladium is 30 times more rare than gold, while sharing a similar patina and luster as precious platinum.
Palladium is also a very strong and durable metal and will last a lifetime.
It is less expensive than platinum, but more expensive than gold.
Now, for the long explanation, click here.
Journe Wins Top Watch Prize, Again!
The luxury watch business awarded its top 2006 awards in November at the garnd Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve ceremonies in Geneva. The competition is open to all watch brands and companies. Some 1500 guests attended the gala event at the Grand Theatre.
The top prize, the Prix de l'Aiguille d'Or (the Golden Hand award), again went to Geneva watchmaker Francois- Paul Journe for his Grande Petite Sonnerie Souveraine timepiece (with quarter, hour, and minute repeater). The timepiece caps six years' developement, and its complex but durable mechanism has 10 patents.
Grande Petite Sonnerie Souveraine
For an in depth tutorial and virtual tour on the makings of this complicated and beautiful timepiece by Journe, click here.
Leonid Charny of Pricescope.com To Speak At JCK
Leonid Charny, who is the moderator of a popular diamond discussion forum at www.pricescope.com will be addressing this years upcoming JCK diamond and jewelry show in Las Vegas.
Leonid Charny
Charnys topic is entitled "Harnessing the Latest Internet Technologies to Break Through".
This discussion will deal with the ever growing segment of consumers who are turning to the Internet for information on planned purchases such as diamonds and diamond jewelry. Mr Charny will illustrate how cutting edge internet technologies allow diamond vendors and online diamond stores to get up close and personal with their customers.
He will point out the importance of why brick and mortar jewelers need to embrace these technologies in order to build relationships and brand recognition so that they can foster the trust needed to get these educated customers back into the stores.
Diamond Vues Growing So Quickly: 2006 Stats
Diamond Vues.com, which was launched on December 27, 2004 has reached an amazing milestone of 1000 posts in this short period of time!!
Our objective when we launched this diamond information blog was to be the pulse of the diamond and jewelry marketplace.
Our commitment since the inception of this blog was/is to give our readership the latest news and fashion trends in the world of loose diamonds, diamond engagement rings, designer diamond rings, and diamond and jewelry websites.
Our explosive growth during this short period of time is a testament to our success!
Lets' take a peek under the hood and share some of our stats for 2006.
Average Visits Per Month
14,790
Top 5 Requested Pages
1. Diamond Engagement Rings
2. Luxury Watches
3. Diamond News
4. Jewelry
5. Designer Engagement Rings
Top Referrals
1. Google - 38.76%
2. Images.google.com - 9.31%
3. Yahoo - 8.53%
4. Msn - 2.94%
Top Search Terms
Top Secret....:) :) :) :)
Top Search Engines
1. Google.com - 51.88%
2. Yahoo.com - 13.46%
3. Msn.com - 4.40%
4. Google.ca - 3.91%
Top Browsers
1. Internet Explorer - 71.06%
2. Firefox - 14.28%
3. Safari - 4.99%
4. Mozzila - 2.92%
5. MagpieRSS - 2.69%
We invite you to join and subscribe to our blog for all of the latest facts, news, and information pertaining to the diamond and jewelry industry and thank you for making this blog a huge success!
See you all at 2000!
