February 2007 Archives
Go Platinum For Valentine's Day!
GO.....................
Valentine's Day proposals are sure to translate into June weddings or marriage ceremonies later this year. To help make the jewelry portion of the wedding go easier, the Platinum Guild has created the 2007 Platinum Bridal Toolkit.
This 10 page booklet has a number of helpful features, including ways to budget for mens platinum jewelry and womens platinum jewelry. There is even a section on wedding jewelry trends and a celebrity styls section.
For more information go to www.preciousplatinum.com
Click on the the Bridal Guide option from the menu.
Buy Your Gal Beautiful Jewelry For Valentine's Day!!
Guys,
We go through this every year....
Valentine's Day is fast approaching and it really tends to confuse us "men who are from Mars".
Sure it's a day for emotional expression and appreciation.
However, many guys get it completely wrong...they are just totally on the wrong "emotional" train.....
Allow me to explain with this illustration:
'aint that the truth...
This mindset is going to get you in trouble all over again.
Your gal is waiting for that elusive gift and she has something very specific in mind...
Flowers???............don't even think about it!!!
You won't get away that easy...
Let's face it..your gal is thinking JEWELRY.
So you think..o.k., I'll buy her a cheezy gold band from JC Penny...shouldn't cost more than a few dollars....
Think again...this next illustration could be you....
Scratch that idea.....
Bottom line is, you owe it to your gal to buy her something nice, something memorable, something significant.
This does not always have to translate into big bucks.....it is true..that "it is the thought that counts".
However, this only applies when you actually spend two seconds thinking outside of...er...the box.
You cannot go wrong this Valentine's Day with a nice piece of diamond jewelry for your significant other....
Best of luck!
Gold Is Rising!
You've probably been too busy to notice but Gold is rising.
After hitting $700/oz. in mid-late 2006, Gold retrenched to the low 600's.
Gold is moving up slowly, quietly and closed today at $656/oz. Analysts are turning bullish and forecasting a breakthrough through $700+ in the near term.
Designer Diamond Engagement Rings by Kelege
Diamond engagement rings by designer Jack Kelege has been catching my eye recently.
Beautiful diamond rings by Jack Kelege
This guy has some really beautiful and unique engagement ring designs and does a superb job of mixing precious metals with precious gemstones!!
We wish him the best of luck and applaud him for his beautiful and tasteful diamond jewelry designs!
Please visit www.jackkelege.com for more information.
Jeter Launches Movado Series 800 Chronograph
Baseball superstar Derek Jeter, of the New York Yankees, recently hosted the launch of Movado's new series 800 Chronograph at Macy's Herald Square flagship store in N.Y.C.
Fans and watch enthusiasts lined the aisles to get a Movado series 800 baseball cap and to shake hands with Jeter.
Those who bought a series 800 watch that day were invited to a private cocktail reception with Jeter.
The event also kicked off a monthlong charitable initiative by Movado for Jeters Turn2 foundation.
Diamond Internet Retailer Abazias.com Looking to Sell Out.
We noted with interest last weeks announcement by one of our colleagues, online diamond retailer Abazias.com that they have initiated a formal process to explore a variety of strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including a potential sale of their company. In this statement released on January 31, Abazias.com said it retained Cantor Fitzgerald to act as its exclusive financial advisor in order to examine a range of short and long-term options.
Abazias reported that fiscal 2006 sales increased 58 percent to $4.8 million at Abazias, while the company reduced its loss by 68 percent to $139,613.
We can't say that we're surprised by Abazias move. While Abazias claims to list over 80,000 diamonds, few are actually in-house with them but are based on lists that are supplied to them from Manufacturer/Wholesalers. Diamonds are directly drop-shipped to you the retail consumer by the Wholesaler. Buying blind in this way has it's shortcomings as a diamonds brilliance and sparkle cannot be solely determined just from a Lab Grading report.
Today, Consumers shopping the Internet for Diamonds are more savvy and educated about the 5 C's, including a diamonds Cut Quality and are demanding more information from vendors such as Photo's, Cut Quality Analysis, and measurements of light performance. Supplying consumers with this type of information demands considerable investment in technology and manpower.
We believe that with consumer diamond edcuation spreading and increasing that this announcement by Abazias is just the beginning of a shakeout in the world of diamond e-commerce websites and that other drop-ship diamond e-tailers will also soon come to the realization that diamond drop-shipping is a dead-end road and they will either improve their educational services to the consumer which includes in-house evaluation and testing of the diamonds they sell or bail out.
We wish our friends at Abazias.com the very best of luck as they embark on this new initiative.
Are Hearts on Fire Diamonds Worth The Huge Premium??
Are Hearts on Fire branded diamonds worth the inflated price tag?
Hearts on Fire Diamonds trademarked logo.
We get asked this question all the time.
Indeed, there is no "right" or "wrong" answer to this question.
Hearts on Fire loose Diamonds are assuredly beautiful diamonds by any estimation.
Whether they are actually the "best", depends on the age old struggle of psychology/emotion versus rational/practical considerations.
While it has become quite clear to today's savvy diamond shopper that there are entirely comparable loose diamonds available on the market (any super ideal cut diamond) today at much lower prices than Hearts on Fire Diamonds, the reality is that many people will still opt to buy the more expensive branded Hearts on Fire Diamond, opting for the psychological comfort of the marketing fluff and brand name recognition.
One must look no further than their thriving business model as a testament to the success of the Hearts on Fire Brand.
One thing is quite certain however; the success that the expensive Hearts on Fire Diamonds enjoy in the store-based (traditional "brick & mortar" jewelers) jewelers, would never translate on the Internet where diamonds of similar and better cut quality and beauty are sold every day at a fraction of the price of any comparable Hearts on Fire Diamond.
Here is a previous blog entry regarding the Hearts on Fire Diamond brand:
Why do people buy Hearts on Fire Diamonds???
So are the Hearts on Fire diamonds really the "most perfectly cut diamonds in the world"?
If you, the consumer says yes, that is all that really matters.....
SuperbCert Diamond Competes With Solasfera, Hearts on Fire, and Wins!
We just got a beautiful testimonial from one of our satisfied customers for our exclusive SuperbCert Signature Hearts & Arrows Diamonds. In fact, the testimonial is so nice and based on extensive and exhaustive research I feel compelled to share it here on our diamond information blog for our many Diamond Vues readers.
The fact that I have also received permission to share a few photos of this beautiful and photogenic young couple, is an added bonus and icing on the cake!!
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Hi Barry,
I hope you are doing well. Everything went great and she said Yes :-). She loves the diamond :-). I think she has decided that she wants a different style setting than the Tiffany though. Even though she thinks it's beautiful she has her heart set on a different style, so I will confirm with her today, since I think today is our 10th day, and see what she wants to do. I love the simplistic elegance of the Tiffany and the fluted prongs, and the way it draws attention to the center diamond, but I guess she's the one that has to wear it.
Since we have been looking at settings the past few days it has given me a chance to compare the Superbcert with all of the other diamonds on the market that claim to be the best in the world, and the Superbcert blew them all out of the water!! I was able to compare it to the Leo, Peerless, Solasfera, Hearts on Fire, and AGS000 and GIA EX EX ideal cuts.
The Superbcert gave off more light than all of the other diamonds, even though they were loose and hers is mounted.
It was most apparent while the diamond was moving. One thing that really stood out to me was the color difference. Even when we would compare it to an equivalent F VS2 the Superbcert was noticeably whiter against all of the best branded cuts out there. It even looked whiter than the E's we saw.
It was particulary impressive when the Superbcert was better than an equivalent size Hearts on Fire that cost $30,000 vs. $11,800 for the Superbcert!!
Actual Photo of this SuperbCert Diamond in the SuperbCert Tiffany Channel Diamond Replica Ring.
We took the ring to be appraised by a Gemologist that has been doing appraisals for 34 years, and he said that it was cut as closely to ideal as you can get, and he appraised it for $18,000.
At all of the retail stores in the mall that we saw, a similar diamond would have been at least $6,000 to $10,000 more. So we are both very happy, and I think that not only did we get the most beautiful diamond there is, but we got it at a phenomenal price.
Also, everything that we received was top notch quality and class. The ring box is beautiful and really complimented the diamond and platinum. I also enjoyed the toolkit and I spent at least several hours being fascinated with examining the Superbcert and the two CZ's. Even the brochure was great! She wanted to know why I was so obsessed with comparing the diamond to all of the other ones out there, and one night she read the brochure and then understood why, because I wanted to get her the best because she is the best :-).
I proposed at the Drake hotel in downtown Chicago. The Drake is an older hotel with much history and is very elegant and romantic. She thought we were just going there for a weekend getaway, and thought that I would propose on Valentine's day instead. When we first arrived we went for afternoon tea which is a tradition at the Drake. They have a harp player there and the setting is relaxing and beautiful. Afterwards we had to find a store that sold camera cards because she forgot hers, and I was a little nervous walking around downtown chicago knowing that I had the ring in my pocket. We got back to the room and got ready for dinner, which was a surprise since she didn't know where we were going. Right before we left I told her I had a surprise for her and I gave her a box of gold covered chocolates (I saw them on one of Judah's blog posts, and even though they were ridiculously expensive, I thought it would make for a memorable experience. Thanks Judah :-)). With the chocolate was a card that said "Happy anniversary, I want to show you how much I love you so go to www.joeloveslisa.com and watch and listen. This was a website that I made for her that had pictures and songs of us throughout our dating. You have to click the heart to start the slideshow playing.
After she watched the slideshow I told her that I had something else for her. I then presented her with a long white box. She opened it and saw a preserved rose plated in platinum. It was in a presentation case and on the top of the case I had a plaque inscribed with "I love you endlessly and eternally, Will you Marry Me? Joe" She didn't see the plaque at first and when she turned it over she got the shock of her life :-).
Lisa with Her Rose
I then knelt down and asked her to marry me and presented her with the ring and she said yes. After that I then told her I had one more thing. She had always jokingly said that if I ever proposed that her dog needed a ring too, LOL, so I found a stuffed dog toy engagement ring in a stuffed toy box and presented it to her with pictures of my dogs inside, LOL, and we got a good laugh out of it. After that I told her where we were going for dinner which was the Green Dolphin jazz club where we had first met. I then told her that not only were we eating there but that Lynne Jordan, her favorite singer, would be there, so she was very happy. We had dinner and then we went and listened to Lynn. Lynn made an announcement that we had just got engaged, and she dedicated a song to us that we got up and danced to alone in front of everyone there. We then stayed a while and listened to music and had some champagne and apple martinis. We got back to the room and opened the door, and she saw a trail of rose petals that led to the bed and they were arranged in a heart pattern on the bed. I had the concierge arrange it while we were gone :-).
Joe & Lisa...what a stunning couple!
I really appreciate all of the help and honesty that you and Judah gave me, and I appreciate the extra effort you guys made in getting the ring done so that I could present it to her on the special day that I had planned. Even though I bugged you guys mercilessly with questions on diamonds, settings, and when the ring would be done, you never lost patience with me and were always willing to help and talk. I have an industrial equipment business that has a website, and I have learned a lot from dealing with you guys about how to bring a personal touch and excellent customer service to such an impersonal medium as the internet. I'm starting to incorporate these things into my business and I'm already seeing positive results from it. Who knows, maybe with incorporating the things that I learned from you guys it may pay for the ring, LOL.
Thanks,
Joe
P.S. I'll send the pics in a separate email in case the size is too big. Also, I'll post a testimonial on Diamond talk tomorrow so that everyone can know what a great diamond and buying experience I had :-)
Naomi Campbell Helps Launch New Jewelry Line By Mont Blanc!
Montblanc hosted a gala "The Night of Stars" to celebrate its launch of a new diamond jewelry collection in Chamonix, France.
The Montblanc gala featured supermodel Naomi Campbell who presented the "Etoile" necklace and earrings worth approximately $4 million.
Naomi showcasing Mont Blanc Jewelry
Naomi wearing a Mont Blanc Watch
The Montblanc Diamond Jewelry Collection features four collections with more than 65 pieces of 18-karat gold studded with precious diamonds. The collection is now available for purchase beginning February 3, 2007 at Montblanc boutiques across the Country.
Well......
Naomi Campbell in the news promoting beautiful designer jewelry from Mont Blanc, sure beats Naomi Campbell in the news for a latest arrest as a result of beating someone to a pulp!!
Naomi Campbell during her most recent arrest in N.Y.C.
Super Sunday "Super" for Jewelers.
Supermarkets and electronics stores are not the only retailers that benefit from Super Bowl Sunday, according to a study released last week from Visa USA.
The study finds that jewelers and florists also see a boon in business. Both businesses experienced more than a 30 percent increase during Super Bowl weekends in 2005 and 2006, compared with other weekends.
Visa Senior Vice President for Business and Economic Analysis Wayne Best said in a statement that Visa expected to see sales increases at retailers that sell chips, dip, beer and televisions, but did not expect the hike in jewelry and flower sales.
Stats for Super Sunday 2007 should be released very soon.
You Can Get SCAMMED On Ebay!
Ebay is a popular internet site for purchasing all kinds of items. It has attracted its share of thieves and scammers ranging from shill bidders, bogus auctions, and manipulated feedback to make the Seller look good.
Here is the latest scam as reported by first person account. Brazen and Scary. Read it and be careful if you're going to shop on Ebay.
Diamond Engagement Ring Tale: How Do You Spell "Gratitude"?
WINS 1010 NewsRadio reports this morning that a Queens taxi driver returned a black travel bag carrying 31 diamond rings to a passenger -- after she paid him a 30-cent tip on a nearly $11 ride.
Hours after Chowdhury Osman had dropped off the passenger, he returned the bag to her, which she had left in the taxi's trunk.
Osman told the Daily News that he never even thought of keeping the gems. He said that he wouldn't take another person's property or money to get rich.
Osman had drive the woman from the Hilton New York to an East 35th Street apartment. For a $10.70 fare, she gave him a $20 bill -- and asked for $9 back.
The woman, who was not identified by the Daily News but told a reporter that she was a jeweler, offered Osman a $100 reward.
He begrudgingly accepted the money -- for the lost fares from tracking her down and returning the bag.
Nancy Pelosi Responsible For A Huge Spike In Pearl Jewelry Sales!
Maybe it's just because she is the first female speaker of the house...who knows..
..but Nancy Pelosi's wardrobe has been getting a ton of attention of late with most of the discussion revolving around her signature strand of South Sea Cultured Pearls, which are estimated to cost around 80k!!
Many bricks and mortar, as well as internet jewelers are now reporting a very profitable Holiday selling season for pearl strands and pearl jewelry which they are clearly attributing to the new speaker of the house, who has just made Blackwell's best dressed list.
So there you have it......Nancy Pelosi is literally driving sales for timeless pearl strands and pearl jewelry!
Master Jeweler & Designer Wins Prestigious Award
The recent 2007 Spectrum Awards Competition for the jewelry industry, showcased some of the best, finest, and most unique designs in colored gemstone jewelry.
One particular jewelry designer who immediately caught my attention, is master jeweler Alan Friedman.
Friedman won an award in the mens jewelry category for first place, second place, and third place!!
Here is a photo of his third place winner; a beautiful pair of cufflinks with 14 blue sapphires set in 18kt. red and white gold.
third place winner
This guy is the real deal and deserves an honorable mention in my "Diamond Stars" category as a master jeweler and designer who is at the top of his field in creating breathtaking custom diamond jewelry.
Check out these two incredibly beautiful custom made diamond rings, also by Alan Friedman.
Breathtakingly beautiful diamond jewelry by Alan Friedman
Chopard Moving To Bigger NYC Space
Chopard, the 147-year-old family owned watch and fine jewelry company, will open its new international flagship boutique at 709 Madison Avenue, New York City (not too far from where we are in the heart of the NYC Diamond District) in the fall of 2007.
Chopard's current NYC flagship home.
The new store, in a corner location at 63rd street, will have more than triple the retail space of the current boutique at 725 Madison Avenue and will be one of the largest Chopard boutiques worldwide.
Renowned architect and interior design hall of fame designer Thierry W. Despont has been commissioned for the project. "It is a spectacular space on one of the most important retail corners in New york City," described Marc Hruschka, Chopard's president and CEO.
See This Video: Diamond Engagement Ring Proposal.
Our friend Barry Schwartz of Cartoonbarry fame CartoonBarry brought to our attention this great and very recent diamond engagement ring proposal by Rand Fishkin!
Rand's saga began a while back when he launched his website www.mysuperproposal.com in an effort to snag an ad spot for this past weeks Super Bowl game (Colts vs. Bears) which boasts a whopping 93 million viewers. His website became hugely successful and sparked an almost cultish interest and following all over the country. It seems everyone was hoping his ad would air during the Super Bowl game....and it almost did!
Things fell apart at the last minute and the proposal you see here aired instead during a popular T.V. program Rand's girlfriend was tuned into at the right moment!
Read the entire story and this guy's incredible journey here.
You guys getting closer to popping the question to your Gal might be able to pick up some pointers from this Video. Enjoy!
Or, If you're not too impressed with what this guy did...airing out his private moment for the entire world (as he hoped..) to see, you'll find you have much in common with this slightly different perspective....
Now check out her reaction!
Super Cool!! Thanks, Barry S!!
How You Can Scam A Telemarketer!
Are you tired of getting spam calls from telemarketers who offer you everything from free cable T.V. to free diamond jewelry?
Well here is a really cool way to turn the tables back on them!
Check it out!
http://consumerist.com
/consumer/tom-mabe/tom-mabe-pranks-telemarketer-with-own-death-206986.php
How about those nagging and confusing bills we get from the bureaucrats at Verizon, PSE&G, or any of those other big companies...wanna get back at them?
Shawan Hogan dug up this awesome graphic illustrating what happened when an engineer got ticked off by a typically convoluted Verizon phone bill...LOL!!
Chinese Millionaires!?
Used to be a distinct oxymoron under the old Communist regimes and grist for jokes by Leno and Letterman but no more. Chinese Millionaires are growing by leaps and bounds in the new capitalist economic system and this is causing a major rift and jealousy among the have-nots. Here is a report that appeared yesterday in the Indo-Asian News Service about this new trend in Chinese society. Should be noted that many diamond and manufacturers have built state of the art factories on the Chinese mainland in order to take advantage of the highly motivated and intelligent labor force and cheap working wages.
We recently blogged about China becoming an emerging economic power with our focus on the diamond and jewelry industry. Read it here: China Rising!
Anytime there is a seismic shift in economic matters, there are growing pangs and adjustements. Here is the Indo-China News Service report.
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Mr. Lai is on the horns of a dilemma as he stands amid what may be the most dazzling collection of luxury goods gathered under one roof in modern China. Should he listen to his wife and buy the $750,000 Rolls Royce Phantom or should he listen to his instincts and stick to his modest Mercedes Benz?
"It's not the money I'm worried about," says the 43-year-old head of a major textile company. "It's just that if I drive a car like that, we'll need a bodyguard too. When they see you inside a Rolls Royce, some people hate you and you need protection."
Next to him, in an exhibition hall filled with diamonds, sports cars, boats and diamond-studded mobile phones at China's first major luxury goods exhibition, Lai's 28-year-old wife is gently caressing the wing mirror of the gleaming maroon Phantom. It looks as if she will get her way.
In nearby Shenzhen, where a parallel exhibition is being staged, Xhang Ming is in a black mood after having spent two days watching the wealthy browse among Bentleys and jewellery that he could not afford in a lifetime's labor.
"I hate these people," says the 28-year-old security guard, paid $4 a day to patrol with dozens of other uniformed guards for the three-day event. "Everyone knows that none of them get their money honestly."
He gestures towards a circular Hastens bed from Sweden at the center of the hall with a price tag of $49,000. "It's disgusting," he sneers. "In my hometown in Hunan province, you can buy three apartments for that money. How could anyone spend so much on something like that?"
In today's China, the answer to his question is "very easily." There are legions of nouveau rich in the world's fastest growing economy who can afford to do much more than spend the price of three rural homes on a single bed.
This is the brash new China, where more than 20 years after former leader Deng Xiaoping announced that to be rich was glorious, thousands of people are gloriously rich - and they want the freedom to flaunt their wealth in public.
Millionaires from across the nation in December descended on the southern cities of Shenzhen and Guangdong for the two fairs aimed at showing them ways of spending their newfound fortunes and taking some of the stigma out of being filthy rich in China.
Wealthy guests - personally invited from the 27,000 people in China now worth $6 million or more - spent $12 million in Shenzhen alone in two days, and donated hundreds of thousands more at charity auctions held to raise money for orphaned children.
Most of China's super-rich are young - in their 30s and their 40s - and driven by a desire for opulence. At the same time, however, they are fearful of the reactions to their extravagance.
Most of China's 1.3 billion people still scrape by on no more than a few hundred dollars a year while a small elite are yuan billionaires worth a minimum of $13 million - and more than 90 percent of them are the children of senior Communist party officials.
Not everyone is wary of being ostentatious. Li Cai, the ebullient 37-year-old head of the Guangzhou Yulong Tenggao Electronics Company, who took one look at a light aircraft as he toured the Guangzhou fair with his partner then signed up for a $50,000 membership in a private flying club, exclaiming with a broad grin: "It's so cheap.
"I would like to buy a boat while I'm here too if I can find one."
The twin cities of southern China were chosen for the luxury goods' exhibitions because they have a more liberal attitude to wealth than Beijing, 2,000 km to the north, and also because Guangdong is the nation's richest province.
Some observers see the widening rich-poor divide in China as a powder keg that could ultimately bring down the ruling Communist party. There have already been widespread anti-corruption riots in rural areas as anger mounts over the gulf in earnings which has seen the difference between urban and rural incomes increase 16-fold since 1990.
"Luxury is still a dirty word for many people," said exhibition organiser Liu Jidong. "There is still a big gap between the rich and the poor in our country but maybe if people learn more about these luxury products, they will begin to believe that if they work hard, they too can enjoy these better things in life. This kind of event might encourage them."
The highlight of the Shenzhen fair was a $400-a-head televised dinner and millionaires' auction for 800 invited guests, to raise money for underprivileged children.
"The idea of the auction is to show that rich people really care," said Liu. "If they do things like this more often, maybe the poor people will not envy them."
Outside the auction venue, migrant worker Wang Guihua, 35, laughed bitterly when told of Liu's remarks.
"Doesn't he understand we belong to different worlds?" she asked.
Stunning Diamond Jewelry By Rina Limor of J.R. Gold
Recently, I've come across some really exquisite jewelry designs by jewelry designer, Rina Limor of J.R. Gold Designs.
Rina Limor - Jewelry Designer
Her expertly crafted diamond jewelry is so unique and tasteful, it is almost incomparable even amongst competing designer jewelry creations.
We wish J.R. Gold designs the best and hope you'll check out their beautiful designs on the web.
Stunning pearl and 4.89 carat diamond bracelet by Rina Limor
Price: $17,760.00
Blue Topaz & Diamond Fashion Earrings by Rina Limor
Price: $2208.00
Some Very Unique Diamond Jewelry For You!
Did you ever wonder what a piece of diamond in the rough looks like?
Wonder no more.
This company manufactures one-of-a-kind diamond in the rough jewelry creations, which combines natural polished diamonds with rough uncut diamonds to a beautiful effect!
This beautiful and interesting diamond ring above, features a huge uncut diamond in the rough, flanked by a wrap of polished micro pave set diamonds.
This ring was sold by Bergdoff Goodman this past holiday season for a whopping $100,000.00 to a private customer.
The company, Diamonds in the rough jewelry which introduced their jewelry collections to customers in Las Vegas in June, during the jewelry industry's biggest buying week, indicates that the response from retailers in New York, Shanghai and Sardinia has been overwhelmingly positive.
Some observers might be stumped by the quick success of a high-priced selection of uncut diamond jewelry.
However, among luxury jewelry shoppers and consumers, there is no denying the growing appeal of jewels that defy the traditional sparkle effect, in favor of an earthier, more organic appeal.
Here is a great article on this jewelry collection by Victoria Gomelsky of The International Herald Tribune.
Jewelry For The Geek In You.....
Honestly, I don't know what to say about this one..other than to give you the link so you could see for yourself....
If you happen to be a science buff (or a geek...) you might just appreciate this jewelry stuff.
SuperbCert -Exceldiamonds 'Tiffany' Solitaire Engagement Ring Is The Best On The Market
We just got this awesome testimonial from a customer of ours who recently purchased our famous SuperbCert-Exceldiamonds Custom 'Tiffany' Inspired Classic Solitaire Replica Diamond Engagement Ring.
This guy not only compared our SuperbCert 'Tiffany' Classic Soliatire Ring against some of the better known Tiffany replica engagement rings on the market, he actually took one of them for a test drive before returning it for a refund and purchasing our Tiffany replica engagement ring instead!
The ring he returned in favor of our own SuperbCert 'Tiffany' setting, was a 'Tiffany' inspired engagement ring by Whiteflash.com
The following testimonial was originally published on pricescope.com and is located right here.
Kudos are due to WF, BTW, for providing this customer with a beautiful diamond and excellent customer service! It's really nice to see 2 reputable diamond Internet vendors (our company & WF) working together to provide a mutual customer with an excellent shopping experience!!
Here is this gentelman's experience, completely in his own words:
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I've been laying low the last few weeks, just lurking on Pricescope. The reason for this is that I had my fiancé’s setting changed, and I was trying to avoid thinking about diamonds, her ring, settings, etc, while the ring was being redone. I’m rather thorough, so I’ve typed the full history of my ring buying experience here. If you just want to see the pictures, scroll down to the bottom. If you want to read of my experiences with SuperbCert and Whiteflash, please do… The pictures at the end are worth the wait!
As some of you know, I had a fairly lengthy search for the perfect diamond and setting. I started my search last September and finally made a decision around Christmas time… Here is the thread I posted a few days after we got engaged:
http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=55690
As the title of my thread states, I just got my ring back today from SuberbCert. I had them reset my stone with their Tiffany setting. Before I go any further, a brief history of how I got here for those unfamiliar with my story…
I had debated for months on the setting almost as much as the stone. I wanted a 6 prong Tiffany Replica, and looked closely at the SuperbCert (Excel Diamonds) setting, as well as the Whiteflash and Nice Ice Tiffany reps. The SuperbCert setting was always my first choice—I felt it was the closest match to an actual Tiffany band, and the fact that each ring was made to order really impressed me. I also like how they make the matching Tiffany eternity band. This was the combination that I’d always envisioned for my fiancé.
Anyhow, after months of kicking tires, and over analyzing things to death, I realized that I needed to go ahead and pull the trigger, or I’d miss my self-imposed New Year’s Eve deadline to propose. I looked at a few stones with Barry at SC and spoke with Whiteflash about a few stones as well. Eventually, I settled on a stone from Whiteflash (an AGS-certified, 2.37ct, E, SI1, round brilliant). At that point I’d made up my mind that whoever I bought the stone from, I was going to have Superbcert/Exceldiamonds make the setting, as theirs was clearly my favorite. Unfortunately, I soon realized that in order to get the ring in time for NYE, I was going to have to go with a single vendor. After some thought, I determined that the stone was more important than the setting. I chose my first choice of diamonds and second choice of settings, and ordered the diamond and 6 prong Tiffany setting from Whiteflash.
Before I go any further, I must preface things by saying that I could not be happier with the customer service I received from WF. Leslie and Vera were incredible at dealing with my idiotic questions, constant changing of my mind and general uncertainty of just about everything. I ordered the ring from them while I was on vacation in Hawaii, and actually faxed them the paper work from the hotel. They turned the ring around in record time, and it was waiting for us at the FedEx station in New Jersey when we got back from our trip. The ring was fabulous—and my fiancé was blown away by it the next day when I proposed to her.
However, I wasn't 100% happy with my choice of the Whiteflash 'Tiffany' setting. It’s a gorgeous setting, however, it’s just not the right setting for me. I started getting buyer’s remorse (as I frequently do when I make large purchases) and could not stop thinking that I should have bought the Superbcert setting instead. I contacted Barry at Superbcert after the New Year and told him that I had purchased the ring from WF instead, but was having second thoughts about the setting. He was understandably disappointed that I did not purchase everything from him, however, he truly surprised me when he accepted my mea culpa and agreed to set the stone I had purchased from WF in their Tiffany setting.
I was nervous about calling Whiteflash to return the setting. Like most of you, I have had a few run-ins with Best Buy or other giant retail stores, trying to exchange things. Often “no questions asked” return policies are total BS—and are generally met with disdain, dirty looks, and often the returns are rejected for some technicality. I had WF shave the band down to make it thinner and was nervous that this would disqualify me from any refund. I have to say that WF was amazing at handling my return. I called Vera directly and explained that I was very happy with the ring, but that I really wanted the Superbcert setting and was going to make the change. I also asked if WF could laser inscribe the stone for me after they unmounted it. In addition I asked that they ship the stone directly to Superbcert for me, so I wouldn’t have to pay shipping twice on the stone. Surprisingly, Vera said “no problem” to all of my ridiculous requests!? What happened next was truly impressive. I shipped the ring back to WF on Monday. They received the ring on Tuesday. They also unmounted the stone, laser inscribed it and shipped it out overnight to SC in the same day! Pretty amazing. Vera actually called the woman who does the laser inscribing into the office on her day off, so that they could make sure that they got the ring shipped out that same day! Wednesday morning I emailed Barry in NY and verified that they’d received the stone, which they had. Now it was time to wait!
I received the ring back this AM from SuperbCert, about 3.5 weeks after they’d first got it… And let me tell you, it was well worth the wait! The ring is GORGEOUS. The package arrived at my office via UPS this morning about 10 AM. I immediately drove into the city to my fiancé’s office and met her for coffee and gave her the ring back. She’s been in minor depression with the ring gone. I proposed, gave her a fantastic ring, and then took it back a week later to have the setting changed. Hah! During the last 3.5 weeks, we’ve gone to a 30th birthday party, 2 weddings, and a baby shower. What a time to be without her ring! Anyhow, we survived it and she is blown away right now!
We went to Tiffany’s after work with the guise of searching for an eternity wedding band. Their salesman asked which Tiffany’s location we purchased Lin’s engagement ring from ( I lied and told them the 57th street location in Manhattan)! I then matched it up with the Tiffany eternity setting (it fit perfectly) and even had them take out one of their 2.0ct engagement rings to “see what it looks like with a smaller stone.” With the 2 rings side by side, Lin nudged me and smiled, and the salesman remarked how my ring was much nicer than the one he took out. The stone was not only larger, but better quality. Ha! At no time did he think it wasn’t an actual Tiffany setting… shhhh
Ok, so that’s just about the end of my LONG story about my quest to find the perfect ring for my amazing fiancé. This was my first diamond buying experience on the Internet (I buy a ton of other stuff on the Internet all the time), and for some reason I was much more timid than I normally am (which is saying something). I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered a resource like Pricescope, and had the unusual experience in working with 2 top-notch vendors in Whiteflash and SuperbCert!
Thanks to everyone that’s helped me along the way…. And now, onto the pictures!!! Oh, and sorry for the poor picture quality... I'm borrowing a friend's digital camera, since I er, misplaced my charger for mine. Oops... I'll take some better ones tomorrow, when there is some actual daylight!
What Is Moissanite? - Here Is Your Definition.
Many guys and gals are asking us for an alterantive (a.k.a. cheap fake...) to real polished diamonds.
While some have turned to cubic zirconia jewelry, many are asking about Moissanite.
Moissanite, is a lab created material that was made and developed with the purpose of mimicking certain qualities found in a natural diamond.
Here is a brief but informative article on Moissanite..
One well known company that manufactures Moissanite jewelry is Charles & Colvard
One of the negatives of Moissanites that it tends to give off a green tint and hue.
Jewelers Get These Tips For Increasing Holiday Sales
Jewelry shopping for Valentine's Day is begining to heat up!
Here is a memo that was recently published to help jewelry stores and websites reach out to the public and increase their bottom line for this Valentine's Day.
Remember; "forearmed is forewarned"!
Don't forget however, although this insider memo may help you resist the moves of your local jeweler.....it certainly won't score you any brownie points with your better half...... :) ;)
"Heat up Valentine's Balance Sheet"
Mine customer lists
Reach out to recent engagement ring or anniversary gift buyers with Valentine's Day ideas.
Work with local vendors
Cross-promotions with community choclatiers or florists can benefit all.
Stock up on lower price points.
Most retailers say Valentine customers tent to seek out cheaper jewelry, more friendly on the wallet.
Don't forget about the other women
Before completing a sale, ask about additional jewelry gifts for mothers and daughters.
Sell to women
Don't forget to target women buying jewelry and watches for the men in their lives.
Diamonds are This Dog's Best Friend!
This Dog got his proverbial paw caught in the cookie jar!!
Read about it here.
The Ideal Scope - What Is It?
Since we feature actual Ideal Scope Photos on our website for each of our featured loose diamonds, it would be appropriate to give a short explanation of what the Ideal Scope is all about.
The Ideal Scope
The Ideal Scope, which was developed by Mr. Garry Holloway is based on a principle discovered by Mr Okuda in the 1970’s. A 10x lens with a hot red / pink reflector in front of the loose diamond has a central viewing hole, which allows you to see just how much of the red/pink light refracts back from the diamond.
The instrument is a simple brilliance gauge; white areas in a diamond show light transmitted from behind the diamond; often called leakage - the enemy! The blackness of the lens mimics an observer's head blocking out the light. The most brilliant diamonds look bright pink/red with a black star and minimal white or pale areas. Most ideal cut diamonds have small ‘V’ shaped white leakage features at the girdle.
Invented originally for brilliance assessment, the ideal-scope shows a diamonds symmetry. Diamonds with perfect symmetry and good proportions show a black eight-pointed star. Hearts and Arrows (and H&A’s viewers) are a by-product of Mr Okuda’s discovery.
Excel Diamonds - On Buying A Diamond Over The Internet
We get customers every day who are comparing traditional bricks and mortar jewelers with our diamond and jewelry internet store.
Traditional store
...or Internet website?
The age of Internet shopping has fostered demand for ways to guarantee, showcase, and quantify a diamond’s optical beauty and cut precision before the buyer ever sees it live and in person. This is why diamond internet shoppers often know all about hearts and arrows diamonds, a loose diamonds important cut proportions, and superideal diamonds like SuperbCert Branded daimonds' which are graded by GIA and AGS; the top two diamond laboratories in the world.
Most consumers shopping at a traditional retail jewelry store have almost no knowledge of what really makes some loose diamonds beautiful and dispersive, while others look like frozen spit.
An important distinction between buying diamonds in a store and buying diamonds online is that when you buy with a reputable Internet diamond store, you are always guaranteed a diamond grading report from a prestigious grading laboratory. You will also get a plethora of scientific data and proof of any diamonds light performance and cut quality. This data will include actual magnified photos, hearts & arrows diamond photos, and ideal scope images for every listed diamond on our website.
We all know how the live retail jewelry stores use high intensity halogen bulbs and blazing lights to make the crummiest diamond jewelry look good.
However, that should not distract or deter you from demanding the important and crucial documentation that proves and supports the value of your significant purchase.
As a result of the explosive growth of Internet diamond sales, consumers are becoming more educated about diamond quality and beauty and are demanding this information from diamond vendors before they make a significant purchase.
This is why some of the highest quality and most brilliant loose diamonds in the world are being sold on the internet today.
Hearts and Arrows Diamonds: A History and Tutorial
What are Hearts and arrows diamonds?
Overview & history on the hearts & arrows diamonds
In the 1980s Japanese diamond cutters began to produce loose diamonds cut so exquisitely and precisely that facet reflections would overlap, creating patterns when seen through reflecting viewing devices. The cutting technique used to create this pattern was refined and perfected to an exacting science before ultimately being adopted by other diamond cutting facilities.
Hearts & Arrows diamonds reached the US shores in the late 1990s and were immediately embraced by the diamond industry as well as the diamond buying public for their unique optical beauty and dazzling brilliancy. The fact that the hearts and arrows diamond cutting parameters were indicative of the finest in precision cut loose diamonds furthered their broad appeal and demand. Today, these diamonds are often known as superideals (the SuperbCert diamond is an example of a branded, superideal hearts & arrows diamond).
How are the hearts and arrows viewed?
A loose diamonds hearts & arrows patterning can be viewed through a hearts & arrows viewer! A hearts & arrows viewer is a rather simplistic device which acts as a reflecting tool for a diamonds (internal) optical symmetry. When you look at a loose diamond under a hearts & arrows viewe you will see arrows spreading outward in the crown of the diamond. Now, simply turn the H&A diamond over and you will notice a circle of perfectly aligned and symmetrical hearts appear in the diamond pavilion.
The beauty of the H&A viewer, is the way it accurately discriminates against diamonds that don't quite achieve true hearts and arrows perfection. In order for a loose diamond to be considered a true superideal hearts & arrows diamond, All facets must be perfectly aligned and in sync with one another. If any part of the loose diamonds facets is even slightly misaligned or asymmetric, the patterns will become uneven and distorted.
Are all H&A diamonds created equal?
Because there is no accepted laboratory standard for optical symmetry/hearts & arrows patterning, many companies manufacturing loose diamonds of excellent cut precision will call their diamonds H&A diamonds H&A diamonds, even though their stones do not achieve perfect hearts and arrows patterning each and every time.
As a by-product of this, you have many companies calling their diamonds "hearts & arrows diamonds" when they are really not true and perfect hearts & arrows stones.
While these diamonds may certainly be of excellent cut quality and light performance, if their are uneven arrows or misaligned and distorted hearts, it cannot be considered a true hearts and arrows diamond.
As a result of this, many "H&A diamonds" may have very good symmetry in the diamonds cut, but not all are cut to ideal cut parameters which would result in maximum light performance. This is largely due to the ever increasing popularity of the hearts and arrows diamonds which has some factories literally "cutting corners" (pardon the pun ;)) to produce these diamonds.
Does the symmetry grade on a lab report affect/effect hearts & arrows cutting precision?
The answer is NO.
Because a loose diamonds lab report designation for symmetry grade is derived differently than the standard for actual optical symmetry, one is completely independant from the other.
The Benefit of Buying Hearts and Arrows - Ideal Cut Diamonds.
Allow me to share a story with you;
A gentleman walks in to a local jewelry store looking to buy a diamond engagement ring for his fiancée. He sees a round wholesale diamond in the showcase that looks absolutely brilliant. The customer goes ahead and purchases the diamond assuming that it will look as stunning on his fiancée's finger as it did in the store. The poor guy gets home and excitedly opens up his package to take another look, and lo and behold; the diamond ring that looked so sparkly in the store now appears completely washed out and opaque. Not only is the diamond not brilliant and fiery but he can actually see what looks like "dirt" in the center of the stone that had definitely not been there in the diamond store.
He has no idea what happened to the diamond, but he knows that he cannot present this wedding ring to his fiancée. So he runs back to the store only to find out that this discounted diamond was part of a wholesale diamond section marked as "final sale" only.
He is now literally stuck with a diamond that is absolutely not what he thought he was getting when he paid for it.
Does this story sound familiar to you?
The question here is; why do so many loose diamonds and diamond jewelry items look absolutely brilliant inside the store, only to appear completely dull and lifeless outside the store?
The answer to this question is actually one of the oldest tricks being used in the diamond and jewelry industry. Diamond outlets and jewelry stores use high powered halogen lights that they strategically position inside the diamond showcases as well as over the countertops. These high intensity lights make all of the loose diamonds, diamond rings, and diamond jewelry look sparkly and brilliant. The unsuspecting customer will buy a loose diamond or diamond ring based on this effect, only to be severely disappointed when it is often too late.
This brings us to the following obvious questions:
Why do many diamonds that are graded with an excellent color and clarity grade still appear completely dull and lifeless when looked at in real life lighting conditions?
Why are there certain diamonds, like hearts and arrows - ideal cut diamonds, that display an incredible amount of brilliance and fire in ALL lighting conditions, from a jewelry store to a dimly lit restaurant or parking lot, regardless of their color and clarity grade?
How can you as a consumer insure that you are buying a loose diamond or diamond ring that will absolutely explode with brilliance regardless of where you will take it?
The answer to these questions is the focus of this post
The "Magic" of Cut
The SuperbCert Diamond - A Hearts & Arrows Super Ideal Cut Diamond
Only the cut of a diamond-its depth and width, as well as the size, shape, angle, and positioning of the diamond facets will determine its brilliance.
Of all the characteristics of a diamond that determine its value or rarity, "cut" is the one thing that is entirely manipulated by the diamond cutter and will make the difference between a visually brilliant diamond vs. a diamond with a dulled appearance and poor brilliance.
A diamond can have a perfect color and clarity grade but if it is poorly cut it will look like a piece of cut glass; dull and lifeless.
Conversely, if a loose diamond has been properly cut, it will achieve maximum brilliance regardless of its color and clarity, and will actually look more beautiful and brilliant than a poorly cut diamond of better color and clarity, for less money.
Here is how it works:
Light is constantly entering into the diamond through the table, which is the largest facet of a diamond or gemstone. Once inside, the light will travel within the stone by way of reflecting off of the round brilliant diamond's 58 facets which essentially act as a collection of mirrors. In a perfectly cut diamond the light will then refract and exit back out through the table to the eye in the form of brilliance. A perfectly cut loose diamond is therefore going to be the type of diamond that will display incredible brilliance in any lighting environment as it will essentially generate its own light.
In a diamond of poor cut quality the light will be misdirected when entering and exiting the stone. Instead of the light being refracted back through the table to the eye in the form of brilliance, it will be lost through the sides or escape from the bottom in the form of leakage. A poorly cut loose diamond is therefore going to be the type of diamond that will need to rely on the halogen bulbs of the jewelry stores to make it "appear" brilliant, but will be accurately exposed when removed from the lights as a result of its poor light refraction.
All ideal cut round diamonds will have awesome light return. The benefit of Hearts & Arrows and ideal cut diamond patterning is in the way it performs in all environments and lighting conditions.
Your Diamond Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings, and Wedding Bands Will Get More Expensive.
That's right.
Buying your gal a diamond engagement ring, wedding ring, and wedding band will become more expensive if present trends in the precious metals sector continue.
Due to the falling dollar, Precious metal prices are climbing. Gold is at $675/oz, Platinum is up 11 dollars today at $1211/oz, and Silver is up to $14/oz.
Analysts predict continued increases in Precious metals pricing as the Dollar continues being weak. As a result, Jewelry manufacturers will have no recourse but to increase their prices. Indeed, Jewelry designer Vatche Diamond Engagement Rings has already increased their prices by 4% as of February 1st.
How To Sell Your Diamond Engagement Ring
Did you ever find the love of your life, get engaged, proposed with a gorgeous diamond engagement ring, and subsequently broke up?
Well, for many of you who did, it is often an agonizing question of what to do with the old engagement ring. Many people who get stuck with a valuable diamond engagement ring from a previous engagement cannot psychologically and emotionally wrap their minds around the idea of recycling the diamond ring for the next woman. Indeed, both men and women share very strong feelings about not using the old engagement ring for the new gal.
Bad vibes...
Bad karma...
Recycled goods...
No sentimentality....
Whatever the motivation...the arguements to be made both ways are many and varied.....
So what do do with a diamond engagement ring you no longer have any use for???
A gentelman recently had the very same problem..
Here is what CNN reports: (CNN) — Joshua Opperman thought he’d met the woman he’d marry and spend the rest of his life with. But when they broke up a few years ago, he was left with a broken heart, an expensive ring and an idea that he’s turning into a business.
Opperman said he was depressed after the split and even more depressed when he tried to sell the engagement ring he’d spent most of his life savings on.
“I tried to sell the ring back where I bought it and they wanted to give me 32 percent back,” he said.
The 29-year-old real estate broker decided to open the online jewelry auction site “I Do … Now I Don’t” after reading an article about other people in the same predicament.
Here is the ingenious solution he came up with.
Guide To Choosing A Diamond Setting - Styles and Descriptions
What is a diamond bezel setting?
Diamond bezel setting
A bezel is a circle of precious metal that wraps around the loose diamond. A diamond bezel setting is quite popular and is often used for diamond pendants.
The bezel is secured to the top of the diamond ring and adds height and another dimension to the diamond setting. A bezel is sometimes 'split' into two halves around the diamond. This is called a half bezel diamond setting.
This technique is often used for a fancy cut diamond -- with precious metal around the wide curve and a section of precious metal ensconsing the narrow end.
What is a Pave diamond setting?
Pave ring by Vatche
When the surface of any diamond ring seems to be covered with clusters of tiny diamonds, the technique is called Pavé which literally means paved. This moniker is entirely appropriate given that the surface looks like a typical paved street of cobblestones.
These smalls diamonds are inividually set by hand in tiny holes that have been carved out of the ring shank. The diamonds are set in rows, so that they occupy the entire space of the diamond ring. The better the cut quality of the diamonds, the better the brilliance and beauty of the completed diamond ring.
Each tiny diamond, often weighing just a few points in carat weight, is traditionally cut with 58 facets and set in its hole. Small metal bits from the top of the ring are pushed over the diamond to secure the stone in place.
The Pavé technique is a demanding technique that is successfully accomplished in the hands of a patient and extremely skilled diamond jeweler.
The price and cost of any pave diamond setting is largely influenced by the incredible amount of hand labor that goes into the production of a jewelry item of this nature.The better the skill of the jeweler, the better the overall design will look, with a seamless beauty of dazzling diamonds throughout.
What is a channel diamond setting?
Channel diamond accents on a custom SuperbCert - Excel Diamonds Tiffany Setting
Channel diamond settings are most often used in the form of diamond eternity rings and bands. Channel settings feature smooth and elegant lines that contrast and support the beauty of any well cut diamond.
Channel settings have the ability to protect the integrity of your diamonds in a way that not mny other diamond settings can. Since none of the diamond edges are exposed, they are not subject to hard knocks and abrasions.
What is a bar channel diamond setting?
Bar channel diamond rings by Vatche
A variation of the channel diamond setting, is called the bar channel. Here, there is also a separation of precious metal between every diamond in addition to the channel on the sides of the ring.
The diamond cluster setting is a diamond ring where the stones are arranged in the form of a stylized flower, or done in a very specific type of arrangement using small diamonds of equal carat weight.
Diamon cluster setting
Although there are other styles of diamond settings, the few styles above are considered the most popular and are most often used in diamond jewelry creations
Gemex BrillianceScope - Your Ticket to Buying A Dazzling and Brilliant Loose Diamond!
While there are certainly many scientific tools that measure a loose diamonds beauty and cut precision, the Gemex BrillianceScope technology is certainly one of the most effective tools for quantifying and showcasing a loose diamonds brilliance and light performance. We use the Gemex BrillianceScope technology in-house for every one of the diamonds we sell.
Here is a wonderful video presentation on the Gemex diamond machine by the president of Gemex Systems, Randy Wagner.
Tiffany To Open Store In Heathrow Airport.
Marking its second planned international airport boutique, Tiffany & Co. expects to open a store in London's Heathrow Airport in March 2008. The approximately 1,600 gross-square-foot (150 square meters) boutique will be located in the airport's new Terminal 5, a ground-breaking new building designed to facilitate the increasing flow of passengers and provide them with every comfort and convenience, including the most extensive luxury retail center of any airport in the world. Tiffany plans to open a store of about the same size at Singapore's Changi Airport in April 2007.
"Terminal 5's spacious and streamlined design, with many amenities to enhance the travel experience, is ideal for a Tiffany & Co. boutique," said Melvyn Kirtley, president of Tiffany & Co. United Kingdom. "We look forward to welcoming travelers and providing them with the quality, craftsmanship and outstanding customer service for which Tiffany is renowned."
The Tiffany boutique, the jeweler's fifth London location, will feature architectural details of the famous New York flagship store, including ebonized Makore and mahogany woods and brushed stainless steel showcases. In addition, the stone entry arch and interior aisles will be widened to accommodate baggage-bearing travelers.
Cheers!
Ideal Princess Cut Diamonds - Choose A Beautiful Diamond!
This is the third in a series of articles that we have posted to Diamondtalk discussing the characteristics and light performance of the four-pointed Princess Cut Diamonds and what actually makes a loose princess diamond an 'ideal cut' princess diamond.
Ideal Cut Princess Diamonds - SuperbCert
AGS Ideal Cut Princess Diamonds
In contrast to the research, knowledge, and information accrued on the round brilliant diamond shape, begun with the seminal work of Marcel Towlkowsky back in the early 1900's and further developed and expanded upon over the past several years, until very recently, littel was known about what factors are important in maximizing light performance in the 4-pointed Princess Cut.
Internet (www.bluenile.com et.al) and various brick and mortar jewelers are marketing
their "Signature" Princess Cut Diamonds by stressing the importance of Crown Height percentage, Table and Depth percentage, and the level of Polish and Symmetry.
Their advocacy stresses that Crown height percentages should be in the range of 8-13%, Table and Depth percentages
in the ranges of 65-74%, and Polish/Symmetry to be in the range of Very Good/Excellent.
Much of this approach to defining the "Ideal" Princess Cut is based on the extrapolations of "numbers" that have been shown by Towlkowsky to be suitable for the round "Ideal" Cut, the introduction of the "American Ideal" 60/60 Table-Depth percentage round in the late 50's-early 60's, and the more recent GemAppraisers chart for Princess Cuts that defines Cut quality along a "numbers" continuum that ranges from 1A (Excellent) to 4B (Poor).
On the other hand, our examination of a large number of Princess Cuts as well as our own Cut research over the past three years in the development of our SuperbCert
Signature Princess Cut Diamonds has shown that these aforementioned "numbers" are useful only to a limited degree and are not sufficiently accurate and consistent to predict a high level of superior light performance in 4-point Princess Cut diamonds.
Light entry and exit in this fancy shape diamond differs significantly from that of the round brilliant.
A diamond's light performance is the key element and in our opinion should be a determining factor in the consumer's purchasing decision.
To this end, in our cutting research we haved used the Brilliancescope Light Performance Analyzer, a spectrophotometer that is manufactured by Gemex Systems.
Briefly, the diamond is illuminated in a carefully controlled light environment and the machine precisely measures the light reflected back through the diamond's crown at six different angles from the light source. Results are transmitted to Gemex via the Internet where it is processed into a Light Analysis report. Thousands of diamonds were evaluated to determine the range of Light Performance achievable and serves as the basis for Gemex's Comparative Light Performance Evaluation Scales.
The scales are simple linear graphs that shows how
the diamond performs in relation to the entire performance range. In addition to these linear graphs, five light views and one symmetry view are provided which display the distribution, intensity, and interaction of the light components being measured and the symmetry/contrast in the diamond.
For more detailed information and FAQ's go to the Gemex website, www.gemex.com
The analysis and direction provided by the Brilliancescope has clearly demonstrated
to us that there are several facets which work in tandem and are critical in optimizing
light output and minimizing light leakage in a true ideal cut princess cut diamond.
On the Crown side they are:
1. The two Crown facets labelled Crown-1 and Table Break. The Table Break facet
splits the crown facet in two as it junctions with the Table.
2. The Star facet(s) are triangular and re-form the Table Break or Crown-2 facet into a triangle.
3. The Point facet junctions with the Table facet and connects the two adjacent Star facets.
On the Pavillion side they are the:
1. The Triangle facet,
2. The Pavillion facet,
3. The Pavillion Break Facets.
We have found that the interaction between the facet angle, facet size, and facet(s) placement are critical in determining light performance intensity, distribution, and combination (brilliance, dispersion, and scintillation).Very slight changes in either facet angle, size, or placement will have a significant positive or negative effect on the diamonds light performance and light leakage.
For example, on the Crown side, the size and angle of the Table break facet, star facets, and point facets are critical. On the Pavillion side, the Triangle facet is key element in affecting dispersion, scintillation, and contrast.
In addition, the spacing between the lower girdle facets (that flank the main pavilion facet) are critical.
Summary:
Internet and Brick & Mortar jewelers are designating and selling 4-pointed Princess Cuts as "Ideal" Cuts based on "numbers" that have been for the most part extrapolated from better cut round brilliants which have significantly different light optic characteristics and on charts that arbitrarily define what "good" numbers are.
Our research indicates that "numbers" for Princess Cut diamonds do not provide a consistent, accurate, or reliable prognostication of superior light performance on which to base a buying decision. We have found that several facets on the Crown and Pavillion sides of the diamond act in tandem for their Cut angle, size, and alignment in order to maximize light performance and minimize light leakage.
We are gratified that the relatively new and accepted AGS cut grade research which defines a true ideal cut princess diamond dovetails beautifully with our own findings of some time ago.
We therefore carry our in-house selection of beautiful SuperbCert Ideal Princess Cut Diamonds,, as well as our in-house selection of fabulous AGS Ideal Princess Cut Diamonds graded by the American Gemological Society with the Ideal cut designation!
Measurement of light performance as provided by the Brilliancescope shows that good "numbers" do not necessarily translate into superior light performance for the 4-point Princess Cut diamond and that consumers would greatly benefit by seriously considering light performance analyses as a basis for their purchasing decisions.
"90,000" Loose Diamonds: Who Owns Them?
Drop ship diamonds is an unfortunate internet practice where many internet "jewelers" and diamond vendors will attach a virtual database of wholesale diamonds from various diamond wholesalers and manufacturers.
In most cases the same diamond can be found on many different websites, since none of these guys actually owns the stone. Then an unsuspecting customer comes along and makes a purchase for a diamond which the vendor has never seen or touched, and the stone gets "drop shipped" directly from the manufacturer to the end consumer, never once passing through the hands of the diamond seller!!
To be fair, this is a common practice by many reputable diamond e-tailers who offer thousands of diamonds for sale while not actually ever owning any of them. This in and of itself is not a big deal and certainly not when it is fully disclosed to the consumer. After all, the seller can be very reputable and the customer may choose to buy, or not to buy.
In fact, BlueNile.com who is a well known and reputable diamond e-tailer/retailer operates and sells off virtual diamond listings which they do not own. Still, they have built a strong reputation on the net for the quality and value of their merchandise.
A few very reputable diamond stores and websites will even go the extra mile to earn consumer trust and confidence by calling in these diamonds at their own expense for a full evaluation prior to making a sale. This is certainly the best and safest way to shop for a diamond on the Internet and from a vendor who does not own the stone or have it in his physical possession.
The problem arises with those internet diamond websites/stores that have no experience with diamonds and jewelry and in too many cases have no idea about the quality of the diamonds they are selling. They have no idea what exactly makes a diamond 'tick'. Indeed, they are clueless about the many important variables that would make one diamond look beautiful and another look like frozen spit....
They literally built a website and decided to sell diamonds! They will brag about how they have a database of a gazillion diamonds to sell. The only problem is that they not only do not own these diamonds,they never actually see these diamonds, much less know anything about the crucial nuances of any given stone. What they are doing is simply attaching a database of stones to their website with a built in markup.
"90,000" cheap wholesale diamonds to sell.....................from my basement!!??
This kind of paper pushing and "diamond prostitution" has resulted in many diamond e-tailers closing their doors, selling their companies to a diamond wholesaler, or going bankrupt entirely.
The reason for this is that as internet shoppers become more and more savvy, it is imperative that the diamond seller be able to add real value to the diamond purchase (ie: actual reports and photos of each and every diamond) in order to satisfy a customers request for this information.
If all the diamond vendor knows how to do is "push paper" on a virtual diamond listing he has previously uploaded from a diamond wholesaler, (while he is actually operating a computer from his basement in his pajamas....) he will ulitmately have only one item left to compete with; his final price.
He will bring the price down as much as is required to make the sale so that the customer not be bothered with "trivial matters" like getting comprehensive information on the diamond they are contemplating.....
Even with this "edge" most internet shoppers will opt to work instead with a jeweler who can combine lowest price with comprehensive diamond information.
Bottom line is; don't be ashamed to ask for and indeed demand, actual and comprehensive information, including actual photos, Ideal Scope photos, BrillianceScope results, Sarin/MegaScope diamond analyses, hearts & arrows photos, full scans of the diamond certification, etc.
This is an expensive purchase, not unlike purchasing a home and you therefore have a right to expect real data and information before you spend your hard earned money.
Knowledge is the power to buy informed!
Gold Soars in 2006.
According to the World Gold Council (WGC) worldwide demand for gold in 2006 hit a record $65 billion, despite a 13 percent supply decrease.
Gold-jewelry sales increased 14 percent to a record $44 billion, although it dropped 16 percent by volume to 2,267 tons. The WGC attributed the drop in volume to the volatile gold price in the first half of 2006.
Industrial demand for gold increased 45 percent to $8.9 billion and 7 percent by volume to 458 tons.
Investment demand increased 45 percent to $12.3 billion and 7 percent by volume to 636.7 tons. A 27 percent year-on-year boost in tonnage holdings of gold Exchange Traded Funds and similar products helped fuel the growth in investment.
The WGC said that so far in 2007 there has been a brisk demand for gold in most jewelry markets and continued positive interest from investors.
Platinum Engagement Rings.
Platinum is the Rolls-Royce of precious metals and the metal of choice for diamond engagement rings, wedding rings, and wedding bands.
Some of the World's most beautiful diamonds such as The Hope Diamond and the Star of Africa are set in Platinum. Platinum consumption has risen by more than 700% since 1990. Platinum in its pure state is too soft to work and wear as jewelry and needs to be alloyed with another metal to harden it and improve its workability.
Two excellent alloys used by American manufacturers and jewlers are iridium and ruthenium.
It is interesting to note that standards differ from country to country with European standards differing a bit from those here in the States.
Jurgen Maerz, Technical Director of the Platinum Guild, USA has put together a very informative article on Platinum, its characteristics, effect of alloys on workability, and applications to the manufacture of jewlery. The article is here:What I didn't know about Platinum
Easy to read and understand, Consumers in the market for a Platinum Engagement Ring should take a few minutes to read this article and familiarize themselves with the King of Metals.
Most Expensive Watches
Since I absolutely love watches, I figured I'd post this link to the Forbes selection of the most expensive watches.
I was thrilled to see the inclusion of a few incredibly rare and complicated masterpieces by luxury watchmaker Jean Dunand
This complication watch by Jean Dunand, is absolutely "drool worthy"!
Find a Diamond Appraiser
We have previously blogged on the importance of finding an independent diamond appriaser to evaluate your loose diamond or set diamond engagement ring.
Here are some previous diamond appraiser information postings on our blog.
The bottom line is that when you are investing thousands of dollars on a valuable diamond or diamond engagement ring, it is imperative that you find a diamond appraiser to evaluate your purchase while you can still return your purchase for a refund. It is also important for the purposes of properly insuring your investment.
Here is a list of completely Independent Diamond Appraisers.
"Pre-Owned" Diamond Engagement Rings.
Hey, Barry, what in the world are you talking about? "A Diamond is Forever"! This is Love, Honor, and Committment!
Certainly this is very true, but unfortunately relationships are not.
Over 250,000 couples got engaged this past Valentine's day but statistics show that 50% of these couples will break up or get divorced within 10 years.
So what to do with the Diamond Engagement Ring? Trying to sell it back to the Jeweler you bought it from will in the best case scenario get you 35 cents on the dollar.
Well, CBS News reports this morning that Josh Operman might just have the answer. Josh has started a webste called "I Do, Now I Don't" which is based on his own break-up experience.
Full story is here: Goodbye, My Love!
Cheap Diamond Ring? No Way!!
A Five Diamond Resort Tempted its Guests with this Rare $1.5-Million, Heart-Shaped, Yellow Diamond on Valentine's Day .
Read the full story here.
Mikimoto Pearls Does it Again!
Gorgeous new designs from Mikimoto pearl jewelry designers, are in the works.
Mikimoto pearl necklace with a flair for the dramatic!
Here is an article on their new jewelry line by Mikimoto.
Unique Diamond Watches by Zandora
Breathtaking watch by Zadora
Stunning doesn’t even begin to cover the work of Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof and his latest jewelry creations, the Zadora timepieces. These amazing watches basically turn horology on its side. The time is read through on the side of the watch rather than the top. The dial rotates and the hand remains fixed. The winding and setting crown has a briolette cut diamond, the lugs are set with precious stones, and the time indicator is set with diamonds to mark the half hours. The hand wound movement, has a forty hour power reserve and is Swiss made.
Read the full article here.
Enough Of The Retarded Diamond Ads
With Valentine's Day just behind us, I cannot help but think back to some of the incredibly cheezy diamond ads we have had to endure by the likes of Debeers.
Obviously, ya gotta give Debeers some credit for their consistent and effective marketing of diamonds to the general public.
Via their website, a diamond is forever they have effectively created and promoted an aura of magic around the notion of purchasing diamonds and diamond jewelry as the ultimate expression of love.
However, some of their ads (especially for Valentine's day) leave much to be desired.
It's almost as if they specifically hired a marketing guy who prefers tacky and tasteless ads...
Here are some of the recent "ads" from Debeers....
If this rubbish passes for an advertisement...heck...I'm in the wrong business!!
In my humble opinion, effective advertisements, for any product, are the ones that are both "catchy" and memorable, not blase and forgettable.
Here are a few examples...I hope you will agree!
In a Podiatrist's office:"Time wounds all heels."
On a Septic Tank Truck in Oregon :"Yesterday's Meals on Wheels"
At a Proctologist's door:"To expedite your visit please back in."
On a Plumber's truck: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."
At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee :"Invite us to your next blowout."
At a Towing company :"We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."
On an Electrician's truck:"Let us remove your shorts."
On a Maternity Room door: "Push. Push. Push."
At an Optometrist's Office"If you don't see what you're looking for,
you've come to the right place."
On a Fence:"Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive."
At a Car Dealership:"The best way to get back on your feet - - -
miss a car payment."
Outside a Muffler Shop:"No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."
In a Veterinarian's waiting room:
"Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"
At the Electric Company:"We would be de-lighted if you send in your payment.
However, if you don't, you will be. "
In a Restaurant window:"Don't stand there and be hungry, Come on in and get fed up
In the front yard of a Funeral Home:"Drive carefully. We'll wait."
At a Propane Filling Station,"Thank heaven for little grills"
And don't forget the sign at a Chicago Radiator Shop:"Best place in town to take a leak."
Our Diamond Gemex Reports Lost In The Mail??
As we have the Gemex Brilliancescope technology in-house, many of our loose diamonds get evaluated on the machine and an official, validated Brilliancescope report registered, (issued) printed, and mailed to us.
A Gemex diamond light performance report adds value to your loose diamond
A validated diamond BrillianceScope report
Recently, we have experienced some delay in getting our printed and validated reports in the mail.
This has been somewhat of an inconvenience for us since loose diamonds have sold and shipped out without a Gemex report, which had not yet arrived and therefore had to be mailed under seperate cover.
When I inquired as to what could possibly be causing the delay, I was told that stuff "gets lost in the mail all the time".
So I'm wondering....how could stuff simply "get lost in the mail"....???
Truly......how difficult is it for the mailman to just pull the envelope out of the mailbox, put it on the truck and deliver it on time??
After seeing this cartoon, I'm thinking anything is possible!!!!
Bridal Jewelry In The News.
The Contemporary Design Group, a national organization of jewelry designers and retailers, has named Mark Schneider its "Designer of the Year."
Mark Schneider
The group honored Schneider at an awards dinner held on Feb. 2 at the Congress Hotel in Tucson, Ariz.
"It was a great honor to be recognized by fellow artists and members of the jewelry-design community I respect and admire," Schneider said in a statement.
The awards dinner, which took place in Tucson instead of Las Vegas for the first time this year, drew attendees from the American Gem Trade Association, the American Jewelry Design Council, the Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths Association, and retailers from across the country.
Schneider, a third-generation jeweler, specializes in jewelry featuring clean lines and simple design. Best known for his bridal and colored-stone collections, he has received more than 36 national and international awards for his work, including two American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Awards in 2006.
New Judaica Jewelry
A newly formed group of Israeli jewelry designers named the Holy Land Group aims to introduce Israeli jewelry designs to consumers all over the globe.
They feature some very interesting and unique jewelry creations like the one pictured below
This bracelet by Ruth Anchelovitch of HLG pairs black lava with bronze color pearls in a bracelet that's finished with a sterling clasp.
For more information and to view their jewelry collection, visit them at www.hlgjewelry.com.
Wedding Rings and Walt Disney: Perfect Together!
Every girl fantasizes about being Cinderalla and being swept off their feet by Prince Charming!
Well, Gals, now you can make your fantasy a definite REALITY!!!
Walt Disney has made a fortune of money turning little girls into princesses. Now Disney is going one step further by targeting big girls and the multi billion dollar bridal business by coming out with a line of bridal dresses and accessories.
Teaming up with fashion designer Kirstie Kelly, brides will be able to walk down the aisle in dresses inspired by Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine or Ariel. At a cost of $1,100 to $3,000 for each gown, brides will be transformed into their favorite princesses, complete with billowing gowns and crystal tiaras.
The full story is here: Cinderalla Diamond Wedding!
Take Our Poll and Win A Free Diamond Circle Pendant!!
Hi Everyone and thanks for checking in!
Due to the incredible popularity and success of our www.diamondvues.com blog, we will be launching a second diamond blog on our www.exceldiamonds.com website in the very near future.
The new diamond blog will deal more specifically with loose diamond articles and information than on Diamond Vues, where we cover a broad range of topics related to the diamond and jewelry marketplace.
We are turning to you, our readers, for help with choosing a suitable / fun name for our new diamond blog. It can be anything you like and you are more than welcome to vote more than once.
We will either select one of our offered ideas based on the poll results, or we will choose one of your own submissions.
If we choose one of your own ideas, the winning entry will receive this beautiful white gold diamond studded 'circle of love' pendant on a chain absolutely FREE!
This diamond pendant by Excel Diamonds.com features a 3/4 diameter circle pendant, prong set with .25 carats of dazzling G color, SI clarity diamonds in 14kt. white gold. The piece weighs 2.8 grams and includes a 16 inch white gold cable chain. The winner will receive this diamond pendant in a beautiful presentation case.
If there is more than one entry for the winning title, we will choose the earliest entry and to the best of our abilities.
Please enter your submission(s) in both the poll itself, as well as on our comments section on the blog posting itself. Commenting on the blog entry will afford you a time/date/e-mail stamp for your entry(s) and will be crucial for us in choosing your entry as the winning submission.
I should mention that we will initially launch the blog with a generic name and will replace it at the end of the contest with the winning entry.
The poll/contest ends on March 23, 2007 at 9:30 EST.
Thanks for participating and best of luck!!
Binary Wedding Bands - Geeks Need A Ring Too
This company puts out a "Binary wedding band" that looks like this:
Binary wedding band by www.greenkarat.com
Here are the details in their own words:
"Our computers, like our love, are built upon very simple foundations. In the case of computers, that foundation is binary code.
These sophisticated, yet simple rings bear your personalized message in that computer code.
Binary code is a way of representing numbers using a pair of symbols (such as 1 and 0) in a string. The placement of the symbol in the string determines its value, just like the decimal place of the digits in our normal counting numbers determines their values.
In binary notation:
1 is one
10 is two
11 is three
100 is four, etc.
With 5 digits you can count from 0 to 31, enough to represent all 26 letters of the alphabet with 1=A, 2=B and so on.
On the Binary rings, there are 5 parallel tracks running around the ring, each track representing a digit in the binary lexicon. The track is engraved for 1 and left blank for 0. In this way, the five lines of engraving which progress around the ring spell out, in combination, your personalized message. Whew! Got it?
The message on the ring above reads “A Marriage of Values”. Your message may contain up to 20 characters. Cast in either recycled gold or recycled platinum.
Our Binary rings are designed and hand carved by artist Gideon Weisz. These are custom rings. As such, they are not eligible for the usual return and exchange privileges."
Most of our wedding rings at Excel Diamonds are a little more traditional and don't have binary code...yet!
Also indexed via Bridal Wave
Bling Bling Diamond Night At The Oscars!!
If last nights Oscars is any indication of where our "society" stands on issues, then the recent "blood diamond" movie by Leonardo DiCaprio did little to hurt the diamond industry.
Indeed, the night was dominated as much by the major diamond bling bling and 'drool worthy" diamond jewelry, as by the stars who wore them.
Jennifer Hudson showed up at the ceremony looking radiant in an 80’s cropped jacket over an Oscar de la Renta chiffon gown. To accentuate the look, she had beautiful Fred Leighton diamonds on.
Jessica biel actully looked pretty drab and boring...fortunately her bling bling (earrings and a stunning diamond bracelet) picked up the slack.
Best Actress Helen Mirren looked ageless as always in a floral Christian Lacroix gown capped with embroidered lace and an absolutely eye popping 62-carat Chopard diamond brooch.
Rachael Weiz looked the quintissential Oscar actress in a platinum satin Vera Wang gown and a breathtaking vintage diamond Cartier pendant.
Penelope Cruz sparkled in Versace with Chopard diamonds.
Nicole Kidman looked a bit too ready for Christmas in a crimson Balenciaga dress with a huge bow. The saving grace was her custom L’Wren Scott diamond bracelet. Pregnant Naomi Watts didn't fare much better (imo) with her old school retro look, but provided the necessary distraction with some major bling bling of her own...
Eva Green looked absolutely awful and even her fashionable diamond earrings couldn't save her.
My advice; get a new hairstylist and fire your personal shopper!
I'm not sure what Cameron Diaz was thinking with her off-the-shoulder white satin Valentino gown that looked more like a bad tablecloth. In fairness though..... maybe she wasn't "thinking" at all, given she's probably still messed up from all that weed she was caught smoking with Drew Barrymore yesterday in Hawaii. Might also explain the weird pigeon feet stance in the photo and the goofy "howdy doody" grin/wave.....
Really...who cares though...bottom line is; she was wearing 2.9 MILLION (yes that's right..) dollars worth of smoking Catier jewelry!!! Gotta love her just for that!!
Gwyneth probably should have stayed home...
This...whatever...was an apricot tulle-and-chiffon Zac Posen gown.
Who knows...maybe she's angling for a role as a mermaid in the next film.......
Kirsten Dunst sported a look that alternated between laughable and forgettable in this Holloween Peacock costume. Even her jewelry did little to avert attention away from the mess that was her "gown". She definitely wins the "worst dressed" award of the 2007 Oscars. Here is a mantra that might help... "Spider-man - 3"...Spider Man - 3"....Spider Man - 3"...........
Well....Katie Holmes looked great and Tommy boy wasn't jumping up and down on a couch.....an altogether successful evening for both.....
Kate Winslet looked happy in this lime green Valentino with yellow Choppard diamonds.
Beyonce selected a stunning array of diamond jeweles to accentuate her gown...or whatever little there was of it...
J.Lo looked more like Julius Ceasar...but hubby, Marc Anthony was happy so that's all that really matters..... Is she Preggers??
Cate Blanchett looked absolutely captivating with an Armanai Privé gown and Lorraine Schwartz diamonds!
"A Diamond Is Forever", and now too are Postal Stamps!
Who would have thunk it that our staid plodding Postal Service would ever be accused of imaginative thinking?
Well they did! In a fit of brilliance the Postal Service has come up with the "Forever Stamp" for First-Class Mail. The Post Office rates will go up as they always do but not this stamp. You are locked in forever.
This amazing story is here: Postal Stamps Are "Forever"!
Cleaning Jewelry: Another Great Article!
So many great articles recently on the art of properly cleaning your diamond and jewelry baubles!
Here is a great jewelry cleaning tips read for you.
Enjoy!
See The Diamond Jewelry List For Celebs at 2007 Oscars!
This weeks Oscars was full of diamond bling bling.
Ineed, there were so many dazzling diamond jewelry pieces, it was hard to tell who wore what...
Nicole Kidman's diamond bracelet
Naomi Watts looks radiant with this gorgeous diamond necklace.
IDEX Online did a great job of putting together a comprehensive list of what each Hollywood celebrity wore in terms of fashion diamond jewelry.
See the full list here!
Eightstar Diamonds: A Branded Ideal Cut Diamond
This is one of a series of postings discussing different diamond companies manufacturing a "signature" or "branded" ideal cut diamond.
The Eightstar diamond is a beautiful (albeit extremely expensive) ideal cut loose diamond which is sold and marketed through various bricks and mortar jewelry stores accross the country.
The Eightstar diamond company promotes and sells their beautiful (albeit extremely expensive) ideal cut diamonds by showcasing an Eightstar diamond's diamond light performance via a metric called the Firescope.
Diamond Cut / Beauty Evaluator - Firescope
The Firescope is a light-mapping instrument invented by a Tokyo diamond dealer in 1984. It uses simple colorcoding to show whether - or how - a diamond is leaking light.
The Firescope looks unassuming: a small metal box with an eyepiece. But the mechanism is extraordinary. A diamond is slid between a light source, below, and the eyepiece, above. There are red reflectors in the eyepiece. Any light reflecting through the crown and table is reflected back - but in red.
Red light means light reflection, but white light - which can't have reached the reflector - means light leakage. The amount of red and white light indicate a diamond's potential brilliance and the quality of its cut. A diamond with no light leakage will present an image without any white.
The Firescope was first introduced as an observation tool to help jewelers buy the most beautiful diamonds. What the instrument showed repeatedly, however, was that almost all diamonds leaked light, often badly. Even the Ideals.
Are Eightsar Diamonds Worth The Premium?
While Eightstar branded diamonds are assuredly beautiful ideal cut diamonds, the question of whether they are worth the significant premium over similar quality ideal cut diamonds and even competing 'branded' 'signature' ideal cut diamonds at far lower prices, is one only the consumer can answer.
Certainly there is as much psychology and emotion in the diamond buying process, as there are rational and practical considerations.
I would imagine many people let their emotions take over and will pay a premium for the Eightstar diamond. To these people, the Eightsar Diamond is not "expensive" at all.
Others, will go with the rational and practical approach and will purchase an unbranded ideal cut loose diamond, or even a different ideal cut diamond brand of similar quality and beauty for much less money. These people will be happy in the knowledge that they did not have to pay an exorbitant premium in order to get the finest cut ideal diamond that money can buy.
The bottom line is that there is no "right answer", only the one that works for you, personally.
Whiteflash.com - Diamond Engagement Ring Promotion
Ideal Cut Diamond e-tailer, Whiteflash.com has just announced a new diamond promotion and free diamond solitaire engagement ring giveaway in conjuction with the new romantic dramedy series by Fox called 'The Wedding Bells'
To find out how you can win your free Whiteflash diamond engagement ring, visit Whiteflash by clicking on this link!
Good Luck!
Ruthenium Prices Explode!
Ruthenium prices have soared to record highs above of $800 an ounce this month, buoyed by an explosive growth in demand for hard disc drives and news that a new generation of chip from Intel may involve the metal.
The minor member of the platinum group metals saw its price surge by 40 percent this year and hit an all-time high of $885 an ounce on February 7th 2007.
Since then, prices have eased to around $795/835 on Tuesday, but ruthenium remains much more expensive than it was a year ago, when it changed hands at less than $100 an ounce.
"Ruthenium met a bit of resistance in the last days after traders started to offload some of their holdings," refiner Heraeus said in a recent report. But the uptrend is likely to continue on a combination of industrial as well as speculative buying, it added.
Praised for its great resistance and ability to harden platinum and palladium, ruthenium has seen its industrial applications widen recently. It is now used in the chemical, electrical and aviation sectors, but the strongest utilisation growth has been recorded in magnetic data storage (hard disc drives).
Platinum is up $13 dollars today. If this continues, and it very well may, due to the weak dollar and Iran, Platinum jewelry prices will increase.
This Teacher Should Be Tarred and Feathered.
It's not often that we blog on news items that are not directly related to Diamonds and Jewelry but this item on todays wires made us sick to our stomachs and is good reason for instituting strict screening hiring measures.
The link is here: Teacher Run Amuck
Custom Engagement Ring Design
Custom design your very own diamond engagement ring online!
Recently, I
We create our custom diamond engagement rings by working closely with our clients and listening to their ideas and thoughts about what they want. They will usually send us images, drawings and/or clippings of the engagement ring designs they had in mind.
We will then incorporate those ideas into a 3D CAD life-like animation of their vision and work with them step-by step to turn their dream into a reality.
We are also an authorized retailer for diamond engagement rings by Vatche.
Vatche also uses CAD software to create custom engagement ring designs.
Here is a photo of a recent computerized image of a custom Vatche wedding set rendered for one of our customers.
CAD renderings of proposed custom 3-stone emerald cut diamond wedding set by Designs by Vatche The "before shot"
Well, the rings were just completed in the Vatche jewelry factory (being sent to the Independent Diamond Appraiser shortly...) and here is what they look like!!
The "after shot"
