March 2007 Archives
Wedding Bells Ring For This Special Couple
Once in a while we hear or read a story so touching, it literally brings tears to our eyes.
I read such a story this morning and I'd like to share it with you all.
It is a story of courage and bravery under the most adverse conditions and how nothing can conquer the the human spirit and the unyielding power of love.
Married couple Dawn Berry and Robert Carter after their moving ceremony at St Richard's
hospice in Worcester. Picture by John Anyon
Read their story and live differently today.
Diamond Shirt Modeled in Milan
While everyone was having a great time at the recent Oscars, a diamond top worth $1.3 million was featured during Milan fashion week. It is represents a partnership between Gianfranco Ferré and Dalumi. The sheer black top is covered with more than 900 diamonds weighing more than 300 carats. The outfit was modeled by singer Skin and also featured tuxedo pants and a silk cape.
Great Video On Effectively Marketing Your Brand Identity
We blogged a while back on an effective marketing strategy for branding natural fancy yellow diamonds, by one of the foremost experts on product 'branding' in the industry.
We got a great comment from of our readers, with a link to this must see video by the same expert who talks about strategies for creating and promoting an effective 'brand identity'.
"What does your brand say about you"
http://www.scribemedia.org/2006/12/18/evolved-models-for-healthcare-branding/
Custom Mens Wedding Bands
Here is a beautiful and unique custom mens wedding band we just completed yesterday for a customer.
Week-End Tidbit
Age is a State of Mind.
Cool Binary Watch: For Geeks Only!
Last week, we blogged on the binary wedding band for geeks who need to get married.
Now you can own a binary watch, to make sure you get to the wedding on time ;-)!
This company, sells the Steel Goa Wave Binary Watch
which allows you to display your extreme math-cred just by wearing a cool watch!
Binary watch for geeks!
Impress friends and random strangers inquiring about the time as you decipher lit LEDs into hours and minutes (it's actually really simple to do, but no one else needs to know that).
With a bevel and face made of stainless steel, it comes with a soft genuine leather strap. It's packaged in a nice aluminum box that's stored in a glossy black cardboard box.
Another nice part about this watch is that the lights stay OFF until you hit the top button to light up the LEDs for about 5 seconds. So you're not walking around with a nonstop rave on your wrist--it's a nice touch.
The size of this was intended for guys, but girls can wear it if they use either of the last two holes. Girls with really small wrists might still find it too big though.
Blue Nile.com Ramping Up Mailings
Recently, on-line diamond e-tailer, Blue Nile has been increasing their periodic mailings (I am on the mailing list) from being infrequent, to almost spam-like in frequency.
I just got another one today.
Thinking about removing myself from the mailing list....
de Grisogono: Seven Years Of Innovation
Luxury watch brand de Grisogono is celebrating seven years of excellence in innovation and the art of creating magnificent and complicated luxury watches for the most discriminating consumers.
An excellent and in-depth article on these special timepieces is featured here.
18kt. Mens Cufflinks: By Mont Blanc
One of the lesser known facts about Mont Blanc is that they manufacture beautiful jewelry!
Here is a gorgeous pair of 18kt. gold cufflinks for men, by Mont Blanc, with there snow cap signature in the center of the brushed gold face!
Understated. Elegant. Gorgeous!
Are These "Wedding Bells" Off Key?
Romantic Comedies in the movies and television revolving around Weddings and Engagements have always been very popular with the viewing public and have garnered high ratings.
The 'pull' and amazing appeal of these shows/movies is that it allows us to live vicariously through these very handsome and beautiful actors and actresses and that perhaps some day we will experience the same happiness and good fortune.
Just last week we blogged about the upcoming Premiere of a promising romantic comedy show
The Wedding Bells
that revolves around a group of young people providing wedding business services to engaged couples.
The Premier episode of "The Wedding Bells" made its debut last night on FOX and Melanie McFarland, TV & Radio Critic for The Seattle Post Intelligencer has her less than "ringing" review here:
For Whom The Wedding Bell Tolls
Linda Stasi of The New York Post gave it one star out of a possible five. Not good. Her review is here: Off-Key Wedding Bell
Perhaps a move to a better time slot will help.
"Geek" Weddings.
Different Religions have their own unique Wedding Customs and practices which are handed down from generation to generation and add a unique and distinctive flavor to the ceremony.
Well, I'm not sure if "Geeks" can be considered a 'religion' but they do get married. How would you know if you were at a "Geek" wedding? Here are eleven signs to watch out for:
How Do You Know You're At a 'Geek' Wedding?
Petra Nemcova Launches Jewelry Line For Fortunoff
Stunning Czech supermodel, Petra Nemcova established the Happy Hearts Fund at G2A to aid children in need who have suffered from natural disasters and other causes. The Fund's initial focus is helping children affected by the December 2004 tsunami, in Thailand, where Petra and her boyfriend were vacationing that fateful morning, as well as Aceh, Sri Lanka and India.
Now the 27-year-old Czech has co-designed a signature collection of silver, gold, and diamond jewelry called "Infinite Heart" which is being offered exclusively by upscale retailer Fortunoff.
The collection gets its' shape from the symbol of Nemcova's Happy Hearts Fund, and indeed Fortunoff will donate 10% of the sale proceeds to this worthy cause!
Petra Nemcova launches her new exclusive Infinite Heart Collection. Fortunoff will donate 10% of the net proceeds to the Happy Hearts Foundation, founded by Petra in 2005. (02/08/2007). Photo Credit: Splash News
"Infinite Hearts Jewelry"
Luxury Watch Lovers Rejoice!
Watch retailers and watch enthusiasts, rejoice!!
If you are a lover of fine timepieces as I am, you will be thrilled to learn that the Centre Culturel de la Haute Horlogerie, based in Geneva has added a monthly online watch magazine to its website!!!
This section will focus on all of the top luxury watch brands in the world, with excellent articles and information on the watches you love and the companies you admire!
Blancpain
Visit http://journal.hautehorlogerie.org and you will be in watch heaven!
Excel Diamonds Launches New Diamond Blog
Excel Diamonds.com has officially launched its new Excel Diamonds Diamond Information Blog!
In December of 2004 Excel Diamonds launched its first Diamond Blog right here at www.diamondvues.com. The purpose of diamond vues was to be "the pulse of the diamond and jewelry marketplace" with inside information and articles of interest to both consumers and tradespeople alike. In this short period of time, Diamond Vues has experienced tremendous growth with incredible traffic and an ever growing list of subscribers!
The new diamond blog at Excel Diamonds will focus more exclusively on diamond and jewelry information.
We have initiated a contest for a Free Diamond Pendant to the winning entry for our poll to choose a name for our new Excel Diamonds Blog.
The winning entry will be decided on March 23, 2007 when we officially change the blog name to reflect the winning submission.
Gold Earphone Necklace: Great For Ipod Lovers!
Anna Tascha is a brilliant Jewelry designer who is still a full time student in Stockholm. Recently, she heard of the many reports of students in N.Y.C. getting mugged for their Ipods and came to the realization that the coveted white ipod headphones (a sure indication of an ipod lurking somewhere in a jacket..) have become more popular (and dangerous..) than diamonds.
Gold "ipod earhones" necklace
She decided to do something about this cultural phenomena and has created the first ever gold earphone necklace to look exactly like the ipod earphones!!
This is a great idea IMO and I'm sure she's gonna capture some really cool feedback (maybe even significant sales) for this original and funky idea.
Be sure to click on her link and check out some of her other cool and original jewelry items!
Tolkowsky Capitalizes on Historic Ideal Cut Diamond
Though Marcel Tolkowsky defined the parameters of an ideal-cut diamond when he penned his 1919 thesis "Diamond Design", that industry benchmark-synonymous with the Tolkowsky name-had never been fully branded until very recently.
Marcel Tolkowsky, Inventor of the Ideal Cut Diamond.
Late last year Marcel Tolkowsky's heir, Jean Paul Tolkowsky, introduced his new Signature diamond brand he is calling "Cut by Tolkowsky".
This signature collection of ideal cut diamonds fuses the famed family surname to the hearts and arrows ideal cut.
Although these diamonds are typical (albeit beautiful) ideal cut diamonds which are available all over the internet and retail stores at a fraction of the asking price for a similar "cut by Tolkowsky" ideal cut diamond (which is almost as prohibitively expensive as a branded "Hearts on Fire" ideal cut diamond), Jean Paul is banking on his family name recognition to bridge the gap ($$) for his expensive ideal cut diamonds.
Indeed, no other family is identified with an ideal-cut diamond more than Tolkowsky, so the company which sells its ideal diamond in about 20 independent stores is hoping to capture some market share. They will also be providing a certificate of authenticity for every diamond attesting to its origin being of conflict-free sources; a topic very important to today,s consumers.
We wish them the best of luck!
Elizabeth Hurley's Gorgeous New Diamond Engagement Ring!
Chopard’s Creative Director and Co-President designed Elizabeth Hurley's engagement ring, a whopping 15.09 carat Asscher cut diamond, set in white gold and surrounded by a pave-set band, as reported by Vogue UK. Chopard also made the actress’s wedding band, a white gold ring set with 20 square-cut diamonds with a total weight of 3.91 carat.
Liz Hurley's incredible Chopard diamond engagement ring!
Hurley married Arun Nayer on Saturday. The couple picked the diamond out of the ‘Haute Joallerie’ collection at Chopard's Bond Street store.
Liz & Arun
Bury Yourself In Gold...Literally!
With our affluent tastes, standards, culture, and the general need to "live up to the Jones family", it is no surprise to me that fashion and jewelry has seemingly caught up with death itself!
Simply "living in style" is no longer in-vogue. "Dying in style" is now equally important.
Indeed death has now become a venue for which to promote fashion, pomp, and the finest tastes in diamonds and jewelry. That people are buried in their finest jewelry pieces is assuredly old news.
However, now you can even order the casket itself in solid gold!!
This internet mortuary company sells this 24kt. gold coated casket for only.......well.......$10,000 dollars!!
Some might argue that there is no better way to accord a final honor to a loved one than by burying that person in gold...literally. Certainly, if this person lived the same way in life, it would be poignant and touching to recognize this in death......
They will make the case that this has nothing to do with asserting a "style" or being "over the top" in any way...that it is purely about giving a final honor to a loved one.
I personally, could not disagree more...on so many different levels....
Indeed I will never understand this motivation at all...
Then again, this is not the purpose of this blog entry at all....
Mama Mia! What A Diamond Engagement Ring This Would Be!
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (ADWC) has announced the sale of a 215-carat D-color diamond at the Letseng Diamond Tender to Belgian-based Omega Diamonds.
The stone, which comes from the Letseng diamond mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho, scored the highest average price per carat for a D-color ever tendered by Letseng at $38,000 per carat.
New owner Omega—a rough-diamond firm—stated that the gem was remarkable for its size and quality, adding that it will be a big piece.
"The shape is something that will be sweated over for months," the company said.
ADWC spokesman Philip Claes spoke of the importance of having an important stone tendered in Antwerp.
"We continue to fully support such tenders as part of our ongoing efforts to facilitate the diamond trade," he said.
Another major diamond from the Letseng mine, a historic 603-carat stone, recently sold here for $12.36 million, or $20,000 average per carat.
The mine is known for the size and quality of the diamonds it produces. It is jointly owned by Gem Diamonds (70 percent) and the Lesotho government (30 percent). Letseng Tenders are held monthly by WWW International Diamond Consultants.
The ADWC, formerly called HRD, is the umbrella organization for the Antwerp diamond industry.
$25,000 Loose Diamond Pulled From A Shower Drain!
This $25,000 diamond was pulled out of a jail drain!
ORANGE — The $25,000 diamond sat undiscovered in a bathroom drain at Theo Lacy Jail for more than a year.
Hundreds of inmates showered and shaved in the Theo Lacy shower but only one – a suspected jewel thief – knew the nearly perfect 2-carat rock lay just below the surface.
Snatched out of the Jewelry Express in the Westminster Mall in April 2005, the diamond had been swallowed and regurgitated over and over by Bret Langdon, a suspected jewel thief, as he moved around in the jail system. Since his last move, it had been in the drain for 14 months.
A signed court order presented Wednesday forced deputies to search a specific shower drain for the diamond.
As they searched through the muck – they fished out the rock – a brilliant round cut. Langford confessed the diamond was his; he had been keeping it with him for almost two years while waiting for trial, Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino said.
Read the full awesome story here.
Diamond Engagement Rings By Lieberfarb
I just got a chance to view some beautiful diamond engagement rings by Lieberfarb.
Lieberfarb designs are beautiful in that they manage to be elegant and classic while incorporating some modern elements at the same time.
Designs by Lieberfarb advertisement
Needless to say, I was very impressed with engagement rings by Lieberfarb.
Check them out at www.lieberfarb.com
Thoughts of A Blogger | When is Blogging, Too Much?
I've been having a really great time blogging on our Diamond Vues Blog and most recently, on our new Excel Diamond Diamond Tips Blog.
In fact, I'm having so much fun blogging, I actually find myself in the "blogging spirit" most of the day. If I'm not writing a blog, then I'm researching an appropriate topic for a blog...
So how much, is too much?
I guess if you feel the need to copy this bloggers ingenious scheme to stay in front of the computer...you have a pretty significant problem!!
Fortunately, I'm not there yet.
I'm afraid some of my blogger friends might be though......
Buying Your Diamond Engagement Ring on Ebay? Be Very Careful!
Fraudsters and Scam artists are targeting Ebay and PayPal with 'phishing' requests and re-directing to fraudulent websites to con you out of your Credit Card information.
Ebay's response to this has so far been underwhelming according to Internet anti-fraud experts.
The full story is here:
Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring on Ebay? Be Very Careful!
Caveat Emptor!
25 Million In Loose Diamonds Stolen From Antwerp Vault
Catch this guy and get 2 million.
Diamonds in the value of 25 million dollars were stolen from Antwerp bank safety vault, Yahoo news reports.
The thief was the bank`s client for a year, he used a stolen Argentinean passport and a false identity and had access to safes, because he was one of the few “trustworthy diamond traders”.
Police believe the robbery was carefully planned because the passport was stolen in Israel a few years ago, and the robber most probably used a false identity- Carlos Hector Flomenbaum of Argentina.
The bank discovered the robbery on March 5 and believes it occurred between Friday and that Monday morning.
An APB was issued with a reward of two million dollars
Cool Phone Bracelet Concept
Thanks to Barry Schwartz of SEO Roundtable for alerting us to this cool new phone concept that can be worn like a bracelet!
Unofficially known as the bracelet phone, this one locks on your wrist like a bracelet and vibrates during an incoming call. To speak, you unclip it and hold it to your ear. It’s got a few neat tricks, such as its ability to play MP3s.
However, don't get too excited just yet. This phone is purely conceptual at this point.
Check out the guy who worked up the design on this puppy. View his designs here:
The World's Most Expensive Diamond Studded Cellphone
GoldVish Le Million
$1.3 million for a cellphone??
YES!
Guinness World Records certifies this GoldVish phone as the most expensive in the world--1 million euros, or about $1.3 million. The odd-shaped device is made out of 18-carat white gold and features 1,800 diamonds totaling 120 carats (this goes waaay beyond "bling")!! A Russian businessman bought Le Million for his wife last September at a luxury goods fair in Cannes, France. Don't have a spare million for this made-by-request gadget? Geneva-based GoldVish has plenty of expensive phones in its lineup, including models with gold plating and diamond-studded cases.
Billionaires Love Diamonds and Jewelry!
Beth Braverman of National Jeweler has an excellent posting on how the jewelry industry and billionaires seem to get along incredibly well!
Indeed, a good chunk of the people on Forbes' recently released list of the world's 947 billionaires in 2007 have some connection to the diamond and jewelry industry.
Ranked at No. 2 (behind Bill Gates) is Warren Buffett, worth $52 billion, whose company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns several of the country's top jewelry chains, including Helzberg Diamonds, Borsheim's and Ben Bridge Jeweler.
Warren Buffett Loves Diamonds.
With only half the fortune of Buffett, Bernard Arnault ranks No. 7 on the list. Worth $26 billion, Arnault owns 51 percent of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, and serves as chairman of both companies. LVMH owns a bevy of luxury brands, including TAG Heuer and Zenith.
Francois Pinault, worth $14.5 billion, appears at No. 34 on the list. Pinault is the majority shareholder of luxury goods group PPR, which owns Gucci, Boucheron and Bedat & Co. He also owns Christie's auction house.
A Sharpie Diamond Pen By Hearts on Fire
One of the coolest diamond and jewelry promotions to coincide with a national brand from a completely different industry, was the joint effort from Hearts on Fire Diamonds and Sharpie pens for this years Superbowl weekend back in February.
For the ultimate autograph experience, Sharpie® and Hearts on Fire unveiled a one-of-a-kind Sharpie marker worth more than $10,000 in Miami during the week leading up to football’s biggest game. Featuring more than 1,300 Swarovski® crystals and 65 perfect-cut Hearts on Fire diamonds, this “Celebrity Edition” Sharpie will be auctioned off for charity.
This Celebrity Edition Sharpie was introduced as the brand launched its “Autographs for Action” program, which aims to secure one million autographs nationwide. In exchange, Sharpie will donate $1 million in supplies and funds to charities, community organizations and schools across the country. The Autographs for Action program enlists celebrities and professional athletes to inspire the public to make their mark for positive, permanent change.
About Hearts on Fire Diamonds
Hearts on Fire diamonds is the company behind the very expensive Hearts on Fire branded diamonds claiming to be "the world's most perfect cut diamond".
Here is a recent blog entry regarding hearts on fire diamonds and whether they are actuall worth their inflated price tag.
Loose Diamond Evolution: Then and Today
The beautiful 58 faceted round brilliant diamond which has become synonymous with the slogan, "a woman's best friend", has gone through a lengthy evolution until today.
The first 58 faceted round brilliant diamond was fashioned in the 1650's and early 1700's. As the cut parameters of the diamond evolved into the 1800's, the first "old-miner" and "European cut" diamonds were born. The premise of these diamonds was to sacrifice as little carat weight as possible from the diamond rough, even at the significant expense of the finished diamonds beauty and brilliancy.
In 1860 Henry Morse opened a diamond cutting facility in Boston, MA. His objective was to overhall the traditional old-European cuts by recutting them for increased beauty (more carat weight removed) instead of maximum weigh retention. His finished/polished diamonds were considered the most beautiful of the time.
In 1919 the famous Marcel Tolkowsky’s brilliant diamond cut was introduced together with his acclaimed published thesis on diamond cut. This framework for a diamonds cut parameters became known as the ideal cut diamond standard, by which round diamonds were fashioned into the most ideal cut for maximization of the diamonds beauty and brilliancy.
In the early 1930's Lazare Kaplan began cutting diamonds to the Tolkowsky ideal proportions for ideal cut diamonds.
In 1931 the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) was founded. The GIA and the AGS (American Gemological Society) would carve a niche for themselves in the next 45 years as being the standard bearers of the diamond grading industry and for enabling consumers to select the finest ideal cut diamonds by means of their grading systems.
In 1953, Richard T. Liddicoat developed a unique and novel grading system for diamonds that included a crucial framework for the evaluation of a diamonds cut.
In 1964-66, the AGS developed a 0-10 scale for grading diamond the cut of a loose diamond.
In 1996 the AGS grading Laboratories enters the grading world with a bang by begining to issue a specific cut grade for round brilliant diamonds.
In 2005, the AGS Laboratories introduces the AGS-0 Ideal Princess Cut Diamond. These are the creme-de-la-creme and the finest, most brilliant princess cut diamonds on the market. They also update their brilliance and light performance meauring metrics for the round brilliant diamond.
In 2006 the GIA laboratories jump on the "cut grade" and "light performance" "bandwagon'" by updating their own grading system for round diamonds to reflect and include a measure for the diamonds crucial cut grade.
Grading a loose diamond
Super-Ideal Cut Diamonds
In 1985 a diamond cutter named Kioyishi Higuchi produced the first branded Eightstar diamond for a Japanese businessman named Takanori Tamura using a performance assesment device called the Firescope. The Eightstar diamond was cut for the sole objective of achieving minimum light leakage and maximized diamond brilliance. This is the first "branded" superideal cut diamond that was introduced into the marketplace.
Since the creation of the Firescope, which measures the relationship between light leakage and refracted brilliance in a loose diamond, many scientific diamond evaluation tools were developed. While some of these tools measure the cut precision of a loose diamond, others have the ability to directly measure a diamonds light performance and brilliancy.
In the late 1980's, the first ‘Hearts & Arrows’ diamond was produced in Japan.
In the 1990's Super Ideal cut diamonds began to make waves in America.
The immediate popularity of the super-ideal diamond created the impetus for more refinement and evolution in the diamond technology sector for qualifying and quantifying a loose diamonds cut precision and visual beauty.
Today, in 2007, the most visually stunning and absolutely brilliant diamond that money could buy, is knows as the super-ideal cut diamond.
For more information on what exactly distinguishes the super-ideal cut diamonds from even the typically beautiful (albeit, less precise) ideal cut diamonds, click here.
Spiraling Time. A Cool Watch for Geeks!
What time is it?
Here is a really cool and futuristic watch I found from www.tokyoflash.com
Available in either Black or Silver & with a mirrored blue LCD display it tells the time via a series of spiraling blocks.
Around the outer edges are 60 segments, indicating 1 minute each. They are grouped in 10's so it's easy to tell the time at a glance. The inner spiral of blocks represent 1 hour each.
This is one of those watches that at first it seems impossible to tell the time, but once you understand how it works it's fairly simple. Within a few days of using it you can tell the time just as fast as a traditional wall clock.
The LCD display is mirrored with blue tinted segments. Since the display is "always on" there is no need to push a button to see the time.
This watch also has an animation feature. Once a minute, the display spirals all the way off & all the way on, then settles back onto the current time. (see the animated graphic at the top of the page for the effect) Since this is not a LED light effect, it does not drain battery power nor is it too distracting.
Another notable feature of this watch is it's small size & weight. The strap is a svelte 1.5mm thick, barely more than a Dime & it weighs just 60 grams.
LCD display
English & Japanese Instructions
Time Only
Water Resistant
1 Year Warranty
Exclusive to Tokyoflash
Starbucks "Free" Coffee? Not!
A couple of years ago I blogged here regarding my expensive addiction to Starbucks coffee.
Overpriced coffee
Unfortunately, since that time I have not been able to kick the habit.
Well, this morning on my way to work I get a phone call from my Dad telling me that Starbucks is giving out free coffee from 10-12 in the afternoon.
So I show up at about 10 minutes to ten and get served at about 5 minutes to 10. Here I am ordering a grande decaf (my second coffee of the morning...it's all in the mind..;-)) for 2 bucks and change.....it's free though..right?
Wrong!
She charged me full price when my watch read 1 minute to 10 o'clock!!! (I think my watch might be 30 seconds fast...)
I ask what happened to the "free coffee" promo. and she says "I'm early"!!!
'Twas the worst coffee I ever had...:-((
The moral of the story is, you cannot beat the system!
On-line Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry sales Up 20% in 2006!
Our colleague Ken Gassman of Idex Online (www.idexonline.com) reports astounding stats for the On-line Diamond and jewelry industry for 2006.
On-line sales reached 2.45 Billion, an increase of 20% over 2005 and represent approximately 3.9% of total jewelry industry sales of 63 Billion in 2006.
Ken goes on to say that while it took seven years – from 1996 to 2002 – for online jewelry sales to reach the $1 billion mark, it took only three years – 2002 to 2005 – to reach $2 billion in total sales. He forcasts continued robust growth of on-line diamond and jewelry sales and projects that sales will hit 3 Billion by 2008!
He projects three different scenarios for future growth with moderating growth the most likely scenario.
The graph below shows Ken's forcast for "moderating growth" over the next several years.
Very nice presentation, Ken.
We will follow this and keep you posted.
His & Her Wedding Rings. Must They Match?
Wedding rings come in all different shapes and sizes. Certainly, they are not all created equal.
Additionally, the kind of wedding ring that would typically look great on a womans finger, will usually look equally bad on a mans finger.
We are always asked whether it is appropriate that a man and woman (husband-wife) purchase matching wedding rings for their bridal set.
Some people think it looks really great to have a matching wedding set and are completely averse to having it any other way.
Personally, I think it really depends on the specific tastes of each couple.
For example: if the woman loves a particular diamond studded wedding band with filigree and intricate detailing, chances are the matching mens wedding band (even in a thicker width) will look awful on the guy (too much bling bling..for a wedding band).
Similarly, if you are a guy who likes a thick wedding band in yellow gold capped by a huge onyx, chances are that if your gal prefers white gold (no onyx) or platinum, she won't be too thrilled...
Therefore, it's always best to establish your parameters at the outset of your search for wedding rings.
What are your individual tastes, likes and dislikes?
You may find that your tastes are compatible enough with each other that it pays to do a matching bridal set.
Otherwise, you will realize that by availing yourselves to the myriad wedding ring options that are mutually exclusive in both mens and womens categories, you will both find something special and unique for each of you to fall in love with.
Hearts On Fire Moving To Las Vegas.
Hearts On Fire has signed a letter of intent to purchase a significant amount of space in the World Jewelry Center (WJC), as the project builds steam in becoming the new international hub for the gem and jewelry trade.
"The World Jewelry Center is an ideal business platform to support our long-range goals and objectives," Hearts On Fire chief executive officer and founder Glenn Rothman said in a statement.
He noted how the Las Vegas location provides numerous advantages, including international transportation, high-tech communications and favorable business policies.
"The international gem and jewelry marketplace established by the World Jewelry Center will be an important catalyst in further growing the Hearts On Fire brand," he added. "Not only can it serve as a North American distribution center in a strategic location, but the presence of hundreds of dealers and manufacturers, plus gem labs, support services and a Foreign Trade Zone, can greatly enhance our operations."
Bill Boyajian, managing director of the WJC, said the addition of Hearts On Fire exemplifies the benefits companies gain in being a part of the project.
"It's especially noteworthy when an industry leader like Hearts On Fire is added to the who's who of companies now comprising the World Jewelry Center," he said. He went on to praise Rothman as a visionary who has set a remarkable standard in diamond branding and marketing.
"His confidence in the future of the World Jewelry Center is another sign of the momentum propelling this project," Boyajian said.
We blogged about the the new Vegas Mega Diamond and Jewelry Center a few months ago:
Diamond Engagement Rings In Las Vegas
Looks like Las Vegas may very well shape up as the #1 Diamond Center.
Stay tuned.
Luxury Blogs | Add Your Name To The List!
Andrew from Janus Thinking referenced an excellent blog from Paul Johnson at A Luxury Travel Blog with this " L-list" of Luxury Blogs.
This is basically a compilation of popular blogs for all things related to luxury items, products, and services.
A Luxury Travel Blog
B Glam
blavish
Blog-Tique
Born Rich
Deluxe Blog.it
DiamondVues
Foodaholic
Glenn O’Brien’s Style
Good Luck Deluxe
GourmetStation
High Chic
I Love Bling
Living the Luxe Life
Lussorian
Luxist
Luxury Home Digest
Luxury Housing Trends
Luxury Portfolio
Luxury Reviewer
Luxus.fr
Restaurant Girl
Social Diva
Sybarites
Tango Diva
The Delicious Life
The Informed Traveler
The Lobby
Vagablond
Vinography
Wine Camp Blog
Wine Goddess
If you wish to add to this growing list of Luxury Blogs, follow these instructions:
- Write a post.
- Copy/paste the link list (and these instructions!) from the post you’ve discovered the L-List into it.
- Make sure the links are active and correct.
- If your blog is on the list, remove it… it’s not a self-promotion post. As Tim Fehlman (Z-List) said : “Don’t worry, because if your name is on mine, it’s on others and will spread.”
- Add your favourite luxury blogs on to the list.
- Add the URL of the blog where you’ve discovered the L-List as well.
- Publish the post.
- People will notice the L-List and continue it.
Rare 1865 Luxury Watch Built From Bone!
A horological masterpiece, this pocket watch is from the Bronnikov family from Vjatka, Russia. The earliest model appeared in 1837 and was rumored to have been purchased by the future Czar, Alexander II. A tradition carried out through the 1800s into the early 20th century by Semyon's sons Mikhail and Nicolai - Producing only one watch per month with approximately 500 ever made, and of those only about 250 have survived today. More about the history below the actual watch photo
Pictured above, the 1865 'Bone Watch'. Double-body, hinged back cover, polished, bezels with turned ribs at the edges, a small circle in the center. Chain: single and double links, carved from bone, 8 mm ring-links. D. Bone with Arabic numerals on circular cartouches, subsidiary seconds. Bone hands. Made entirely made of bone with pinned bone bridges, excluding the main-spring, balance-spring and pivots, with going barrel, cylinder escapement with bone staff, plain bone three-arm balance, bone index regulator. Back cover signed in Cyrillic. Diam. 50 mm. Selling at auction in 2005 for over $25,000 USD.
Via Watchismo.
Want to Buy A Diamond Mine? Grab Your Checkbook.
The London Financial Times reports today that Debeers is looking to sell one its most famous diamond mines...The Cullinan Mine.
Cullinan, which was first opened in 1902 and includes the legendary 3,106 carat Cullinan Diamond among its gems, is still a major mine. It produced 1.3 million carats in 2006. By comparison, the Letseng mine in Lesotho which Gem Diamonds bought in 2006 for around R860 million and which was the main reason for Gem's successful London listing last month produces only 50,000 carats annually, though Gem is now investing to double that rate of production.
Cullinan will make an attractive acquisition opportunity, says James Allan of corporate advisory firm Allan Hochreiter. The problem for most diamond explorers and juniors is to get their first project developed into a producing mine. De Beers is now putting one up for grabs, says Allan.
Some diamond industry executives are confused by De Beers' decision to sell such a valuable asset. The group is also selling its underground operations at Kimberley, but they have already been shut down.
One CEO says: "I don't understand why they are selling Cullinan when everybody is scrambling to secure production volumes, given the predicted shortage of rough diamonds. The sale seems to be part of a radical shakeup of De Beers by new managing director Gareth Penny, who took over last year."
De Beers spokesman Tom Tweedy says Cullinan no longer fits into the new De Beers business model, which is focused more upon profitability than production volumes. He points out that Cullinan's output will be replaced by production from two new operations: The Voorspoed mine in the northern Free State, which will produce about 1 million carats annually, and the 250,000 carats a year that De Beers expects to recover from new marine operations off the west coast of South Africa. Until now De Beers has carried out marine mining only off Namibia.
For the past decade De Beers has been considering extending the life of Cullinan through a project called the C-Cut. This would have cost around R6 billion and would have involved a new mine at greater depths on the kimberlite pipe, which is being mined at Cullinan. De Beers shelved the C-Cut project several years ago, citing the negative impact of the strength of the rand against the dollar.
Tweedy says De Beers estimates Cullinan's remaining life at five years without the C-Cut, meaning operations would shut down in about 2012. There are two key attractions for would-be buyers of Cullinan. The first is that junior diamond mining companies might be able to operate at Cullinan more cheaply than De Beers, because of lower overheads. That would improve profitability and probably extend the life of the mine, so delaying the need for a project like C-Cut. Secondly, Cullinan like Letseng is an unusual mine in that it's known to produce large diamonds of greater than 100 carats on an erratic basis. Such diamonds are extremely valuable.
Since Gem bought Letseng, the mine has produced two stones of this type, of 603 carats and 216 carats. The 603-carat stone sold for $12.4 million, equivalent to $20,500/carat. The average value of the production from Cullinan is $50/carat but the large stones sell for around $10,000/carat and upwards. It's not all good news for would-be buyers, because of the sensitivity of the net present value calculations on the worth of the mine to the discovery of these large stones.
One industry executive says: "Assume that 2 percent of a mine's production comes in the form of that kind of stone. A minor positive adjustment to the recovery rate or the valuation per carat of those stones can treble the estimated net present value. A minor negative change can result in a negative net present value."
Mining is a risk-taking business and some diamond industry executives believe De Beers is selling because it is no longer prepared to accept the risk at Cullinan. Not only would it have to invest around R6 billion, but the group faces paying the proposed 6 percent royalty on turnover from 2009, which could be fatal for a marginal operation.
There's one other aspect: Within the next 10 years, De Beers must start to prepare for the shift to underground mining from open-cast mining at its three most important mines Venetia in South Africa and Orapa and Jwaneng in Botswana. One of De Beers' biggest problems, says the executive, is going to be finding the technical skills to handle these projects, so management may have decided not to waste time and effort on Cullinan.
Who Keeps the Diamond Engagement Ring if You Break Up?
A very sticky and uncomfortable situation to be sure.
Wisconsin is one of the few States that has a clear law on the books.
Read it here: It's Mine! No, It's Mine!
Whomever does wind up keeping this Diamond Engagement Ring hopes of recouping the original purchase price is but a dream. You will be lucky to get 50-60% of your original purchase price.
"Eye" In The Sky Will Find Your Diamond.
For us in the Diamond Trade, one of the highest compliments you can give a colleague is to tell him, "You have a Good Eye" when to it comes to correctly evaluating diamond rough for manufacturing or for assessing and evaluating prices on polished goods.
Now this "Good Eye" has taken a technological leap and is sure to revolutionize the Diamond Mining Industry with the announcement by the Canadian company, Gedex Inc. of their new proprietary technology that will pinpoint diamond deposits and make Canada the largest diamond producer in years to come.
The Globe and Mail reports today that Mississauga-based Gedex Inc. has developed an airborne surveying system capable of "seeing" as far as 12 kilometres beneath the Earth's surface to identify precious metals, oil, gas and minerals that are invisible to current systems.
Gedex's system, a new twist on a century-old idea, has already won the company a mining research award, the first ever given by the Mining Journal, the authoritative 170-year-old British publication. The award was adjudicated by an international panel of experts, who cited Gedex for "primary research that is expected to have the most significance for mining and mining equipment in the future."
Gedex's new system, known as a High Density Airborne Gravity Gradiometer (HD-AGG), uses tiny variations in gravity to identify geological structures beneath the ground. Among the structures it can precisely spot are kimberlite pipes -- vertical columns of rock pushed upward into the Earth's crust by volcanic action far below -- that often contain diamonds.
The Gedex system has its roots in the 19th century, when a Hungarian physicist named Roland, Baron von Eotvos, discovered that variations in gravitational force could help in geophysical exploration, a concept known as gravitational gradiometry. The U.S. military used his ideas to build navigation and missile-targeting systems for submarines during the Cold War.
Gedex also developed a way to use superconducting quantum interference devices, or SQUIDs, to measure tiny variations in gravity. These electronic devices work only at extremely low temperatures, so Gedex encased its instrument in a cryostat, a kind of high-tech cousin of the Thermos bottle that keeps it at roughly absolute zero.
In use in the field, an airplane carrying the HD-AGG flies over the area to be explored. A single pass can cover a strip 60 to 100 metres wide for preliminary exploration; for more detailed mapping the plane flies lower, covering less terrain on each pass.
The device measures minute gravity variations that translate into a colour-coded map of what lies beneath the ground.
DeBeers is hot to get their hands on this technology and is already in talks with Gedex.
This technology will revolutionize diamond mining and exploration.
The full story is here: Diamond Eye In The Sky
Here's looking at you, Kid!!
Excel Diamonds Loose Diamond Video Tutorial
Here is a loose diamond video tutorial I just put up on You Tube.
My video, attempts to cover the 4 "C's" of loose diamonds; diamond carat, diamond cut, diamond color, and diamond clarity.
The objective was to:
1. Define diamond carat weight and how it impacts a loose diamond.
2. Define diamond color and how it impacts a loose diamond.
3. Define diamond clarity and how it impacts a loose diamond.
4. Define the most important C of diamond cut and how it impacts a loose diamond.
I hope this short video will be a valuable aid and tutorial for you when shopping for a loose diamond or diamond engagement ring.
Gorgeous Cartier Reproduction Engagement Ring
This beautiful custom engagement ring design is a Cartier reproduction engagement ring in platinum.
The ring was created for an Asscher cut center diamond.
Bobby H Bobby Watches - Cool New Watches, Interesting Name!
The BOBBY H BOBBY watches, which, their creators say, “align classic design with an affordable industrial material,” have garnered so much attention since they burst onto the scene late last year, that they have already been featured in the Globe and Mail and Chatelaine magazine.
But until last year, Robert Herzig, 25, never thought that creating a new brand of watches was in the cards.
Robert Herzig "Bobby"
Since graduating from Dalhousie University with a degree in geology with a minor in business, Herzig has worked in the diamond industry.
“I studied with the GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, and I wanted to go – since I studied geology in university – into the diamond industry and the mining industry.”
He said that once school was over, he didn’t want to end up in the Northwest Territories, where Canada’s diamonds are mined.
“I got a job working as a diamond buyer for a wholesale jewelry company in Toronto. But I got bored with that because I was working in a vault. As you can imagine, a vault isn’t a fun place to work. There are no windows, no view,” he said with a laugh.
“She contacted me, knowing I was in the jewelry industry to see what could be done, and a couple days later, we realized we could do this.”
They launched their Toronto-based business in August and have been moving forward since then.
Via CJNEWS.
Ideal Cut & 'Superideal' Cut Diamonds. What's The Difference? Watch This Video!
Many of us are quite familiar with the term 'Ideal Cut Diamond'. We understand that the term has been accepted by every major diamond grading lab to define the world's most perfectly cut diamonds. However, there are some companies that promote and sell "Superideal" cut diamonds. What are those and how are they different from typically beautiful ideal cut diamonds? Watch this video for the answer!
Rent a Luxury Timepiece and Look Like A Player...For A While!
Ever wonder what it would fee like to wear a really expensive watch?
Well now you can experience the thrill of wearing a watch that might very well cost more than your car! Simply rent it.
Watch My Wrist is a new website with a novel idea for all luxury watch lovers; why own it if you can rent it!
Solid Gold watch by Hermes
Let's say you have this really important meeting or interview where you have to make a really good impression. An expensive watch on your wrist will often speak louder than any words, to convey a specific and subtle message.
Now you can rent a watch for just this type of occasion!
This is a really cool idea!
Thanks to Cartoon Barry for sending me the link, via John Biggs at Crunch Gear
We Will Announce Our Diamond Blog Poll Results On Monday
For the recent launch of our Excel Diamonds Blog, we created a poll for a free diamond pendant giveaway which ended today.
We will announce the winning submission on Monday.
Stay tuned!
What An Ideal Cut Diamond Looks Like
They say that Ideal Cut Diamonds are amongst the most fiery and brilliant diamonds on this planet.
Indeed, ideal cut diamonds are cut with such precision and perfectly aligned facets that they literally explode with light.
Here is an actual photograph of a beautiful 2.06 I SI1 (Carat, Color, Clarity,) round brilliant diamond I took with my Nikon camera.
No trick photography here...just the actual look of the diamond in direct sunlight.....
Put your sunglasses on!!
![2[1].06-dt-4](http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/431508529_5ddf2bd27c_m.jpg)
China Consumer Boom On The Way.
Credit Suisse reports today that China is on course to become the world's second-largest consumer market by 2015, but foreign firms looking to tap the retail boom must brace for a bumpy ride and possible price wars.
Overseas firms now produce far more in China than they sell there, but that is likely to change as the economy comes to rely more on consumption than exports and investment to stoke its sizzling growth.
Credit Suisse projects that the value of Chinese consumption will hit $8.8 trillion by 2020, fueled partly by a 5 percent yearly appreciation in the yuan between now and then.
That would take the Chinese currency to 3.9 to the dollar from 7.73 now.
By 2015, only the United States will be a bigger consumer market.
But devising winning strategies could prove tough amid shifting spending patterns, falling prices for some products and the fact that personal incomes are lagging economic growth.
"The potential of the market is huge," said Vincent Chan, the bank's head of China research. "However, the execution in the process could be tricky," Chen, who penned the report, told a news conference.
Foreign companies such as Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:KO - news), Nestle (NESN.VX), Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG - news) and, Swatch (UHR.VX) (UHRN.VX) appeared well-placed to ride the unfolding consumer boom, the report said.
Luxury retailers like LVMH (LVMH.PA), whose handbags are coveted by a small but growing group of super-rich, should benefit given their relatively low advertising overheads.
But companies seeking inroads into the mass market needed to adapt their products to local tastes and be prepared to slash prices to cope with fierce competition, Chan said.
Outsiders would probably find it harder to break into the services sector, where Chinese companies have the upper hand because of their cultural know-how, he said.
Credit Suisse's third China Consumer Survey, based on a 2006 survey of 2,700 respondents in 8 cities, sheds light on spending and saving trends in the world's most populous nation.
As in previous years, the survey concludes that households generally save or invest a quarter of their total income and spend almost the same proportion on food.
Consumers between the ages of 20 and 29, who enjoy the most buoyant income growth, tend to splash out more on clothes and entertainment, making them the prime target group for China-bound retailers.
Some of the country's consumer dynamics are shifting, the report finds: the appetite for electronic goods such as digital cameras and mobile phones is waning, while confidence in the quality of local cosmetics is growing.
As many as 75 percent of those surveyed indicated a reluctance to pay more for foreign cosmetics, up from 62 percent in 2005 and 50 percent in 2004.
More Chinese are traveling, with 52 percent of respondents saying they took a flight in 2006 compared with 48 percent in 2005. The survey found that Southeast Asia is losing popularity to Europe and East Asia as a holiday destination.
We recently blogged on China becoming a world economic power and hospitable venue for diamond and jewelry manufacturing.
Stay tuned.
Can You Make A Diamond Engagement Ring out of this? Yes!
When San Francisco artist Sidney Mobell gets through with an ordinary object, it is no longer ordinary.
It glistens with gold and dazzles with rubies, diamonds and sapphires.
What about:
A 14-karat gold sardine can adorned with 55 full cut diamonds.
A solid gold mouse trap plated with a wedge of pave diamonds.
This $2 million, 23-karat gold-plated Monopoly board features 18-karat solid gold dice. It is the work of San Francisco artist Sidney Mobell and will be part of the "Jeweled Objects of Desire" exhibit at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum.
A jeweled-encrusted gold cell phone.
An 18-karat solid gold pacifier with eight round-cut diamonds.
Something everyone relates to — a jeweled Nokia cell phone.
And his most famous - a $2 million, 23-karat gold-plated Monopoly board with 18-karat solid gold dice.
Mobell's works will glitter at "Jeweled Objects of Desire," an exhibit that begins today at Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Shreveport.
It comes here from the National Museum of Natural History's National Gem Collection, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Mobell donated 19 objects to the Smithsonian in memory of his wife, Ronni Grant Mobell, who died four and a half years ago.
It also includes work by other artists.
The exhibit is brought here through the local museum's connection with the Smithsonian's Affiliation Program, said Louisiana Secretary of State Jay Dardenne.
"The works reflect the artists' emotion, passion and character from every facet of the pieces," said Dardenne.
He suggests that museum patrons wear their one best "jewel of desire" for the reception!
The public is going to love this exhibit, said curator Mary Zimmerman.
"I am tickled to death about it," she added.
It does sound like fun.
Mobell, 80, was a fixture on the San Francisco scene as a jeweler with his own store in the Fairmont Hotel for 30 years. (He sold the store, but still has an office he reports to every day.)
"I was good," he said with confidence in a telephone interview.
He created beautiful jewelry that he sold to the cream of local and international society. Christina Onassis and Nancy Pelosi's husband have been among his customers, he said.
But it is ordinary objects turned gold that attracted attention, especially after legendary San Francisco columnist Herb Caen wrote him up.
"He wrote about me and the national media picked up," said Mobell.
Mobell is noteworthy.
He once created a gold baseball with "Giants" in diamonds written across it. And threw it out as the first ball for the game between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers at Candlestick Park on July 28, 1993.
The monopoly set is a full-size board, weighing 32 pounds and is encrusted with 165 gemstones. That includes 60 diamonds, 47 sapphires and 24 rubies. The 28 title cards are gold-plated and the tokens crafted in 18-karat solid gold, while 42 diamonds display the numbers in the dice.
It is in the "Guinness World Records 2007" as is a photo of Mobell with it and is valued at $2 million. "Most Expensive Monopoly Board" is its claim to fame.
Mobell got the idea for a sardine can while in the supermarket with his wife. His assistant of 30 years loves sardines. "My wife said, 'Let's get Ronny some sardines.' They were three for $1," said Mobell.
At home, he said, "This is going to be my next project." So he opened the lid with the key and took it the next day to his shop to have it created in 18-karat gold with 55 diamonds around the edge of the lids.
"My wife thought I was crazy," he remembered.
He made a gold fishing reel with diamonds, rubies and sapphires for a friend of his wife's who manufactures fly fishing reels.
The $100,000 reel is studded with 32 diamonds weighing 5.1 carats, 237 sapphires, and 253 rubies. The spherical inlaid design cast a kaleidoscopic effect as it spins, said Mobell.
By the way, it comes with a solid gold fish hook.
The solid gold mousetraps were first introduced on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon and seen in newspaper and magazines all over the world, said Mobell.
"I made five of those mousetraps," he said.
When the late Joan Kroc came to see Mobell, she told him she wanted a birthday gift for her husband, McDonald's founder Ray Kroc. "She said he had everything, what in the world could she give him."
"How about a solid gold mousetrap?" asked Mobell. ("You've heard the phrase, 'Build a better mousetrap,' but Ray Kroc made a better hamburger," explained Mobell.
Just the thing.
"She had it engraved, 'Happy Birthday, Ray. Thanks for catching me," remembered Mobell.
Can't afford the real thing? The Smithsonian is selling "Build A better Mousetrap..." computer mouse pad with a likeness of the gold one in a gift shop for $15, said Mobell.
Radio personalty Paul Harvey bought a hour glass that has diamonds shifting through the timer rather than sand. The glass section was constructed of scientific test tubes made for hospitals.
The hour glass is now part of the DeBeers Collection, said Mobell.
Works by other artists include a cob of corn made from gold with Chinese fresh water pearls for kernels created by John Hatleberg.
A diamond pomegranate brooch was designed and crafted by Martha Ann Gilchrist.
And, there are gemstones.
Among them: a flawless Brazilian quartz crystal ball measuring over 4.75 inches in diameter, weighing, 13.189 carats.
Our New Diamond Blog Is Called 'Bling Bling'!
The results of our free diamond pendant giveaway are in and a decision has been made!
We are going with the name 'Bling Bling Blog' for our new diamond blog at www.exceldiamonds.com.
The focus of the Bling Bling Blog is to showcase some really incredible diamond rings and jewelry items, with some amazing eye candy.
There are already some really fabulous engagement rings on display.
Chopard Celebrates Elton John's Birthday
New York—Loyal supporter of the Elton John AIDS Foundation since 1998, luxury jeweler Chopard has given the legendary performer a birthday card befitting his larger-than-life status.
Starting this week, the barricade outside the new Chopard International flagship boutique at 709 Madison Ave., scheduled to open this fall, will feature a "Happy Birthday" tribute to the celebrated musician and humanitarian.
Chopard designs and creates the EJAF chronograph watch collection in partnership with Sir Elton John and sells the watches in boutiques worldwide. Ten percent of the proceeds of each sale are donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Speaking of Elton John; he just performed in concert last night at Madison Square Garden in New York City in celebration of his 60th birthday.
I heard it was a sold out event and there are already some great reviews on the internet.
Tiffany Sales Up 11% in 2006.
Tiffany and Co. same-store sales increased 6 percent and net sales increased 11 percent to $2.6 billion for fiscal year 2006, ended Jan. 31, the company announced today.
The company attributed the positive results to strong growth in both the United States and international markets.
Earnings from operations increased 9 percent, and net earnings were $1.80 per diluted share for the year.
In the fourth quarter, net sales increased 15 percent to $986 million. At constant exchange rates, net sales increased 14 percent for the quarter and same-store sales increased 8 percent.
Net earnings for the quarter reached $140 million, about the same as in 2005. Net earnings per diluted share increased to $1.02 from $0.97, due to fewer outstanding shares.
U.S. sales increased 13 percent to $506 million in the fourth quarter and 9 percent to $1.3 billion for the year. Tiffany attributed the hike to augmented spending per transaction and an increase in total store transactions.
The Ultimate Cufflinks For Geeks!
A true geek might not know what the hell cufflinks are anyway...
However, those few who do know what to do with a cuff link, know that dressing to kill is not just about the clothes one wears, but how you match an accessory to the specific clothes you're gonna wear. One of the prime accessories with which you can make a statement is defined by your choice in cuff links.
Cuff links for Geeks!!
For more geeky cuff link choices click here.
Antiquorum Buys TimeZone.com
Antiquorum, a leading horological auction house, has aquired timezone.com, the largest English-language community website for wristwatch enthusiasts and those seeking information about fine timepieces. TimeZone has over 45,000 registered users worldwide and gets almost 70,000 new posts and 9.5 million page views per month.
Lil Jon Owns World's Largest Diamond Pendant
The Guinness Book of World Records has just added Rapper LIL’ JON as the owner of the largest diamond pendant ever. The hip-hop star’s, “Crunk Aint Dead” pendant is 7.5 inches (19 centimeters) tall, six inches (15.2 centimeters) wide, and one inch (2.5 centimeters) thick. It weighs almost 12 pounds (5.4 kilograms) and features 73 carats of diamonds – with 3,756 round-cut white diamonds encrusted in 18-karat yellow and white gold. The diamond pendant has been valued at about $500,000 .
Moshe asked me for a bigger photo of the pendant and I found one courtesy of Getty images Via Deidre on Luxist, so here you go!!
Bug your eyes out on this puppy (I'm talking 'bout the pendant...;-))
Jon said, “I’m glad the Guinness World Records folks acknowledged me and my `Crunk Aint Dead’ piece. I spent a load of money on that chain. I had no idea I would break a record and be recognized for it. It’s an honor... I grew up reading and hearing about people and celebrities who break records in the Guinness world records book and it always fascinated me. Now I’m on the list.”
Is There Such A Thing As An 'Ideal Diamond Setting' or Perfect Engagement Ring?
Clients sometimes ask whether there is such a thing as an 'ideal diamond setting' or the 'perfect' diamond engagement ring.
The short answer is that a "perfect engagement ring" is the one that is perfect for you.
We all have our individual tastes and desires and there are many different styles of diamond engagement rings out there.
Some are busy, with all kinds of filigree and details, while others are subtle with graceful curves and a refined elegance.
Some people get excited over a tension setting, while others prefer the timeless look of a classic solitaire.
Some people get weak in the knees over a Tiffany engagement ring, while others think only a diamond accent engagement ring will do.
It all boils down to personal preference.
In my opinion, it is always prudent to secure a drop dead gorgeous loose diamond for your engagement ring.
Once you have done that, the objective of the ring setting is to promote the beauty of a well cut center diamond and not to detract/deflect attention away from it.
The center diamond is always supposed to remain the "center of gravity"....unless of course it looks like a piece of frozen spit..in which case you ought to get a very "busy" ring setting to take attention away from your crummy looking lifeless diamond..;-)
Here are some examples of diamond engagement ring settings.
The Same Loose Diamond Is Being Sold On Several Websites??
If you are in the market for a loose diamond or engagement ring, you may have noticed an interesting phenomena where you find the exact same diamond listed on several different diamond websites.
You start wondering, how can it be that the exact same loose diamond is being sold on several different diamond websites? Who actually owns the stone and who should you buy the diamond from?
It's nerve wracking altogether to buy a diamond engagement ring online...so it certainly doesn't help when you experience several different diamond vendors showcasing the exact same diamond you are interested in..
Who owns the stone and who is in the best position to make sure you are gonna be thrilled with the diamond?
Watch this video and find out!
Christies to Auction Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry.
Christie's Magnificent Jewels auction on April 25 will feature three couture pieces from House of Taylor's Elizabeth Collection, inspired by actress Elizabeth Taylor.
The first piece is a diamond-encrusted necklace with 12 golden pearls mounted in 18-karat white gold, estimated at $200,000 to $300,000.
This diamond and pearl necklace and earrings set from House of Taylor's Elizabeth Collection will be auctioned at Christie's Magnificent Jewels sale on April 25.
The second piece is a pair of diamond-encrusted earrings with four large golden pearls set in 18-karat gold, estimated at $6,000 to $8,000.
The third piece is a double-strand ruby-and-diamond necklace with a tassel featuring cushion- and oval-cut rubies with round- and marquis-cut diamond floral accents in 18-karat gold, estimated at $180,000 to $250,000.
All pieces display a stamp that reads "Elizabeth."
Need a Wedding Date? Try 7/7/07
Looking for that perfect Wedding Day?
Here it is: 7/7/07. Better reserve that Wedding Hall right now and make your arrangements as this is the the most sought after date this year!
Experts anticipate that more than twice as many weddings will take place on 7/7/07 than on the corresponding weekend in 2006. This means that many couples are finding most venues and vendors booked solid. The popularity of 7/7/07 can be attributed to the symbolism associated with the number seven.
Wal-Mart agrees and is looking to cash in on the publicity.
Probably not the romantic setting most couples have in mind for tying the knot, but Wal-Mart, and G Squared, a Wal-Mart exclusive brand from Gartner Studios, are offering seven couples the chance to marry July 7, (7/7/07)-one of the most sought-after wedding dates in recent years-at local Wal-Mart Superstores.
The retail superstore will foot the bill for seven betrothed couples to wed in stores’ lawn and garden areas, in addition to receptions.
Seven "Lucky in Love Wedding Search" couples will receive wedding packages worth more than $5,000 each. The packages include the wedding ceremony and reception venues, 14 karat gold and diamond wedding bands for bride and groom, wedding invitation package, wedding and groom's cakes, l bouquets, digital cameras and digital photo frame, portable GPS, reception food, as well as a $1,000 Wal-Mart gift card.
The bride's ring will be a 14 karat Keepsake genuine diamond band, set with 11 diamonds weighing 1/8 of a carat. The groom's 14 karat Keepsake genuine band contains three diamonds weighing 1/10 of a carat.
Who woulda thunk it! Walking down the Wedding Aisle in Wal-Mart!
Times they are a 'changin.
Do We Really Need Another Diamond Grading Lab?
Diamond grading laboratories seem to be cropping up all over the place these days.
Every time I think the diamond grading market has finally peaked with the saturation of new grading labs all claiming a new twist and a different niche, somebody else pops up with a new report and a new lab.
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) today announced the launch of International Diamond Laboratories (IDL), its new diamond certification service, which is set to become the global service provider for "high-quality diamond certificates" (where have I heard that before..).
CGAL (Gem Certification & Assurance Lab) also announces today the launch of their new website at gemfacts.org.
Not unlike the herpes virus, many of these new labs. can disappear just as quickly as they arrived.
BTW, the herpes analogy is appropriate in more ways than one...;-)
Isn't it funny though, with all of the new mom and pop diamond grading labs that have sprung up all over the world in recent years, the standard bearers and most respected diamond grading laboratories/certificates in the industry (and amongst consumers) are still the GIA and AGS.
$500,000 Diamond Studded Chess Set!
Renowned French artist and jeweler, Bernard Maquin created the Royal Diamond Chess set in 2005.
This is one of the most expensive chess sets in the world.
Thirty craftsmen, under the direction of Maquin spent over 4500 hours creating the expensive chess set. The work was done from start to finish by hand.
The artists and jewelers used 1168.75 grams of 14 carat white gold, and approximately 9900 black and white diamonds, bringing the total weight to 186.09 carats and the total cost to a whopping $500,000.
Pocket change, huh??
I wonder if the game is more fun when played on a chess set that cost more than the homes we live in.....
View More detailed photos of this gorgeous diamond chess set at the Charles Hollander website!
Cool Ring Watch!
Who said that jewelry couldn't be hip?
This watch is worn on your finger like a ring and is available in your choice of yellow or white gold!
Diamond Grading: What is "Graining" and What Does It Mean?
A consistent question we get and one of the most difficult concepts for consumers to understand and visualize when they read a Diamond Grading report is what does "Graining" mean?
GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the foremost diamond research lab in the world has just published an article on "Graining" in their flagship Gems & Gemology Journal.
Russell Shor, Senior Industry Analyst at GIA summarizes the results of this Study. Because of its importance to Consumers, we are reprinting his comments here:
_________________________________
"One of the most confusing and controversial aspects of diamond grading over the years has been the effect of internal whitish or reflective graining on clarity grades. It is confusing because graining is different from (and less quantifiable than) solid inclusions. It is controversial because of the impact such graining can have upon the clarity grades of large, high-color, high-clarity diamonds, where the difference in a single grade - especially Flawless or Internally Flawless to VVS1 - can mean a difference of tens of thousands of dollars in the price of a stone.
In the Winter 2006 issue of Gems & Gemology, leading GIA Laboratory researchers - John M. King, technical director; Thomas M. Moses, senior vice president; and Wuyi Wang, manager of research projects - offered the most comprehensive look to date at internal whitish and reflective graining and how it affects clarity in the GIA Lab diamond grading process.
Briefly, there are three main categories of such graining:
* Banded "whitish" graining that appears as straight or wave-like lines in an otherwise very high clarity diamond. Sometimes these lines are crossed and appear woven in a "tatami-mat" pattern.
* Hazy whitish graining that comes from collections of submicroscopic particles; these give an overall haziness to the diamond.
* Reflective graining, which results when reflective lines appear as the stone is tilted in a certain direction. This and banded graining are caused by distortions in the diamond's crystal structure that occurred during its formation and transport to the earth's surface.
For the past 50 years, the GIA Laboratory's approach to graining and its impact on clarity grading has evolved as researchers and laboratory staff examined more and more stones. Through the 1960s, when demand for grading reports was low, lab staff did not report the presence of graining on GIA diamond grading reports. It was not until about 1970 that the first mention appeared as a comment on a report. The stone in question was a 13+ carat D color that was "Near transparent due to unusual internal texture."
Because lab staff saw so few diamonds with these characteristics, reporting remained very general through most of the 1970s - diamonds that showed graining but had no inclusions were graded Fl or IF, with a note about reduced transparency. Toward the end of the decade, as lab staff and researchers saw more diamonds with whitish graining, GIA began considering it a clarity characteristic. For a time in the 1980s, they actually assessed the extent to which it was present, on a scale from nil to significant. Today, when such graining is severe enough to affect the clarity grade, a report comment notes that "The clarity grade is based on internal graining that is not shown [on the report diagram.]" And significant graining, even when it doesn't affect the clarity grade, is recorded in a report comment. All other graining observed is noted on internal GIA records for identification purposes.
So, how does GIA decide when graining affects a diamond's clarity grade? These procedures and standards were devised and refined as the result of examining many thousands of diamonds.
Graining Courtesy of GIA.
First, unlike most clarity characteristics, visibility at 10× magnification is not the sole determining factor. Briefly, if a diamond does show whitish or reflective graining, then other factors, such as whether the graining can be seen from the crown or pavilion and its ease of visibility, come into play.
Obviously, lighting plays a key role in the examination, even to the point that GIA graders work in a room with subdued fluorescent ceiling lights that bring out natural dark/light contrasts within the diamond while keeping surface glare to a minimum and eliminating other extraneous light.
Graders locate the graining with a darkfield gemological microscope and then examine the diamond with a 10× loupe and the microscope's overhead light.
Anatomy of A Round Brilliant Diamond. Diamond Graders Rotate the stone to determine the effects of Graining on clarity and their subsequent clarity grading.
The tricky part here is what's called "viewing geometry." Both whitish and reflective graining can be very subtle and elusive - like a hologram: Tilted one way the graining is quite visible; go to another angle and it disappears. To create a repeatable standard, graders hold the diamond a set distance from the lights and then angle it through a slight range of motion. If the graining is obvious in a single position but disappears with only a little movement, it probably will not affect the grade. Also, graining visible at an extreme angle is much less likely to affect a clarity grade than one visible straight through the crown or table.
As with any clarity characteristic, the effect such graining has on the overall grade rests with five standard factors: Size, nature, number, relief, and location.
If graining is visible within a small area inside a single facet, it is less likely to affect the clarity grade; a diamond could still receive a grade of Fl or IF. However, if it is readily seen through the pavilion, an otherwise Fl or IF stone could receive a VVS1 grade.
The nature of the graining - how it affects transparency or how distinctly reflective it is - will also affect the grade. Whitish graining that is not well-defined and does not alter transparency probably would not cause an otherwise Fl or IF diamond to be downgraded. Nor would isolated bright internal grain lines. In rare cases where a whitish haze is visible through the crown, an otherwise Fl or IF diamond could ultimately receive a VVS, VS, or even - if the graining is extreme - an SI clarity grade.
The location of grain lines is also key. A diamond can have numerous reflective lines and still receive a VVS1 grade if they are only visible through the pavilion. However, the greater the number of lines visible through the crown, the more likely it is that the clarity grade will be lowered.
Relief refers to how readily the grain lines or haze stand out from the surrounding diamond. Here, the impact is based not just upon the graining's visibility at 10× but also on the form and texture it takes. For example, a small "sheen" area that does not appear as bands may not affect the grade. However, if it takes the form of contrasting dark bands, the clarity grade may decline. And, again, if such characteristics are visible through the crown, the grade may be lowered further.
As with other GIA grading processes, years of research with a vast pool of stones has allowed the Laboratory staff to develop a consistent, repeatable standard for a characteristic that previously was not well-understood. Only after examining many hundreds of thousands of diamonds was the Lab able to assess the impact of whitish or reflective graining on the clarity grade of a colorless to near-colorless diamond."
The "Star of The South" Diamond. Trouble In Paradise.
The Times of India reports this morning that The Star of the South, one of the most famous diamonds in the world, may become the latest bone of contention between scions of the royal Gaekwad family of Baroda.
Star of The South Diamond.
The 128.8-carat diamond has been shown as a part of the disputed property of the royal family, like the Baroda Pearls. But the diamond that surfaced in Mumbai has already been sold, while the hammer is yet to strike on Baroda Pearls at Christie's. The Star of the South was bought by Cartier.
The value of the diamond is estimated to be $94 million on the international market. In a recent book titled 'After Ambassadors, Before Dukes', author KRN Swamy dedicates an entire chapter 'The Most Flamboyant Maharani' to Sita Devi, the second wife of Maharaja Pratapsinh Gaekwad.
The author states, "The jewelry world lost traces of the Star of the South and English Dresden diamonds, until they emerged recently in Amsterdam, and were bought by the famous jeweler firm Cartier." Interestingly, Sangramsinh, the youngest son of Pratapsinh, has been claiming that the Star of the South is among the heirlooms that is under dispute and was in possession of the palace here.
"In fact, the diamond, along with other world famous diamonds like 'The Akbar Shah' and 'The Empress Eugenie', among others, was in the list of properties disclosed in wealth tax returns furnished by late Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad as on March 31 1988. Later even his wife Shantadevi had mentioned the diamond in her wealth tax returns," said Sangramsinh's lawyer Kailash Jethmalani. "We are tracing the route through which the diamond reached Cartier and are examining possible legal action," Jethmalani said.
Discovered in 1853 in Brazil by a slave woman working in a mine, gemologists record that the Star of the South was originally sold at a modest sum of $3,000, after which the purchaser disposed it in Rio de Janeiro for $30,000. The rough stone passed through many hands before it was sold to Costers of Amsterdam for $35,000 and cut to a cushion-shaped stone with a faint pinkish-brown hue.
It was purchased by Halphen and Associates of Paris and was given the name the Star of the South. It changed hands and eventually was sold to prince Malharrao. Its last recorded presence in India was in around 2002, when Cartier bought it from Rustomjee Jamsetjee of Mumbai.
"Breakfast at Tiffany's", this isn't.
Bremont Swiss Watches Make A Splash.
Bremont is an all-new watch brand offering a range of highly-developed timepieces of exceptional quality. Each model is designed to exacting specifications, while possessing enduring aesthetic values.
Although Bremont watches are made using only the finest quality Swiss components and are hand-assembled by skilled watchmakers in a dedicated atelier in Biel-Bienne, they contain something which no comparable timepiece can match: an air of quintessential Britishness derived from the background of the brand's founders, brothers Nick and Giles English.
From the way they are advertising this watch line, it appears that these watches are waterproof and "grime proof"...
Take a look!
Jewelry Designer's Dog Saves Her Life!
They say "every dog has his day".
For Toby, a golden retriever from Calvert, that day came yesterday.
This courageous canine literally performed the Heimlich maneuver on owner Debbie Parkhurst, a Clavert based jewelry designer.
Toby and Debbie after the heroic rescue.
Read the full incredible story here.
New Gold Jewelry Designs Are The Rage In China!
At yesterdays jewelry showcase event in Beijing China, models went absolutely crazy with gold jewelry items that ran the gamut from the funky gold sunglasses below to more over the top designs like a bra made from solid gold (I won't post that picture here, but you can see it on my links..;-)
This model is wearing a pair of gold glasses, which weighs 111.33 grams and was designed by Chinese designer Zhu Fei, during a gold jewellery design competition in Beijing March 28, 2007. [Reuters]
Wonder if she can even see out of those glasses??
Via China Daily for those additional pics. you might be interested in...
How Much Is Your Watch Worth? Check This Out!
Possibly a lot of money say Antiquorum.
Antiquorum's spring season got off to a running start, with four world records broken and nearly $7.2 million in sales achieved at its Important Collectors' Wristwatches, Pocket Watches & Clocks auction.
Nearly 400 online bidders were joined by others who bid by telephone, on-site and on commission. Bidders hailed from all corners of the globe, including Australia, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Taiwan and the United States. Of the 347 timepieces on the auction block, 119 percent were sold in terms of value and 88 percent were sold by lot, according to a press release issued after the auction, held Wednesday in New York.
The top lot of the sale, the Patek Philippe Ref. 5029, lot 343, fetched $590,800, which set a world record for that particular reference. Record sales were also achieved for the Patek Philippe Ref. 5013, lot 344, which sold for $523,600 and the Patek Philippe Ref. 3974, lot 113, which fetched $518,000 in the saleroom. Panerai also achieved a world record with lot 269, the "PAM 21," selling for $140,400.
Collectors also enthusiastically competed for Rolex wristwatches. Of note was lot 331, the so-called "James Bond" Submariner, which sold for $82,600. In addition, the Rolex "Comex" Submariner, lot 333, fetched $73,160, and lot 33, the so-called "Black Dial Pre-Daytona," Ref. 6238, achieved $88,500.
"The success for our first auction of 2007 is a clear indication of the strength of the U.S. watch market," Evan Zimmermann, director of Antiquorum USA, said in the release.
Check your wrist!
