August 2007 Archives
Luxury Watches Get Bigger. Piaget Gets Smaller!
With the clear trend at this years Basel show opting for big and substantive watches with thick dials, deep measurements and huge complications, one manufacturer has put the emphasis on going in opposite direction.
Piaget has decided to focus on the theme of ultra-thin mechanical movements. These are the movements they have become famous for and nobody does it better!
Think the 9P manual-winding calibre introduced in 1957, followed in 1960 by the self-winding 12P movement which, at just 2.3 mm thick, notched a place in luxury watch lore and history by placing Piaget in the Guinness Book of Records as the creator of “the world’s thinnest self-winding movement”.
The newer movements by Piaget, including the 430P, 450P and 438P movements, which measure a mere 2.1 mm thick, and the new line of 600P (tourbillon regulator) movements, are all contributing factors to Piaget's explosive growth in 2007.
Engagement Rings By Verragio. Important Information
Verragio is a world class designer of diamond engagement rings of the highest caliber.
Verragio has garnered a stellar reputation for the quality of their rings, their impeccable attention to detail, and the unique hallmarks of their diamond settings.
One of verragio's staple hallmarks is the way that they use diamonds to accentuate the profile of the engagement ring.. They weave exquisite patterns of precious metal with ingeniously set diamonds, to a beautiful effect!
Almost no other designer of custom diamond engagement rings, does this as often and as well as Verragio.
However, I'd like to point out one very important detail to consider before purchasing a Verragio engagement ring similar to the one above.
As beautiful as the ring is, you have to decide first whether you intend to wear a wedding band or diamond eternity ring together with your engagement ring.
Keep in mind, if your desire is to wear your engagement ring and wedding band together at all times (as many women do), it almost doesn't pay for you to purchase a Verragio engagement ring of this configuration, since you will assuredly obstruct the focal point of the ring, which is the accent diamonds on the side (profile).
I've seen this scenario too often, where customers inadvertently ruin the beauty of the engagement ring by obstructing the hallmarks of the ring with the metal of the wedding band. This is because most people will opt to wear the wedding band on the outside of the engagement ring (away from the body) (it is more comfortable physically and psychologically, since it protects the engagement ring..) where it will cover the profile of the engagement ring from being visible to the viewer.
You may very well wind up quite upset if you don't make this a consideration in your deliberations.
Buying the perfect engagement ring is great!
Make sure it stays that way when you wear it together with your wedding ring or wedding band.
How About Crocs Covered In Diamonds!
Well, I just stepped out of a meeting with the CEO of Excel Diamonds (who happens to be my Dad and a frequent contributor to these boards..) to discuss some of our new projects and initiatives.
Somehow, we got to talking about the highly publicized and cultish "foot fetish" craze, known as "Crocs"
We were talking about how this company managed to take a bland and rather non-descript pair of cheap plastic slippers and turn it into something of an icon in the world of footwear.
Indeed Crocs is one of the fastest growing companies in the world.
One thing lead to another and we started talking about effective marketing as it pertains to the diamond industry..
My Dad, Barry Gutwein is from the "old school" in the diamond industry. As a master diamond cutter with over 25 years experience in cutting diamonds (before launching his own diamond company and store), my Dad has a tremendous respect for diamonds as one of the most magical and beautiful of G-ds creations ("Crafted by G-d and perfected by Man").
He therefore has a particular disdain for the way diamonds today are sometimes incorporated into the cheapest and most mundane products.
It was within this context that he suddenly came up ith the idea of "blinged out Crocs"!!
Why not take the already popular and cultish Crocs and cover the top with diamonds integrated within the plastic, for all the Croc lovers who desire something a bit "extra"??
Heck, everything today can be "blinged out" with diamonds.
Indeed, many of the most ridiculous products on this planet are already available in "bling format" for people who have nothing better to do with their cash.
I though this was a great Idea!
If you folks agree, let me know.
Oh...and since we don't plan on running with this idea...in the event that any of you do decide to market "blinged out Crocs", don't forget to give us some kudos and love! Tell everyone you got the idea from Diamond Vues!! ;-) ;-)
USA Wakes Up Late In Sea Search for Diamonds and Minerals.
USA Today reports that Russia has announced the sensational results of its Arctic expedition, which will enable it to acquire some highly mineral-rich territory.
The success of Russia's scientists --led by all-Russia Oceanology Scientific Research Institute director Valeriy Kaminskiy-- is disturbing to the United States. The latter had also geared themselves up to participate in the sharing of the Arctic "pie," with its filling of oil, gas, gold, and diamonds.
John Bellinger, the chief legal adviser to the United States' Secretary of State, stated that his country is tired of watching while other countries divide up the Arctic, and it will submit its own application for the right to own the littoral zone in the Alaska area.
"We are watching other countries busily pursuing their own interests," Bellinger said in an interview for the USA Today. He believes that the United States may submit its right to own 600 miles [off Alaska,] or almost 1000 kilometers, into the Northern Ice Ocean [Arctic Sea.]
The United States would be ready to grab hold of their rights to a piece of the Arctic by tomorrow, but for one snag: The thing is that the United States has not yet ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the very instrument that regulates all legal relations in respect of the shelf.
The Convention confirms a state's right to a 12-mile zone of territorial waters and provides that a state has an individual right to manage the continental shelf along its entire length.
The Russian scientists have been attempting to scientifically validate the extension of the Russian shelf's boundaries and seeking proof of the fact that the Lomonosov and Mendeleyev ridges are geological continuations of it. And they have found it.
Now Russia will be able to claim new territory with an area of 1.2 million square kilometers.
The Arctic Sea bed contains up to 25 percent of the world's total oil and natural gas reserves. In addition, the Arctic Sea's waters have deposits of tin, manganese, gold, nickel, lead, platinum, and diamonds concealed beneath them.
Denmark, Norway, Canada, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland, are ready to do battle with Russia via the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf for these incalculable riches. It is no surprise that the United States has also decided to enter the fray.
What is surprising is that it has woken up so late. Now it will dispatch their own expedition to the North, but are letting out of their sight the second group of Russian scientists, who are already on the sea floor searching for further proof of Russia's ownership of part of the Arctic territory.
Hey, Hey, USA! Too little too late?
Got Love On The Brain? What Is Love?
Possibly more than any other industry, the diamond industry caters to people who are "in love".
You fall in love, get engaged and buy an engagement ring.
Getting married? Well, of course you need a wedding band which is the symbol of love and commitment.
Are you celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, the birth of a child or some other important milestone? There is a good chance you will purchase some beautiful jewelry for your significant other, as an expression of your love, appreciattion and devotion.
So what exactly is "love" anyway?
Sean and Valerie are clearly in love
Here is a recent article from the LA Times with an in-depth analysis and explanation of what "love" really is, as an emotional, physical and physiological process.
Really cool stuff!!
Read up and get a handle on LOVE!
Internet Jewelry and Watch Sales Continue Surging in 2Q.
Online jewelry and watch sales increased 32 percent in the second quarter of 2007, compared with the same period last year, according to a recent report on U.S. e-commerce spending from ComScore.
The top-gaining e-commerce category in the second quarter versus a year ago was video games, consoles and accessories, which jumped 159 percent on the strength of Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 sales. Sports and fitness also saw substantial gains (up 58 percent), followed by consumer electronics (up 51 percent) and event tickets (up 44 percent).
Based on these growth rates, total U.S. online consumer spending is on track to reach $200 billion in 2007, compared with 170.8 billion in 2006.
WOW!!
Holloway Cut Advisor Earns US Patent.
The United States' Patent & Trademark Office issued patent No. 7,251,619 on July 31 to Garry Holloway of Canterbury, Australia, inventor of the Holloway Cut Advisor (HCA) system, for a computer implemented method for evaluating the Cut Quality of a loose diamond.
Read the full article here:
Holloway is a frequent contributor to diamond discussion forum www.pricescope.com, where he is being congratulated on this accomplishment.
The HCA (loose diamond cut advisor) has become a popular tool for enabling consumers to quickly sift through thousands of round brilliant shape diamonds to determine their Cut Quality.
One of the reasons this tool has been embraced, is because of it's ease in comparing many diamonds with only the limited basic information and deriving an instant result for the diamonds score.
The following measurements are plugged into the HCA formula:
Depth %
Table%
Crown angle
Pavillion angle
These measurements are obtained either from the Diamond Lab Grading report or from either a Sarin or Megascope Proportion Analyzer.
A diamond is scored on a scale of 0-10 with the following breakdown:
0-2 Excellent, 2-4 Very Good, 4-6 Good, 6-8 Fair, and 8-10 Poor.
Proportion Results of a Round Brilliand Diamond by Megascope Proportion Analyzer.
In its capacity as a "filter tool" for loose diamonds, the Holloway Cut Advisor is useful and as a reject rather than a pick tool.
It is within this context, that the few Internet companies who showcase diamonds with comprehensive information and data, will encourage the use of the HCA as a means of consumer empowerment for rejecting underachieving diamonds.
However, the reality is that just like many scientific tools and metrics, the HCA does indeed have its limitations.
For example, it only takes into account and measures 17 facets of a loose (round) diamonds' 58 facets; all of which are crucial to the diamonds face up appearance and resultant light performance.
Anatomy of a Round Brilliant Shape Diamond: To maximize a diamond's sparkle, all 58 facets are critically important and have to be correctly aligned and cut to proper size and angles.
Therefore, many industry experts and diamond gemologists have cautioned consumers against using the HCA as the sole determining factor (and exclusively) as a means of actually selecting an expensive diamond, instead of where it best serves the consumer, as a rejection tool and when used in tandem with other established scientific diamond (cut precision) measuring devices and light performance tools.
Overall, the HCA empowers Consumers by providing the diamond shopper with a useful tool in rejecting diamonds of mediocre to poor Cut Quality and Mr. Holloway deserves credit for helping consumers with their decision making process.
The Case Of The Missing Diamond & The Problem With Buying Diamonds From A "Drop Shipper".
We have blogged here and elswhere many times in the past, regarding the perils of purchasing a loose diamond from an internet store who does not physically own or view the diamond in person before you receive it.
Diamond "drop-shipping", is where an internet website selling diamonds, showcases many thousands of diamonds they do not own or have in their physical possession.
The diamonds are comprised from lists of wholesale diamond databases supplied to these vendors by the respective manufacturers who do not deal directly with the public.
When a diamond is sold via the website, the stone is shipped out directly from the manufacturer to the customer, without passing through the hands of the middleman (drop-shipper) first.
I have previously pointed out why buying diamonds this way (to the tune of thousands of dollars) is a recipe for absolute disaster, since the diamond vendor is clueless about the quality of the diamond he has never seen and cannot possibly vouch for the stone in confidence, based upon the limited info. (diamond grading report) provided to him by the manufacturer.
Certainly, if you wish to know actual details regarding the look, brilliancy, inclusions, etc. of the diamond, you are literally on your own.
Indeed, there are only a handful of companies selling diamonds on the internet, who actually have the ability and inclination to personally inspect every single diamond they sell, even when it is one outside of their own manufacture.
Well, here is another reason to be careful when purchasing a loose diamond from a website that acts as a middleman to sell a diamond they have never seen.
The case of the missing diamond.
A very upset customer posted today on the popular diamond discussion forum, Pricescope, regarding her experience with a diamond "drop shipper" who was supposed to ship two diamonds (which she paid for) but only sent one!
She writes: " remember my thread about me buying my 2 stones from BlueNile from my Blue Amex. Anyway got the package today and it only contain one stone but 2 cert. from GIA. I call their customer service and hopefully they will call me back soon . Okay , i'm freaking out and piss at the service don't they check before shipping it out? We talking about diamonds for god sake. "
Well, unfortunately, the answer is no, they do not "check" before they ship out, simply because they do not do the shipping. In fact, they never saw the diamonds which were not of their own manufacture and were never in their physical possession in the first place.
Sure enough, she posts a bit later with the following update:
"Got a call from Mike at Blue Nile after i call them to follow up, he told me to look everywhere in the box, vendor said it might be pack in a little plastic bag or sometime wrap up in a piece of paper or bubble wraps. I told him my package have no bubbles wrap no little plastic bag or piece of paper, i also told him that i only get one plastic pouch that the GIA cert. supposed to come with. So he ask me to wait and will get back in 1 hr or so.
Bingo!
Blue Nile proceeded to call the wholesaler (who actually shipped the diamond (s) to the customer) in order to find out what happened to the missing stone. Wholesaler responds by saying they are pretty sure the second diamond was included in the package and asks Blue Nile to request that the customer "look a bit harder".
Customer is confident that only one diamond was shipped and no other.
Major Problem!
Now the reality is that mistakes do happen and Blue Nile is a reputable company. Hopefully, they will get to the bottom of this and make sure the customer gets the second diamond she paid for.
However, the bigger problem (and one that the customer was clearly unaware of, by the way she posted..) is that Blue Nile never actually inspected the two diamonds they sold this woman.
They therefore had no way of discussing the quality or beauty of the diamond with any authority.
Obviously, they also have no idea how many diamonds were actually shipped with the package.
Sure, they offer return polices and are backed by an honest reputation. However, it is still important for customers to be informed and aware of the way they are purchasing diamonds over the Internet.
To be clear, many loose diamonds are sold over the Internet every single day by honest and reputable companies who never get to see the stone. These companies offer return polices and customer service guarantees which are designed to foster trust and quality assurance. Additionally, there is nothing inherently wrong with acting as a middleman to sell wholesale diamonds at a profit. This is called capitalism; everyone does it and many of these companies are completely honest and reputable.
Still, it is important to realize that Diamonds are not all created equal.
It is important and crucial to inspect a diamond for its structural integrity, cut precision, quality and beauty/light performance, before making a purchase of this magnitude.
Lindsay Lohan Loves Booze, Drugs.... And Diamonds!
Folks, it seems like our celebrity diva-turned-addict, Lindsay Lohan, doesn't just love parties, booze, and drugs. It appears that diamonds are also very much on her agenda!!
In a recent interview with Glam.com, Lohan was asked what she does to feel absolutely glamorous. Well, I would think the answer would be pretty obvious, given her recent exploits...
Suprisingly, she answered "Diamonds. Diamonds. I love Harry Winston and Cartier and Chopard. Just diamond studs. Just diamonds all over".
Hmm... ..might just be the perfect way to get her started on a 3 -step program!
I'm sure many will be happy to oblige..;-)
Camilla Duchess Of Cornwall, Wears The Family Jewels
It Appears that Camilla wears the family jeweles; literally and figuratively.
Tamera Adams reports that the Queen lent the Duchess of Cornwall a stunning graduated diamond necklace (seen in the picture above) from the Royal Collection, to wear to a private celebration in honor of her recent sixtieth birthday.
Camilla not being very popular among the Brits., I imagine they were not happy with this "goodwill gesture" on the part of the Queen.
Rolls-Royce Gold & Diamond Bracelet
This gorgeous bracelet, was created by jeweler Heinz Mayer as part of a purchase of one of the 35 special Rolls-Royce "Centenary Phantom" cars. The 35 pieces are each registered individually. The 18K gold bracelet's links reference the traditional "organ-stop" ventilation switch on the cars and the clasp features the Rolls-Royce logo. Six of the organ stop links are also pavé set with diamonds.
Beautiful bracelet, but a bit on the chunky side IMO.
Via: Luxist
World's Tallest Man Marries A Very Short Woman
Dreams do come true!!
After a long and painful international quest for love and his dream bride, the world’s tallest man recently began a life of wedded bliss with a shop assistant from his home town in Inner Mongolia.
Bao Xishun, the 7ft 9in (2.3m) herdsman tied the knot at the tomb of Kublai Khan in northern China. The 56-year-old titan bore a lovestruck grin as he gazed the long way down to Xia Shujian, his 29-year-old bride, who comes up to her husband’s elbow.
Read the full story here.
Bao was quoted as saying, he hopes someday to have tall children who become basketball hoop stars.
I cannot help but wonder about all of the little deatils...
For example, the climate control in their home; ....he's always gonna be hot and she's always gonna be cold!
Just goes to show that true love conquers all!
"Cognac" "Chocolate" "Champagne" Diamonds. What Are They?
It's funny how until very recently, diamonds of considerably lower colors with brownish hues and yellowish overtones, were simply known as "low color diamonds".
Lower colored diamonds, are not as scarce or valuable as diamonds of icy white colors and therefore command less of a premium than the diamonds of higher (better) color grades.
Problem was, certain diamond mines tended to only produce diamonds of substantially lower colors. Well these are diamonds too and they needed to be sold..right? Well, of course!
Some brilliant marketing guru came up with an incredible idea; why not market these diamonds with finesse! Indeed, why not turn the very liability of the stone into something positive?
Thus, was born the marketing strategy known as "chocolate diamonds," "cognac diamonds," and/or "champagne diamonds".
You turn the negative into a positive.......
"Cognac" diamond ring by Judith Harnell.
Companies like Levian, went ahead and marketed the "heck" out of these "chocolate diamonds" which were unpopular and undesireable.
Subsequently and as a result of these marketing efforts, consumers who never would have given a second glance at a "brownish diamond" of poor color, were now looking at purchasing "cognac diamond jewelry".
And so it is today.
This disbeliever (yours truly;-)), also thought the whole marketing thing with chocolate diamonds was a bunch of hooey...........that is until I decided to make a pair of diamond cufflinks for myself, which features an outer ring of brilliant white diamonds, with "cognac" diamonds in the center.
The effect of the white diamonds contrasting with the "champagne diamonds" is absolutely incredible!!
It is literally a thing of beauty and now I am a true believer in the beauty and usefulness of brown diamonds!
To be honest, I don't know if I'd go out looking for a honking brownish (a.k.a. "chocolate") diamond engagement ring, or pair of diamond studs. Personally, I think that for these kind of purchases, you are better off staying away from brown diamonds and instead looking for a diamond that will lend itself to maximizing its refracted brilliancy (which is why you purchase a diamond in the first place).
To this end, a reasonably white diamond will do the best job of accomplishing your objectives.
However, when it comes to jewelry pieces, like cufflinks, brooches, rings, necklaces, pendants bracelets, etc., all bets are off!
In fact, I think that brown diamonds tastefully combined with white diamonds in a piece of jewelry, is one of the most gorgeous jewelry items you will ever lay eyes upon!
So if you are thinking "chocolate" "cognac" "champagne" diamonds...GREAT IDEA!
Just make sure you incorporate these diamonds in a jewelry piece or ensemble that will do justice to the beauty of these stones.
Same for any jewelry store owner thinking of selling diamond jewelry with white and chocolate diamonds; great idea!
Irradiated Gemstones: Update
We recently blogged on the possible danger of Irradiated Gemstones and noted that several retailers, most notably Stuller and Sterling Jewelers have stopped selling irradiated precious gemstones.
Now comes word from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of their recent test results on several large batches of irradiated Blue Topaz in which they found no evidence of any health threat or safety issue.
Eight of the nine batches of gems, which averaged around 500 carats each, showed only background levels of radiation, while one registered at "twice background."
Background levels refer to radiation that is picked up merely because a survey meter is turned on because there are already low levels of radiation present in the atmosphere. By measuring "twice background," it implies that there are low levels, but nothing that would be considered dangerous or hazardous to health.
Jewelers, are however, still very concerned as to whether their existing stocks of precious gemstones may contain levels of irradiation that pose a significant risk. To this end, the NRC has indicated that they will continue to do random irradiation testing of Precious gemstones and will set up a program with Jewelers to test samples of their gemstone stock.
Stay tuned.
Tax -Free Diamond Engagement Rings Makes Big Sense (Cents)!
Two weeks ago we noted here "Tax and Spend" Charlie Rangels' oration at the New York Summer Jewelers Association Show held at New York's Javits Center advocating to the assembled Brick and Mortar Jewelers the taxing of Internet Diamond Websites so as to "level the playing field" and help the B&M jewelers compete against Internet Diamond and Engagement Rings websites.
Charlie (Democrat, New York) is Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and in the spirit of Politicians everywhere has never met a Tax he didn't like. He'll find a "Ways" and "Means" to implement it into Law.
The fact is that cutting taxes, not raising them, is the "Ways and Means" to spur sales and economic growth. In every instance where taxes have been reduced, sales and economic growth have dramatically increased as have collection of tax revenues with the concomitant growth of a solid middle-class that is the foundation of political and economic stability.
The most recent example of this tax-cutting benefit for Merchants and Consumers alike is this morning's report by the Boston Herald Tax Free Makes Great Business Sense.
Cutting taxes, not raising them is the "Ways and Means" to go. Are you listening Charlie? Brick and Mortar Jewelers?
Diamond Dust & Cigarette Smoke: What A Killer!
I was out today running some errands, including picking up this gorgeous and just completed diamond engagement ring from the factory.
Anyway, up in the diamond shop somebody at the bench was breaking rules and actually smoking at the diamond wheel (against all the rules, including those of the building management)!!
Between the lingering diamond dust (which is never entirely sucked out by the exhaust) and the cigarette smoke, It was literally enough to make a person pass out!!
It was just incredible that nobody said anything!
I mean, it's hard enough to sit all day cutting diamonds. Having to deal with clouds of cigarette smoke on top of that, is just absurd!
Smoking is bad enough, why compound it with the diamond dust from the cutting wheels.
Maybe I 'ought to hang this sign up in the shop??
You think it might help??
Jewelry Store Or Internet Diamond Store? The Perfect Formula!
With much being written regarding buying diamonds & jewelry in the stores versus on the net, it is important to understand that there is always going to be a market for the "bricks and mortar" jewelry stores as well as for internet diamond and jewelry stores.
It is certainly true that the age of the Internet offers the educated consumer the ability to purchase high quality diamonds and jewelry at fabulously low and competitive prices, previously unheard of in the local jewelry stores. We blogged on this some time ago. In fact, I actually created a video to specifically discuss the most notable "price discrepancy" between traditional jewelry stores and Internet jewelry stores.
In another blog entry from some time ago, we discussed in general how the Internet has revolutionized the diamond industry.
In reality, the most meaningful "value" factor which the Internet has spawned and cultivated, is that of competition.
The mechanics of competition, is ultimately a boon for both the trade and consumers, since it forces everyone to be at the "top of their game" in terms of the quality of merchandise and value and services provided.
Still, the reality is that many diamond and jewelry shoppers are reluctant to give up the safety and relative security of the local jewelry store experience.....at any "cost".
The Perfect Formula For Success.
Reputable Internet diamond stores who offer actual data and valuable information on every loose diamond they sell in addition to their lowest prices, are absolutely at the top of the pack in terms of the quintissential online consumer shopping experience.
A few Internet diamond dealers make a commitment to personally evaluate each and every loose diamond prior to the sale and to never engage in blind "drop-shipping" of the merchandise they sell.
Similarly, jewelry stores who wish to stay ahead of the curve and compete with the Internet, have done an admirable job of keeping clients and cultivating new ones from amongst the Internet savvy and educated masses.
Some traditional jewelry stores have created an online presence or "catalog", where consumers can browse diamonds and jewelry, as well as sign up for specials and sale promotions.
A few, have even lowered their previously inflated profit margins to better compete with the Internet diamond websites.
They have embraced the Internet and have turned the Internet business model to their advantage by offering the same services, comprehensive information content and price structure, with the added value of the retail "in-store" shopping experience.
These jewelers are no longer "scared" by the net and are very comfortable around the "Internet savvy" diamond and jewelry shoppers.
I just saw a great posting from Stan at Gerson & Horowitz Diamonds entitled "How to BEAT The Internet".
John Hardy Sells His Jewelry Brand
John Hardy, the jewelry designer who became a consumer recognized jewelry brand, has sold his interest in his namesake company to the President and Creative Directors of the company.
He will remain as the "brand visionary" and "brand ambassador" while the company he founded tries to expand internationally.
John Hardy jewelry sales were $150 million in 2006.
DeWitt Watches Build A "Cultish" Following.
To view all of the information and specifications for the Dewitt watches pictured above, click here.
I honestly don't think I have seen a luxury watch brand that has devloped and morphed into a "cult brand" in such a short period of time, like the stunning watches manufactured by Dewitt.
Even Panerai needed a few more years to really build a following before it developed into a full blown "cult brand"
It is truly amazing to see what Dewitt has managed to do in just 4 years..and for good reason.
Their watches are amongst the most beautiful, sophisticated, unique and complicated timepieces we have ever seen.
Can You Smell A Diamond?
Star Singer Beyonce says, Yes you can!
Emporio Armani Diamonds is the latest perfume project for her. She was on hand yesterday at the NYC Macy’s Department store to promote the new fragrance.
As a bonus, the first 150 people that picked up a bottle got a chance to meet the Destiny’s Child frontwoman and received her autograph.
Smells Good!
Looks even better !!!
Israel's "Mr. Diamond" Passes.
Moshe Schnitzer, a founding father of the Israeli diamond industry, past chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) and honorary president of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) and the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), died on August 17th. He was 86.
Moshe Schnitzer
Schnitzer was born in Chernowitz, Romania, in 1921 and immigrated to Israel in 1934. He studied history and philosophy at Hebrew University in Jerusalem before beginning his career in the diamond industry as a diamond sawer in 1942. He advanced in the industry and opened Schnitzer-Greenstein with a partner in 1952. His own company, M. Schnitzer and Co., founded in 1980 with his son and son-in-law, would become a leading firm in the industry.
Schnitzer helped found the IDE in 1947 and was a leading force in the expansion and development of the exchange, now the largest in the world. From 1967 to 1993, he served as president of the IDE. Under his leadership, polished-diamond exports increased from $200 million to $3.4 billion annually.
He was also president of the WFDB from 1968 to 1972, and again from 1978 to 1982. He became lifelong honorary president of the WFDB in 1982 and lifelong honorary president of the IDE in 1994.
Schnitzer received the Order of King Leopold of Belgium for his contributions to the international diamond industry and to the development of ties between Israel and Belgium. He also received an honorary doctorate from Bar-Ilan University.
He established the Harry Oppenheimer Diamond Museum in Ramat Gan and served as its chairman until July 2003. The municipality of Ramat Gan named the plaza adjacent to the diamond exchange Moshe Schnitzer Plaza, and the campus of the diamond exchange was named the Israel Diamond Center in his honor in 2002. He was also named an honored citizen by the city of Tel Aviv.
Schnitzer received the prestigious Israel Prize in 2004 for his contributions to the State of Israel and Israeli society.
"Moshe Schnitzer is identified more than anyone else with the Israel diamond industry, and his vision and personality have contributed greatly to Israel's stature in the world," stated the official announcement for the prize. He was called "the highest-ranking ambassador of the diamond industry."
His three children, Hanna Gertler, Etty Yovel and Shmuel Schnitzer, and their families, survive Schnitzer. His wife, Varda, died in 2002. His son Shmuel also served as president of the IDE and the WFDB.
ExcelDiamonds' Classic Tiffany Engagement Ring Replica, Now $525!!
Since the inception of the creation of our now famous Tiffany Replica Diamond Engagement Ring, we have received accolades for this ring, from all over the Internet and have sold thousands of pieces.
We have been asked for some time whether we would be able to manufacture this exquisite Tiffany inspired engagement ring, in a less expensive precious metal than 950 platinum.
That day is finally here and we are pleased to announce that we are now manufacturing our custom Tiffany style engagement ring in Palladium!!
The price point is incredible!
Starting price for our Tiffany engagement ring in Palladium: $525
Starting price for our Tiffany engagement ring in Platinum: $1250
While the value offered for our heavyweight platinum Tiffany ring continues to be excellent and unrivaled, the Palladium option, represents a less expensive and equally stunning alternative!
A Unique and Romantic Marriage Proposal
I found a really cool and unique marriage proposal someone just put together recently.
This guy spent a ton of time putting this all together and even shot an increasingly popular You Tube video to capture the entire saga.
To watch this really cool video of the entire proposal, click here.
What A Beautiful Asscher Cut Diamond Looks Like
I got a chance to photograph a really pretty .91 G VS2 Asscher Cut Diamond today for a customer.
Here is how the photographs (taken under various lighting conditions) came out.
(you can click on the photo to view a larger size)
Study Shows Diamonds Are As Old As The Earth
In the news today, is this new study that was conducted, which shows that "diamonds are forever" ...quite literally!
Hello? Hello? Hello? Can You Hear Me?
For the hard of hearing who just happen to have $50,000 lying around the house and don't know what to do with it, here's an option.
24 Karat Gold and 220 Diamonds Hearing Aid manufactured by Widex.
Just be careful how you clean and remove the ear wax. Stay away from abrasives and acetone.
What A Beautiful Emerald Cut Diamond Looks Like
Here are two photographs of a beautiful 1.01 F VS1 Emerald Cut Diamond, I photgraphed today for a customer.
Excellent facet structure and really good light performance!
Look at the saturated Ideal Scope Photo of this diamond, which indicates minimal leakage.
Possibly The World's Largest Diamond Found!
IDEX Online is reporting today a news report coming out of South Africa which claims that the world's largest diamond has just been found!
The reports indicate that the diamond weighs twice as much as the famous Cullinan diamond, but does not specify its exact weight. At the moment, there is still no information regarding the diamond’s color or clarity either.
According to a report on SABC Radio, the diamond was found in South Africa’s northwest. Any other information, including who mined the diamond, was not available.
Previously, the largest diamond ever mined, the Cullinan, weighs 530.20 carats, but as a rough stone, it weighed 3,106.75 carats.
According to various sources in the diamond industry, because loose diamonds are mined in kimberlite, using crushers, chances are that this particular diamond was found in an alluvial mine.
The UK’s Guardian quoted diamond industry expert, Fred Cuellar, who has received some information about the stone. He said the first seven people who examined the stone thought it was industrial grade, though it appears this view is not final.
We will know what the story is with this diamond, just as soon as it has been examined by a panel of experts.
However, for the moment, people in the diamond industry are giddy with anticiaption.
To understand this incredible feeling, think Barry Bonds breaking Hank Aaron's home run record!!....
Use The Internet Before Buying A Diamond Ring
I have blogged many times regarding the beauty of using the power of the Internet to make a diamond or jewelry purchase.
The Internet empowers consumers with important, crucial, and relevant information, regarding loose diamonds, engagement rings, jewelry, and precious metals.
Consumers get the latest information on styles, jewelry designs, designer jewelry companies, a loose diamonds characteristics..and so much more.
The "price factor phenomena" with the way the Internet brings profit margins down in every conceivable industry, is also a boon for conumers, who will either choose to buy (diamonds and jewelry)on the net, or use the Internet's lower prices as leverage with their local (jewelry) stores.
However, there is yet an additional benefit in using the power of the Internet when in the market for loose diamonds or diamond jewelry.
This is the aspect of Research.
The Internet is a wellspring of feedback and information on companies in every industry.
Even jewelry stores who do not have an Internet website (and certainly those who do..) have customers who have left feedback on the net.
On the Internet, there are diamond and jewelry discussion groups and forums, where consumers leave feedback for companies they have purchased from.
Simply conduct a Google search for the jeweler you are contemplating doing business with. Chances are, you will find the "good, bad, ...and maybe even the ugly".
It is all there for you to digest and collate.
From excellent testimonials and accolades, to (sometimes) bitter complaints, and yes; even the lukewarm and minor issues...it is out there for all to see/read.....
The Correct and Safe Way To Ship Your Engagement Ring.
An an Internet Seller of Fine Diamonds and Jewelry we do a tremendous amount of shipping with full insurance and safeguards to protect our Customers valuable merchandise.
The Insurance coverage we have is specific and tailored to our Industry and not available to the public. So what is a consumer to do if he/she has to ship their diamond engagement ring back to the vendor for re-sizing, polishing, etc. What is the safest way to ship your valuable jewelry?
We recommend to our customers that they use the U.S. Post Office with Registered Mail and return receipt Service. This is the safest, most secure way to send your valuable diamond engagement ring through the mail. The US Post office will insure up to $50,000.00 and your package is securely sealed and tracked every step of it's journey back to the Vendor. It will take 3-5 days to reach the Vendor but your peace of mind is worth it.
United States Post Office: The safest way to ship your expensive diamond engagement ring.
DO NOT SHIP with Fedex or UPS They only insure up to 100/500 dollars and there have been several reports of internal employee theft.
The latest incident was reported on yesterday of a UPS Courier ripping open a UPS box and stealing a diamond engagement ring. Read this story and try very hard not to tear the hair out of your head. Protecting Your Diamond Engagement Ring From Theft
Be smart and careful out there.
Beautiful Wedding Pictures From One Of Our Couples!
Mary & Joe, who purchased their engagement ring and diamond wedding rings from our company, just sent us these gorgeous photos of themselves at their recent wedding!
Congrats to both of you on your marriage!
You guys make a stunningly beautiful couple!!!
Corum Watches Names Its "Brand" Man Of The Year!
Global Brand Forum 2007 and Corum Timepieces have announced that former U.S. Vice President Al Gore has been selected as the first "Brand Icon of the Year," an honor that recognizes an individual's contributions in the area of global branding.
Al Gore accepting his Corum Romvlvs Watch as "Brand" Icon Of The Year.
In a media release Global Brand Forum Chairman S. Karthik said "We choose Al Gore as our inaugural Brand Icon of the Year because of his unique and valuable contributions in the fields of media and the environment."
In presenting Al Gore with the award—a legendary Romvlvs by Corum—Corum Timepieces President Michael Wunderman said that Gore represents the kind of determination and commitment to excellence that is admired by so many companies.
"I have high admiration and respect for Mr. Gore for his passion, determination and resolve to unlock his supremacy and conquer the challenges, whether as a politician or environmentalist, a 'cutting edge' brand leader of great magnitude and responsibility to humankind," Wunderman said.
WOW! Mr. Wunderman, that is some set of accolades! it's gotten me globally warm all over which may have an adverse effect on the environment around me.
BTW, Mr. Wunderman, you forgot to accolade Mr. Gore on the fact that he also invented the Internet!
We forgive you.
