November 2007 Archives
Jacob The Jeweler Pleads Guilty
Celebrity jeweler Jacob Arabov of New York pleaded guilty Wednesday to falsifying records and giving false statements to investigators looking into a multistate drug ring, The Associated Press reports.
Too Many 'Yes' Men In The Diamond Business?
There is an old but true piece of advice that goes as follows:
"To be successful in any endeavor you cannot simply surround yourself with 'yes' men."
What this means (loosely translated) is that in order to succeed, you sometimes need the objectivity that can only be provided by those whose perspectives and opinions are not influenced by the desire to tell you what you wish to hear, but rather, what they actually feel you need to hear.
It is my experience that the diamond business in particular is full of these 'yes' men.
These are the salesmen and women, the managers and directors, the diamond buyers, the brokers, the jewelry reps. and all those whose positions, purchasing habits, etc. are completely skewered by the desire to be 'yes' men to the person(s) who pays the salary...
This is true on the Internet as well. There are 'yes' men in the data entry department, the IT dept., SEO dept, graphic design dept., programming dept.
Basically, there are 'yes' men all over, who ultimately do a disservice to themselves, as well as to the people who pay them.
Simply "going with the flow" is not always prudent or advisable. "Safety in numbers" is largely overrated!
A Beautiful Radiant Cut Diamond {Pics!}
It is always hard to find a truly well cut fancy shaped diamond.
Fancy shape diamonds are not subject to the same standard for 'cut quality' as with rounds and even princess cut diamonds.
Therefore, finding a well cut radiant diamond is sometimes akin to finding the proverbial "needle in a haystack".
Here is a beautiful radiant cut diamond I photographed today with a gorgeous "crushed ice" look!
I also got a chance to play with a very beautiful GIA certified .91 G VS2 Radiant Cut Diamond today!!
This job....ROCKS!! ;-)
The 10 Commandments Diamond!
Introducing the amazing new Ten Commandments Diamond®. A diamond for today that will stand apart while appealing to the person that wishes to hold the Words of the Almighty close to their hearts.
The Ten Commandments Diamond® is a single diamond, hand cut and polished into the shape of the recognizable tablets. The table facet is carefully laser inscribed with the verses of the Ten Commandments. They are available in three versions: Protestant, Catholic and Jewish
This diamond's unique faceting resonate these important words throughout the diamond.
My question is; how do you put this into an engagement ring??
Is It Ethical To Sell Diamonds Wholesale & Retail??
With the evolution of the diamond industry and the revolutionary impact of the Internet, profit margins on the sale of loose diamonds and jewelry have been steadily shrinking.
Today's diamond marketplace is incredibly competitive and profit margins are razor thin.
In this climate of "survival of the fittest", an increasing number of companies are looking for a niche for the simple sake of surviving.
The Internet, which lures savvy diamond shoppers assured by maximum quality and value, has attracted the attention of many diamond wholesalers and manufacturers who are struggling to stay financially solvent and competitive.
Some of them have decided to give up selling diamonds through retail "bricks & mortar" jewelers who have no allegiance to their specific product and who simply sell "whatever moves".
These diamond wholesalers were disillusioned with the fact that they were at the mercy of the retail stores with respect to shrinking sales, lack of timely payments, and lack of commitment to their specific product. As a result, they decided to cut out the middleman and took their merchandise directly to the public (end consumer).
With their exclusive commitment to their own product(s), they do the best job of promoting their merchandise and increasing conversions while cutting out the "overhead" and inherent liability of the middleman.
Indeed, the industry has seen some of these wholesalers and diamond manufactures alter their entire business model and bring their diamonds and jewelry directly to the consumer via an Internet (e-commerce) presence or a flagship B&M store(S).
However, there have also been a few diamond wholesalers who have decided to "play both sides of the fence". Unwilling to give up the wholesale sales of loose diamonds through various retail stores, they opted instead to create an e-commerce diamond and jewelry website under a different name/address (disguise) in an effort to snag the retail diamond shopper on the Internet.
They wish to have their cake and eat it too.
They continue to sell wholesale diamonds through B&M establishments across the Country. Of course these retail stores attach a (healthy) profit to these loose diamonds in order to make a living.
At the same time, the very same wholesaler is offering the very same diamonds via his e-commerce website and directly competing with (and undermining) his retail accounts who are completely oblivious!
A customer who finds the very same diamond listed on the Internet for considerably less than what is being asked in the stores, will (unknowingly) circumvent the retail middleman and buy the same diamond for less directly from the same wholesaler!
Of course the wholesaler attaches a "retail" markup. However, he makes sure to be significantly cheaper than all of his retailers.
The companies who engage in these practices shall be left nameless since it is this writers personal opinion that what they are doing is completely unethical and it is not the purpose of this blog entry to expose these people.
The fact is, you are either a diamond wholesaler to the trade, or you are a diamond retailer to the end consumer.
To make an underhanded attempt at being both, is simply unethical and is in direct competition with your own retail customers.
In fact, if these retail B&M jewelers knew they were being undermined and undercut on the Internet by their own suppliers, they would in all likelihood immediately terminate their accounts (and long standing relationships) with these wholesalers.
These wholesalers are well aware of this inherent risk and therefore look to create a completely separate e-commerce diamond and jewelry website in the hope that it will not be linked to (or associated with) their own company.
What do you think?
New Moontime Watch From Bunz
Europastar says regarding this new watch by Bunz:
“This new model’s ingenious highlight is its fully plastic semi-gold-plated moon. It charmingly rotates around its own axis on the white firmament of the watch face at 12 o’clock to indicate to its owner the current phase of the moon. This is set into motion by an angular drive located above the watch work that gets its strength from a crown gear above the hour tube. But, this extraordinary watch face has even more interesting features: numbers three and nine are artistically curvature(d) to encase the delicate silvery hour and minute hands on an elegant dark-blue background. They are faithfully driven by a rare Lemania 1932 Swiss watch work or, at your choice, a valuable precision quartz movement. "
------------------
Call me crazy but I am not particularly impressed with this new offering from Bunz.
The watch simply doesn't "do it" for me....
Aesthetically, it's o.k.
Functionally, it's a bit funky and novel.
Does it justify the asking price?
Not in my opinion.
Always Strive To Be Number One!
"Always reach higher and strive to be number 1"
Certainly, this is a motto to live by.
There are a million jewelers, diamond wholesalers, diamond retailers, diamond vendors, diamond cutters, e-commerce diamond and jewelry websites, jewelry designers, jewelry purveyors, diamond industry bloggers, etc.
However, there is only one YOU!
We all have something unique to offer..and that usually begins with ourselves!
Sell yourself, your expertise, your knowledge, your commitment, your very own niche.
Remember, there will never be another you!
Hey, in that case, it's easy to be numero uno since there is no competition!
Jewelry Designs By ZYDO.
A designer jewelry collection to catch my attention recently, is the collection of baubles by ZYDO.
ZYDO is a jewelry designer and manufacturer out of Italy. They sell their exquisite jewelry through retail stores around the world.
They also have a presence on the Internet.
This stunning right hand diamond ring by ZYDO, is available for purchase through reputable online diamond e-tailer, Whiteflash.com.
How Much Would You Pay For A Diamond Simulant (Fake Diamond / Cubic Zirconium)?
I am often asked for my opinion on fake diamonds, otherwise known as c.z.'s (Cubic Zirconium).
To be certain, there is a tangible value in a simulated diamond for people on a limited budget, for those looking for a temporary fix, or for those who just wish for a second (fake) ring to wear...whenever....wherever.
The question is, how much do you pay for a fake diamond?
The reason this is an important consideration is because today there is a proliferation of companies manufacturing and selling "glorified" c.z.'s which are touted as the "end all and be all" in fake diamonds.
Supposedly, these c.z.'s are "better" than the more typical Cubic zirconium.
Many of these "better" c.z.'s cost upwards of $300, when a conventional and very nice c.z. can cost $5 bucks!!
So are they worth the difference?
As a person who spent approx. $400 on a "glorified" c.z. at one point in time, I am certainly in a position to contribute my own (personal) perspective, which you could read about here.
Being Addicted To The Internet. Is It Good Or Bad?
There is no question that the Internet has changed the face of the world. Just ask Al Gore, he'll tell you....;-)
Seriously, this revolution is not simply relegated to the world of commerce. Rather, it is just as prevalent in the world of entertainment, communication, information etc.
Simply put, the Internet is a monster and is quite addictive.
Think of how many people spend their entire days staring at a computer screen for one reason or another and you will understand the enormity of this network.
For better or for worse, people are addicted to the Internet.
Personally, I use the Internet for business. However, I am just as wont to "surf the net" looking for items of interest, especially for the purposes of this blog.
I sell diamonds on the Internet
In this respect, the Internet is actually a positive thing for me.
However, I also understand the gravitational pull of the Net for all kinds of things, whereby the Internet can potentially become a huge time waster and a source of angst for many people.
It is for this reason that (believe it or not) I do not use a computer at home. When I am home I like to spend time with my family. I stare at a computer all day. When I am home, my family deserves my attention and I deserve the pleasure of their unimpeded company and companionship.
This is not simply a luxury which I allow myself, it is truly a necessity. I simply need "down time".
Here is an article I wrote some time ago detailing my desire not to mix "Business & Pleasure".
However, for some people the Internet is a nightmare and a bad addiction. These are people who do not require the Internet in order to conduct their business and make a living. Instead, the Internet draws them in with its addictive powers related to all sorts of pursuits.
Many of these people wind up wasting untold hours and days on the Net, often at the expense of their jobs, families, quality of life and personal happiness.
The Internet can be a powerful and bad addiction.
Indeed, it is often difficult to balance the positive aspects of the Internet with some of its potential pitfalls.
So where do you fit in?
Is the Internet a good thing or bad thing for you?
Do you use it to your own advantage, or does it end up "using you"??
Feel free to chime in.
Tiffany's Takes eBay to Court.
The Associated Press reports today that Tiffany's is accusing eBay of allowing the sale of tens of thousands of pieces of counterfeit Tiffany jewelry on its website.
Lawyers for the San Jose-based eBay responded by saying Tiffany's not doing its share to protect customers.
The arguments in the Manhattan federal court came at the start of a trial to decide whether eBay can be blamed for the sales of silver Tiffany knockoffs on its Internet site since 2003.
Tiffany officials randomly bought 325 items being sold as genuine Tiffany jewelry on eBay's website. They say 75 percent turned out to be fake.
The jewelry company says there was no evidence that eBay did anything to stop the false sales after it reported its findings.
But the Internet auction site says it's suspended hundreds of thousands of sellers who broke its rules.
An IPhone for $40,000!!
Alexander Amosu, the London based mobile entrepreneur, is offering a limited edition iPhone with 420 diamonds totaling 5.65 carats set in 18k white or yellow gold. The phone is available with a choice of white, black or pink sapphires. The Diamond iPhone went on sale November 9, with a starting price of $41k!
Get yours!
Check Out The Latest Jewelry Trends
Some really good ideas here.
Why Men Have Commitment Issues
When it comes to making a commitment in a relationship, men sometimes find themselves at a total loss.
The disillusioned partner will often wonder whether she did anything wrong and what she could do to help rectify the situation.
The problem is, if you cannot understand the cause/root of the problem, how can you try to fix it?
Indeed, half the solution to a problem is to understand what the problem is in the first place.
To this end, Lilly Calandrello, who is a personal growth expert, MS, MA shares
"Men's 7 Secret Commitment Fears".
Indian Man Marries His Dog (True Story)
True story folks:
Barry reports, a man in southern India married a female dog in a traditional Hindu ceremony as an attempt to atone for stoning two other dogs to death — an act he believes cursed him.
P. Selvakumar married the sari-draped former stray named Selvi,
The story goes as follows:
On the advice of an astrologer. Selva Kumar of Southern India, 33, tied the knot with a 3-year-old bitch called Selvi to get rid of a curse for killing two dogs 15 years ago.
Within four days of killing the animals, Kumar started suffering from paralysis. Medical treatment led to no improvement so he saw a local astrologer who told him the curse would be lifted if he married a bitch. The groom wore a white dhoti and shirt while the bride was dressed in a pink silk saree for the wedding ceremony. The ceremony ended with Kumar tying the Hindu ‘sacred thread’ around the dog’s neck and vowing to take care of his wife forever. ananova
Unfortunately, we did not get to make the sale on the diamonds and rings...;-)
I Challenge you to find an Engagement Ring for THIS DIAMOND!
An 84.37 carat white diamond sold for almost $16.19 million during Sotheby's Geneva auction to Georges Marciano (Guess clothing.)
The diamond is being called the largest, high quality, brilliant-cut white diamond to be sold at auction. Sotheby's pre-sale estimate was between $13.3 million and $17.8 million.
"In my 32-year career, this stone ranks among the most beautiful diamonds I have ever seen," said David Bennett, Sotheby's chairman of jewelry for Europe and the Middle East.
MAMA MIA!
American Brilliance Jewelry Designs To Be Featured On Excel Diamonds
In our never ending search to bring our customers the finest in diamonds and jewelry, we were happy to discover an incredibly talented designer of exquisite jewelry creations!
We are happy to introduce to you American Brilliance Designer Jewelry!
American Brilliance Jewelry manufactures their exquisite and high end jewelry designs for the discriminating jewelry connoisseur .
American Brilliance Jewelry is manufactured by the finest ateliers in Italy.
Indeed, these gorgeous jewelry designs are reminiscent of and entirely comparable to the famous designer jewelry by Roberto Coin.
The price points for American Brilliance Jewelry Designs will be more competitive than the sometimes prohibitively expensive Roberto Coin Jewelry.
We are very excited about this development and look forward to showcasing this wide array of unique and exquisite jewelry on our website in the very near future!
Stay tuned!
Internet Diamond & Jewelry Sales Keep Rising!
According to comScore, Jewelry and watches sales by U.S. e-commerce sites rose 19 percent in October compared to the year before, remaining one of the hottest online retail categories. This growth outpaced total online retail sales, which grew 14 percent to $16.476 billion.
The video games, consoles & accessories category posted the strongest gains, jumping 264 percent, driven by strong sales of Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation consoles and accessories. Furniture, appliances & equipment also experienced a strong month, growing 105 percent, followed by computer software (up 76 percent) and event tickets (up 43 percent).
Longest Wedding Dress Train Ever! {Pics!}
A couple showcases what is reportedly the longest wedding dress in China. The bridegroom has contracted a local tailor to make the 200.8-meter-long dress. [Photo: eastday.com]
A bride in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou recently walked down the aisle wearing the country's longest wedding dress.
Her fiancee contracted a local tailor to make the wedding gown, with the dress' train stretching for 200.8 meters, Guangzhou Daily reported.
The bridegroom says the length echoes the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
It has set a new domestic record, grabbing the title from the previous holder at 99 meters.
Hmm...I wonder how she got into the car???
Via: English.cri
Blue Nile Engagement Rings
Interesting discussion on the diamond.info Forum about Blue Nile and how they sell diamonds on the Internet Here
Natural Red Diamond Sells For A Fortune
GENEVA (Reuters) - A ring with a rare red purple diamond was sold for 2.6 million dollars, setting a world record for a red diamond. The English jeweler Laurence Graff bought the ring with the octagonal red shaped diamond. The diamond weighs 2.26 carats and is the largest diamond of its kind to be sold at auction.
Excel Diamonds Introduces New Diamond Search Tools In Time For Holidays!
We just got finished completing our new diamond sliders and search tools in time for the Holiday Season!
These new tools use the latest AJAX Technology to effectively and quickly sift through many thousands of diamonds to find the loose diamond that best matches your criterion.
These tools will immeasurably increase the usability, functionality and intuitiveness of a loose diamond search on our website.
The user is able to filter based on shape, size, color, clarity, price and even table and depth percentages.
All searches are saved and the user can search in increments of .001.
In addition, we have also introduced a new side by side diamond comparison which will allow the user to compare any 1-2-3-4 diamonds side by side with all relevant information on the screen in front of them.
We are excited about this new feature and implementation and look forward to your positive feedback.
Happy Holidays From Diamond Vues
We would like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!
We will be away Thursday November 22 - through Sunday November 24.
We'll be back in full swing on Monday, November 25.
See you then!
Get Your Cartier Umbrella Ring Tree
I saw this beautiful vintage Cartier silver umbrella ring tree on Ralph Lauren.com.
I thought it would make a perfect Holiday gift...until I noticed that it "sold out".
Not sure if that means it was a one-of-a-kind piece, or whether it was simply being sold in limited quantities...
Oh well...
$62,000 Lipstick With Diamonds!
French cosmetics house Guerlain is releasing KissKiss Gold and Diamonds this week, and for the $62,000 price tag you'll get a consultation with Guerlain's artistic director Olivier Echaudemaison and a lipstick shade customized just for you that comes in an 18-karat gold lipstick tube encrusted with 199 conflict-free diamonds, plus rubies and emeralds. It can be engraved and comes in a black lacquer case with a suede pouch.
Via: Luxist
It's Cyber Monday For Online Diamond Websites!
NEW YORK — Retailers are hoping last week's strong start to the holiday shopping season at malls and stores translates into a busy buying season online, which officially begins Monday (today).
The Monday after Thanksgiving, tagged "Cyber Monday" by the National Retail Federation, marks the first big online shopping surge for many merchants as consumers return to their work computers.
A number of retailers are hosting one-day sales or special offers for the occasion. Internet research firm ComScore Inc. estimated online sales may exceed $700 million online on Monday.
Traditionally, Cyber Monday has been viewed as the Kickoff to the holiday selling season for online merchants of diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Many diamond websites and vendors are offering steep discounts on loose diamonds, diamond jewelry and engagement rings purchased online during the next few days and weeks.
Here are a few "heads-up" links to various online e-tailers offering special Holiday diamond deals.
1. Blue Nile is offering a 20% discount for jewelry purchased today via PayPal.
2. Ice.com offers Free Shipping on all orders.
3. Special deals on Diamond Safe.
4. Free Shipping Diamonds On Web
5. Free Shipping Excel Diamonds
6. Free Shipping and up to 70% on Zales
7. $100 gift certificate for every $300 spent at Kay Jewelers
8. $50 off on many items and free 3 day shipping at Helzberg
9. 20% with Ross-Simmons
10. Up to 10% with Whiteflash
11. Up to 78% with Prime Style
12. Free Shipping (today only) with Tiffany
13. Many discounts on diamond jewelry at Amazon.
Awesome Roadmap For A Groom's Trip Down The Aisle
I just came across a fabulous website for any guy who is soon to be married.
GroomGroove.com offers pertinent and crucial information for all Groom's to be.
From ideas for the marriage proposal, to choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring and wedding hall, you will find everything you need to know here.
What I love about this website, is the way the information is presented and the style in which the articles are written.
The website and articles manage to be fun, witty, and relevant at the same time!
Check it out.
Diamond Selling Season Finds Me Too Busy To Blog?
So what happens when you are too busy to blog?
Well for one thing, I personally become frustrated.
I love blogging and enjoy researching the happenings and goings on in the diamond industry and community.
Unfortunately or fortunately (:-) :-), we have been incredibly swamped these past few days with incoming Holiday orders for loose diamonds and engagement rings specifically.
I simply have not found enough time to blog as I should.
What should I tell you; people are finding love and are committing to a life together during this holiday season. THERE IS LOVE IN THE AIR and engagement rings are flying out the door!!!
YAY!
So in the meantime, here is an awesome read on the results and analysis for sales with respect to the diamond industry and jewelry websites, re: this past 'Cyber Monday.
I promise to make a concerted effort to blog more during this season.
..no, this is not a new year's resolution...just yet. ;-)
I will find time......
Mother of Pearl and Diamond Ring...WOW! {Pics!}
These absolutely gorgeous Mother of Pearl diamond rings from the - Atlantis Ring Collection - were awarded “Finalist” in N Magazine's ENNY’s 2007
I absolutely love this look.
However, not every woman can carry it off.....
Via: A Jaron Fine Jewelry
Pictures Of The Now Famous .84 Carat Flawless Diamond!
The 84.37 carat, D-color, flawless brilliant cut diamond which sold at the recent auction by Sotheby’s has generated tremendous press. The price for this bauble was a whopping $16.2 million dollars. The proud new owner of this rare and precious loose diamond is the founder of the Guess clothing company, George Marciano.
Here are a few pictures of this incredible gem!
Via: Diamond Diva
Sit On a $75,000 'Blinged Out' Toilet! {Pic.}
This incredible toilet comes from the “Isis” collection featuring blinged-out bathroom fixtures designed by Jemal Wright of Hollywood, Florida.
The iced-out toilet is fully encrusted with Swarvoski crystals. The artist also has a matching sink up for sale.
For the small asking price of $75,000...um.....you could...uh...defecate like a king!
