December 2007 Archives
A Solid Gold Christams Tree For An Honorable Cause
This Christmas Tree was designed and created by Steve Quick Jeweler in time for this holiday season. The tree was created by this special company for a beautiful and honorable cause, to help people who are battling cancer.
It is my pleasure to bring this effort to the attention of our many readers and encourage you to patronize this company.
Here is the initiative in their own words....
"Our tree was created to bring hope and help to people battling cancer. To us, helping others is priceless! Weighing 5 pounds of solid 18 karat gold, decorated with 250 carats of diamonds and topped with a 4.52 carat round brilliant cut diamond set in a platinum star, our tree is valued at over $500,000.00!
Creating the tree was a lengthy process which used innovative techniques just invented. Designing the tree took many months and the wax carving, which created the lifelike detail, added many weeks. The casting process required specialized equipment, which was purchased and specially modified for this project. The tree is made of reclaimed gold so even though it appears very yellow, it is actually quite “green”! After weeks of assembling and decorating, our end result is spectacular.
The official unveiling of the tree will be on December 7th at 6:00 pm and it will be on display in our store through the holiday season. Then, beginning December 17th, the tree will be auctioned on eBay. 100% of the profits will be donated to the American Cancer Society. We have also registered the tree with the Guinness Book of World Records (claim #204422) and are awaiting our final designation and category for a record attempt.
Wishing you the hope and joy of the holiday season,
Steve Quick Jeweler
Outrageous Marriage Video Proposal
Online diamond merchant James Allen just launched a new video contest featuring this outrageous marriage proposal video created by www.Viral-Campaigns.com and which they are hosting on their website.
The video is obviously funny and I got a good laugh from it. I'm sure it was created in the spirit of good cheer and humor. However, I'm not entirely certain of the marketing strategy vis a vis the use of this video as a marketing tool for an online diamond merchant given that they cater equally to many women who might find this video offensive.
I guess if the purpose is to engender some laughs and good cheer then it works.... though you may notice most of the posted responses coming from the male gender.....
It would be interesting to know how women might react to this video?
Will they derive the same laugh and recognize some good natured humor in this video?
Or, will they take offense to the possibly sexist overtones of this video and wonder why it is being hosted by a website looking to appeal equally to the female gender?
From a standpoint of generating immediate and considerable social and viral traffic to the James Allen diamonds website, this video is great. Already, the video has close to 25,000 views and that number is sure to grow quickly as the video gets "seeded' all over the net.
To this end, JamesAllen would not be the first online diamond merchant to create a video of this nature for immediate and considerable viral traffic. Of course, the more provocative and explicit the video is, the more attention it gets.
"There is no such thing as bad publicity" and these videos are designed to bring considerable traffic to the hosting companies website which hopefully translates into increased sales and conversions. There are several online diamond merchants who have already hosted and published videos for this purpose.
The question I have is whether the specific nature of the video is something which will ultimately appeal to and influence the "pocketbooks" of the many consumers (certainly women) who are the ultimate target audience for this video's creation in the first place?
Food for thought and I guess time will tell.
Either way, the video is pretty funny!
What A Beautiful Pear Shape Diamond Looks Like
I just finished photographing this beautiful .91 carat Pear Shape Diamond for one of our customers!
So what's the deal with Loose Pear Shaped Diamonds?
Here is a bit of an overview:
"Teardrop of the Gods”
The pear shape diamond is considered an exquisite diamond for use in quality jewelry and designer engagement rings. The pear shape diamond is exceptionally beautiful and elegant and can be set in a solitaire engagement ring or even a diamond ring with side stones.
The pear shaped diamond is essentially a fusion of the marquise and oval diamonds, combining the “best of both worlds”. You get the beautiful rounded edge on top of the diamond, as well as the distinctive taper on the bottom. A pear shape diamond engagement ring is an assertion of impeccable taste and refinement.
The beauty of the particular diamond above, is that it does not exhibit the sometimes awful effect found in many pear and marquise shaped diamonds, called "the bow-tie effect".
Nicole Kidman Loves Yellow Gold Jewelry
With every photograph that I see of Nicole Kidman wearing yellow gold jewelry at a charity fundraiser, celeb. bash, movie preview, etc. I reinforce my recognition of her particular liking to yellow gold.
Here she is with Keith at a very recent event.
Only In New York City!!
Very Weird.....
Didn't bother to find out what this was all about......
We Wish You All A Happy Chanuka!
To all our friends who are celebrating Hanuka, we wish you a happy and enjoyable Holiday!
A Beautiful Engagement Ring We Just Completed {Pic!}
Here is a photo of a new and unique engagement ring we just completed and which we are now offering for sale on our website.
This beautiful diamond engagement ring puts a new twist on the traditional bezel set diamond engagement rings!
Another Diamond Studded Bra For You {Pics.}
A model wears a bra made of over 2,500 diamonds weighing over 100 carats, which is worth 10 million yuan, at a department store in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province Dec. 8, 2007. (Xinhuanet Photo)
Thanks Tamar
I Want This ESQ Watch (No, I'm Not Picky)!
Of course I am a true watch fanatic. It is true that I love a really good (and expensive) luxury timepiece. However, my appreciation for fine watches does not preclude me from choosing a beautiful watch at a significantly lower price point!
Enter the exquisite watch by ESQ (#07300940239), which I've had my eyes on these past few days.
Here are the specifications:
Quest Collection.
Solid stainless steel polished case.
Attractive brown leather strap.
Rose Gold pattern dial with gold tone hands and markers.
Large date window at 12 o'clock position.
Luminous hands.
30 minute chronograph.
ESQ logo on gear-style crown.
Deployment clasp.
Mineral crystal.
Water resistant.
Precise Swiss Quartz movement.
Case measures 38mm wide by 12mm thick
2 years original manufacturer warranty.
The price for this watch is about $240 (see, who said beautiful watches had to be expensive!)
If any of you wish to buy me a gift, here is the link for you...;-) ;-)
Should You Buy A Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring For Your Princess?
Princess Cut diamonds are very popular today and have a l@@k that differs considerably from that of the traditional round diamond shape.
What to look for?
Helpful discussion and advice going on at Diamond.Info
Princess Cut Diamond For My Princess!
A Beautiful Princess Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring (Pics!)
Since we are already on the topic of beautiful princess cut diamonds and what they look like (see previous posting), why not take a gander at this gorgeous solitaire setting we just completed for a customer!
This princess cut diamond solitaire engagement ring, features a dazzling 1.51 F VS2 (GIA EX/EX) center diamond and a substantial platinum mounting with special "V" tips which are created to protect the corners of this ring setting!
Enjoy!
My Horrible Weekend Experience At Zales 'Maul' Store - Willowbrook Mall
So here I am with my family yesterday (Sunday afternoon) going window shopping at the Willowbrook Mall in Northern New Jersey.
We pass by Zales and of course I cannot resist taking a gander and playing the part of a curious shopper.
First I stood for about 5 minutes at a showcase (literally) without even being noticed! So I decide to use my time constructively by listening in on the sales pitch going on a few feet away from me....interesting to say the least....
Then, I notice in the watch case that Zales is apparently an Authorized retailer for ESQ watches! In fact, my recently coveted ESQ watch is right there on display!
Of course I decided to take a look and to try and get a price.
A heavyset saleswoman comes over to me and says "someone will be with you shortly".
So I stand there for approx. the next 10 minutes (I kid you not) watching two salespeople who clearly were not "busy" but for some reason had no time for me.
After about 10 minutes of standing by the showcase like an absolute moron, I decided to stop wasting my time and walked away!
To think that stores like these still exist (and in some cases thrive) is simply amazing to me.
Gorgeous Pearl Jewelry From Baggins
These 64-inch keshi South Sea strands from Baggins are incredibly beautiful and stylish.
I just saw a beautiful new concept from Baggins in a recent industry magazine.
Baggins has now expanded its diamond Huggie Collection, to include 18kt. white gold and Tahitian pearl drops that can be attached to and removed from the diamond pieces.
It can be worn as a set of beautiful diamond and pearl earrings, or you can use it with the included gold cable strand to function as a beautiful pendant on a chain!
Very novel and very beautiful.
Beautiful Eternity Diamond Engagement Ring! {Pics!}
Here is another beautiful engagement ring just completed for a customer. The center diamond is a 1.00 G SI1 Ideal Cut Diamond. The side accent diamonds total .60 carats and are G/VS!
Swastika Ring Honors War Dead!
In the United States, the war dead are honored with the Medal of Honor.
In Britain war veterans are honored with a red paper poppy.
In Finland, the public is supporting its war heroes with a silver swastika ring.
That's correct. A Swastika Ring. In Finland!
The U.K. Telegraph reports today that whereas in most countries, the swastika is forever linked to the horrors of Hitler's regime, but for centuries in Finland it has been a symbol of good luck - during the Second World War, Finnish military aircraft even sported blue swastikas as they fought the Nazis.
So when the Finnish War Veterans Association sought a new way of raising funds for the nation's 80,000 Second World War veterans, the obvious choice was a replica of its 1940 Air Defense ring, complete with swastika, rosette and stylized wings.
Shoppers can now buy one of the 60,000 silver rings in supermarkets or online for about £40.
"We thought they would make great Christmas presents for men, or for young people if their grandparents fought in the war," said Pia Mikkonen, the head of the Finnish Veterans' Association.
She added that sales had not been as strong as she would have liked.
"At the moment we've sold 16,000, and I would have hoped to sell 20,000," she said.
Finnish actors and sports stars, including Marko Kemppainen, the Olympic shooting silver medalist, have lined up to make television advertisements promoting the replica ring.
The original Air Defense ring, which was made of iron, was given to couples who donated their own gold wedding bands to the military to help finance the war effort.
Nevertheless, the Finnish troops heroically held off enemy attacks for four months in appalling winter conditions.
When Hitler turned on the Soviet Union in 1941, Finland allied itself with the Nazis, and with the help of thousands of German troops, managed to eject the occupiers.
As the fortunes of war swung again in 1944, and faced with another Soviet invasion, Finnish troops turned on the Nazis, forcing them out of the country.
Despite the Nazis' adoption of the swastika - which is also a Hindu symbol of peace - Ms Mikkonen insisted that it remained untarnished by history.
"There hasn't been confusion here in Finland," she said. "For us Finns, it's not a negative symbol."
As a press release from the Veterans Association said: "The emblems used in the air defense rings bear no relation to swastikas used in other countries."
Back in 1940, Finland stood alone and heavily outnumbered against an onslaught from Soviet forces.
Nevertheless, the Finnish troops heroically held off enemy attacks for four months in appalling winter conditions.
When Hitler turned on the Soviet Union in 1941, Finland allied itself with the Nazis, and with the help of thousands of German troops, managed to eject the occupiers.
As the fortunes of war swung again in 1944, and faced with another Soviet invasion, Finnish troops turned on the Nazis, forcing them out of the country.
Amazing! This would make a great Jeopardy question!
Beautiful Tiffany Legacy Replica Diamond Engagement Ring {Pics!}
We just completed this Tiffany Legacy Replica Engagement Ring for a customer of ours.
The ring is set with a beautiful cushion cut center diamond and is being shipped out today.
Gorgeous Jewelry By A New Kid On The Block!
Arezzo manufactures some breathtaking diamond and precious gemstone stackable rings and jewelry.
I have seen some of these pieces myself.
Currently, they are working on building out there website at www.arezzo.com.
Look out for these guys, I'm predicting some beautiful stuff!
I'm Thinking About A New Handle For The Door Of Our Diamond Showroom
Looks inviting, no?
Think it might encourage sales?
:-) ;-)
Are These Diamond Earphones For You??
Jeweller Thomas Heyerdahl in Oslo / Norway is launching ”iDiamond ear” for commercial sale.
Earlier this year, Heyerdahl created the world’s most expensive iPod, named ”iDiamond”. This was crafted as one unique and single piece of jewellery, not for commercial sale, and will be auctioned away for charitable cause in London 13th of March 2008.
Apple earbud headphones are covered in 18k gold and feature 204 brilliant cut diamonds. There will be only 1,000 pairs created, which will be numbered and sold exclusively in the Heyerdahl store starting this upcoming February. $6,400
Via: Luxist
How Was Your Holiday Selling & Shopping Season??
Friends,
I hope you are all well and that you enjoyed the Holiday!
We are back in full swing and busy with filling and shipping orders.
So how was your holiday season?
One Website A Million Jewelry Designers!?!?
www.YLANG23.com offers a wide array of jewelry from many different designers...most of them names nobody in the industry has ever heard of...
Nevertheless, the selection of diamond jewelry designs is quite alluring!
This gold and diamond bracelet from one "Cathy Waterman" is actually quite interesting and unique. Of course, for the outrageously overpriced price of $25,600.00 it might prove to be a bit prohibitive for many.
Here are the specs:
Cathy's 22kt gold bees chasing wildflowers hinged bangle bracelet is a knockout addition to your holiday jewelry wardrobe, with its "floating" bees alternating with platinum and diamond flowers. Fits a normal to smaller wrist and is actually an oval shape so that it resists turning. Besides the push clasp, there is a safety bar hidden on the bottom.
$25,600.00 .....WOW!
How Glen Rothman From Hearts On Fire Diamonds Got Smart
Many of you will recognize the name Glen Rothman as the guy who almost single handedly built his ideal diamond brand called Hearts On Fire Diamonds into a company of international repute.
Glen and his team have developed and refined a tremendous brand identity which allows them to sell their beautiful diamonds at (astronomical) prices far more expensive than equally precise and beautiful diamonds without the label.
So how exactly was Glen able to create and cultivate a market of eager consumers who would spend 30k on a Hearts on Fire Ideal Cut Diamond, when they could spend 10k on an equally beautiful and precisely cut ideal cut diamond of similar specifications, without the label??
In a recent article in one of the diamond industry's insider magazines, I was able to get a bit of insight.
A retail jeweler who carries the Hearts On Fire Diamond Brand was interviewed for the article and talked about receiving a book from Glen Rothman one year as a token of appreciation for completing a significant number of sales.
The personalized message from Glen Rothman on the inside jacket cover indicated that this book was a source of inspiration which helped guide and mold his vision for the Hearts on Fire Diamond brand.
The name of this book?
The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell.
Moral of this blog entry?
Read this book (and maybe work a bit harder while you're at it ;-) and you too can become a successful entrepreneur!
My New Stuhrling Watch! | The Adams Regulator Watch by Stuhrling Watches {Pics!}
Guys,
All of you know what a crazy watch nut I am! I've got a watch addiction that is only rivaled by my love for diamonds and jewelry! Of course I already own some expensive and prestigious timepieces; like a gold Rolex, a gold Piaget Protocole, Ebel Wave in gold, Cartier Tank and more...)
Recently, I went on the hunt for a beautiful, yet inexpensive timepiece that would feature some jaw dropping complications without breaking the bank.
My objective was to wear a watch that would present itself really well and that would rival the aesthetic look and appeal of a more expensive timepiece by many thousands of dollars.
I meet with couples every day in our N.Y.C. showroom and it is important for me to wear a timepiece that speaks to impeccable taste and refinement (I hope ;-).
Recently, I had my eyes on this ESQ watch
That was until I found a treasure trove of watches at www.Stuhrling.com!
Stuhrling watches feature some breathtaking and inexpensive timepieces with complications that would rival (in appearance, although obviously not in quality, accuracy and pedigree) the most expensive watches from the likes of Patek, GP, Vacheron, DeWhitt, Breguet, Harry Winston, Blancpain, Nardin, LeCoultre, Daniel Roth etc.!
I settled on this beautiful Stuhrling 'Adams' Regulator watch in stainless steel with 22kt. Gold overlay. These Stuhrling watches sure are beautiful! Upon my inspection, I do believe these are well made watches for the price (I paid under $200).
Some photos including a wrist shot of this watch.....on yours truly!
The first thing that grabs your attention with the Adamas is its exquisite allure. A closer look uncovers exactly why this timepiece is so striking. The open-heart complication which reveals the balance wheel beating back and forth is truly mesmerizing. And with the extraordinary guilloche soleil texturing on the dial shimmering like the new day’s sun, you have a look of a timepiece that is truly unconquerable!
I look forward to owning more of these exquisite timepieces by the Stuhrling Watch company!
Happy New Years!!!
To all our friends and readers, we wish you a very Happy New Year full of health and Happiness for you and yours!
Kindest,
The DiamondVues Team.
