August 31, 2009
Reconciliation
Famous Diamonds
It’s the first day of a new week and the last day of an old month. It’s also the Monday after the Emmys – television’s big night of awards – and another chance for celebs to show how they can dress up the runway with fashion and bling.
Ears, wrists, and necks seem to always outshine the fingers, although when fingers were adorned, they shouted loud and large! It must be lots of fun to get to wear that jewelry – without paying for it. Of course, at “midnight” you have to return it – the jeweler only wants the advertising; not the write-off. And, then, there are some that are known for their diamonds!!
At another event, Lindsey Lohan didn’t return the loaned jewelry and there’s still comment on the internet about why… Reported to be over $2 million worth of bling, it’s a tough reconciliation for the end of any month… Dii
August 28, 2009
Roughin’ It
Diamond Rough
Today’s diamonds aren’t all cut and polished. We’ve been seeing more designs incorporating the “diamond-in-the-rough” idea. There’s not as much sparkle, but does it have any pizzazz?
When a person is described as a “diamond-in-the-rough”, we usually are referring to someone who has great potential. Does a rough diamond have the potential to be beautiful only if it’s polished? Or, can it just “rough it”?
Most rough diamonds just aren’t that pretty. There are all kinds of interesting shapes, but where’s the life? Where’s the brightness? Where are the colors of the rainbow? I need some action!
Of course, there are those that prefer the subtle; the understated – and the unique. For those of you like that, you might want to explore the rough world. But you still need to be careful when it comes to quality. Perhaps the cutter didn’t cut it because it was so awful to begin with! Perhaps the cutter didn’t cut it because it’s so full of cracks that it might disintegrate on the polishing wheel!
There are some totally awesome rough diamonds. Find a jeweler and ask to see a “glassie”. This is a particularly fine shape of rough – an octahedron – and it’s clear as a window pane. This is roughin’ it! Have a great weekend… Dii
August 27, 2009
I’m Diggin’ It
Courtesy Crater of Diamonds State Park
You may have read about the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. This is where anyone can dig for diamonds. But, there are other minerals to find as well. According to their website, there are about 40 types of rocks and minerals including amethyst, banded agate, jasper, peridot, garnet, quartz, calcite, and hematite. And, it’s finders-keepers! They even identify your discovery! Check it out! …Dii
August 26, 2009
Rough to Riches
If you find a rough gemstone or find yourself in possession of one, you may want to have it cut and polished into a finished gem that can be set in a piece of jewelry. Again, most jewelry stores don’t offer that service – but they may be able to help you locate a talented cutter and handle the transport of the stone for you. (Since the cutter probably won’t be in your home town!)
The first thing the cutter will do is advise you on what shape he or she thinks would be best for the stone and tell you approximately how much it will weigh. You’ll also get an estimate of the charges. Depending on the style of the cut (faceted or cabochon) and the material, these charges are truly unique to each stone.
Remember, this is the work of Mother Nature, so no cutter really knows what to expect when the stone hits the polishing wheel. So, don’t expect guarantees against the stone breaking. Sound scary? Could be, but this is why you want a recommendation before deciding who will cut your stone. Experience and ethics are both necessary to take your stone from rough to riches! …Dii
August 25, 2009
Things Are Rough
I’ve been receiving several inquiries about identifying a rough gem. Some are even digging up these specimens from their back yard and want to know where to go for help.
Jewelers are not usually experts in the rough material. Depending on the size and the finish on the surface, even a gemologist may not be able to make an identification. So where do you go? Who do you talk to?
I always recommend a local mineral society. Many times these “rock hounds” are more experienced in handling rough things! If you don’t have a local mineral society, try the geology department of a local college or even a museum that houses mineral specimens. Then what do you do? More tomorrow…Dii
August 24, 2009
Back to School
Seems like every city and state has a different go-back-to-school date. Some kids are already in the groove and here in Vegas it’s their first day back. For parents, this day is welcome; for many of the children, it’s not so welcome. They don’t know what to expect, they’re anxious about making new friends and meeting the new teachers. Those teachers have the challenge of winning over the attention and respect of their students as well as to teach them something to remember!
The first day of school reminds me of going into a jewelry store for the first time. You don’t know what to expect and you’re hoping the sales associate is helpful without being too pushy. As you open the door, look for these friendly signs:
Welcome hello from the staff – genuine interest in you and your mission – helpful advice. Now you can begin to relax and enjoy being in the store. You find the right gift — for yourself or someone you love. You look forward to coming back! There’s something that caught your eye and you might just have to splurge…
You might even learn something — and that can be fun too! Isn’t that what you tell your children on the first day of school? …Dii
August 21, 2009
High Hopes
Hope Diamond
If you’ve been to the Smithsonian or read about their gemstone collection, you may be familiar with the Hope Diamond. Packed with lore and a bad luck reputation, the Hope Diamond is different from other diamonds because it’s not only big (45.52 carats), it’s also BLUE!
It’s been set in a necklace since being owned and/or worn by two of its previous owners – Harry Winston and Evelyn Walsh McLean. Now the Smithsonian is ready to celebrate its donation date 50 years ago with updating the setting. Ummmmmmmmmm! Go to this link, www.SmithsonianChannel.com/Site/Smithsonian/Hope.html see the 3 designs and place your vote. You have until September 7.
The Smithsonian reports that the Hope will return to its “original” setting in late 2010. My hope is that it’s permanently put on display without any setting. Let me see it from every angle and in different lighting conditions. By the way, it turns red when excited by short wave ultraviolet light… Dii
To learn more about this diamond, visit www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_Si/nmnh/hope.htm
August 20, 2009
It’s a Good Thing
I’ve just returned from a conference about appraisers, appraisals, and appraising gems and jewelry. This group, the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, have members who are also members of the American Gem Society, of which I am the Director of Education. So there were some familiar faces in the crowd.
During the presentations as well as the networking breaks, I thought about how important it is for the consumer to rely on the expert opinion of these appraisers. And yet, I wondered how well known they are in their communities – on a professional level.
So many people think an appraisal is a simple document – much like a sales receipt – that states the item you just bought is worth more than what you paid. Oh, and you don’t want to pay much for it. This can make you feel good, but it really doesn’t help you replace the item if it is lost or stolen. A professional appraisal tells the whole story with a justifiable value.
These appraisers continually talk about servicing their clients and performing their jobs in a way that is not only legal, but ethical. So the next time you look for a jewelry appraiser, ask them if they are members in an ethical and responsible association that promotes continuing education and credentials. Appraisers are not licensed. They have no educational requirements. They are professional because they want to be. It’s a good thing… Dii
August 19, 2009
For Better or Worse – Show Me the Money!
So you only want the cash – how can you know you’re getting the best deal and the most for your bling? Get at least three offers – with our without getting an appraisal of your diamond first. This will give you an idea of the range of value, and then you can pick the best offer.
Keep in mind – diamonds are “down” right now – just like our economy. If you can wait, you might get a better offer next year. ..Dii
August 18, 2009
Trading Options with Bling
Jewelry styles are very different from 20 years ago. Then, fine jewelry was all about classic designs that could be worn with different outfits over a period of years. Today, it’s more about fashion and dressing the dress with bling. Sure, there are still the classics – the diamond stud earrings and the birthstone ring. But, there are new looks to the “old” charm bracelet and the diamond pendant isn’t just one diamond anymore.
When you window shop all the various jewelers, you see a lot of boring jewelry. Don’t waste your time. Go for a style that speaks to you. Then, take a look at your jewelry box and see what’s in it for you – to trade, that is. It won’t bring the same dollars that you paid, but many jewelers – especially the family owned type – are willing to take the jewelry in on trade towards a new piece. Value for dollar, this is your best option… Dii
