August 30, 2010
Something Borrowed
Lea Michele at 2010 Emmy Awards
If you become a “star” and attend an event, one thing to worry about is whose jewelry you’ll get to wear. Oh, maybe two things – the jewelry AND the dress! If I have an event to attend, I have to worry about how to pay for the dress…
Last night’s Emmy awards brought out some fabulous jewelry – and dresses. (sorry guys)
Lea Michele’s jewelry is by Lorraine Schwartz. She’s wearing a platinum and multi-colored diamond mesh necklace, two platinum and champagne diamond bracelets and 10-carat platinum and champagne diamond stud earrings. WOW!
A bit over the top for most of us – but something borrowed can sure shake the blues! …Dii
August 27, 2010
Fancy That!
Fancy Color Diamonds
The other day I posted about the shapes of diamonds – other than round, they are collectively called fancy shapes. There’s more…
Most diamonds sold today appear colorless or near colorless, but a few special ones have a distinct amount of color – and perhaps appeal to a special few. With celebrity diamonds in blue and pink, fancy color diamonds are in the spotlight. But, it can be a very expensive spotlight – natural, fancy colors are not within most budgets.
There are treatments available that permanently alter the color of a diamond – but check with a credentialed gemologist in case the color you yearn for needs special attention and care. …Dii
August 26, 2010
Greasy Buildup
You may have this on your hair and on your dishes, but have you checked your diamond lately? Washing your hands, cleaning the house, or working in the yard – these are all activities that can contribute to dulling your diamond.
Diamonds may have a great potential for sparkle and fire, but you just put the fire out with that lotion! You may think soap gets your hands clean, but did you realize it builds up on the bottom of your diamond and prevents the brilliance from coming through?
Jewelry cleaner – and a soft toothbrush – can solve your greasy buildup problem. Then keep it handy – soak your diamond overnight and wake up to a brighter diamond in the morning! …Dii
August 25, 2010
Shape Matters
What are the various shapes of diamonds? There’s the traditional round – then the marquise, oval, pear, emerald, heart, triangle, radiant, and princess. You can even find stars, horse heads, and boots!
Variations of the traditional have included round diamonds with more facets and branded cuts with patented patterns for the placement of the facets. Which is the brightest with the most sparkle? That’s up for debate among diamond dealers, but generally, the symmetrical round brilliant with 58 facets has the most potential for light return. Adding facets doesn’t guarantee a brighter diamond – but the shape matters. …Dii
August 24, 2010
Diamond Values
What establishes a value for a diamond? Is it the size, the clarity, the color?? What about Cut? Cut is one of the four Cs that many diamond sellers forget to emphasize.
When using the word cut, two different ideas may pop into your head. One is the shape of the diamond; one is the quality of the cutting process. Both can affect the value – or the price of the diamond.
Ever heard of supply and demand? This is relevant to diamonds too. The rough is found in many shapes, qualities, and sizes – and not always in the sizes and qualities that produce the most popular sizes and shapes.
The majority of the public may prefer a round – but the princess cut is also very popular. At times in history, the marquise has been very popular – not so today. Different shapes “cost more” to cut – they lose more weight from the rough. Some shapes become popular – more demand – then the price goes up.
As for the quality of the cut, this would apply to all shapes. Just as a tailor may make a beautiful suit out of silk, so can another botch it! Look for the quality of the cut – no matter what shape you love. Look for a quality jeweler too – what education and ethics do they have? They must have both to provide good value. …Dii
August 23, 2010
What’s on the Diamond?
Ever think of those tiny facets and how they got there? A diamond is such a small “thing” – even if it’s 10 carats!! How does the cutter manage to polish 33 facets on the top and 25 on the bottom?
Some diamonds are cut with the use of a computer program – the machines are programmed and wha lah – the diamond’s done! But the majority are the result of a cutter’s patience, skill, and time. Count ‘em! …Dii
August 20, 2010
What Makes Beauty?
Diamond Polishing Wheel
Usually, bigger diamonds are thought to be more expensive. And, when a jeweler sells a diamond, they might imply that a colorless diamond or a flawless diamond is more beautiful. But, the truth is, color, clarity, and carat weight are rarity factors. Cut is a beauty factor and the only one that is under the control of a cutter! You, the customer, determine what’s beautiful to you.
The cutter’s job is the most important because he or she must not only cut the biggest diamond possible, but also consider its beauty too. When weight retention becomes the first priority, beauty may suffer. The cutter, who has the skill to produce a beautiful diamond AND retain weight, is the true gem. Have a gem of a weekend! …Dii
August 19, 2010
What’s on Your iPhone?
There are many different “apps” for your iphone and ipad. Some of these show jewelry – even an app to design your own engagement ring!
Sounds like fun – just be aware that diamonds are unique and each has its own personality. Visit an American Gem Society jeweler who can introduce you to many diamonds so that you can choose the one that’s just right for you! …Dii
August 18, 2010
Sing the Blues
Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond
If you get the chance, visit the Smithsonian and view a rare blue diamond. The 31.06 carat Wittelsbach-Graff diamond is on display – for an extended time. You have until September 1. Of course, there are many other beauties to see too. The Hope Diamond – probably the most famous of all! Read more at: http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/nj/diamonds/supply/article_detail?id=20258
August 17, 2010
The Mystery of Stolen Time
This is a heist worth reading about:
http://blog.israelidiamond.co.il/post/The-Mystery-of-the-Stolen-Time-e28093-Solved-at-Last.aspx
