October 29, 2010
There’s Still Hope
Mark your calendar for a very special documentary, titled Mystery of the Hope Diamond. To air November 21 on the Smithsonian Channel, actress Kim Bassinger will narrate this intriguing story.
The Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat dark blue color, is one of the most famous colored diamonds and is considered one of the most valuable jewels in the world. It was found in India in the 17th century and owned by King Louis XIV as part of the French crown jewels until the Revolution. It then mysteriously disappeared.
The diamond eventually resurfaced and passed through many hands, until Cartier offered it to Evalyn Walsh McLean in 1910. At first, McLean wasn’t very interested in the diamond; however, after Cartier reset it and told her about the stone’s legendary curse, she couldn’t refuse it. Harry Winston acquired the diamond after McLean’s death, and donated it to the Smithsonian 50 years ago.
Perhaps because of its notorious “curse”, it remains a star feature at the Smithsonian.
October 25, 2010
Not So Secret
Victoria’s Secret sure knows how to WOW! Designed in collaboration with Italian jeweller Damiani, this outer-underwear contains more than 3,000 jewels and took six craftsmen 1,500 hours of work to complete.
Adriana Lima is the beautiful model and required a security team because of her bra. Not only can we count an incredible 142 carats of white diamonds, this out-in-the-open garment is “set” with topaz and sapphire gemstones too! …Dii
October 19, 2010
Is Bigger Better?
22.25 carat diamond
At 22.25 carats, this diamond ring is the grand prize in a contest, but I can’t help but ask myself if I’d want it! Being a princess cut, there are some features to consider before reaping the benefits. First, at 22+ carats, maybe I’d like to consider more prongs. With only four, a failure from one and my diamond is MIA. I’m not saying that these prongs are not appropriate. I just might want a bit more protection because of my active lifestyle.
Second, is the cut promoting light return – aka sparkle? The princess cut doesn’t lose as much weight from the rough as other styles of cut. This means the cutter could be tempted to sacrifice beauty for more weight retention. I would be willing to “settle” for a 20 carat – if that’s what it took to maximize its beauty.
Third – the princess cut can sometimes have a very thick girdle, which makes the diamond weigh more than it looks. Where did the cutter save weight? The outside dimensions of the diamond should look its size! It takes a professional to advise you on the cut quality of a diamond before you decide what size fits your wallet! Size matters… Dii
October 18, 2010
It’s Not Charlie Brown’s Great Pumpkin
Namakwa Diamonds
Autumn is in the air, but orange diamonds are coming from the earth! A 7.53 carat vivid orange diamond was recently pulled from the ground at a diamond mine in the North West Province of South Africa.
Unfortunately, after cutting and polishing, we’ll be lucky to see a 3 carat faceted diamond. It’s a shame to have to lose so much in the process, but that’s the way it is… Dii
October 14, 2010
Pumpkin Diamond
Pumpkin Diamond 5.54 ct
There aren’t many naturally orange diamonds in the world – and only one that is named the Pumpkin Diamond! It’s 5.54 carats and most famous for being worn by Halle Berry to the 2002 Oscars. Perhaps it was lucky for her – she won an Oscar that night!
Boo – tiful… Dii
October 4, 2010
Aspen and Opals
October babies sure are lucky to have opal for their birthstone – and don’t let anyone tell you they’re unlucky!! That’s just an old wives’ tale. This is the only gemstone that can show you the fall colors of gold, orange, red, blue and green in one gemstone.
How does an opal do it? Diffraction of light. Because of how the opal forms, the light disperses into every color of the rainbow. Not every color in every opal – each is unique. Blue is probably the most common color seen, but, those with red are the rarest and most prized.
Not too many Fall colors here in the desert – but I remember those Aspen covered mountains of Colorado… Dii
October 1, 2010
Ticket to Ride
Interested in seeing jewels from the (once) rich and famous? Pieces from the Duchess of Windsor’s collection are on an international tour, beginning in London. What’s interesting to me is that she was a divorced (twice) American who won the heart of Edward VIII, causing him to give up his title of King of England.
Twenty-three years ago her jewels were auctioned and fetched about $50 million. Now, some of those will travel through Hong Kong, Moscow, New York and Geneva before hitting the auction block again – including this flamingo brooch featuring rubies, sapphires, emeralds, citrines and diamonds, originally purchased for her in 1940.
Get your ticket… Dii
