With the ringing in of the new year, this is a fitting picture of a new beginning.

Late last year, the Jewelry Information Center,  www.jic.org, the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America,  www.jewelers.org, announced the grand prize winner in its nationwide Sparkling Snapshots Contest.  People were asked to share their connection between jewelry and a picture of a special moment. The winning snapshot, “The Sparkle of My Life,” was submitted by Kelly Roose of Madison, WI, and described the connection that jewelry had to her most sparkling moment – the birth of her first child.

“They aren’t just rings,” the caption to her photo read. “They represent the day we started the best thing life has to offer: our family.”

Here’s a toast to new blog beginnings too. Just like babies, we’ll be growing in the coming year.  Thanks for your support these past three years. I’d love to hear what you’d be interested in learning.  Send me a comment…  Dii

The shopping is delightful

When you’ve really no place to go

Shop some more, don’t say no, spend some dough!

Oh the mall can be so inviting

The diamonds so exciting

If you really do love her so

Buy the ring, don’t say no, spend some dough!

 Happy Holidays!!  Dii

The latest marketing description for a brown diamond is chocolate. I can understand why – most people love chocolate, so why not satisfy your craving with a diamond?

In the 70s, brown diamonds were being marketed as champagne diamonds – and cognac and cinnamon or sherry. Maybe alcohol was more popular then…

Which would you rather have? Please vote your choice of chocolate or champagne.   Let me know…  Dii

You think nothing of trading in a car for a newer model; but is trading in your diamond for a bigger one okay with you? How sentimentally attached are you to your engagement diamond? It might depend on how attached you are to your husband, but for those who are happily married, what do you think of trading in your diamond?

 Tell me, would you do it?  Guys, what do you think?   …Dii

So, wouldn’t it be nice to have a “Blue Book” for diamonds to tell you what you might get for it? All you have to do is know the cut quality, color, clarity, and carat weight (4Cs). Using a grid, locate your diamond and find the number – which is how many dollars a jeweler might give you. Unfortunately, that book doesn’t exist. You need help!

Just like a car that you decide to advertise and sell, you can always sell your diamond to a friend who wants to wear it! You might get a bit more for it, but, they want to know the 4Cs of the diamond too.  So either way, be sure you get an appraisal – by a certified appraiser – and know what you’re selling. You can always take the best offer!!    …Dii

Victoria’s Secret fashion show is airing this week – which should feature the Fantasy Treasure – a turquoise bra with nearly 3400 precious gems, including 142 carats of white and yellow diamonds, pearls, citrines and aquamarines, all set in 18-carat white and yellow gold. The centrepiece includes two white diamonds, each more than 8 carats, and two 14-carat yellow diamonds. Value: $2.5 million!

Even though not too many of us could afford this – or have a place to wear it – the use of gemstones in an undergarment is really such a waste! Beyond the runway or the pages of a glamour magazine, what happens to such a “treasure”? What becomes of those “white” diamonds? 

And, technically speaking, those diamonds aren’t white – but they might be colorless. When I hear white to describe diamonds, I think of milky and opaque – and those aren’t opaque! For those who know diamonds, we know.              …Dii

The 110 carat “Sun Drop Diamond” was sold to an anonymous private buyer at an auction held in Geneva last Tuesday.  It seems as though not everyone is cutting their budget!

The world’s largest pear-shaped, fancy vivid yellow diamond sold for more than $12.3 million! And although you and I might love the color, the shape, and the fact that it’s a diamond, it’s a bit big for everyday wear!

Diamonds this size and color are not found every day. And, although rumors are that diamonds are not rare, it’s more accurate to say that beautiful diamonds are rare.  This diamond was found in South Africa; however, diamonds are also found in Australia, Canada, Russia, Botswana, and even Arkansas! They vary in color, quality, and size, but when cut with beauty in mind – like this one – even the small ones are noticed from across the room.  Give thanks to Mother Nature.   …Dii

With all the news about this 75-day marriage, I can’t help but wonder about the diamond ring! When they became engaged, I remember thinking that Kim was more enamored with the diamond and the wedding plans that she was with the love of her husband-to-be.

Now that the honeymoon is over, we’re hearing that she had a pre-nup which allows her to buy the ring! Sorry, but if you just cancelled the love of your life, you need a “new” diamond. Engagement diamonds are supposed to mean more than a future wedding extravaganza – they are your future life together. Without love, what’s it all about?   …Dii

Diamonds are known as the hardest substance on earth, so how does it boost collagen and smooth wrinkles? That’s what the advertising says about Diamagen…

Millions of women would love to eliminate those wrinkles, even though they define our wisdom through experience. Do most of us really want the airbrushed look? And, if so, can crushed and creamed diamonds do it?

This new cream is supposed to help smooth wrinkles and reduce sagging, giving the skin an instant radiance and glow.  The radiance and glow would be great! But, at a little over $40 for about 1.5 ounces, those wrinkles had better diminish!  Then, perhaps it could also be used on your hands – after all, that’s where the diamonds belong!!  …Dii

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2050186/New-anti-ageing-face-cream-diamonds-sells-just-day.html#ixzz1b500ZNig

Diamonds are forever – and forever in your tooth once you drill and set! Reportedly, Lady Gaga is going to set at least one marquise diamond in one of her teeth.  I can only imagine… 

What color will she choose? Will she match the color of her smile to the color of the diamond? Or choose a fancy color that matches that hair?  Oh wait, she changes the color of her hair from time to time…

What clarity will she choose? Don‘t want a “flawed” diamond to mess with that smile!

Depending on the size of the tooth, she might not have to get a very large diamond…

It all comes down to cut. Even marquise diamonds must be cut to return light and sparkle. Hope her jeweler knows…                      

…Dii