The Online Jeweler, International Edition

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

2010-10-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

The Online Jeweller Magazine has moved!

http://www.theonlinejeweler.org/

New Trends in Jewelry Emerge as Vicenza Shows Opens

2010-01-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

The VicenzaOro First jewelry show opened this weekend with the sense that global market for luxury goods and jewelry was awakening once more. After a quiet first day on Saturday, crowds began to flow in on Sunday, expressing interest in the offerings.

The styles, as always at the January addition of this show, are forward-looking, setting the tone for the rest of the year.

A number of style elements could immediately be discerned. Large, hollow, electro-form components are widespread as pendants, charms, whole bracelets or links in necklaces. This is a reaction to the high cost of gold and an attempt to prevent price points from jumping. Yet, there are bigger and bolder components than previously seen.

Etched and worked surfaces are another trend. These take the form of textured surfaces that go beyond the brushed surfaces to include deep grooves in either a symmetrical or more random fashion, such as scratched enamel surfaces and layered outlines of flowers and butterflies.

Elastic link bracelets, rings and necklaces that stretch were created by many designers.

Oversized earrings - long, wide, flat and worked or three-dimensional - is another distinct trend, as is the use of rose gold. Some structural items, another way to create large three-dimensional items, as well as the use of fabric were seen in several booths.

In what is clearly a reaction to the economic situation, two additional style elements have emerged, worked surfaces that create the illusion of being set with diamonds and a certain return to classical designs that would keep the items fashionable for several years.

Dubai Authorities Detain 3 Over Jewelry Heist

2010-01-18T18:39:00.000-08:00

Dubai Authorities arrested three suspects at the emirate's airport after they attempted to smuggle 1 million dirhams worth of stolen jewelry out of the country.

According to a Gulf News report, which quoted a senior Sharjah Police official, the suspects, who are Azerbaijani, allegedly swindled a salesman in one of Dubai's jewelry shops. Thejewelry and diamonds were found hidden in their baggage.

The complaint filed with the Sharjah Police stated that the three suspects asked the salesman – who was visiting the city – to bring several pieces of jewelry to their hotels, for a private viewing and sale; but after he arrived, they took the jewelry and disappeared.

GIA ‘Show Service Lab’ Offers Colored Stone Services in Tucson

2010-01-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 14, 2010 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is offering gem identification and country-of-origin reports for colored stones at its “GIA Show Service Laboratory” at the February American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Show in Tucson.

The Show Service Laboratory is a convenient and mobile version of a GIA Laboratory that can provide trade show participants with the colored stone services they need to conduct business quickly, accurately and conveniently during the gem and jewelry shows. Some of GIA’s most senior colored gem experts will be on hand to provide these reports.

GIA Identification Reports give a detailed assessment of any type of gem material, and include identifying characteristics such as color, transparency, shape, cut, dimensions and weight. It even includes a color photo of the gem. The report also states whether the material is natural or synthetic, and if a treatment to enhance its appearance has been detected.

A GIA Origin Report is available for ruby, sapphire and emerald, and includes all the details of a GIA Identification Report, plus an opinion on country-of-origin. All reports will be printed on-site.

Global Market Report: North America

2010-01-18T18:22:00.000-08:00

There is some positive momentum in the market post-Christmas and current market activity is stronger than it was in January of last year. There are sporadic reports of strong activity in the market, but these reports are not consistent.

The retail market has returned to focusing on bridal goods, after fashion jewelry took center stage during the holiday season.

Wholesalers are reporting strong demand for round 3.00-ct.+ stones, as well as for 3.00-ct.+ radiant, cushion and princess cuts. The demand for fancy yellow, 2.00- to 3.00-ct. stones is improving. The market for melees is strong with significant increases in demand from overseas buyers, while supply remains weak in most categories.

As reported by Rapaport Diamonds.net 01/15/2010

Zale dismisses CEO and 2 Top Executives

2010-01-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

Zale Corporation announced that its chief executive officer (CEO), Neal Goldberg, along with two other top executives, have left the company, effective immediately.

The move is no surprise; the jewelry retailer continued to underperform through Christmas. Zale’s sales fell 15.1 percent for the season, with its same-store sales down 18.6 percent in November and declining 9.2 percent in December. In contrast, sales at competitor Signet grew 7.3 percent, while at Tiffany & Co., a higher-end jeweler, sales rose 17 percent.

As a result, Zale appears on course to record its eighth loss in nine quarters. Company chairman John Lowe explained that “the board is determined to do all in its power to put in place effective leadership to help return the company to profitability.” It certainly has been trying hard to attain this goal over the last decade; Goldberg was the sixth CEO the company employed during that time.

As Zale seeks to implement an effective structural and business model, it seems that the company needs more than new management. Either way, the new CEO will clearly have a lot on his plate as the company seeks to revive its past glory and reverse the downward spiral.

NY GIA Lab to Relocate to International Gem Tower

2010-01-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced today plans to relocate its New York Laboratory to Extell's International Gem Tower (IGT).

GIA has signed a contract to purchase an entire floor in the tower under construction on 47th Street. The nearly 30,000 square foot space will enable GIA to organize its staff and equipment in a more efficient way and continue to develop new services and enhanced business processes to benefit its clients and the gem and jewelry industry.

"We are very excited about our move to the International Gem Tower," said Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA. "We look forward to relocating our New York Laboratory operations into a single floor of the IGT. This purchase will increase our efficiency and help GIA manage its long term costs. The move will reinforce our commitment to the New York and U.S. marketplace."

Chinese Officials Detain 21 Indian Diamond Merchants

2010-01-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

Diamond merchants in India’s Gujarat state say the detention of 21 diamond merchants in China will hurt their industry.

China has allegedly charged the merchants with diamond smuggling in Shenzhen City on January 8th. Diamond traders in India say the detained traders are innocent.

[Praveen Nanawati, Diamond Trader]:
“I believe that our industrialists can do no wrong. Today, as we can see, India is fast emerging as a global power and relations between China and India are getting stronger. They [Chinese officials] have detained some Indian diamond traders, but I think it has no basis.”

[S.K. Seth, President, Gujarat Diamond Association]:

"Whatever is happening is not good for the diamond industry. Trade between China and India is quite good, and if something of this sort happens, then the Indian diamond traders in China will come back and this is not good for the diamond industry."

According to Indian media reports, the detention of the Indians in China comes at a time when some Chinese nationals working in India have been encountering visa problems.

Swarovski eyes More U.K. Openings in Year Ahead

2010-01-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

Swarovski is to continue its expansion after reporting like-for-likes up 9% for the 2009 calendar year.

The crystal and jewellery retailer opened 15 UK stores last year and said it was already negotiating on five sites for the start of this year. It has 54 outlets, including 31 concessions.

Swarovski general manager for consumer goods business in the UK Hayley Quinn claimed the retailer was performing ahead of expectations. She added: "The shopper has become more price aware, but they still want luxury."

This year the retailer will begin transforming its portfolio to its global "white" store concept premiered at its Regent Street shop.

Tucson welcomes 2010 Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase

2010-01-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

TUCSON- Buyers, sellers, collectors, and admirers of nature's treasures in almost every form imaginable gather in Tucson for the 56th annual Tucson Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Showcase January 30-February 14, 2010.

This year there are 44 individual shows at 42 different venues throughout the Metropolitan Tucson area. Thousands of individual vendors from all over the world are participating.

The two cornerstone shows are the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Gem FairTM, which is wholesale-only, and runs February 2-7, and the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, which is open to the public and runs February 11-14. Both shows are at the Tucson Convention Center (TCC).

The AGTA GemFairTM Tucson is the world's premier tradeshow for colored gemstones. Featuring the greatest array of colored gemstone and cultured pearl dealers from the US and Canada.

According to organizers, "AGTA GemFair is where colored gemstone trends are born, where new discoveries are shared, and where the jewelry industry meets..." This year's theme of the Tucson Gem & Mineral ShowTM, The Main Show, at the TCC is "Gem and Gem Minerals". The show is run by the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society (TGMS), and started 56 years ago in the parking lot of an elementary school.

Brazen Heist leaves Tokyo Jewelry Store with $3.2 million in Watches missing

2010-01-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

TOKYO — A robber bored a hole through the wall of jewelry shop and walked off with about 200 luxury watches worth 300 million yen ($3.2 million) in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district, police said Saturday.

Investigators discovered a 16 to 20 inch (40 to 50 centimeter) hole in one of the store's walls, said Shinya Watanabe, a spokesman for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police.

Last February, 50 million yen ($540,000) in jewelry was stolen from another Ginza store through a hole in a concrete wall. Police said it was not clear whether the two thefts were linked, or if the thief entered the store to remove the watches.

A security guard monitoring the store Friday afternoon did not notice anything unusual, Watanabe said. Police had no witnesses but were interviewing employees at neighboring stores for possible leads.

The store, Tenshodo, is located in the heart of Ginza, the busiest high-end shopping district in Tokyo. It was founded in 1879 and sells jewelry and luxury watches such as Rolex, Chopard and Piaget.

Saturday was the start of the New Year sale season, when bargain hunters flock to department stores and shops offering big discounts. A block from Tenshodo, customers lined up at Mitsukoshi department store waiting for its 10 a.m. opening.

Tiffany's Christmas Sales +17%

2010-01-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

Tiffany & Co. reported that its Christmas season sales rose 17 percent to $799.1 million in the two months that ended on December 31, 2009. On a constant exchange rate basis, which excludes the effects of translating foreign currency into dollars, Tiffany's worldwide net sales and comparable-store sales increased by 13 percent and 8 percent, respectively.

The retailer's sales were up by 15 percent across the Americas to $443.9 million, while its U.S. comparable-store sales increased by 2 percent. Sales rose by 20 percent at Tiffany's New York flagship store. The New York and U.S. branch stores benefited from an uptick in transactions, which was generated by increased sales to both local customers and foreign visitors. Tiffany's combined Internet and catalog sales in the U.S. increased by 17 percent. The company's stores in Canada and Latin America also contributed to the overall sales boost.

Michael J. Kowalski, Tiffany's chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), said, "We are extremely pleased by these holiday sales results.Kowalski noted that Tiffany was now on track to achieve net sales of approximately $2.7 billion for the full fiscal year and net earnings of $2.07 to $2.12 per diluted share from its continuing operations, which was higher than previously estimated.

U.S. Retailers did Somewhat Better this Holiday Season

2010-01-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

U.S. sales figures released Wednesday by two firms that track retail spending indicated a better Christmas than in 2008, when a sharp consumer pullback led to the worst holiday season in decades.

Although retailers fared better, analysts said the results still fell short of the highs seen before the recession and noted that it was easy to beat 2008's dismal performance.

"Sales were not necessarily robust, but the retail environment was a lot healthier than it was a year ago," said Michael McNamara, vice president for research and analysis at SpendingPulse, an information service of MasterCard Advisors. "Where we are now is in serious but stable condition, whereas a year ago it was in critical condition."

Jewelry sales increased 6.9% over December 2008, although the sector continued to be a mixed bag, with high- and lower-end jewelry sellers faring better than mid-tier, mall-based stores, McNamara said. Excluding jewelry, the luxury sector posted a 5.5% increase.

In a separate report released Wednesday, research firm ComScore said U.S. online retail spending during the November-December period totaled $29.1 billion, a 4% increase over the same period a year earlier. Online sales account for less than 10% of overall retail spending.

Key shopping periods -- including Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the weekend before Christmas -- all outperformed their year-earlier counterparts. Tuesday, Dec. 15, ranked as the heaviest online spending day of the year, and of all time, with sales totaling $913 million, ComScore said.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T16:46:00.000-08:00

We would like to take this oppurtunity to wish all our readers all the best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2010!

Our first year was really one of finding our bearings and spreading our wings. We are now viewed in over 100 countries around the globe, and have gathered a very loyal following on both Facebook as well as on Twitter.

With over 4,100 fans on our Facebook Fan Page we are grateful for all the great suggestions and constructive feedback we have received from all of you. Look for great changes in 2010, as we are currently working on a completely new, and more user friendly format, which is slated to debut before the end of the first quarter.

Your feedback has clearly indicated what you would like to see more of, and we are working hard to make this a reality. In the meantime, we will continue with our current format, and will continue to bring the latest jewellery news, gemological articles, gemstone profiles and much more.

We hope that you will continue to give us your feedback so that we may continue to fine-tune our "little" BLOG and make it a better place to visit for all.

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1. Unites States
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If you have a suggestion or would like to give your feedback, please leave a comment:

NY jewelry store heist ends in gunfire

2009-12-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

VALLEY STREAM, N.Y. (Map, News) - Three people have been arrested after police on Long Island say they tried to hold up a jewelry store. The attempt failed when the store's owner engaged in a shootout with the suspects.

Andrew Papandrew (PAHP'-ahn-droo), the owner of the store in Valley Stream, was slightly wounded but was back at work Thursday morning. The attempted robbery happened Wednesday at about 7:11 p.m.

Papandrew was shot in the side of his abdomen, but says he is fine. He managed to detain one of the suspects until police arrived.

None of the suspects - a woman from Brooklyn and two men from Queens and Brooklyn - were apparently hit. They are awaiting arraignment in First District Court in Hempstead on attempted robbery, assault and other charges.

Zale Same Store Sales Down 18.6% in November

2009-12-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

Zale's same store sales dropped 18.6% in November, the company disclosed Friday in 10Q filing.

"Historically, the month of November has represented approximately 25 percent of total revenues for the second quarter of our fiscal year," the company added.

The news is being blamed for a dramatic drop in the company's share price.

An analyst from Soleil downgraded the company's stock, saying the new results show that the "Company could be headed for serious financial problems."

Tanzanite: "The Blue Treasure of Africa and Gem of Good Fortune"

2009-12-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Tanzanite is relatively new to the colored stone galaxy. This transparent blue gem first turned up in 1962, scattered on the Earth's surface in northern Tanzania, in eastern Africa.

Scientists identified it as a variety of the mineral zoisite. About five years later, a prospector discovered a large deposit of it in the same area, and serious mining began.

Tiffany & Company recognized its potential as an international seller and made a deal to become its main distributor. Tiffany named the gem after the country it came from, and promoted it with a big publicity campaign in 1968. Almost overnight, tanzanite was popular with leading jewelry designers and other gem professionals, as well as with customers who had an eye for beautiful and unusual gems

Tanzanite's public recognition and popularity have grown steadily. But there have been wide fluctuations in the gem's supply and price level, due mostly to Tanzania's volatile political, social, and economic conditions. That country remains the gem's only source.

Tanzanites are heat-treated to produce colors that include light to dark violetish blue and bluish purple, as well as pure blue. Rich, deep hues are valued most, but you'll usually see these only in stones weighing 5 cts. or more. This is mainly because of decisions made during the cutting process. Tanzanite typically shows strong pleochroism, which means it displays different colors from different directions. It usually looks violetish blue from some directions, purplish from others.

Predominately blue tanzanite is generally worth more per carat, but because of the way tanzanite crystals grow, a cutter can usually get a bigger stone by orienting the gem to show the purple color. With small rough, size is normally the main consideration. While the trade considers the pure blue stones to be the "top" grade, some customers actually prefer the lighter and more purplish colors.

Tanzanite is special-care gem for two reasons: sensitivity to thermal shock and the potential for cleavage. Sometimes the temperature change between the hot lights of the display case and the chilly glass countertop in an air-conditioned showroom can be enough to develop cleavages in tanzanite.

Because of its susceptibility to cleavage, tanzanite shouldn't be handled carelessly. Active people should consider jewelry that won't be exposed to as many bumps — pendants and earrings are good choices.

Hardness & Toughness:

Sudden changes in temperature may cause cracking in tanzanite. The gem is stable to light, and can be attacked by hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid.

Treatments:
Tanzanite is routinely heat treated to produce tanzanite color in transparent brownish material. This treatment is undetectable, but is assumed because of its prevalence.

Care and Cleaning:
Tanzanite should be cleaned using warm, soapy water. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners should never be used.

Imitations:
Glass, synthetic corundum, synthetic spinel, and synthetic spinel triplets have all been used to imitate tanzanite.

Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair in February 2010

2009-12-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

Even though diamond industry is going through a bad patch now, 105-year-old Antwerp Diamond Trade will host a three-day diamond trade fair in Belgium in February next year, offering widest possible range of polished diamonds to an exclusive group of diamond buyers.

The fair will feature 43 Antwerp diamond firms, while a list of about 120 European jewellery firms had been selected to attend the fair as buyers.

Antwerp is the world’s number one diamond trading hub for polished diamonds. More than 50% of the world’s polished diamonds are traded here. No other center but Antwerp, and in particular the Antwerp Diamond Bourse, is able to bring under one roof a bigger and more varied selection of polished diamonds.

The fair organisers noted that the diamond bourse believed that it had to become part of a growing number of invitation-only exhibitions aimed at high-end diamond, gem and jewellery buyers.

EternityDiamonds Launches 'Try it Before You Buy it'

2009-12-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

EternityDiamonds.com now allows customers to try on a replica ring before they purchase it online with its "try it before you buy it" service. The company's new program ships up to three replica rings to the customer at no charge and the package includes prepaid return shipping.

The example they gave was to use a silver and cubic zirconium look-alike ring for a customer who was considering a white gold and diamond engagement ring.

"We're bringing the store to the customer. It's truly a virtual store. It's a whole new way to buy products online," said Eli Rendler, the company's chief executive. "It's exciting and hassle-free for the customer."

The jeweler asks customers to return the replica within seven days. Rendler added that the program was especially useful for those who don't live near a jewelry store. Other services from EternityDiamonds.com include a ring builder, free FedEx overnight shipping and educational resources providing information on diamond shape, cut, color, clarity and weight.

For a limited time, the website is offering a pearl necklace with any diamond ring purchase.

Congratulations, Tanzanite... You've Been Named the New December Birthstone

2009-12-07T15:57:00.000-08:00

The birthstone list, like the United States Constitution, is rarely amended. However, such is the enthusiasm for one gem - velvet blue tanzanite - among both jewelers and the public alike, that it was recently added to this exclusive group. Tanzanite has joined zicon and turquoise as the commemorative gems for December birthdays.

Tanzanite, a relative newcomer to the jewelry world, was discovered by Masai tribesmen in the remote hills near Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in the 1960s. The president of Tiffany & Co. was among the first in the jewelry industry to see the new gem and he immediately fell in love with it. He gave it the "stage name" tanzanite to replace its gemological name, blue zoisite, and by incorporating the new gem in some of Tiffany's most important creations, he introduced it to jewelry and gem aficionados throughout the world.

Tanzanite's appeal is attributable to two factors: its rarity and its beauty. It is one of the few gems that has only one source; tanzanite has never been found outside Tanzania, where it was first sighted four decades ago.

The gem's color is spectacular. It is most often gold or brownish when mined, but it is generally heated to blue when cut. The resulting hue can range from lavender to midnight blue, but the most prized color is a deep, luxurious blue with purple overtones.

The gem also exhibits an unusual gemological property called pleochroism, which means it can display more than one color. When viewed from different angles, a tanzanite ring or pendant may show flashes of various shades of blue and purple. That tanzanite's hue may also alter in daylight and incandescent light is still another lovely gemological miracle that adds to the allure of this unique gem.

Market Place: Diamond Trends for North America 12/04/2009

2009-12-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

Retailers reported that the first week of the holiday shopping season was sluggish, noting that while sales may be on par or slightly better than in 2008, they are nowhere near their 2007 or pre-2007 levels.

There does appear to be improved demand for diamond jewelry, easing store owners’ reliance on the bridal market and offering better profit margins than single stone items. This has also helped free up inventory that had been sitting on the shelves, as well as retailer liquidity.

In the wholesale market, there is better demand for some fancy shapes, especially princess cuts, 1.00-200 ct., F-H and SI goods, as well as for rounds, 0.90-.99 ct., 1.30-1.49 ct. and 1.70-1.99 ct. sizes, I+, VS2-SI.

As reported by Rapaport 12/04/2009

Ivanka Trump Takes the Stress Out of Popping the Question

2009-12-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

Ask any man, and even the coolest among them will cop to being nervous about planning his own engagement.

Newlywed Ivanka Trump is hoping to simplify the process with her just-launched New York Proposal Package. “We understand how challenging it can be for men to not only shop for a ring, but plan the perfect way to pop the question,” said Ivanka, who in turn pledged, “We will plan everything: all he has to do is ask!”

With the purchase of any diamond engagement ring at Trump’s Bridal Bar in her Madison Avenue boutique, clients are entitled to a complimentary one-night stay at the Trump International Hotel & Tower, or the new Trump SoHo (opening February 1st), both in Manhattan.

The couple can also expect to be greeted with champagne and one dozen long stemmed roses waiting in their suite, as well as a romantic 3-course dinner (and more champagne!) at either hotel’s restaurant, capped off with breakfast in bed the following morning. Prices at the Ivanka Trump Bridal Bar start at $800. See more of her line at ivankatrumpcollection.com.

Brazen Robbery at Zales Store in Fredrick County

2009-12-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

Police are investigating a robbery Wednesday at a Zales Jewelry Store.

Two diamond rings valued at about $18,900 were taken from Zales Jewelers in the Francis Scott Key Mall on Buckeystown Pike at about 12:16 p.m., according to a news release from the Maryland State Police Frederick barrack.

Maryland State Police said the suspect in Frederick was wearing a black and white referee-style striped shirt when he entered Zales at FSK mall and asked to look at two diamond rings. The store's associate placed the two rings on her thumb and displayed them to him, the agency said. The suspect reached across the counter and pulled both rings from her thumb and left the store.

The suspect was described as a young black male, early to mid-20s, 5’9”, and 150 lbs, wearing a black and white referee-style, striped shirt, black slacks, and white and blue tennis shoes.

How to Get Your Man to Spring for Jewelry This Christmas

2009-12-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

Wishing for some fine jewelry this holiday season? You don’t need to be a master manipulator to get what you desire. Most men sincerely want to please the women they love. You just have to make it easy for him.

- The simplest way to show him what you want is to take him to your favorite jewelry store. While you';re shopping for his mom or your mom (or anyone else on your list), you can show him several pieces you'd love to own. Prepping him with a selection of jewelry gift ideas makes it simpler for him to "surprise" you.

- If he can't come with you to the jewelry store, take a digital camera and a friend. Wear a nice outfit, and get dolled up so you feel terrific. Try on a few pieces that you love.

Have your friend or the salesperson take pictures of you wearing the jewelry. To show off bracelets or rings, put your hand near your face, so your sweetie can see it's you in those lovely jewels. Earrings and necklaces just need a good head shot. Have your friend focus on the jewelry, preferably in a close-up mode.

Show your man the photos, and tell him where you had them taken, so he knows where to shop. You can even give him the photos, so he can take them to the jeweler.

- Search through magazines, catalogs, flyers, advertisements, and even this newsletter, and cut out images of the pieces you like. Then casually post the images around the house Ð on your refrigerator, memo board, make-up mirror or personal computer. We know he'll take the hint.

If you make it easy for your man, and reward him with your joy in receiving his gift, you'll get precisely the jewelry you want. You'll be delighted with your jewels, and your man will be delighted that he made you so happy.

World's Most Expensive Iphone Clocks in at $3.2 Million Dollars

2009-12-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

British designer Stuart Hughes has created the most expensive cell phone on Earth by adding some serious bling.

Hughes used 271 grams of 22-karat gold and 136 flawless diamonds to create an iPhone 3GS worth a whopping $3.2 million.

"The iPhone is the phone with the most tricks on the market. What possibly could we do to trick it up more? Bless it with the finest precious metal and jewels," Hughes told PC Advisor. It took Hughes 10 months to create the phone.

"Most of the 10 months was spent trying to source the diamond for the navigation button," Hughes said.The Apple logo, embedded in the gold casing on the back of the phone, is made of 58 diamonds totaling roughly one carat. The navigation button on the front of the iPhone was made from a rare seven-carat diamond.

Vivid Pink Diamond Sells for $10.8 Million Dollars at Auction

2009-12-01T16:19:00.000-08:00

HONG KONG – A 5-carat pink diamond was auctioned for a record $10.8 million today!

“The Vivid Pink” is a 5.00 carat Fancy Vivid Pink Potentially Flawless diamond. It is the largest diamond of that type to ever be offered in an auction. . It was sold today at Christie’s sale of Asian and Chinese Art.

The sale surpassed the previous record, held by a 19.66 carat stone sold for $7.4 million in Geneva in 1994. It is also now the highest per-carat price ever paid for a diamond!

“No stone has ever been sold for $2 million a carat, we were used to a million dollars a carat for colored diamonds but never 2 million,” said Francois Curiel, Christie’s Europe chairman.

The sale did not surpass the most expensive jewel ever sold, which was the 2008 auction of the Wittelsbach blue diamond

for $24 million! Believed to be from the 17th century, it was possibly cut from the famous Hope diamond, then made it’s way through various royal families before disappearing in the 1930s. It was rediscovered in 1962, and sat in the hands of a private collector until last year.

It is believed the Vivid Pink’s sale could potentially reinvigorate the world’s rare and large stones market, which did not prove to be immune to the financial crisis.

Cullinan Mine Sells 168ct White Diamond for $6,28million

2009-11-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – JSE-and LSE-listed Petra Diamonds has sold a 168ct white diamond, recently recovered at its Cullinan mine, in South Africa, for $6,28-million, it announced on Friday.

The stone was recovered in the same production series as three other large diamonds, among which was a 507,55ct white diamond that has not yet been offered for sale. The other two diamonds were 58,5ct and 53,3ct and sold for a total of $2,8-million.

“The interest in the stone was very high, as was the case with the two smaller rough diamonds sold in mid-November, and the three diamonds have together achieved a total sales value of just over $9-million,” commented Petra CEO Johan Dippenaar.

The Cullinan mine is renowned as a source of large, high-value diamonds and in its history has produced more than 300 diamonds of over 100ct and one-quarter of all the world's diamonds over 400ct.

Thieves switch 2.13 karat diamond worth $18,000

2009-11-30T16:09:00.000-08:00

ROCHESTER (KTTC-DT) -- Two thieves worked a clerk at Rochester Lapidary Jewelers Tuesday and apparently managed to steal a 2.13 karat diamond worth about $18,000.

Police say they are reviewing surveillance video from about 12:40 p.m. Tuesday when the two men are believed to have swapped a hunk of zirconia for the large diamond, while ostensibly considering a purchase of the unset stone.

Lt. Dan Muyres tells the NewsCenter that one man took the large diamond to look at it, then handed it to the other man, who apparently made the switch. The fake was not discovered until later.

Detectives are hunting for the men, and describe them as black males in their late 30s or 40s, both wearing hats. One is 5'9" with a medium build and stubble with streaks of gray. The second man is 6'3" and heavy set. They drove away in a newer smaller silver vehicle.

$8 Million Dollar Pink Diamond on The Auction Block!

2009-11-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

HONG KONG -- Christie's is betting the market for high-end goods in Asia hasn't lost its luster.

On the block during upcoming sales in Hong Kong is a rare pink diamond the auction house estimates could fetch up to $8 million.

"Vivid Pink," as it's called, is a five-carat stone flanked by two white diamonds and set in a ring by elite jeweler Graff. It hails from a private collection.

The glamorous rock toured Singapore, Bangkok, Geneva and Taipei before returning to Hong Kong, where it will be auctioned off Dec. 1 at the Convention and Exhibition Center alongside 250 other gemstones and pieces of jewelry from the likes of Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels. Altogether, the jewelry sale's lots are estimated to be worth more than $33 million.

The brilliant pink stone earned top marks from the Gemological Institute of America, which rates diamonds. The gem is unique because of its particular hue--a rich bubblegum rather than a more common lighter rose. It is also valuable because of its saturation, the depth the color extends into the stone.

"Stones like this--they're not just jewelry, they're artwork," says Alan Bronstein, a New York-based trader and dealer of rare colored diamonds. "The simplest possible mounting is the best way to make that diamond shine. You don't want to embellish it with motifs and designs."

Colored diamonds mined naturally are often pockmarked with flecks of other hues, like purple, orange or gray. But this one is blemish-free, boasting an even tone throughout. Only one in 100,000 diamonds is as special.

Gold Hits Record High of $1,190

2009-11-25T17:04:00.000-08:00

Gold prices soared to a record above $1,190 an ounce on Wednesday on the back of a weak greenback, which makes the precious metal cheaper for buyers using stronger currencies, traders said.

Gold hit $1,180.20 an ounce shortly after 0700 GMT in trading on the London Bullion Market, after striking a series of historic peaks in recent days and weeks.

"If the dollar goes down, then the price of gold will automatically rise," said BGC Partners analyst Howard Wheeldon. "Moreover, if the dollar is perceived by bullion markets as likely to continue falling then one can assume that the price of gold will rise in proportion," he added.

13 Years after Heist, Man Admits Jewelry Store Robbery

2009-11-24T16:51:00.000-08:00

Charles E. Bezak couldn't escape the law, though it took 13 years. Bezak pleaded guilty Thursday to a 1996 smash-and-grab robbery in which he stole more than $37,000 in jewelry from the former Freeman Jewelers in Lower Nazareth Township.

In the June 18, 1996, robbery, police said Bezak rushed into the jewelry store on Easton-Nazareth Highway, raised a sledge hammer he wrapped in a bag and smashed a showcase. The terrified clerks fled the store, and he made off with 50 pieces of jewelry worth $37,656.

Bezak, who has lived in North Carolina, was identified from blood left at the scene that was periodically checked against a national crime DNA database. The charges came after he was forced to give a DNA sample while incarcerated in Durham County, N.C., and it linked to his old crime.

Bezak, 52, of Hillsborough Township, N.C., faces up to seven years in prison when he is sentenced Dec. 18 by Northampton County Judge Anthony Beltrami.

Big Diamonds Equal Big Bucks at Christie's Geneva

2009-11-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

Geneva-Strong results from the Christie's Geneva auction, led by the sale of a 62.30-carat, D flawless diamond that went for $8.051 million, signal a "market resurgence," and strong demand for top-notch gemstones and signed vintage jewelery, the auction house said.

"With a beautiful selection of 215 carefully chosen lots, Christie's fall auction of magnificent jewels in Geneva reflects the current demand for fine quality gemstones and signed vintage jewelry, presented with attractive estimates," Jean-Marc Lunel, head of the sale, said in a press release.

"An emphasis has been placed on items with a private provenance, which are fresh to the market and traditionally appeal to both professionals and international private collectors." He also noted that more than $70 million in jewelry changed hands during the two-day auction, including the $8 million sale of the 62-carat white diamond.

"This shows the clear resurgence of the jewelry market and we look forward to exciting sales in Hong Kong, New York and London in early December," he said in the release.

Among the most sought-after natural color diamonds in the sale were a 65.20-carat fancy intense yellow, cushion-shaped diamond pendant, which sold for nearly $1.04 million, and a 4.42-carat fancy intense, square-cut green diamond ring, which sold for $783,000.

What You Need to Know About the Rising Price of Gold

2009-11-23T17:15:00.000-08:00

Gold’s recent surge to an all-time high of more than $1,100 per ounce presents gold jewelry lovers with a golden opportunity to “cash in” and buy gold jewelry even more precious than ever before.

Retains Its Value in Uncertain Times:

Gold is exceptionally beautiful, rare, unique and valuable, and it's a great investment that retains its value – particularly in uncertain economic times like these when the value of the dollar is weakening. The gold jewelry you buy today is considerably more valuable than any similar piece you may have purchased in the past – yet escalating gold prices thus far have had only a modest impact on gold jewelry prices.

An Added Bonus: Trade-In:

Gold's soaring price offers an added bonus – it makes your current gold jewelry even more valuable now, in terms of gold content, then when you originally bought it. Now is the perfect time to go through your jewelry box, gather up all your old and broken gold jewelry pieces, take them into your local jeweler, and exchange them for a store credit that you can use to buy a brand new piece of exquisite gold jewelry. You may never have the chance to get this much return on your scrap gold jewelry again – and most reputable jewelers are more than happy to accept your old jewelry.

Far From Inflation-Adjusted Highs:

Even though the price of gold may seem high now, it still has quite a way to go before it reaches its inflation-adjusted levels of 1980. Back then, gold hit $875 per ounce, which would equal around $2,100 to $2,200 today. Remember, not only is gold jewelry extremely valuable, it's also a timeless fashion statement, versatile enough to work with any outfit or body type, and for any occasion. And the wide range of available gold jewelry designs means that you can always find something to fit your taste, lifestyle and price range.

GIA Thailand Looks for Heavenly Jewels in Meteorites

2009-11-21T16:57:00.000-08:00

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Nov. 11, 2009 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Thailand announced today that the next Gemstone Gathering, “Meteorites: Heavenly Jewels,” will be presented by Jeffery Bergman, director and founder of Thailand-based Primagem.

Bergman is an American gemstone dealer with more than 37 years experience in the mining, cutting, wholesaling and retailing of gemstones and fine jewelry. He will provide an overview on the basic history and research findings on meteorites and how they fit into the gem and jewelry industry.

GIA Thailand’s 30th Gemstone Gathering is a free event that will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 25 in the 2nd floor Murano Room of the Tawana Hotel, 80 Surawongse Road, Bangkok.

For more information, visit www.giathailand.com or www.giathai.net.

South San Francisco Jewelry Heist Nets Robbers $335,000 in Cash and Jewels

2009-11-21T16:45:00.000-08:00

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — Police are looking for three men who robbed a New York City jewelry dealer of roughly $335,000 in cash and merchandise Friday during a daylight heist at a gas station, an official said.

The 49-year-old man stopped to fill up his rental car at a service station in the 200 block of Airport Boulevard about 11:50 a.m., just before he was supposed to catch a flight back to New York, said South San Francisco Detective Tony Bordigon.

While he was pumping gas, two men walked up to the passenger-side window of the rental car, smashed it and grabbed a piece of the victim's luggage.

Inside the bag was about $325,000 in jewelry and loose precious stones, $10,000 in cash and a laptop computer, Bordigon said.

He added that the thieves are probably part of the same gang that robbed a Florida jewelry dealer of about $300,000 in loose stones and gold in August. "It's the same (modus operandi)," he said. "They probably followed him around, watched him and then struck when they had an opportunity."

Patek Philippe Watch Sets New World Record Price

2009-11-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

A Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Calibre 89 pocket watch, the world's most complex timepiece , just sold for a world record price of CHF 5,120,000, or $5.068 million at Antiquorum's 35th Anniversary Sale in Geneva.

"The incredible result realized for the Calibre 89 in our 35th anniversary auction indicates that the market for the most complicated and important watches in the world remains exceptionally strong," notes Antiquorum Chairman Robert Maron.

"We are extremely honored to have sold this exceptional and unique timepiece for the second time in Antiquorum's history and are thrilled that we have once again achieved a world record price at auction.

" With a staggering 33 complications, the watch weighs nearly 2.5 lbs. and has an 18k yellow gold case. It was made to honor the 150th anniversary of the famed Swiss watchmaker.

Green Diamond Sets World Record

2009-11-19T17:29:00.000-08:00

Natural colored diamonds and other colored stones did very well at the Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels" sale in Geneva this week. The Roxburghe Rubies, a parure of a ruby and diamond necklace and earrings brought $5.77 million, five times the set's estimated price. A rare 2.52 carat vivid green diamond sold for $3.08 million. It was the largest vivid-green diamond ever to appear at auction and the sale set a new world-record price per carat for a green diamond at auction.

Swiss jeweler Chatila paid $2.52 million for a 3.17-carat fancy intense blue diamond which set a new world-record price per carat for an intense blue diamond sold at auction. Chatila also paid $3.13 million for a 74.8-carat fancy vivid-yellow diamond ring. The sale brought in $36.68 million putting it safely above the pre-sale low estimate of $29.5 million

39 Carat Evening Star diamond to go on sale in NYC

2009-11-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

A 39-carat pear-shaped diamond called the Evening Star is going on the auction block in New York City. Its pre-sale estimate is $3.6 million to $5.5 million. It comes from the same ancient mine in India as the celebrated Hope and Wittelsbach diamonds, known for their luminescent quality.

The Evening Star is one of 10 diamonds belonging to a single owner that Christie’s is offering in a special sale on Dec. 10. It did not identify the collector. The sale comes weeks after Christie’s sold a 32.01-carat emerald-cut diamond belonging to billionaire philanthropist Leonore Annenberg for $7.7 million.

Auction-Goers Gape at Madoff's Diamonds, Pearls and Other Jewels

2009-11-19T16:40:00.000-08:00

A crowd of 50 jostled to get a look at 14-carat diamond earrings, a platinum, diamond and emerald bracelet and close to 200 other items, as U.S. Marshals prepared for an auction from the estate of convicted Ponzi scammer Bernard Madoff. Proceeds from the auction, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Sheraton New York Hotel, will benefit victims of Madoff's $65 billion scheme.

The auction includes property seized by the government in connection with other criminal cases, but 191 of the items are from the Madoff estate. The Madoff items include silver earrings, men's watches, a gold class ring, pens, leather watchbands, and a silver and diamond ring. There are also pearls and almost 20 purses, including Louis Vuitton and Chanel, that belonged to Ruth Madoff.

Item 218, a pair of pre-Victorian diamond dangle earrings, is expected to bring as much as $21,400 at auction. Item 202, an Edwardian-era diamond bracelet encrusted with emeralds, may yield $23,000. If the items are purchased by dealers, as is likely, they will retail for two or three times their auction price when resold.

U.S. Marshals are under court order to liquidate all assets, so the list also includes less costly and more quirky personal possessions. On Tuesday in Ft. Lauderdale, Marshals will auction off Madoff's yacht "The Bull" and his Mercedes. Madoff insider Frank DiPascali's 61-foot yacht will also be for sale.

Polished Diamond Imports to US Slide by 61% in September

2009-11-17T16:40:00.000-08:00

During September, US polished diamond imports declined by 23.4% to $1.23 billion and polished diamond exports slid by 16.8% to $1 billion, leading to a net import evaluated at $191 million and constituting a whopping drop of 61.3% in comparison to last year.

Rough diamond imports declined by 53.2% to $22 million as rough diamond exports dropped 45.2% to $17 million, leaving net rough diamond imports at $5 million - a 68.8% drop. The US net diamond volume for the month of September, which reflects net polished diamonds plus net rough diamond imports, decreased by 61.5% to $196 million.

Rough diamond imports plummeted by 70% to $192 million and rough diamond exports declined by 59% to $137 million, with net rough diamond imports standing at only $55 million a decline of 82% in comparison to the corresponding period in 2008. The net diamond balance for the first nine months of 2009 reflected a 56.3% decrease at $1.88 billion.

Eleven Arrested for CA Jewelry Store Robberies

2009-11-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

Eleven defendants were charged with the armed robberies of two jewelry stores in Orange County, California, as well as identity theft and street terrorism. The grand jury transcripts released yesterday described the 20-count indictment issued October 26, 2009 against the defendants, all of whom were residents of neighboring San Diego County.

Aida Arroyo, 27, now being held in lieu of $250,000 bail, was accused of entering Tustin Village Jewelers on August 4 under the pretense of selling a ring. While negotiating a price with the store owner, Arroyo asked to be buzzed out of the store to make a phone call.

But as the owner opened the security doors, Adam Weick, 28, currently being held in lieu of $200,000 bail, and Michael Dennis Burgin, 30, being held in lieu of $1 million bail, rushed the doors and forced the owner to unlock his jewelry cases at gunpoint in order to obtain access to the store's diamonds.

The defendants were accused of duct-taping the owner and putting him in the bathroom. Burgin, Weick and Arroyo were also accused of stealing more than $160,000 in jewelry and then fleeing the scene.

North American Weekly Chain Store Sales +2%

2009-11-17T16:22:00.000-08:00

There was little week-to-week change in North American chain store sales over this past week, but comparable sales did increase 2.4 percent from one year ago, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs.

“Sales edged lower again in the latest week as mild weather depressed sales of seasonal goods,” said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC's chief economist. “Customer traffic patterns were also mixed, with improvement at department stores, but weaker at grocery stores, drug stores and discounters.

"Easy year-over-year comparisons will dominate throughout the month of November and as a result, ICSC Research expects November sales could be as strong as up 5 to 8 percent for the month — but right now, sales are tracking under that easy-comparison inflated pace,” Niemira added.

Israel to lead fight against "blood diamond" trade

2009-11-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel is set to lead a group working to stop militants in Africa using the roughly $6 billion trade in so-called blood or conflict diamonds to fund fighting, the Israel Diamond Institute said on Monday.

Boaz Hirsch of Israel's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labour, was elected as chairman of the Kimberley Process, set up in 2003, at a meeting in Namibia last week, it said.

Since 2003 trade in conflict diamonds has dropped to 1 percent from 15 percent of the world's $60 billion trade in rough diamonds, the institute said.

A United Nations panel of experts said last month that Israel, whose diamond trade is worth more than $10 billion, may be involved in the illegal export and sale of blood diamonds from Ivory Coast. Israeli officials rejected the accusation.

Jewelersalert.com Warns Trade About Diamond Brokers International!

2009-11-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

A single message board post by a member of Jewelers Alert has caught the attention of many diamond wholesalers. More than 20 companies have come forward to report the actions of the company in question.

"So far, this is what we know," said Zev Oster, the president of Jewelersalert.com. "A company by the name of Diamond Brokers International (D.B.I.) has been calling diamond wholesalers requesting to buy diamonds and offering to pay by bank wire, claiming the amount is small and there is no need for credit references. They then request that you fax your bank information for the bank transfer, thus exposing your bank details, such as account name, routing number and bank account number.

"While there have not been any reports of monies taken from these accounts, many feel their accounts have been compromised and have called their banks to monitor their accounts. What they do with this information we don't know," Oster added. "No diamond dealers have received any funds via bank wire from Diamond Brokers International, so we have no clue why they want our bank information."

Trade members are encouraged to read and share information regarding this scam by signing up for a free account at www.Jewelersalert.com

Jewelers alert is a live discussion board for diamond dealers and wholesalers to share information on potential scams and non-payers. As a first line of defense, Jewelersalert.com has saved our members thousands of dollars and many headaches.

Woman loses diamond ring in trick-or-treat bucket

2009-11-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

A Halloween trick or treater in Ohio may have gotten a bigger treat than expected - a diamond ring.

The woman says her three diamond anniversary ring slipped off as she was passing out candy. She says she noticed the ring was spinning around, because she had just had it enlarged, but never thought it would slip off.

The woman says she called all her friends hoping one of the kids found it when they poured out all their treats.

So far she hasn't had any luck but she is hoping the ring will find its way back to her.

GIA Unveils 2010 Course Catalog

2009-11-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

The Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) 2010 education catalog is now available, listing all of its course and program descriptions as well as the class schedules for its worldwide gemology, design and jewelry manufacturing courses. The catalog also includes application and registration forms, updated 2010 tuition and fees and information on scholarships and financial assistance.

In addition, GIA is offering a new seven-week certificate course offered by GIA, titled “Comprehensive CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) for Jewelry,” in which students can learn how to take jewelry designs from the initial concept phase, move into photo-realistic renderings and finally, create wax models ready for casting. Distance education has been expanded to include a professional gemological training program delivered completely online via integrated text, slideshows and videos.

The new catalog is available online at http://www.gia.edu/ GIA admissions can be reached at 800.421.7250, extention 4001.

North American Online Christmas Sales to Reflect A Healthy Bump

2009-11-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

Online retail sales during the upcoming North American holiday season should reach $44.7 billion, which represents a healthy increase of 8 percent from 2008, according to the latest forecast from Forrester Research.

Online sales in North America grew only 5 percent in 2008 for the November and December period. This year, retailers will manage to the bottom line, which will change some of the tactics they have employed in the past, such as free, unfettered shipping and prolonged discounts. Consumers can also expect limited shipping options and limited-time sales online.

October Shows Signs of Life For Retail Jewelers

2009-11-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

October was far and away the best month North-American retailers have had since consumers put the brakes on spending last autumn. Major categories had robust sales growth for the first time in more than a year, new figures show.

On Thursday, when individual chains report their October sales, the industry is expected to post its strongest sales figures yet in this recession. Contrary to predictions made only a few weeks ago, the nation’s stores could be poised for a merrier Christmas this year than last.

To be sure, the enthusiasm of industry professionals is tempered. A major reason the latest numbers look so good is that they are being compared with figures from October 2008, the first full month of a brutal nationwide spending freeze.

Nonetheless, the signs of recovery were unmistakable in the sales numbers that MasterCard Advisors released late Tuesday.

Thieves Hold Jeweler's Kin Hostage

2009-11-05T16:08:00.001-08:00

A Beaverton, Oregon, jeweler was forced to let thieves steal from his store by holding his family hostage at gunpoint.

KGW-TV reported the owner of Ari Diamonds came home around 8 p.m. Wednesday to find his father and son restrained by the thieves who then forced him to drive them to his store. Police said the thieves emptied out the jewelry cases and took off in his car.

No details were released on the value of the stolen jewels but police said it was substantial. The owner told KGW-TV the store has been robbed before and that he no longer has insurance.

A New Gem Has Been Introduced: Queen Conch Cultured Pearl

2009-11-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

Natural conch pearls, especially those with attractive pink coloration and flame structure, have very limited availability in the jewelry market.

For more than 25 years, attempts at culturing pearls from the queen conch (Strombus gigas) have been unsuccessful - until now. Scientists from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (authors Acosta-Salmón and Davis) have developed proprietary techniques to produce beaded and non-beaded cultured pearls from the queen conch.

The GIA Laboratory has examined more than 200 of these conch cultured pearls. The samples were spherical, oval, elongated oval, and irregular in shape, in sizes from about 1 mm to over 10 mm in longest dimension.

They occurred in a wide variety of colors, including white, "cream," yellow, brown, pink, and red. More than 10% showed good luster and flame structure. The 0.51 ct non-beaded sample shown here is one of the highest-quality conch cultured pearls GIA examined.

These queen conch cultured pearls represent a new gem for the jewelry industry.

De Beers Pins Holiday Hopes On Love Knots

2009-11-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

De Beers believes that in tough times, more advertising will bring more diamond sales - and that marketing a specific product is a more effective way to stimulate consumer desire for diamonds than generic jewelry promotions.

Thus, the company and participating sightholders and retailers will be putting a major marketing push behind the "Everlon Love Knot" collection this holiday season. The design, which features a solitaire diamond nestled within a "knot" of gold or platinum, is De Beers's most recent attempt to promote a new diamond product.

The company found huge success in the 1990s with the three-stone ring that later morphed into three-stone pendants and earrings; in the mid-2000s, it was the multi-stone Journey diamond jewelry collection.

De Beers has not announced its marketing budget for the Everlon campaign, which begins this month, nor what the total amount spent on advertising will be for the fall season, but several trade sources believe it will be the largest in a decade.

When a Sale Is Not a Sale

2009-11-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

It’s not unusual to see jewelry and department stores advertising seasonal storewide sales, often accompanied by the promise of an enormous discount, say 50% off the regular price. Please beware that in most instances a “50% off sale” rarely yields the customer a great deal. While, on occasion, it makes sense for a retailer to dramatically reduce the price and clear out merchandise that isn’t moving, more often than not these sales are not sales at all.

When you see a deep discount advertised, ask yourself, "Fifty percent off what?" Was the piece ever sold at the original, higher price? For how long was it selling at the higher price? And how many pieces were sold at that price? Some retailers will briefly mark an item up to a ridiculously high price and then reduce the price to a reasonable level and call it a discount.

Another advertising ploy is to offer an item at a certain price, and suggest that the consumer would pay a much higher figure for comparable merchandise at another store. The price tag on a bracelet might read, "Only $499! Compare at $1,000." The item offered might be a poorly made knock-off of a designer or prestige brand, or if it's the real thing, it might not be protected by the manufacturer's warranty.

In some stores, when a customers asks a salesperson what exactly is on sale, he'll respond, "What would you like to be on sale?" In other words, he's offering to give you a discount off the marked price of anything in the store. This certainly suggests that the marked price is intentionally inflated to begin with. And that's not a sale: it's negotiation.

If a piece is available at a bargain price, maybe it's no bargain! The piece might be damaged or flawed (even if the flaw isn't visible at a glance) or just poorly constructed or downright ugly.

Bottom line: A big discount on an item that you don't want is no deal at all. If it's a piece you want at a price you consider fair, it's a good deal. If you're doubtful about the price, shop around and compare. We're confident that when you look at the overall quality, service and value, you'll always come to the right decision!

For all the latest global jewelry news check out our: NEWSFEED

Jury Rules Against Blue Nile in $60.1 Million Lawsuit

2009-11-02T16:24:00.000-08:00

A federal jury in Seattle dismissed Blue Nile Inc.'s $60.1 million claim against The Yehuda Diamond Company following a six-day trial, reaffirming Yehuda Diamond's right to compare the prices of its clarity-enhanced diamonds to the untreated diamonds sold by online retailer Blue Nile, according to a Reuters.

The suit, brought by Blue Nile and heard last month in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, involved Blue Nile's efforts to prevent Yehuda from comparing the price and appearance of its clarity enhanced diamonds to those natural untreated diamonds sold by Blue Nile.

The jury dismissed both Blue Nile's federal and state claims that Yehuda had engaged in false or misleading advertising.

GIA Career Search Engine Lists Hundreds of Jewelry Industry Jobs

2009-11-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced today that its GIA Career Search Engine has more than 300 active gem and jewelry industry positions available. The GIA Career Search Engine service is the largest free online employment database in our industry, according to GIA career services advisor, Anna Hayman. More than 7,000 industry jobs have been posted since it was launched in 2000.

Employers post open job notices on the GIA Career Search Engine and reach people from all over the world interested in a career in the gem and jewelry industry. The Career Search Engine is free, open to anyone and is continuously updated with new gem and jewelry career listings. The jobs range from entry-level to executive titles and vary widely in description. The available positions span the world, from the U.S., Canada, France and India to Japan, the Cayman Islands and Saudi Arabia.

For job seekers, the GIA Career Search Engine can be found online at: https://www.gia.edu/_webapps/education/jobsearch/index.cfm

8% Increase in Online Holiday Spending Predicted

2009-11-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

Online retail sales during this upcoming holiday season in the U.S. should reach $44.7 billion, which is a healthy increase of 8 percent from 2008, according to the latest forecast from Forrester Research. Online sales in the U.S. grew only 5 percent in 2008 for the November and December period, Forrester found.

“Despite the lingering effects of the recession, the online space remains the retail industry’s growth engine,” said Sucharita Mulpuru, Forrester Research vice president and principal analyst. “What’s different this holiday from past years is that online retailers will manage to the bottom line, which will change some of the tactics they have employed in the past.”

“Tighter offline inventories may benefit the online channel as consumers go to the web looking for products — and prices — they can’t find in stores this holiday,” said Mulpuru. “Online retailers will be ready for them with a special focus this year on engagement and service.”

MARKET-PLACE: Diamond Trends for North America.

2009-10-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

Retailers are hedging their Christmas bets by keeping inventory and overheads low. Some manufacturers have taken this hint and have guaranteed shorter manufacturing times for special orders in order to keep relationships open with retailers.

Demand is strong for rounds, 0.75-1.5 ct., F-H, SI goods, as well as for cushions, 1.5-2.5 ct., E-G, VS-SI1 stones, while supply appears to be holding up. There are reports of shortages in princess and some areas of pears due to light manufacturing of these shapes in the past few months.

For all the latest Jewelry Industry News Goto Our: NEWSFEED

Israel denies blood diamond accusations

2009-10-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israel refuted accusations by a United Nations panel that it was involved in the blood diamond trade.

The U.N. panel on Tuesday said Israel was involved in the illegal export and sale of diamonds from the Ivory Coast. It also said the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Guinea and Liberia were not enforcing a U.N. embargo on buying the diamonds mined in the West African nation.

A blood diamond, or conflict stone, refers to a diamond mined in a war zone and sold to finance an insurgency or warlord, usually in Africa. Civil wars in Angola, Sierra Leone and Liberia were financed largely by an underground diamond trade.

"Israel has never dealt in diamond trade with the Ivory Coast," Israel's Diamond Controller Shmuel Mordechai said in a statement. "We are shocked by these false accusations and completely refute them."

Jewellery and Gem Fair sets record

2009-10-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG The Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair became the world’s largest jewellery exhibition when it opened last month, covering 120,000 sqm of exhibition space – a 25% increase on last year.

The event attracted more than 23,200 trade visitors, a record for trade fairs in Hong Kong, said Jimé Essink, president and CEO of organiser UBM Asia. He said: “With the fair’s status as the number one event in the world and the imminent economic recovery, we expect these numbers will increase further, providing a boost to the Hong Kong economy.”

More than 3,000 exhibitors from 44 countries attended the seven-day event, the only exhibition in Hong Kong to use both Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo.

‘Most Complicated Timepiece' to Be Auctioned

2009-10-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

Antiquorum's Nov. 14 and 15 sale in Geneva will include a yellow gold Patek Philippe Calibre 89, billed as "the world's most complicated timepiece." It has 33 complications, 1,728 parts, and 24 hands. It weighs nearly two-and-a-half pounds.

Patek Philippe produced the watch in 1989, to celebrate its 150th anniversary. It took 9 years of research, development, and manufacturing time, and only four were made, one each in yellow, pink, and white gold and one in platinum.

Christie's Dubai Diamond Sale Nets $4,000,000

2009-10-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

Christie’s Dubai jewels and watch sale garnered $3.975 million with 76 percent sold by lot and 72 percent by value, the auction house reported. The top lot was a pair of Asscher cut diamonds, 15.19 carats and 15.04 carats, VS, J, which sold for $518,500, or $17,150 per carat.

Other highlights included an oval-shaped, 25.35-carat, VS1, fancy intense yellow diamond, which sold for $446,500, or $17,600 per carat, and a suite of diamond and cultured pearl jewelry by Jahan, for $134,500.

Elvis Presley's 10ct Diamond Concert Gift Ring Hits the Auction Block

2009-10-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

Tallahassee, Florida October 28, 2009 -- Affiliated Auction Galleries, headquartered in Tallahassee FL, announces the sale of Elvis Presley's 10ct diamond concert gift ring in its December 6th, 2009 catalog auction.

A most unique and original piece of Elvis Presley entertainment memorabilia. Gifted to the consignor, Mr. Lloyd Perry, by Elvis Presley during his concert in Asheville, NC. On July 24th, 1975.

This was the last stop of Elvis Presley's concert tour. Four songs in to his 1.5 hour show Elvis tossed his Gibson guitar in to the audience. Mr. Perry and the gentleman seated to his right simultaneously caught the guitar. After strumming it a bit, Mr. Perry allowed the other gentleman to have the guitar.

A few songs later, possibly feeling Mr. Perry should receive a memento for having allowed the other gentleman to have the guitar; Elvis motioned Mr. Perry on to the stage from his front row seat. Elvis shook Mr. Perry's hand, and then took this diamond ring from his own finger and gifted it directly to Mr. Perry.

The 10ctw diamond ring, consists of 14 round cut approximate .44ct (each) / F-H color / I-1 to SI-1 clarity, 1 round cut approximate 1.29ct / H color / I-1 clarity, 1 round cut 1.39ct / H color / I-1 clarity and 3 emerald cut approximate .35ct (each) / H-I color / VS-2 clarity. 19 four-prong set diamonds in total. Set in 14K yellow gold. Weighing 27.2 grams. Size 11.

Fine Jewelry Has Its Roots in Ancient Civilizations

2009-10-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Historical details regarding fine jewelry are often sketchy, but one thing is certain: We've been adorning ourselves with precious metal and jewels for more than 5,000 years. Discoveries of jewelry - impressive hammered, soldered and engraved gold pieces inlaid with jasper, turqoise, amethyst or lapis - in tombs in Egypt, Iraq and Mesopotamia have been dated to as early as 3000 BC.

Trade likely took jewelry from Egypt to Greece, where Greek artists - also influenced by Asian filigree designs which reached Crete around 2400 BC - combined gold and enamel, and used filigree to create centerpiece rosettes, tassels and disks. As eastern Mediterranean races began trade with Celts and Brits, these metalworking techniques arrived in northern Europe. Irish graves have yielded many gold artifacts, as the metal was once abundant there.

By 1200 BC, goldsmithing had migrated south and west, where Europeans also began favoring bronze. The brooch - featuring enamel, stones and cloisonne - appeared as both a decorative and functional piece for binding clothing. By the 7th century BC, the Etruscans of central Italy began the country's ascent to gold dominance when they refined the granulation technique, meticulously welding grains resembling gold dust into various shapes. Later, gemstones were substituted for the metal designs.

Through the Hellenistic period from 330 BC to 27 BC, garnets, chalcedonies, emeralds, amethysts and pearls were the rage in Greece, especially paired with gold. Greek craftsmen journeyed to Italy, where colored stones continued to reign, the fervor enduring beyond the fall of the Roman empire.

Over time, jewelry became more integral to culture and dress. Formation of goldsmith guilds gave it status as a bona fide art. In subsequent centuries, diamond jewelry became the classic fashion it is today, while a distinct trend toward fashion jewelry emerged, and European designs migrated to America. Today, every time we don a piece of jewelry, history lives on, as we accessorize with the same metals and stones that have been worn, literally, for ages.

Fine Diamond Jewellery Rental Service Launches

2009-10-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

Diamondthrills is a jewellery rental service dedicated to fine diamond jewellery which aims to appeal to people looking for a way to wear expensive jewellery despite the recession.

The service is aimed at consumers who want to wear the jewellery for a special occasion but not pay the full ownership cost. Its launch follows research by Diamondthrills that found that 42% of women surveyed would consider hiring diamond jewellery, while 70% of those women favour weddings as the most likely occasion when they would use the service.

Jamie Mordaunt, managing director of Diamondthrills, said: “Our innovative service allows women to access and enjoy great diamond jewellery in an entirely new way.”

The business intends to tap into customers looking to make their disposable income go further, cutting back on luxury, but who are still interested in indulging in “recession chic”. Hire prices start at £50 per week and the jewellery is insured while on loan.

The jewellery can be hired through website: http://www.diamondthrills.co.uk/

Fall Issue of Gems & Gemology Examines "Green Amber," Tavernier Blue Diamond

2009-10-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

CARLSBAD, Calif.– Oct. 20, 2009 – The Fall 2009 issue of Gems & Gemology (G&G), released Oct. 5, looks closely at a treated gem material being marketed as “green amber,” as well as a new gemological test to detect HPHT treatment in type I diamonds.

The publication also offers a crystallographic analysis of the Tavernier Blue diamond, an update on Ammolite mining in Canada, and more.

The lead article, “Characterization of ‘Green Amber’ with Infrared and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy,” by Dr. Ahmadjan Abduriyim and co-authors, provides an in-depth look at this relatively new material, which is created by treating amber or its much younger counterpart, copal, under heat and pressure. The process artificially “ages” copal and imparts a green to yellow-green color in some samples. The treatment can be detected by characteristic spectral features, but it is not always possible to establish whether the starting material was amber or copal.

“A new treated gem such as ‘green amber’ poses an immediate challenge to the industry for proper identification,” said G&G Editor-in-Chief Alice Keller. “This article greatly enhances our understanding of this attractive product.”

PDF versions of the Fall 2009 issue are available at http://gia.metapress.com/ To purchase a print copy or to subscribe to G&G, visit www.gia.edu/webapps/gg/orderform/ or email martha.rivera@gia.edu Call toll-free (800) 421-7250, ext. 7142. From outside the U.S. and Canada, call (760) 603-4000, ext. 7142.

U.S. Weekly Chain Store Sales +2% Over Last Week

2009-10-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

U.S. weekly chain store sales rose 2.4 percent for the period that ended October 25, 2009. The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs, which tracks comparable data, reported that spending rose 0.1 percent from the prior week.

“The retail sales recovery continues with its fifth consecutive weekly increase in the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index,” said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC's chief economist. “For October, ICSC Research continues to expect monthly industry comp-store sales to be flat on a year-over-year basis, with a bias toward a somewhat higher outcome,” Niemira added.

NEWSFEED: $3 Million Diamond Bra Fantasy by Victoria’s Secret

2009-10-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend but who would believe these photos of a $3 million diamond bra? Read the story and see a great video of the so-called Fantasy Bra by Victoria Secrets as modeled by modeling superstar Marisa Miller.

The Fantasy Bra has almost 2,500 diamonds of various colors including a huge gem in the middle of your boobs, a 16-carat heart-shaped diamond which may help your gravity sag too much.

The diamonds are colored white, cognac, and champagne, which sounds more like a drinking game than a bra. In all there are 150 carats in the $3 million diamond bra which was designed by Damiani. Who would ask for anything less? Just don’t try rough sex in this thing.

On December 21st you can all see Marisa Miller modeling the Fantasy Bra at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show which will air on the CBS television network. As a bonus we get to check our Fergie from the Black-Eyed Peas singing her heart out.

NEWSFEED: Ivanka Trump weds in jewels from her own line

2009-10-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

New York--It shouldn't come as any surprise whose jewelry Ivanka Trump wore last night when she walked down the aisle to marry newspaper owner and fellow real estate scion Jared Kushner. Why, her own, of course.

The Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry owner, who married Kushner in a private ceremony at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., wore a custom Vera Wang gown and $265,000 in jewels from Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, including a custom-designed, platinum and mixed-cut diamond hair piece, platinum and mixed-cut diamond cluster earrings and an art deco platinum and fancy-link diamond estate bracelet.

Trump wasn't the only one wearing the line's jewels. Her bridesmaids sported Carolina Herrera gowns with assorted designs from Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry. The collection, produced in partnership with Dynamic Diamond Corp., retails at Trump's Madison Avenue retail store and can be viewed at IvankaTrumpCollection.com. Prices in the line start at $650.
Article appears courtesey of National Jeweler Magazine

FIRE OPAL: "The Stone of The Bird of Paradise"

2009-10-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Fire opals are unique in the lush world of the opals. The Mayas and Aztecs loved this gemstone and liked to use it in mosaics and for ritualistic purposes. They called it quetzalitzlipyollitli, the 'stone of the bird of paradise'. Yet one day, the gemstone knowledge of Mexico's natives, which had been handed down from generation to generation, somehow sank into oblivion for a long time ...

... until, in or around the year 1835, the fiery treasures hidden in the Mexican highlands were remembered, and work was gradually begun on the systematic mining of the places where they had been found. Today, the fire opal is regarded as the national gemstone of that country.

It is in Mexico that the most significant fire opal deposits in the world lie. Sometimes, these orange-red gemstones are also found in other countries, in Honduras or Guatemala, in the USA, Canada, Australia, Ethiopia and Turkey, but these are mostly sites of little or no economic significance.

The fiery, warm glow of the fire opal beguiles jewel enthusiasts the world over. The fire opal, with a hardness of between 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, is among the somewhat sensitive gemstones which require a protective setting, especially when worn as a ring stone.

Fire opals are either faceted - that is, as far as their transparency allows - or cut as a cabochon, since this is the shape which best brings out the rich glow of this orange jewel. It is the oval which is regarded as the classical shape for valuable fire opals.

In spite of their relatively low hardness, opals are not actually that easy for the cutter to work with. When setting up the cut, he must pay attention to the direction in which the stone shows its play of colour to the best advantage.

The tolerance of the fire opal to extreme heat is just as poor as its resistance to acids, alkaline solutions and sharp objects. Very unfavourable conditions compel the opal to surrender its moisture, which can make it cloudy and cracked. Like all opals, it should not be exposed to intense light over long periods. However, it loves to be worn a lot, since this enables it to maintain its water balance, using the moisture of the wearer's skin and that of the air. Having said that, it should be protected against contact with cosmetics. Fire opals which have become matt through being worn a great deal can be repolished.

Play of colour, body colour and transparency are the three criteria which determine the price of a fire opal. The more transparency and 'fire' it has, and the more intense the deep red of its body colour, the more valuable it will be. These gems, which glow from orange to red, are treasures which appeal most of all to active people with a positive approach to life. Their warm, fiery colour gives us vigour, fills us with the joys of life and opens our senses to the beauty of Nature.

NEWSFEED: Astounding Results for Christie’s New York Jewelry Sale

2009-10-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

During these days of economic uncertainty, Christie’s sale total of $46,513,050 for October 21 seems almost miraculous. It was a total close to the market’s peak in April 2008, which brought in $49,884,875. Boosting the bottom line was the sale of the Annenberg Diamond, which sold for $7,698,500, or $240,578 per carat, a record for a colorless diamond.

Besides the Annenberg Diamond, four other lots topped the $1 million mark. An Asian private scooped up a 16.33-carat, E internally flawless, round diamond for $1,583,300, or $97,000 per carat. A pair of ear pendants with a 7.18-carat, pear-shaped fancy blue and an 8.04-carat, pear-shaped fancy light pink sold to an Asian private for $1,426,500.

Also finding its way to an Asian private was a pair of earrings showcasing D internally flawless, pear-shaped diamonds weighing 7.51 and 8.18 carats, which sold for $1,202,500. The final lot that soared over the coveted million mark was a Belle Epoque Cartier diamond and rock crystal bow brooch, which sold for $1,082,500. The 385 lot sale was sold 85 percent by lot and 94 percent by value to buyers from all over the world, with strong activity from privates and the Asian market.

MARKET PLACE: Diamond Trends for North America

2009-10-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

There has been a growing interest in buying polished in New York, as expectations for the Christmas season rise. While buying interest is apparent in the wholesale sector and even reminiscent of “normal” levels for this time of year, actual trade levels still lag behind.

Similarly in retail, the market is improving, but there remains stiff competition to woo customers, who are becoming increasingly smarter with their money and are able to demand good deals. Store owners are also feeling the impact of the strong presence of online jewelry retailers. Demand remains centered around rounds, 0.75 ct., H-I, SI goods, and cushions, 1.50-2.50 ct., F-G, VS-SI stones, while extreme shortages and strong demand is apparent in princess, 1.25-2.00 ct., G-I, SI goods.

As reported by Rapaport 10/23/2009

Three Men Rob Diamond Dealer of $500K

2009-10-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Tribune: Police in Jeffersonville, Indiana say three unknown suspects robbed a man at knifepoint outside the Sheraton Hotel at 700 W. Riverside Drive on Wednesday morning. The men took a bag with more than $500,000 in diamonds. Police department detective Charlie Thompson said the victim works in the diamond industry and was staying at the hotel. As he exited the building at about 11:30 a.m., a man was waiting for him in the parking lot.

Two other men were also believed to be part of the robbery. The suspect with the knife was described as a Hispanic male in his mid-20s, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall with a stocky build. He was wearing a gray sweatshirt. Another suspect was a Hispanic male in his 50s. The victim was unable to clearly see the third suspect.

The men left in a black Kia sport utility vehicle. They were seen driving westbound on Riverside Drive. Thompson said the men likely knew the victim would be carrying the diamonds and targeted him in the robbery. Police are asking anyone with knowledge of the case to immediately call the Jeffersonville Police Department (JPD) at 812.283.6633 or the anonymous tip line at 812.218.TIPS.

Copyright © 2009, The Evening News and the Tribune, Jeffersonville, Ind.

Annenberg diamond sells for $7.7m in New York

2009-10-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

A square, 32.01-carat emerald-cut diamond that billionaire philanthropist Leonore Annenberg bought for her 90th birthday has been sold for $7.7m (£4.6m) at a New York City auction.

About the size of a walnut, the flawless diamond sits on a ring, flanked on both sides by smaller pear-shaped diamonds. It was designed by Manhattan jeweller David Webb.

Christie's had estimated it would sell for $3m to $5m. The auction house said the previous record for a 30-carat square cut diamond was $3.1m.

The buyer at today's auction was not immediately identified.

Annenberg died in March aged 91. She was the US chief of protocol in the Reagan administration. Her husband, billionaire publisher Walter Annenberg, died in 2002.

Calgary Police Hunt for Diamond Thieves

2009-10-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

Calgary police are conducting a manhunt in Alberta, Canada following a diamond heist that occurred on October 20, 2009 in the 400 block of 39th Avenue S.E. Local press reported that a jeweler who was experiencing car trouble was approached there by at least three men who then threatened the individual, smashed a car window and stole an estimated $300,000 in diamonds.

Press Broadcast reported that one of the two minivans used as a getaway vehicle had been recovered during a major city search, but that no one has been arrested yet. The victim, who had phoned for roadside assistance ahead of the robbery, described the men as brown-skinned and dressed in hoodies.

The Calgary Herald added that police are now also probing whether the heist was connected to a similar diamond robbery that occurred in December 2008 near Red Deer. In that unsolved case, a gem dealer's car was disabled by thieves who stole $150,000 in gemstones as the dealer awaited roadside assistance.

Following Tuesday's robbery, police searched the city of Calgary with patrol cars, canine units, the tactical team and a helicopter, but failed to find the second getaway minivan.

Additional reporting provided by Acquire Media.

Pikesville Jewelry Store Owner Sentenced to Over 3 Years in Prison

2009-10-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Eugene Petasky, owner of Metro Brokers Jewelers Ltd.in Maryland, was sentenced Monday to 41 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to launder drug proceeds.

According to a release from Rod J. Rosenstein, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Petasky knowingly accepted at least $336,000 in cash from drug traffickers from at least 1982 until November 27, 2006 in exchange for jewelry.

According to the release, Petasky's plea agreement also included that he knew that the money he was accepting was the proceeds of drug trafficking. Drug dealers repeatedly brought drug proceeds to him to disguise the true nature and source of those funds, and Petasky agreed to accept those funds and assist the drug dealers.

Petasky also intentionally concealed the nature of those transactions (and the money involved) by failing to file required tax forms with the Internal Revenue Service and by structuring certain transactions to make them appear legitimate.

Three Men Rob Zales in California

2009-10-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

A Zales store at the Gilroy Premium Outlets in Gilroy, California was the scene of a robbery Monday evening.

Police told The Morgan Hill Times, the local newspaper, that three Hispanic men entered Zales with guns, threatened employees and made off with an undisclosed amount of jewelry shortly before closing time. The men fled in a light-colored sedan.

Zales is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects, according to the newspaper, which interviewed neighboring shop owners following the robbery. However, no one outside the Zales store claimed to have witnessed the holdup.

Smithsonian Celebrates 50th Anniversary of the Hope Diamond

2009-10-20T17:31:00.000-07:00

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the donation of one of the world's most famous gems-the Hope Diamond.

Three contemporary settings have been designed by Harry Winston Inc. to mark the occasion. The public is invited to vote online for their favorite beginning today, Aug. 19, at www.smithsonianchannel.com/hope; voting will continue through Sept. 7.

The winning setting will be announced at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., this fall.

The diamond will not be exhibited in the setting until May 2010, coinciding with the premiere of Smithsonian Channel's "Mystery of the Hope Diamond" documentary-a high-definition film about the full story of the Hope Diamond, from its birth to its mysterious journey through Europe and its final home at the Smithsonian.

Until the new setting is fabricated, the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond will be exhibited as a stand-alone gem with no setting at all. Although removed from its setting on occasion for research and cleaning, this is the first time that the Hope Diamond will be on public view entirely by itself.

For more information, visit http://www.mnh.si.edu/ or call (202) 633-1000.

U.S. Chain Store Sales +3%

2009-10-20T17:13:00.001-07:00

Weekly chain store sales across the U.S. rose 2.8 percent from one year ago during the week that ended October 17, 2009, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs. The positive reading can be attributed, in part, to this year's comparatively more stable climate, given the sales drops that were registered during the fourth quarter of 2008.

“Though the year-over-year sales comparison was easy, consumers shopped late in the week helping to push up the weekly performance,” said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. “Weather was a contributing factor for the sales improvement as fall merchandise got a lift this past week."

On a weekly basis, sales rose 0.2 percent for the week that ended October 17, the fourth consecutive week to reflect positive sales results. ICSC Research expects October's comparable-store sales to be flat to slightly positive on a year-to-year basis.

Customers File Lawsuit Against Cash4Gold

2009-10-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

A group of consumers is suing Cash4Gold, claiming the company “repeatedly loses” the items they send for appraisal. “This case seeks to bring justice to thousands of Cash4Gold consumers,” said John Balestriere of the law firm Balestriere Lanza, which filed the suit in California on behalf of the consumers. “Cash4Gold defrauds its customers and must be held accountable for its actions.”

Balestriere Lanza explained on its website that the suit was filed on behalf of customers whose jewelry was either lost in transit to Cash4Gold or, if the jewelry was received, whose checks were systematically mailed too late for customers to request the return of their jewelry within the designated return-policy period.

“The complaint alleges that Cash4Gold knowingly and deliberately pockets the rewards from jewelry they either claim to never have received or severely undervalue, unjustly inflating its bottom line and defrauding hundreds of thousands of customers dispersed across the nation,” the law firm added.

Cash4Gold could not be reached for comment at press time

Weekly Diamond Market Report: United States

2009-10-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

Retailers are reporting that consumers have been extremely price conscious, leading to competitive price-shopping between several retail outlets, both in-store and online. Lower profit margins are causing retailers to be very aggressive with consumers.

There is a growing trend of sacrificing quality for size among consumers and lower, near-colorless SI qualities are now considered “bread and butter” goods. Wholesalers report that EGL goods are moving better for this reason.

Demand is focused on rounds, princess and cushion cuts, with strong demand existing for rounds, 0.75 ct., H-I, SI goods, and for cushions, 1.50-2.50 ct., F-G, VS-SI1 stones. There is demand and extreme shortages in the market for princess, 1.25-2.00 ct., G-I, SI goods, due to the very limited manufacturing of these stones in recent months.

As reported by Rapaport Diamonds.net 10/16/2009

192 Carat Paraiba Tourmaline to go into Guiness 2011

2009-10-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

MONTREAL — Vincent Boucher wants his Billionaire Business Inc. to become as known for coloured gemstones as has De Beers Diamond Jewellers Ltd. for clear precious stones.

The Montreal financier is off to a good start as owner of the largest cut Paraiba tourmaline, which, at nearly 192 carats, shatters the current Guinness World Records holder with its mass of just under 52 carats.

He expects his tourmaline to soon be certified by Guinness and included in the 2011 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records (the 2010 version is already out).

Although valued at between $25 million and $125 million, what the 36-year-old company CEO called a "perfect and flawless stone" isn't for sale — yet.

Diavik Diamond Mine Named Top 100 Employer in Canada

2009-10-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Diavik Diamond Mines was selected as one of Canada’s top 100 employers for 2010. Kim Truter, Diavik president, said that the recognition reflected a strong commitment to workplace excellence and was an endorsement to be proud of. The winners received national recognition this month in Maclean's magazine, The Globe and Mail newspaper and the job search engine Eluta.ca.

Diavik was the only employer in Canada’s North selected for this distinction. Companies are chosen for setting high standards for the workplace, the work atmosphere and employee benefits, offering strong management, training and skills development and community involvement.

"This recognition comes as we begin to hire our underground mining teams for the planned start of underground mine production, due to commence early next year," according to Diavik's statement. The mine began rough production in 2003 and expects to complete the transition to underground mining in 2012.

Dermatitis Caused by Jewelry Allergies Explored

2009-10-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

My mother, like many people, develops contact dermatitis when her skin comes in contact with some types of jewelry.

The dermatitis is a result of an allergic reaction to the nickel found in many types of jewelry. Nickel allergies are very common. One out of every seven people is likely to suffer from a nickel allergy. More women tend to suffer from nickel allergies than men. However, this may be attributed to the fact that women tend to wear more jewelry than men and are therefore more likely to be exposed to skin contact with nickel. (Nickel sulfate hexahydrate is a metal frequently encountered in jewelry and clasps or buttons on clothing and is the #1 cause of contact dermatitis)

Two factors make self-diagnosis a challenge. First, contact dermatitis may appear several days after contact. Second, a nickel allergy can appear at any point in one's life. One can react suddenly and adversely to a piece of jewelry long-owned and frequently used. If the allergy is due to nickel, it is likely to become a life-long nuisance once it has developed.

Generally speaking, yellow gold (above 14 karat) will not cause an allergic reaction. This due to the fact that in yellow gold copper is usually as an alloy. However, white gold may cause an allergic reaction. White gold alloys contain nickel and other "white" metals to produce its silver coloring. One out of every nine people will react to the nickel in white gold.

Typically silver jewelry is made of sterling silver. Sterling silver is by definition 92.5% pure silver. Typically the remaining 7.5% metal is made up of copper. Copper is infused to harden the silver and make it more durable. Since copper is the normal metal used, sterling silver is a great metal for nickel allergic people. You can typically distinguish sterling silver by a "925" mark found on the jewelry. This is common on manufactured pieces, but may not be present on artisan jewelry.Some other metals that are considered safe for people with nickel allergies are:

Copper - Copper jewelry is generally considered pure and not mixed with nickel or nickel alloys.

Platinum - Platinum jewelry contains 95% platinum and 5% of a secondary metal typically iridium.

Titanium - Titanium jewelry is both hypoallergenic and durable. It is a highly recommended metal for those who suffer from nickel allergies.

If you do buy a piece of jewelry and are concerned that it may contain nickel, commercial test kits are available online. These kits contain chemicals that react in the presence of nickel. Usually other kits are availabe that can be applied to a particualr troublesome piece of jewelry that will protect you from dermatitis caused by nickel allergies.

(Nickel Guard™ is designed to coat jewelry and other metal items to protect you from nickel contact. Nickel Guard forms an invisible micro-bond barrier effectively sealing the metal item.) For more information on this product please visit their website: No Nickel.com

If you have an allergy to nickel and would like to share your experience with other's just like you, please, feel free to leave a comment.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Introduces G&G eBrief

2009-10-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has introduced a new monthly electronic newsletter, the G&GeBrief, to complement its quarterly Gems &Gemology (G&G) publication. The G&GeBrief is free through December, but will only be available to G &G subscribers as of January 2010.

“The need for dependable gemological intelligence has never been greater,” said Tom Moses, senior vice president of the GIA's Laboratory and Research division. “The G&G eBrief gives readers access to timely and useful information that is based on rigorous scientific testing.”

G&G eBriefs offer updates on the latest findings from the GIA Laboratory, global news and trade alerts, helpful tips and information on upcoming conferences and exhibits worldwide.

To receive the November and December G&G eBriefs, email managing editor Tom Overton at tom.overton@gia.edu.

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U.S. Chain Store Sales Rises for 5th Consecutive Week

2009-10-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

U.S. chain store sales rose for the fifth consecutive week during the seven days that ended October 10, rising 1 percent from a year earlier, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs reported. On a week-to-week basis, sales increased by 0.6 percent.

“Slowly but surely, the underlying sales performance is inching higher,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC's chief economist. “This trend improvement is providing evidence that the retail sector recovery is starting to unfold.”

Niemira added that the ICSC expects retail comparable store sales to be flat in October, “with a bias toward a somewhat higher outcome.”

Blue Diamond Ring Fetches $5.6 million at Sothebey's Auction

2009-10-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels sale in Hong Kong garnered $32.6 million (HKD 254 million) and was 71 percent sold by lot.

Diamonds performed well, with a rare, 8.74-carat, VVS1, emerald cut blue diamond and diamond ring selling for $5.6 million, or $642,199 per carat. Sotheby’s reported the lot was the highest price yet achieved for a fancy blue diamond at auction in Asia.

"We were particularly pleased with the important fancy intense blue emerald-cut diamond ring from an Asian private collector, which topped the auction today and for which over five bidders competed,” said Quek Chin Yeow, deputy chairman and head of the jewelry department at Sotheby’s Asia.

Chin Yeow noted a healthy support for diamonds amongst bidders and particular interest in round brilliant-cut stones at the auction. “We were also pleased at the level of bidding from mainland Chinese clients, who were active throughout the sale and featured strongly in the top ten,” he added.” The top ten featured white diamonds, colored diamonds, colored gemstones and jadeite, which saw strong prices, Chin Yeow said.

Among the diamond pieces in the top ten were a round, 28.88-carat, D, flawless diamond that sold for $4.7 million and an emerald cut, 18.71-carat, D color diamond ring, which sold for $2.2 million. Other highlights included a pair of round, brilliant cut diamond earrings weighing 10.12 carats and 10.65 carats, respectively, which sold for $1.6 million, and an 18.08-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring sold for $1.5 million.

"The Art of Opal Cutting"

2009-10-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

"The Art of Opal Cutting" takes a look at the fascinating world of opal cutting. It gives great insight in what is involved in shaping a rough opal into an opal that is ready to be displayed in a jewelry setting. Although this video is a little longer than what we usually like the publish, it gives an unprecedented look at what is involved in getting an opal from a mined state into a jewelry-ready finished opal gemstone. FABULOUS VIDEO!!

Feel free to add your comment to this post if you have something of interest to share with other jewelry and opal lover's out there!

"Coober Pedy: Opal Capital of The World"

2009-10-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

"Coober Pedy: Opal Capital of The World" This short but extremely fascinating National Geographic Video takes a closer look at the mining of opal in Cooper Pedy: the world's number one source of the best opal on the planet. Go underground and witness first-hand what it takes to get the world's most popular phenominal gemstone out of the ground and into the store. Fantastic Video!

If you have something interesting to add to this video feel free to leave a comment, and share your know-how with other opal fans just like you.

The Gemology of Opal

2009-10-05T16:44:00.001-07:00

"The Gemology of Opal" looks at exactly what causes the play-of-color that opal is so famous for. It is only recently that scientists have had the tools available to really learn what makes this gem so magnificent, and ultimately the world's most popular phenominal gem.

If you have something to add that would be of interest to other opal fans, please, leave a comment, and share your know-how.

Opal: The World's Most Popular Phenominal Gems

2009-10-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease. Europeans have long considered the gem a symbol of hope, purity, and truth.

Opal is one of the modern birthstones for October (along with tourmaline). Some people think it's unlucky for anyone born in another month to wear an opal, but that particular superstition comes from a novel written in the 1800s (Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott) and not from ancient belief or experience. In fact, throughout most of history, opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because it can show all colors. Once, it was thought to have the power to preserve the life and color of blond hair.

Although experts divide gem opals into many different categories, the main types are:

•White opal - translucent to semi-translucent with play-of-color against a white or light gray body color.
•Black opal - translucent to opaque with play-of-color against a black or other dark body color.
•Fire Opal - transparent to translucent with brown, yellow, orange, or red body color. This material, which often does not show play-of-color, is also known as "Mexican opal," "gold opal," or "sun opal."

The market supply of fine black opal is extremely limited, but white and fire opals are generally available in a wide range of sizes. You'll usually see black or white opals fashioned as cabochons and set in rings, pendants, pins, or earrings. Fire opals are used in the same kinds of jewelry, but they're often faceted. All three types occasionally appear as beads and carvings.

Pieces of white or black opal that are too thin to use alone often become part of opal doublets or triplets. In these assembled stones, a sliver of opal is cemented, usually with black adhesive that dramatizes the play-of-color, to a backing such as chalcedony, glass, or plastic. A doublet consists of two pieces (the opal and the backing), while a triplet also has a protective top made of rock crystal quartz or colorless glass.

Play-of-color occurs because opal is made up of sub-microscopic spheres stacked in a grid-like pattern, like layers of ping-pong balls in a box. This structure breaks up light into spectral colors. The colors you see depend on the sizes of the spheres. Those approximately 0.1 micron (one ten-millionth of a meter) in diameter produce violet. Spheres that are about 0.2 microns in size produce red. Those in between produce intermediate hues.

Sources: Australia, Brazil, Mexico

Hardness & Toughness: Opal's harness rates between 5 to 6.5 on the MOHS scale. Its toughness is rated Very poor to Fair

Stability: High heat or sudden temperature change can cause fracturing. Opals are generally stable to light, but heat from intense light can cause fracturing (known as "crazing"). Opals are attacked by hydrofluoric acid and caustic alkalis. Loss of moisture, and crazing, can result from storage in airtight containers, such as safe deposit boxes.

Care and Cleaning: Opals can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning.

Imitations & Synthetics: Glass and plastic have been used to imitate opal, and synthetic opals are available in a variety of colors.

Want to learn even more about opal? Read this article: "Opal: A Detailed Look"

Have an interesting opal story you would like to share? Leave a comment, and tell other opal fans just like you.

ANDALUSITE: Cognac Cocktail is a Gem to Behold

2009-09-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

Andalusite is considered by crystal healers to be a gemstone that enhances intellect, problem solving abilities and mental clarity. It is also mentioned as being conducive to the receipt of messages from the netherworld.

Originally discovered in Spain, this publicly lesser-known gemstone, can be used by designers, in stunning designs, at relatively affordable prices due to its relatively low pricepoint.

Nonetheless, this pleochroic gem needs to be cut properly in order to achieve its absolutely stunning array of cognac colors. To learn more about this absolutely gorgeous gemstone click here.

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Market Place: Current Diamond Trends

2009-09-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest diamond trends in the North American Retail Market. This includes the most popular diamond styles, qualities, metal preference, as well as average price:

1. Round brilliant is currently outselling every other diamond shape in the market-place.

2. 1 carat is currently the most popular weight, though 3/4 carat stones are also selling well.

3. G is the most popular color right now.

4. 18-and 14-karat white gold are outselling platinum due to the better price-point, though high-end consumers still prefer platinum, while younger customer are increasingly interested in palladium.

5. The average price for an engagement ring, including stone and setting, is currently $7500 US.

Source: Rapaport Vol. 32 No. 9 September 2009

Diamonds: Still a Girl's Best Friend

2009-09-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

Perennially classic, diamonds never fall from fashion, but current trends have given them some eye-popping new looks. Recent discoveries of rich sources of larger diamonds have made diamonds of a half carat or more available in both greater quantity and quality - assuring these dazzlers and attention-grabbing place in the oversize jewelry movement.

At the same time, economy-conscious buyers have become increasingly aware that diamonds are as much an investment as a fashion statement. As such, harder-to-find larger stones hold their value much better than smaller ones.

It's no surprise that women are sporting their big rocks at the neck and on the ears, where they'll attract the most admiration. Upswept hair styles further accentuate their brilliance, making the jewels, not the clothing, the fashion centerpiece. On the ears, dangling or chandelier earrings use smaller diamonds to complement the larger stone that finishes off the design. Waterfall styles are also trendy, and the ever-popular studs - in sizes big enough to make them more than "simple" - still abound. On the neck, glittering diamond pendants and chokers ensure an eye-catching dcolletage; even streamlined hoop earrings and bangle bracelets are boasting brilliant accents. Wherever they're worn, women are seeking to make statements with their stones.

While size certainly garners favorable attention, modernizing diamonds to meet current fashion expectations can be as easy as choosing new shapes. For engagement rings, standard brilliant and emerald cuts are still favorites, but discerning brides now have more options. An array of designer cuts - often named by their creators - take distinctiveness to a new level. Featuring mathematically calculated cuts of up to 105 facets, for example, these complex cuts are crafted to optimize brilliance. Some even create the illusion of larger stones. For brides searching out the unique but not overly ornate, creative cuts can be the answer.

But diamonds are not just for lovers anymore. Inspired by celebrities who have been flashing daring diamonds on red carpets across the country, women are realizing that their beautiful diamonds can be worn wherever and whenever, even as rings. The up-and-coming right-hand ring, featuring multiple diamonds in unusual designs is a dazzling display of self-expression. Easily distinguished from engagement rings, these contemporary creations - in floral, modern or vintage motifs - declare individuality. As a gift to one's self or others, diamonds are always a smart choice.

Got a diamond story you would like to share? Feel free to share your thoughts with other diamond lover's just like you, and leave a comment.

Fancy Diamond Shape: The Cushette

2009-09-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

The recent trend to branding, as well as the advent of modern diamond cutting technologies, has created a myriad of new fancy diamond shapes available to the consumer.

The use of fancy shapes in diamond jewelry completely changes the look of a piece, and has created and opened up vast new design possibilities, as well as a new way for consumers to express their individuality. Today we take a look at once such new arrival: The Cushette.

The Cushette was developed as part of the patented Rosetta Process, which features eight portals of Light in the pavillion, producing great light performance. It is a modified cushion cut diamond designed for increased brilliance and eye appeal.

There are 77 facets in the Cushette; 33 on the crown and 44 on the pavillion. The color grades range from D through K, with clarities from IF to I-1. The stones are offered in sizes ranging from .50 to 10 carats. Cushette diamonds are branded and numbered and the stones are GCAL certified.

The Cushette is sold in middle to high-end stores. It is sold on an exclusive dealership basis only. The price range for The Cushette is between $500 to $150,000. There are currently close to 80 exclusive retailers throughout the US, Canada, Australia and Ireland. According to the manufacturer (Vision Cut) it is the most competitively priced branded-diamond in the market today.

To learn more about this cut, visit the Vision Cut website at www.cushette.com.

Like this article? Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts with other jewelry fans just like yourself.

The Online Jeweler Magazine does not specifically endorse and has no affiliation with Vision Cut. This article is one of many more to come, that specifically looks at the latest fancy diamond cuts in the market-place from a completely objective and independent perspective..

How You Can Protect Yourself From Online Jewelry Scams

2009-09-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

Which is riskier, buying jewelry from a city street vendor or from an on-line source? Surprisingly, there might not be much difference.

Online auctions and jewelry Web sites have made it easier than ever for buyers to find exactly what they want, but they've also made it easier for unscrupulous sellers to take advantage of them. Just like street salesmen, on-line vendors have been known to sell illegitimate items and misrepresent quality or value; they're also in a unique position to disappear after collecting money for items that don't even exist.

This isn't to say that fine jewelry can't be purchased on-line, but caution is paramount. Before you even begin looking at auctions, familiarize yourself with the site's complaint policies. Thoroughly investigate a seller's feedback, paying particular attention to the nature of negative comments. Read the auction's fine print carefully to understand return policies, including acceptable reasons for refunds, who absorbs shipping costs and how long you have to make a return.

Since most auction sellers aren't gemologists, don't be afraid to ask for further information, photos or authentication. Finally, choose a payment method that offers protection against fraud — credit card, PayPal or escrow service. The same rules apply to e-commerce sites. Look for reputable jewelry proprietors who provide clear, detailed photographs, as well as comprehensive information and guarantees about quality, style or carat weight. Proceed with caution if items are priced far below retail value, or the seller insists on being paid by cash or money order. If everything looks to be in order, research the site on-line and with the Better Business Bureau; check to see if the seller is a registered member of a reputable jewelry trade association. Of course, the best references are personal and word-of-mouth. If you find an item you like, see if your favorite jeweler can offer something similar at a comparable price.

This not only eliminates shipping and insurance costs, but guarantees that you like the way an item looks, both with the naked eye and under a powerful loupe. Buying from a brick-and-mortar store also fosters an ongoing relationship with a trusted jeweler who can size, alter, adjust or repair your jewelry, as well as impart knowledge and advise about future acquisitions. Of course, there is no substitute for doing your homework; the educated consumer gets the best deal – every time.

Do you have a online-purchase horror story to share? Maybe something to add to this one? Share your thoughts with other jewelry-fans just like you, and leave a comment.

The Colorful Side of Diamonds

2009-09-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

Diamonds may be a “girl’s best friend,” but you don’t have to limit yourself to traditional colorless or “white” diamonds to satisfy your appetite for these exquisite stones. Diamonds come in virtually every color under the rainbow, including yellow, pink, brown, blue, green, purple, red, black and other shades – and wearing a natural color diamond is the perfect way to express your unique style, taste and personality in a way that no white diamond could ever do.

Everyone knows that diamonds are rare. But the formation of natural color diamonds requires the presence of not only the original magic formula for all diamond creation of unimaginable heat and pressure placed on carbon crystals, but the presence of additional trace elements, as well. When these elements interact with carbon atoms during a diamond's creation, they can change a diamond's color. Radiation during the creation process also can alter a diamond's color. It is estimated that for every natural color diamond, there are 10,000 colorless diamonds that have made the arduous journey to the earth's surface. This entirely natural process ensures that each natural color diamond is one-of-a-kind.

Unlike colorless diamonds, which are judged in terms of strict quality grades of carat weight, clarity, color and cut, natural color diamonds are unique in that color is generally the most important indicator of quality and value. These colorful gems are judged on the basis of hue (the dominant color of the stone), tone (how much lightness or darkness of color a stone retains) and saturation (strength and intensity of the hue). Some colors, such as brown and yellow, are available in a wide range of sizes, while blues, reds and greens are much rarer, particularly in larger sizes. This means they typically command higher prices.

Do you have a colored diamond story to share? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with other diamond lovers just like you.

"The Hope Original Square Cut"

2009-09-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

The Hope Original Square Cut is a patented diamond shape. It is sold in Japan under the name PatinaBlue and was created by Hope International in June 2003.

The idea was to add the brilliance of hearts and arrows to the traditional square/cushion shape diamond using modern technical expertise.

The Hope Original Square Cut is a cushion brilliant cut with 58 facets, the same number as a round diamond. The Hope requires the same or even more precision to polish than a round ideal cut, and has perfect hearts and arrows.

The Hope Original Square is proprietary and at present is being sold in loose stone form. The company is targeting the bridal market: high-end to mid-market retailers; and small independents to large chains. In The United States, Hope stones are available with G.I.A. certificates, while in Japan they may be graded by a variety of labs.

There is a website www.hopeusacorp.com for U.S. customers. Prices are available upon request. Market conditions will have an influence on pricing and availability.

The Hope Orginal Square Cut diamond offers the traditional cushion shape with the brilliance of contemporary hearts and arrows rounds.

Like this article? Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts with other jewelry fans just like yourself.

The Online Jeweler Magazine does not specifically endorse and has no affiliation with Hope International. This article is one of many more to come, that specifically looks at the latest fancy diamond cuts in the market-place from a completely objective and independent perspective..

Jay Boyle & Shawn O'Sullivan Talk About Heat-treatment and Blue Sapphires

2009-09-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

Jay Boyle and Shawn O'Sullivan talk about the history of heat-treatment and how it relates to blue-sapphire, in this follow-up on our last article on Blue-sapphires.

For an even more detailed look on Blue Sapphires, check out last February's "Detailed Look" at this magnificent gemstone that is adored by so many jewelry fans around the world! (click here)

Sapphire: Stone of Spiritual Enlightenment and Inner Peace

2009-09-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

In earlier times, some people believed that the firmament was an enormous blue sapphire in which the Earth was embedded. Could there be a more apt image to describe the beauty of an immaculate sapphire?

Sapphire is the official birthstone for the month of September as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also one of the birth stones for the Zodiac signs of Pisces, Taurus, Virgo and Sagittarius.

Sapphire is the non-red variety of corundum (the red variety of corundum is ruby). A 9.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphire is the second hardest natural mineral. Only diamond is harder, thus making sapphire a very wearable stone.

Blue is by far the most popular color for sapphires, but they can be found in almost any color, including yellow, green, white, colorless, pink, orange, brown, and purple. Padparadscha is the name for a rare orange-pink variety of sapphire and has a higher value than blue sapphires. The presence of small amounts of other elements, especially iron and chrome, are responsible for the colouring, turning a crystal that was basically white into a blue, red, yellow, pink or greenish sapphire.

Sapphires with inclusions of tiny, rutile needles exhibit an optical property called asterism. This is the star shaped effect seen in star sapphires and is usually only seen in cabochon cuts.
Star sapphires usually have six ray stars, but twelve ray stars are also known. Rarely, when sapphires are cut en cabochon, they can demonstrate a cat's eye effect. This effect displays a thin band of light down the center of the stone and is known as chatoyancy.

A rare variety of sapphire, known as color changing sapphire, exhibits different colors in different light. A color change sapphire is blue in natural light, and violet in artificial light. A similar effect is also seen in alexandrite.

Sapphire was first created synthetically in 1902 and is hard to distinguish from natural sapphires except by gemologists. Lab grown sapphires range in price and smaller stones are frequently used in less expensive jewelry.

Sources: India, Burma, Ceylon, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil and Africa.

Hardness & Toughness: Sapphire's hardness is exceeded only by that of diamond – and the diamond is the hardest mineral on Earth! Thanks to that hardness, and excellent toughness, sapphires are easy to look after, requiring no more than the usual care on the part of the wearer.

Treatment: The most common and widely accepted form of treatment is heat treatment. Heat treatment has been used to improve the appearance of sapphires for a very long time and is considered acceptable.

Care and Cleaning: Warm soapy water is usually considered best, but the ultra-sonic and steam-cleaner are generally considered to be safe.

Imitations: glass, plastic, blue cubic zirconia, synthetic spinel and synthetic sapphire are all known natural sapphire imitations.

Want to learn even more about Sapphire click here

Got something to add to this article? Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts with other jewelry fans just like yourself.

Why Cut Is the Most Important Of the 4Cs

2009-09-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Of course, you already know about the 4Cs of diamonds – cut, color, clarity and carat weight – and their importance in selecting the right gem. However, if we had to choose one “C” as the most critical to a diamond’s beauty, it would be its cut.

The Human Touch
Cut is really the only quality of a diamond that is controlled by a human, in this case, the gem cutter. His job is to take a rough diamond and transform it into a sparkling gem. Regardless of a diamond's shape, each cut is created using precise mathematical proportions.

Round Brilliant Has 58 Facets
For example, the standard brilliant cut, developed in 1919, and still the most popular cut, contains a total of 58 facets - the small, polished planes that reflect light. The large facet at the top is known as the table; the crown is the upper portion of the diamond; the girdle is the narrow band at the outer edge; the pavilion is the lower part of the stone, extending to the culet, which is the bottom tip.

How a Diamond Gets Its Brilliance
A diamond's quality of reflection is known as brilliance, which is caused when light enters through the table, travels down to the pavilion where it reflects from one side to the other, and back up through the table to the eye of the viewer. The precision of the angles of the facets controls the amount of reflected and refracted light and gives the diamond its brilliance and fire - critical factors in judging the quality of a diamond.

When It Doesn't Make the Grade...
If a diamond is cut poorly, light enters the table but instead of reflecting back, it gets misdirected out the sides or bottom of the stone, resulting in less fire and brilliance. That is why the quality of the cut is essential to a diamond's beauty.

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Your Refresher Course on Diamonds: The Famous 4Cs

2009-08-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

Since the dawn of time, diamonds have held an exalted place in history, as they were coveted by goddesses and kings. Today, the average consumer can purchase these scintillating gems in a breathtaking range of shapes, colors and designs. Before you shop for diamonds, it's wise to know the basics: The Famous 4Cs.

Carat - The measurement of a diamond's weight, this word is derived from the carob seeds that were used to balance scales in ancient times. For jewelry purposes, carats are further divided into points, a one-carat stone equaling 100 points. Therefore, a half-carat stone may be referred to as "50 points," a quarter-carat, "25 points," etc.

Clarity - A diamond's clarity is determined by any external irregularities and the number of internal "inclusions." Most diamonds contain some inclusions, but many are microscopic in nature and can be seen only under powerful magnification. Spots, bubbles or lines are marks that make each stone unique, but generally, the fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the stone. Clarity is graded on a scale ranging from "flawless" to "imperfect." To be graded "flawless," a diamond can have no inclusions visible to a trained eye using a 10-power magnification in good light.

Color - Diamonds can be found in every color of the spectrum, but in "white" diamonds, the most valued gemstones are those with the least color, allowing them to reflect and refract light. White diamonds are graded on a scale beginning with "D," indicating a total colorlessness, progressing down the alphabet for lower qualities. The best way to see the true color of a diamond is by looking at it against a white surface.

Cut - This is what gives a diamond its fiery sparkle. Each diamond, regardless of shape, is cut according to an exact mathematical formula. For example, a round, brilliant-cut diamond has 58 "facets," or small, flat, polished planes that are designed to yield the maximum amount of light. This reflection, known as brilliance, is an extremely important factor in evaluating the quality of a diamond.

We hope you enjoyed this short and swift refresher on the Four Cs. On Wednesday August 2, 2009, we will take a closer look at CUT the MOST important of the Four Cs.

Do you have anything to add to this story? Feel free to leave a comment and share your wisdom with other jewelry lover's just like you!