Vintage diamonds are known for their antique cuts, that while not as sophisticated as newer ones, still retain a charm and mystery that newer cuts lack. Gemstone cutting is an art that has grown more sophisticated over the years, and the use of technology has revolutionized the diamond cutting industry to make new cuts that were impossible only years earlier. There is something intriguing, however, about the older cuts that were highlighted in antique settings and can bring you a piece of history and romance of times gone by. Continue reading »

When buying a diamond, people have numerous things to consider, some more important than others. For instance, the girdle is actually something any person buying a diamond needs to understand. In fact, a girdle is a key element to a diamond so learning about this element is crucial. Additionally, people will hear words such as a “frosty girdle diamond”, which is also something a buyer should know.

The girdle is the outer edge of a diamond. Depending on the cut chosen, the girdle may be extremely easy to see or more difficult. In the case of a round brilliant cut, the frosty girdle diamond or polished diamond would be very visible. The various characteristics of the frosty girdle diamond will have a direct link to the way in which the stone ultimately looks, as do the other finishes. Continue reading »

When the word diamond is mentioned, it brings forth a multitude of images that represent purity and strength which parallels and symbolizes the commitments in which diamonds are given. Besides engagement, diamonds are for the 75th wedding anniversary; a commitment to longstanding love.

In our society of technology, a diamond is an immense and vast representation of the ultimate material of super strength. Diamonds are composed of the mineral carbon; forming into a brilliant, transparent, crystalline substance in the earth’s interior and being the hardest substance in nature. Continue reading »

Have you ever wondered why the diamond is the engagement ring of choice? Where did the idea originate from? Why is the diamond considered the ultimate symbol of love and adoration?For centuries, diamonds have been widely known as the universal symbol of eternal love and commitment. This is mainly due to the fact that diamonds are beautiful, strong, and durable, much like the tradition of a lasting marriage. Continue reading »

In the last few years there have been several celebrities that have chosen vintage diamond engagement rings and many of them have been Victorian inspired. As a result, Victorian engagement rings are once again becoming popular among others as well.One particular style of engagement ring that is experiencing a resurgence is the toi et moi ring or the ‘you and me’ ring. This French style ring was once very popular during the 19th century and today they have become popular again. The resurgence in popularity began after Sandra Bullock was presented with a ‘you and me’ ring by Jesse James in 2005. Sandra’s ring was a platinum band featuring two octagonal diamonds. Continue reading »

Diamonds are subjected to all sorts of treatments in order to enhance their beauty. Popular treatments include high pressure/high temperature treatments as well as coatings. These treatments can give the diamond a slightly different color and hide imperfections on the surface and within the diamond itself. While that’s a plus for people looking to buy less-than-perfect diamond jewelry to save money, it’s a bit of a dilemma for jewelers who are trying to determine the natural grading of a diamond. If it has been treated, it is generally worth less than a natural, untreated, diamond of the same visual quality. Knowing how to quickly and accurately test diamonds for coatings can keep a jeweler and you from paying too much for a treated stone. Continue reading »

It’s a fascinating story filled with drama, intrigue, plot twists, and gorgeous actresses. No, this isn’t a movie review: it’s the story of how diamonds came to be seen as indispensable to romance.Hollywood is the birthplace of the wonderful idea that a diamond engagement ring should be presented as a surprise gift to a woman when her now-fiancé proposes. This fun idea has led to many a jaw-drop for women! The romantic allure of planning for the perfect proposal comes straight out of an old movie.

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Diamonds are formed under great pressure 120 miles below ground level. It can take millions of years to form these bits of carbon into the almost indestructible diamonds they become. They lie there deep inside the earth until something brings them to the surface in one giant leap.Volcanoes bring the stones to the surface, where they’re mixed with sand and gravel. The process of being brought to the surface by volcanoes preserves the diamond’s crystal lattice structure. Diamond miners scoop large quantities of this valuable gravel out of hillsides and start the sorting process. Alluvial diamonds have washed out of the hillsides naturally and found their way to riverbeds and coastlines.

Colored stones are incredibly rare. For instance, one mine produces 35 million carats of rough diamonds a year, and only four or five stones of the rarest colors are produced from that harvest. A two-carat pink diamond could be worth up to a million dollars in today’s market, so diamond miners and diamond stone polishers are always on the lookout for those masterpieces. Continue reading »

Treated diamonds are also known as “diamond enhancements”, which means that a special type of treatment was performed on a natural diamond as a means of improving the gemological characteristics. What makes treated diamonds so unique is that the changes cover many things such as clarity and color.To improve the clarity of a natural stone, treated diamonds go through a laser procedure, which works by eliminating inclusions and then a special sealant is used to fill any cracks. Even the color of a diamond can be improved, giving it a higher grade. In fact, what makes this process so amazing it that there are even options to take a white diamond and give it colored qualities. Continue reading »

Don’t be dazzled when you walk into the diamond jewelry store to start shopping for that perfect diamond ring, fabulous diamond bracelet, or exquisite pair of diamond earrings. It is almost like being a little kid and walking into the candy store with a pocket full of money – it is easy to get carried away with how beautiful all the sparkling stones are!Your first step when you start to shop for loose diamonds or diamonds already mounted in a setting is to go to a jeweler you trust. Don’t be intimidated by a knowledgeable sales person. Always ask questions and don’t think they are dumb ones, either. Everyone starts out in the diamond business with zero knowledge, and learns as they go along. Continue reading »