When it comes to holiday decorations, holiday movies are quick to show how competitive rivals can get to create the biggest, brightest, and most outlandish decorations. For the past two years people have been taking Christmas trees to new heights. While in 2006 a 21karat gold tree was made by Japanese jeweler Ginza Tanaka that sold for $850,000, the tree that takes the cake is bigger and better. Continue reading »
When You Just Got To Have It!
We’re officially in a recession and people are holding on to their money. Christie’s, London’s auction house, may have had trouble selling a “Study of Self-Portrait” by Francis Bacon, but the same didn’t hold true for the Wittelsbach diamond. This cool, blue, gem was snapped up for $24.3 million dollars, about twice the pre-sales estimate, proving once again that are a solid investment even in recessionary times. However, the Wittelsbach itself isn’t just any ordinary diamond, it has a unique history and color that sets it apart from the rest, which made it a “got to have” item for billionaire Laurence Graff, a noted diamond dealer. It’s reputed to be the highest price ever paid for a diamond at auction. Continue reading »
Many of us know that diamonds adorn more than just jewelry today. However, you may not be aware that the rare jewels are considered valuable in modern scientific experiments, medical treatments, and research methods.Most people have no idea or knowledge of quantum mechanics and research, what its purpose is, and how we use it. Very few experts exist in this field, but it may lend opportunities for larger use and applications. These scientists have been studying diamonds at a molecular level for years, determining what future advancements the gem might provide to everyday activities. Continue reading »
Everyone’s heard the phrase made famous by Marilyn Monroe, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” With new medical studies being performed, diamonds could become a true best friend to people in need. It turns out that diamonds are capable of more than just sparkle and shine; they have characteristics which can aid in healing cancer patients. One typically does not think of diamonds when they think of cancer treatment, but new research shows that diamonds can help create a more targeted treatment with fewer side effects. Continue reading »
People are not the only ones getting diamonds for their birthday. For men everywhere, the idea of adding diamonds to your car may seem too much or it may quickly be the perfect way to give a gift that enhances the look of any vehicle. However, getting the diamonds and getting them set into your vehicles interior is something that is still being tested by the professionals.
This year, the Europa, which is built by British carmaker Lotus, received a number of diamond-studded accents that will value the car more than $400,000. However, it is unlikely that this special anniversary edition will ever be sold. The other changes, though, will be incorporated in all productions of the latest model. Continue reading »
If you have watched any part of the latest coverage on the campaign for the next president of the United States, you will likely notice that the attire of the potential First Ladies is getting coverage as well. Included in the wardrobe coverage are an impressive number of diamond brooches and pins that have made their way onto the wives of the presidential candidates during the Democratic and Republican Conventions, as well as on stops along the way.One of the most notable was the brooch that Michelle Obama wore on the first night of the Democratic Convention. This brooch, which blended perfectly with her turquoise dress, is the perfect example of how to wear a gemstone or diamond brooch. Without being too gaudy, the brooch created the perfect accent to a simple and elegant outfit. It also made a fashion statement that let people talk about her for days after she appeared at the convention. Continue reading »
Millions of people know the tune and words of the song made famous by Marilyn Monroe, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”, and even more than fifty years later that phrase is still very true. In fact, diamonds have become “everyone’s” best friend with trends indicating their increasing popularity with teens, men and women of all ages. This includes those who are purchasing them to wear as jewelry and those who are looking to diamonds as a good investment vehicle.Diamonds are more popular than ever, in part due to the constant coverage given to celebrities and the fashions they select - which includes their jewelry. For example, Jennifer Lopez received an enormous pink diamond ring from her then fiancé Ben Affleck. Suddenly colored diamonds began appearing everywhere. Continue reading »
People are always surprised to learn that the glamorous diamond heists in all of the movies are true to life and that such heists happen even today in this age of high tech security. Of course, while many diamond robberies are the slick, cunning operations that resemble the movies, many diamond thefts are quick and dirty, gaining practically no media attention.In February of 2008, a brilliant execution of a diamond heist took place in Italy. While every notable Hollywood personality and all of the socialites from all over the world gathered themselves together at the Oscar award ceremonies, including the owners of the Italian jeweler to the stars, four very clever men were stealing the absent jeweler’s wares. Continue reading »
A large blue diamond has sold at a Geneva, Switzerland auction for over $8 million dollars. The jewelry auction brought high prices for colored and white diamonds. The large blue diamond weighed in at 13.39 carats. The stone is a rectangular diamond in a ring setting. Small pink diamonds encircles the blue diamond. Blue diamonds are among the rarest colored diamonds on earth.The diamond and jewelry sale is part of the twice-yearly sale in Geneva. The large blue diamond was one of the most stunning pieces however there were 365 jewelry lots for sale at auction. Of the 365 offerings 265 were successfully won by bidders for a total of more than $56 million setting a new auction record. Continue reading »
Because the diamond is one of the most coveted things on earth, it is no wonder there have been a number of fascinating diamond heists over the years. Some of course, the public never hears about while others have made headline news around the globe. We wanted to share one of the more famous diamond heists, reinforcing the value and importance placed on the diamond.The story covered the heist of 2003, involving the renowned Antwerp Diamond Center. The thieves broke into this Belgian company and successfully, pulled of the country’s largest diamond heists in history. Of the 160 vaults containing these precious gems, 123 were entered. As a result, the thieves were able to get away with more than $100 million in gems. What made this particular heist so intriguing is that it was not until the following day that the robbery was discovered. Continue reading »
