The Cullinan mine in South Africa definitely knows how to make miners stand up and take notice. On September 24, 2009, a 507 carat white stone was discovered in the already famous mine and according to the mining company Petra Diamond, this stone will turn out to be one of the twenty largest rough diamonds ever discovered in the world. This area of South Africa, 25 miles outside of Pretoria, is known to be a very mineral rich area. Continue reading »
It sounds like something straight out of a Hollywood action film, and in many cases, it has been; but it is also true. New scientific evidence is lending a great deal of credence to the long standing theory that over thirteen thousand years ago, a comet hit North America. Some sixty five million years after the collision that wiped out all of the world’s dinosaurs, a much smaller comet struck North America. Continue reading »
Colored diamonds have been steadily growing in popularity for the last ten years. Demand for the rarest colors continues to rise, as the general public seeks some remnant of the fancy stones. When auctioneers in New York held the Magnificent Jewels Auction, the highest bid of the evening was received for a flawless yellow diamond ring.The 36.99 carat yellow diamond of oval shape was featured on the cover of the program for the famous auction. Celebrities and international royalty attended the event to bid on several impressive jewels available. Continue reading »
In light of the economic downturn, many jewelry auctions have seen less-than-expected results at many sales. However, ultra-luxe items like high-dollar diamonds are still fetching stellar prices, as those with the funds are looking to invest their money in a sure thing.The value of diamonds almost always stays relatively stable, but commercial diamonds will fluctuate slightly with market downturns. It is widely accepted that the value of these jewels has stabilized, but large, rare and historic diamonds always continue to hold their value.
There are people who can afford the very “best of the best” and frequently purchase the best cars, food, vacations, homes and many other goods or services. Outside of this is everyone else, right? Actually, that’s wrong. There are those who live even a step above the best and lead a life beyond just simple luxury. For these folks there can often appear to be no limits, and nowhere is that more clear than when they purchase diamonds. Continue reading »
There are many instances in life when we lose things that we think are valuable to us such as mementos from the past and gifts given to us by relatives. One thing that we know that will have an effect on us if we lose it is our wedding ring. This ring represents our bond with our spouse and whether it is valuable or not, the sentiment behind it is really what makes it valuable. Whether a diamond ring or a simple stainless steel wedding band, the loss of something so valuable can be truly heartbreaking and the loss can stay in our mind for a very long time. We also go to whatever lengths necessary to try to recover the lost ring such as the case of Aleki Taumoepeau, from New Zealand who lost his ring in a murky body of water. Continue reading »
Everyone knows the 50th wedding anniversary is a golden anniversary, unless you’re the Smithsonian. Their love affair and marriage with the famous Hope blue diamond has lasted a full fifty years, and now they’re celebrating this occasion with even more diamonds. In honor of the occasion, they’ve commissioned the illustrious Harry Winston designers, to create three fabulous new settings for the much acclaimed blue diamond. The public is invited to join in by voting for their favorite design, all of which have a hopeful theme.
Diamonds are a rare commodity that can fetch large sums of money both in the general marketplace and at auctions that are held throughout the world. There have been many amazingly rare diamonds that have been sold for millions of dollars. Theses rare and precious stones represent rarity and beauty in its purest form and can end up in the spotlight quite frequently. Although it is easy to buy diamonds both online and in stores, the diamonds we see in the news are noticeably rarer than your average gemstone. Continue reading »
Maltese dogs are known for their long hair, which has to be swept up and away from their faces so they can see. What better foil for a luxurious tiara? This may have been the inspiration for the creation of a $4.2 million princely pooch tiara, created by jewelry designer Riwin Jirapolsek. Continue reading »
Trying to make the marriage proposal memorable and romantic can sometimes lead to awkward situations that leave a lasting impression. Public proposals tend to lend themselves to potential embarrassments, as in the case of the woman who ran away from her boyfriend’s proposal on the basketball court, in front of a crowded stadium at half time. Proposals in public spots can be hard to pull off with so many different variables, from engagement rings in martinis to dessert at restaurants, to sports proposals. Luckily for Don Walling, his proposal, while initially side-tracked, ended a bit more happily. Continue reading »