Diamond Blog

Large gemstones and rare diamonds touted by royalty and celebrities today always give us pause and wonder what we may be missing in our own jewelry collections. All of Hollywood flashes large jewels and unheard of diamonds on a regular basis, and even mainstream jewelry designs are reaching for larger stones and more sparkle for everyday wear in America. The common story of the newest star’s 13 carat engagement ring leaves us wondering how big is too big, and what size is actually possible. Continue reading »

The famed Christie’s auction house played host to one of the biggest diamond auctions in recent years as two of the largest diamonds on record were auctioned off for a combined total of over six million dollars on October 15, 2008.  Christie’s played host to Jewels: The New York Show and these two diamonds were the highlight of the auction.  Weighing in at 102.11 and 70.87 carats, these diamonds took a total of eighteen months to cut and polish.  They are cut from the Ponahalo diamond, one of the largest diamonds ever found in the South African region where it was mined.  The Ponahalo measured an amazing 316.15 carats. Continue reading »

In today’s economic climate, it may seem that no one is buying anything - especially something as precious as a diamond. A recent Chicago auction has proved that notion incorrect. Many who have the extra cash tend to buy up collectibles and other tangible luxuries when the market turns scary. Diamonds have long been considered a rarity and natural treasure, no matter the climate. It may be quite possible that they hold their value through even the toughest times, possibly largely due to the rich and famous who continue to purchase them. Continue reading »

Set for its New York Sale auction in October, the fine arts auction house Christie’s will sell the two big, rectangular-cut Ponahalo diamonds. Christie’s was founded in 1766 by James Christie and has conducted some of the top auctions of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. With over 600 sales each year, New York is home to just one of its 14 salesrooms, with others located in Los Angeles, London, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

Although Christie’s provides auctioned sales in a number of different categories, it is the sale of the large and rare diamonds that often bring the highest purchase prices. While these diamonds can be purchased by individuals, they are often assisted by private donations, which allow the diamonds to be displayed in art galleries and such, throughout the United States. Many times, these large diamonds are beautiful, but they are not set in any jewelry and their history provides an interesting tale. Continue reading »

History shows that most “objects” of any value tend to cause trouble. Wars occur over land, oil, water or other items that have a specific value at a specific point in time. People fight over possessions, money and material goods as well, and one item that has a long history of controversy and material value is the diamond.Even the stone’s name comes from ancient times, when the Greeks called them “adamas” (the unconquerable). The strength and durability of a diamond was quickly recognized, and soon it was regularly seen on the leather “armor” of royalty, more as an amulet of protection than as an actual barrier against physical harm. Soon however, the beauty of diamonds for ornaments was recognized and royals began crafting elaborate crowns and ornamental jewelry. Continue reading »

When thinking about diamonds most people don’t think of a rainbow of color, with every hue or shade possible, but actually diamonds come naturally in over three hundred possible colors. They range from “pumpkin” orange, to pale pink and “canary” yellow. In fact, some of the world’s most well-known and largest stones are not clear, glass-like examples of a diamond, but enormous colored gems.In the history of diamonds there are ten on record that weigh more than two hundred carats each. Some belong to royal families, governments and private individuals. Some have passed from public notoriety into complete secrecy, and some have even been used to do good deeds. They all come from different sources, and some have a great deal of mystery attached to their origins, but they are all remarkable for their size and notoriety. Continue reading »

Diamonds come in a variety of sizes and colors. This variety has made affording a diamond possible for a wide range of people. However, there have been famous diamonds in world history that only the very wealthy could ever own. It is the popularity of these famous diamonds that have provided energy for the diamond business. Some of these famous diamonds have been recreated in natural stones or in synthetic stones as a tribute to their beauty. The Hope Diamond is a 45.52 carat blue diamond surrounded by many clear white diamonds. It has been around since the 1600’s and is now kept at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. An imitation of the Hope Diamond has been recreated in the past for the movie “Titanic.” In addition, other synthetic stones, as well as real stones, have been created into jewelry to resemble the diamond. The Hope Diamond is considered one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry. Continue reading »

Diamonds have fascinated most formal cultures and societies throughout the ages. Their beauty and value have brought about great disputes, warfare and bloodshed. They were generally only available to royalty or the super wealthy until the nineteenth century, when they began to enter the market at more affordable prices and at larger numbers than ever before. Until that time they were highly sought after objects that were used to display great wealth and power. Continue reading »

People have long heard the words, “A diamond is forever“, which it is. Throughout history, many rich and famous people have wowed the public with amazing diamonds, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, tiaras, and more. Without doubt, famous people have a significant love for diamonds, creating a fairytale that the majority of people can only appreciate from afar. Continue reading »

There are some really notable diamonds in the history of jewelry and gemology. Some are remarkable for their perfection and color, others just for their enormous proportions. Many pieces of famous jewelry contain tremendous diamonds, such as the well known Taylor-Burton diamond that was given to Elizabeth Taylor by her twice-husband Richard Burton. After his death the actress sold the incredible piece of jewelry and used the funds to create a charitable hospital in Africa. There are other diamonds that have equally famous stories, and equally famous size, and the world’s top ten are listed below. Continue reading »