Diamond Blog

Diamonds are the King of Alternative Investments

Terrell — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:07:32 +0000

In times of economic uncertainty, investors have to reach for typical opportunities to protect and expand their wealth. Diversifying their portfolios with alternative investments can help investors hold on to their money even when the conventional markets dry up. Today, with the world economy on shaky ground and investors scared of losing their nest eggs, a few standout investments have been gaining popularity.Art has been even more popular than normal among investors in the past several years. Even when the rest of the economy is turning down, fine art has remained a fairly stable investment. Some investors choose to not even hang the art they own; rather, they purchase it, store it in a vault, and sell it for a profit 10 or 20 years in the future. Of course, one can also invest in art in a less personal way by purchasing stock in an art auction house or buying into an art investment fund. (more…)

Why Diamonds are Called “Ice”

Sean — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:06:37 +0000

Have you ever heard of a diamond being called anything other than, well, a diamond? Of course you have. Over the years, diamonds have been called a number of names other than their original name, including “ice,” “bling,” “rocks,” and so much more. These new terms or nicknames are even used in movies, books, television shows and many other types of media throughout the decades since diamonds were first introduced into the life of your average person. However, unlike “bling” there is a reason why diamonds are referred to as “ice.” As such, this terminology is more likely to stick around for years to come than any other term that is ever applied to a genuine diamond.When a diamond first began its nickname of “ice,” it was due largely because of the characteristics and traits of the diamond over anything else. Heat is a test for determining whether or not a stone is real or if it is one of the imitation diamonds, which are also known as cubic zirconias, in circulation. Real diamonds are able to conduct heat and are actually one of the best conductors of heat. Even as a diamond heats up, it is cool to the touch, much like ice. Once this ability was discovered, diamonds were quickly identified as “ice” and heat conductivity quickly began a way to determine whether or not a diamond was real. (more…)

Diamond Gifts for a Wedding

Leanne — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:34:55 +0000

Weddings often begin with a fateful day, one question, and a diamond ring. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that diamonds and weddings go hand-in-hand. As such, there are a number of different diamond gifts which can be purchased for a wedding from several different parties. Each person that is giving the gift is intimately linked to the wedding, increasing the significance of the gift and the beauty diamond gifts can hold on that special day. However, there are also gifts that are appropriate for a generous guest of the bride or groom.A diamond necklace for the bride from her parents is one of the top ways in which a person can give the gift of diamonds for a wedding. From a diamond cross to a solitaire diamond to a chain of diamonds, any necklace would be a beautiful addition to the jewelry that a bride wears on her wedding day. It is not uncommon for the father of the bride or the parents of the bride to give their daughter a last gift on the night before she gets married. Symbolic of the chapters in her life that are opening and closing, this necklace would serve as a reminder of all the things she loves. As a gift from her parents, the significance only increases. (more…)

Famous Diamonds in History Have Fascinated the Public

Alan — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:22:29 +0000

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. (more…)

Tips for Diamond Cleaning

Alan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:45:06 +0000

Some brick and mortar companies provide diamond cleaning services at no additional charge for your diamond if you purchased it from them. Typically, these services are included in an agreement and protection plan that you can purchase along with your diamond to ensure luster and longevity for your diamond. However, not everyone has the opportunity to go to a professional jeweler for their diamond cleaning. The good news is that there are several tips that you can follow for your own diamond cleaning practices in the comfort of your own home with products that you may already have on hand.The first tip for diamond cleaning is to understand that not all jewelry cleaning solutions are created equal. What that means is that if you choose to use a cleaning solution especially designed for jewelry, you must make sure that the one that you use is appropriate for diamonds. Never assume a cleaner will work for all of your jewelry, diamond or not. If it is not right, you may tarnish the look of your diamond and cause problems in the future, which is not what you want when your entire goal is to make your diamond sparkle and shine. (more…)

The Diamond Anniversary Band

Stephanie — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:01:57 +0000

A popular gift for many women when it comes time for their anniversary is a diamond anniversary band. Although the diamond is equated with a 50th anniversary, an anniversary band with diamonds can be given on any milestone year for your anniversary. Before you go searching, it is important to realize that there are several different types from which you can choose for anniversary gift. After you set your budget and pick your ring, the hardest part will be trying to wait for your gift to be given.The first type is a traditional three stone diamond anniversary band and is commonly believed to be one of the most popular settings for an anniversary ring. Although three stone diamonds rings can have all three stones the same size, this style of ring will often have a large center stone and two side stones that are smaller and of the same size. (more…)

Large Blue Diamond Sold at Auction

Wade — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:18:35 +0000

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. (more…)

Changing Trends Don’t Change the Diamond’s Beauty

Terrell — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:09:06 +0000

Diamond jewelry is, and has been for many generations, at the pinnacle of style. A woman (or a man, for that matter) wearing diamond jewelry is instantly perceived as having impeccable taste and timeless beauty.Most diamond lovers like to keep up with current diamond trends. Although heirloom pieces are beautiful and can be very valuable, new pieces are great for catching the eye. A new piece of diamond jewelry is a wonderful way to show a special someone that you love and appreciate them, but it can also be the perfect way to treat yourself. (more…)

The Famous Diamond Heist

Sabrina — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:54:37 +0000

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. (more…)

De Beers Diamonds Opens the Diamond Trading Company in Botswana

Malcom — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:16:10 +0000

With the recent opening of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) in Botswana, Africa will now be assured of further economic growth as it shares in the profits of rough diamonds. Built and gifted by De Beers, the world’s leading diamond company, the DTC will now become the largest and most advanced diamond-sorting venture in the world.Established in 1888, De Beers has long been a leader in the diamond mining industry and currently has a 40 percent market hold. The history of De Beers and Africa spans over several decades and at times has been severely strained. The chairman of De Beers has had closed doors meetings with the government of Africa and voices his concern of improving the quality of life for the area. (more…)