Parth Gems

Pink diamond sold for a record-breaking $83 million at Geneva auction

2013-11-23T20:16:00.000-08:00

Pink diamond sold for a record-breaking $83 million at Geneva auction

GENEVA -- An enormous diamond known as "The Pink Star" sold for more than $83 million at auction Wednesday night, far surpassing its expected price.
Sotheby's says the sale the vivid and flawless 59.60-carat pink diamond is the highest price ever paid for a gemstone at auction.
Prior to the sale to the successful bidder, representing an anonymous buyer, the diamond was estimated to fetch more than $60 million. The bidding opened above $52 million, and it closed with the playing of the "Pink Panther" movie's theme music.
The exact sale price of "The Pink Star" was 76.325 million Swiss francs, or $83.425 million. It had been introduced prior to the bidding as "one of the most remarkable gems ever to appear at auction."
The diamond is graded as a Type IIa, a rarity for a pink diamond, and it took Steinmetz Diamonds two years to cut it to form from a 132.5-carat rough diamond.
It was first shown publicly in May 2003 as the "Steinmetz Pink," then sold privately for the first time in 2007 when it was renamed "The Pink Star."
The sale in Geneva came a day after the largest fancy vivid orange diamond ever sold at auction went for $35.5 million at a Christie's auction.
The auctions at Geneva's lakeside hotels draw well-heeled buyers from around the world seeking expensive jewels, artwork, wine and watches.

2013-06-14T09:23:00.001-07:00

2013-04-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

Yellow

Yellow diamonds are among the more common natural color diamonds. They often have a good clarity, and it is especially important to make sure that they have no large black inclusions, as these will be very visible in a yellow stone. Yellow diamonds can sometimes be cut quite thick, which is intentional, to keep as much saturation as possible in the color. This will however not be visible when the diamond is set in a jewel, and it doesn’t affect the value of the diamond. Fancy yellow, intense yellow and canary yellow are the most well-known yellow shades, but you can also find lovely colors such as vanilla, honey, gold, bronze and saffron among the natural yellow diamonds.
Some of the largest and most famous natural color diamonds are yellow – such as for example the 110 carat Sun Drop diamond, and the 128 carat Tiffany Yellow Diamond.

Read more about the origin of the color in yellow diamonds. hear

2013-04-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

How to Choose Your Diamond

There is a diamond for every budget. Before choosing the diamond you want to purchase, it is very important to think about three things:

1.   What is the purpose of your purchase? Is it to make a jewel, or for an investment? These two purposes are of course possible to combine, but it is important to define your primary purpose.
2.      What is your budget?
3.      Which is your first priority – color, or size?

If you are buying a diamond primarily for investment purposes, you should first of all determine your budget, and then consider the market situation and prices of different colors. It is important to keep in mind that natural color diamonds is a mid- to long-term investment, rather than a means to make fast cash. We are here to advise you on the aspects that are important to think about when choosing a natural color diamond for an investment.

If you are buying a diamond to make a jewel, it is most important to choose with your heart, and find a shape and a color that suits your taste and personality. Have a look in our diamond shop, and explore both rough and polished diamonds, and the over 300 different colors that we have to offer. Please also keep in mind that the stock we have access to is much larger than the selection displayed on the website, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for in our web shop - just contact us.

It is also essential to keep in mind that with natural color diamonds – size is not what matters. Sometimes a smaller stone with a more intense color will stand out much more than a paler, larger diamond. A good example of that is this engagement ring with a 0.05 carat burgundy diamond that we made for a client. A tiny diamond, with a color so stunning and intense that it outshines stones twice as big.

If you have seen a diamond that you like on our website that you like, but that is out of your budget, please keep in mind that by adjusting the color intensity, size or clarity a little bit, it might be possible to enter within the limits of your budget. We are here to advise you on this, and we will always do our best to propose other diamonds from our stock that can suit your request and budget.

2013-01-07T05:49:00.003-08:00

Pink diamonds vs pink sapphires

Pink Diamonds

Pink diamonds have long been heralded as one of the most sought after of all gemstones. Pink diamonds are also one of the rarest of all gemstones, and one of the most expensive of all gemstones.

The rarity of pink diamonds makes them extremely expensive. Pink diamonds are much rarer than white diamonds, with only a very small number of pink diamonds being mined each year. Natural pink diamonds are therefore significantly more expensive than white diamonds.

The rarity and scarcity of pink diamonds and their significantly higher price than their white diamond counterparts, makes pink diamonds out of reach of most jewellery lovers.

There is an affordable alternative to pink diamonds that many ladies now choose - the pink sapphire. See more about pink sapphires below.

Pink Diamond Engagement Rings

Pink diamonds are such a rare treasure that they are the extravagant choice for the engagement rings of some of the world's most famous celebrities.

To the disappointment of many ladies, pink diamond engagement rings carry a price tag that generally only the rich and famous can afford.

You will rarely find a pink diamond engagement rings for less than $10,000. Pink diamond engagement rings are therefore not normally available in most jewellery stores.

There are however now man-made pink diamonds available, which are a more affordable option for ladies wanting a pink diamond. Man-made pink diamonds are made using the exact same constituents as natural pink diamonds, the only difference being that the man-made pink diamonds are created in a sophisticated diamond laboratory, instead of by mother nature.

The overwhelming majority of ladies who originally seek a pink diamond engagement ring, are now choosing pink sapphire engagement rings. Pink sapphires are a stunning, yet highly affordable alternative to a pink diamond engagement ring. You can see more about pink sapphire engagement rings below.

Pink Diamond Wedding Rings

Pink diamonds in smaller sizes, though still rare, are more readily available than the larger pink diamonds.

If you are looking for a pink diamond ring, choosing a pink diamond wedding ring is a wonderful option, rather than the out-of-reach price associated with pink diamond engagement rings.

Pink diamond wedding rings with either all pink diamonds or a combination of pink diamonds with white diamonds is a stunning way to enjoy the beauty of pink diamonds.

See pink diamond rings here

Pink Sapphires - The Affordable Alternative to Pink Diamonds

The stunningly beautiful natural pink diamonds are extremely rare and very expensive. For that reason you'll find that most jewellery stores do not sell pink diamond engagement rings.

The overwhelming majority of ladies who originally seek a pink diamond engagement ring, are now choosing pink sapphire engagement rings. Pink sapphires are a stunning, yet highly affordable alternative to a pink diamond engagement ring.

Pink sapphires are a beautiful natural gemstone that have special properties making them very well suited to engagement rings and wedding rings.

Pink sapphires are very affordable, far more affordable than pink diamonds. Pink sapphires are also available in a wide range of colours, sizes and shapes.

Pink sapphires occur in colours ranging from pale pinks, to deep pinks and almost red colours.

Pink sapphires are available in pale pink colours similar to the colour of pink diamonds.

The deeper colours available in pink sapphires are considered more appealing than pink diamonds by many ladies.

The majority of pink sapphires are priced significantly lower than pink diamonds. Pink sapphires are priced just slightly above the price of blue sapphires, making them very affordable for the perfect engagement ring, dress ring or wedding ring.

2013-01-07T05:36:00.002-08:00

The world of Pink Diamond

When most people hear the word “diamond”, they immediately think of a clear stone, one with brilliance and shine. However, in addition to the traditional diamond, the type that is most often seen in engagement rings, pendants, and earrings, there are also colored diamonds. These diamonds are also stunning but because they are rarer, the price is typically higher.

One of the most popular colored diamonds is the pink stone. Although these diamonds can be mined in a number of countries, finding them is difficult. Because of that, pink diamonds are limited. One of the countries that produce the largest number of pink diamonds, as well as being the oldest for mining this stone, is India. In fact, many of the diamond deposits coming out of India have a beautiful pastel color.

Other countries, in which the pink diamond is mined is South Africa, Brazil, and Australia. Close to Lake Argyle in Australia, which is in the north west part of the country, pink diamonds were first discovered in the late 1970s. As mining efforts increased, it has been discovered that Australia is actually a great place to find a large and consistent supply of these gorgeous stones.

Without doubt, pink diamonds are rare and for this color to develop, there are several factors involved. For instance, some experts in the diamond industry state that extreme geological forces being placed on the stone once it has been formed is what causes the stone to turn pink. In addition, with the pressure and heat applied to the stone, even the diamond structure is unique.

Now, when people shop for pink diamonds, they need to understand that finding a stone that is completely pink is extremely unusual. When these diamonds are looked at through a professional device, it is found that while pink seems to be the primary color, hues of brown, purple, and orange also appear.

When it comes to pink diamonds there are two types, both that are created naturally. First, there is the Type Ia, which is what most pink diamonds are rated. In addition, the pink diamonds in the first category are found to have small amounts of nitrogen. Then, there is Type IIa. With this second category, the pink diamonds are virtually nitrogen free and finding those of this type is hard, making them the rarest.

A fact that many people are unaware of is that creating pink diamonds is nothing new. The original process used to create a pink diamond is called painting. With this, foil is added to the back of the diamond to turn it into whatever color the person wants. However, with new techniques and equipment, painting is a thing of the past.

If a person wanted a pink diamond but could not afford the higher price, they could still end up with a diamond that looks pink. The process used today is durable and long lasting. In fact, the process is so sophisticated, that it is near impossible to tell that the stone has been treated rather than being a real mined pink diamond. The only thing is that if a gemologist or jeweler uses any process of adding or changing the color of a diamond, by law, he or she is required to disclose the information to the buyer.

Typically, a process known as high-pressure, high-temperature or HPHT is used, which will take a diamond and enhance its color. Additionally, diamonds that have color, such as the mined pink diamonds of Type IIa, which have several colors, hues can be removed. The result is that a person can have diamonds customized to their liking.

While the real pink diamonds are the ones in demand, people can also consider buying synthetic stones. Although these stones are real diamonds, they are clear. However, with new processes, they look amazingly good. For instance, with the pink diamond, HPHT growth machines are used along with CVD or Chemical Vapor Deposition. The process actually incorporates nitrogen impurities into the stone, which add color, and then that color is enhanced.

Pink diamonds have long been a desired stone but in the past several years, their popularity has skyrocketed. More and more, people are interested in something unique, a diamond with character and personality. Because of this, there has been an increase in princess cut stones, antique settings, and colored stones, especially the pink diamond.

Since these stones are so rare, collectors also have a high interest in them. As mentioned, pink diamonds are mined in many countries but they are very rare. For anyone interested in buying this type of diamond, it is imperative that she or he work with a licensed and reputable broker or seller. Otherwise, the individual might pay good money only to find out they purchased a synthetic pink diamond, not the real thing. The seller of pink diamonds should be able to provide specific information as to where the diamond was mined, as well as certification that the stone is as stated.

The Argyle Pink Diamonds Limited Edition O Pendant

2012-12-01T06:28:00.003-08:00

http://www.sweatybettypr.com/blog/?p=5438
An alluring and extraordinarily rare piece of history, the Argyle Pink Diamonds Limited Edition O Pendant showcases the world’s finest pink diamonds – from Western Australia’s Argyle Diamond Mine.

Inspired by the recent success of the Argyle Diamonds Australian Colours Necklace, Argyle Pink Diamonds has masterfully created an iconic piece of jewellery that celebrates the magical allure of its rare pink diamonds. Since the mid 1980s, the Argyle Diamond Mine has been the world’s only consistent producer of natural pink diamonds.

Diamond connoisseurs’ fixation with this beautiful hue has intensified since the Argyle Diamond Mine’s inception, and with few of these natural wonders discovered annually, they are reputed as the most sought after and luxuriously rare diamonds in the world.

The Argyle Pink Diamonds Limited Edition O Pendant celebrates this rarity with over a carat of precious Argyle pink diamonds pavé set in elegant 18 carat rose gold.

The ‘O’ is invisibly mounted on a diamond set 18 carat white gold link chain, and each is laser inscribed with its own limited edition number and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

With only one hundred of these timeless treasures created and only an estimated decade of life remaining in the Argyle Diamond Mine, the Argyle Pink Diamonds Limited Edition O Pendant will forever be the ultimate expression of the rarity, beauty and luxury of the Argyle pink diamond.

Pink Sapphire/Diamond Butterfly Ring in 14K White Gold

2012-12-01T06:23:00.002-08:00

Fashioned from high-polished 14K white gold, this beautiful butterfly ring features wings that are adorned with a total of eight genuine round, faceted pink sapphires, prong-set in rose-gold plated background. The sapphires are medium pink in color, all with a good cut and good brilliance. Two round, faceted diamonds totaling 0.035 cara, form the body. To view matching jewelry, see: Pink Sapphire/Diamond Butterfly Earrings #4120, Pink Sapphire & Diamond Butterfly Necklace #2069 and Sapphire and Diamond Butterfly Brooch #6026.

The price shown is for the unsized version, an approximate size 6 (this can vary up to a full size larger or smaller). If you wish to have your choice sized by us, the additional cost is indicated in the size selection box. Please note that custom ring sizes, indicated by an asterisk (*), are non-returnable items and require an additional three business days. For help, consult our help page for determining your ring size and find out how to order our finger-sizing kit.

Fancy Intense Pink Purple Diamond, Heart Shape, 0.33 carat

2012-10-12T09:34:00.001-07:00

Fancy Intense Pink Purple Diamond, Heart Shape, 0.33 carat

Diamond Color:	Fancy Intense Pink Purple
Diamond Shape:	Heart Shape
Diamond Weight:	0.33 carat
Sup Stock Ref:	#ID-225
Diamond Cert:	GIA
Diamond Clarity:	N/A
Measurements:	4.20x4.72x2.64
Fluorescence:
Polish:
Symmetry:
Total Price:	$18,975

Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow Diamond, Heart Shape, 1.14 carat

2012-10-12T09:30:00.002-07:00

Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow Diamond, Heart Shape, 1.14 carat

Diamond Color:	Fancy Brownish Greenish Yellow
Diamond Shape:	Heart Shape
Diamond Weight:	1.14 carat
Sup Stock Ref:	#ID-1661
Diamond Cert:	GIA
Diamond Clarity:	N/A
Measurements:	6.28x6.58x3.89
Fluorescence:
Polish:
Symmetry:
Total Price:	$3,705

Fancy Vivid Yellow Orange Diamond, Pear Shape, 0.37 carat, SI2

2012-10-12T09:27:00.001-07:00

Fancy Vivid Yellow Orange Diamond, Pear Shape, 0.37 carat, SI2
The Pear Fancy Vivid Yellow Orange Diamond is more than stunning it is surprising. The yellow and orange blend offers so many different sparkles that you will sit for hours just moving your finger to envision the sparkles dance. The diamond offers good polish and symmetry with SI2 clarity and 0.37 carat.

Diamond Color:	Fancy Vivid Yellow Orange
Diamond Shape:	Pear Shape
Diamond Weight:	0.37 carat
Sup Stock Ref:	#ID-1339
Diamond Cert:	GIA
Diamond Clarity:	SI2
Measurements:	6.13x4.14x2.16
Fluorescence:	Medium Yellow
Polish:	Good
Symmetry:	Good
Total Price:	$3,250

parth gems

2012-10-12T09:21:00.003-07:00

Fancy Deep Pink Diamond, Radiant Cut, 0.60 carat

Diamond Color:	Fancy Deep Pink
Diamond Shape:	Radiant Cut
Diamond Weight:	0.60 carat
Sup Stock Ref:	#ID-139
Diamond Cert:	GIA
Diamond Clarity:	N/A
Measurements:	4.72x4.68x3.03
Fluorescence:
Polish:
Symmetry:
Total Price:	$27,000

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2012-10-12T09:19:00.001-07:00

http://indianpinkdiamond.com/pink-diamond.html

2012-10-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Pink Diamond Information

2012-10-12T08:28:00.002-07:00

Think Pink!
What’s the hottest gemstone gift this season? If you’ve seen or heard anything about celebrities and style trends you know that PINK IS HOT!
What are pink diamonds? They are exquisite, extraordinary and they are HERE!!

The extreme scarcity of pink diamonds has meant that only a privileged few have owned them in the past. It is this scarcity, coupled with their beauty, that has made them a high-demand item at the world’s top jewelry auctions. In 1994, Christie’s in Geneva sold a 19.66 ct Fancy pink for $377,483 per carat (about $7.4 million). In 1995, Sotheby’s sold a 7.37 ct Fancy Intense purplish pink for $818,863 per carat, or just over $6 million. These are among the highest prices ever paid for gemstones.
Many are familiar with colorless diamonds, which also demand premium prices. But why are some diamonds pink? Their scarcity prohibited their study in the past. Recently, the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory received numerous pink diamonds for examination and reports, which enabled colored diamond expert John King and his colleagues to study a total of nearly 1,500 pink diamonds, in the most exhaustive research to date on these goods.

The study is the first to examine nearly all color grades of diamonds ranging from purplish pink through pink to orangy pink. The cause of the color in pink diamonds remains debatable, though researchers believe that the reason lies in the diamond’s atomic structure. Pink diamonds occur in a wide range of hues, which results in a broad range of appearances, from some that are purplish to others that are orangy.
Click HERE for our Pink Diamond Jewelry Selections
No other diamond locality in the world produces pink and reddish diamonds with as much regularity as the Argyle mine in Australia. This doesn't mean the supply is plentiful, however. Out of the millions of carats mined at Argyle yearly, only some 700 found each year qualify as "pinks" or "reds."

Fancy pink diamonds were once available only to royalty. The tender offers conducted by Argyle Diamonds offer a way – albeit an expensive one – for anyone to acquire them.

Pink diamonds are rare, though blue, red, green and orange are considered rarer still. The origin of the color in pink and red diamonds is a mystery, says Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch, a professor of physics at the University of Nantes, France, and an expert on the origin of color in gemstones. In the book The Nature of Diamonds (Cambridge Press and the American Museum of Natural History), Fritsch explains, "The color is due totally or in part to a color center resulting from deformation. [Editor's note: A deformation refers to a mistake in atomic arrangement or missing atoms. These deformations are known as 'color centers' and may also contain color-causing impurities]. However, the atomic details of the center, and whether it incorporates an impurity, remain mysteries."

Of course, the rarity of color affects prices. The pricing of pink and red diamonds is rarely disclosed in public, though it's not uncommon to be hundreds of thousands of dollars per carat. A 0.95-ct. purplish red diamond was sold at auction in 1987 for close to a million dollars, for example.

Availability also is a factor. Production of pinks is on a downward trend, in spite of the recent rehabilitation of the Argyle mine and resulting extension of its life span. Still, tender offers are expected to continue for some years to come.

This exceptional 1.06-ct. oval was one of the outstanding gems Argyle showed to prospective North American buyers at the first pink diamond tender in the U.S.

Generous Gems is pleased to announce the availability of our "Perfect Pink" diamonds. These diamonds are Chatham created diamonds. Chatham created diamonds are diamonds exactly the same as those taken from the earth.

They are not imitations (such as CZ, moissanite or other synthetics). Chatham is the leader in created gemstones. Their quest to create a diamond began over 60 years ago by the company's founder, Carroll F. Chatham.

These diamonds posess the same hardness, chemical composition and crystal structure as mined diamonds at a fraction of the cost.   The environment in which these are created is controlled giving you the color and quality you desire for a piece of jewelry that is sure to become an heirloom! These have fire and brilliance! They have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds.

Our round brilliant cut colored diamonds are available in a range of sizes and colors. Please contact us to choose your perfect pink diamond today!

The real Pink Panther: Australia's largest rosy diamond is discovered

2012-03-29T09:20:00.003-07:00

Pink diamonds are one of the most valuable jewels in the world - and now Rio Tinto miners in Australia have unearthed the biggest ever found in the country.
The company's Argyle mine, situated in the Kimberly region, produces a staggering 90 per cent of the world’s pink diamonds and is describing this example as ‘unprecedented’.
It has named the 12.76-carat jewel the Argyle Pink Jubilee and the bookies believe it may fetch between £20 and £25million at auction.

Renaissance Diamonds Now Offers Fancy Vivid Blue and Pink Diamond Jewelry

2012-02-16T05:43:00.000-08:00

Renaissance Diamonds Inc., the jewelry industry’s leader in affordable luxury with created fancy colored diamonds, announced they have designed a The “Breathtaking” line of pink and blue colored diamond jewelry. There has been an incredible rise in the demand for these environmentally friendly created diamonds. The process to create colored diamonds in blue, pink, yellow, orange and other vivid colors is virtually identical to what happens below the surface of the Earth. Now that they’re available, these diamonds save consumers thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars without sacrificing quality or more importantly beauty.

Renaissance Diamonds manufacturers the vivid blue and pink diamonds are grown under the same conditions as mined diamonds in nature. These diamonds possess the same physical, optical and chemical properties as earth-grown diamonds without the hefty price tag. Also with diamonds from Renaissance, consumers have the ability to create their own fancy colored custom diamond jewelry designs.

“There have been an incredible number of requests for us to design a line of blue and pink colored diamond jewelry. Now our beautiful “Breathtaking” collection is a perfect complement to our entire line of fancy colored diamonds,” said Neil Koppel, CEO of Renaissance Diamonds Inc. “Pink and Blue Diamonds grown by Renaissance are able to save consumers thousands of dollars without compromising the look, feel and glamor of the most luxurious jewelry.”

Renaissance Diamonds offers consumers the ultimate in affordable luxury with their exquisite selection of eco-friendly and eco-fabulous couture jewelry. The “Breathtaking” line of fancy colored diamonds includes Fashion and engagement designs with Pink and Blue center stones set along with micro pave.. All of Renaissance collections are available through the company’s website.

About Renaissance Diamonds:

Renaissance Diamonds Inc., located in Boca Raton, FL, was founded with the purpose of creating a new category of jewelry for the fine jewelry market. This leading edge company offers eco-friendly jewelry in vivid fancy colored diamonds in blue and pink diamond jewelry that is unique and eco-fabulous.

Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink Diamond Sells for $1 Million per Carat

2012-02-16T05:37:00.000-08:00

A modified rectangular-cut fancy vivid purple-pink diamond of 6.89 carats was sold for $6,914,500 at Christie’s New York Jewels auction yesterday (Tuesday). The auction total, $22.1 million, brought Christie’s New York jewelry sales total to $131 million for the year the highest total ever for the U.S. jewelry auction market.
Christie’s has experienced strong prices for exceedingly rare blue and pink colored diamonds recently. The Perfect Pink diamond, just this past week sold at Christie’s Hong Kong for $23.3 million, or $1.63 million per carat, making it the most expensive jewel ever sold in Asia, while the Bulgari Blue diamond set a new world auction record per-carat price for a blue diamond when it was sold in New York for $15.7 million, or $1.4 million per carat.

Luc Verville just saw…10.09 Carat Fancy Vivid Purple-Pink Diamond Up For Auction

2012-02-16T05:31:00.000-08:00

Among the items up for sale during Christie’s auction house in New York City upcoming in April is this stunning diamond ring. The center diamond is a 10.09 carat modified cushion cut fancy vivid purple-pink diamond, GIA certified SI1 clarity. Flanked by a pair of cushion cut white diamonds and mounted in 18K rose gold and platinum ring.
Accompanied by a supplemental letter stating that the diamond has been determined to be a Type IIa pink diamond. Type IIa pink diamonds are very rare in nature, often have relatively few inclusions and are noted for their homogenous color in the rough. Unlike many other colored diamonds, the color in pink diamonds can not only be caused by impurities, but it may also be a result of the diamond’s exposure to heat and pressure during transportation into the earth’s crust. Type IIa pinks have been found in a number of mining regions around the world. Historically they were found in India (particularly from the Golconda region) and, in more recent times, most notably from Brazil and Africa.

21st Birthday Gift Suggestions

2012-02-16T05:24:00.000-08:00

21st Birthday Gift Suggestions
One of the most popular gifts for 21st birthdays is a gold sovereign, but we are always being asked for other ideas...
Coins as 21st Birthday Gifts
Twenty-first birthdays are still considered by many as traditionally marking a young person's coming-of-age, so many parents or grandparents wish to give a very special gift on this important occasion. Naturally, they wish to give something of lasting value that will be kept for the recipient's lifetime. A coin bearing their year of birth is a increasingly popular but unusual and very special gift.
How We Can Help You
As a leading UK coin dealer, we are often asked for coins or coin sets from particular years as gift items. We have gift suggestions for many different years, but coins are popular gifts for those very special events in people's lives, such as their 21st birthday. We are happy to try to oblige. On this page we list a few suggestions. Because the dates change from year to year, we will keep the body of this page fairly constant, and just give links to other pages for particular years.

Gold Sovereigns
Gold sovereigns are the 21st birthday gift we most often get asked about.
We keep in stock almost every date of gold sovereign including those of 21 years ago, although in 1990 these were proof sovereigns only.
They make great gifts just as they are, but many people choose to have them mounted into jewellery.
We can supply a compact selection of quality ring and pendant mounts for gold sovereigns, half sovereigns and other coins.
We do not recommend having gold proof coins mounted in jewellery as they will be spoilt. However, if the owner takes pleasure in wearing it, then it may be worthwhile.
Please see our gold sovereigns website.
Half Sovereigns
Half sovereigns are the second most common requested item for coming-of-age gifts.
They are less expensive than sovereigns, and make are a more suitable size for use in rings, as sovereign rings are too large for many people. Half sovereigns were issued in 1990, although again these were proof only.
Krugerrands
Although we don't get asked for krugers as frequently as sovereigns, they are a suitable and unusual alternative.
They are available for most years since 1967, although some dates are more difficult to find than others.
Since 1980, fractional sizes of krugerrands are available for most years.
British Coin Sets
We stock British coin year sets for most dates. From 1970, there are Royal Mint proof sets available, and from 1974, there are also Royal Mint Uncirculated sets. These are attractively packaged, and many are accompanied by informative packaging about events during that particular year.
Other British Coins
In some years there are other British coins which can make interesting and unusual gifts which can become treasured mementoes.
Other World Coins
Although we specialise mainly in British coins, there are many other world coins and coin sets, some gold, some silver, which can make great gifts especially if the person has a particular affinity or connection with that country.

2009 Gold Sovereigns
This years gold sovereigns are available. Please see the 2011 Sovereigns page of our gold sovereigns website. We feel that these coins would be a very good gift idea for a 21st anniversary for this year, whether it be a wedding, an twenty first birthday or something completely different.
2009 Half Sovereigns
Similarly the gold half sovereigns are also available. News and details about these are on the 2011 Half Sovereigns page of our Tax Free Gold website.
Four Coin Proof Gold Sets
The 4 coin sets of sovereign, half sovereign, two pound, and five pound gold coins will also have the same design as the sovereigns. Details of these will be updated on the2011 Gold 5 Coin Proof Sets page of our Tax Free Gold website.
Three Coin Proof Gold Sets
The 3 coin sets of two pound, sovereign, half sovereign will also have the same design as the sovereign. Details of these will be updated on the1990 Gold 3 Coin Proof Sets and 2011 Gold 3 Coin Proof Sets page of our Tax Free Gold website.
Proof Gold Britannia Sets
The 4 coin sets of gold Britannia coins are also available. The 1990 Gold Britannia Proof Sets are available now and the 2011 will be available later in the year. Details of these will be updated on the 2011 Gold Britannia Proof Sets page of our Tax Free Gold website.
2011 British Coin Sets
There are three or four special British commemorative coins being issued this year. Order Form - UK
Order Form - USA
Order Form - EU
Order Form - Rest of World

Buying Coins
We also buy coins, please see our We Buy Coins page.

If you want to find the value of a coin you own, please take a look at our page I've Found An Old Coin, What's It Worth?
If you have an enquiry about 21st birthday gift ideas, we'd be happy to answer you, but please note it may be quicker to telephone us. Please see the Contact Us page of our website.

18th Birthday Gift Suggestions

2012-02-16T05:17:00.000-08:00

Coins as 18th Birthday Gifts
Eighteenth birthdays are now considered by many as marking a young person's coming-of-age, so many parents or grandparents wish to give a very special gift on this important occasion. Naturally, they wish to give something of lasting value that will be kept for the recipient's lifetime. A coin bearing their year of birth is a increasingly popular but unusual and very special gift.

How We Can Help You
As a leading UK coin dealer, we are often asked for coins or coin sets from particular years as gift items. We have gift suggestions for many different years, but coins are popular gifts for those very special events in people's lives, such as their 18th birthday. We are happy to try to oblige. On this page we list a few suggestions. Because the dates change from year to year, we will keep the body of this page fairly constant, and just give links to other pages for particular years.
To see specific ideas for 1993, you may wish to follow the link to our 1993 Coin Sets page.

Gold Sovereigns
Gold sovereigns are the 18th birthday gift we most often get asked about.
The 1993 half sovereign, as all dates of sovereign from 1983 to 1999 inclusive, was only available as a proof. There was no ordinary uncirculated version made.

Half Sovereigns
Half sovereigns are the second most common requested item for coming-of-age gifts.
Although not as popular as the full sovereign, They are less expensive than sovereigns, and are a more suitable size for use in rings, as sovereign rings are too large for many people. However, we would not recommend putting proof coins into jewellery as it automatically decreases their value. You may wish to follow the link to our 1991 half sovereigns.

Krugerrands
Although we don't get asked for krugers as frequently as sovereigns, they are a suitable and unusual alternative.
They are available for most years since 1967, although some dates are more difficult to find than others.
Since 1980, fractional sizes of krugerrands are available for most years.
British Coin Sets
We stock British coin year sets for most dates. From 1970, there are Royal Mint proof sets available, and from 1974, there are also Royal Mint Uncirculated sets. these are attractively packaged, and many are accompanied by informative packaging about events during that particular year.
Other British Coins
In some years there are other British coins which can make interesting and unusual gifts which can become treasured mementoes.
Other World Coins
Although we specialise mainly in British coins, there are many other world coins and coin sets, some gold, some silver, which can make great gifts especially if the person has a particular affinity or connection with that country.
2011 Gold Sovereigns
This years gold sovereigns are available. Please se the 2011 Sovereigns page of our gold sovereigns website. We feel that these coins would be a very good gift idea for a 18th anniversary for this year, whether it be a wedding, an eighteenth birthday or something completely different.
2011 Half Sovereigns
Similarly the gold half sovereigns are also available. News and details about these are on the 2011 Half Sovereigns page of our Tax Free Gold website.
Four Coin Proof Gold Sets
The 4 coin sets of sovereign, half sovereign, two pound, and five pound gold coins will also have the same design as the sovereigns. The 1993 Gold 4 Coin Proof Sets are available now and the 2011 Gold 4 Coin Proof Sets will be available later in the year. Details of these will be updated on our Tax Free Gold website.
Three Coin Proof Gold Sets
The 3 coin sets of two pound, sovereign, half sovereign will also have the same design as the sovereign. The 1993 Gold 3 Coin Proof Sets are available now and the 2011 Gold 3 Coin Proof Sets will be available later in the year. Details of these will be updated on our Tax Free Gold website.
Proof Gold Britannia Sets
The 4 coin sets of gold Britannia coins are also available. The 1993 Gold Britannia Proof Sets are available now and the 2011 Gold Britannia Proof Sets will be available later in the year. Details of these will be updated on our Tax Free Gold website.

Order Form - UK
Order Form - USA
Order Form - EU
Order Form - Rest of World

Buying Coins
We also buy coins, please see our We Buy Coins page.

If you want to find the value of a coin you own, please take a look at our page I've Found An Old Coin, What's It Worth?
If you have an enquiry about 18th birthday gift ideas, we'd be happy to answer you, but please note it may be quicker to telephone us. Please see the Contact Us page of our website.

Cuts & Shapes of Pink Diamonds

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Round Brilliant

As with other diamonds, the modern round brilliant cut remains the most popular cut.

Heart Shape

The heart shape is a modification of the round brilliant cut. We think it suits blue diamonds better than it does near-colourless ones.

Pear Shape

The pear shape is similar to the heart shape in that it is also a modification of the round brilliant cut. We think it suits blue diamonds better than it does near-colourless ones.

Princess Cut

The princess cut is the most successful of the modern cuts developed for diamonds. It combines the square shape with the brilliance of a brilliant cut.

Marquise or Navette Cut

The marquise cut is also an adaptation of the round brilliant cut, which we believe also looks better in fancy coloured diamonds than it does in plain vanilla.

Why Pink Diamond is Perfect

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Pink Diamond

Why Pink Diamond is Perfect

At Kimberley Fine Diamonds we believe pink is perfect - after all, the most superior of the pinks are quite literally one in a million - and we think that is absolute.

Kimberley Fine Diamonds is one of Australia's leading suppliers of exquisite pinks - the rarest diamonds in the world.

Pink diamonds are so rare most people will never see one, however Kimberley Fine Diamonds' remarkable collection of these special gems is unmatched anywhere in Australia.

At Kimberley Fine Diamonds we are proud to feature in our collection six Argyle pink diamond tender stones. These pink diamonds are those of the most superior quality mined at the nearby Argyle Diamond Mine each year. These flawless beauties are available to be crafted into the investment of a lifetime (POA).

History of Diamonds

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History of Diamonds

Our friendly staff will help you to select a stone with expert guidance and our jewellers can then design a setting especially for you. Across 3.3 billion years and four continents... to a woman's hand.

The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to the earth. It was even said by some that they were the tears of the Gods. Another legend has it that there was an inaccessible valley in Central Asia carpeted with diamonds, 'patrolled by birds of prey in the air and guarded by snakes of murderous gaze on the ground'. However, the truth is that the exact origin of diamonds is still something of a mystery, even to scientists and geologists.

Even though the diamond is the hardest of all gemstones known to man, it is the simplest in composition. It is common carbon, like the graphite in a lead pencil, yet has a melting point of approximately 4,000 degrees centigrade, which is two and a half times greater than the melting point of steel.

Billions of years ago, the elemental forces of heat and pressure miraculously transformed the carbon into diamond in the cauldron of boiling magma that lay deep below the surface of the earth. The volcanic mass in which this crystallization took place, then thrust upwards and broke through the earth's surface to cool in kimberlite or lamproite pipes. It is in these pipes that most diamonds are found today.

Selecting a diamond

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Selecting a diamond
When selecting a diamond, the following 4C's criteria is used: Nature dictates the characteristics of colour, clarity and carat whilst cut is directly influenced by humans.

Carat
Carat is a standard unit of weight for diamonds. 1 carat = 0.2 grams and 100 points = 1 carat.

The price of diamonds does not increase linearly with weight. There are various weights above which there is a steep increase in value. The most notable transition is at 1 carat where the highest quality diamond will cost significantly more than an equivalent diamond quality weighing 0.95 carats.

Clarity
Clarity relates to a diamond's relative freedom from inclusions and blemishes. These inclusions can comprise cracks, carbon spots, minerals and bubbles and originate when the diamond is forming in the earth. When light enters a diamond it is reflected and refracted out. If there is anything disrupting the flow of light in the diamond, such as a crack, a proportion of the light reflected will be lost. The highest grading is FL (flawless), followed by IF (internally flawless), then VVS (very very slightly included), VS (very slightly included), SI (slightly included) and P (piqué, or included - often visible to the naked eye).

Colour
This refers to the intensity of colour or lack of colour in a diamond. Colourless diamonds are graded alphabetically from D while descending alphabetical letters to Z are assigned to increasing amounts of grey or brown colouration. D colour diamonds are the most valuable in the white range. Colours that fall beyond Z enter into the category of fancy colours. They are assigned descriptive names, such as ’fancy intense yellow’ or ’fancy vivid purplish pink’. With fancy coloured diamonds, the more intense the colour, the greater the value. An intense coloured stone is of much greater value than a D colourless diamond because of its relative scarcity.

Cut
The cut refers to the overall proportions and symmetry in transforming a rough diamond to a polished diamond. These factors affect the brilliance and scintillation (fire) of a diamond. A well cut diamond will reflect light internally from one mirror like facet to another, dispersing it through the top of the stone. Cuts that are too deep or too shallow lose or leak light through the side or bottom, affecting the diamond's brilliance. The most common cut for a diamond is round brilliant, for which specific proportions and facet arrangements have been accepted by the diamond industry.

There are various shapes of diamonds and jewellery designs, including: baguette, emerald, heart, marquise, oval, pear, princess, radiant, triangle, round single-cut and round brilliant.