All you need to know about Diamonds

What is the Kimberley Process Certification

2007-07-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Also known as conflict diamonds, A blood diamond is a diamond that was mined in a war zone that is sold most of the time to benefit war-torn areas especially in Central and Western Africa. United Nations defines a blood diamond as "...diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council."

Blood Diamonds are mined on war sites, where many men where killed. Many people are trying to stop the sale of blood diamonds. Blood Diamond sales became big in the 1990's with the conflict of Sierra Leone. During this time frame in the 1990's the blood diamond sales made up an estimated 4% of all diamond sales around the world. Today due to sales being banned in some areas, and the Kimberley Process, these diamonds take up around an estimated 1% of the worlds diamond sales. This majority of this small percentage is made up of sales in the Republic of Congo who was suspended from the Kimberley Process, and Liberia and the Ivory coast who are under the United Nations Security Council Resolutions in hopes to stop the extraction and trading of these diamonds.

During July of 2000, the global diamond industry made their disposition of blood diamonds blatantly known all over the world. Highly concerned with abolishing the problem, they began to work very closely with the United Nations and other organizations in efforts stop the extraction and trading of blood diamonds. In 2003 in order to get closer to stopping sales and extraction of the diamonds, the Kimberley Process Certification was created. This system protects against blood diamonds entering the sanctioned diamond supply chain.

To learn more about Blood Diamonds, visit www.thediamondblog.org

Secrets To Purchasing An Elegant Diamond Engagement Ring

2007-03-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

The diamond can be selected first or last, there is no right or wrong order. Some people prefer to choose their diamonds first and then find a setting that will accentuate its beauty. Others choose to pick out the setting initially and then search for a diamond, or diamonds, that will adorn that setting. And there are still others that find it much easier to buy a diamond engagement ring that is already finished completely.

Diamonds all look beautiful. Even cheap diamonds can look elegant and classy. If you want your diamond engagement ring to look as elegant as you've always dreamed it would be the most important thing is to locate a fine setting. It's this choice of setting that will determine whether the finished product is a worthy purchase. Your choice of diamonds and setting is very important because ideally you won't get a second chance at choosing your diamond engagement ring.

Many women choose diamond engagement rings that have three stone settings. These rings will usually include one center diamond and two smaller offset diamonds. Three stone settings are very popular and can include either prong or bezel settings which can be made of 14k or 18k yellow gold, white gold or platinum.

Some women prefer classic solitaire settings that may include 4 to 6 prongs, bezel or cathedral settings. There is a wide assortment of solitaire settings. As a general rule the more prongs you have the safer the diamond engagement ring sets. You certainly don't want to lose a diamond because one of the prongs breaks off. So this is something to consider when choosing your setting.

When shopping for a diamond it's important to purchase a certified stone. A certified diamond has been evaluated by an independent expert that will give it a quality rating for its cut, color, clarity and carats. This is the surest way to purchase a high quality diamond. After finding a center diamond and complimentary diamonds to your liking the next step is to find that beautiful setting you've always dreamed of.

Another thing to consider when shopping for a diamond engagement ring is the current trend. Many women will end up purchasing a style of ring that is currently popular only to find out 10 years later that it's no longer in style. You have to remember that this wedding ring will be worn forever hopefully so choosing a classic style may be more to your liking.

It's also smart to consider the practicality of the engagement ring. If you plan on wearing the ring daily it may be wise to purchase a sturdier ring that can withstand the daily rigors of your job or activities. You should determine the amount of wear and tear your ring will endure and select a ring that is up to the punishment.

Other things to consider are the metal your wedding band or engagement ring will be made from. Some women prefer the look of yellow gold while others prefer white gold. Some forego gold altogether and go with platinum, a very popular style these days. Or you can go with a combination, a two-tone gold with some yellow and some white. It's purely a personal preference.

But something to consider is that two-tone gold may be easier to match with other jewelry that you may wear. Another question that brides-to-be often have a hard time deciding is whether or not they should buy a name brand ring or not. It's usually fairly easy to find comparable rings cheaper if you do not go with a name brand. On the other hand it's sometimes nice to be able to flaunt an expensive name brand ring. The choice is yours.

This article is brought to you by My Diamond Engagement Ring, an online source for quality diamond engagement rings. For more information please visit our site.

For the diamond chart click here.

What You Need to Know About Diamond Grading

2007-03-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Diamond Grading is important if you're in the market to purchase loose diamonds. When shopping around make sure the diamond comes with a grading report from an accredited grading lab.

The two most widely recognized diamond grading labs in the world are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and American Gem Society (AGS). These two labs are reputable for being fair about their diamond grading. Because they don't sell diamonds they do not gain anything from the grade that they give a particular diamond.

There are many other grading labs in the world that want to give your diamond a grade report. Be skeptical of smaller, not-so-well known labs. There are certain labs that may have an interest in the grade of your diamond; many of them have been known to be more lenient when it comes to diamonds from certain sellers.

In your diamond grading report you'll find individualized information about your diamond. The report will tell you the measurements, cut, weight, color and quality of your loose diamond. Everything in the report is for your diamond only; it's often referred to as the diamonds finger print.

Many people are confused as to why there is nothing about the gem's monetary value in the report. This is because the grading certificate is not for the purpose of placing a dollar amount on your diamond. Instead it tells you all about the diamond. If you take this report to different gemologists, each one may have a slight difference in price.

Though it doesn't tell you exactly what the diamond is worth it's important to get a diamond grading report. This will determine which diamond is of better value for you. Place the diamond grading report somewhere safe in case you have to have your jewel taken into the shop or in case it's stolen. This report will ensure that you get your original diamond back from the shop or if it's recovered it will prove that it is in fact yours.

Diamond grading is just one of the many helpful tips that Shayna has to offer those in the diamond market. If you'd like to learn more important information about diamond grading visit her at http://online-jewelry-guide.com

Or visit the diamond guide

Diamonds-Girl's Best Friend?

2007-03-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Is It A Real Diamond?

By Lesley-Ann Graham

They say diamonds are a girl's best friend and that it is the true symbol of love. Their sparkle makes them absolutely attractive to the ladies. A diamond takes time to form; and skill to shape and perfect - just as relationships are. They say nothing compares to a diamond. They are rare and precious gems.

But are you sure that what you gave your fiancé is really a diamond? It may look like a diamond, shine like a diamond, yet be anything but this costly gem. It may not even cost half of what you paid for it.

There are now many imitation diamonds out in the market. It is difficult to tell with the naked eye that the stone one is holding is the real thing or not. They are usually very well made. The best known imitation diamonds are moissanite and cubic zirconia.

Moissanite is a synthetic gem. It is not a fake diamond at all. It is a mineral that appears very similar to a diamond.

Moissanite is made in a laboratory using silicon carbide crystals. They have a more brilliant shine than diamonds. They are also less expensive, usually costing a mere 10th of the cost of the real thing.

Moissanite was discovered in the late 1800's in Arizona, at the bottom of a meteor crater. It wasn't until 1995 that it was discovered that there was a way to make these stones into jewelry. The process was perfected and cutting styles that would allow the moissanite to truly sparkle were crafted.

Moissanite stones are popular with couples who are working on a tight budget and want a ring with a bigger stone. That it sparkles so beautifully is a plus in their book. It is also pretty strong stone and is quite close to a diamond in hardness. Buyers should know though that moissanite tends to have greenish or grayish tint instead of being colorless.

Cubic Zirconia on the other hand was discovered in 1937 by two German scientists. It is created by heating and combining yttrium oxide and zirconium oxide in a complicated process perfected in 1970. To the naked and untrained eye, it would be difficult to distinguish a real diamond from a cubic zirconia stone if the imitation piece is well cut.

The most famous name in the retail of cubic zirconia is Swarovski and Co. Being less costly than the real gem; cubic zirconia has been used by the wealthy, the elite and the celebrities to decorate almost any fashion piece from jewelry to bags to clothes. There's even a motorcycle encrusted with it owned by socialite turned actress, Paris Hilton.

If you want to get a diamond and want to avoid purchasing an imitation piece, you need to find yourself an honest jeweler. You also need to learn the basics of buying a diamond (namely the four C's - cut, clarity, color and carat). Best of all, make sure that you get a certificate issued by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) identifying the uniqueness of your diamond.

Will your fiancée mind if you gave her an imitation gem? Only if you told her it was the real thing, would be our guess. After all, everybody hates to learn that they have been deceived. Better to let her make the choice and work within your budget.

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. The Bride, Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen can find it all at http://www.WeddingTrix.com

Princess Cut Diamonds

2007-03-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Choose the cut that best suits you. If you have a broader face you'll probably look best with princess cut diamond studs.

The Princess Cut diamond is more forgiving of diamond flaws. Any inclusions are less visible and any slight yellowish color is less noticeable.

The Princess cut is also called a square or rectangular modified brilliant in GIA grading reports. It is the most popular fancy shaped diamond. Its beautiful brilliance and unique cut makes it a favorite for engagement rings.

Princess Shape diamonds are for people who love the sparkle and brilliance associated with round shape diamonds, but prefer the shape of a square. With Princess Shape diamonds, one does have to sacrifice the fire that the Asscher and Emerald Shape diamonds often lose. In Fact, the Princess Shape diamond can be just as dazzling as an ideally proportional Round Shape diamond, with lots of light and sparkle.

What to watch out for is that the setting for your princess cut diamond protects the four pointed corners as these are the points prone to chipping. A recommendation for a good princess cut diamond is having a depth percentage range of 58-80% and table of 58-77%.

Look for Princess Cut Diamond HERE

How to Buy A Diamond Engagement Ring

2007-03-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

First do some homework. Since you will probable be looking for a diamond engagement ring learn the 4 C's of diamonds; Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color.

Another thing to consider when shopping for a diamond engagement ring is the current trend. Many women will end up purchasing a style of ring that is currently popular only to find out 10 years later that it's no longer in style.

Throughout history diamond engagement rings have become larger, more elaborate, and have included a wide variety of other jewels and metals. Diamond engagement rings settings can be made of silver, platinum, white or yellow gold or a mixture of these elements.

What ever you spend what ever diamond shape, center stone, and setting you decide on make sure it is an informed decision. You are about to invest a lot of time, love ,and money into this investment of a life time. Your investment should not be a mis-informed one.

Now Spend some time and learn about diamonds from the Diamond Guide

Why purchase your diamond online?

2007-02-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

You’ll almost always save money buying online, as the markup is considerably lower. Diamonds, for instance, carry a profit margin of 30 to 40 percent in retail stores vs. 10 to 15 percent sold via Internet jewelers. Since diamonds are now graded according to the same widely recognized standard (scores are assigned for color, clarity, carat weight, and cut), it’s easier to comparison shop than ever. Consumers should not be shy about haggling for a lower price or pitting one jeweler against another to see if they’re willing to meet or beat a competitor’s price for the stone with the particular specifications you’re interested in.

Pay for your purchase with a major credit card to take advantage of the card issuer’s dispute-resolution policy if something goes wrong. And be sure you can return the item for a refund, and have a reasonable amount of time to do so. A week is the bare minimum.

If your purchase involves considerable expense, you’ll also want a grading or identification report from a major lab such as the Gemological Institute of America. The report, which describes the gem in detail, also reveals whether its been “treated.” Most valuable stones come with a report. If not, you can hire the GIA or other reputable lab to issue one.

Looking for a reputable online seller, VISIT HERE!

Conflict Diamonds

2007-01-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

As a consumer and potential buyer of diamonds you are right in being concerned about the ethics of diamond mining and trade. You may already know about the 4 Cs but there is an increasing awareness of the so called 5th C - Conflict Diamonds, especially since the release of the film "The Blood Diamond" featuring Leonardo di Caprio and Amnesty International's campaign "Are you looking for the perfect diamond". What Are Conflict Diamonds?

Conflict diamonds, also known as "blood" diamonds, are rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments. Profits from the trade in conflict diamonds, worth billions of dollars, were used to buy arms during the devastating wars in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Côte d'IvoireWhile the wars in Angola, Liberia and Sierra Leone are now over and fighting in the DRC has decreased, the problem of conflict diamonds hasn't gone away. Diamonds mined in rebel-held areas in Côte d'Ivoire, a West African country in the midst of a volatile conflict, are reaching the international diamond market. Conflict diamonds from Liberia are also being smuggled into neighbouring countries and exported as part of the legitimate diamond trade.

The Kimberly Process

Kimberleyprocess

The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme that regulates the trade in rough diamonds. It was launched in 2000 by several southern African countries. Its aim is to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, while helping to protect the legitimate trade in rough diamonds. A Kimberley Process certificate, guaranteeing diamonds as conflict-free, accompanies all official shipments of rough diamonds to and from participating countries.

To support this, the international diamond industry agreed to a voluntary system of warranties to ensure diamonds continued to be tracked right up to the point of sale. All invoices for the sale of rough diamonds should now include a written guarantee that states they are conflict-free. Our Guarantee

Pomeroi only use and supply conflict-free diamonds and only deal with suppliers that provide this guarantee. We can trace the origin of all our diamonds and we are happy to supply you with a written guarantee that our diamonds are conflict free should you wish to receive one.

More information on an introduction to diamonds; http://www.pomeroi.co.uk/jewellery-articles/diamonds---introduction.cfm

What are Bonded Diamonds?

2007-01-04T22:12:00.000-08:00

Before you start shopping for diamonds,
consider dealing with a bonded jeweler.
Bonded jewelers sell bonded diamonds,
and there are very few bonded jewelers in
the world. In fact, out of all of the jeweler’s
in the world, only about 5% of them are
bonded. Buying a bonded diamond will
cost more than buying a non-bonded
diamond, but when you look at what you
get with the bonded option, you will see
that it is well worth the extra expense.

First, bonded diamonds have a buy back
policy for the life of the diamond. No matter
how long you have had the diamond, you can
take it back to the bonded jeweler and sell it
back to him or her, for a 100% refund. If a
jeweler does not offer a 100% buy back
guarantee, for the life of the diamond, then
you should take a closer look at the diamond
to see what is wrong with it.

Bonded diamonds also have a breakage
policy. If the stone breaks or chips, the
bonded jeweler will replace it with a new one
– one time. No jeweler would ever offer such
a policy on any stone that was not 100%
natural, so just the offer of such a policy
should give you piece of mind concerning
the quality of the diamond. Bonded
diamonds are natural and untreated.

Bonded diamonds increase in value, with a
fixed appreciation rate that is designed to
keep up with inflation. This means that a
diamond that is worth a certain amount of
money today will be worth more in the future,
as the price of diamonds continues to rise.
This generally does not apply to buy backs,
however. It typically applies to trade-ins.

Alternately, by purchasing a bonded
diamond, you are protected against the
possibility of a market crash. If a market
crash occurs, the value of diamonds will
drop. However, the bonded jeweler
guarantees to refund you the difference
between what the diamond is now worth
and what you paid for it before the market
crash.

It may be difficult to find a bonded jeweler in
your area, but if you can, this is who you
want to deal with, as opposed to dealing
with an un-bonded jeweler. Specifically tell
the jeweler that you are only interested in
bonded diamonds. You can find a bonded
jeweler in your area by using various online
resources, or by calling the local jewelry
stores. Or you can Ask The Diamond Guy Here

Where is Bingo Originated from?

2007-01-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

Did you know that bingo is originated from Italy and is more than 500
years old? Bingo as a game originated somewhere around the year 1500,along with the unification of Italy. Italy is also called as the birth place of this game, where it evolved from the game of Lo Giuoco del Lotto Italia. However, bingo didn't come into its present form till 1778.

In the classic version of the game, the playing cards were divided into three horizontal and nine vertical rows. Each horizontal row had five numbered and four blank squares in a random arrangement. The vertical rows contained numbers from 1 to 10 in the first row, 11 to 20 in the second row, et cetera, up to 90. No two cards were alike. Chips numbered from 1 to 90 completed the playing equipment. Later
numbers were called out and the same, if on anyone's card was crossed.
The first one to cover a fixed set pattern (vertical, diagonal,
horizontal etc) was anointed the winner.

In the present version of the game, players buy cards with numbers on
them in a 5 X 5 grid. Numbers are then drawn at random out of a
possible 75, until finally one player completes a Bingo line with five
numbers in a vertical or horizontal row.

One of the biggest changes to take place in the bingo world was of
course the emergence of online bingo. 2003 saw the first UK online bingo sites and now more than 3 million people regularly play bingo online and offline. You can join in the fun with Partybingo as you
could win crusies, jackpots and vacations. You can even chat while
playing bingo, so there's always something cool happening. So grab a
coffee, put your feet up, and enjoy the some bingo online!

Moissanite - the ultimate jewel

2007-01-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Moissanite is, quite simply, the ultimate unique jewel that speaks to women with incomparable fire and brilliance.

Adding to the sparkle, moissanite costs considerably less than commonly desired gemstones and jewels, including diamond. But moissanite is far from common. Just as splurging on a pair of designer shoes, a fashionable handbag or a visit to a day spa can make you feel special, wearing moissanite jewelry, chosen to fit your style, can make you feel beautiful, dazzling and smart!

Moissanite created by Charles & Colvard™ may initially look like diamond however, moissanite is a unique jewel with different physical, optical and chemical properties than diamond. Moissanite is a lab-created jewel that are available through a proprietary and patented thermal growth process exclusively through the house of Charles & Colvard.

For those who want beauty, brilliance and durability of an exquisite jewel at a surprisingly affordable price should try looking into Moissanite.

Moissanite Stardust has the largest range of moissanite jewels.
For special deals CLICK HERE!

Clarity Enhanced Diamonds

2007-01-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

What are CE and HTHP Diamonds?

Clarity Enhanced (CE) Diamonds are totally natural Diamonds that have been treated with a New Clarity Enhancement Process. This new revolutionary process optically eliminates "feathers" (inclusions), which are naturally occurring imperfections found in most diamonds.

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Diamonds are also totally natural Diamonds that have been treated with a complex process that involves heating the stone while it's under pressure until the desired alteration of color and/or clarity is evident. This treatment is only performed on certain diamonds.

The results are more visually stunning diamonds that you can purchase for significantly less than a similar-looking, non-enhanced diamonds, where only you and your jeweler will ever really know that you own a CE or HPHT Enhanced Diamond.

CE and HPHT Diamonds are both natural diamonds from deep in the heart of the earth which have been technologically enhanced to become as brilliant, clear and beautiful as modern science can make it.

When light travels from one medium to another, it either changes its course or reflects in a different direction. When light attempts to pass through a non-enhanced diamond that may have typical feather inclusions, the light hits the feather and reflects off in any number of directions. The more feathers, the more the diamond appears to be non-transparent. With a CE or HPHT diamond, the light passes THROUGH the natural inclusions, because the material used for the enhancement has the same optical characteristics as the diamond. The beam of light "thinks" it's still traveling through the same material (diamond) and continues its original course. The amount of material used to fill the feather is so minute that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has reported that the clarity enhancement process ADDS NO WEIGHT to a diamond. This treatment method is permanent and normally does not create special care requirements.

Clarity Enhanced (CE) as well as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Diamonds are normally GUARANTEED FOR LIFE by the manufacturer.

The CE clarity enhancement is permanent and is not visible to the naked eye, except the only things likely to compromise the integrity of your CE diamond's enhancement are the flame of a torch or boiling acids and bases. In the unlikely event your CE diamond should lose its enhancement, usually the manufacturer will restore the enhancement of your diamond, free of charge.

The HPHT clarity enhancement is totally permanent , even with the flame of a torch or boiling acids and bases.

You can usually expect to pay 15% to 25% less than what you'd pay for a natural Diamond for the same color and clarity.

To learn more about diamonds visit http://www.whatarediamonds.com

Moissanite #1 Diamond Simulant

2006-12-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

Moissanite the #1 Diamond Simulant

Moissanite is a rare mineral composed of silicon
carbide that was discovered by Dr. Henri Moissan in
1893. Scientists began manufacturing moissanite
gemstones in labs since then, and in 1998 Charles &
Colvard began selling the gemstone. Since moissanite
is difficult to grow, the gemstone is much more
expensive than diamond substitutes like cubic
zirconia.

Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale
compared to 10 for diamond, the earth's hardest
substance. If they are properly cut by master cutters,
a glistening moissanite gemstone often looks like a
diamond at first glance. It has measurably more fire,
brilliance and luster at a fraction of the cost of
diamond. They are available in round, oval, marquise,
pear shape, radiant cut octagon, heart shape,
triangle, princess cut squares, and antique squares.
It comes in a variety of choices of near colorless to
very slightly tinted.

Even though moissanite gemstone looks like
diamond, it does have several characteristics that a
qualified jeweler can identify. Under a 10x power
loupe, the magnified mosisanite stones often feature
subtle greenish tints whereas quality diamonds are
often colorless. Moissanite's facets seem to multiply
called double refraction, but diamonds only reflect
their facets once. Some jewelers have added special
Moissanite Testers to their equipment inventories for
extra testing. Another form of testing is by floatation
test in a dense liquid. If performed properly,
moissanite will float whereas diamond will sink.

Moissanite and diamonds both have their
advantages, the only sure way to know you are
purchasing diamond and not moissanite is to buy
from a reputable dealer who sell certified diamonds
and sell certified Moissanite direct from the
manufacturer.

Check out more about Moissanite Diamonds Here!

For more info on Moissanite and Diamonds, visit Whatarediamonds.com

How to Care For Your Diamond

2006-10-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

Caring for a diamond takes more than
occasional cleanings. Diamonds are forever, but
they can be damaged if you are not careful. By
learning how to properly care for your diamond,
you will ensure that your diamond is indeed forever.

An easy home care can be done by mixing a
solution of one part ammonia and six parts water
to clean diamond jewelry at home. If cleaning by
hand, gentle scrubbing with a soft brush should
loosen most dirt and greatly increase the brilliance
of the diamond, but be careful not to scratch the
metal of your setting.

For more information on caring for your diamond visit
Your Diamond Guide

How would you like to grow your own diamonds?

2006-09-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Synthetic Diamonds

Synthetic Diamonds also known as artificial, grown, cultured, laboratory or man-made diamonds have the same identical chemical as mined diamond. Like a mined diamond it has the same composition of a three-dimensional carbon crystal. But synthetic diamonds are processed in a lab or factory. A synthetic diamond is not the same as stimulant diamonds, such as glass, cubic zirconia, or moissanite.

When diamond was discovered to be carbon back in 1796, scientist and researchers had been experimenting how to invent diamond in the lab. The first synthetic diamonds were produced by the General Electric team of Francis Bundy, Tracy Hall, Herbert Strong, and Robert Wentorf in 1954. It was not until 1990's that synthetic diamonds were seen on the market. It took scientist many years to figure out how to produce a synthetic diamond that would have the comparable quality and characteristics of a natural diamond. Even when they found a way it was too costly to produce than mined diamonds.

Today there are several diamond factories where they grow their own diamonds big enough for jewelry. Since it has the same chemicals as mined diamonds it causes alot of confusion when it was first distributed. Even an experienced jeweller have a difficult time to differentiate the two. Special tools are needed to detect whether it is grown or mined.

To learn more about synthetic diamond Click here

Buying Diamond Online

2006-09-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

With all of the potential for scams concerning
diamonds, buying diamonds online almost
seems unthinkable! However, you actually
can purchase diamonds online, without any
problems – as long as you are careful.

First, think about your reasons for wanting to
purchase the diamond online, as opposed to
making a purchase from a local jewelry store.
The most common reason is price. Due to
low overhead costs, online jewelers and
wholesalers are able to offer lower prices.
However, you must be careful – sometimes
a price that is too low is a sure indication of
a scam.

One of the best things about purchasing
online is the unlimited selection. When
shopping offline, you are limited to the
selection in the stores in your general area.
Online, there are no limits. But again, you
must use a great deal of care and
consideration before handing your money
over to someone that you cannot see and
have never met!

Before shopping, learn as much as you can
about diamonds – especially cut, color,
clarity and carat weights. When you are
knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be
harder for a con artist to rip you off. Once
you know more about diamonds, you will be
ready to start shopping.

Take your time. Don’t purchase the first
diamond that you see that interests you.
Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale.
Do some comparison shopping to find the
lowest prices. Once you have found the
lowest price, start doing your investigation.
You know about diamonds, you’ve found a
diamond that you love, and you’ve found the
lowest price – but you are still quite a ways
away from actually purchasing that diamond!

Ask about the seller’s credentials, such as
professional jewelry associations that they
belong to. View and print the seller’s return,
refund, and upgrade policies. Also inquire
about additional services, such as settings
and mountings, sizing, and free shipping. Do
a search for customer reviews on this
particular company around the Internet. Also
check with the BBB Online to see if there have
been any complaints.

Ask for a diamond grading report from an
independent laboratory such as GIA, HRD,
EGL or AGS. You should see this before
making a purchase. Finally, use a reputable
escrow service for high dollar diamonds –
preferably one that will have the diamond
appraised while it is in their possession. The
seller sends the diamond to the escrow
service, and you send the money to pay for
the diamond to the escrow service. The
escrow service has the diamond appraised,
sends the diamond to you, and sends the
money to the seller. This is the surest way to
protect yourself…again, make sure that you
use a reputable escrow service!

For list of reputable online jewelers Click Here

Evalyn Walsh Mclean and the Hope Diamond

2006-08-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Hope Diamond is the largest and most perfect
blue diamond in existence, yet it is its varied history
that captures the interest of a young, rich heiress.
Evalyn Walsh Mclean was the heiress to the
Washington Post. She lived a flamboyant lifestyle,
with a taste for jewelry-expensive jewelry.

In 1911, Pierre Cartier met with Evalyn and her
husband Ned at the Hotel Bristol in Paris carrying a
curious little package with a wax seal. Previously,
Cartier had sold to Mrs. Mclean a ninety five carat
white diamond – The Star of The East- for $120,000.
Since Evalyn Mclean had previously told Pierre Cartier
that objects usually considered bad luck turned to
good luck for her. Cartier made sure to mention the
Hope Diamond‘s negative history to her. Though she
is very interested with the long and varied history of
the Hope Diamond, she didn’t like the setting, she
didn’t buy it.

Cartier visited the Mcleans a few months later, having
reset the Hope Diamond into a new mounting, he
offered Evalyn to keep it for a few days. Cartier
hoped that she would grow attached to it, and she
did. She put it on her dresser and she looked and
looked at it, until she put it around her neck and
hooked her life to its destiny for good or evil. The deal
closes at $180,000. For the young and impetuous
heiress, the Hope Diamond’s fascinating past is the
hot selling point.

Read more click here

Your Diamond Certificate

2006-08-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

A diamond certificate is also known as a Diamond
Grading Report. This report comes from the
Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and you
should require this report when you are purchasing a
diamond.

Avoid diamond dealers who seem reluctant to provide
a certificate! Also avoid sellers who tell you that a
certificate diamond will cost you more – the only
additional cost should be the cost of the certificate,
which is low. If the dealer doesn’t want to provide
a certificate, then you don’t want to do business with
that dealer.

Learn more about the Diamond Certificate or Diamond Grading Report at Your Diamond Guide

Avoid Diamond Scams

2006-07-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

When it comes to diamonds, there are
numerous scams to avoid. Most scams are
minor, but there are some major ones that
come up from time to time concerning the
buying and selling of diamonds. Scams
occur simply because most people who buy
diamonds – for whatever reasons – don’t
know that much about diamonds. Therefore,
they are easily fooled.

To learn how to avoid the commom scams when
buying or selling diamonds, visit Avoid Diamond Scams

Taylor-Burton Diamond

2006-07-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

This 69 carat dimaond was bought by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor. Thus the name, Taylor-Burton. It was orginally bid by Cartier Inc for a record price of $1,050,000 at an auction. Richard Burton bought it the next day from Cartier for an undisclosed sum.
The first time Elizabeth Taylor wore the Taylor- Burton was when she attended Princess Grace's 40th birthday in Monaco. In 1978, after her divorce from Richard Burton, she auction it off with some proceeds used for building a hospital in Botswana.
It was sold to Henry Lambert, a New York Jeweler, for $5,000,000. It was then sold to its present owner Mr. Robert Mousawad.
For more information about the Taylor-Burton Diamond visit http://www.whatarediamonds.com

Designing Your Own Engagement Ring

2006-07-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

Designing Your Own Engagement Ring

The tradition of giving an engagement ring as a symbol of promise of the future marriage started back in the Middle Ages. As a representation of everlasting love, diamonds evoke the romance and magic of traditions that have spanned centuries.

Each diamond purchase is special. Whatever you spend, your diamond will represent one of life’s deepest emotional investments. So how much should you spend? The two months salary convention is a common starting point. But taking the time to design your own engagement ring is much more rewarding and special to you.

The classic engagement ring is composed of two parts, a diamond and a setting. Thanks to our modern times it is now possible to design your own engagement ring over the internet. You can browse through thousands of settings, loose diamonds and even compare prices.

Follow the guide to custom design your own engagement ring.
Click Here

Tips on Auctioning Off Your Gems

2006-06-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

When Diamonds Aren't Forever

Here are tips for auctioning off your gems

Do you have an old diamond ring you'd like to sell, or
some jewelry you've inherited that you'd like to
auction?

Increasingly, auctions--whether held in traditional
auction houses or online--are ways to easily reach an
audience of buyers.

But before you visit an auctioneer, there are several
steps that you should take to determine the value of
your diamond.

First, your item must be assessed by an appraiser.
That person will have the complex job of determining
the ring's value based not only on the 4Cs (the color,
clarity, cut, and carat weight) but also on the quality
of the workmanship. The appraiser can also
determine if it was made by a prominent maker, like
Tiffany & Co., for example.

For more tips Click Here...

The History of the Hope Diamond

2006-06-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

Is there really a curse? Whether or not you believe in the curse, the Hope Diamond has intrigued people for centuries. Its perfect quality and large size make it unique and beautiful.In addition, its history being once owned by King George IV, stolen during the French Revolution, sold to earn money to pay debts, worn to raise money for charity and then donated to the Smithsonian Institution. The Hope diamond is truly full of twists. Everywhere it goes, news reports are filled with the stories of its notorious past, raising curiosity and magnifying the legend. Today the gem resides in the Smithsonian Institution museum's Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals, revolving sedately behind three inches of bullet proof glass in the new Harry Winston Room.

For more information on the the Hope Diamond Click here

Emerald Cut Diamonds

2006-06-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

The Emerald Cut is a stunning variation of diamond cuts.The Emerald Cut is rectangular with cut corners. It is a step cut as opposed to a brilliant cut. The facets are cut broad with flat planes resembling steps of a stair, that is why it is referred to as the step cut. It would better be refer to octagonal diamonds, or the octagon cut because for the slight misnomer is that not only are rough emerald often found in an octagon shape, but they often retain more weight when cut as octagons. It also retain more color saturation in this shape. So, because octagonal is traditionally a common and good shape for emeralds, any other stone cut in a similar manner gets referred to as an emerald cut. The optimum shape is length to width ratio 1.35-1.65 : 1.

The open appearance of some step cut diamonds can make large inclusions more obvious in the set stone. Because they don't look as good as brilliant cut, emerald cuts normally sell for less than brilliant cut of the same quality. When purchasing an emerald cut diamond, always pay attention to quality. Select the highest grade stone you can afford.

Learn more on Emerald Cut Diamonds visit Whatarediamonds.com

Princess Cut Diamond Shapes

2006-06-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

If you love the fire of the round brilliant cut but want something different, you might want to take a look at the icy fire of the square Princess Cut Diamond. The Princess Cut is the most important new cut or shape for diamonds since the invention of the brillant cut over 60 years ago.

Because of the extra facetting, and the effects it produces, princess cuts are naturally more brilliant and sparkly than ordinary square diamonds. Square stones are better for certain design applications such as eternity rings but the princess cut also has its limitations. Watch out for girdles which are too thin as it is more prone to chipping. Always ensure that the setting for your princess cut diamond protects the four pointed corners.(these are the points most likely to chip).

To find out more about the Princess Cut and other Diamond Cuts visit
Whatarediamonds.com