DESIGN-SPOTLIGHT
DESIGN SPOTLIGHT: “2012 Centurion Emerging Designer Award” Winner: Shamila Jiwa
May 2, 2012 · Leave a Comment
Seattle-based, 2012 Centurion Emerging Designer Award Winner, Shamila Jiwa is quickly carving out a niche for herself in the competitive field of jewellery design. Inspired by her travels and rich multi-cultural background, her designs are noted for their distinctive yet timeless styles and color combinations. Her work has been shown in New York City during Fashion Week Fall 2009 and in the Czech Republic, France and England. Her Luxe collection is currently available at select jewellery boutiques and galleries in the USA and Canada. Born in Tanzania of Indian heritage and currently operating from... [Read the full story]
Gemology
Emerald: Ancient Egyptian’s Stone of Fertility and Rebirth
April 28, 2012 · Leave a Comment
Emerald’s lush green has soothed souls and excited imaginations since antiquity. Its name comes from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” Pliny the Elder described emerald in his Natural History, published in the first century AD: “…nothing greens greener” was his verdict. He described the use of emerald by early lapidaries, who “have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude.” Even today the color green is known to relieve stress... [Read the full story]
Famous Gemstones
Famous Diamonds: “The Millennium Star”
April 6, 2012 · Leave a Comment
In 1999, De Beers unveiled the De Beers Millennium Jewels – the centre-piece being the De Beers Millennium Star, a ‘D’ colour, flawless pear-shaped stone weighing 203.04 carats. The rest of the Millennium Jewels were made up of eleven rare blue diamonds with a total weight of 118 carats. The largest was the Heart of Eternity weighing 27.64 carats. The Millennium Star weighed 777 carats in the rough, and is the sixth largest diamond of gem quality ever discovered. It took the Steinmetz Group three years to cut the Millennium Star. First of all it was split in Belgium, then polished... [Read the full story]
Pearls
Cleaning and Care of Cultured Pearls
February 11, 2012 · Leave a Comment
Fine cultured pearls can last for generations. But, more than most gems, they do require gentle, loving care to maintain their singular beauty. Here’s important information that every pearl lover should know… - Nacre is the name of the substance secreted by oysters to create pearls. It is a unique material that displays a wonderfully pleasing interplay of light and color, but it is also relatively soft and porous, compared to other popular gems. Pearls are also susceptible to damage from chemicals. Thus, cosmetics, perfumes and hair care products should be applied before putting on... [Read the full story]
Diamonds
Famous Diamonds: “The Eureka Diamond”
February 4, 2012 · 3 Comments
The Eureka Diamond does not owe its fame to either great size or outstanding perfection, but to the fact that it is the very first recorded diamond find in South Africa, hence the name Eureka, meaning “I’ve found it”. The Eureka diamond was first discovered in 1866 by the children of the Jacobs family playing near the Orange River, Hopetown, South Africa. For a while, it was considered merely an attractive pebble for the children to play with – until a neighbour, Schalk van Nierkerk, saw it and suggested it may be a mineral of some merit. He did not, however, think for a... [Read the full story]
Jewelry
Dermatitis Caused by Allergic Reactions to Jewelry is Explored
February 19, 2012 · 10 Comments
My mother, like many people, develops contact dermatitis when her skin comes in contact with some types of jewelry. The dermatitis is a result of an allergic reaction to the nickel found in many types of jewelry. Nickel allergies are very common. One out of every seven people is likely to suffer from a nickel allergy. More women tend to suffer from nickel allergies than men. However, this may be attributed to the fact that women tend to wear more jewelry than men and are therefore more likely to be exposed to skin contact with nickel. (Nickel sulfate hexahydrate is a metal frequently encountered... [Read the full story]
Breaking News
Amazing Mughal Empire “Mirror Diamond” necklace on sale for $20 million
A “Mirror Diamond” necklace bearing five Mughal empire pendant diamonds with emerald drops has been offered for private sale at a price of US$20 million (NZ$24.4m), auction house Bonham’s has revealed. It said the Mughal Mirror Diamond necklace was an extraordinary example of the colourless, rough...
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Biggest pink diamond ever auctioned set to raise over $8million
The biggest pink diamond ever sold is set to be auctioned next month – and is expected to fetch over $8 million (£4.9 million). According to auction house Christie’s, the Martian Pink, a 12.04-carat pink diamond, is the largest ever to hit the auction market. The gem is staggeringly rare, and is one of...
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Legendary 400-year-old Beau Sancy diamond expected to fetch up to £2.5million at auction
It has been coveted by royalty and the fabulously rich for more than 400 years. Now the ‘Beau Sancy’ – one of the world’s oldest, most famous and sought after diamonds in private hands – is about to go up for sale. Weighing in at 34.98 carats, the sparkling gem with a rare pear cut is expected to...
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BREITLING INTRODUCES: TRANSOCEAN CHRONOGRAPH UNITIME
BRINGING THE WORLD TO THE WRIST: Breitling reasserts its horological mastery by launching a “world time” chronograph equipped with a new caliber entirely developed and produced in-house. Thanks to its double disk, the Transocean Chronograph Unitime simultaneously and constantly indicates the time in all 24 timezones....
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TREND ALERT: Art Deco pieces from Belle Etoile Jewelry
Art Deco Jewelry is quickly becoming a huge trend in 2012 previews and Belle Étoile is no exception. With unique, flashy pieces, Belle Étoile has a jewel box of looks to suit any style that will make you feel like you’ve been swept into another era. From chunky bangles to bold cocktail rings, trendsetters will...
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Gemology
Emerald: Ancient Egyptian’s Stone of Fertility and Rebirth
Emerald’s lush green has soothed souls and excited imaginations since antiquity....
DIAMOND: The Emperor still Reigns Supreme
Diamond is the official Birthstone for the month of April, and is also the stone...
AQUAMARINE: “Stone of Happiness and Friendship”
Aquamarine derives it’s name from the Latin word for seawater due to it’s...
Amethyst: Stone of Financial Stability & Good Fortune
The name “amethyst” comes from the Greek and means “not drunken.” The...
TANZANITE: “Blue Treasure of Africa and Gem of Good Fortune”
Tanzanite is relatively new to the colored stone galaxy. This transparent blue gem...
November’s Birthstone: Citrine “Stone of Merchant Wealth & Angel of God”
Citrine has become know as “The Merchant’s Stone.” It is said...
FIRE OPAL: “The Stone of The Bird of Paradise”
Fire opals are unique in the lush world of the opals. The Mayas and Aztecs loved...
OPAL: “The World’s Most Popular Phenomenal Gemstones”
The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and guarded...
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Diamonds
Famous Diamonds: “The Eureka Diamond”
The Eureka Diamond does not owe its fame to either great size or outstanding perfection,...
8 Ways to Keep Your Fine Jewelry In Tip-Top Shape
With proper care, your fine jewelry can last a lifetime. Here are eight tips to help...
The History of the Engagement Ring
The engagement ring that symbolizes the eternal love of two people who have pledged...
Anniversary Bands Symbolize Eternal Love
Few jewelry designs say “everlasting love” like the diamond anniversary...
Diamonds are Definitely Still a Girl’s Best Friend
Perennially classic, diamonds never fall from fashion, but current trends have given...
Brides Seek Engagement Rings Tinged With Nostalgia
This season, engagement ring styles are as varied and unique as the brides who choose...
Your Refresher Course on Diamonds: The Famous 4Cs
Since the dawn of time, diamonds have held an exalted place in history, as they were...
Your Bridal Guide to Diamond Shapes
More than 75 percent of all engagement rings sold in North America flaunt the traditional...
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