Some men certainly know how to say, “I do” with panache and style! Prince Albert of Monaco is recently engaged to the lovely Charlene Wittstock. Miss. Wittstock is wearing a contemporary diamond engagement ring estimated in value at $100K. This lovely sparkly diamond ring has a center stone of an eye-popping 3 carats, and lots of glittering sparkly stones all around the rest of the ring.

This unique and artistic engagement ring was designed by Maison Repossi in Paris, France. Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock officially announced their engagement this past week, appearing in People.com on June 24th. The couple lean towards each other and hold hands, with the glittering diamond engagement ring centering in the photograph. For those of us who love diamonds…we would say that it came close to stealing the show! But for those of us who love romance, we know nothing could compete with a couple in love.

The design is called “Tethys” and it features a pear-shaped diamond in gray gold. This large pear-shaped diamond has smaller diamonds surrounding it. It is a lovely ring, ideal for a lovely woman.

The couple plan to marry in the summer of 2011 but a date has not been announced. Royal watchers will certainly be excited to be waiting for a royal wedding for the Prince Albert and his lovely bride. With a beautiful ring as the “Tethys” one can only imagine just how amazing the royal wedding for this couple could be!

The happy couple smiled for their official engagement photo released internationally. Wittstock, graceful and elegant is a former champion swimmer. The official engagement photo features Wittstock in a stunning sea foam halter dress that is very feminine and her charming Prince is wearing a sophisticated formal suit and tie.

This is a diamond style we have not seen before, and are curious to see if it will start a trend. Just as many followed in Lady Di’s footsteps to emulate her haircut and wedding dress, it is easy to imagine many longing for the same engagement ring as the lovely Wittstock has received. This new “Tethys” engagement ring could be starting one of the hot, new trends in engagement rings and diamond jewelry. Among Royal watchers and the fashion-conscious, following such trends in quite popular. One this is for certain: this ring is contemporary, eye-catching and stunning. The lovely new Princess will receive many admiring glances at her new engagement ring and compliments for the happy couple.

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The “Diamond Dip” is an annual part of the South Carolina Oconee Medical Center fundraiser. This year however, they have a bit of a mystery on their hands. The winner of a 3K diamond has not come forward for their lovely prize!

This is a real diamond

Turner’s Jewelry in Seneca, South Carolina gave the beautiful diamond for the South Carolina Oconee Medical Center Fundraiser. The glittery fundraiser attracted hundreds who were thrilled to dig through a bowl of “gems” and select one – with the hope of finding a genuine 3K diamond hidden somewhere in the bowl. The bowl was filled with hundreds of cubic zirconium “gems” – as we diamond lovers know these can look lovely and sparkly – but just are not the real thing!

To us this sounds like a fun and exciting game. Digging through a bowl of sparkly wonderfulness – there is nothing quite like it. Imagining if you could win a big and beautiful 3K diamond – all while helping a local charity continue their good works in your community. Sounds like a complete win-win situation for everyone concerned!

After guests dug through the bowl, Mark Turner and his staff from Turner’s Jewelers would use an electronic tester to confirm each “gem.” But at night’s end there was no winner – and in going through the contents of the bowl they also discovered that the diamond was missing! This means that some lucky winner may have the diamond – and simply doesn’t know it.

We hope all of those guests from the South Carolina Oceanee Medical Center event check their purses, pockets and other locations for those “gems.” One of them could be that winner. Take it back to Turner’s Jewelry for confirmed testing – then you’ll know for sure if you’ve got a winner on your hands!

Try our tips to tell if a diamond is real:

• Shine a light through the stone. If you can just see a “halo” around the edges, this is probably a diamond.

• Diamonds are strong heat conductors. Breathe on the diamond and see if it “fogs.” You won’t see condensation from the fog on a diamond.

• Remember: A jeweler at times cannot tell the difference between a genuine diamond and a “cultured” diamond. Careful examination and new tests done by jewelers can help prove it is genuine.

Part of the fun of this prize of course is that this diamond because so very much “your own” in every way. You’ve won it and hand-selected it. Or some might say that it hand-selected you! The idea that you found it in a bowl of cubic zirconias – makes one feel very lucky indeed. Would you have jewelry made for yourself? Or would you give it as a gift to that special loved one in your life? Or would you save it for someone special that you haven’t met yet?

Diamond lovers – we have to ask: what would you do if you won a beautiful 3K diamond? Would you have it designed into a pendant? Ring? Purchase another lovely sparkly diamond for matching earrings? Or create some magnificent sparkly custom diamond jewelry of your very own? There are so many fun decisions to make for that lucky winner! Let’s take a moment and imagine for ourselves – what would we do if this was us. What would you do if you discovered you’d won a stunning and sparkly 3K diamond?

Source: http://www.israelidiamond.co.il/english/News.aspx?boneId=918&objid=6529, http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-you-tell-if-a-diamond-is-real.htm

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This past summer, a little British pig named Ginger, allegedly swallowed a diamond ring at the Easingwold Maize Maze ( a popular attraction during the summer in northern England). Seems he really didn’t mean any harm, but was suspiciously believed to being selective in choosing what to eat. The accused is said to have snapped off the center stone of maze visitor, Anne Moon, as she placed her hand into his pen. Ginger, the pet pig, is part of the attraction’s farm theme; and is owned by farmer, Paul Caygill.

The ring is full of sentimental value (and, by now, perhaps other indescribable stuff that we won’t even mention). Anne Moon says that the ring was purchased for her by her husband; over 30 years ago. She had been visiting the farm with her family when the incident occurred. Mrs. Moon told the Northern Echo newspaper, “ If the pig wasn’t so dirty I think we would have put him in the back of the car and taken him home.” One would only guess that once there, his days as a “pet” would have finally been over.

Ginger, unable to speak for himself, has had nothing to say in his defense. Maybe Ginger has been accused of something that he didn’t do. Perhaps, by co-incidence, the diamond had already been loose and dropped out on its own…leaving Ginger to being the “fall guy” in a situation that was clearly circumstantial. For now, he is guilty until proven innocent.

Since then, Ginger has remained on the farm, and his owner, Mr. Caygill, has been diligently searching through piles of pig poop for signs of sparkle… So far, with no success.

Now people, that’s some expensive chitterlings! Can you say: “This little piggy may go to market?”

http://www.finda.com.au/story/2009/08/13/british-pig-swallows-diamond-from-ring/

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This is the time of year when many prospective grooms look for interesting and unusual ways to propose to their sweethearts. Hot air balloon rides, special surprise dinners, moonlit walks, a special vacation, …all of these usually come to mind as potential options.

When making plans, one would do well to consider the following true story: One Mr. James Ng came up with the brilliant idea of proposing to his beloved in a hot air balloon while soaring far above the ground. The 26-year-old man (who, is by the way, a pastor), hired a balloonist, put the diamond ring in a box; and tucked the box safely deep down into his camera case…Ah, ready for the big moment.

The time arrives, and at 500 feet into the air he accidentally dropped the camera case containing ring overboard. Yes, it slipped away from him, and dropped into the dense landscape below. His “almost-fiance“, Sony Bostic did not realize what was going on…until she saw the look on his face. Although he was heartbroken; he was no fool. After all, it took the man over a year to save up for his bride’s one-carat engagement ring, and he was not about to let it go at that! After taking full note of his surroundings, and coming back down to earth, he went on a all out search. It took almost a week; but the camera bag was discovered on the ground in a wooded area…all of its contents scattered about, or blown away. The only thing remaining? At the bottom of the bag lay the box containing the ring. His engagement was saved, and now he has a story to go along with it that will last a lifetime.

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Many of us have had fond memories of watching old Pink Panther movies (and cartoons). And even if cartoons were not our “thing”, who could ever forget the animated slinky cat-like character being introduced with the opening strains of the now timelessly familiar theme music? Well, did you realize that the original story line centers around a diamond…a mythical pink diamond? The beginning of the story tells of princess who receives a diamond as a present from her father. The diamond is large, pink; and contains an unusual inclusion; the inclusion being in the likeness of a striking pink panther. The rest of the tale continues with attempts to steal the jewel, as well as other entertaining antics.

Although the priceless Pink Panther diamond is one of pure fiction; recently an enormous pink diamond; quite real, in fact, was sold at auction in Hong Kong for the unprecedented amount of $10.8 million dollars! Christie’s recently had it on display in New York, but chose Hong Kong as the location for sale, due to its bustling and very active diamond market. It appears that Hong Kong shoppers have more than just a passing interest in precious jewels such as this one; and that there are an abundance of potential buyers.

The highly unusual 5 carat diamond is cushion cut, and set in a ring flanked by two white diamonds. It is described as being “vivid pink”, practically perfect, and with this most recent sale; bears the distinction of being sold at the most expensive per carat auction price of $2.2 million. What a price for pink perfection!

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When one usually thinks of diamonds, (especially the perfect diamond) what usually comes to mind are those that are clear and white; diamonds believed to be so exceptionally perfect, that blinding rainbows burst out with every beam of light touching them.

Those types of diamonds, will more than likely boast a rating high on the official clarity scale chart. However, just suppose…what if…just what if… one happens to stumble upon the diamond of their dreams ; and it just happens to be a deep brown; with a radiating warmth and richness that can compare with no other? Many have found this to be just the case.

Back in the early 2000’s , a company by the name of Le Vian, no doubt noticing that many had an affinity for this type of diamond, capitalized on this fact. Prior to this, diamonds that were of this deep, warm, chocolate color were known as “low color (or brown) diamonds”. Since that time, many celebrities have developed a fondness for diamonds of this type; oftentimes being seen on the red carpet, and at many other high profile events wearing Le Vian diamonds.

Through somewhat aggressive campaigning, Le Vian has successfully marketed these diamonds; presenting them to an audience that has a natural tendency to thrive on the unusual and the daring. And with this; brown diamonds became “in”. Lest we forget: De Beers, via similar aggressive campaigning, had been highly successful in identifying what, at the time, appeared to be a niche market just a few short decades ago. Chocolate diamonds…could they possibly be for you? Well, to us it seems that it’s all just a matter of taste

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Did you think that the world’s only diamond mines were located in South Africa? Well, here’s a bit of news for you…Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in the state of Arkansas, USA, is the world’s only diamond-producing site that is open to the general public.

The park was once owned by a farmer; a Mr. John Huddleston, who found the first diamonds in 1906. After a series of failed attempts on his part to turn the land into a profitable business venture, the mine eventually became a state park in 1972.

Visitors are invited to search within its 37 ½ acres for gemstones that they can keep for their very own. The park has a “finders keepers” policy; which means that any treasure unearthed (regardless of value) immediately becomes the property of the one finding it.

In this same park, in April, 2009 a 5.75 carat white diamond was found by a Mr. Mike Burns. As recently as this past October 30, Mr. Billy Moore of Murfreesboro, found yet another sizable gem; a 3.2 carat stone. Mr. Moore had first mistaken it as a crumpled up chewing gum wrapper. Diamonds of various other colors can also be found on the property. Yellow and brown diamonds, as well as other types of stones have also been unearthed. Peridot, jasper, quartz, amethysts…have all been found on this same site.

Feeling lucky yet? Then pack your pickaxe and head for Arkansas. Who knows? Aside from having a great adventure, you just may discover that treasure of a lifetime!

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On a cool October day in 2009, the 32.01 carat diamond ring that wealthy billionaire Leonore Annenberg purchased for her 90th birthday, was auctioned off. Christie’s had been given the task; and successfully sold it for $7.7 million; a considerable hike from the expected pre-sale estimate of $3million to $5million.

Prior to her death in March, 2009, it must be noted that Mrs. Annenberg had been named an ambassador during President Ronald Reagan‘s first term; serving as U.S. chief of protocol. Mrs. Annenberg and her billionaire husband, The Honorable Walter H. Annenberg, had also been very involved with the arts and with education.

Annenberg diamond

The exceptionally gorgeous, square shaped diamond ring, designed by Manhattan jeweler David Webb, is colorless, flawless, and roughly the size of a walnut. It is said to be the absolute epitome of what one would consider to be the perfect diamond, in that it incorporates the very best of the 4 C’s (Carat, Clarity, Color, Cut) On either side of the huge and breathtaking center stone are diamonds that are 1.61 carats and 1.51 carats respectively. Leonore was able to enjoy wearing her gift to herself for a little over a year before she died at the ripe old age of 91.

On the day that Mrs. Annenberg received it, it was delivered by armed guards to her home in California. It has been said that she was delighted whenever visitors would admire it. (Who wouldn’t?!).

Although the name of the purchaser was not disclosed, it is only hoped that this beautiful diamond ring brings as much joy and delight as it did to Mrs. Annenberg.

May she rest in peace.

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Great news is on the horizon for the technologically savvy person in search of the perfect diamond engagement ring. It seems that diamond daydreaming (or providing hints for that special someone) has now been elevated to the point of being at least one step closer to reality. This past summer, an Apple iPhone application was released to the public that will more than likely have great appeal to diamond engagement ring daydreamers, as well as to those who would like to try before they buy. And the best part is this: It is absolutely free!

How does it work? First, a picture of your hand, taken by an Apple iPhone camera is downloaded. The application, named “Live Diamond Tryon“, was developed to allow a user to virtually design a diamond engagement ring in any and every configuration possible! Even more fascinating, is the fact that the resulting virtual ’ring’ image, when laid on top of the picture of the hand, will appear in the correct proportions; as if in actual size.

Meaning…one would be able to have an eerily close idea of what it would feel like to be wearing “the real thing”. This application is so ’smart’, that it even has the ability to show the ’ring’ at different angles; enabling it to sparkle, shine and behave closely in the same manner as its genuine counterpart. Carat size (up to 5), shape, settings….each of these can be virtually chosen and assembled within the privacy of one’s own home or office. Or…if one is brave enough and wishes to do so, the resulting captured image can also be “facebooked“, “twittered“, “myspaced”… you name it. So now after you have created the perfect ring , what next? Only your trusted jeweler has the ability to make your diamond dreams come true. In the meantime… “You can’t touch this!”

Hammer time!

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The Cullinan Diamond Mine, once owned by the famed DeBeers company, in South Africa has done it yet again! Way back when, (in 1905), its namesake; the so-named Cullinan Diamond was discovered. Eventually, becoming part of the British crown jewels, this diamond ‘fit for a king’ (or queen) weighed in at an almost unimaginable 3106 carats!

Now, let’s fast forward a hundred years or so plus (specifically 2008); and out of the same mine comes another beauty…this time, in the form of a high-quality 101.27 carat stunner. No stranger to producing diamonds of great importance (not to mention…with considerable regularity), Cullinan’s very latest breathtaking gem, unearthed by The Petra Diamonds group, and weighing in at an astounding 507.55 carats (nearly the size of a golf ball), was discovered on Thursday September 24 2009…along with three ‘smaller’ stones in comparison; weighing 168.00, 58.50, and 53.30 carats respectively.

While each of the diamonds is currently undergoing intense analysis, the largest one has garnered the most attention, and is under the closest scrutiny; as it has the possibility of being considered to belong to the rare Type II diamond type. Diamonds of the Type II distinction have characteristically minimal traces of nitrogen (a contaminant), and are known for their exceptional clarity and transparency. It is not to difficult to understand why The Cullinan Diamond Mine is widely recognized as being amongst the three top producing diamonds mines in the world.

With a solid track record like theirs, one can only wonder and imagine what other hidden treasures Cullinan will unearth next…and where?

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