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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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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!”
Posted by cissy | Posted in Diamond Advice | Posted on 26-10-2009
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?
On a cool Wednesday, September morning in 2009, the Hope Diamond was presented to the press (and to the public) in her original, unadorned state. For the first time in the 50 years since she first went on display, the beautiful 45.5 carat blue lady appears, well… “naked”. Meaning that, for many “after-1960s” born members of this world’s population, an opportunity will be provided to see what she looked like prior to being set in platinum, laid in a setting of 16 white diamonds, and dangled from a 45 diamond necklace.
She will remain “naked”, in all her blue glory throughout the upcoming winter. But please be assured that blue is simply her color and not her mood; as she excitedly awaits the completion of her new setting, “Embracing Hope”. After polling more than 100,000 voters, this setting was chosen to be the favorite out of three possible candidates. From start to finish, Harry Winston Diamond Corp. has been in charge of the preparation of this fine, as well as world-famous, National Gem. Ribbon-like in appearance, the new “Embracing Hope” setting will be a temporary one; as its major purpose is to be showcased during a documentary sponsored by the Smithsonian entitled “Mystery of the Hope Diamond”.
The documentary is scheduled to premier in April 2010. No doubt, many will find the story of the Hope Diamond fascinating, as it is followed from its humble beginnings, to its rightful place in today’s modern history. For many, it should bring back memories of times gone by, and for others, the beautiful Hope Diamond will be a treasure to be discovered yet anew.
“Pssst…I just happen to have a few extra “diamonds” swishing around in my purse. Wanna buy one?”
What may appear to some as being an unlikely (as well as outrageous) scenario; actually happened to someone recently in the Silicon Valley. It seems that there are currently scam artists running around, casually attempting to do this very thing; in at least one case, with apparent success In this particular instance, the victim happened to be an elderly woman whom one of them approached to ask for directions. Working in tandem with a male accomplice; a female scammer produced five “diamonds” from out of nowhere and offered to sell them to the elderly woman. The male accomplice coincidentally had a friend in a nearby Medical Center (who just happened to be an “appraiser”). After taking them in to his friend, he came back in with the “official” price. The “appraiser” had placed a value on the gems as being slightly over $10,000 each. However, the female scammer offered a discount, in that she would settle for a price of $7,000 each. After a little more back and forth discussion, an even lower price of $6,000 was soon settled upon.
The male accomplice then convinced the elderly victim to share the cost of one of the diamonds with him. She would pay half ($3000), and he would pay the other half. The woman then withdrew $3000 from her bank, handed it over to the man, and then gave his accomplice a ride to a shopping center. The man promised to wait for her to come back; after assuring her that he would have the diamond when she returned.
Of course, when she did return, he was nowhere to be found. As of this date, these persons have still not been apprehended.
Sadly, this is apparently not an isolated incident; and so we offer the following sound advice: Whether in-person or online, seek only a trusted jeweler, or certified appraiser when purchasing fine jewelry. Safeguard your assets, as well as your peace-of-mind .
Posted by cissy | Posted in Diamond Advice | Posted on 06-10-2009
Micro-set diamonds can, at times give the illusion that the diamond it surrounds is much larger. Micro-set diamonds are very tiny diamonds that are individually set. These diamonds are so small, in fact, that using a microscope is required to precisely place them within each small prong. The process involved in creating a micro-setting has been said to be a bit more intense than that of creating a pavé diamond setting.
When combined with larger gems, the result is oftentimes a creation that is absolutely stunning! Aside from giving the appearance of a larger carat size; micro-set diamonds can often provide a perfect “frame” for showcasing a gem of high quality
Depending on the quality of the diamonds and/or skill of the jeweler; jewelry that employs the use of a micro-set could, quite possibly be held under closer scrutiny. A poorly constructed micro-set diamond jewelry piece could prove to be somewhat difficult to repair; and in the long run…especially costly. That being the case, some purchasers have insisted that prior to buying jewelry with this kind of setting, it first be placed in an ultrasonic machine. The reason? To see if it can withstand the vibrational waves used for intense cleaning. Ultrasonic machines use either a mild cleaning solution or warm water ONLY, and so the vibrational energy used by the machine should NOT be able to easily dislodge any well constructed jewelry piece. It is at this point where many decide whether or not to proceed with the sale.
Although diamond rings are the usual way that micro-setting is employed; pendants, bracelets and brooches can also be created this way, oftentimes with absolutely spectacular results! Wow!
Well you can sell gold or sell your jewelry to make some extra money or "quick cash". We can recommend you try Refinity.com, they have a price guarantee with money back. You can't beat that offer, it has a diamond like shine. ;-)
Stay away from Cash4Gold they have gotten some very bad press.
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.
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!
Micro-set diamonds can, at times give the illusion that the diamond it surrounds is much larger. Micro-set diamonds are very tiny 
