Diamond Buying AdviceDiamond Advice and Information on Choosing a Diamond

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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Naked Hope Diamond

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.

source, article by DanforthDiamond.com, experts in diamond engagement rings.

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“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 .

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_13359685?nclick_check=1

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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!

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Once upon a time, in the faraway land of the U.K. there once lived a dashing gentleman by the name of Robert Charlton. Mr. Charlton was very fortunate in business, as well as a collector of all things fine and beautiful; women being among them. Unfortunately, Mr. Charlton was a married man.

A framed photo of Robert Charlton in the Kibworth Golf Club, Leicester Photo: JR-PHOTOS.COM

Fortunately, however, for his wife, Elizabeth (dear woman) he was also a man of conscience; conscience to him translating into jewelry…fine jewelry…diamond jewelry. As Mr. Charlton happily philandered his life away, and indulged in as many dalliances as his generous heart desired; the courageous and long-suffering Mrs. Charlton turned a blind eye and sought comfort in rolling around in the countless pieces of jewelry… rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces galore, he gave to her as peace offerings.

Mr. Charlton eventually passed away in 1979, at the ripe old age of 63, leaving Mrs. Charlton to grieve in her sea of carats. As each of us know, most fairy tales do not last forever. She eventually died at age 90, leaving the cache of jewelry marking her husband’s infidelity to her beloved daughter Marie. Marie, in turn, ended up selling over 40 pieces of the sentimental jewelry for £286,000.

Among the pieces were: A 32 carat diamond necklace, a large solitaire diamond pendant and a huge diamond solitaire ring. It also seems that Marie inherited her mother‘s same ‘blind eye’ as she too appeared to be aware of her father’s affairs. What a shocking and tragic trail he left in his wake; eventually leaving both his wife and his daughter to cry “all the way to the bank” (or to the appraiser). Take note girls and see what real trouble looked like just a few short decades ago: A real Mr. Irresistible! The End.

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Commonly known in the industry as “treated diamonds“ or “enhanced diamonds“, many less than perfect diamonds on the market have been given such overhauls, so as to improve their appearance, both outwardly and inwardly.

The procedure(s) involve processes designed to downplay any visible inclusions or any other imperfections that most natural diamonds are prone to having. Infrared laser treatments, which are now readily available, can be used to improve a gem’s clarity, as well as change the color, if so desired. If done correctly, many of these treatments are foolproof enough, so as to often result in the diamond’s obtaining a higher grade! Oftentimes, only by looking at them under a high powered microscope, can the diamond’s secret be revealed. As to be expected, diamonds that have undergone this type of process are not as resilient as diamonds left in their natural state. In fact, some have, in a few instances, “cracked” under pressure.

While this may appear to be a breakthrough for the modern jeweler, many “old school” gemologists and fine jewelers are purists, and so vehemently oppose using any of these processes; as they believe that any “enhancements” should be a direct result of the diamond cutter’s expertise, used in combination with the diamond‘s own natural qualities.

While it is not illegal to sell “enhanced” diamonds; by law, (specifically by the United States Federal Trade Commission), a jeweler is under obligation to disclose to any potential buyer that the gem has indeed been enhanced.

What you, as a consumer need to know is this: This may just be the type of diamond that you are looking for! Do your homework! Be aware of what you are purchasing! You may find that, as long as all is disclosed, you may be surprised .

Instead of being tricked…you may be in for a treat!

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Whether we like it or not, it appears that one of the most historically well known diamonds in world , the beautiful Hope Diamond, will be soon getting a makeover. Famed jeweler, The House of Harry Winston has decided that the diamond, which is now languishing , lonely and bored behind a thick, bullet-proof glass case in the Smithsonian Institute, is long overdue for having a cosmetic overhaul.

The Hope Diamond, is not known for being a party gal; as she has never, in her most recent past, been seen around town being wined and dined by any of the well-to-do Washingtonians. Although the striking deep blue 45.52 carat beauty has been said to be technically owned by The House of Winston; in recognition of the 50th anniversary of its being donated to the Smithsonian Institute, they are kindly requesting that the American public vote on one of three possible new and exciting setting choices.

They are: “Journey of Hope”, “Embracing Hope”, and “Renewed Hope”.

According to the information last made available, we will have until September 7, 2009 to cast our vote. Given the infamous history and nature of this particular diamond, we are not sure who would volunteer to wear it. Just think about it; would you? Up until now, the plan for the dramatic ‘reveal’ has been set for March 2010. However, those who like the setting ‘just the way it is, thank you’ will not have to worry, as this reset is temporary and does have a “Cinderella-like” timestamp on it. At the close of 2010, she will revert back to her original, ho-hum circle of white diamonds setting, and then back to her place behind a Smithsonian plate glass window to continue being “all dressed up and nowhere to go”.

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