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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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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Apparently, this is what works for Tori Spelling and her husband Dean McDermott. McDermott reset the anniversary gift bar, by deciding to start a tradition of his very own… presenting his wife with a new diamond anniversary ring each year. This year, she was double-diamonded, with a ring duet, composed of one brilliant yellow diamond set alongside a dazzling white diamond. The couple has decided that each year’s ring become part of an heirloom collection to be eventually passed on their children.

One would think that with this year’s selection , she would be set … (at least until Christmas!) But no way! Tori continued to tap into this newfound jewelry bonanza; as Mother’s Day arrived a mere three days afterwards, and she was given a gold necklace and pendant. The pendant, engraved with the letters “L” and “S”, which represented the initials of their two small children, will no doubt eventually become part of the overall collection in the years to come.

Those who are inspired by this, should take note: While this high dosage of diamonds may be a difficult pill to swallow for the average person; the sentiment is one that, on a smaller scale, can be easily be kept. A quality diamond jewelry piece, such as a diamond journey necklace or a diamond anniversary band, given in recognition of a milestone year, will be just as much appreciated by a beloved one; perhaps even more so.

Also, the gift of a diamond necklace or bracelet does not have to be limited to anniversaries only. Never mind the frequency. Dare to be different! In so doing, one will find that an unexpected surprise can be a truly delightful experience for any recipient. Why not just try it for yourself…and see!

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Photo by debritter16

It can be almost unanimously agreed upon, that having a special Mother is amongst being one of the most wonderful in human experiences; even though some of these ladies who bear the name of ‘Mother‘ or ‘Mom‘, may have had little resemblance to what many of us would consider to be the traditional Mother.

Even though a great many of them have come into our lives via the non-traditional route of adoption or foster parenting; oftentimes these are the only mothers that many of us have ever known. What do you give to a woman who has been everything to you? While cards and flowers have always been “safe” gifts over the years; with a little creativity, we can venture well beyond rigid established traditions, and dare to create a few lasting ones of our own. As a child, were you often accused of not listening to her? The gift of a lovely pair of diamond earrings can help to smooth over past transgressions; as well as serve as a constant reminder that you now hear her “loud and clear”. Remember the macaroni necklace you made for her when your were eight years old? Has it really been that long? Well, it is definitely time for an upgrade. Why not replace it with a beautiful diamond necklace or bracelet.

And so to the women who kissed our ‘boo-boos’, bandaged our skinned knees, wiped our noses and changed our diapers; Mama, Nana, Mom, Big Mom, Mommy, Auntie, Big Sis, Mimi, Gran, Gram, Maw-Maw, Grandmother, Grandma…We say: Thank you .

Happy Mother’s Day to you all!

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Many of us may still be trying to decide what to give to a special Mom, graduate, or Birthday Girl. The gift of a diamond necklace is certainly one that can be considered. You will find that diamond necklaces are available in quite a number of styles and prices. Whether it be a circle of diamonds captured in gold, or a diamond floating heart pendant; a necklace of this kind is perfect for a lady of any age. The design can either be one that is classic or contemporary; multi-diamonded or single stoned. A puffed heart diamond pendant can be fun and flirty; whereas a flat diamond heart may appeal to a more conservative lady.

A diamond journey pendant necklace can also be a nice jewelry piece to give your beloved in recognition of a special anniversary; especially to commemorate a milestone year. Three-stoned pendants are perfect gifts for symbolizing a couples’ past, present, and future relationship.

And now for the ultimate: A diamond eternity necklace is sure to take the breath away of any woman who is fortunate enough to receive one. The necklace’s diamonds can be set as close or as far apart as taste and/or budget will allow.

If a diamond necklace is your choice, please make sure that the setting is one that complements the wearer. Will it be: Yellow gold? White gold? Silver? This will depend on personal tastes, lifestyle, as well as the skin tone of the recipient. Care should also be taken that any hardware (especially the clasp) is able to hold the diamonds in place attractively, as well as securely. Your reputable jeweler should be able to assist you in addressing all of your diamond selection needs. With a little effort, you will find that the perfect beautiful necklace is just waiting for you to discover.

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Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur

Just in time for the wedding season: Designer Faisol Abdullah is in the process of creating the ultimate dream diamond dress. The dress, festooned with 751 diamonds, is estimated to be worth an eye-popping $30 million! It has been named “Nightingale of Kuala Lumpur”. Highlighting the taffeta and silk creation, is a humongous 70 carat pear-shaped diamond, perched “smack dab in the middle” of the gown’s bodice. Further adding to the drama, is a voluminous diamond sprinkled train. The perfect wedding dress! (If only there were a diamond necklace and tiara to match)

Diamonds for the gown were furnished by the famed house of Mouawad. Although, under normal circumstances, it would take several months to obtain diamonds in this quantity and of this quality, Mr. Mouawad just happened to have had plenty of them stored hither and thither in various storehouses; thus enabling quick and easy access.

At the time of this writing, designer Abdullah is still said to be putting the finishing touches on his creation. Commissioned by Nancy Yeoh, CEO of STYLO, the diamond studded dress is scheduled to make its debut and headline in Malaysia, at the STYLO fashion festival; beginning sometime in April. Ms. Yeoh is anticipating that it will appeal to, and be worn by, some of the most prestigious personages of this planet. To ease any potential buyer’s guilty conscience, it sure helps to know that five percent of the sale price has been earmarked to go to a specific charity.

So far, a buyer has not yet been found for this fabulous (but frivolous) confection. Since it can be universally agreed upon that the price is “out of this world”, Ms. Yeho may want to extend her marketing efforts to include inhabitants possibly existing on any of the other eight planets in the solar system. That way, she may have at least a remote chance of making a speedier sale. And so we ask: Any takers?

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The 81^st Academy Awards are now over; and let us first say that we were not disappointed. The gowns were beautiful and the jewelry spectacular! Let’s review some of the highlights:

Amy Adams (Best Supporting Actress nominee) chose to wear a draping Fred Leighton creation composed of sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. This fabulous necklace just happened to be also set with 39 carats of diamond shimmer!

Heidi Klum and Beyonce both elected to wear jewelry borrowed from the Lorraine Schwartz collection. Beyonce, in gold diamond leaf; and Heidi clad in close to a million dollars’ worth of the sparkling baubles.

Penelope Cruz, of course, “took the cake,” with her haul of Chopard diamonds. Estimated worth? $3 million dollars…the diamond necklace alone weighing 69 carats. Kate Winslet also showed her affinity for Chopard; accenting her outfit with a beautiful diamond bracelet.

Halle Berry‘s jewelry of choice? H. Stern diamonds. The fun and perky Marisa Tomei took the “retro route”; with her selection of diamond jewelry hailing from various decades: A 1941 Van Cleef & Arpel sapphire and diamond bracelet, a diamond ring from the 1960’s, and diamond earrings representing the early 1970’s.

We, of course, had initially predicted that many of the jewelry selections worn by the majority of the attending celebrities, would be understated pieces. And, true to our prediction, many came through wearing just what had been expected. However, to be perfectly honest, it sure was nice to see the occasional, fantabulous “over-the-top” eye-popping bling. The 81^st Academy Awards? … This year? A success.

‘twas a feast for the eyes!

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A journey is often described as the act of traveling from one place to another. Oftentimes, along the way, in an effort to forever retain memories of the event, souvenirs are collected, travel diaries written, pictures taken and recordings made.  The same can be said when it comes to our view of life.  Life is also  a journey onto itself, with milestones of births, weddings, anniversaries and other memorable occasions being reached, noted and otherwise marked along the way.

It is said that when two people come together and share a life of meaningful commitment, these occasions are also shared, and the memories of tears and smiles, as well as other ups and downs, become among those worth noting and keeping alive. Many couples have chosen to symbolize their undying love for each other with a journey diamond selection. Journey diamonds are usually drop earrings, pendants or diamond necklaces containing multiple diamonds in various sizes, usually in a pattern beginning with a small stone; then gradually ending in a larger stone. The settings can be as ornate or as simple as one’s personal taste or budget dictates, but the pattern of smaller stone to larger stone remains the constant in identifying journey diamond jewelry.

A journey diamond jewelry piece is a personal, yet outward expression…not of new love, but of love that has stood (and love that continues to stand) the test of trial and time; symbolizing the enduring, as well as , undying affection of two people. What a beautiful way to remember to keep the spark alive, as well as to honor such a continuous journey of love and devotion.

Best wishes for any travels ahead, and may all of your journeys be smooth ones.

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