‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.’ This is a saying that many brides take to heart when considering their wedding trousseau. From wedding gowns, accessories and motifs, brides from all walks of life throughout the years have tried their best to stick to this formula. It’s interesting to note that bridal jewelry can [...]

An alexandrite appraisal requires someone with a massive amount of skill, talent, dedication and knowledge. Not any individual that sees a gemstone can appreciate its true value, let alone qualify as an alexandrite appraisal expert. Working with and around jewels does not make someone an alexandrite appraisal expert. The status of appraiser shouldn’t come with [...]

One activity that you will undoubtedly appreciate when preparing for your wedding ceremony is the wedding ring selection. Like most young girls, you have probably spent most of your life dreaming of the perfect diamond wedding ring. Hopefully, you and your fiance have decided to shop for rings together, or you have informed him of what you like. You will wear the wedding ring for a significant amount of time and it only makes sense that it’s something that you like. If your knowledge of diamond wedding rings is limited to size, it’s a good idea that you obtain more information before you make your wedding ring selection.

The universe of colored gemstones is endlessly fascinating, for centuries, nearly every culture has held the belief that colored gemstones possess magical powers or the ability to provide the wearer with certain attributes.
This way of thinking has motivated the world of fashion. Natural gemstone jewelry is mystical in all of its beauty. Women need to [...]

There is something very mysterious about crystals. And, therefore, as soon as you don them, they lend a very enigmatic touch to your whole persona. Even if it is just one small little crystal, it can work wonders for you. No, this is no future prediction, though crystals have always been one of the favorite [...]

An interesting article about buying expensive diamonds on-line. The story goes into great detail about how these on-line dealers can explain and show consumers just what they are getting and how the prices are determined. Truly a great read for anybody looking to purchase diamonds and bridal jewelry on-line.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just a celebration for lovers. It’s also a time when jewelers step up their advertising for precious stones like diamonds.

Traditionally, consumers have gone to jewelry stores to purchase engagement rings and other fine gems. Now, a small but growing number of people are buying diamonds online and spending thousands — even tens of thousands of dollars — to buy something they have never seen.

Alok Kapur proposed with champagne, chocolate and a diamond ring. It was classic and romantic. But he bought his ring in a much less traditional way. He purchased it online from Blue Nile — the nation’s largest online seller of diamond engagement rings.

Initially, Kapur was skeptical. Buying such an expensive item sight unseen required a leap of faith. But his concerns were put to rest.

“They answered all of my questions — explained everything about the diamonds,” he says. “The transparency was great.”

A very interesting spin on whats been happening in the world diamond markets and investment opportunities that may now exist.

LONDON (Reuters) – Shares in diamond producers, which failed to join a mining sector rally last year as consumers shunned luxury, are set for a boost from a recovery in gem prices.

Hot Stocks

The diamond sector, a key supplier to the jewelry industry, was one of the hardest hit when consumers shied away from swanky purchases during the economic downturn amid worries about household debt, mortgages and jobs.

When prices of rough, or unpolished, diamonds dived in late 2008, stocks tracked the decline, but they have yet to fully react to output cutbacks by No. 1 producer De Beers and others that have nurtured a rebound in gem prices.

“The rough diamond market is recovering and prices are close to where they were prior to the downturn; the diamond stocks haven’t reflected this yet, trading relatively flat over the past six months,” said Tyler Broda, an analyst at Canaccord Adams.

“There was also no re-rating on the back of the better-than- expected Christmas numbers and the valuations still appear cheap. We think there is an opportunity here.”

Investors seeking pure diamond exposure must look to mid- and smallcap stocks since the biggest producers are parts of diversified groups or unlisted like Russia’s state-run Alrosa.

De Beers is 45 percent owned by mining group Anglo American (AAL.L) while Rio Tinto (RIO.L) (RIO.AX) and BHP Billiton (BLT.L) (BHP.AX) also have diamond divisions.

Around three-quarters of the London-listed diamond companies underperformed the wider UK mining index .FTNMX1770 in 2009, with a handful of firms, including Petra Diamonds (PDL.L) and Gem Diamonds (GEMD.L), seeing their value drop over the year.

Petra shed 24 percent last year, underperforming the UK mining index by 64 percent as most miners shot up, while Gem Diamonds lagged the index by 57 percent. The UK mining index doubled.

So far this year Petra has given up another 7 percent while Gem has gained almost 10 percent.

A GOLD ring and a gemstone found in a field near Upton Grey date back to Roman times, an inquest in Basingstoke heard.

The ring dates back to the third century, and the gemstone from the first or second century. They were found on January 18 last year by Martin Barker, a plumber and amateur treasure hunter from Middlesex, using a metal detector.

Sarah Whitby, deputy coroner for North East Hampshire, ruled at an inquest into the find, held at the Civic Offices, that the items were treasure.

They will now be valued by experts at the British Museum and are thought to be worth a few hundred pounds.

Ralph Jackson, curator at the British Museum’s department of prehistory and Europe, prepared a report for the inquest having studied the items.

The inquest was told he believes the carnelian gemstone bears a picture of a maenad – a female worshipper of Dionysus – the ancient Greek god of wine.

VAIL, Colorado — There are thousands of minerals lying on the surface of the earth and buried within its depths. Yet of these thousands, only about 90 are considered worthy of the name “gemstone.” What are the qualities that make us willing to give several months’ salary in order to own one?

Two very basic characteristics would be beauty and wearability. In considering the beauty of a stone, we look at color, clarity and the manner in which light plays on its surface or within its facets — a quality referred to as brilliance. Some stones are more likely to bend light and break it up into its spectral colors, two variables known as refraction and dispersion.

There is a continuum of each of these characteristics, and the higher a stone rates in these areas, the greater its rarity, and the higher its value. Let us consider a hypothetical pair of rubies: one is a rather pale or pinkish color; specks of matter or “inclusions” are easily visible within. Examining it under direct light, it seems somewhat lifeless.

Our second stone is a rich scarlet. Despite its depth of rich color, we can clearly see into the gem. No spots mar its interior and light sparkles and dances within its facets. Obviously, this second stone is far more valuable, even though the first may be several times larger. In evaluating our gemstones, then, quality has counted above quantity.

Just because a stone is beautiful, does not mean it is strong enough to be wearable.

There has been a great deal discussion about lab-created diamonds. Along with that talk, there is much misinformation and perplexity. The jewelry lover, who is interested in realizing the huge savings and aesthetic beauty that simulated diamonds offer, is often bewildered by the manufactured diamond industry jargon and available options. This article will categorically break it down in easy-to-understand terms so that anyone can make an intelligent decision when choosing a simulated diamond.

Thanks to aggressive publicity campaigns sponsored by the diamond industry, anyone buying a diamond can confidently go into the transaction armed with enough information to ask the right questions. In the pre-purchase stage, you’ll likely query the seller about the five C’s: carat, cut, clarity, color and cost. As long as you trust the jeweler, you can be confident about the value of the gem you’re interested in based on his or her answers. But what about pearls? What questions do you ask? What does a high quality pearl look like? What are traits to avoid? Here we’ll tell you what makes a pearl valuable. We’ll also give you questions to ask your jeweler and tools to judge these lustrous gems yourself.

Pearl Value Factors

While there is no international standard for grading pearls, there is a system that is commonly used to evaluate these beautiful colored gemstones. Developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the world’s largest non-profit institute of gemological research and learning, this grading system considers seven pearl traits when determining value. They are: size, shape, color, luster, surface quality, nacre quality, and matching. Let’s take a look at each one as it relates to the beautiful cultured pearl.

“Designing jewelry is an all consuming passion. It is my hobby. It’s my life.” -Simon G Simon G Jewelry is a family owned and operated manufacturing jewelry designer, in its 30th year of business. Noted for staying a head of the curve in terms of design, Simon G Jewelry designs have won numerous awards and are recognized by the incorporation of various precious metals combined with natural fancy colored diamonds and gemstones. Over the years, Simon G Jewelry has created a reputation for producing an extremely well crafted product that appeals to the eye and budget of most jewelry consumers. It is the pride of ownership that keeps the customer wanting to collect more.

Pandora jewelry is one of the most desired type of jewelry. Obviously, Pandora jewelry has some of those characteristics that it’s favorite among most of the people. The grace, attraction and looks of the Pandora jewelry attract many hearts towards it. One of the reason of it’s success is that when you buy Pandora bracelets or a necklace you will also need to buy more Pandora jewelry to make your pick look even better and attractive by customizing it. For, people who love jewelry this is one of the best type of jewelry to buy. Women normally, compare their jewelry to others and in this case you can look completely different from others jewelry as there are various designs of charms and beads to set on your particular jewelry. This is quite obvious that your jewelry wont look the same as of your friend or any relative.

People buying pandora style charms are mostly satisfied by their pick as they know what suits them and looks pretty on them. By that they choose the correct type of charms and beads to customize their Pandora jewelry. Consumers can feel ease and comfort while wearing Pandora jewelry as they can customize their jewelry accordingly. You can also get rid of the charms and beads when you’re bored of them and get the new style of beads and charms on your jewelry. Obviously, everybody who has bought the Pandora jewelry must put on different charms on it and make it look even better and attractive. While purchasing jewelry, make it sure that you buy Pandora jewelry as it will fill your heart with pleasure and make you smile while you’re moving out of your home.

Another diamond covered phone has been revealed. The Nokia Supreme takes a Nokia 8800 and armors it in solid platinum veneers and screws and covers it with 12.5 carats of pink diamonds. There are approximately 1225 stones set into the phone including a three-carat navigational button made of a flawless center stone. The phone has a total of 83 grams of platinum. Stuart Hughes designed the phone for Goldstriker. It comes in a granite box with a leather interior. Just three will be made and each sells for around $160,000.

Jewelry trends come and go, silver jewelry remains popular across all economic and spectrum of fashion. Silver has attracted human fascination for many thousands of years.

Ancient civilizations found silver deposits plentiful on or near the surface. Relics of these civilizations are jewels, objects of worship, food and vessels from durable, malleable metal format. This metal was near mystical qualities in marking important historical milestones throughout the Times and served as a medium of exchange.

Today, silver is considered a valuable commodity and industrial practice pursued as an attractive investment precious metal.

Although silver is relatively low, is the most abundant and cheaper than precious metals. Silver largest, producing countries are Mexico, Peru, United States, Australia and Chile

Thus, this pair of elegant sterling silver earrings shimmering look also appreciated by your late grandmothergreat news if you’re wearing silver jewelry casually or put them in a matter of form.

Of course, not everyone is passionate about real estate silver jewelry, silver jewelry which is fairly new and exciting, especially to buy something designed by one of today `s contemporary artisans. Are the same, you will receive a mini-boom for the economy of today, as the value of the property buyer quality silver jewelry and find out much cheaper than gold. Tight economy or not, if your creations are particularly interesting, you `ll attract the attention of buyers of common sense.

Perfect for a dinner party where you can wear earrings so classic they were worn in 300 A.D.

One of the largest natural pearls in the world will go on display tomorrow at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

The marvelous piece of nature’s gift named ‘Pearl of Sheikha Fatima’ is one of the rarest pearls found so far.

The exhibition is organized by the Abu Dhabi-based Pearl Revival Committee (PRC) under the patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of General Women’s Union (GWA) and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation.

The exceptionally rare pearl will be the major attraction of the Natural Pearl Display, which is being held in from 25th January 2010. The Display, which PRC is organizing with the support of Robert Wan, “the emperor of pearl”, will also feature a number of the world’s rarest natural pearls and pearling master collections, including a showcase from K.C. Bell, one of the world’s leading experts on pearls.

A natural salt-water nacreous baroque pearl – length of 4 inches (10.2 cm), circumference of 6 inches (15.2 cm) and 856.58 carats (171.3 gram) in weight – the pearl is almost twice as large as the Hope pearl, which is displayed at the British Museum of Natural History, and almost 11 carats heavier than the Burma pearl. It has been incorporated into the design of a stunning sculptural jewel of a Centaur, a Greek mythological creature that was believed to be half man and half horse; the pearl forms the torso of the Centaur, with the remaining parts sculptured in gold.

Engagement rings are a symbol of a promise and a commitment for the future. They are highly romanticized and something that girls fantasize about, probably starting about the time they first notice boys. They will most likely change their mind more than several times, both about the boy they envision giving them the ring and about what the ring that symbolizes their engagement will look like.

Engagement fantasies are just that – fantasies; I can assure you that they are not thinking along the lines of what a discount ring, or even an affordable ring will look like. As they get older, their character and values will determine whether their fantasies are more towards marrying for love, or for status. It is a horrifying thought to know that the majority of marriages are somewhat of a business decision. I guess that would apply as well then, to the engagement.

A all inclusive guide to understanding diamonds. Understand what is on the diamond certificate. How two diamonds of the same size, color and clarity can vary in price by 35%! Both visual and detailed explanations of a diamond’s size, color, clarity and cut, and how each of these factors independently influence prices!

The Great Wall of China is not working. Built in 200 BC to protect the land from Mongols hoards, the Great Wall is a symbol of the vast breadth and scope of the economic development of the Chinese nation. International corporations have taken the place of invading Mongols, as they have occupied the Chinese worker in factories across the country. With the approval of the Chinese government, businesses around the globe have made China their main industrial source for all things manufactured. The silver jewelry industry is one such example.