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By Diamond Specialist, February 19, 2012 6:29 am

There’s no more fascinating subject in history than the doomed French Queen Marie Antoinette. Much maligned by history (she never said “Let them eat cake,” in response to the people’s need for bread), she was an unwilling part of the one of the greatest revolutions in history. And met an untimely end at the guillotine in 1793. While she loved jewelry, and possessed many magnificent jewels, she often preferred simple muslin gowns and very little jewelry. Many of the portraits of her by Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun show her dressed just like that.

Two large, pear-shaped diamond earrings, weighing 14.25 and 20.34 carats respectively, are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s collection. The diamonds once were supposedly set in earrings that belonged to Marie Antoinette and some sources say they were her favorite pieces of jewelry and she wore them constantly. They were taken from her during an attempt to flee France as the Revolution dawned and the position of the Royals became dangerous.

The diamonds were later acquired by the Grand Duchess Tatiana Yousupoff of Russia. When jeweler Pierre Cartier puchased the diamond earrings in 1928, their authenticity was attested to in an affidavit by Russian Princess Zenaide Yousupoff and her son, Prince Felix Yousupoff, stating that they originally belonged to Queen Marie-Antoinette and have never been reset in the one hundred years that they were in the family. Marjorie Merriweather Post acquired the earrings from Pierre Cartier in October 1928. Harry Winston reset the large diamonds in platinum replicas of the original silver settings in 1959. Cartier, Inc. designed the triangular tops. In November 1964, Mrs. Post’s daughter, Mrs. Eleanor Barzin, donated the earrings, along with the original setting to the Smithsonian Institution. The diamonds are originally from India or Brazil, the only significant sources of diamonds in the eighteenth century.

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By Diamond Specialist, February 16, 2012 6:36 am

There were a few benefits to marrying the Emperor Napoleon, if you loved jewelry, that is! The Marie-Louise diadem, now part of the Smithsonian Collection, was a wedding gift from Napoleon I to his second wife, Empress Marie-Louise in 1810. The diadem was originally part of a set that also included a necklace, comb, belt buckle, and earrings, all made of emeralds and diamonds set in silver and gold. They were all made by French Jeweler Etienne Nitot et Fils of Paris.

In the original diadem, there were 22 large and 57 small emeralds, along with 1002 brilliant-cut and 66 rose-cut diamonds. The central emerald weighed 12 carats. After the fall of the Emperor, Marie-Louise fled to Vienna and took her personal jewelry with her, including the diadem and other pieces that were made as part of a set, including a necklace, a pair of earrings and a comb.

Empress Marie-Louise left the diadem to her Hapsburg aunt, Archduchess Elise. Archduke Karl Stefan Hapsburg of Sweden, a descendent of the Archduchess sold the set to Van Cleef & Arpels in 1953. Between May 1954 and June 1956, the emeralds were removed and sold individually in pieces of jewelry as emeralds “from the historic Napoleon Tiara.”

Between 1956 and 1962, Van Cleef & Arpels mounted turquoise cabochons into the diadem. In 1962, the diadem was displayed in the Louvre in Paris with the necklace, earrings, and comb in an exhibit about Empress Marie-Louise. In 1971, Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Post cereal fortune, purchased the diadem for the Smithsonian Institution. There are 1,006 mine-cut diamonds weighing a total of 700 carats and 79 Persian turquoise stones weighing a total of 540 carats. In one respect, it’s a shame that the original piece was dismantled to sell off the emeralds. Yet the diadem, reset with the turquoise cabochons is equally beautiful and made even more distinctive with the use of the less valuable turquoise.

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By Diamond Specialist, February 13, 2012 6:32 am

The world’s largest cut topaz, called the American Topaz, resides at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. A 172-faceted topaz weighing 22,892.50 carats (5785 kg), it’s the largest cut yellow topaz in the world, and one of the largest faceted gems of any kind in the world. Originating from Minais Gerais, Brazil, it was cut over a period of two years. It was purchased by the Rockhound Hobbyists of America and presented to the Smithsonian Institution in 1988.

As stunning as this cut topaz is, another display at the Smithsonian is equally dazzling and awe-inspiring. That’s a sherry-colored topaz “spray” from the Thomas Range in Utah. This color of topaz can be found in Mexico and Utah, but when it’s exposed to sunlight, will become clear.

Other spectacular displays of natural crystals include a cluster of Stibnite, an ore of antimony, which has a bright metallic luster. This spectacular group of crystals is from Iyo, Japan and look like something from Superman’s home!

Another huge mineral in the exhibit is the Smithsonite, named for James Smithson, who bequeathed the funds to establish the Smithsonian Institution. He first discovered this greenish zinc carbonate mineral from the Kelly Mine in New Mexico.

Some of the other don’t miss items in the Smithsonian’s Gem Collection are the Smithsonian Canary Diamond, a huge canary and diamond ring. The 98.6-carat Bismarck Sapphire is also part of the collection and is one of the world’s largest sapphires. It originally came from Sri Lanka. It’s also fascinating to see some of these gems in their raw uncut state, such as the large corundrum crystal which is the mineral that sapphires are made of, and a very large beryl crystal, from which the emerald and aquamarine family of stones is derived.

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By Diamond Specialist, February 11, 2012 1:42 pm

There is a whole world of styles in  mens celtic wedding bands out there, and you can be as unique as you want to be.

Wedding rings are a symbol of union. A union between a man and a woman. This tradition of publicising the union between the man and a woman is a tradition that goes way back to the ancient Egyptians.

Then the use of a ring was slightly different then than now. A ring consisted of something that was more commonly available to the Egyptians. Rushes from along the banks of the Nile.

Rushes were used to symbolise the union between male and female by braiding a small piece around the finger. This created a never ending circle that symbolised eternity. A never ending circle of love.

However although this tradition goes back thousands of years the wearing of men’s wedding bands is much newer. It was really only after the second world war that men decided that the wearing of a mens wedding band was an appropriate way to celebrate their new commitment to their bride.

Now that the wearing of a mens wedding band is fashionable men are turning their thoughts to which type of ring to buy. And as it is rare that a man will wear an engagement ring, (although not unheard of), their wedding ring is often the only piece of jewelry that they will wear. So they need to give it some thought.

So in many cases men want something unique. Something that no-one else has. A mens wedding band that stands out and makes a statement about just who they are. Something very different.

So what alternatives are there for the man who just wants to be different?

Gold, Silver or Diamonds are usually first associated with wedding rings. However for the modern man there are many more choices.

Mens Platinum wedding bands and mens Titanium wedding bands are newer but no less stunning. Both are much more recent for the crafting of rings but both make for magnificent rings.

Platinum is exceptionally strong and durable. However it’s appeal is its unique patina or sheen which it develops over time. And it can be crafted into a fascinating range of unusual mens wedding bands. The options are endless.

Similarly Titanium is exceptionally strong and also very light, a third of the weight of gold. This is a bonus for anyone worried about whether a ring on the finger may feel heavy.

Titanium rings are fashioned out of a single block of Titanium and so need to be made to the exact size. The range of Titanium mens rings is, like Platinum, extensive, and there are rings to suit any taste.

However for the man looking for something really unique there are many other options. The internet has opened up a whole new world for the man looking for unique mens wedding bands.

There are now online jewellers who allow you to design your own ring. For example it is possible to design your own Titanium mens wedding band using a whole variety of Titanium colors. You choose your own ring shape, size and color or mix of colors and add any one of a variety of gemstones to it as you wish. These can be placed exactly as you desire to create a really unique men wedding band unlike anything anyone else has anywhere in the world.

For the really adventurous there’s more. Why not carbon fibre? How about stainless steel, or two tone bands? Or celtic mens wedding bands?

And why not get REALLY adventurous if you wish. For those who want something right out of the ordinary there are many options.

Zodiac mens wedding rings are stunning. Available in all the zodiac signs a zodiac ring will turn the head. Large and very visible a zodiac ring is not for the faint hearted but for the man who wants to be noticed it is a ring that must be considered. And two tone zodiac rings are even better!

Not suitable for a wedding ring? Who says! For the man who wants to be unique it doesn’t matter. If he, and she, both like it then it works for them. That all that matters.

How about mens gambling rings. For the gamblers amongst us there are rings featuring all manner of gambling symbols. How about a gold and diamond roulette ring? It really does have a tiny roulette wheel, with numbers.

Or a gold and diamond spinning dice ring that really does have 2 tiny dice? Or a gold spinning black jack ring.

Even unusual gemstones can be made into the most unique mens wedding bands. Two tone rings with Tanzanite anyone?  Gold with Blue Topaz?  Gold, Diamond and Garnet?

So although the wearing of mens wedding bands is relatively new, it doesn’t have to be boring. These types of rings are not for everyone, but for the man who wants a really unique mens wedding band there are lots of choices.

It’t just a case of how unique do you want to be!!!

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By Diamond Specialist, February 10, 2012 6:40 am

It’s hard to imagine that a mineral with a name as mundane as corundum yields gems as exquisite as the ruby and sapphire, or even that these two stones, so different in color and mystique, are actually the same mineral family.

Lucky you if your birthstone is sapphire (September) or ruby (July). These are among the richest-colored of all gemstones with a romance and history as colorful as they are. Rubies are actually rarer than sapphires, and only red corundums are called rubies. Any other color is a sapphire. When grading colored stones, the density and hue of the color are part of the evaluation, and it’s the richest, deepest colors that are the most prized. In rubies, the most prized variant of color is called pigeon’s blood. Large gem quality rubies can be more valuable than comparably sized diamonds and are certainly rarer. There is a relative abundance of smaller, (1-3 carat,) blue sapphires compared to the scarcity of even small gem quality rubies, making even these smaller stones relatively high in value.

Stones of Burmese origin generally command the highest prices. The vast majority of rubies are “native cut” in the country of origin. High value ruby rough is tightly controlled and rarely makes its way to custom cutters. Occasionally, such native stones are recut to custom proportions, albeit at a loss of weight and diameter. Custom cut and recut stones are usually more per carat.

Sapphires exist in all the shades of blue from the deep blue of evening skies to the bright and deep blue of a clear and beautiful summer sky. Sapphires also come in many other colors, not only in the transparent grayish misty blue of far horizons, but also displaying the bright fireworks of sunset colors – yellow, pink, orange and purple. So sapphires are really and truly heavenly stones, although they are being found in the hard soil of our so-called “blue planet”.

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By Diamond Specialist, February 7, 2012 6:03 am

The very mention of diamond evokes fantasies of fabulous riches and dreams of love and power. Up to the Middle Ages they were so rare and expensive that only royalty could afford diamonds. But in modern times even ordinary people are able to possess a few, thanks to the discovery of numerous diamond deposits elsewhere on the planet plus high, albeit controlled, production.
Diamonds were discovered in India by the 4th century BCE. In addition to the diamond legends, India yielded many legendary diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor, the Orlov, the Hope, and the Sancy. Today the Majhgawan pipe, a primary source near Panna, is the India’s only producing diamond source.
At one time, India appears to have been the only source of this valuable gem until about the early eighteenth century when diamonds were discovered in Borneo and later elsewhere, such as in South Africa and Russia. Although ancient Sanskrit texts mention several areas where diamonds were found, verifiable historical records are available for only a few deposits. Mining activities in southern India – which in its time was the leading producer of this gem and had yielded some of the most famous stones in history – gradually declined and had become defunct by the time diamonds were discovered elsewhere in the world.
The 1867 discovery of diamonds in the Cape Colony, now a province in South Africa, changed forever the supply and marketing of diamonds. As annual world diamond production increased exponentially, a once extremely rare material became more accessible to Western society with its growing wealth, science learned that diamonds came from volcanoes, and everyone learned of Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato, Kimberley, and De Beers. Today South Africa maintains its position as a major diamond producer. If not for the controlled production and distribution of the South African diamond mines, diamonds could have been easily devalued and lost much the mystique they hold for us today.

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By Diamond Specialist, February 4, 2012 6:20 am

Argye mine located in the Kimberley region
in the far north east of Western Australia.
Owned by Rio Tinto, this mine is the world’s
largest single producer of volume of
diamonds. However, due to low proportion
of gem quality diamonds it is not the value
leader. It does produce 90-95% of the
world’s supply of pink diamonds.

Diavik is also owned by Rio Tinto, located in
Canada it is a very large mine. It is located
north of Yellowknife and south of the Artic
Circle on an island. The island is connected
by an ice road. It is also an important part of
the regions economy employing more than
700 people and producing more than 8 million
carats annually.

Ekati diamond mine is owned by BHP
Billiton and located south of the artic circle
in the Northwest Territories of Canada.
The Ekati is Canada’s first operational
diamond mine. Diamonds mined here
are sold under the Aurias trade name
Authenticity is verified through Canada
Mark service. CanadaMark service is also
owned by BHP Billiton Diamonds, Inc.

Baken diamond mine is located along the
lower Orange River in South Africa. It is
owned and operated by Trans Hex. The
average size stone for 2004 was 1.29
carats. In 2004, this mine produced a
78.9 carat D color flawless diamond that
sold for more than 1.8 million dollars (US,
as well as a 27.67 pink diamond that was
sold for over 1 million US dollars.

Merlin is the second of only two diamond
mines in Australia. No longer operating it
was owned by Rio Tinto and sold to Striker
Resources, who has explored the
possibilities of reopening the mine.

Orapa is the world’s largest diamond mine.
It us located 240 Km west of
Francistown. The mine is owned by
“Debswana?which is a partnership
between DeBeers and the government of
Botswana. This mine operates 7 days a
week. It maintains pre primary and
primary schools for its employee’s children.
There is also a 100 bed hospital and game
park. This mine began production in 1971
and is the oldest mine owned by the
Debswana Company.

The Premier mine located in Cullinan, South
Africa produced the largest gem diamond
ever in 1905. The Cullinan Diamond
weighed 3,106.75 carats. This mine also
produced the Golden Jubilee diamond
which weighed 545.67 carats. This mine is
owned by the De Beers Company and was
renamed The Cullinan Diamond Mine in
2003 in celebration of its centennial.

408

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By Diamond Specialist,

Gearing up to your wedding day, like any other important occasion where it is necessary to look your very best; it’s important to spend the days leading up to the event in calm and comfort.
If you have spent the days leading up to the event stressed and uncomfortable, it will show on the day!
The last thing you want people to remember is how worn-out and stressed you look.

A good strategy to help cope during this time is to wear comfortable womens clothing.  It’s easy to understand how organising a complex event is simpler and more manageable in casual comfortable clothes, than clothes that are restrictive and delicate.  It’s hard to do physically demanding and stressful work in tight binding formal clothing.  Especially as planning for a wedding can get quite physical!  So instead of wearing tight binding dresses, try wearing Womens shorts.  They allow better circultion to your legs and skin, whilst making it so much easier to rush around town organising things!
Team the shorts with some comfortable but pretty Womens tops , so that you are able to look great as well as feel great.

Being physically comfortable has a great affect on your mood, so your mind is able to handle more work.  Your body can already handle more work from being comfortable and being able to breathe properly.  Little things like this make a difference.  When your big wedding day arrives, you would have spent days in comfortable clothes and be ready for wearing a beautiful gown!

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By Diamond Specialist, February 1, 2012 6:36 am

The earliest forms of jewelry were items that early humans found naturally, such as shells or bits of bones. Early gravesites have also revealed that pre-historic man buried his dead with flowers and with carved ivory beads. These primitive beads would have taken at least an hour each to make.

Early man also might have found bits of turquoise that occurred naturally in areas of Turkey and North America. The pearlescent swirls found inside an abalone or conch would have also been used as jewelry.

They might have also found the earliest types of precious gems in the form of natural crystals, such as quartz or diamonds. Crystals are solid substances where the molecules are arranged in a symmetrical fashion, and they generally fall into one of six shapes:

Isometric, or cubic crystals are shaped like blocks and are symmetrically shaped. An example of an isometric crystal would be pyrite. This is also called fool’s gold because it has a metallic yellow or brassy color similar to gold.
Tetragonal, where the crystals are shaped like four-sided prisms and pyramids. An example of a tetragonal crystal is the zircon.
Hexagonal crystals are shaped like six-sided prisms, or pyramids. An example of this kind of crystal is the beryl, which includes gems like emeralds and aquamarines.
Orthorhombic crystals. An example of an orthorhombic crystal is topaz. Topaz can come in a variety of colors, although the mostly highly prized is a deep amber color. At one time, topaz was much more valuable, until rich veins of it were found in Brazil, which devalued the market.
Monoclinic crystals are short and stubby, with tilted faces at each end. Monoclinic crystals include gypsum.
Triclinic crystals are usually flat with sharp edges but no right angles. Each crystal has three unequal axes. An example of triclinic crystal is feldspar.

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By Diamond Specialist, January 29, 2012 6:20 am

Citrine is any quartz crystal or cluster that is yellow or orange in color. Although, often cut as a gemstone, citrine is actually somewhat rare in nature. Citrine is one of the most affordable gemstones, thanks to the durability and availability of this golden quartz. Named from the French name for lemon,”citron,” many citrines have a juicy lemon color, but like all gemstones, there is a range of colors that can be exhibited as citrine.

Citrine colors include yellow, gold to orange brown shades of transparent quartz. It’s a cheery-looking stone, and affordable and is popular as a gemstone for jewely. In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.

Although the darker, orange colors of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine after the color of the wine, has generally been the most valued color, in modern times, many people prefer the bright lemony shades which mix better with pastel colors. Citrine is generally more inexpensive than amethyst and is also available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes, including very large sizes.

Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz quartz, which is incorrect. This name was used in the past in reference to the color, which is sometimes similar to the color of topaz. Since topaz is a separate mineral, this type of name can be confusing and should not be used. However, citrine is considered an alternative to topaz as the birthstone for November.

Since most citrine on the market started its life as amethyst which was heated to turn its color to gold, citrine jewelry, as well as amethyst jewelry, should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. With this precaution, citrine jewelry will last for many generations.