Diamond Fluorescence is a hotly debated topic among the diamond industry, because some feel strongly that it has an impact on a value of the diamond, whereas others feel that it makes very little difference on the appearance of the diamond. What diamond fluorescence refers to is the ability of the diamond to emit a soft colored glow when put under an ultraviolet light, or black light as it may be called.

It is found that if a stone has a grade from J to M a moderate amount of fluorescence actually makes the stone more attractive to people because with these color grades the fluorescence helps to cancel out some of the yellow coloring. This makes it appear more colorless then it actually is. However if you have a stone with a grade from D to F, which means it has a high color, fluorescence is thought to get in the way of the flow of the light. The makes the diamonds appear oily or dirty looking. This may not actually be true, but it is perceived to be true by some of the diamond industry, hence the lower price of the diamond. In some cases D to F stones should not be bought anyhow with any fluorescence just because of the possible discoloration but again, that is still up for debate.

In general, the average fluorescence makes absolutely no difference when the diamond is looked at flat side up. You should not let the amount of fluorescence influence your choice of diamonds.

A Mexican distillery recently crafted what they’re hoping will be the world’s most expensive bottle of tequila. The extravagant bottle is encased in platinum and encrusted with four thousand diamonds. The bottle, named “Diamond’s Law” by the distillery, is estimated at 3.5 million dollars and took over twenty people to make. The bottle’s diamonds total over 300 carats.

The distillery, Hacienda La Capilla in Capilla de Guadalupe, hopes to break their old Guinness record for the World’s Most Expensive Tequila Bottle for a bottle that sold for $225,000 in 1996. “Diamond’s Law” is set to go on display in a massive world tour that includes destinations like Spain, Switzerland, London, Paris, Monaco, and Dubai. Upon following the bottle’s tour, the tequila bottle will go up for auction to the highest bidder.

While this diamond-encrusted tequila bottle may look stunning behind any bar, we ordinary drinkers and diamond collectors are just fine with loose diamonds.

Sure, you could easily spend a few hundred dollars on a nice pair of designer sneakers, but if you really want to make your shoes sparkle and stand out from the crowd, you want diamonds on them! The Kickbar, a jewel encrusted shoelace clip, adds that extra bit of class and shine to your favorite lace-ups.

The Kickbar features 108 G/VS1 diamonds pave set into a rectangular, white gold bar. All in all, the diamonds add up to a total weight of 2 carats per pair. If you prefer a little more color, The Kickbar is also available with pink sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and an assortment of colored diamonds. These alternate stoned Kickbars all retail at their “current market value.”

There’s also a “junior” version of the Kickbars for those who can’t afford to splurge on the $7500 models, but who still love their diamonds. The junior Kickbars contain fewer diamonds. There are about 76 stones that added up to a total weight of 1.5 carats.

The Kickbars are secured to your shoe by threading them through the laces. Because of this set-up, they can also double as a necklace or bracelet if threaded into a nice chain.
At $7500 per pair, Kickbars aren’t for everyone, and we fully expect these to be popping up on the shoes of hip-hop stars in the near future!

A few years ago on 07/07/07, Desperate Housewives’ star Eva Longoria married Tony Parker, the championship NBA basketball player from the San Antonio Spurs. With two high-profile stars getting hitched at a star-studded wedding event, you just knew that they were not going to skimp on their wedding bands. The two stars sealed their love and marriage with these two beautiful and unique Piaget wedding bands.

The rings are each made of two bands that are “inseperably linked, turning together for eternity.” Now isn’t that quite the romantic touch? Eva’s ring features double rows of brilliant cut diamonds, which are divided by a row of 27 square cut diamonds down the center. That makes for a total of 107 individual diamonds on this super sparkler! Eva’s band itself is made of 18k white gold, like Tony’s, which is a much simpler ring. Both of the rings also have a personalized French engraving on the inside, which was added at the couple’s request.

Eva also choose to give her husband a true one-of-a-kind timepiece as a wedding gift. The watch Eva had crafted is a customized version of the Piaget Polo watch featuring a the number 9 filled with 50 beautiful diamonds (Tony’s jersey number), a 43mm white gold case, and a slate grey 18K gold and titanium bezel and matching slate grey dial. Wow, what a gift!

Britain’s Prince William gave fiancee Kate Middleton his late mother Princess Diana’s engagement ring because he wanted her to play a part in his special day.

Prince William gave fiancee Kate Middleton his late mother Princess Diana’s engagement ring because he didn’t want her to miss out on his special day.

The future British king announced his engagement to his long-term girlfriend earlier today (16.11.10) after proposing last month and says he decided to give Kate the band his father Prince Charles gave the late Diana as his way of paying tribute to her.

When asked about the oval blue 18-carat sapphire and diamond ring, William said: ‘It was my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today.’

Diana – who was divorced from Charles – died in 1997 in a Paris car crash and William and his brother Prince Harry often pay tribute to her.

William and his new fiancee did a photo call at St James’ Palace in London, where they showed off the stunning ring and Kate spoke about joining Britain’s Royal Family.

She said: ‘It’s quite a daunting prospect but hopefully I’ll take it in my stride. William is a great teacher.’

William’s father Charles also spoke of his joy at the engagement and joked it had taken a long time as they had been together for eight years.

He said: ‘I’m thrilled, obviously. They’ve been practising long enough.’

Kate’s parents Michael and Carole said they were ‘absolutely delighted’ and ‘thrilled’ by the news.

Her father said: ‘We have got to know William really well, we all think he is wonderful and we are extremely fond of him.

‘They make a lovely couple, are great fun to be with and we’ve had a lot of laughs together. We wish them every happiness for the future.’

When we think of diamond engagement rings we traditionally think of a ring set with a bright sparkling clear diamond. For years the most sought after diamonds have been clear white diamonds. Diamond clarity and color  have been two of the most important features people look for when buying diamonds. However over recent years there has been an increasing interest in colored diamonds. Whereas at one time, a diamond that was not a clear white diamond would be rejected out of hand, now colored diamonds are being featured as a unique and desirable option for high quality jewelry such as engagement rings. There are many types of colored diamonds. These include cognac and champagne diamonds which are light brown in color through to dark brown diamonds which are sometimes referred to as chocolate diamonds.

Are Chocolate or Dark Brown Diamonds Inferior Quality to White Diamonds?

People often wonder if dark brown diamonds are of inferior quality to white diamonds. The answer to this is generally ‘no’. Colored diamonds have exactly the same features as white diamonds, this means that they are of the same hardness and strength. However just as you will find inferior quality cloudy white diamonds with many inclusions, so you will find inferior quality colored diamonds. In order to buy a good quality chocolate or brown diamond you must still follow the basic diamond buying rules – clarity, color and cut.

Are Chocolate or Colored Diamonds Cheaper than White Diamonds?

The answer to this is yes when you are comparing like with like. Therefore a high quality white diamond is likely to be more expensive than a high quality colored diamond. However, there are many poor quality white diamonds that get used in jewelry and a poor quality white diamond may well be cheaper than a good quality colored diamond.

Do Colored Diamonds Sparkle?

Colored diamonds do sparkle and even dark colored diamonds such as chocolate or black diamonds can have an inner fire. Some people believe that the diamond sparkle is actually enhanced by the contrast with the darker stone. Cloudy or heavily included diamonds are less likely to sparkle, what ever the color.

Can Chocolate Diamonds be Used Instead of White Diamonds?

Chocolate or colored diamonds can be used in exactly the same way as white diamonds. This means that it is possible to have a colored diamond solitaire ring or traditional three stone engagement ring. Where colored diamonds really come into their own, however, is when the jewelry designer uses them in creative ways, perhaps teaming a colored diamond with white diamonds or other colored gemstones. Chocolate or colored diamonds can be set in any common diamond setting and this means that they are a versatile choice.

Do Chocolate or Colored Diamonds Change Color?

No chocolate or colored diamonds should change color, however some diamonds and gemstones are heat treated. Diamonds that have been treated may change color. These diamonds are typically less valuable than untreated diamonds and any treatments should be made clear before you buy a diamond. This is one reason why it is always important to buy diamonds from a reputable source. Colored diamonds can be certified in the same way as other diamonds and this will help to give you peace of mind regarding the quality of the diamond buy.

The Hope Diamond (previously “Le bleu de France”) is a large, 45.52 carats (9.10 g),deep-blue diamond, housed in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C. The Hope Diamond is blue to the naked eye because of trace amounts of boron within its crystal structure, but it exhibits red phosphorescence after exposure to ultraviolet light.It is classified as a Type IIb diamond, and is famous for supposedly being cursed. It is currently unset for the first time since it has been on display.

Physical properties

An examination in December 1988 by the Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Trade Lab (GIA-GTL) showed the diamond to weigh 45.52 carats (9.104 g) and described it as “fancy dark greyish-blue.” A re-examination in 1996 slightly rephrased that description as “fancy deep greyish-blue.” The stone exhibits an unusually intense and strongly-colored type of luminescence: after exposure to short-wave ultraviolet light, the diamond produces a brilliant red phosphorescence (‘glow-in-the-dark’ effect) that persists for some time after the light source has been switched off. The clarity was determined to be VS1, with whitish graining present. The cut was described as being “cushion antique brilliant with a faceted girdle and extra facets on the pavilion.” The dimensions in terms of length, width, and depth are 25.60mm × 21.78mm × 12.00mm (1in × 7/8in × 15/32in).

Colour

In popular literature, many superlatives have been used to describe the Hope Diamond as a “superfine deep blue”, often comparing it to the color of a fine sapphire “blue of the most beautiful blue sapphire” (Deulafait). Other references include Mawe (1823), Ball (1835), Bruton (1978), Tolansky (1962). However, these descriptions are somewhat exaggerated.

As coloured diamond expert Stephen Hofer points out, blue diamonds similar to the Hope can be shown by colorimetric measurements to be grayer (lower in saturation) than blue sapphires. In 1996 The Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Trade Lab (GIA-GTL) examined the diamond and using their proprietary scale, graded it fancy deep grayish blue. Visually, the gray modifier (mask) is so dark (indigo) that it produces an “inky” effect appearing almost blackish-blue in incandescent light. Current photographs of the Hope Diamond utilize high-intensity light sources that tend to maximize the brilliance of gemstones.

According to specious later accounts, the original form of the Hope Diamond was stolen from an eye of a sculpted statue of the goddess Sita, the wife of Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. However, much like the “curse of Tutankhamun”, this general type of “legend” was the invention of Western authors during the Victorian era,and the specific legends about the Hope Diamond’s “cursed origin” were invented in the early 20th century to add mystique to the stone and increase its sales appeal.

Rose cut diamonds are beautifully unique  diamond cuts with a distinctive vintage feel and an extraordinary appearance reminiscent of older, delicate rings. The rose cut was first introduced in the early to mid 1500s by jewelers experimenting with unique  geometrical diamond shapes. The rose cut is unlike any other diamond cut – it has a completely different  anatomy to its facets and planes. Rose cuts are flat bottomed without the distinctive tapering body; instead, the crown of the gem is elevated in a faceted dome where triangular facets mimic the progressively tighter spiral of a rose. As the between 3 and 24 facets come together they mirror the central focal point of a rose bud and offer a unique perspective of diamond beauty.

Rose Cut Diamond Shapes

The difference between diamond shapes and diamond cuts is particularly prominent in when discussing rose cuts. The term “cut” refers to how the different angles and planes of the gem’s surface come together – in this case, in a progressive rose pattern. The term “shape” on the other hand refers to the overall profile of the entire gem and the outline it presents. Most rose cuts are round, oval, or pear shapes, though some modern jewelers who are attempting to revitalize this older cut are experimenting with more unique shapes.

Problems with Rose Cuts

While rose cut diamonds are distinctive and unusual, their domed array of facets also causes significant problems. The style of the cut seeks to maximize a stone’s carat weight, which in turn can dull its brilliance. In fact, rose cut gems tend to shine from light reflecting off the facets rather than sparkle from light refracting inside the stone. This can be beneficial if a stone has mild interior flaws because they will not be as visible, but at the same time the stone’s color can be distorted because the light is not inside the stone to brighten it. To add more sparkle to rose cuts, some jewelers have backed the stones with a thin layer of reflective gold, silver, or tin foil in order to increase their brilliance without sacrificing the distinctive rose design.

Benefits of Rose Cuts

At the same time, a rose cut diamond can also have several benefits. Because it enhances a stone’s clarity by focusing attention on the surface rather than the interior of the gem, choosing a rose cut can allow a couple to select a less expensive diamond. The unique dome shape of the diamond evokes a sense of mystery and romance, and the cut is very popular for vintage and antique designs because of its retro origins. Couples interested in a unique engagement ring may be intrigued by the inverted shape of a rose cut, and the carefully aligned facets immediately draw the eye to the central stone and focal point of the engagement ring

Finding Rose Cuts

Because rose cuts do not display diamonds in all their optical glory, they can be difficult to find in contemporary rings. The easiest way to find a rose cut ring design is to investigate heirloom rings, estate rings, and antique dealers. A few modern jewelers are revitalizing the style, however, and it can be purchased from some merchants such as the Toltec Trading Company. The cost for a rose cut will vary based on the size and quality of the gem, but generally this hard to find cut is more expensive than popular diamond shapes such as the traditional round diamond, princess cuts, and other popular choices.

Caring for Rose Diamonds

Because most rose cut diamonds are part of very old vintage or antique rings, they must be cared for meticulously to maintain and revitalize their beauty. Rose cuts are generally found in prong, bezel, or flush settings, and care should be taken to protect that setting as well as to safeguard the diamond it holds. Because the dome of the diamond will rise higher than the ring, extra precautions are needed to ensure it is not chipped or damaged along the facet points that are the most delicate parts of any diamond shape.

A rose cut diamond is a distinctively retro design that is enjoying a mild resurgence among couples interested in more unique, classic diamond shapes. The romance and beauty of a rose is captured perfectly in the layered facets of a rose cut, creating an appealing ring with a very unique background..

For some couples, getting engaged on Valentine’s Day is the most romantic possible way to take their relationship to the next level, while for others, the holiday is a poor substitute for more creative, personalized marriage proposals. With the proper planning, however, this holiday can be romantic and memorable for any couple about to be engaged.

Roughly 10 percent of couples in the United States choose Valentine’s Day as the perfect day to get engaged. With its romantic atmosphere and couples focus, Valentine’s Day has many pros for getting engaged, including:

• Easy Planning: Many restaurants, spas, resorts, and other romantic spots have ready-made Valentine’s Day packages available that can add that something special to your special moment.
• Romance: With hearts, roses, chocolates, and diamonds as the time honored symbols of this holiday, it is no surprise that such built in romance is perfect for marriage proposals.
• Intimacy: Unlike Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other big holidays, Valentine’s Day is a private, intimate holiday without large family commitments or parties. This gives couples the perfect opportunity to spend time together cherishing before announcing their engagement to the world.

At the same time, getting engaged on Valentine’s Day does have a down side that makes it less than ideal for many couples.

• Predictability: If a couple has been talking about getting engaged and even discussing engagement ring designs, popping the question on Valentine’s Day may not be the romantic surprise it was intended to be.

• Less Unique: Because so many couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day, it would not be unusual for couples to need to share the spotlight with other friends or couples who have chosen to make the same commitment on the same day. For example, more than one couple may be having a candlelit dinner in the same restaurant with the plan to pop the question over dessert.
• Expense: The costs of flowers, jewelry, and romantic getaways skyrocket in mid-February, making it a more expensive time for any elaborate marriage proposal. If a couple’s idea of the perfect proposal involves two dozen long stem roses, it would be more budget friendly to pick a different date to propose.
• Poor Timing: Even though so many couples get engaged on February 14, it isn’t the perfect time for everyone. A couple will have a happier relationship if they are sure they are ready to get engaged instead of letting a calendar date dictate that now is the time.

Lazare Kaplan International, Inc. was founded in 1903 in Antwerp, Belgium. With more than a century of gemology and lapidary expertise, the company has become widely revered for its stunning diamonds and attention to detail. Today, Lazare gems are marketed in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia with great success, and the company continually works to refine diamond cutting techniques for more precise gemstones. In 1957, Lazare Kaplan developed the dimensions for the modern oval shape, and in 2003 they updated the proportions for the classic cushion cut and the square emerald cut. In this way, Lazare diamonds are at the forefront of diamond quality with exquisite proportions and finely balanced cuts.

In addition to its commitment to superior quality, Lazare Kaplan is also committed to supporting legitimate diamond mining operations throughout the world. As a devout supporter of the Kimberly Process, the company has high ethical and professional standards to prevent the trafficking of illegal conflict or blood diamonds. Yearly audits and public reports are only two of the tools Lazare Kaplan uses to reassure consumers about the quality and integrity of its diamonds.

The Importance of Cut
Couples investigating diamond engagement rings are inundated with advice about the four Cs of diamond quality: clarity, color, carat, and cut. What many consumers fail to realize, however, is that only one of those characteristics can be affected by the experts and professionals responsible for turning a raw stone into a polished gem: the cut.

Lazare diamonds focus on the ideal cut, using precise calculations to determine the appropriate angles and facet proportions that give diamonds the maximum fire, sparkle, and brilliance. An ideal diamond optimizes the stone’s reflection and refraction through its table, the large, central facet on the top surface of the stone that is most visible. Poorly cut stones allow light to escape through the sides of the stone, and some of the gem’s brilliance is forever lost.

This attention to a precise cut means that Lazare gems are cut for their beauty, not their overall weight. Even the largest stone, infused with shadows because of an imprecise cut, will appear dull, but properly cut stones will be brilliant and attractive no matter what their size.

Lazare Engagement Rings
Simple settings show the gem’s brilliance.Not only are Lazare diamonds available as loose gems for individuals to purchase and set in designs of their choice, but the company has also developed exclusive styles that highlight their gems’ beauty. The most popular designs are simple yet elegant solitaires and three stone rings that focus on the beauty of the gems without excessive embellishments. Prong, channel, and bezel settings are all available.

Other Jewelry with Lazare Diamonds
Couples interested in the beauty and precision of Lazare gems can also find these exquisite stones in a variety of other jewelry pieces, including:

Right Hand Diamond Rings
Diamond Pendants
Diamond Earrings
Wedding and Eternity Rings
Any of these additional designs would make a stunning anniversary gift or accompaniment to a Lazare engagement ring.

Finding Lazare Designs and Stones
Lazare Kaplan does not market their diamonds or jewelry independently; interested consumers must locate an authorized jeweler who carries Lazare designs. The company’s website, LazareDiamonds.com has a comprehensive locator searchable by zip code, and consumers can also search the Lazare inventory for suitable loose gems.

With exquisite attention to detail and precision, Lazare diamonds are exceptional stones with unparalleled brilliance and fire. Whether in engagement rings or other diamond jewelry, these beautiful gems vibrantly symbolize the fires of romance and passion for any relationship.