Alluvial Mining is the process of extracting diamonds and other precious stones from the sand and mud found along river banks. The diamonds and precious stones have been carried by a river’s force from their source in a Kimberlite rock formation and deposited along the river’s banks. Small scale miners sift through the sediment deposits to find the precious stones using shovels, bare hands, or sieves. Larger operations of alluvial mining separate the earth from the body of water in order to simplify the mining process. The concentration of diamonds is then separated into several size ranges, each placed onto a table, where each diamond is inspected by eye.
Approximately 10% of the world’s diamonds are mined through industrial alluvial mining, and 14% through small scale, informal alluvial mining. Alluvial mining takes place in North America, in South America, and in Africa.
A global poll of analysts and traders has revealed bullish forecasts for gold prices through 2008 and into 2009. The survey of 40 people, carried out by Reuters, found that the median price was predicted to be $930 an ounce, more than a third higher than gold’s average price of $696.95 in 2007… Click to view news article.
CARLSBAD, Calif., Jul 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The 2008 Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Jewelry Career Fair will take place this upcoming Friday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
The Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, was founded in 1931 and is an independent, non-profit organization considered by many to be the world’s foremost authority in gemology.
When a diamond is accompanied with a GIA certificate, the consumer is assured that an unbiased gemologist who upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism has analyzed the diamond. Additionally, GIA is the preferred diamond laboratory of Brilliance. In this informative video, GIA explains their diamond grading process from evaluating the 4 Cs to creating the final report.
Brilliance offers a wide variety of certified diamonds for you to choose from so that you can have the engagement ring of your dreams. However, getting that diamond to your finger is not as easy as it may seem. A million diamonds must be mined to produce a single one-carat, polished diamond. Additionally, a diamond will loose 40 to 60 percent of its original size during the cutting process.
Diamonds formed deep beneath the earth’s surface (about 90 miles) were brought to mineable depths through underground volcanic eruptions that took place millions of years ago. Many techniques and procedures are used to bring the diamond-bearing earth to the surface. Over the next few weeks the Brilliance Blog will discuss the different methods of diamond mining.
One of the most popular methods of retrieving diamonds from the ground is known as Pipe Mining. When this method is employed, diamond-bearing earth is extracted from the ground through the use of volcanic pipes, which are natural underground channels. Next, the diamond-bearing earth is brought to a screening plant where it is mixed with a muddy water suspension known as “puddle” which separates the heavier minerals from the rock and soil. The heavier minerals settle to the bottom and are sifted through to find the diamonds.
Be sure to check back with the Brilliance Blog when we discuss Marine Mining.
The birthstone for the month of July is the ruby. The ruby is associated with the astrological sign of Capricorn and has become a symbolic gift to commemorate a wedding anniversary. Second only to diamonds in regard to hardness and quality, a fine ruby stone will endure beautifully for generations.
Named after ruber, the Latin word for red, the ruby is derived from the mineral corundum, also known as aluminum oxide. Although the stone is mined primarily in Burma, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, and Kenya, it has also been found in various parts of the United States, including the Carolinas and Montana.
Although most commonly found in shades of red, rubies can be found in a medley of shades, ranging from near-burgundy to a pale pink. The variation of colors in a ruby will determine its cost, with darker and brighter stones commanding the highest prices.
Brilliance uses rubies to infuse color in many of our fine jewelry items. Rubies serve as a striking complement when set in a diamond engagement ring, and also impart a simplistic exquisiteness when worn as stud earrings or a pendant.
Thirty nine round cut diamonds are pave set in this white gold diamond engagement ring setting, accenting your choice of center diamond. 3/8 carat total diamond weight.
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