New York—A sun-soaked penthouse studio in Greenwich Village was ablaze with every conceivable hue on Monday when the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) gave editors a preview of the winners and the runners-up for its 2009 AGTA Spectrum Awards, which spotlight the beauty and diversity of colored gemstones.
See full article at nationaljewelernetwork.com…
An opal’s beauty has the power to steal the breath from anyone who beholds it, but for those born in the month of October, the shimmering gemstone holds a special significance. The official birthstone of the first full month of fall, the precious opal has often been compared to an iridescent rainbow filling the sky after a sudden summer shower. Indeed, the rich medley of colors found in the heart of this unique gem make it one of the most versatile and visually striking natural stones.
Originally named after the Latin word “opalus,” which translates to “precious jewel”, the opal was also dubbed “Cupid Paederos” (“child beautiful as love”) by the Romans, who were fascinated by the stone’s remarkable ability to reflect different colorations of light. Due to its rich combination of hues, many believed the stone to possess the combined powers of all other birthstones. One early legend claimed the opal fell to the earth from heaven, obtaining its colors from rainbows and flashes of lightning on the way down. Treasured by ancient monarchs as a protective stone that warded off evil threats, opals were historically worn in crowns, shields, and necklaces as a protective talisman.
Opal has been discovered in many types of bedrock, including sandstone, limonite, rhyolite, and basalt. Formed from a mineral called silica, the stone is found in hot springs beneath the earth’s surface. As the springs dried up, a mixture of silica and water seeped between the cracks of the rocks, creating opal. Inherent to lower climates, a majority of the world’s opal supply is mined in Australia, although it has also been found in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Czechoslovakia.
Due to its high water content (as opposed to other gems like diamonds), opal is a soft, vulnerable stone that must be protected from extremes of temperature, chemicals, and daily wear and tear, all of which can cause damage, drying, and loss of color. Jewelry artisans must take great care when processing, cutting, and setting opal stones.
Known as a symbol of loyalty and conviction, the opal serves as a meaningful and visually striking gift for anyone with an October birthday, thought to bring good luck to anyone born in that month. The opal is also the official stone for the 14th wedding anniversary. The fire and energy of an opal is uncontested in the precious gemstone industry.
At Brilliance, we’re proud to offer a beautiful assortment of exquisite opal jewelry. Choose from a range of shapes and sizes, equally striking when set individually or in conjunction with our other fine gemstones and diamonds.
As an avid jewelry lover, I know that the selection of diamonds that is available can sometimes be overwhelming. Whether you are shopping for the perfect gift or for the right accessory for a special occasion, you’ll want to know what jewelry item will suit your needs. That’s why I’ll be writing in with “spotlight” articles on various jewelry item types that will give a detailed explanation of what to look for to ensure you receive the highest quality at the right price.
Diamond Stud Earrings
Quite possibly the most versatile jewelry piece on the market, diamond studs provide a classic, timeless way to wear the world’s most popular gemstone. Combining a brilliant sparkle with an understated setting, they exude elegance and femininity while remaining tactfully discreet. Emanating a timeless style that has endured for decades, the diamond stud will likely never fall out of style.
Studs can be paired beautifully with most any ensemble. For everyday wear, they can add a bit of glitz to jeans and a sweater, and they also make an appropriate accessory for a formal gown. From morning coffee at the office to a dinner party after work, loose diamonds set in studs transition smoothly from day to evening. Some of today’s biggest entertainment personalities—Eva Longoria, Christina Ricci, Charlize Theron, Sharon Stone, and Keira Knightley, just to name a few—have sported this timeless jewelry style for both formal red carpet appearances and everyday errands.
When choosing the right pair of diamond studs for you, begin by evaluating the shape of your face. Thin faces are best paired with round-cut diamond studs, while a princess (square) cut is well-suited to a broader face. Next, ensure the chosen metal setting complements your skin tone; yellow gold harmonizes better with warm skin tones, while cool skin tones mesh well with white gold or platinum. Setting is also important when selecting diamond studs. Look for “martini” or “basket” settings of at least three or four prongs or the modern bezel setting to ensure that the studs are held flush against your ear and not jutting too far out.
Like any diamond jewelry piece, studs are evaluated and appraised based on the “four Cs”: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. A diamond stud with favorable ratings in all areas will command the highest market price. Those with a more conservative budget may choose to purchase diamond studs of a slightly lesser quality. Unlike an engagement ring, which is always worn prominently on the hand, studs are worn less conspicuously on the ear, making it less likely that any inclusions or imperfections will be spotted. When shopping for quality diamond stud earrings, look for at least H-I color and SI2 clarity.
At Brilliance, we offer a large assortment of luminous diamond studs. Whether you opt for pre-set studs or choose to design your own, each stud uses gem-quality, certified diamonds to achieve an unforgettable sparkle, cut, and clarity.
Start to shop the Brilliance selection of quality diamond stud earrings now.
Categories: Brilliance, Jewelry
Interview with diamond expert Des Kilalea
Financial world chaos and extreme market volatility have pretty much sidelined the vast majority of the juniors in the diamond mining sector, according to RBC Capital Markets’ highly regarded diamond analyst Des Kilalea. The senior players remain solidly in the game—albeit in a rather defensive posture—and can anticipate strong price performance to return once the economic storm subsides.
See full article at theaureport.com…
This D color, SI1 clarity, Ideal make, certified loose diamond comes with a report from the EGL.
$2,099
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