The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is a non-profit public benefit organization headquartered in Carlsbad, CA. Established in 1931, the institution consists of two fundamental parts: diamond education and a gemological laboratory. GIA created the “Four C’s” of diamond grading as well as the international diamond grading system.
The GIA’s Chairman, Ralph Destino, along with its Technical Director, John King, give guidance on how to purchase a loose diamond. They advise consumers to choose a reputable jeweler, then to become educated about how to recognize quality in a diamond, and finally, to purchase a certified diamond that blends quality and value.
Brilliance offers detailed diamond education, as well as a large assortments of loose diamonds. We are member of the Jewelers’ Board of Trade as well as the Better Business Bureau.
Valentine’s Day marks an ideal occasion for giving a gorgeous amethyst stone in fine jewelry or an engagement ring to the Pisces in your life. Celebrated as “extravagance in violet,” amethyst has long been considered one of nature’s most precious gemstones (alongside diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds). Coveted and sought after for centuries by wealthy royals and church leaders, the stone is considerably more attainable today. In addition to serving as the official birthstone of February, the gem is a suggested gift for 4th, 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
Used as adornments since the ancient Egyptian era, amethyst stones have been found in Aztec graves. The Greeks subscribed to the notion that the striking gems prevented intoxication, which explains why so many ancient wine goblets were carved from the stone. In medieval times, soldiers believed amethyst had protective qualities, and would adorn their armor with the stones before they went into battle. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken the intelligence. Because purple dye was scarce centuries ago, amethyst stones were reserved for the robes and jewelry of kings and queens. A large amethyst is still considered one of the most precious gemstones among the British Crown Jewels.
A number of miraculous powers are linked to amethyst. It has been rumored to protect crops, improve the accuracy of hunters, protect wearers from snake bites, and ward off evil spirits. Some believe that wearing this gem with pearls and 14-karat gold can help to resolve money issues. In addition to commemorating friendship, amethyst is believed to put the wearer in a virtuous, chaste state, resulting in its popularity among clergy members throughout history.
A variety of quartz, the amethyst is considered a purple stone, although it can take on a range of shades, from light pinkish violet to lavender to dark purple. The rarest and most valuable amethyst stones are a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes. The ideal grade, called “Deep Siberian”, will exhibit a primary purple hue of around 75-80 percent.
The stone is produced in abundance from mines throughout the world: Russia, India, South America, Korea, Austria, Africa, Canada, and even across the United States. Some of the most valuable of these stones are produced in Mexico, where deep purple prismatic crystals radiate outward from a common attachment point. Due to a major amethyst deposit discovered in Brazil during the nineteenth century, the stone has become more easily obtainable in recent decades.
Brilliance offers a beautiful selection of loose diamonds and fine gemstone jewelry, including diamond rings and diamond bracelets accented with amethysts.
Originally rooted in Roman mythology and early Christian rituals, St. Valentine’s Day has evolved a great deal over the centuries. Today, February 14th is a commemoration of affection and romance between loved ones, typically marked by the exchange of flowers, candies, and gifts.
Jewelry continues to be a popular choice for expressing adoration, with diamonds and precious metals comprising more than 10% of all Valentine’s gifts. This year, put your devotion on grand display by presenting her with a can’t-miss gift that’s sure to add some sparkle to her life. Whether it’s a stunning diamond engagement ring, a pair of diamond stud earrings, or a breathtaking pendant, your carefully chosen gift will symbolize your love and loyalty for a lifetime.
Online jewelry sales continue to rise steadily each year, with a growing number of consumers preferring to shop online than at their local jewelry store. In addition to the convenience of round-the-clock home shopping and doorstep delivery, the perks of purchasing fine jewelry from sites like Brilliance.com include significant savings, expanded product assortments, and ease of product comparison.
Online shoppers are smart shoppers, always in search of the best possible deals. At Brilliance, we don’t think you should have to dig for discounts when investing in gold jewelry, engagement rings, platinum jewelry, or loose diamonds. We make your shopping process even easier by providing you with promotional codes to enter during checkout for instant savings:
$50 off any order $5,000 or over! Use coupon code BC50BR.
$75 off any order $7,500 or over! Use coupon code BC75BR.
$100 off any order $10,000 or over! Use coupon code BC100BR.
These codes are valid through February 28, 2009. Check back each month for a new set of codes.
Deep discounts are just one of the many Brilliance Advantages. We also offer a no-strings 30-day return policy, no sales tax outside of Florida, and free shipping on every order. Our lifetime warranty and upgrade availability demonstrate our commitment to every fine diamond and gemstone in our inventory. To make your decision even easier, we do everything possible to minimize our impact on the environment through reforestation efforts and carbon-reducing programs.
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is the world’s largest independent laboratory for diamond and gem grading, certification, and valuation. Founded in Antwerp in 1975 by a staff of three, IGI has grown to include more than 450 professionals, spanning the globe with offices in New York City, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangkok, Dubai, Toronto, Los Angeles, Tel Aviv, and Mumbai. The only ISO 9001:2000 certified international gemological organization, IGI adheres strictly to an internationally accepted system for diamond grading. With a single governing body and rigid standards of excellence, the Institute provides priceless peace of mind, arming consumers with the knowledge they need to feel confident and secure when purchasing loose diamonds.
Today’s certified diamond and gem consumers are far savvier than their predecessors, demanding quality and professional knowledge in addition to beautiful jewelry. Intelligent consumers want to understand the differences between certified diamonds so they can make educated decisions about their fine jewelry and engagement ring purchases. IGI’s consumer-focused grading, identification, and appraisal reports play an integral role in consumer education, ensuring that the quality-conscious consumer is confident with their diamond purchase.
In addition to diamond quality, today’s consumers also demand verification that their diamonds are conflict-free. An IGI Certificate of Authenticity states that the stone is in full compliance with the Kimberley Process, the USA Patriot Act, and the US 2003 Clean Diamond Act, and attests that the diamond was responsibly mined and ethically sourced, ensuring that it is “conflict free”.
In addition to the Certificate of Authenticity, IGI generates Diamond Reports and Colored Stones Reports. An IGI Diamond Report provides reliable and accurate data regarding the diamond’s grade, based on an internationally recognized grading system. Independent, unbiased gemologists use state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology to grade each loose diamond for cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. An IGI Colored Stones Report describes a gemstone’s specific variety, shape, cut, carat weight, color quality and transparency factor, country or origin, and whether the stone is natural or synthetic.
The comprehensive information contained in the Diamond Report and Colored Stones Reports is used to generate IGI’s Gemological Appraisal Reports, the most reliable and accurate valuation documentation available today. In addition to providing coverage information for insurance companies, IGI Gemological Appraisal Reports provide vital documentation for estate executors, financial planners, public accountants, retailers, consumers, and jewelers. IGI Diamond Reports, Colored Stones Reports, and Gemological Appraisal Reports can be obtained at the point of purchase, or independently by sending diamonds and gemstones directly to the IGI.
IGI’s expanded services include Laser ScribeSM, table branding, diamond repair, jewelry engraving, and photography. With Laser ScribeSM, gemologists use lasers to inscribe numbers, letters, logos, personal messages, and trademarks on the girdle of the diamond so the stone can be easily identified. This laser inscription is visible only under 10x magnification, and does not affect the quality of the stone. Laser technology is also utilized with IGI’s jewelry engraving. Table branding allows companies to permanently affix their trademark or logo on the upper, largest facet (table) of a diamond. This logo is only visible under special viewing equipment, and does not affect the diamond’s grade. IGI’s master polishers repair diamonds that have been damaged, or remodel stones with out-of-date cutting styles or poor facet arrangements.
Founded in Antwerp in 1982, the IGI Gemology School currently has branches in Mumbai, Cavalese, Dubai, and Toronto. The schools promote IGI’s mission of education and knowledge by offering courses in polished diamonds, rough diamonds, colored stones, pearl grading, and jewelry design. IGI’s prestigious gemology training courses attract thousands of diamond dealers and jewelers from 90 countries annually, with courses available in many languages. IGI courses are taught by highly skilled, internationally recognized gemologists, and emphasize comprehensive and practical learning techniques. For those not able to attend an IGI Gemology School, the Institute offers an IGI Long Distance Course, a home study diamond correspondence course.
At Brilliance, we offer certified diamonds by IGI in our diamond search. To find out more about the IGI, click here.
Valentine’s Day marks an ideal occasion for giving a gorgeous amethyst stone in fine jewelry or an 
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