The Management Consulting Group

As with everything else in life, sometimes we fall into habits in how we wear our jewelry.

We put the brooch on out left shoulder, we wear the same necklace with the same dress and the same earrings.

This article will help stimulate your thinking about how you wear jewelry. It’s not exhaustive — if you have other ideas of better ways to use jewelry, let me know.

Pins are perhaps the most versatile of jewelry. In addition to the usual shoulder or lapel, they are often worn with scarves. Try these other ways of wearing your pins to extend your jewelry vocabulary.

Pins on hats. Wearing a pin on a hat has a very long tradition As hats become popular once again we can start making use of this great old technique.

You can pin the brooch on the hatband or higher up on the crown of the hat, or use it to hold up part of the brim (If your hat has a brim). Use a whole circle of pins around the hatband for a charming effect (especially effective with animal jewelry). Make a whole menagerie for your hat. Play with your animal jewelry brooches as if your were playing jungle as a child.

Pins can also be worn on belts and handbags. Try a pin on your belt a bit off to one side. If it’s a belt with a simple or self buckle, this can add just the bit of extra interest you need (especially if you have a slim waist to show off).

Putting a brooch on an old handbag can give it new life. You can also take a plain purse and dress it up for evening by the addition of a brooch or two.

Brooches can be added to hair clips to make a one of a kind hair ornament. Or string your favorite brooch on a cord. By knotting the cord and tying the brooch in the middle you can keep many pins upright and hanging correctly. You now have a whole new pendant.

Try a line of 3 or 4 brooches running down the thigh of your jeans. Or group several brooches across your bodice like a necklace.

You can even use brooches on your shoes, if they are of the right sort. This is an unusual technique that’s sure to get you noticed.

Rings, of course, can be worn on chains around your neck as well as on your fingers. In the Renaissance they used to make very large rings specifically to be worn around the neck (they were too big for anyone but a giant to wear on their fingers).

You can also weave rings into your hair. Whether you have long hair or short, you can put the ring very close to your scalp and then braid it in. This is a fun technique to give a little sparkle and curiosity to an otherwise commonplace hairdo.

Of course necklaces are great woven into hair too. This is a technique that’s been practiced for centuries. During the time of the Louis’s, French women had elaborate wigs with necklaces already woven in. Queen Elizabethan (and other Renaissance ladies) also wore necklaces with strings of jewels woven into her elaborate hairdos.

If you have some long necklaces that unclip, try weaving them around a belt before putting it on. You can secure the ends with a small piece of tape or tie them on with a big of colored string. This can make a plain black dress upscale evening attire. A great tip for travelers.

If you have a charm bracelet or three, try adding a chain or cord to each end and wearing it as a necklace — fun and tres chic.

The possibilities are endless… Just let your imagine take flight, and let me know if you come out with other great ways to wear jewelry.

More great articles on jewelry are waiting for you at http://www.gorgeousanimaljewelry.com

Carrie
The Jewelry Maven
www.gorgeousanimaljewelry.com

Customers looking for a new watch online are simply amazed at the prices they see compared to the traditional brick-and-mortar jewelry store. The internet has enabled e-businesses to bring products to the consumers at jaw-dropping discounts. A watch is a fairly expensive purchase and you should do your homework before buying one online. First and foremost, make sure that the company is an “authorized retailer” for the watch brand you are interested in. When buying from an authorized retailer, you can be certain that your purchase will be new, factory sealed, and will come with the original manufacturers warranty. Authorized retailers must maintain the quality and customer service standards that are required to sell watches. The manufacturer (such as Citizen, Fossil, Rolex, etc) often require the retailer to have an actual storefront, have 24/7 customer service, have secure online ordering, they can only sell new products, and much more in order to maintain the dignity of the items sold. Buying from “unauthorized” retailers is NOT recommended.

Unauthorized retailers sell “grey market watches” because they cannot get the products directly from the manufacturer. They must instead get their supply from a third party or another country. Typically a manufacturer will take all of their watches that were overstock, were returned, were repaired, etc. and will sell them in markets overseas. Unauthorized retailers get their hands on these products and then try to sell them at a higher price back to you. They often don’t come with original packaging, may be used or damaged, and are never guaranteed by the manufacturer. Many “grey market” watches are repaired with cheaper non OEM parts that were manufactured overseas for a fraction of the cost. This allows them to bring you some of the lowest prices available, however you really are getting what you paid for. Only buy from authorized retailers! Find the watch you want, find it online for a great price, make sure the retailer is authorized, and you will be satisfied with your purchase.

http://www.urbanwristwear.com - Authorized retailer for every watch we sell.

The oldest recorded exchange of engagement rings dates back nearly 5000 years
ago to ancient Egypt when a never ending band was linked with eternal love. Later
for the Romans, a young ladies acceptance of a ring was a legal agreement and
meant that the girl was no longer available. These ancient engagement and wedding
rings were not gold engagement rings but were often made from simple and crude
bands of iron.

Even in these modern times, the gold engagement ring is still regarded as a potent
symbol of unity and marriage, which sends out a message about a persons marital
status. Traditions have changed over the centuries and not only have the materials
which the rings are made out of changed, but men too are now choosing to wear a
ring as a symbol of lasting love, fidelity and commitment.

These early tokens which indicated the sealing of a marriage contract, were certainly
very different from what we now accept today as an engagement ring and probably
wouldn’t have turned too many heads or invoked the green eyed monster because
of their beauty and brilliance. In early Roman times rings were simple hoops made
out of iron and it wasn’t until much later times that this metal was replaced with
precious metals such as gold and silver which do not rust and are more attractive.

Although diamonds were discovered in India at the beginning of the ninth century, it
wasn’t until 1500 onwards that brides to be would be wearing something a little bit
more special and even then, diamonds would be very much for the wealthy and for
royalty.

Since their discovery, diamonds have always been prized for their beauty and
brilliance as well as their extreme hardness and the word diamond originated from
the Greek word adamas, which means unconquerable. Some even believed
diamonds to possess magical powers and along with their other properties, this has
made diamonds perfect as a representation of the marriage bond.

When further sources of diamonds were discovered in the nineteenth century, it
increased the availability and they became more fashionable, particularly set in
engagement rings.

Styles of engagement rings have
varied greatly over the years but still some designs have remained popular
throughout. The single diamond solitaire is a strong favourite and nobody can resist
that big sparkler. The three stone styles have also remained popular and many still
believe that this signifies ‘I Love You’.

Although some ladies have chosen other precious gemstones for their engagement
rings such as rubies, emeralds, opals and many more, the diamond still is the
favourite and as the song says ‘Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend’.

Platinum has also become a popular although a very expensive alternative to gold
and silver. Recently there has been a surge in interest in engagement rings made
from titanium and zirconium because not only are these metals attractive,
lightweight and very hard wearing but they are also hypoallergenic. These metals
lend themselves well to more modern styles and the metals can be heat treated to
produce wonderful colour effects which make many rings totally unique pieces as no
two will ever look the same.

Because of their hardness, Titanium and Zirconium are also used to produce
stunning tension set diamond engagement rings, an effect which would be much
more difficult to achieve with precious metals which are much softer and more
prone to wear over the years increasing the likelihood of the precious stone working
loose from the .

Most people wear their engagement ring on the third finger of the left hand
although there are a few European countries where the engagement ring is worn on
the right hand. The reason for wearing on the third finger of the left hand is thought
to date back to ancient Rome and Egypt when it was believed that a vein that ran
through that finger ran straight to the heart. Many women also wear their gold
wedding ring with a diamond engagement ring and an eternity ring.

John Lewis runs Love2Have an on line jewellery website that only sells UK hand made jewellery including engagement rings and wedding rings.

Opal is a magnificent gemstone whose shades encompass virtually every hue in the color spectrum. The play of color is different on every stone, and its shimmering hues gave rise to the word ‘opalescent.’ Because it is such an entrancing and unique gemstone, it is no wonder that opal jewelry is very popular among collectors and fashion enthusiasts.

Opal is the birthstone for October and its history is peppered with superstitions and beliefs that it caused both good luck and bad luck. In Europe, it used to be thought of as the ‘official’ stone of thieves and robbers. One of the greatest contributors to the myth that opal jewelry causes misfortune is a misreading of its depiction in Sir Walter Scott’s 19th-century novel ‘Anne of Geierstein.’

However, many cultures associate the opal with white magic and good fortune. The ancient Romans used opal jewelry as talismans and for them, it symbolized purity and hope. The ancient Greeks, on the other hand, believed that it gave the wearer the abilities to prophesy or foretell the future. It was also thought to bring luck to the wearer.

The popularity of opal jewelry is on the rise. Although it is classified as a semi-precious stone, the black opal can cost as much as a diamond. Opals can also range in price, depending on their color. Generally, red opals are the most expensive while blue opals are the least. Also, doublet or triplet opal jewelry, or a piece of opal that is sandwiched between two other materials is less expensive than solid opal pieces. Set in gold or silver, or embellished with other gemstones, there is a wide variety of opal jewelry to choose from.

Men and women throughout time have been fascinated and captured by the iridescent colors of opal jewelry. Bad or good luck notwithstanding, these multi-colored gems are worthy additions to any wardrobe. A person cannot be blamed for thinking that wearing an opal necklace, earrings, bracelet or ring is somehow just like having a piece of the rainbow close to the skin.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Precious gems are beautiful and they last a long time and they are very valuable. Diamonds in particular shimmer in any kind of light, providing an exquisite treasure. Some people give a piece of diamond jewelry as the sole gem gift a loved one will ever receive. Others add a diamond gift to a long line of precious gems. Before bestowing diamonds as a gift to a loved one, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Diamonds are usually very expensive. If you come across a diamond that is being sold on the cheap, you have to wonder why this is the case. It may mean that the cut is not the best quality or it could have poor point value. Perhaps the gem is even stolen! You have to be careful about where and how you purchase precious jewelry to ensure that you get your money’s worth in value. Check with several jewelry stores or diamond dealers. State up front how much money you have to spend and the type of gift you wish to make. The experts can help you make a good choice for what you have to work with.

Diamonds are for grown ups. Children or even teenagers rarely have a proper appreciation for diamonds. Perhaps diamond chip earrings would be an acceptable gift for older teen girls, but more lavish diamond jewelry should be saved for more mature wearers. A diamond necklace, brooch, ring, or bracelet conveys a sense of sophistication that younger women cannot often carry off. Save the gift of diamonds for a special occasion and an older girl.

Diamonds deserve special care. You don’t want to just fling a diamond ring in the jewelry box or leave it lying unprotected on a`dresser top. Preserve the beauty and keep it clean while avoiding scratches by placing diamond jewelry into velvet-lined boxes or containers. Depending on the size and value of your investment, your diamonds may need to be kept in a safe deposit box or vault at your local bank. You don’t want nosy workers or desperate thieves to make off with your prized possession. You may want to have your diamond priced or valued by an experienced jeweler for home insurance purposes. It also is a good idea to have it cleaned periodically, if needed.

Diamonds are for special occasions. Although they are often given on any occasion like a birthday or holiday, a diamond jewelry item is especially suited to commemorative occasions, such as an engagement or anniversary. Smaller diamond gifts can serve just about any purpose, but the larger, more valuable kind should not be handed off lightly. Give some thought to the meaning of your gift and what your receiver will think (as well as what you want him or her to think) before offering this unique token of affection.

Claire Dibello is the owner of Any
Diamonds which is a
premier source of information about Diamonds. For more
information, go to: anydiamonds.com

Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and it is one of the original birthstones from Exodus in the bible. Coming from the Latin ruber, which means red, ruby is a corundum.

What is the difference between ruby and sapphire?
When corundum is found it can be a host of different colours: red, pink, yellow, blue, green, brown and more. When it is pink or red it is called ruby. When it is any other colour it is called sapphire.

Both rubies and sapphires are very good gemstones. They display great colour and are very hard. On the Moh’s scale diamond is the hardest and is 10 while ruby and sapphire are 9 which is very good as your gemstone jewellery will not crack and scratch as easily as some other gemstones.

The most cherished ruby is the vibrant, sparkly mid to dark red although it should always be personal taste rather than what other people think which should dictate your choice.

Where do rubies come from?

Rubies come from many parts of the globe: Australia, Asia, Africa and even the USA. The best come from one region named the Mogok Valley in Myanmar. However, it seems that the best rubies have been mined out from this region.

Why are some rubies better than others?

Like most gemstones rubies gain value by the size, colour, clarity and the way that the stone cutter does his or her job. Rubies have inclusions, or imperfections, inside them. Sometimes these inclusions are beneficial to the value of the stone as they make it more interesting. Most times they are not beneficial and are filled in or the ruby is heat treated. At temperatures around 3000 degrees the colour of the stone changes and the inclusions often disappear. One type of inclusion called rutile needles is referred to as silk and will be present most of the time.

You may have heard of star sapphires. Well, there are also star rubies. This is a phenomenon called asterism and occurs in stones which have not been faceted but cut into a cabochon which is the common cut for opal. It comes from a mediaeval French word for hat. It is the smooth rounded shape similar to a bowler hat.
You can actually see a star shaped formation in the stone and it is very attractive.

In fact, the biggest ruby in the world, the Rajaratna Ruby, is a star ruby.

Are there synthetic rubies?

Yes there are. First produced in 1837 they are not difficult to make and for that reason they are cheap. Most of the rubies you see around you in the street and at work are likely to be synthetic. The smallest rubies that I buy are real as they are cheap and plentiful and the difference in cost between real and synthetic is so small that I prefer the real ones. My customers still prefer me to present them with real rubies. As the size demanded increases then synthetic stones usually win over as the price increases for real rubies.

When you are choosing a ruby know that real rubies are rare and thus expensive and that they will have inclusions and imperfections as it is nearly impossible to find them without. But they are not a bad thing as they usually give the stone character and beauty. Understand that nearly all rubies have been heat treated in order to show the very best colour that they can. This is not something to be concerned about at all. Choose a stone that you like and enjoy it forever.

As Egypt is the cradle of civilization, no doubt that it is also the cradle of the arts and the home of craftsmanship. Personal ornaments appear to have been among the very first objects on which the invention and ingenuity of man were exercised. In the beginning, natural objects, such as small shells, dried berries, small perforated stones, feathers of variegated colors, were combined by stringing or tying together to ornament the head, neck, arms and legs, the fingers, and even the toes.

The earliest examples of Egyptian jewelry which have come down to us are those of the Pre dynastic period (more than 3000 years B.C.), where the Egyptians had been making beads and ornaments of semi precious stones such as amethyst, lapis lazuli, cornelian, Quartz, Garnet, Turquoise , and other objects. They also used man made materials such as glazed objects and colored glass imitating semi precious stones. Most of the materials used in making these beads were chosen for their color symbolization or amulet significance especially the ones used in making funerary jewelry, as they had a religious and magical significance in the Egyptian ancient world by protecting the wearer from evil. Turquoise for example was a symbol of fertility, good luck, and as protection from the evil eye.

So as it appears, ancient Egyptians wore various shapes and kinds of jewelry, some of which are:

• Bracelets and Bangles: these ornaments often came in matching sets. Ancient Egyptians also used the same term for describing anklets.
• Finger rings: its earliest form was as simple as rings made of stone. Later, rings were made of small strings of beads, gold-foil bands and wires of copper or silver closed by twisting the ends together.
• Amulets of semi-precious stones: these were charms worn by the living or placed on a mummy to ward off evil spirits or bring good luck.
• Cartouches: These were elliptical symbols encircling the inscribed birth and coronation names of the king. They were usually worn as pendants.
• Pectorals: These are large pieces of jewelry, usually in the form of trapezoids, worn on the chest.
• Necklaces: These were widely used among wealthy people, and were usually made of precious metals such as gold and silver, and decorated with colored glass beads and semi-precious stones.
• Earrings: Theses were worn by both men and women.
• Crowns: These were reserved for royalty. They were made of gold or silver and decorated with semi-precious stones.
• Belts: These included waist belts and belts with hanging vertical straps ornamented with colored beads. They were usually found in tombs.
• Vests: This kind of jewelry is only found in ancient Egyptian jewelry. It was worn around the chest. It was usually made of gold or of gold-plated metal. Even when it was made of a cheap material, it was painted yellow to give a golden impression.

Gold and silver Egyptian jewelry:
The real start of Egyptian jewelry was when ancient Egyptians had access to precious metals, for even in ancient times, Egypt was envied for its underground treasures. At first they got these metals from the Eastern Desert and Nubia , later too as tribute and spoils of war from Syria and the north. Mining was often carried out by convicts under military control. This was a dangerous endeavor from which many of the laborers probably never returned.

Up until the Middle Kingdom, silver was considered as valuable to the Egyptians as gold, but after that time frame, Egyptians seem to have become fanatical over gold. Egypt was richer in gold than any other country of the region. Statues, furniture, vessels and jewelry, above all in the royal household and the temples, were often created from these precious metals.

Jewelry working techniques:

The Egyptians knew two kinds of bonding metals: welding and soldering. As early as the Middle Kingdom little pieces of jewelry were welded together. Soldering was known since the 4th dynasty at least. The work of Egyptian gold and silversmiths also included Hammered work, engraved, incised and chased work. The combinations of layers of gold plates, together with colored stones were also present. Gold was also widely used in gilding other less precious materials such as wood and stone. Cloisonné and filigree were already known at that time. The cloisonné technique was used in pectorals and pendants. It created outlines of figures and symbols with gold wires that were then soldered to sheets of beaten gold and later inlaid with colored stones or glass. Filigree, a delicate, lacelike ornamental work of gold or silver wire, was mostly used in buckles and clasps of gold. Granulation was the technique of creating various designs by soldering very tiny gold balls to the surface of gold sheets. The stones used in the inlays were considered to have magical properties based on their color.

Egyptian craftsmen:

The standard of work of the Egyptian goldsmiths was high from the beginning of the pharaonic age. Craftsmen in ancient Egypt were usually trained and skilled laborers. They were often well-respected in the community and had a comfortable lifestyle. Yet every craftsman’s lifestyle and social standing depended on the quality of his skills and experience. Most craftsmen worked in temple workshops or palace workshops, for gold and silver jewelry were mostly reserved for the use of the gods, the kings and, to a lesser extent, the rich and powerful. Very few Egyptian commoners possessed any gold jewelry.

The art of jewelry making reached its peak in the Middle Kingdom, when Egyptians mastered the technical methods and accuracy in making pieces of jewelry. During the New Kingdom, this art flourished in an unprecedented way because of regular missions to the Eastern Desert and Nubia to extract metals.

Famous discoveries:

It is to the tombs of ancient people that we must look for evidence of the early existence of Egyptian jewelry. The jewelry of the ancient Egyptians has been preserved for us in their tombs, sometimes in, and sometimes near the sarcophagi which contained the embalmed bodies of the wearers. This is due to the ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs that required that the mummified body should be wearing the finest jewelry. A large number of such jewelry was found on the mummies; for example, wreaths, crowns, or hair bands. On the head or wig, they fixed different types of ornaments, such as small roses, golden bands, and some simple bands of jewelry. There were also different types of belts, including waist belts and belts with hanging vertical straps ornamented with colored beads. Other types of jewelry included earrings, bracelets, anklets, rings, and necklaces.

The earliest known example of Egyptian jewelry goes back to the first dynasty. It is a set of four bracelets found in the tomb of Zer at Abydos . By the Twelfth Dynasty the jeweler’s skill had attained something as near perfection as is possible in an imperfect world. For technical skill, delicacy of handling and for the love of nature which the design reveals there is nothing more fascinating than the two coronets of Khnemit, representing floral garlands used at festivals and including most of the flowers and fruits grown in Egyptian gardens
One of the best known examples of the magnificence of Egyptian jewelry is the jewelry of Tutankhamen’s time (18 th dynasty). Its treasures include gold filigree and granulated gold-work, and you hardly know what, amid such splendors, to admire most. The gold mask of the adolescent king, the headdress and collar inlaid with colored glass, or the smaller specimens of the ancient jewelers’ art including the pectoral ornaments inlaid background of cloisonné. Tutankhamun’s collection is the most complete royal treasure ever discovered.

If we have to speak of the production of jewelry as a modern art industry, we should say that nowadays, the craftsman of the twentieth century follows methods and traditions which his distant ancestors would recognize and understand, as these techniques come down to us from very far days.

A. Basel
http://www.bazaarway.com

There is a real industry that is developing in parallel with that of high end manufacturers. Replica Rolex watches are some of the hottest selling items on the replica market. There were many questions regarding how ethical replica watches are and if they are an investment worth considering. Although some people disregard replica Rolex watches as being noting more than cheap imitations of the original model, the largest majority of opinions are favorable to replicas. Most genuine Rolex watches come in 25 jewel, 27 jewel ETA or 31 jewel Valijoux movements. The market of replica watches – especially the Rolex area – offers 27 jewel ETA Tectonic and 34 jewel ETA movements.

Why do people wear replica Rolex watches?
Believe it or not, the main argument for purchasing such a watch is that it looks great! You might be tempted to say that people purchase Rolex replicas in order to show off and pretend to be something they are not – but this is not true. In fact, many who purchase Rolex replicas never really brag about them as being genuine. They simply wear the watch – if someone compliments them on it they are happy, if not they won’t go out of their way to bring it into focus. The only problem here appears when people are tricked by some replica manufacturers into believing that they are in fact purchasing the real thing. No only is this unethical it is also against the law. This is why you want to make sure that your replica watch provider is a reputable one, someone you can trust.

The differences between replica Rolex watches.
If all genuine Rolex watches are the same, from a quality point of view, the argument does not stand true for replicas. There are many Rolex replica manufacturers and some of them are simply looking to make a quick profit. In fact, chances are the small, sneaky manufacturers will also try to sell their replicas as genuine, thus tricking the customer into believing they found the real thing at a bargain price. A good replica watch should have a solid 18 karat gold band, and not some other innovations that you might encounter. Triple wrapped gold bands look good too, but higher quality replica Rolexes have a solid band. As you can purchase many replica Rolex watches online, it is wise to take a few minutes and check out a particular store, look at all their models and even compare with a few other replica providers, to make sure you are making the right choice.

About the Author:
Here at www.replicawatchesplus.com we believe that trends in fashion today are too expensive and transitory to warrant paying an excessive amount of money for them. We created www.replicawatchesplus.com to allow you to enjoy the latest and most fashionable trends in the brand name industry, whatever your budget. We are committed to provide quality watches that fit your most current and everyday lifestyle. We carry most famous brand names, and provide the opportunity for all consumers to enjoy and experience the latest trends and styles without exorbitant prices. We maintain a high degree of customer satisfaction through the quality of our products, website usability, and customer service. We courteously invite you to share with us this dynamic environment that will sustain itself through constant growth and change.

Written by Nick Varnsen of the replica store. Email thereplicastore@email2me.net or visit www.repliucawatchesplus.com for more information

The jewelry are woman’s best friends. From the ancient times the jewels were the signs of wellness and beauty. The jewels are the symbol of refinement and glamour. Even if they’re made of gold, silver or other precious metals, they are beautiful for there unique style and design.

Today like the ancient times the jewelry are appreciated and worn. A beautiful piece of jewelry is seen as a part of our daily wear. You can be dressed not so fancy but a beautiful jewel can make you complete. Jewelry can became o part of our personality and of our nature. Stones with all kind of colors, opacity or brilliancy are conscripted in fine arrangements.
Some people say that jewelry are the marks which make women more beautiful. What the jewelry do is underline the beauty and the charm of a woman.

A beautiful jewelry on the neck of a beautiful woman is a unique view. The diamonds and the pearls are the designer’s favorite materials. The are not only brilliant but they also give to a woman the glamour of a star. The colors of the stone are well chosen by the elaborate art of the jeweler. The way he makes a piece of jewelry is the expression of his skills.

In the past the best jewelers were considered the Jewish because they transmitted their art from one generation to another.
There are some secrets that are well kept and known only by the experts. In the past the apprentices were obliged to swear an oath they will never tell the secrets of their art. The punishment for breaking the rules was death. Some people say that there are jewels that are curse and that their possession only brings bad luck.

Jewelry are a perfect combination of shapeliness and art. They can never become old-fashioned and lose their charm and glamour. Some jewels are considered a mystery and the way they were made an enigma.

If you find this information useful you should visit the site jewlery where you will find lots of interesting articles related to this topic, all original and wrote by Michael Lastun.

A Diamond is a mineral made of carbon that is crystallized. In fact a diamond is more than 99.95% pure carbon. The remaining 0.05 percent of the elements often influences the crystal’s color and shape. The diamond is also by far the hardest natural substance known to man. Diamonds form between 75 and 120 miles below the earth’s surface. Only at these great depths do the necessary temperature and pressure exist to form this unique gem. Diamonds were delivered to the surface by volcanic eruptions. These eruptions occurred over 50 million years ago. Geologists believe that the first delivery occurred more than 2.5 billion years ago. After reaching the surface, some diamonds settled back into their volcanic pipes. Other diamonds were washed hundreds of miles away by floods and rivers. Some diamonds reached the oceans and were washed back onto the beach. The first diamond mines were discovered in India before 500 BC. India has been the world’s major supplier of diamonds for over 2,000 years, producing some of the most famous diamonds. Today, India accounts for only a tiny percentage of the world’s diamond production. Today’s diamond production leaders are currently Australia, Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Zaire and Canada. Before being transformed into a beautiful piece of jewelry, the diamond must undergo several stages.

STAGE 1 - MINING

The diamonds that made it to the surface were forced up volcanically, through kimberlite pipes. A typical pipe mine consists of a large vertical shaft with tunnels running from the main pipe. The deepest mine runs about 3,500 feet down into the earth. More than 200 tons of rock, gravel and sand need to be blasted, crushed and processed to yield just one carat of gem quality diamonds. Finding diamonds and getting them out of the ground may require the use of jet engines to thaw the frozen ground or to endure the sweltering desert heat. Only about 20% of all rough diamonds are suitable for polishing; the rest are used for industrial purposes. Once the rough is found the diamond’s journey begins.

STAGE 2 - ROUGH REACHES THE MARKET

A large proportion of the world’s rough supply finds its way to De Beers’ Central Selling Organization (CSO). The rough the CSO buys is sorted into more than 5,000 different categories. Once the rough is sorted and priced, it is sold to manufacturers at sights. There are ten sights a year, each lasting a week. The chosen few afforded the chance to purchase at these sights are called sight holders. The balance of the world’s rough supply is sold to private buyers, and some through private auctions.

STAGE 3 - MANUFACTURING THE DIAMOND

Regardless of the source, all rough eventually finds its way to the cutting centers. Today, the major cutting centers are Antwerp, Israel, Bombay, Johannesburg, and New York. Upon reaching its destination the rough is carefully examined to decide how it should be cut to yield the greatest value. After the stone’s shape and size are determined, taking into consideration the rough’s shape, as well as the number and position of its internal inclusions, the stone is marked and usually sawed or cleaved.
The stone then goes through a series of cutters who each have their own specialty. Finally the diamond is polished and ready for sale.

STAGE 4 - THE FINAL JOURNEY

After a diamond is manufactured it needs to be sold. For decades diamond manufacturers have sold their cut diamonds to jewelry manufacturers and diamond wholesalers who in turn, sell to jewelry wholesalers and to retail jewelry stores. Today’s technology is changing the diamond pipeline. Diamond manufacturers now have a direct link to the final customer.

By learning the 4C’s and buying only certified diamonds it is possible to purchase the same quality diamond for a significantly lower price, over the internet.

Dana Halpert
dana@compucall.co.il
Compucall - Web Marketing

To learn more about Diamonds & Diamond Jewelry, visit the leading diamond jewelry store – http://www.DiamondSafe.com