Showing posts with label Diamond. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diamond. Show all posts

Friday, August 6, 2010

Chameleon - the Rarest colored Diamond


Diamond has a unique place in making its presence valuable among other gem stones with its best features of purity and clarity with elegance to depict its appearance. The precious gem has natural dazzling colors available in yellows, blues, greens, reds, oranges, pinks, browns and in fascinating black colors which carries its own value and fame over a long period of time.

The Chameleon diamonds

            The chameleon diamonds’ are the most rarest of all the precious gem diamond available with exciting features of changing color with the exposure to a different kinds of light and temperature. The color change happens when moved from dark place to light focused one either be a natural or artificial light with a change of color from bright straw yellow to dark grayish-yellowish-green color. This chameleon diamond remains unchanged in grayish-yellowish-green color until it is in day light with out any prolonged darkness depending upon the environment. This unique diamond is faceted from natural diamond rough said mined from Australia.

Introduction of Chameleon Diamonds

            The first occurrence of chameleon diamonds were document reported at 1943 by ‘GIA diamond dictionary’. This rarest diamond is unique in features with special characteristics of color fluctuation which is impossible to be created in the laboratory. The famous Australia’s Argyle diamond mine having fame for fancy colored diamonds produces a Hydrogen rich diamond occasionally that exhibits ‘Chameleonlike’ color behavior in blue-violet-gray color or in gray-olive.

Identification procedures

            Chameleon diamonds are well proven by examination with steps of heating and observing with utmost care which may also cause changes with the permanent color of grayish-green if not found pure. Laboratory test is a well recommended deal to be checked under spectroscopic observation showing readings coupled with ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaction which effectively distinguishes the normal green gem stone from chameleon diamonds.

Diamond clarity grading
           
Diamonds are ranked with grades for quality in clarity and purity for its significance over the other existing valuable diamonds and gem stones. Grading measures are as follows for your reference…

Included (grades I1, I2 and I3): Diamonds are graded from I1 to I3 that describe about medium to large natural level of inclusions which are clear to unaided eye under normal light focus and are easy detectable.

Slightly Included (grades SI1, SI2 and SI3): Diamonds are graded from SI1 to SI3 describing the natural inclusion level to be less which is very difficult to be seen with normal eyes but detected with the magnification on around ten times into the diamonds.

Very slightly Included (grades VS1 and VS2): Diamonds graded with VS1 and VS2 are having very less natural inclusions which is impossible to view with unaided eyes and too difficult to view using ten times magnification.

Very, Very Slightly Included (grades VVS1 and VVS2): The diamond grades with VVS1 and VVS2 has very, very slight content of natural inclusion which is impossible to view under unaided eyes and very difficult for a skilled observer to view using ten times magnification.

Internally flawless (grade IF): Diamonds are described with grade IF which has no natural inclusions.

MOST FAMOUS DIAMONDS IN THE WORLD

The Koh-i-Noor:
            The Koh-i-noor, meaning, the mountain of light, was one of the longest diamonds has a place of its own in history. Weighing about 108.93 carats, it is now a part of the British Crown Jewels. It is said to have been studded on the Peacock Throne belonging to Emperor Shah Jehan. It was then looted by Nadir Shah of Persia after a battle defeat and found its way back to India after the breakdown of the Persian Empire. It was then acquired by the British rulers in India.

The Great Star of Africa or the Cullinan:
            The star Africa diamond is a pear shaped one weighing about 530.20 carats and is the largest cut diamond in the world. It has 74 facets and is set in the Royal Sceptor and is kept along with other Crown Jewels in Britain. Before being cut from the Cullinan, the largest uncut diamond discovered in Transvaal, South Africa in 1095, it weighed 3,106 carats. It took Joseph Asscher and Company of Amsterdam, six months to examine and divide the Cullinan and was finally cut into 9 major and 96 minor brilliantly cut stones.

The Idol’s Eye:
            This pear-shaped diamond is the size of a bantam’s egg weighing 70.20 carats. It was formerly set in the eye of an idol and was later stolen. History has it that the Sultan of Turkey had abducted princess Rasheetah of Kashmir and had demanded the Idol’s eye as a ransom for her release to the Sheik. Its authentic appearance was said to have been registered at a Christie’s sale in London in 1865 and was bought by a mysterious person who was later identified as the 34th Ottoman Sultan Abd al-Hamid II. It was then sold to a private buyer after a Dutch dealer, Harry Winston and the daughter of the co-founder of the Denver post possessed it.          

The Regent:
            The large stone with a light blue tinge originally weighed approximately 410 carats and was said to have been discovered by a slave in India. It was first owned by William Pitt, the British Prime Minister. He got the stone cut into its present cushion shape which took two years. It is now considered one of the most brilliantly cut diamonds of all. After being owned by many popular heads it is now placed at the Louvre in Paris.


The Blue Hope:
            Named after its purchaser Henry Thomas Hope is said to have brought bad luck to all its owners. It is believed to have been a part of the Blue Tavernier Diamond which was brought to Europe from India in the 17th century. King Louis XIV had it cut from 112 carats to 67.5 carats and after being owned by many, it is now on display at the Smithsonian Institute, Washington.



The Sancy:
            The Sancy is a pear-shaped stone weighing 55 carats and was first owned by the Duke of Burgundy, Charles and lost it in a battle. It was named after another owner, Seigneur de Sancy. It suddenly disappeared during the French Revolution and was later found and now kept for view at the Louvre.


The Premier Rose:
            It was a triangular shaped stone of 352.9 carats found in the Premier mine in South Africa. It was later cut into three and the largest called Premier Rose weighed 137.02 carats with189 facets dimensioned 43.4 x 23.2 x 18.93. It received a ‘D’ flawless rating from the Gemological Institute of America. The Premier Rose is now in the possession of Robert Mouawad.


The Taylor-Burton:
            It is a pear-shaped stone of 69.42 carats found in the Premier mine, South Africa. Richard Burton bought this stone for Elizabeth Taylor and hence its name. Ms.Taylor wore it first at a charity ball in Monaco and she later put it up for sale for charity reasons. This priceless diamond is said to have been last seen in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

THE BIGGEST DIAMONDS IN THE WORLD

The Cullinan or The Great Star of Africa:
            This stone was the largest uncut diamond discovered in 1905 in the Premier mine South Africa and weighing 3106.75 carats and was later cut into nine parts. They are all currently owned by Queen Elizabeth and are a part of the British Crown Jewels.
            The Cullinan I   : Pear shaped, 530.2 carats
            The Cullinan II  : Cushion shaped, 317.4 carats
            The Cullinan III : Pear shaped, 94.4 carats
            The Cullinan IV : Cushion shaped, 63.3 carats
            The Cullinan V  : Heart shaped, 18.8 carats
            The Cullinan VI : Marquise shaped, 11.5 carats
            The Cullinan VII: Marquise shaped, 8.8 carats
            The Cullinan VIII:Oblong Brilliant shaped, 6.8 carats
            The Cullinan IX  :  Pear shaped, 4.39 carats

The Golden Jubilee:
            It is rose cushion shaped and weighed roughly about 755 carats and 545.67 after being cut. It is the largest faceted diamond in the world and was previously named “Unnamed Brown” was considered the most unattractive diamond ever. It was presented to the King of Thailand in 1997 and is still in the possession of the Thailand government.

The Nameless:
            It is a rectangular shaped stone which weighed roughly about 1000 carats and 489.07 after cutting. It is said to have been probably discovered in Brazil or Central Africa. The story of emergence of this black diamond and who owns it at the moment is still a mystery.

The Excelsior I:
            Its rough weight was 995.20 and later 69.68. The original stone was cut into 21 gems. This pear shaped stone was found in the Jagersfontein mine and is currently owned by Robert Mouawad. The Excelsior I is known not only for its size but its quality as well.

The Star of Sierra Leone:
            It is the largest alluvial diamond ever found. Its rough weight was 969 carats and after the original stone was cut into 17 gems it weighed 53.96 carats. It was found in Diminco Mine in Sierra Leone in 1972. It is purely transparent and colorless and is presently in the hands of Harry Winston who purchased it for $2.5 million.


The President Vargas:
            It was found in Brazil near San Antonio river in1938 by two garimpeiros when it weighed 726.60 carats and 48.26 when divided into 29 gems. They are D-color diamonds are emerald shaped and are said to be chemically pure which are perfect in structure. Before being bought by an unknown buyer, it was owned by Harry Winston.

The Jonker:
            This is the fourth largest gem-quality diamond which was found in Elandsfontein near the Premier mine, South Africa. This 726 carat, emerald shaped stone was then cut into 13 gems and now has a weight of 125.35 carat. It gained its name from its discoverer Johannes Jacob Jonker. The parts of this diamond were owned by various famous people till an anonymous buyer bought it for $2,259,000 in 1977.

The Jubilee:
            Robert Mouawad owning the Jubilee at present, originally called The Reitz, weighed 650.80 carats and 245.35 carats after being cut. This is cushion shaped and was found in the Jagersfontein mine, South Africa. It has been graded an E-color diamond which means it is a grade away from the colorless diamonds.

The Sefadu:
            This is one of the largest diamonds which remains uncut at a weight of 620 carats. It was discovered in the Diminco mine in Sierra Leone and is owned by an American diamond company called Lazare Kaplan. It is after the discovery of the Sefadu that the major mining companies have started explorations in the Diminco mine.

The Kimberly Octahedron:
            It maintains a weight of 616 carats ever since it was found at the Dutiotspan Mine in South Africa in 1964 as it still is uncut. This is the largest natural octahedral diamond found. It is categorized under Type Ib owing to its intense shade of yellow and is owned by De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Diamond Watches – Online Purchasing Options

For men and women alike, diamond watches are a beautiful way to accessorize both professionally and individually. The choices in women and men’s jewelry have grown significantly over the years, giving individuals a vast array of choices for watches that will suit any taste or personal style. If you are in the market for a new diamond watch for yourself or someone you love, be sure to take your time and explore all of the many choices out there so that you are sure to find the very best watch that suits your own personal taste or one that your loved one will cherish for years to come.

There are many different design types of watches for men, women and children today. From fashion watches to designer brand names, unisex watches and even sports and luxury watch options, you are sure to find anything you are looking for through many jewelry and watch manufacturers. Before beginning the hunt for your next watch purchase, you will want to determine what type and style of watch you are in the market for to help narrow down your search. By limiting the amount of brands and styles you need to search through, you are sure to find the perfect diamond watch accessory in no time at all.

One great way of searching and purchasing diamond watches is using the Internet. For those who have access to the World Wide Web, the choices are endless for watch and jewelry manufacturers and jewelry designers. No matter where you are located in the world, there is sure to be a diamond jewelry design manufacturer that can deliver your new watch purchase in no time at all. When browsing and purchasing diamond watches through an Internet manufacturer, you will need to ask important questions regarding your purchase, such as shipping costs, delivery times and if you need to purchase transportation insurance or if it is
included in your watch purchase.

Everyone would love to save money in all aspects of their lives. By searching and purchasing your next diamond jewelry design watch online through a local or international manufacturer you can save yourself precious time and money that can be spent elsewhere. Just think of all the time and energy you will save by shopping online at home rather than driving around from retail store to retail outlet seeking out the perfect diamond watch. Not only will you save gas money
or costs to park while you shop, but you can also save precious spare time that you could use elsewhere in your life, such as enjoying your family or friends.

Your next premier design jewelry options for men’s and ladies watches are only limited to your own imagination. There are many jewelry designers that are open to custom design jewelry for watches as well as other jewelry items. If you are in search of a great diamond watch but have not found the perfect item, try asking around and you may find a jewelry designer that is willing to help you custom design your own jewelry.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Warning: Tricky Jewellers Are On The Loose

You have saved for years for this diamond ring. Now you think it is time that you have enough to buy your partner a diamond ring for engagement. Wouldn't it be so frustrating to learn in the end, that what you got is just a cheap fake diamond ring? Some jewellers are just so good they could pull this trick together without anyone suspecting.
When you are on a quest to buy that perfect diamond ring, you must be extra careful. Open your eyes and dont be a victim of the controversial diamond scam. Some jewellers even appear harmless but within their innocence lies a vicious person who simply want to get money from you.
Avoiding Diamond Scams
Beware of jewellers who don't tell you honestly about the stone. Some will bedazzled the buyers by giving details about the carats but it isn't the carats alone that matters. You should also ask for the weight of each stone when separated from the center diamond. They ought to know this if they want to give their customers the most honest information.
Some jewellers will offer an affordable diamond ring and advertise it. But if you ask them about it, they will offer you something else most probably more expensive. This is a scam that is prevalent even with other types of products and services. To avoid this scam, don't give in to their persuasions. Just request for the ring that they have advertised and if they can't give you that, it only follows that it is just a tricky ad.
Some jewellers display their diamond rings under bright lights. This makes the diamonds look so sparkling. But if you try to get them off the bright lights and look at them under sunlight, the sparks are gone. Don't be fooled by this type of trick; otherwise, you may end up buying a fake diamond.
Protect Yourself From Jeweller's Tricks
It pays off to read about diamonds yourself. When you know what genuine diamonds are, you will be able to easily distinguish the real from the fakes. It will also be easy for you to judge the quality of the diamond in the ring.
Some jewellers will find ways to earn more money even at your expense. Don't let them do this to you. Beat them at their own game. Now that you know their common tricks, it will be easier for you to beat them.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Diamond Solitaire Ring

A diamond solitaire ring is a ring with only one diamond and nothing else to
distract the attention from that magnificent solitaire stone. A solitaire
ring loves to seek attention by its wearer, and not crowded by its
competitors as, a solitaire enjoys standing all by itself well grounded in
the ring and boosting its beauty to its wearer. Solitaire diamond represents
ultimate in jewelry, so the size of a solitaire has to big to stand and jut
out from others. Solitaire is a summary of magical and divine love.

A diamond solitaire is well known for its clarity, cut, setting and its
modesty yet aggressiveness. It strives to make a direct place in your heart
by cutting down the competitions from all the sides; it loves to fight for
its dignity and right. A solitaire diamond ring is timeless and classic when
a single stone is placed in a ring, which makes the ring simple, elegant and
comes in a variety of shapes to complement any woman's fashion sense.

The solitaire ring will glorify the beauty of the diamond, so the size of
the solitaire plays a very important role and it has to be in proportion to
the size of the bride. The solitaire is the traditional ring style but you
can find a great variety within the shape of the stone and the color of the
setting. Round cuts are probably the most popular and are always in style
but there are others to choose from too. The shape you choose is purely a
matter of personal taste.