Diva Diamonds and Jewels

Determining if a diamond is "pure" typically refers to assessing its quality, which involves evaluating its purity, color, cut, and carat weight. Here are several ways to evaluate the purity or quality of a diamond: Certification: The most reliable method is to check if the diamond has been certified by a reputable gemological laboratory. The most well-known laboratories include the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These certifications provide detailed information about the diamond's characteristics, including its clarity (which indicates purity), color grade, cut, and carat weight. Clarity Grading: Diamonds are graded for clarity based on the presence of internal flaws (inclusions) and external blemishes. A diamond with fewer and less visible inclusions is considered to have higher clarity and is generally more valuable. Use of Loupe or Microscope: If you have access to a jeweler's loupe (a small magnifying device) or a microscope, you can inspect the diamond closely for any inclusions or blemishes. Most diamonds have some imperfections, but higher-quality diamonds will have fewer and less noticeable flaws. Color Grading: The presence of color can affect a diamond's purity as well. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds (D-F) are rarer and more valuable than diamonds with noticeable color. Expert Assessment: If you're unsure about the diamond's quality, seek an opinion from a certified gemologist or a reputable jeweler who can provide an expert assessment. They can examine the diamond using professional equipment and offer insights into its quality and value. Comparison: Compare the diamond in question with others of similar size and shape. Higher-quality diamonds generally exhibit greater brilliance and sparkle due to their superior cut and clarity. By combining these methods, you can gain a good understanding of the purity and overall quality of a diamond. Remember that diamond quality is multifaceted, and certification from a reputable lab remains the most reliable indicator of a diamond's purity and value.

Fine jewelry often boasts exquisite craftsmanship, rare gemstones, and historical significance, contributing to their high value. Here are some fun facts about some of the most expensive fine jewelry pieces: The Graff Pink Diamond Ring: This ring features a rare 24.78-carat pink diamond. It was sold for over $46 million in 2010, setting a record for the most expensive single jewel ever sold at auction at the time. The Blue Belle of Asia: This sapphire is a 392.52-carat cushion-cut gemstone, considered one of the largest and finest sapphires in the world. It sold for $17.3 million at auction in 2014. The Hope Diamond: One of the most famous gemstones, the Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat blue diamond with a long history dating back centuries. It is housed in the Smithsonian Museum and is valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond: Originally a 35.56-carat blue diamond, it was recut to improve its clarity and brilliance, reducing its size to 31.06 carats. It sold for $24.3 million in 2008. The Bulgari Blue Diamond Ring: This ring features a rare triangular-shaped blue diamond weighing 10.95 carats. It was sold for $15.7 million in 2010. The Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Collection: Known for her extravagant taste, Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection included the famous Krupp Diamond (33.19 carats), La Peregrina Pearl (once owned by Queen Mary I of England), and various other pieces that fetched millions at auctions. The Pink Star Diamond: A 59.60-carat pink diamond that sold for $71.2 million in 2017, setting a world record for the most expensive gemstone ever sold at auction. The Winston Blue Diamond: A 13.22-carat flawless vivid blue diamond sold for $23.8 million in 2014. The Cullinan Diamond: The largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, weighing 3,106 carats. It was cut into several large diamonds, with the largest pieces part of the British Crown Jewels. The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse: This Guinness World Record holder for the most valuable handbag features 4,517 diamonds totaling 381.92 carats, set in 18-karat gold. It is valued at $3.8 million.

High-end jewelry is not just about luxury; it's a convergence of artistry, craftsmanship, and rare materials. Pieces are often meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who bring years of expertise to create unique designs. Gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires are carefully selected for their quality and brilliance, set in settings that enhance their beauty. The allure of high-end jewelry lies not only in its monetary value but also in its timeless elegance and the prestige associated with owning a piece of such exquisite craftsmanship. It serves as both a symbol of status and a cherished heirloom, passing down stories and memories through generations.

The rarest gemstone in the world is the elusive and captivating Painite. Discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s, Painite was initially mistaken for other minerals due to its unique combination of elements, including boron, calcium, zirconium, aluminum, and oxygen. For decades, only a few specimens existed, making it the rarest gemstone known to humanity. Painite is renowned for its deep reddish-brown hue, which can exhibit stunning orange or pink undertones depending on the light. Its extreme rarity and the difficulty in locating new sources have made it a coveted collector's item, with its value soaring over the years. This enigmatic stone not only fascinates gemologists and collectors but also symbolizes the incredible diversity and mystery of Earth's geological treasures. Small Specimens (under 1 carat): Prices typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 per carat. Larger Specimens (over 1 carat): Prices can exceed $60,000 per carat, with exceptional pieces potentially commanding even higher prices. These prices reflect the scarcity and desirability of Painite among collectors and gemstone enthusiasts. Since new discoveries and market demand can influence prices, consulting with a reputable gemstone dealer for the most current valuations is advisable.

Fine jewelry represents the epitome of craftsmanship and luxury, characterized by its use of precious metals such as gold, platinum, and silver, and adorned with high-quality gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Each piece is meticulously designed and crafted to highlight the beauty and brilliance of the materials, often incorporating intricate designs and detailed artistry. Fine jewelry is not only a statement of elegance and style but also a timeless investment, often passed down through generations as cherished heirlooms. Its allure lies in its ability to capture and reflect light, symbolizing not just wealth and sophistication but also personal and sentimental value.

Fun Facts About Jewelry Ancient Origins: Jewelry dates back to ancient civilizations. The oldest known jewelry was made from Nassarius snail shells and is about 100,000 years old. Ancient Egyptians are credited with pioneering the art of jewelry making, using gold and gemstones to craft intricate pieces that symbolized wealth and status. Birthstones: Each month has a specific gemstone associated with it, known as a birthstone. This tradition dates back to ancient times when people believed that birthstones brought good luck and had healing properties. For example, January's birthstone is garnet, while April's is diamond. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond: One of the most famous diamonds in the world is the Koh-i-Noor, which means "Mountain of Light" in Persian. Weighing 105.6 carats, it has a storied history of ownership among various Indian and Persian rulers before becoming part of the British Crown Jewels. Pearls from Pain: Natural pearls are formed when an irritant, such as a grain of sand, enters an oyster. The oyster secretes layers of nacre around the irritant, forming a pearl. This process can take several years, making natural pearls quite rare and valuable. Titanium Jewelry: Titanium is a lightweight, durable, and hypoallergenic metal that has gained popularity in fine jewelry. It is often used in wedding bands and men's jewelry because of its strength and modern appearance. Despite being strong, titanium can also be anodized to produce a range of colors. Sapphires Aren't Just Blue: While sapphires are commonly known for their blue color, they actually come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, green, and even white. The rarest sapphire is the padparadscha, which is a unique pink-orange hue. The Mystery of Opals: Opals are known for their mesmerizing play-of-color, displaying a spectrum of colors that shift and change in the light. This phenomenon occurs because of the microscopic silica spheres within the stone, which diffract light to create the color display. The Most Expensive Necklace: The most expensive necklace ever sold is the "A Heritage in Bloom" necklace, valued at $200 million. It features 383.4 carats of diamonds, including a 104-carat D color, flawless diamond at its center. Van Cleef & Arpels' Mystery Setting: This unique setting technique, developed in the 1930s, allows gemstones to be set without any visible prongs or metal holding them in place. It creates a seamless appearance, making the gemstones look as if they are floating. Engagement Rings: The tradition of giving engagement rings dates back to ancient Rome, where women wore rings attached to small keys, symbolizing their husband's ownership. The custom of diamond engagement rings began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring.

It's a Colorful World In the realm of fine jewelry, the allure of colored diamonds has been gaining significant attention. These stunning gemstones, which come in a variety of hues including blue, pink, yellow, and even green, are prized for their rarity and unique beauty. Advances in both natural and lab-grown diamond technology have made these captivating colors more available than ever before. For instance, the process of High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) treatment can enhance the color of diamonds, creating vibrant and eye-catching pieces. Customers are increasingly drawn to these colored diamonds for their distinctiveness and the personal touch they bring to engagement rings, necklaces, and other fine jewelry. As a result, jewelry stores are expanding their collections to include a diverse array of colored diamonds, catering to the growing demand for exceptional and individualized pieces.

*** Here are some fun facts about diamonds*** *Oldest Gems: Diamonds are one of the oldest natural materials on Earth, with some estimated to be over 3 billion years old. *Hardest Natural Material: Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. *Unique Formation: Diamonds are formed under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions about 100 miles beneath the Earth's surface. *"Diamonds" in Space: Scientists believe there are planets in our galaxy composed largely of carbon, possibly even with diamonds. For instance, the exoplanet 55 Cancri e is often referred to as a "diamond planet." *Rare Colors: While most diamonds are colorless or have a faint yellow tint, there are also rare colored diamonds, known as "fancy" diamonds, which can be blue, green, pink, and even red. *Fascinating Journey: Natural diamonds reach the Earth's surface through volcanic eruptions in a type of rock called kimberlite. *Symbol of Love: The tradition of giving diamond engagement rings began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring, sparking a trend among European aristocracy. *Industrial Uses: Due to their incredible hardness, diamonds are used in various industrial applications, including cutting, grinding, and drilling. *Mythical Properties: Throughout history, diamonds have been believed to possess magical properties, such as protecting the wearer from evil and bringing good fortune. *Largest Diamond: The largest diamond ever discovered is the Cullinan Diamond, which weighed 3,106 carats before being cut. It was found in South Africa in 1905 and later cut into several gemstones, the largest of which is part of the British Crown Jewels.