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About Diamonds > Archives > 2006
What is your return policy? | Money Back Guarantee
Complete Satisfaction - Money Back Guarantee   Return Policy       The Whiteflash mission is to deliver A Brilliant Diamond Buying Experience® to each and every customer.  To assure your complete satisfaction we proudly offer a “no questions asked” 30 Day Money Back Guarantee on all in-house Whiteflash certified diamonds, including diamonds from our A CUT ABOVE®, Expert Selection, and Premium Select categories. The 30 day guarantee also applies to all re... more
Amber: Nature’s Time Capsule
31 Jul 2006 12:00
Amber is fossilized tree sap which often serves as a tomb for various flora and fauna—many of which are extinct. Some of these perfectly preserved life forms are tens of millions years old. Until about a decade ago, it was believed that the oldest and largest deposits of this organic gem were found in a vast, vanished forest area covering what is now Finland, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Russia. It was also widely believed that amber was produced by ancient evergreens. But nowadays gemologists think am... more
Chairman of DeBeers issues warnings
Nicky Oppenheimer, chairman of the DeBeers Group, warned industry leaders to remain vigilant on the conflict diamond issue at the 32nd World Diamond Congress in Israel last week. "Any negativity directed at the industry is not good for us," he said.    Oppenheimer gave credit to the Kimberley Process, a regulatory system aimed at stamping out conflict diamonds, for achieving a high rate of success, but advised the industry not to be remiss regarding outlaw elements. "... more
Contact Information
  Address: Whiteflash.com, Inc. 6222 Richmond Ave. Suite 700 Houston, TX 77057 USA   Telephone: 877-612-6770 Outside of US: 832-252-6770 Fax: 832-252-6771 Email: info@whiteflash.com       Office visits are by appointment only.               Please contact one of our Customer Relationship Managers or Whiteflash Sales Team to schedule an appointment. We are available on the weekdays to help you with... more
Diamond Photos: Why Are There Dark Arrows?
The bottom-most facets on the diamond (the main pavilion facets) draw their light from the highest angles.  When a Hearts & Arrows diamond is photographed from directly overhead, these areas will go dark if the camera blocks, or obstructs, the light source.  This is known as obstruction.  The dark areas are, literally, a reflection of the viewer or camera lens in the crown of the diamond.       Will I see dark arrows in real life?    Not unless you wo... more
Diamonds: The Evolution of the Round Brilliant Diamond
25 Jul 2006 12:00
1650: Cardinal Mazarin designed the first cross-cut diamond, which was the beginning of the brilliant style of cutting. In the early 1700s the Portuguese diamond cutter Peruzzi refined the first 58 facet brilliant cut. This style slowly evolved throughout the 1800s, known first as the old-mine cut and later as the old-European cut. These cuts still followed the contours of the rough diamond in order to retain as much weight as possible. 1860: Henry Morse opens a diamond cutting firm in Boston. By 1880 he is recu... more
Debi Wexler - Whiteflash Founder and CEO
Deborah Wexler, CEO, started her first company, Microcomputer Power Inc (MCP), in 1982 with only $5000 in personal savings and built it to a $70 million Company with offices in Houston, St. Louis, Washington DC, and Seattle. In 1989 Ms. Wexler was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Arthur Young and Inc. Magazine, and MCP was named 148th fastest growing company in the U.S.A. In 1995 AmeriData/GE Information Technology Solutions (GE-ITS) acquired MCP and Deborah stayed on as an Executive Vice President responsible f... more
Free Verification
  Free Letter of Verification   The Letter of Verification accompanying your purchase confirms the contents of your package and provides for a secure shopping experience.   Every item sold by Whiteflash undergoes thorough, multi-level quality control evaluations by the Whiteflash team. In addition, all loose certified diamonds and jewelry containing certified diamonds is formally inspected by an independent GIA graduate gemologist appraiser who issues a signed Letter of Verification re... more
GIA 'EX' -Examples to Beware
25 Jul 2006 12:00
It’s important for buyers to know that aspects of the 2006 GIA diamond cut grading system are skewed to favor mass manufacturers over consumers.    GIA performed studies for 15 years then enlisted human diamond observations.  Problems arose when only 58% of the human results correlated to their prior research:  Those observations were made primarily by trade people and demonstrate a bias towards mass manufacture and mass sales.  GIA adapted their prior research to accommodate... more
Grading Lab Reports Are Not Created Equal
Diamonds are sent to different grading labs to serve a purpose.  Diamond cutters and sellers want to maximize their profits, so they choose their labs strategically.  In the mainstream that decision is not necessarily being made with the objective of providing buyers with the most accurate shopping information. Strictness, consistency and information vary between diamond grading labs.  The lab’s client was the manufacturer or seller and the reason they bought that lab’s report was to h... more
Liberia Calls For an End to Diamond Sanctions
25 Jul 2006 12:00
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia says her country does not deserve continued United Nations-imposed diamond sanctions. The U.N. Security Council first imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Liberia in May of 2001, after reports that the West African country’s natural resources were fueling conflict in the region. On June 20, 2006 the United Nations lifted Liberia sanctions on timber, but diamond sanctions were extended. President Sirleaf maintains that her country is addressing all concerns related t... more
Lifetime Upgrade
Lifetime Trade Up Guarantee   The purchase of any Whiteflash in-house certified diamond automatically qualifies you for our 100% Lifetime Trade Up Guarantee.    We are so confident in the quality and value of the diamonds we buy for our stock that we offer this valuable benefit on all diamonds in our three in-house categories:  A CUT ABOVE® , Expert Selection, and Premium Select.   You may trade your qualifying Whiteflash diamond at any time for any other single diamond of... more
Martin Rapaport and Whiteflash Discuss Conflict Diamonds
23 Jul 2006 12:00
Martin Rapaport addressed an international audience on the plight of artisanal diamond miners in Africa.  Following his address, Whiteflash discussed the African situation with Rapaport for a camera team from the Discovery Channel.  The political obstacles to creating free, fair and competitive markets in these countries are historically considerable.  Beyond the protectionist work Kimberly Process, the USA Patriot Act and the Council for Responsible Jewelry Practices are doing,... more
Martin Rapaport on Conflict Diamonds
23 Jul 2006 12:00
Martin Rapaport addressed an international audience on June 5, 2006 at the JCK convention in Las Vegas.  His main points were economics, distribution and ethical issues in the diamond and jewelry trade.  Here is our summary of his comments: Conflict Diamonds A first order problem meets 4 criteria:  Intensity; it is a matter of life or death.  Scope; it influences many people.  Complexity; it is a developmental problem.  Impact; there is high level industry damage.  Th... more
No Drop Shipping!
The Whiteflash Guarantee       By virtue of our state-of-the-art manufacturing systems and our meticulous inspection procedures, for which we have been awarded ISO 9001 certification for total quality management, you can be confident that your order will be delivered in impeccable condition.   With proper care and maintenance you can expect to get a lifetime of enjoyment from your Whiteflash diamonds and jewelry.    Complete Satisfaction Return Policy    To... more
One Year Buy Back Guarantee
One Year Buy Back Guarantee   To help reduce the stress of your diamond buying experience we offer a One Year Buy Back Guarantee on the purchase of any Whiteflash in-house certified diamond.  Diamonds from our A CUT ABOVE® , Expert Selection, and Premium Select categories are automatically covered by this benefit.   If you should need to sell your diamond after your 30 day return period, Whiteflash will buy qualifying diamonds back at 70% of the diamond’s purchase price.  T... more
What are Expert Selection diamonds?
The Whiteflash Expert Selection category contains certified diamonds of outstanding quality. As the name implies these diamonds are selected by our experts for superior light performance and beauty. In order to be considered for Expert Selection a round brilliant diamond must have been certified as AGS Ideal or by GIA as Triple Excellent, the highest grades for cut quality by the two foremost laboratories in the industry. In addition, Expert Selection Round diamonds must exhibit a distinct... more
What are Imagem, Brilliancescope and Isee?
These machines have been developed to measure a diamond’s light output. Imagem and Brilliancescope are among the most well-known. These devices provide interesting information that may be considered a useful part of the big picture, but they have met resistance from major laboratories and the science community. For this reason they take a backseat to natural reflector assessment.... more
What are Sarin, Ogi and Helium reports?
These are all devices used by respected gemological laboratories, vendors and appraisers to arrive at precise measurements for all diamond proportions. Some grading reports do not provide every angle and measure but a Sarin report does. At Whiteflash we feel your investment is worth having such a machine onsite so that we can provide this information for you. If a diamond has a GIA report prior to 2006 you can click on its Sarin report to get measurements not included on the GIA document. AGS documents hav... more
What are your policies for setting diamonds and related charges?
31 Jul 2006 12:00
If a customer buys the diamond and setting from Whiteflash no additional setting charges apply. If a customer buys a diamond from Whiteflash and sends in a setting purchased elsewhere there is a setting charge, providing the setting is of an acceptable standard. If adjustments need to be made to the setting to accommodate the diamond additional charges will apply. If a customer buys a ready-made setting from Whiteflash we ship the setting but will not set a diamond... more
What is more meaningful - HCA numbers or an Ideal-scope/ASET image?
No computer projection is as meaningful as actual assessment of the 'live' test subject, so the Ideal-scope image is more telling. If we think of a diamond as a container of visual potential, PROPORTIONS numbers merely describe the outside of the container, while PERFORMANCE assessment evaluates the actual contents of the container.... more
Which HCA score is better, 0.1 or 1.9?
Neither. They are equal indicators of predicted beauty. This is a common misconception, explained in small print on the HCA results page: “A score below 2 (Excellent) means you have eliminated known poor performers (more than 95% of all diamonds). Your own personal preference may be for a diamond with an HCA score of 1.5 more rather than one with a lower score of say 0.5.&rdquo... more
Whiteflash ACA: About Hearts & Arrows
31 Jul 2006 12:00
Whiteflash ACA: About Hearts & Arrows All images are Whiteflash A Cut Above Hearts & Arrows Diamonds In the 1980s Japanese cutters were the first to produce diamonds cut so exactly that facet reflections overlapped, creating kaleidoscopic patterns when seen through reflecting viewers. The techniques spread to other cutting houses and evolved. Hearts & Arrows diamonds reached the US in the... more
Whiteflash Conflict Diamond Guarantee
23 Jul 2006 12:00
All diamonds at Whiteflash are certified conflict-free, secured through legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions, in accordance with the Kimberly Process and the USA Patriot Act. We hope you will take a moment to read the important information below.   History During the 1990s, and into this decade, rebel armies in parts of Africa exploited alluvial diamond fields to finance wars against legitimate governments. Unlike diamonds deep in the... more
Who pays for shipping and insurance in a mixed situation?
31 Jul 2006 12:00
All WF prices include one FEDEX overnight shipment inside the USA and Canada. However if the diamond or setting was not purchased from WF the customer is charged for the insurance portion of the FEDEX shipping costs of that diamond or setting.... more
Why are ASET, Ideal-scope and Hearts & Arrows images more meaningful?
ASET, ideal-scope and H&A images are proven natural methods of interpreting the performance potential of a diamond with static, natural views. Hardware issues, calibrations and software calculation errors inhibit mechanical interpretation of diamond beauty. Natural views with these simple and elegant tools have no such error.... more
WHY ARE HEARTS IMAGES POSTED FOR EVERY WHITEFLASH A CUT ABOVE® HEARTS AND ARROWS DIAMOND?
31 Jul 2006 12:00
Whiteflash ACA Hearts & Arrows Diamond Photos Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows diamonds are so special because of the extreme level of cutting expertise that is necessary to produce these elite stones.  In addition to having ideal proportions and finish, A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows diamonds also must have perfect 3-Dimensional symmetry (optical symmetry).  Optical symmetry is distinct from “meet point” symmetry graded on lab reports which are based... more
Why are some of your in-house diamonds missing their grading reports?
31 Jul 2006 12:00
When we receive a shipment of diamonds they are carefully evaluated by Whiteflash before being sent to the labs for grading. We post information when preliminary results come in. Sometimes we are waiting for the diamond to be inscribed and issuance of the original lab grading report.... more
Why do you use GIA and AGS labs for grading?
The Gemological Institute of America and the American Gemological Society were both founded by Robert Shipley in the 1930s. GIA’s Gem Trade Laboratory has been grading diamonds since 1939. These organizations are acknowledged as the most reputable diamond grading laboratories in the world. An official GIA or AGS document increases the value of a diamond. As of 2006 both of these labs are assigning cut grades for round brilliant diamonds. The AGS offers a grade for princess cuts as well.   The... more
Why don’t you use the Brilliancescope?
GemEx, manufacturer of the Brilliancescope, admits a built in error of +/-5%, making comparisons of diamonds impossible except on a broad scale. This device was developed for sales, not science, and has no endorsements from laboratories or scientific bodies. The GIA and AGS have tested and rejected this device.... more
2006 Indian Jewerly Exposition August 4-6
06 Aug 2006 12:00
Jewelry production, service companies and educational seminars will be featured at the 2006 Hyderabad International Gem and Jewellery Exhibition, to be hosted at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India from August 4-6. Exhibitors from New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Chennai will display platinum, gold, silver and pearl jewelry at the three-day event. The Indian Gem & Jewelry Industry is estimated to be growing at the rate of 9% per annum.  Indian Gem & Jewelry exports grew from 62 million USD... more
A Platinum Primer
02 Aug 2006 12:00
A Platinum Primer   The world's rarest precious metal was until relatively recently the world's most despised. Indeed, the word platinum comes from a Spanish pejorative word, "platina," meaning 'bastard silver.' The Spanish and Portuguese prospectors who first found it in South America hated it because it was impossible to refine. [It has a melting point of 1768º C that no furnace could reach until 1789.]   But once the metal could be worked with, it became the more prized than gold ... more
A Whiteflash.com Diamond Soiree Wows Jetsetters
ICE, ICE BABY   When model Lydia Hearst hosted the Whiteflash Diamonds soiree at Stereo House in the Hamptons last weekend, no one knew she'd end up nude in the end. Hearst and guests including Chloe Sevigny and Ashanti were blinging it up in $4 million worth of diamonds. Hearst's early exit from the after-party hosted by Mike Satsky at FM Southampton left guests wondering about her whereabouts. Turns out, she was so steamy from the heat that she and MTV host Damien Fahey slipped out of the club together a... more
Abrasions
Tiny nicks along facet junctions that produce white fuzzy lines instead of sharp crisp facet edges.... more
AGS Cut Grading Scale
AGS Cut Grading Scale 0      Ideal 1      Excellent 2      Very Good 3-4   Good 5-7    Fair 8-10  Poor... more
AGS Names 2006 Liddicoat Award Winners
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Three journalists will receive the 2006 American Gem Society's Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award.  Cynthia Zarin of the New Yorker, Carole Schrock of The Star Newspapers and Russell Shor of Gems & Gemology Magazine are this year's winners. Zarin's article "Green Dreams" is recognized in the category of Consumer National Reporting.  Schrock's "Essential Elements" for Consumer Local Market Reporting and Shor's "A Review of the Political & Economic Forces Shaping Today... more
AGS Names 2006 Lifetime Achievement and Triple-Zero Award Winners
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Matthew A. Stuller will receive the 2006 American Gem Society Lifetime Achievement Award at the AGS seventh annual Circle of Distinction Dinner on Tuesday August 1 in the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.  Triple-Zero honorees are Thomas A. Andruskevich and Michael Bondanza. Stuller serves as Chairman and CEO of Stuller Inc., the largest jewelry manufacturer and distributor in North America.  He employs over 2000 people on three continents and has numerous subsidiary companies.... more
AGS To Begin Grading Princess Cuts
02 Aug 2006 12:00
The American Gem Society, which has been grading round brilliants for cutting since 1996, will begin to grade fancy cuts in 2005. The first shape for which it will offer what it calls cut quality analysis is the highly popular princess cut, a square shape introduced in 1981 as an alternative to the radiant rectangle cut. As it does with round brilliants, AGS will divide its princess cut grade into three parts: light performance, proportion factors and finish—each with a high rating of Zero and a low rati... more
AGS To Launch New Cut-Grade System
02 Aug 2006 12:00
Early in 2005, the American Gem Society will revamp its cut-grading system for round brilliants. The ratings will be based, in significant part, on assessment of a diamond's performance in the crucial areas of brilliance and fire. The ratings also represent a major redefinition of the round-brilliant cutting style with which AGS has been synonymous since the 1940s: the American Ideal Cut. For more than a decade, AGS and the Gemological Institute of America have been locked in a ferocious gemological battle over... more
Amethyst: The Gem of Virtue
06 Aug 2006 12:00
If you take a vacation in a Caribbean port of call like Aruba or St. Maartens, you’ll see jewelry stores with names like Diamonds International and Colombian Emeralds International. They’ve been around a long time. Now there is a new chain of Caribbean jewelry stores: Tanzanite International. You heard right. There is a chain of stores which specializes in tanzanite, a brown zoisite turned a permanent sapphire-blue through heating that is found only in Tanzania. Pause here and ask yourself the follo... more
Aquamarine: Blue Beryl
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Was aquamarine the first wedding gem? A couplet in a late 11th century poem by the Bishop of Rennes specifically mentions this sea-blue and green beryl in a context of matrimony. It is one of the earliest such references to an exchange of gemstone rings:   This potent gem, found in far India’s mines, With mutual love the wedded couple binds.    By the time the churchman wrote these lines, aquamarine was a highly revered gem - with a long history dating back to 3500 B.C. when it w... more
Are Irradiated Diamonds Safe to Wear?
02 Aug 2006 12:00
In 1942, scientists at the University of Michigan put some diamonds in a cyclotron and zapped them with heavy radiation to produce vivid green stones.   After a brief quarantine period during which residual radioactivity disappeared, the world had its first artificially colored diamonds that were safe to wear.   These diamonds were purely experimental. Commercial stones colored by irradiation weren't introduced in large numbers until the 1950s. And when they were, the market for naturally colored diam... more
Black Opal: Gemstone Fireworks
Oh, the power of the pen! In 1829, Sir Walter Scott published a novel called "Anne of Geierstein" that single-handedly destroyed the world opal market. In this book, a character dies shortly after her fiery opal is touched by a drop of holy water and loses all its vibrancy and color. A superstitious world thought that Scott was describing a curse that afflicted all opals and largely stopped buying the gem. Prices crashed. Sad though this was, it was not as great a loss as you may think. Most of t... more
Blood Diamond Movie Survey finds Consumers Unaware
A survey by the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC) found 82% of respondents are unaware of the forthcoming movie The Blood Diamond, scheduled for release in 2007.  The movie, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly, highlights the role of diamonds used to fuel conflict in the chaotic civil war in 1990s Sierra Leone. More public awareness of the movie is anticipated as previews and ads are released by the studio.  Elizabeth Chatelain, founder of the JCOC said in a release, "As a... more
Buying a Diamond: Emotional Experience or Math Problem?
Professionals in the diamond industry hear warnings about "commoditization" at our trade conventions.  We hear the warnings from traditionalists, from sellers and suppliers, from revered industry leaders.  We hear the warnings from some of the most esteemed icons of the diamond industry.  But what does it mean?   It is about the reduction of an emotional experience to a mere set of numbers.  That is the concern.   For many years diamond cutters were co... more
Can Canada Cut it as a Cutting Center?
From a mining standpoint, Canada is the biggest news in diamonds since the discovery of Russia's tundra mines in the 1950s. And with annual mine output already at 11 million carats and soaring, it may eventually become as important a diamond source as South Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.   But Canada is failing in its attempts to get added-value revenue from its diamond wealth by developing a cutting industry.   Two highly publicized cutting ventures in the North West Terr... more
Canada's 2003 Production
  Everybody is looking for diamonds in Canada—DeBeers, Tiffany's, the Russians, the Chinese, the Israelis, and a flock of mighty mineral exploration companies.    And no wonder. In 2003, after only 5 years of year-round diamond mining, Canadian diamond production reached an astonishing 11.2 million carats worth $1.3 billion.    Those figures were enough to make Canada the world's third largest diamond producer - by value - after Botswana and Russia. In addition, the c... more
Carat (ct.)
A unit of diamond weight, equivalent to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams (do not confuse with spread). Buy loose diamonds at Whiteflash.com... more
Carat Total Weight (ct. tw.)
The combined carat weight of all diamonds in a piece of jewelry. For example, a three stone diamond ring set with three diamonds, each weighing 1/3 carat, weighs approximately 1 ct. tw. Loose diamonds at Whiteflash.com... more
Cat’s-eye Chrysoberyl: Mostly for Men?
Unlinke ideal and superideal diamonds, cat’s-eye chrysoberyl is one of the world’s few precious stones that can be described as a man’s gem. Far more men than woman buy this stone, usually for rings but sometimes cuff links and tie tacks as well.   Why men prefer cat’s-eye is a mystery. But it is certainly a favorite stone among gem dealers.   Cat’s-eye chrysoberyl is classified as a phenomenon stone because its beauty and value depend on a unique gemological ef... more
Cavalieri Re-Elected President of World Jewellery Confederation
Gaetano Cavalieri was unanimously re-elected President of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), a capacity in which he has served since March, 2001.    On the closing day of CIBJO's July 24-27 congress in Vancouver Cavalieri commented, “Several years ago, soon after becoming president of CIBJO, I compared our organization to an expensive red Italian race car, which looks very good and can drive very fast, but not many people know how to drive it properly. I think that we are doing a... more
Certification (Diamond)
A diamond certificate is a report created by a gemologist or gemological lab. A diamond is analyized under a microscope and as well as other gemological equipment to analyze its dimensions, clarity, cut, color, finish, symmetry and other characteristics.... more
Channel Setting
A setting style where the ridges in the metal of a ring's shank (or other pice of jewelry) create a channel that holds diamonds and gemstones securely in place.... more
China is World's #1 User of Platinum; Is Gold Next...
Platinum is the youngest precious metal, only appearing in jewelry in the late 18th century—when craftsman finally developed the means to refine it (it melts at 1769ºC). Until then, it was looked upon as a low-grade metal (platinum comes from "platina," a derogatory term meaning 'bastard silver' coined by the disappointed Spanish miners who discovered it).   By the late 19th century, platinum was the precious metal of choice in America which remained its main user until World W... more
Chinese Freshwater Pearls: Bargain Beauties
  Until the late 1990s, China was expected to be the successor to Japan for production of saltwater cultured pearls. But that hasn’t happened. Nor is it likely to. China’s ocean pearls were never the equal of Japan’s.   Yet today China has eclipsed every other pearl producer in terms of quantity - harvesting hundreds of tons of pearls a year. You heard right: hundreds of tons. The second leading producer is estimated to produce only 20 tons of material. That’s a vast d... more
Chip
A chip or missing piece in a diamond.  Can be caused in cutting, from a sharp blow or even by normal "wear and tear". Some diamond chips can result in considerable weight loss during the cutting process. Diamond chips are harder to see the better the clarity grade.... more
Citrine: Glamour and Girth for Little Money
Citrine, a name derived from the French word citron meaning yellow, starts life as amethyst or smoky quartz before being heated to attain the lemon, gold and russet shades for which it is known.   Because of its low, low price and super-abundance, this quartz commonly serves as a poor man’s topaz and golden sapphire. But it wasn’t always like that. Until citrine’s appearance in quantity starting in the 1830s, it was rare and expensive. Indeed, its widespread use in jewelry dates f... more
Clarity
Clarity is the degree to which a diamond is free from blemishes/inclusions. Clarity is graded on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Imperfect (I). IF = Internally Flawless VVS1 = Very Very Slightly Included 1 VVS2 = Very Very Slightly Included 2 VS1 = Very Slightly Included 1 VS2 = Very Slightly Included 2 SI1 = Slightly Included 1 SI2 = Slightly Included 2 SI3 = Slightly Included 3 I1 = Imperfect 1 I2 = Imperfect 2 I3 = Imperfect 3... more
Cleavage
The propensity of crystalline minerals, such as diamond, to split in one or more directions either along or parallel to certain planes, when struck by a blow. Cleavage is one of the two methods used by diamond cutters to split rough diamond crystals in preparation for the cutting process (sawing is the other method).... more
Cloud
A grouping of extremely tiny inclusions that is too small to be distinguishable from one another, even under magnification. The result is that, under a microscope, this grouping often looks like a soft transparent cloud inside the diamond. Of course, clouds cannot be seen with the naked eye. Usually, this sort of inclusion does not significantly impact a diamond's clarity grade.... more
Coated Diamond
A diamond colored by a surface coating, which masks the true body color; the coating may be extensive (entire pavilion, for example), but is more often limited to one or two pavilion facets or a spot on the girdle.... more
Color
Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the  (GIA). The scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Fancy colors refer to diamonds with hues like pink, blue, green, yellow and very rarely red. Fancy colors are not included in this color scale and are considered extremely rare.... more
Colored Diamonds Are Hot for Fall!
Because of price and rarity, colored diamonds have always been an elite product. Suddenly, however, they are going mainstream, appearing in hundreds of independent jewelry stores as a new means of differentiation from their discount and chain competition. Several factors are contributing to the trend.   First: Indian and Israeli diamond cutters are producing many small yellow, pink and brown diamonds suitable for use in pave, cluster and other multiple-stone settings that use melee. Jewellry manufa... more
Conflict Diamonds And The Kimberley Process
As the world's most concentrated, portable and anonymous form of wealth, diamonds make an ideal vehicle to launder money from and raise money for criminal and terrorist operations. Throughout the 1990s, murderous rebel factions in Angola and Sierra Leone used their country's diamond riches to buy arms and wage war against legitimate governments.   These illicit gems became known as "conflict diamonds" and the jewelry industry was taken to task by human rights groups for not doing enough t... more
Consumer Confidence Commission
Remember Kathy Lee, the former co-host of a morning entertainment show, who made headlines when it was revealed her clothing line was produced in low-wage sweatshops overseas? Since then, the likes of Disney and Nike have suffered adverse publicity from similar disclosures. Now a growing number of American jewelry retailers and manufacturers are seeking to prevent such scandals. So they are forcing suppliers abroad to pledge themselves to fair labor and environment practices. Contracts stipulate that goods are t... more
Consumer Confidence targeted by IDMA
  The following is a press release issued by the IDMA at the conclusion of the World Diamond Congress on June 29:    The general assembly of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA,) which represents 12 diamond manufacturers associations in 11 countries, has concluded its meetings at the World Diamond Congress in Tel Aviv, which was held June 26-29. The gathering focused specifically on issues that influence the position of manufacturers in the diamond business, and more... more
Craftmanship
The craftsmen of Whiteflash A Cut Above possess numerous years of experience in crafting Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Hearts & Arrows diamonds to perfection. They possess the experience and expertise to deliver superideal Hearts & Arrows diamonds to you. Fine precision, rigid standards and perfected cutting techniques produce diamonds that excel in brilliance, fire and scintillation. The average round brilliant diamond - approximately 97% of the worlds total production, is cut for ma... more
Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas
Your family vacation to Arkansas could wind up paying for itself - and a whole lot more.   Crater of Diamonds State Park, where the policy is “finders keepers,” hosts thousands of visitors per year.  Established in 1972, there are 59 water/electric equipped campsites a visitor center, hundreds of acres of natural forest and an aquatic playground, but the park’s main feature is its 37-acre plowed prospecting area.   All types of rocks and minerals, including diamo... more
Crown
The crown is the part of the diamond that is above the girdle. It consists of the table and the crown facets below it.... more
Crown Angle
The angle at which a diamond's bezel facets (or, on emerald cuts, the row of concentric facets) intersect the girdle plane. This gentle slope of the facets that surround the table is what helps to create the dispersion, or fire, in a diamond. White light entering at the different angles in broken up into its spectral hues, creating a beautiful play of color inside the diamond. The crown angle also helps to enhance the brilliance of a diamond.... more
Crown height
Crown height refers to the height between the girdle and table.... more
Crown height percentage
The crown height percentage is the crown height expressed as a percentage of the average girdle diameter.... more
Cubic zirconium (CZ)
A widely used simulant, often used as an imitation for a natural diamond. CZ, although easy detectable by its 80% higher weight than a diamond of the same proportions or by thermal conductivity testing, does often fool lay persons.... more
Culet
The diamond's culet is usually the smallest (58th) facet at the bottom of a full-cut diamond. Some diamonds do not have a culet (none or pointed is how the culet of that diamond will be described).... more
Cushion
Cushion diamond shape   Cushion is a shape of diamond. A "Cushion Cut Diamond" is squarish - rectangular in shape with rounded corners and 58 brilliant-style facets that kind of resembles a pillow in shape, hence the name/diamonds_info.  Cushion cut diamonds were developed about a hundred years ago when diamonds were ground down to the desired shape instead of being cleaved or sawn by laser and thus older cushion cut diamonds were lumpy and thick which resulted in blocky patterns of light re... more
Custom Creations
  “Whiteflash is Lord of the Online Rings”   – Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine Whiteflash custom jewelry creations have received critical acclaim for distinctive beauty and finest make. Each year we bring thousands of client-inspired pieces to life with skill and elegance. No one offers better quality or value. All Whiteflash products are created with materials of the highest quality and all carry our lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.   Will yo... more
Cut is King!
Cut is the component that has the greatest influence on a diamond's appearance.  The assessed color, clarity, polish and symmetry of a stone is important, just as the grading lab which provided that assessment (the AGS and GIA are most reputable).  But the measurements, or ‘proportions,’ of a diamond tell more about how it will perform than any other surface data.  For instance: A diamond of extremely good cut will appear more colorless than a diamond of the same color gr... more
Cutting Styles
Cutting styles are different than diamond shapes. The simplest and most common way to explain cutting style is to categorize it into the following three basic types: Step-cut, Brilliant-cut and Mixed-cut.... more
De Beers pays 10m price fixing fine.
The U.S. Justice Department has had a vendetta with DeBeers since World War II when the diamond monopoly refused to give America all the industrial diamonds it said it needed for the war effort. Although the company was free to come and go before the war (it had a booth at the 1939 World's Fair), De Beers officials have not stepped foot in this country - at least not on company business - since 1945.   Now De Beers seems set to re-open offices in America. It has settled its long-standing feud with the U.S.... more
De Beers Raises Rough Prices 5%
You can always tell when De Beers is setting the stage for a price increase on the rough it sells to its 80 select customers called "sightholders" at its sales held every five weeks called "sights." Price hikes are the last part of a three-stage cycle. First come serious shortages on high-demand items. For more than a year, De Beers has been very stingy with its goods that yield stones between 1 1/2 and 3 carats in top colors and clarities. The company says the shortages are actual not artif... more
De Beers Right Hand Ring Campaign
Diamonds are forever—whether those who wear them are married, divorced or single. And they remain a girl's best friend—whether she is living with someone or alone.   Fifty years ago, chances were far greater that a woman over 30 would be living with someone, even if unhappily. So De Beers could gear all its ad campaigns to making sure that diamonds were the gift of choice to mark every significant occasion in the life of a couple.   My how times have changed!   In 1972, 72%... more
De Beers To Launch New Anniversary Diamond Campaign
Concerned that jewelers and their customers see their marketing campaigns as focused more on specific product rather than general occasion, De Beers'  is launching a new diamond anniversary campaign. Its purpose will be to reinforce the diamond as the gem of choice to celebrate each passing year of marriage.    Instead of featuring a genre of jewelry like an anniversary wedding band or a three-stone ring, as they have done in the past, the company will show multiple styles and genres -... more
Deep Cut
Cut refers to the angles and proportions a skilled craftsman creates in transforming a rough diamond into a finished diamond. When a diamond is cut too deep, it will lose or leak light through the side or bottom. This results in less brilliance and value.... more
Depth
Depth is the distance between the table and the culet as measured in millimeters.... more
Depth Percentage
On a diamond grading report, you will see two different measurements of the diamonds depth-the actual depth in millimeters (under "measurements" at the top of the report) and the depth percentage, which expresses how deep the diamond is in comparison to how wide it is. This depth percentage of a diamond is important to its brilliance and value, but it only tells part of the story. Where that depth lies is equally important to the diamond's beauty; specifically, the pavilion should be just deep enough to a... more
DiamCalc
DiamCalc is a software program for modeling cut gemstones. It can be used to assess a diamonds appearance before, during or after it has been cut. It allows for a number of lighting environments to model the diamond in and report on like disco view, jewellery shop veiw and Ideal-Scope view. The software can be used with scanners like the Octonus Helium and the Sarin DiaVision. Once a diamond is scanned it can be saved as a file that can be opened in free GemAdviser software. It is easily emailed to anyone or even ... more
Diamond
A diamond is the hardest known natural substance. It is crystallized carbon. Diamonds are mined in their rough form and then cut and polished to reveal their brilliance.... more
Diamond Care
Although diamonds are the hardest substance known on earth, they require care to preserve their brilliance. Diamonds have a great affinity to oils. Exposure during ordinary wear can dull the surface of a diamond. For example, lotions, cooking oil and products etc. Regular cleaning is important in keeping the diamond brilliant and refractive. To restore the original luster, brilliance and fire of your diamond, soak it overnight in a solution of hand dishwash liquid and warm water. Remove it and gently brush it wi... more
Diamond Cutting
The method by which a rough diamond that has been mined from the earth is shaped into a finished, faceted stone. As a first step, cleaving or sawing is often used to separate the rough into smaller, more workable pieces that will each eventually become an individual polished gem. Next, bruting grinds away the edges, providing the outline shape (for example, heart, oval or round) for the gem. Faceting is done in two steps: during blocking, the table, culet, bezel and pavilion main facets are cut; afterward, the star... more
Diamond Gauge
An instrument that is used to measure a diamond's length, width and depth in millimeters.... more
Diamond Grading Report
A scientific report from a recognized gemological laboratory that measures and grades a diamond for a fee. Used to determine a diamonds value.... more
Diamonds and Settings
01 Aug 2006 12:00
If I purchase my diamond and setting from Whiteflash how soon will I receive them?  If we have the diamond and setting in stock it will take 1-2 business days. If we have the diamond but not the setting in stock we will be able to ship between 7-21 days from order date.   What are your policies for setting diamonds and related charges? If a customer buys the diamond and setting from Whiteflash no additional setting charges apply. If a customer buys a diamond from Whiteflash a... more
Dispersion
Dispersion is commonly referred to as "Fire".  It is the prismatic effect of light being split or "dispersed" into its spectral component colors.  When light enters a diamond it is refracted and some rainbow colors can often be seen.... more
DRC Holds First Democratic Elections in 45 years
06 Aug 2006 12:00
The United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) reports that country successfully held their first multi-party elections in over 45 years.  Nearly 25 million voters chose from among 32 candidates for the presidential elections and over 9000 candidates for the National Assembly.  The voting process was largely peaceful.  Difficulties in starting on time were encountered in some regions and in Kasai Oriental 134 electoral kits were destroyed due to "acts o... more
EGL USA to offer Diamond Grading Report
01 Aug 2006 12:00
The New York based lab has teamed up with GemEx Systems Inc. to provide what it calls "Light Performance™" ratings using the Wisconsin company's Brilliancescope. This instrument combines digital photography and computer analysis to assess a diamond's brilliance, fire and scintillation on a scale from low to very high for each. Put simply, the Brilliancescope™ takes six digital snapshots of a diamond under different lighting angles, then converts their white areas into pixels which cou... more
Emerald: Green Gold
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Emerald played as much a role in the conquest of the New World as gold. Once it was obtained in trade by the Spanish explorer Pedrarias on the north coast of Colombia in 1514, every subsequent Spanish explorer had this grass-green beryl high up on his list of booty and plunder.  Ever since, Colombia has remained the world’s most celebrated source of emerald. But, then again, it was only the second known source.  From 3500 B.C. until the 16th century, Egypt had been the sole source of this gem. T... more
Extra Facet
A facet placed without regard for symmetry and not required by the cutting style.... more
Face-Up Appearance
The overall appearance of a diamond when it is viewed from the top. The description factors include the brightness, fire, and scintillation of the diamond in both fixed and tilted positions. This is a component of the cut grade, as determined by the GIA.  With regard to COLOR some may ask "does the diamond 'face-up' white?"... more
Facet
The flat polished planes on a diamond or gemstone. Accurate facets are a primary factor in the amount of sparkle and fire a diamond displays.... more
Facets: Girdle Descriptions and Thickness Charts
06 Aug 2006 12:00
The girdle is the outermost edge which dictates the shape of the diamond. Unmagnified, it may appear to be a thin line, but is often a small series of facets. Grading reports cite type and describe thinnest to thickest points as verbal desriptors or percentages (described below).     1. Girdle Types  A faceted girdle is one where the brillianteer polished facets into the diamond's girdle.   An unfaceted, or bruted girdle is one where the diam... more
Facets: The Lower Halves
07 Aug 2006 12:00
The pavilion of a round brilliant has two types of facets (not counting a culet if present):  Eight pavilion mains and 16 lower girdle facets, also called "lower halves."  The pavilion main facets draw light from the highest angles.  These are the engines driving light return. Between each of the 8 pavilion mains are 2 lower halves.  In top performing diamonds these lower halves have great influence on the life and character of the performance, particularly if the dia... more
Fancy Shapes
Any diamond shape other than round – e.g. marquise, square, emerald, oval, heart and pear.... more
Fancy-Color Sapphire: Corundum’s Rainbow
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Corundum Sapphire Corundum is a gemstone that comes in just about every color. When corundum is red, it’s called ruby; when it’s blue, it’s called sapphire, and when it’s yellow, orange, pink, purple and, on occasion, green, it’s called fancy-color sapphire. ‘Fancy-color’ is just a way of saying a sapphire is some other color than blue. Calling pink or yellow corundum sapphire would no doubt strike the ancient Romans as weird since "sapphirus" is the Latin wor... more
Feather
A separation or break due to either cleavage or fracture, often white and feathery in appearance. It is described often as a small crack, fissure or gletz.... more
Finish
The word finish is used to describe the exterior of the diamond. If a diamond is well polished, it has a very good finish.... more
Fire
Often a term used instead of “dispersion,” it is the variety and intensity of rainbow colors seen when light is reflected from a diamond.... more
Fire Opal: Mexican Magnificence
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Opal : Fire opal or Mexican Megnificence One of the biggest rock sensations on television these days is a gemstone: ‘Sunkist’ orange fire opal from Mexico and Brazil. Opal If you ever watch shop-at-home television, you’ll see every one of the networks featuring this gemstone - far more often than they do the more familiar varieties of white and black opal.   And no wonder. One network we talked to says returns are less than half of what is normal. And since normal is anywhere from... more
Fisheye
A girdle reflection from a shallow pavilion shows a white ring just inside the table outline and this is known as a “Fisheye” effect.... more
Flemish Vice Minister President addresses WDC
04 Aug 2006 12:00
Every two years a "World Diamond Congress" is held, at which delegates from affiliated Bourses meet to discuss issues facing the industry.  Fientje Moerman, Vice Minister President of the Flemish Government and Foreign Minister in several areas delivered a speech at the opening session of the 32nd World Diamond Congress in Tel Aviv, Israel, reproduced here:  "Your Excellency, Mister President, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:  It's a great pleasure for me to attend... more
Fluorescence
When exposed to ultraviolet light, a diamond may exhibit a more whitish, yellowish or bluish tint, which may imply that the diamond has a property called fluorescence. Diamond grading reports often state whether a diamond has fluorescent properties. Ratings include: none, faint, slight, medium, strong blue. Strong blue fluorescence may cause the Diamond to appear oily in daylight. Fluorescence is not considered a grading factor, only a characteristic of that particular diamond.... more
Former Liberia President faces War Crimes Charges
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Charles Taylor, Former President of Liberia, faces 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for actions taken in the war in Sierra Leone where diamonds were used to purchase arms for the Revolutionary United Front rebels. Taylor went into exile in Nigeria in 2003 and was transferred to the Special Court in Sierra Leone after Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf requested extradition.  The United Nations voiced concern about holding the trial in West Africa, and the Netherlands agreed t... more
Fracture
A crack or feather inclusion on the surface of a gemstone, it can show up as a whitish area because light does not pass through it.... more
Fracture Filling
Fracture filling is a diamond enhancement process whereby a cavity in a diamond is filled with an artificial substance. Fracture filling is the process of improving the clarity of a diamond by injecting a molten glass like substance into a diamond to fill a crevice which is often the result of the elimination of an inclusion through laser drilling.  The process leaves tell tale traces like the flashes of purple seen in this photograph.... more
France to Introduce Jewlery Hallmark
04 Aug 2006 12:00
Jewelry exports from France will soon be identified with a hallmark in the shape of the European country.  The French mint, Monnaie de Paris, developed the symbol to guarantee French origins and demonstrate that the manufacturer adhered to legal and environmental regulations.  Created with small jewelry exporters that do not use a brand name in mind, the French government would like to increase the growth rate of jewelry exports once the new hallmark is in place.... more
Ganz Elected Chairman of Israel Diamond Institute
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Moti Ganz has been elected Chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI). President of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association (IsDMA) since 2004, he was elected to the IsDMA board in 1989 - the same year he received an outstanding exporter award - and was named Chairman of the Organization Committee.  He received a sight from the Diamond Trading Company in 1991.  In 2001 he became Deputy President of the IsDMA and in 2002 Chairman of the IDI Finance Committee.  Ganz replaces Simcha, w... more
GCAL Releases Digital Reports
06 Aug 2006 12:00
The Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL) is offering digital diamond grading reports with the release of GemFacts Digital Data.  The new GemFacts report, which comes on a mini-CD, contains the grading information found on GCAL reports and includes an on-screen educational feature.  The cursor can be moved over any of the key words on the document for a pop up window that explains terms.  The ability to do this will soon be reflected on GCAL's website for anyone entering their GCAl grading re... more
GIA Updates Brillianteering Notation on Cut Report
04 Aug 2006 12:00
The Gemological Institute of America will change the placement of “brillianteering” comments on its Diamond Grading Report and Diamond Dossier for round brilliant diamonds beginning on July 1, 2006.  Previously, when a diamond’s cut grade was influenced by “painting” or “digging out” the GIA placed a notation in the report’s comments section which read “Cut grade is based on the brillianteering of the half facets.”  Beginning July 1 a si... more
Girdle
08 Aug 2006 12:00
The girdle is the outer edge of a diamond which forms a band around the stone. The girdle can be faceted (32 facets), polished or unpolished. Sometimes laser inscriptions are done on the girdle.... more
Graduate Gemologist
A Graduate Gemologist is the designation given to a person who has successfully completed GIA's Graduate Diamonds diploma program and GIA's Graduate Colored Stones diploma program. The program gives people the grading and identification skills needed to become a professional appraiser, buyer, or retailer.... more
Grain Center
A small area of concentrated crystal structure distortion, usually associated with pinpoints.... more
Growth or Grain Lines
These can be considered internal flaws, and can often be seen only by rotating the diamond very slowly. They can appear and disappear almost instantaneously. They appear as small lines or planes within the diamond.... more
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
02 Aug 2006 12:00
If you're a New York diamond dealer, the hottest ticket in the city this October will be for a dinner to honor De Beers held during the World Diamond Congress, October 17-20, 2004. The company will be coming to America - for the first time since 1945. Legally. After admitting guilt in a price-fixing case brought by the US Justice Department in 1994 and paying a $10m fine, De Beers is now free to come and go in this country. And their first stop will be the Waldorf Astoria in New York City where representative... more
Hardness
A diamond's or mineral's resistance to scratching on a smooth surface. Mohs scale of relative hardness consists of 10 minerals, each scratching all those below it in scale and being scratched by all those above it.... more
Have Hearts & Arrows Diamonds Gone Square?
02 Aug 2006 12:00
Super ideal cuts are no longer just round. One of the hippest new cuts of the last decade has gone square. Thanks to the galloping popularity of the Princess Cut (a square), at least three major companies have introduced hearts and arrows square cuts—branded, respectively, as the "Dream Cut," "Regent Cut," and the "Hope." More are on the way. Here's why. Super ideal cuts possess what is called "optical symmetry." That means that these stones make perfectly matched... more
Hearts and Arrows
A general term when referring to diamonds with a precise and complete pattern of hearts and arrows achieved by perfect cutting proportions.... more
Hearts On Fire Diamond Campaign Divides NC Jewelers
05 Aug 2006 12:00
Two jewelers in North Carolina are throwing stones at each other over the perceived value of the Hearts On Fire diamond brand.   Hearts On Fire diamonds are distinguished by their very accurate cut. Hikamp Jewelers in Fayetteville began carrying Hearts On Fire last year. A competitor in the same city, Rhudy's jewelers, has purchased local ads posing the question "Why pay for a name when all you want is a diamond that won't set your Wallet On Fire?"   Rhudy's maintains they are not cr... more
Holloway Cut Advisor (HCA)
The Holloway Cut Adviser (patent pending) evaluates the visual appearance of a round diamond as a combination of four factors - Light Return, Fire, Scintillation and Spread.  The grading scale is: 0-2 Excellent, 2-4 Very Good, 4-6 Good, 6-8 Fair, and 8-10 Poor. Zero is almost impossible; many of the factors conflict. Most nice stones rate 1-2.  You must know Total Depth %, Table % and Crown and Pavilion angles which are on AGS reports. Rounded Crown and Pavilion %’s are given on some other report... more
Hollywood's Brady Kids say 'I Do'
Whiteflash.com custom designed one-of-a-kind wedding bands for the upcoming nuptials of Adrianne Curry, winner of America's Next Top Model, and Christopher Knight, of Brady Bunch fame. The two met on the set of VH1's Surreal Life last year and have been heading toward wedded bliss ever since.  Whiteflash.com, a diamond and jewelry e-boutique, was heralded by Kiplinger's Magazine as "Lord of the Online Rings." The company's world-renowned jewelry artisans handcrafted the famous couple's wedding band... more
HRD - Hoge Raad voor Diamant
An independent gemological grading laboratory in Antwerp. Known as a reliable and impartial Diamond certification location controlled by Belgian state authorities.... more
Hue
Pure, spectral (prismatic) color. Hues include gradations and mixtures of red, organdy, yellow, green, blue, violet and purple.... more
Ideal-Scope
The Ideal-scope has a hot red / pink reflector and a lens with which to see just how much of the red / pink light above the diamond is returned to your eye. It is a simple light return gauge; white areas in a diamond show that light can be transmitted from behind the diamond; this is called leakage - the enemy! The darkness of the lens mimics your head blocking out the light. The most brilliant diamonds look bright pink/red. A black star pattern shows the diamond is symmetrical. Most ideal cuts have small 'V' shape... more
Included Crystal
A mineral crystal contained in a diamond.... more
Insist on Correct Labels for Treated & Manmade Diamonds
02 Aug 2006 12:00
Some makers and sellers of treated natural and manmade diamonds don't want you to know the exact nature of what you're buying. So they use ambiguous or confusing terminology. For instance, one maker of synthetic diamonds call its stones "cultured." But the term "cultured" is specifically forbidden by the Federal Trade Commission for use with any gem but pearls. Previous attempts to market manmade gems as "cultured" were disallowed by the Commission. It is very important that gem ... more
Irradiated Diamond
A diamond that has been exposed to radiation.... more
Is EU Having Second Thoughts About DeBeers?
02 Aug 2006 12:00
In late September 2004, a Belgian court dealt the De Beers' diamond monopoly a severe blow to its future and riled its plans to concentrate control of rough into fewer and fewer hands. The case involved a suit brought by an Antwerp diamond cutting firm against DeBeers after it was cut from the company's list of customers, known as sightholders, in June 2003. The company, which had depended on DeBeers for 95% of its rough, was given six months to find alternate sources of supply before being dropped as a cl... more
Is Hallmarking the same as Stamping?
02 Aug 2006 12:00
It's commonly thought that hallmarking is a synonym for stamping, and that both are simply compulsory jewelry metals markings required by law. Hence when you see "14k" or "925 sterling" or "950 plat" stamped, engraved or in some way etched on a piece of jewelry, you feel entitled to assume this is an American hallmark for the metal. Sorry, it isn't. A hallmark is a special kind of mark given after rigorous testing by an independent third party trained and certified in metals testi... more
Is India the World's Most Powerful Cutting Center?
02 Aug 2006 12:00
If you look at any standard book on diamonds, it will tell you that 80% of the world's diamonds are industrial quality and only 20% gem quality. It's not true. And it hasn't been true for at least 30 years. Around 1970, De Beers, which then controlled 80% of the world's diamonds, decided to convert as much as possible of its huge industrial stockpile to jewelry stones. By doing so, the company stood to make windfall profits and also to prepare for the coming globalization of the diamond market. Keep in mind th... more
Japanese Akoya Pearls: Mikimoto’s Miracle
07 Aug 2006 12:00
No doubt you’ve heard of Mikimoto pearls, one of the world’s leading brands. They’re named after Kokichi Mikimoto (1857-1954) who is arguably the Henry Ford of pearls. It was he who in 1908 perfected (he is mistakenly credited with inventing) what is now known as pearl culturing. This method involves inserting a clamshell bead nucleus wrapped in mantle tissue from a donor oyster into the gonads of a host oyster. Next, the nucleated oyster is put in a basket or cage in a bay or lagoon wher... more
Jewelers Mutual Offers Identity Theft Services
06 Aug 2006 12:00
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company has partnered with Identify Theft 911 to provide a free identity theft service for commercial policyholders in the United States and Canada.  These policyholders must be owners, officers or principals of their jewelry businesses. The service, called Identity Theft Restoration Services, assists policyholders restore their identity and credit if they become victims of identity theft.  This service could reduce the recovery process from several weeks to several hour... more
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Finds Diamond Undercarating
02 Aug 2006 12:00
When a jeweler writes the total weight figure of a multi-stone piece of a diamond jewelry on a sales tag or receipt using decimal points (for example, 0.95 ct.), he better be on the money. The Federal Trade Commission says it is a deceptive trade practice for the actual weight to be off by any fraction of a point (100 points equals 1 carat). Say you buy a pave diamond ring with a stated total weight of 0.95 carats (95 points). If those diamonds actually weigh 0.94 cts. or less, the jeweler is violating FTC rule... more
Jewelry Researchers Expect A Green Christmas
01 Aug 2006 12:00
MVI Marketing, which is very quickly establishing itself as the Gallup Poll equivalent for the jewelry industry, has just published shopping survey results that indicate US consumers will be in a spending mood this Christmas. What's more, a significant portion of their disposable income is earmarked for jewelry. In nationwide phone interviews conducted with 2,713 consumers in early July, the group found the following: Nearly 30% are planning to give jewelry for Christmas, with another 37% pondering the idea. E... more
Knot
An included diamond crystal that reaches the surface of a polished diamond.... more
Kunzite: Delicate Delight
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Kunzite, a pink spodumene, is one of the world’s younger gems - first discovered in Connecticut in 1879, then promptly forgotten until its second find in California in 1901. This time, the gem caused an international stir. A year later, gemologist George F. Kunz, Tiffany’s (generally known for diamonds and diamond jewelry) chief gem buyer, hailed it as the best exemplar of pink in any North American gem. Is it any wonder that the gem, then still unnamed, ultimately became known as kunzite? As th... more
Laser Drill Hole
A laser drill hole is a tiny tube created in a diamond by laser drilling, which is often done to treat diamonds.... more
Laser Drilling
Laser drilling is a diamond enhancement technique whereby a laser is used to drill to an inclusion which is then bleached to enhance the diamond’s appearance.... more
Laser Identification
A microscopic inscription by a laser on a diamond for identification. Can be the diamond certificate number, a message, brand name and number or otherwise.... more
Length-to-width ratio
A comparison of how much longer a diamond is than it is wide. It is used to analyze the outline of fancy shape diamonds only; it is never applied to round diamonds. There's really no such thing as an 'ideal' ratio; it's simply a matter of personal aesthetic preferences. For example, while many people are told that a 2 to 1 ratio is best for a marquise cut diamond, most people actually tend to prefer a ratio of around 1.80 to 1 when they actually look at marquise diamonds. And though the standard accepted range... more
Liberia Remains Holdout from KP
02 Aug 2006 12:00
For decades, Monrovia, the capital of Liberia in western Africa, has been alleged to be a major transshipment center for smuggled diamonds. Exports of illicit diamonds soared when civil war broke out in 1989. In time, these diamonds which were used to finance arms buying by the brutal rebel regime of Charles Taylor, became known as "conflict diamonds." In 2001, the United Nations, imposed sanctions on Liberia, among which was a ban on rough diamond exports. The body promised to lift them when Liberia w... more
Lindsay Lohan Falls in Love
Star stuns in Whiteflash.com bangles from Life & Style magazine at her 20th birthday party.  Lindsay Lohan celebrated her 20th birthday in style, and her favorite gifts were stunning diamond and sapphire bangle bracelets created by Whiteflash.com.  Life & Style hosted a "roaring 20s" celebration with a 1920s-inspired theme and presented the celeb with the diamond bangles.  "I love them!" said Lindsay of her two new bangles, crafted in white gold and set with a combined f... more
Loupe
09 Aug 2006 12:00
A small magnifying glass usually set in an eyepiece and used chiefly by watchmakers and jewelers.  Power is usually 10X.... more
Lower Girdle Facet
The lower girdle facets are the 16 facets on the pavilion of a round brilliant diamond - just below the girdle.... more
Marquise Cut
Marquise cut Marquise cut is a type of diamond cut.  The elongated diamond shape has two pointed ends. The length of the marquise helps makes fingers appear long and slender.... more
Martin Rapaport on Economics
02 Aug 2006 12:00
JCK Convention, Las Vegas June 5, 2006     Martin Rapaport addressed an international audience on June 5, 2006 at the JCK convention in Las Vegas.  His main points were economics, distribution and ethical issues in the diamond and jewelry trade.  Here is our summary of his comments:   Economics   Over the last 5 years diamonds in sizes 3cts plus are up 28%.  The 1 ct range is up 10%.  Sizes less than 0.5 ct are up 1%.  The last 24 months echo this, with the... more
Melee
Small diamonds under .20 carat. Usually .10ct diamonds.... more
Metal Finishes: Gold Does More Than Glitter
02 Aug 2006 12:00
If you shop for jewelry in a typical jewelry store, you'd think there are only two standard finishes for gold: shiny or dull. In actuality, there are nearly a dozen that manufacturers regularly use. You owe it to yourself to investigate them all. Here's a list of popular gold finishes: Bark. Using an etching tool called a burr, the goldsmith makes wavy lines in the surface of the gold that resemble tree bark. Facet. Using a lathe, a goldsmith dots the surface with a honeycomb of dents that resemble t... more
Mixed Cut
This diamond cut has both step cut and brilliant cut facets. Mixed cuts combine the beauty of the emerald cut with the sparkle of brilliant cut diamonds.... more
Mohs Scale
The 10-point scale of mineral hardness. Diamonds score 10 on Mohs Scale. The diamond is the hardest of all known natural substances.   Moh’s Hardness Scale: 10     Diamond 9       Corundum 8       Topaz 7       Quartz 6       Orthoclase 5       Apatite 4       Fluorite 3... more
Moonstone: Liquid Blue Light
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Moonstone, a feldspar with uncanny light shimmerings, is the birthstone for June - an honor it shares with pearls. If asked to choose between the two, the vast majority of people select pearls. Maybe they should hesitate long enough to look at a moonstone before doing so. If the gem they are shown is of fine quality, they will see something truly lovely and unique: a deep blue stone, reminiscent of superb sapphire, with a milky blue sheen. This sheen is the result of a phenomenon called "chatoyancy,"... more
Morganite: In the Pink
07 Aug 2006 12:00
In 1900, banker J. P. Morgan donated a 16,000-piece gem and mineral collection to the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Can you guess the Morgan who was honored 11 years later with the gem name "morganite"? It’s the least the gem world could do for one of the greatest gem enthusiasts who ever lived. Actually, the financier had been in line for such a tribute when fabulous pink spodumene was discovered near San Diego, California, in 1901. Instead, the stone was named kunzite after ge... more
Nail Head
Nail head is the name given to a diamond with a deep pavilion that displays a dark center.... more
Natural
A "natural" is a blemish that can be found on some polished diamonds when some of the rough is left on the diamond. This is often done so the cutter can maximize weight in a diamond. A "natural" is simply part of the original "skin" of the diamond that was left on the diamond instead of being removed during the cutting and polishing process.  What is the "skin" of a diamond?  Essentially it is part of the original diamond rough which is the uncut crystal from which... more
Needle
A very fine, light, elongated inclusion that is usually totally enclosed within the diamond. Needle inclusions are generally more subdued than feather inclusions.... more
Nick
A notch near the diamond's girdle or facet edge.... more
Off Make
A poorly proportioned Diamond.... more
Old European Cut
Early round cut diamond similar to the Round Brilliant Cut, but carrying a very small table and heavy crown. Not as popular today because it does not return the same brilliance as the modern brilliant.... more
Oval Cut
Oval cut is a cut of diamond in an oval shape. Oval cut diamonds are very popular and range in shape from nearly round to very elongated.   ... more
Palladium: Jewelry's Best Kept Secret?
02 Aug 2006 12:00
Formed in March 2006, The Palladium Alliance International calls palladium “jewelry’s best kept secret.”  The organization hopes to promote palladium in order to revitalize the industry’s sales and profits in the face of rising gold and platinum prices.   Palladium is a platinum group metal (PGM) with similar fine properties to platinum.  During WWII platinum shortage caused a rise in the use of palladium.  The metal is now being tapped into again by the fine jewe... more
Pavé
From the French word for pavement - A style of diamond jewelry setting in which numerous small diamonds are mounted close together to create a glistening diamond crust that covers the whole piece of jewelry and obscures the metal under it.... more
Pavilion Main Facets
The Pavilion main facets are the eight facets found on the pavilion of a round brilliant diamond. Their points touch the girdle.... more
Pear Cut
This fancy-shaped brilliant-cut diamond has a rounded end and a single point and forms the shape of a pear or tear-drop.... more
Pearl Engagement Rings?
02 Aug 2006 12:00
Pearl Engagement Rings?    Pearl Diamond Ring   How quickly we forget. Once upon a not so recent time, pearls were apt to be as much a choice of an engagement stone as diamonds.   No, these were not Mikimoto cultured pearls.   These were natural pearls that came from a variety of places such as the Persian Gulf, Australia and Venezuela. Some of these betrothal pearls came from the rivers and streams of North America where in 1857 - a decade before the mammoth diamond finds in Sou... more
Peridot: Cleopatra’s Favorite Gem
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Cleopatra is as famous for her love of emeralds as was Princess Di for her love of sapphires. There’s just one little catch. Scholars now think a good many of the Egyptian queen’s emeralds might have been peridot. Peridot, a soda-bottle-green olivine, was mined for millennia on the island of Zabargad, 35 miles off Egypt’s coast in the Red Sea. Supposedly, it was more beautiful than the emerald which Egypt also produced—so beautiful, in fact, it is widely believed to have been used as the... more
Pinpoints
Miniscule spots internal to a Diamond. A cluster of pinpoints can form a cloud.... more
Points
A unit of measurement , one point is 1/100th of a carat. For example, a 1/4 carat diamond weighs 25 points.... more
Polish
Indicates the care taken by the cutter in shaping and faceting the rough stone into a finished and polished diamond.... more
Polish Lines
Tiny parallel lines left by polishing. Fine parallel ridges confined to a single facet, caused by crystal structure irregularities, or tiny parallel polished grooves produced by irregularities in the scape surface.... more
Polish Mark
Surface clouding caused by excessive heat (also called burn mark, or burned facet), or uneven polished surface resulting from structural irregularities.... more
Poor Cut
Cut refers to the angles and proportions a skilled craftsman creates in transforming a rough diamond into a finished diamond. A poorly cut diamond can be either cut too deep or too shallow. A deep or shallow cut diamond will lose or leak light through the side or bottom. This results in less brilliance and value.... more
Princess Cut
The princess-cut is considered more popular than the other square diamond shapes. A princess cut is a square cut diamond with pointed corners.... more
Princess with a Twist!
24 Aug 2006 12:00
Welcome X-Factor®, the newest Expert Selection diamond from Whiteflash.com:  A modern version of our traditional Princess cut diamond, this chic square has "clipped" corners, at the points which improve durability and increase visible size for carat weight.  Securely seated under your setting’s prongs, the clipped corners  protect often-vulnerable points.  Cut for reliable, blazing performance, X-Factor® is well-suited for dynamic, active people who love the appealing l... more
Product Overview
01 Aug 2006 12:00
What are Hearts & Arrows diamonds? In the 1980s Japanese cutters were the first to produce diamonds cut so exactly that facet reflections overlapped, creating kaleidoscopic patterns when seen through reflecting viewers. The techniques spread to other cutting houses and evolved. Hearts & Arrows diamonds reached the US in the mid 1990s. Top quality H&A diamonds are valued for their uniqueness and quality as the ultimate in cutting precision. They are sometimes called superideals (Hearts & Arrows Di... more
Proportions
The proportions of a diamond are very important, so that the maximum amount of light be reflected off and out of a stone. Proportion is the relationship between the angles of the facets of the crown and pavilion.... more
Purchasing
01 Aug 2006 12:00
What is included with my purchase?   When you purchase a diamond from Whiteflash the price is net and includes your diamond and the diamond certificate, a letter of verification from an independent graduate gemologist appraiser and one free FEDEX overnight shipping (inside the USA and Canada only).  You will also receive the Whiteflash ACA toolkit complimentary ($75 retail value) with the purchase of an Whiteflash ACA diamond only. The Whiteflash ACA toolkit comes in a carrying case and inc... more
Radiant Cut
A radiant cut diamond combines the generally square length-to-width ratios of an emerald-cut with the triangular faceting of a brilliant-cut. This fancy-shaped diamond has trimmed corners which make the diamond very versatile.... more
Rapaport on Distribution: JCK 2006
02 Aug 2006 12:00
JCK Convention, Las Vegas June 5, 2006   Martin Rapaport addressed an international audience on June 5, 2006 at the JCK convention in Las Vegas.  His main points were economics, distribution and ethical issues in the diamond and jewelry trade.  Here is our summary of his comments: Distribution - Adding value!   Pricing is unpredictable.  Rough prices are increased without relation to polished.  With high bank debts and high interest rates it’s hard to make money.... more
Rough Girdle
A grainy or pitted girdle surface, often with nicks.... more
Round Brilliant Diamond Facet Map
06 Aug 2006 12:00
The Evolution of the Round Brilliant Diamond ... more
Royal Asscher Cut
Royal Asscher cut diamonds are patented (2002) and are cut exclusively by the Asscher family in Amsterdam. The Asscher family insignia and a unique identification number is inscribed on each diamond. "Royal Asscher" is different from simple "Asscher" diamonds by having an additional 16 facets (74 as opposed to 58).... more
Ruby: The First King of Gems
Diamonds have not always been the king of gems. Until the 19th century, that honor belonged to ruby, the red member of the vast corundum family. No other gem was worth as much.   Want proof? Florentine goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini (1500-1571) wrote that rubies sold for eight times the price of diamonds - a ratio that held for centuries. And world traveler and trade Marco Polo wrote that when he visited Sri Lanka in 1290 he saw a 9-inch ruby "as thick as a man’s arm" for whi... more
Sapphire: The Best Blue
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Named after the Greek word "sapphirus", meaning blue, Sapphires have long been the favorite stone for priests and kings, who considered them symbolic of wisdom and purity. The sapphire was said to represent the purity of the soul. Before and during the Middle Ages, it was worn by priests as protection from impure thoughts and temptations of the flesh. Medieval kings of Europe valued these stones for rings and brooches, believing that it protected them from harm and envy. Warriors presented their young w... more
Saturation
A color's position on a neutral to vivid scale. The most desirable gemstones, which show very little gray or brown, are often described as having vivid or strong color saturation.... more
Scintillation
Scintillation is sparkle. The tiny flashes of light noticeable in a diamond when the observer moves his/her head. Scintillation may also be described as the flashes of brilliance and dispersion (reflected white light and colored flashes or fire) that are seen in a diamond when either the observer or the diamond is moving.  Thus scintillation may be witnessed when the observer moves his or her head or from across the room as a person walks by with their diamond ring.... more
Shallow Cut
Cut refers to the angles and proportions a skilled craftsman creates in transforming a rough diamond into a finished diamond. When a diamond is cut too shallow, it will lose or leak light through the side or bottom. This results in less brilliance and value.... more
Shape
There are eight common diamond shapes. They are round, marquise, pear, oval, heart, princess, radiant, emerald, and trillion. The round is the most popular diamond shape (the rest are called "fancy-shaped"). There are also other diamond shapes created and sold by manufacturers.... more
Shipping
01 Aug 2006 12:00
How much is shipping? Shipping is free within the United States. When will my package be shipped? A package is usually shipped the same day as payment is completed by credit card or by Bank Wire Transfer. However, if payment is made with a Cashier's Check the merchandise will be held until the check clears - usually a minimum of 2 days, at times up to 7 days.  What day can I expect delivery? All shipping is done Monday-Thursday for next day delivery (Tuesday-Friday pickup). In special circumstances Satu... more
Should World's Gem Labs Shun Synthetic Diamonds?
02 Aug 2006 12:00
A diamond grading report from a recognized gem lab is not just a pedigree but a passport. As more consumers have become aware of certificates, they have insisted on them as objective third-party opinions about the nature and quality of stones they are buying. Sale of stones is often dependent on these documents. No paper, no sale. Given the importance of certificates to the buying public, De Beers and the world's leading diamond trade organizations have tried to get major labs to refrain from issuing them for sy... more
Simulant
Also called: Imitation. Any diamond-like material, either natural or artificial, that is marketed as a “look-alike” for a natural diamond. i.e. Glass, zirconium, YAG, GGG, moissanite, etc.... more
Single Cut
A very small round diamond with only 16 or 17 facets, instead of the normal 57 or 58 facets of a full cut round brilliant diamond. Single cut diamonds are occasionally used for pavé jewelry and other jewelry that utilizes numerous small diamonds set closely together.... more
South Sea Pearls: The Cadillacs of Cultured Pearls
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Before World War II, six millimeters was considered a giant pearl size. Today, and for the last decade, that’s a dwarfish pearl size. Not only does Japan, the country most identified with pearl farming, routinely grow pearls up to 7-8 millimeters, but Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines routinely grow sized up to 12-14 millimeters, even larger. Why are these Pacific Rim pearl producers growing such humongous sizes? For starters, they use a larger oyster, the Pinctada maxima which grows to 30 centimet... more
Spinel: Living in Ruby’s Shadow
07 Aug 2006 12:00
When asked what was the greatest triumph of his career, Jahangar, Mughal ruler of India from 1605 to 1625, answered, the purchase of the 352-carat Timur ruby in 1612.  There’s just one small flaw in this accomplishment - the ruby was a spinel.   Thankfully for the jeweler who sold the potentate that ruby, the misidentification wasn’t discovered until centuries later when the stone had become a part of the crown jewels of England.  The Timur ruby isn't the only legendary... more
Spread Stone
A Diamond with a large table and a thin crown height.... more
Star Facet
One of the eight triangular facets found on the upper crown section (next to the table) of a brilliant-cut diamond.... more
Step Cut
Step cut The step cut diamond has rows of facets that resemble the steps of a staircase. The emerald cut diamond and the baguette diamond are examples of the step cut.... more
Stuller to Host Annual Fall Jewelers Workshop
06 Aug 2006 12:00
Stuller will host their 3rd annual Fall Jeweler's Workshop Oct 6-8 at Stuller's Global Headquarters in Lafayette Louisiana. The program will begin with a tour of Stuller's facilities and an address from CEO & Chairman Matthew Stuller.  Participants will enjoy a tool and equipment show, classroom sessions and workshops for bench jewelers, store owners, managers and sales associates.  Stuller's latest tools, programs and products will be highlighted. Stuller personnel, industry experts Kate Wolf, Ju... more
Surface Graining
Surface indication of structural irregularity. May resemble faint facet junction lines, or cause a grooved or wavy surface, and often cross facet junctions.... more
Symmetry
A diamond's symmetry is the arrangement of the facets and finished angles, created by the diamond cutter. Excellent symmetry of a well-cut and well-proportioned diamond can have a great effect on the diamond's brilliance and fire. Grading reports will often state the diamond's symmetry in terms Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair, or Poor.... more
Synthetic Gem Diamonds:Fear or Fact—or Both?
02 Aug 2006 12:00
There may soon come a day when your computer will have a sticker on it that says, "De Beers Inside," rather than "Intel Inside" - say, by 2010. As microchips run faster, they get hotter. Conventional silicon chips burn out and then up once temperatures reach a certain point. To reach much higher speeds, future microchips will need to be able to conduct heat in ways that today's silicon components can't. That's why diamonds have suddenly become the substance du jour in high-tech development l... more
Table
The largest facet which sits on top of a diamond. This is where most of the light enters and exits a diamond.... more
Table Spread
Term used to describe the width of the table facet, often expressed as a percentage of the total width of the stone.... more
Tanzanite: Modern Wonder
06 Aug 2006 12:00
Tanzanite was only discovered around 1965. Tiffany’s took an immediate interest in the newcomer, naming it, then marketing it worldwide in 1969. Yet the gem never caught on with public until the 1990s when oversupply brought prices to their lowest point ever—and made tanzanite an attractive alternative to sapphire. At its best, tanzanite resembles very fine sapphire. Indeed, the best of it has a deep, velvety violet-tinged blue that many mistake for Kashmir sapphire—the most coveted variety of... more
Tension Setting
A tension-set diamond is held in place by the pressure of the band’s metal, which is designed to “squeeze” the stone.... more
The 4 Cs - Carat
23 Aug 2006 12:00
What is carat? You have probably heard of the “Cs” used to describe diamond quality.  Carat Weight, Color and Clarity have been used on paper since the 1930s to judge diamonds.  In this tutorial we will present important information about the traditional 3 Cs, and critical information on CUT, the 4th C, that may change the way you look at diamonds. Carat Weight The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats.  This term comes from ancient times when gems were weighed against the carob ... more
The 4 Cs - Clarity
23 Aug 2006 12:00
Almost all diamonds have natural characteristics called inclusions.  Inclusions are formed during crystallization.  Some are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye.  The clarity grade indicates how clean or included a diamond is under extreme scrutiny.   Clarity Grading   F and IF mean the diamond is Flawless or Internally Flawless when examined by a trained professional under 10 power magnification.  Such diamonds are very rare and are costly. VVS1 and VVS2 stand for... more
The 4 Cs - Diamond Color
23 Aug 2006 12:00
Diamond color     Even though they are transparent, most diamonds contain some hint of color.  This is caused by the presence of nitrogen in the earth where they formed.   Diamond color grading is done on a scale of D to Z.             D is ‘icy-white.’ These diamond are the most colorless and most rare, so they are considered most valuable.  There are 23 descending grades, so the increasing hints of color are very slight.... more
The 4 Cs - Cut Analysis
Diamond Cut- The Most Important of the 4 C's   There are two approaches used to analyze diamond cut quality. Proportion assessment utilizes a 2 dimensional approach that takes the outer measurements of a diamond and predicts how it will handle light. Performance assessment measures the actual light output of the diamond and compares it to established standards.     The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades the cut of round diamonds only. The GIA system consists of 5 grade... more
The 4 Cs - Cut Information
23 Aug 2006 12:00
Cut is the most important aspect of diamond beauty.  It is the only factor controlled by man, but for many years it has been the least discussed.  Here you will learn what details have the most impact on a diamond’s beauty and more importantly, how to FIND this information.                 The Importance of Cut Grading Cut refers to more than just a diamond’s shape.  It refers to more than depth, table, polish and symmetry.  A... more
The 5th C - Confirmation
23 Aug 2006 12:00
Before internet sales existed, shoppers always viewed diamonds under blazing jewelry store lights. In many ways diamonds sold themselves. Grading reports to confirm pedigree were afterthoughts. On the internet, the opposite is true: The online shopper is offered confirmation of performance and pedigree before ever seeing the diamond live. It’s a complete reversal. At Whiteflash we provide enough proof and documentation for you to make a completely confident buying decision before you see the premium diamo... more
The Princess Cut Diamond
07 Aug 2006 12:00
The Princess Cut Diamond   The princess cut diamond was developed in the 1960s.  This square diamond makes use of the brilliant style of diamond cutting rather than traditional step-cut configurations of traditional squares such as the emerald.  The extra faceting causes the princess to have more natural diamond brilliance and scintillation.  The enhanced performance hides inclusions and makes color less noticeable.  It is, in effect, a square version of the round... more
The Radiant Cut Diamond
06 Aug 2006 12:00
Applications   The Radiant diamond was introduced in 1977.  It was designed to have the best qualities of both round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds.  The diamond's shape has the outer lines and cut corners of the emerald's crown while enjoying triangular faceting like the round on the pavilion.  This causes it to be an emerald shape with more pin flash sparkle than the traditional step-cut emerald.  It is identified on GIA reports as a ‘cut-cornered squar... more
The World's Awash in Chinese Pearls
02 Aug 2006 12:00
Even with harvests in China down respectively to 600 tons in 2003, the world is swimming in freshwater cultured pearls—and prices reflect it. Sure, this figure is much more down to earth than the production peak of 2,000 tons reached in the late 1990s. But, say dealers, it's like downgrading a hurricane from Type 5 to Type 2. It's still a vicious storm. Let's put the numbers in perspective. When Japan's pearl production crested in 1966, it was no more than 250 tons. And today output in Japan is one-tenth... more
Tolkowsky, Marcel
In 1919 Marcel Tolkowsky calculated the best theoretical compromise for the cut of a diamond to release the most beauty. The width of the table facet was found to be 53% of the total width of the stone, with a pavilion angle of 40 degrees and 45 degrees. The Tolkowsky cut provides the basis for the modern American cut.... more
Topaz: Rarity and Budget Bauble
06 Aug 2006 12:00
Until the 1970s, topaz was mostly known as a golden and reddish-orange gem. Since then, it has been known mostly as a blue gem.  Mixed in with diamonds and diamond jewellry, it compares with the diamond's rarity but is much more attractive compared with it's price. The shift in reputation stems from the introduction of an irradiated aquamarine look-alike that has become a jewelry industry staple. Indeed, irradiated blue topaz has at times been far more popular than its blue beryl counterpart. That’s u... more
Tourmaline Nature’s Crayon Box
06 Aug 2006 12:00
Unlike diamonds, tourmaline is a gem that for long periods of time was used for things other than adornment. Indeed, tourmaline endeared itself to scientists long before it did jewelers. Greek mineralogist Theophrastus was the first to make note of its electrical charge in 315 BC. From then on, this unique property was the subject of continual inquiry. In 1761, Benjamin Franklin published a paper on experiments that he had been requested to conduct on this gem. No doubt, he had heard that Europeans commonly used... more
Treated Diamond
Fancy color treatment: A diamond with a body color induced by some form of artificial irradiation, often in conjunction with controlled heating (known as annealing). Other possible treatments of diamonds are: coating, fracture filling, spot bleaching by laser, electromagnetic conduction, whitening by extreme pressure and heat, etc.... more
Trillion Cut
Trillion is a triangular cut of diamond.... more
Tsavorite: Green Glory
06 Aug 2006 12:00
When it was first discovered in East Africa in the late 1960s, tasvorite, a green grossular garnet, was hailed as the most significant new green gem since the first finds of demantoid garnet in Russia a century before. Indeed, some distinguished gemologists were so impressed by this new green glory that they said if it had been discovered before emerald, it would have been preferred to the beryl. That’s the highest praise possible. The name tsavorite was coined by Tiffany’s president Henry Platt arou... more
Twin Towers Creation Commemorates 9-11 Victims
05 Aug 2006 12:00
Designer Nayna Mehta used over 14,000 princess cut diamonds to create Twin Towers, commemorating the tragedy on September 11, 2001 in New York City.  The piece was displayed at the Jewelers of America (JA) New York Show at the Jacob Javits Convention center from July 30-Aug 2.  JA is celebrating their 100th anniversary.  The base of Twin Towers features a poem written by the designer in memory of the nearly 3000 lives lost:  Those innocent souls, we never forgot United us all in a single brea... more
Twinning Wisp
A cloudy area produced by crystal structure distortion, usually associated with twinning planes.... more
Upper Girdle Facet
An upper girdle facet is one of the 16 facets found on the lower crown portion of the diamond (abutting the girdle).... more
US Diamond Imports Up for First Half of 2004
02 Aug 2006 12:00
June was busting out all over for diamond imports. So was the first half of 2004. US polished imports rose an impressive 27% from $861million last June to $1.2 billion this year. Overall six month January-June figures were more modest and showed a 15.4% increase from $5.82 last year to $6.72 in the corresponding period this year. Granted, some of the rise can be attributed to price escalation caused by noticeable shortages of popular sizes, shapes and quality categories. But experts say the rise also represent... more
Visual Balance in Diamonds…LITERALLY
31 Aug 2006 12:00
Whiteflash out cuts the competition with its exclusive brand of true Hearts & Arrows diamonds All diamonds sparkle, but none like the Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® which is the leading H&A diamond sold exclusively on the Internet, and remains the only H&A diamond with a guarantee of true optical symmetry.   Available at the company’s e-store, www.whiteflash.com, Whiteflash  A CUT ABOVE® diamonds exhibit one-of-a-kind optical symmetry, whereby all... more
Well Cut
Well cut proportions ensure the maximum compromise between fire and brilliance. When light enters a properly cut diamond, it is reflected from facet to facet, and then back up through the top, exhibiting maximum brilliance, fire and sparkle.... more
WFDB and CRJP Reinforce Mutual Mission in Press Release
04 Aug 2006 12:00
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices  (CRJP)issued a joint press release on August 3 reinforcing their mutual missions to promote consumer confidence.  The release states "The CRJP acknowledges the efforts of the WFDB in developing the WFDB Mark, specifically as a compliance system for the use of members of WFDB-affiliated bourses, while the WFDB supports the efforts of the CRJP in the development of its system."  The W... more
What are Whiteflash ACA branded Hearts & Arrows diamonds?
23 Aug 2006 12:00
Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® is the leading H&A diamond sold exclusively on the Internet, and remains the only H&A diamond with a guarantee of true optical symmetry. This is a level of cut precision far beyond ideal. After meeting proven AGS ideal parameters Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® is taken much further. Each is faithfully brillianteered so that all 57 facets line up perfectly with their opposites. It requires significantly more time, rough material and personal attention than other cuts. I... more
What if I hate the diamond ring he bought me?
01 Aug 2006 12:00
He drops to a knee, opens the box and pops the question! It is a beautiful moment.  You hug him and tell him "yes, yes, of course yes!"  You are embracing and laughing and he places the ring on your finger.  Tears of joy stream from your eyes, so you can’t really tell that! You hate it. While trying to be sweet he selected a diamond or a setting (or both) that is opposite your taste in jewelry. You have tried to get around it but you are disappointed. Do you tell him?  Do... more
What if my diamond breaks while you are setting or working with it?
23 Aug 2006 12:00
Such accidents are extremely rare and you are covered financially by our insurance should any damage occur. As a gesture of goodwill we might offer replacement options or re-cutting services, at our discretion (these terms apply to in-house diamonds only).... more
What Is DeBeers' "Supplier Of Choice"
04 Aug 2006 12:00
The Fear Factor De Beers, the diamond monopoly that controls at least 60% of world supply, is running scared. In 1999, it discovered that consumer spending on diamond jewelry lagged significantly behind spending on other luxuries like vacations. There were several reasons: 1) diamond cutters and distributors lacked the marketing sophistication to create memorable branded cuts and lines of jewelry; 2) the diamond industry was reluctant to invest the large amounts of money needed to develop and promote ... more
What To Look For When Buying a Three-Stone Ring
02 Aug 2006 12:00
Buying a Three-Stone Ring De Beers' hit the jewelry jackpot when it introduced the three-stone ring in the late 1990s. The idea was the culmination of the company's half-century campaign to make the diamond the gem of choice for any and every special occasion - from engagements and weddings to anniversaries, birthdays and holidays. In the case of the diamond three-stone ring, the jewelry/diamonds were a symbol of lifelong commitment - one diamond each for the past, present and future of the relationshi... more
What You Should Know About Colored Gold
02 Aug 2006 12:00
Gold is the technicolor metal, available in six hues: yellow, white, pink (or rose), green, blue and gray. And it's been available in a variety of colors since at least the Third Millennium BC when Persian artisans used inlays of colored gold for contrast. So don't just think of gold as a yellow metal. Unlike platinum or silver, which tend to be used in very pure form, gold can be as little as 41.7% pure and still be legally marked and sold as gold in America. Here's why: Gold is a very soft metal and needs t... more
White Opal: The World’s Favorite Fire Power
07 Aug 2006 12:00
Every year millions of carats of white opal are imported into America, most of it from Australia but a lot of it from Brazil. As the October birthstone, it makes a popular choice for trinkets and keepsakes. Most of this opal is commercial quality, with white to slight gray base color against which can be seen pale pinpoints of spectrum color. This color play is called "fire" and, unfortunately, most opal has about as much fire power as a BB gun - or maybe we should say a cap pistol. But, hey, what ca... more
Whiteflash "Lord of the Online Rings"
04 Aug 2006 12:00
quot;Lord of the Online Rings"  Excerpts from Clicks & Stones -- by Sean O'Neill  Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, Feb. 2006  "Best E-Tailers" For custom work, Whiteflash.com is the lord of the online rings. Unlike many e-tailers, Whiteflash customizes nearly half its jewelry. Kevin Dolorico, a Web operations analyst in New York City, exchanged designs by e-mail with Whiteflash when he was shopping for an engagement ring last spring. Dolorico wanted a ring that combine... more
Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® and Expert Selection: What's the Difference?
06 Aug 2006 12:00
  Whiteflash Certified Diamond Categories   The top two Whiteflash in-house categories can accurately be described as “The Best” and “The Best of the Best” in terms of all–important cut quality.   A CUT ABOVE® Our A CUT ABOVE® brand is a globally recognized Super Ideal and consists of both round and princess cut diamonds.  Rounds are cut to a narrow subset of AGS Ideal specifications and feature perfect Hearts and Arrows patterning and Optical... more
Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Diamonds - Beyond Ideal
24 Aug 2006 12:00
Whiteflash A Cut Above – The Most Visually Balanced Diamond in the World™ Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Hearts & Arrows and Princess cut diamonds exceed the world’s highest standards for craftsmanship and performance.  They are held to a level of cut precision far beyond ideal.  Each Hearts & Arrows round is faithfully cut so that all 57 facets line up perfectly with their opposites for dazzling performance in all lighting conditions. The crisp, colorful... more
Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE®: About Visual Balance™
04 Aug 2006 12:00
quot;It’s All In The Hearts"   This has been Whiteflash's assertion since becoming involved in the Hearts & Arrows diamond movement in the 1990s.  Their strong convictions have resulted in his ascension to a position of foremost authority on this elite aspect of diamond cutting.   The hearts are the life of light performance in a Hearts and Arrows diamond.  The pavilion mains are the engines that drive all light return, and the lower girdle facets guide reflecting a... more
Why does diamond color start with D and not A?
06 Aug 2006 12:00
Actually, some older systems did start with A.  Like chicken eggs, there were even grade AA and AAA diamonds.    In the 1920s, before the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) introduced its D-Z system, color descriptions for diamonds had been developed for purposes of sales, not science.  Vague adjectives like canary yellow, white or blue-white were used.  Diamond dealers were using 1, 2, 3 or I, II, III as well as A, B, C in their grading scales, and no two scale... more
Women Are Considering Move to the Right
02 Aug 2006 12:00
Emboldened by the success of its three-stone ring campaign, De Beers launched a campaign to get women to buy right-hand diamond rings. After a slow start, the push to the right is gaining ground. The idea for a right-hand ring campaign makes perfect sense. De Beers reasons that the left hand is for all those special-occasion diamonds exchanged at weddings or given for anniversaries and holidays. That leaves the right hand free for self-indulgent purchases & gifts from the woman to herself. "Raise your... more
World Gold Council Unveils New Slogan
02 Aug 2006 12:00
First, nothing felt like real gold. Then nothing glowed like gold. Now gold has become "the one language everyone understands." That's the slogan for a new "Speak Gold" campaign announced by the World Gold Council, the equivalent of De Beers' Diamond Promotion Center. The group dropped its "Glow with Gold" slogan because it felt that it did not have the depth and resonance of De Beers' "Diamonds are forever" slogan launched in 1948. Whether the new catch-phrase will wor... more
YAG
Yttrium Aluminum Garnet. A modern simulant or imitation of a natural diamond.... more
2006 Platinum Jewlery Sales Rise
25 Sep 2006 12:00
According to Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) sales of platinum jewelry, especially in the bridal category, are expected to rise substantially in 2006. Consumer data and industry reports indicate this trend.  35% of PGI-USA’s participating jewelry retailers reported an average 14% increase in platinum jewelry sales in 2005.  Spot surveys of retailers and manufacturers show the rise continuing in 2006.  The Condé Nast Bridal Group's American Wedding Study shows that... more
Beware of phony Hearts and Arrows Diamonds
Many retail and e-tail stores claim to sell hearts and arrows diamonds. Some of them may well be, but many are not. Just because a diamond is cut to ideal proportions with an AGS0 does not mean that it will exhibit a crisp hearts and arrows pattern. In addition to being ideal, the diamond has to have super symmetry - where all the angles and facets have to be perfect.  A PERFECTLY CUT HEARTS AND ARROWS DIAMOND  Heart shape... more
Botswana Foreign Minister Praises Diamonds, Kimberly Process
    Lieutenant General Mompati S. Merafhe, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Botswana, addressed the United Nations General Assembly, describing the Kimberly Process as “one of the best examples of global cooperation.”     Botswana celebrates its 40th year of independence this year and enjoys the highest average economic growth rate in the world; averaging about 9% annually from 1966 to 1999.  Diamond mining is the foundation of this growth, which has been bolstered ... more
Bridal Guide: A guide to safe online shopping for diamonds
Excerpts from Bridal Guide July/Aug 06 edition "Dot Com Diamonds" - A guide to safe online shopping for diamonds.   Know the Seller. Do you research! "Most online sellers have an 'About Us' section," says John Pollard, director of consumer education for Whiteflash.com. "See how long they've been doing business and try to get a sense of their business model." Be sure the site offers contact information so that you can ask questions directly. Good Signs: The site's diamonds are... more
Bushmen Appeal to "Blood Diamond" Star DiCaprio
The San Bushmen of Botswana have written to ‘Blood Diamond’ movie star Leonardo DiCaprio, asking for his assistance in gaining rights to their ancestral land in the Kalahari Desert. Leonardo DiCaprio and Roy Sesana Roy Sesana of the Bushmen wrote:  "Please help us sir. We know you are a famous and respected man, and that if you speak up for us many people will listen. We just want to go home, and hunt and gather and live in peace like we have always done."  The letter to DiCaprio... more
Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring: A Step-By-Step Guide
Proposing is tough enough, but finding the perfect diamond engagement ring, set with the perfect diamond is even tougher. To eliminate the headache, here are step-by-step instructions from Whiteflash.com, an online diamond and jewelry boutique specializing in Hearts & Arrows diamonds and diamond engagement rings. Educate yourself. Start the diamond education process by learning about the four Cs. “Understand how diamonds are evaluated and categorized,” says Debi Wexler, founder of Whitefl... more
Canada Launches Program to Assist Retailers
  Canada is launching another marketing to help retailers promote sales of government certified diamonds from Canada.   'Rare in Nature' is an online service which will cover the Northwest Territories' diamond industry.  News, events, development and galleries of images are featured.  Retailers are provided with tips, display materials and background to assist them in selling Canadian diamonds.   The Northwest Territories partnered with Arslanian Cutting Works, Polar Diamond... more
Consumers Warned of Internet Diamond Pyramid Scheme
    The Australian Department of Consumer Protection issued warnings about a pyramid trading scheme involving diamonds being promoted on the internet.  The company, calling itself Canadian Diamond Traders (CDT) asks people to invest $100 and to recruit others to join.     The website shows how participants move to the top of the pyramid to acquire $3000 and a diamond.  The “10 steps of the trading program” involve terms like Miner, Cutter, Polisher and C... more
CRJP Releases Code of Practices
The Council for Responsible Jewelry Practices released a 16-page Code of Practices on Thursday, September 22, which outlines the ethical, social and environmental guidelines the CRJP will expect members to adhere to.   According to chief executive Michael Rae, implementation will include the use of independent third-party monitors to demonstrate that the practices of its members are responsible.  The CJRP expects its "Responsible Practices Framework" to be fully operational in e... more
DCLA Recognized by CIBJO as Registered Laboratory
  The World Jewelry Confederation (CIBJO) has recognized The Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA) as a CIBJO Registered Laboratory.  Established in 2001, the DCLA is the first grading laboratory in Australia to achieve this recognition.   CIBJO Registered Laboratories must abide by all CIBJO rules and must be independent of commercial or private enterprises or this recognition may be withdrawn by the CIBJO. ... more
DeBeers to Undergo Major Changes
London-based DeBeers is making radical changes in its approach to business, shifting its model from tightly centralized control to more site-based management.  Gareth Penny, managing director of DeBeers, says the company's entire business philosophy is changing.  "We are no longer trying to run one global system managed by a centrist organization. We are now looking at it from a country-by-country basis, for a system that will be appropriate to that particular country."  Penny... more
Diamonds set the Stage for Winter Weddings
12 Sep 2006 12:00
Whiteflash.com jewelry expert offers tips for planning diamond-themed nuptials Picture this…a historic mansion set in the snowy sparkle of a wintry landscape, 300 guests basking in the glow of candlelight and a bride whose glittering diamond is the stunning inspiration for the ceremony’s dramatic winter theme. With only 13 percent of weddings taking place during the winter, dazzle your guests with nuptials they’ll never forget. Your imagination’s the limit when planning a winter wedding... more
Diamonds.net article regarding Whiteflash & WCCCI
Online diamond retailer whiteflash.com along with the World Centers of Compassion for Children International (WCCCI) launched an initiative in Denver, Colorado, in which 100 percent of proceeds from conflict-free diamond pendant go to WCCCI. The $4,400 Dreams of Africa(TM) diamond pendant will only be available from whiteflash.com "Our Dreams of Africa are not for partial peace. They are for total peace," said Debi Wexler, CEO of whiteflash.com. Wexler along with WCCCI's founder Betty Williams are jo... more
Dowling Leaves DeBeers to join Meridian Gold
25 Sep 2006 12:00
DeBeers will lose their Executive Director of Mining and Exploration at the end of August as Edward Dowling join's Nevada-Based Meridian Gold's board of Directors and will be named designate to current CEO and President Brian Kennedy.  Dowling will move to Reno, Nevada from Johannesburg, South Africa, where he has resided for two years while working for De Beers. ... more
GIA Celebrates 75th Birthday In Style
25 Sep 2006 12:00
Jewelers, designers, scientists and tradespeople from around the globe gathered at the GIA World Headquarters and Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad CA on Sunday, August 27 as GIA celebrated its 75th Anniversary. GIA Photo  Singer Chris Isaak entertained the crowd of over 1000.  Attendees were able to take in rare gems from the GIA's museum exhibition and the evening featured a fireworks display to the delight of assembled partygoers. Carlsbad has served as the organization's headquarter... more
GIA Launches LabDirect Global Grading Services
25 Sep 2006 12:00
The Gemological Institute of America has launched a new network of take-in windows to be managed by consolidators around the globe. GIA's 'LabDirect' network will form an international diamond shipment consolidation system for GIA GTL and its clients.  In addition to GIA offices in Geneva, Hong Kong and Antwerp the Rapaport Group, Malca-Amit LLC, the Dubai Multi Commodities Center and the Association of Japan Gem Trust will collaborate with Brink's Global Services to provide worldwide access to GIA'... more
GIA Museum Exhibit "Celebrating Excellence" Through Nov 2006
27 Sep 2006 12:00
An exhibit called “Celebrating Excellence in Gems and Jewelry” is on display at the GIA Museum in Carlsbad CA now through November, 2006. “Celebrating Excellence” showcases some of the world’s finest and most unique gems and jewelry.  Highlights include a Kokoshink tiara on loan from Cartier, a fancy-colored diamond floral brooch by Bulgari, on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, a ruby and diamond necklace owned by famed soprano Maria Callas on loan fro... more
GIA Releases Colored Diamonds Book
25 Sep 2006 12:00
Gems & Gemology in Review: Colored Diamonds will be released at the Gemological Institute of America’s 4th International Symposium in San Diego, August 27-29.  More than 100 entries spanning 70 years of articles, notes and photographs originally published in the GIA’s quarterly journal Gems & Gemology will be included.  The history, characteristics and color grading of all manner of colored diamonds will be discussed and the book includes new text and commentary from diamond industry... more
GIA Symposium 2006 - A Great Success
14 Sep 2006 12:00
Congratulations to the Gemological Institute of America for the tremendous planning and effort that went into making their 4th International Gemological Symposium a success. “Navigating the Challenges Ahead” was the theme of the conference, which took place August 27-29 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel on the San Diego CA waterfront.  Over 1000 attendees, prominent guests, a host of trade icons and representatives of the industry’s most notable business and scientific orga... more
GIA Symposium 2006 - Changing Tides in Distribution
14 Sep 2006 12:00
On Tuesday morning of the Symposium Nacy Brewer, president of Nancy B & Co moderated a symposium panel consisting of Catherine Coquillard from QVC, Grag Fant from eBay, Beryl Raff of JC Penney and Ofer Azrielant of Jewelry.com. Discussion centered around new philosophies and observations now that manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and e-tailers are all able to reach customers via the internet. Catherine Coquillard told the audience that QVC, which reaches approximately 140 million homes worldwide, i... more
GIA Symposium 2006 - Closing Remarks
14 Sep 2006 12:00
'Tradition & Transition' Maurice Tempelsman, chairman of Lazare Kaplan International, gave the following remarks at  Gemological Institute of America Symposium 2006: "Thank you Helene Fortunoff for those kind words of introduction, and thank you Ralph Destino, Donna Baker and the GIA Board for the honor of being the closing keynote speaker at this pre-eminent gathering of jewelers, dealers and manufacturers from across the United States and indeed from across the globe, this gathering of the... more
GIA Symposium 2006 - Consumer Confidence: It's All About Trust
14 Sep 2006 12:00
One of the most heavily attended sessions at GIA's Symposium was the panel discussion on ‘Consumer Confidence: It’s All About Trust.” GIA delayed selecting topics until the last minute to be sure the most current issues were in play. Appropriately, Cecilia Gardner, president, CEO and general counsel for the Jeweler’s Vigilance Committee (JVC) was the moderator. The other panelists were John Calnon of the World Gold Council, Jeffrey Fisher of the World Diamond Council, Esther Fortu... more
GIA Symposium 2006 - Diamonds: Mapping the Future
14 Sep 2006 12:00
Several speakers at the GIA Symposium provided insight on the future of marketing and manufacturing, branding and the realities of the diamond marketplace.  Eli Haas of ENH International moderated the session.  Elliot Tannenbaum of Leo Schachter spoke on marketing and manufacturing and Glenn Rothman of Hearts On Fire spoke about the positives of branding.  Martin Irving and Lawrence Ma discussed the future impact Canada and China will potentially have on the industry and Martin Rapaport comment... more
GIA Symposium 2006 - Fancy Color Diamonds and Cut
14 Sep 2006 12:00
On August 26, Sergey Sivovolenko and Yuri Shelementiev presented "Fancy-Color Diamonds:  Better Color Appearance by Optimizing Cut" at the Gemological Institute of America's Gemological Research Conference just prior to the GIA 2006 Symposium in San Diego CA. Yuri Shelementiev Shelementiev was the primary speaker.  The presentation was based on the premise that for every particular rough diamond piece there are restricted choices of possible shapes that can be used to obtain th... more
GIA Symposium 2006 - Madeline Albright
14 Sep 2006 12:00
Photo by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders Former US Secretary of State Madeline Albright’s opening address at GIA's 2006 Symposium in San Diego last Saturday was titled “Opportunities and Danger, the World in 2006.”  It covered a range of topics from American foreign policy to the issue of conflict diamonds. Stating that diamonds are not responsible for what happened in Sierra Leone, Albright was fast to remind diamond Symposium attendees that companies must take social responsibility in the... more
GIA Symposium 2006 - Poster Sessions
14 Sep 2006 12:00
The GIA Symposium featured “Poster Sessions,” held on the Hyatt’s lower level.  Colored stones, treatments, analysis, geology, education, marketing, jewelry design and other topics had representation.  Poster presenters were on hand at specified times to discuss their displays.  Several examples follow:  Jason Quick of AGS laboratories was the host in a space featuring detailed analysis of components of the AGS performance-based diamond cut grading system. Jaso... more
GIA Symposium 2006 Honored with Diamond Mosaic
28 Sep 2006 12:00
Jorge Brusa used 5,460 melee diamonds totaling 77.5 carats to construct a diamond mosaic commemorating the Gemological Institute of America’s fourth International Gemological Symposium.  The piece was presented to Helene Fortunoff, GIA’s Chairman of the Board, at a VIP lunch on Aug. 28, during the Symposium.  It will become a part of the GIA Museum’s permanent collection.  Photo Courtesy of GIA   52.5 carats of natural yellow and colorless diamond... more
GIA to offer Bachelor of Business Administration Degree
28 Sep 2006 12:00
  The Gemological Institute of America will begin offering a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree on October 9.    Prerequisites include an Associate’s degree or equivalent from an accredited learning institution.  The BBA will focus on the business of fine jewelry and includes classes in Marketing Management, Human Resources, and Global Business Management.   The BBA program will be offered on the Carlsbad campus and online beginning October 9.  For m... more
GIA West Coast Career Fair - October 27
30 Sep 2006 12:00
  The Gemological Institute of America will put on its West Coast Career Fair on Oct. 27 at the Carlsbad, CA headquarters from 8:30AM – 3:00 PM.   Tiffany & Co., Movado, Whitehall Jewelers, Zale Corp., the American Gem Society Laboratories and GIA will be among many industry employers onsite to conduct interviews with prospective students, current professionals and interested job-seekers at all levels.   The East Coast Fair took place in New York City on July 28.   ... more
Diamond Grading Hearts & Arrows Diamonds
Hearts & Arrows Formation and Grading In April 2004 Whiteflash.com presented our diamond grading system for Hearts & Arrows optical symmetry at the First International Diamond Cut Conference in Moscow, Russia. It was hoped that laboratories and peers would unite to maintain higher standards for manufacture of diamond sold as "Hearts & Arrows." Though laboratories do not offer a grade for Hearts & Arrows, Whiteflash does, and safeguards buyers of the Whiteflash ACA brand wit... more
GSI Offers Online Grading Report Viewing and Tracking
25 Sep 2006 12:00
Gemological Science International has launched a Web site called “The GEM Experience” that allows industry professionals to view final grading reports as soon as they are printed, and provides the ability to track the status of their diamonds. This accessibility is designed to reduce the communication time between the lab and its clients.  Security is addressed with proprietary registration numbers issued by the lab exclusively to the diamond’s owner.  The tracking system is ba... more
How Hearts & Arrows Diamonds are formed
Hearts & Arrows Formation and Grading   In April 2004 Whiteflash.com presented his grading system for Hearts & Arrows optical symmetry at the First International Diamond Cut Conference in Moscow, Russia. It was hoped that laboratories and peers would unite to maintain higher standards for manufacture of diamond sold as "Hearts & Arrows." Though laboratories do not offer a grade for Hearts & Arrows, Whiteflash does, and safeguards buyers of the Whiteflash ACA bra... more
IGI Recognized by CIBJO as Registered Laboratory
27 Sep 2006 12:00
  The World Jewelry Confederation (CIBJO) has recognized the International Gemological Institute (IGI) as a CIBJO Registered Laboratory.  Established in 1975, the IGI has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Antwerp, Bangkok, Mumbai, Tokyo, Dubai and Hong Kong.   CIBJO Registered Laboratories must abide by all CIBJO rules and must be independent of commercial or private enterprises or this recognition may be withdrawn by the CIBJO. ... more
Illegal Diamond Sting in South Africa nets 10 Arrests
21 Sep 2006 12:00
Nine men and one woman have been arrested by Johannesburg, South Africa police following a three-year investigation into illegal diamond trading. Undercover investigators gathered information on the suspects, some of whom are "well known" in the diamond industry, according to Captain Cherelle Ehlers of the Johannesburg Police Force. Police took the diamond dealers, diamonds, cash and evidence of illegal transactions into custody in the cities of Kimberly, Cape Town and Port Nolloth.  They... more
India Works to establish Diamond Partnerships
25 Sep 2006 12:00
The Indian Department of Commerce has set off a series of initiatives with major diamond producing countries in recent months, focusing on Russia in particular.  According to published reports, members of the Indian Ministry have initiated discussions with officials in Azerbaijan, Canada, Ghana, Namibia, Russia, South Africa, Uzbekistan and Venezuela and intend to hold talks with envoys of Australia, Congo, and Angola. The Department's actions are in-line with planned strategies to make India the glo... more
Introduction to Hearts & Arrows Diamonds
13 Sep 2006 12:00
According to GIA study of over 60,000 diamonds less than 3% could satisfy ideal proportions. Only one per million diamonds can be called a true Hearts and Arrows diamond. Hearts & Arrows is the term used for superideal cut diamonds that exhibit a complete and precise Hearts & Arrows pattern. Hearts & Arrows diamonds have three distinguishing factors – perfection in polish, symmetry, and proportion. This effect is attained when all the facets are precisely aligned and the diamonds are cut and ... more
JCOC Reports Consumer Jewelry Sizing Problems
30 Sep 2006 12:00
  The Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC) has released a new study indicating that 18% of consumers have problems finding the correct fit for jewelry.  The report cites problems with available jewelry being either too big or too small.   24% reported ring sizing problems and 19% reported problems with bracelets.  An overwhelming majority of respondents disliked adjustable and sizable rings, but over half of all respondents voiced approval for sizable bracelets and necklaces. ... more
JIC Names 2006 Trade Press Editor of the Year
25 Sep 2006 12:00
Paul Holewa, managing editor of Instore magazine, has been named the 2006 Trade Press Editor of the Year by the Jewelry Information Center. The award was presented at JIC's third annual luncheon at Le Madeleine, Manhattan, on Aug. 1.  Dan Kisch, the magazine’s publisher, accepted the award in Holewa’s absence. JIC began giving the award in 2004 to acknowledge support received from industry press. Previous recipients are Hedda Schupak, editor-in-chief of JCK and Peggy Jo Donohue, former... more
Lazare Kaplan Rides Shotgun with NASCAR
30 Sep 2006 12:00
  Lazare Kaplan will appear on the hood and trunk of the 49 car in the Nextel-NASCAR racing series and in an online contest intended to drive potential customers to the LK website, http://www.lazarediamonds.com/.  Lazare Kaplan International has entered into this promotional partnership with NASCAR in an effort to target racing enthusiasts as future clients. ... more
Warranty
26 Sep 2006 12:00
Every piece of jewelry we produce meets our strict standards for quality control.  Though warranted, the normal examination period is an ideal time for you to become assured of the quality of the workmanship. If you need to return an item after your purchase is complete it will be fully inspected.  If it is found to be defective due to manufacturing we will cover the charges.  However, if work is required due to wear and tear or after the item has been worked on by an outside jeweler (ot... more
Mira Sorvino wears Whiteflash jewelry at Fashion Week
Mira Sorvino Actress Mira Sorvino, famous for her starring roles in “Human Trafficking,” “Mimic” and “Romy and Michelle’s High School Wedding,” hosted an exclusive Fashion Week party for fashion designer Jason Wu, which was co-hosted with Harper’s Bazaar magazine and Brizo. Mira, along with celebrities like Nicky Hilton and JC Chasez of N’Sync, gathered for a pre-party of 300 fashionistas and VIPs at Ramscale Studios in New York City to fete Jason Wu&rsquo... more
Neil Beaty earns ICGA Distinction from AGS
20 Sep 2006 12:00
Denver, CO, based appraiser Neil Beaty has become the 13th person to earn the ICGA title. Neil Beaty ICGA, or “Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser” is the highest accreditation an appraiser can earn from the American Gem Society.  The distinction is paramount.  Prerequisites include the GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma as well as every other title issued by AGS; RJ, CG and CGA. Earning the accolade is demanding and time-consuming.  It involves years of... more
Penchant for Pendants... DIAMOND Pendants
12 Sep 2006 12:00
From classic solitaires to diamond encrusted military “dog” tags/diamonds_info. diamond pendants are accessories in demand New and ever-so timeless diamond pendant designs are making a dramatic style statement. From military “dog” tags bejeweled with emeralds and pink gemstones to medallions cast in a combination of precious metals and Hearts & Arrows diamonds, pendants are the must-have accessory this season. While the popularity of diamond pendants has come and gone, designers pred... more
PGI Hosts Emmy Red Carpet Jewelry Preview
25 Sep 2006 12:00
Platinum Guild International-USA will host its Red Carpet Jewelry Preview August 24-26, coinciding with the Primetime Emmy Awards. PGI-USA’s Jewelry Preview will provide platinum jewelry from more than 30 designers in one location.  As stylists begin coordinating wardrobes for Emmy Awards Red Carpet the PGI event is a convenient way to select platinum diamond jewelry to enhance celebrities’ appearances. Jewelry being featured includes necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets, rings, watche... more
Rapaport Conference to Occur at JCK NYC
27 Sep 2006 12:00
The Rapaport International Diamond Conference (IDC) will take place on Monday, February 5 2007, in coordination with the JCK Invitational, scheduled for Feb 4-6 at the Hilton Hotel in New York City.  Rapaport Conference topics will include “Blood Diamonds,” “The impact of the Internet on Profits” and “Branding – Defining the Opportunity.” All profits from the IDC will be donated to the Jeweler’s For Children charity. The JCK Invitational is a winter j... more
Settings: Do Diamonds Fall Out?
26 Sep 2006 12:00
Yes and no.  One person might wear a ring for 100 years with no incidents but someone else could have a completely different experience with the same ring.  Solid rings and settings with large diamonds are less vulnerable than thin shafts and prongs or delicate craftsmanship with melee and pave.  What are the causes? When it does happen, there are 3 primary reasons that diamonds, particularly small diamonds, may fall out. 1.  The diamond wasn’t set properly. Among top manufacturer... more
Show Mom she's the best this Mother's Day
12 Sep 2006 12:00
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for your maternal loved ones. Moms, grandmas, moms-to-be and those who have “been like moms” deserve the very best. Flowers are lovely, candy is sweet – but diamonds last forever! Because all moms are different, be sure to select diamond jewelry that fits her lifestyle, tastes and needs. Is she classic or trendy? Elegant or on-the-go? “You don’t have to worry if she’s going to like your gift when you give your mom dia... more
Star Magazine: Hot Pendant
Talk about military chic!  Whiteflash.com's diamond dog tags are loaded with bling, featuring dazzling diamonds set on 18k-white gold. Blingy babes Missy Elliot and Ciara each own the pendant/diamonds_info.... more
The Blueprints of Custom Designed Jewelry on the Internet.
08 Sep 2006 12:00
As the Creative Art Director of Southern Bride, I wanted something unique and Whiteflash was AMAZING to work with! The craftsmanship on each ring ranks them as one of the top custom jewelers! Check out their one of a kind pieces. - Jeffrey Lundy of Southern Bride Magazine One of the most important decisions a couple makes about their relationship together is the ring. Women dream about it and men stress over it. When you are choosing the symbol of your love, couples want it to be perfect. She's spent nights loo... more
The Story of Colored Gemstones (AKA Birthstones)
12 Sep 2006 12:00
Worn for spiritual and obvious aesthetic qualities, birthstones remain the popular must-have accessory moving into Spring Magical powers. Healing properties. Status symbols. Dating back to biblical times, gemstones have long been valued for spiritual and aesthetic qualities alike. Judo-Christian tradition resulted in the release of the modern birthstone list by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912.  To this day, gemstones remain a popular, must-have accessory. From aquamarine, which repre... more
Visible Perfection - Hearts & Arrows Diamonds
Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Hearts & Arrows diamonds are cut so precisely that their facet reflections overlap at a microscopic level, creating a kaleidoscopic pattern of hearts seen in the pavilion and arrows seen in the crown of the diamond.  A reflective viewer provides concrete evidence of total optical symmetry, and superb cut. The pictures below display the actual representation of the top and bottom view of an Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® He... more
A CUT ABOVE® Princess Super Ideal Diamonds
17 Sep 2006 12:00
A CUT ABOVE® Princess Super Ideal Diamond     Joining the extraordinary A CUT ABOVE® Round Hearts and Arrows in the Whiteflash “Royal Family” is the A CUT ABOVE® Princess. It is the absolute “Best of the Best” in terms of cut quality and light performance, delivering unparalleled fire, brilliance and scintillation in a princess cut diamond.   To achieve the distinction of A CUT ABOVE® Princess, a diamond must first be certified by the American Ge... more
Whiteflash at the Emmys
Whiteflash.com, a premier online diamond e-tailer, made its own “star-studded” debut at this year’s “Red Carpet Platinum Jewelry Preview Suite” for the 58th Annual Emmy Awards. Sponsored by Platinum Guild International (PGI), the suite attracted top celebrities, such as Debra Messing, Jane Kaczmarek, Judy Reyes (Scrubs) and Angela Kinsey (The Office), as well as stylists and agents who viewed jewelry from Whiteflash and other platinum jewelry brands for red carpet appearances. Madi... more
Whiteflash Conflict-Free Guarantee
25 Sep 2006 12:00
Whiteflash Conflict-Free Guarantee All diamonds at Whiteflash are certified conflict-free, secured through legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions, in accordance with the Kimberly Process and the USA Patriot Act. There is more you should know We are deeply concerned with exploitation in areas where natural resources are rich and people are poor. This is a first-order problem in the world we all share. At Whiteflash we are proactive; taking initiativ... more
Whiteflash Diamond Rating
19 Sep 2006 12:00
Whiteflash Ratings indicate quality/value based on available measurements, polish & symmetry grades and performance data balanced with the price of the diamond. Our team has over a combined century of diamond cutting, lab grading, appraisal and professional education experience. All in-house diamonds have been analyzed firsthand. Outside diamonds available to us are rated based on available information (we cannot guarantee details of outside diamonds).... more
Whiteflash Dreams Of Africa®
The African continent is earth's most vivid mosaic of cultural and natural beauty.  But for all her richness and life, this beautiful portrait is stained where unrest brings hunger and suffering to her children.  The diamond industry works to ensure legitimate, conflict-free sourcing.  In many countries diamonds fund infrastructure and education.  Yet despite our best efforts, hot spots of conflict and illicit trade remain.  As industry entrepreneurs we can decide to do something, or do not... more
Whiteflash Dreams Of Africa® in the Emmy Suite
Debi Wexler and Geena Davis   Whiteflash CEO Debi Wexler was on hand to discuss diamonds that go "beyond conflict-free" with Hollywood's elite in the "Iced Out" Emmy Suite prior to the 58th annual Emmy Awards.   Jamie Presley wearing Dreams of Africa®   Geena Davis, Larry King, Debra Messing and Corey Feldman were among celebrities interested in the Whiteflash promotion, which centers on the sale of certified conflict-free diamonds while donating prof... more
Whiteflash Dreams Of Africa® to Honor New Charity Partner
On Friday, September 15, twelve Nobel Peace Prize winners gathered in Denver, Colorado to voice their desire for the building of education and peace in impoverished and war-torn areas of the world.  This was the largest-ever gathering of Nobel Laureates on US soil. Luminaries such as the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu attended to speak out against global conflicts and increased military spending at the expense of human health and welfare, especially children’s rights.   Debi Wexler,... more
Whiteflash Terms and Conditions
20 Sep 2006 12:00
Welcome to the Whiteflash.com website. Whiteflash.com provides its services to you subject to the following terms, conditions, and provisions ("Terms and Conditions"). By accessing, viewing, or using this site, you indicate that you understand and intend these Terms and Conditions to be the legal equivalent of a signed, written contract, and you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Whiteflash.com reserves the right to change these Terms and Conditions at any time for any reason, and... more
Whiteflash throws PRE-VMA BASH with Missy Elliott and Ciara
To celebrate their multiple award nominations for the 2006 MTV VMA Awards this year, Missy Elliott and Ciara partnered with Whiteflash.com, a premier online diamond e-tailer, to host a pre-VMA party on August 29, 2006. Stylish New York tastemakers and celebrities like Missy Elliott, Ciara, Chamillionaire, Topher Grace, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Charlotte Ronson and DJ AM partied the night away to the tunes of DJ Sky Nellor at the luxuriously styled Cipriani’s 23rd Street for this exclusive star-studded event.... more
Whiteflash.com named “Winner Of Distinction”
12 Sep 2006 12:00
Whiteflash.com, an online diamond and jewelry boutique headquartered in Houston, was recently named a 2006 “Winner of Distinction” by the Houston Better Business Bureau Education Foundation. The ceremony, held at the InterContinental Hotel, downtown Houston, recognized businesses and non-profits in the Greater Houston area for their achievements and commitment to overall excellence and quality in the workplace.  “We’re in good company,” says Founder and CEO Debi Wexler about the... more
Whiteflash.com on Buying Diamonds Online
16 Sep 2006 12:00
The age of Internet shopping has caused demand for ways to guarantee a diamond’s beauty before the buyer ever sees it live.  This is why internet shoppers often know all about cut proportions, superideal diamonds like Whiteflash ACA, cut grading by GIA and AGS and light performance evaluation while non-internet shoppers know non of these things.   An important difference between buying diamonds live and buying diamonds online is with Whiteflash, where you see a high pedigree from a maj... more
'Blood Diamond' Movie Trailer Released
  A trailer for the forthcoming movie ‘Blood Diamond,’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio, has been released.  The trailer shows violent fighting, helicopters, jeeps, explosions and a young child aiming a gun at DiCaprio.  Set to somber music, a voice-over intones “…all who touch it are left with blood on their hands.”   Though no historical context is given, the movie depicts events that took place during the 1990s civil war in Sierra Leone.  The diamond... more
5.47 Carat Diamond Found at Crater Of Diamonds State Park
23 Oct 2006 12:00
A 5.47 carat diamond was found at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro on October 14.  According to Tom Stolarz, park superintendent, it is a bright yellow canary diamond with no visible flaws.   AP Photo Bob Wehle of Wisconsin found the diamond and will take it home as a souvenir.  Crater of Diamonds is the world’s only publicly operated diamond site where visitors are allowed to keep any gems they find. This is the second largest diamond found this year.  The l... more
603 Carat Rough Diamond Sells for $12.36 Million
09 Oct 2006 12:00
The 603 carat "Lesotho Promise," a rough diamond uncovered at the Letseng Mine in the small country of Lesotho sold for $12.36 million to Graff Jewels at auction in Antwerp today.  According to the BBC, bidding for the diamond began October 4 and continued until the last moment.  Lesotho Promise is the 15th largest rough diamond discovered to date.  Greff Jewels is based in London, with a dozen locations worldwide.   Reuters Photo ... more
603 Carat Rough Diamond Uncovered in Africa
04 Oct 2006 12:00
The largest diamond unearthed in 13 years was found on August 22 at the Letseng Diamond Mine in Lesotho, a small kingdom completely surrounded by the nation of South Africa. Named “Lesotho Promise,” the diamond will go on sale today in Antwerp.  A small group of the world’s top diamond cutters will be allowed several hours to examine the diamond before submitting bids.  Described as “a third bigger than a golf ball,” a valuation cannot be determined until it is kno... more
Analyzing Diamonds Online
09 Oct 2006 12:00
Analyzing Diamonds Online       Why do you use GIA and AGS labs for grading? The Gemological Institute of America and the American Gemological Society were both founded by Robert Shipley in the 1930s. GIA’s Gem Trade Laboratory has been grading diamonds since 1939. These organizations are acknowledged as the most reputable diamond grading laboratories in the world. An official GIA or AGS document increases the value of a diamond. As of 2006 both of these labs are assigning cut grades for r... more
Andre Agassi Donates Harry Winston Watch to Charity
02 Oct 2006 12:00
  Harry Winston jewelers honored tennis star Andre Agassi by creating a one-of-a-kind watch, called “The Agassi Aesthetic.”  According to press releases the watch is “both sporty and sophisticated.”  Agassi played his final match at the US Open earlier this month after a legendary 20 year career.    Agassi has donated the watch to the 11th Annual Grand Slam for Children, a charity auction set for Oct. 7 in Las Vegas.  Proceeds will be used to benef... more
Blood Diamond Movie Enjoys Diamond Industry Publicity
    According to the Los Angeles times the diamond industry is boosting awareness of the forthcoming Leonardo DiCaprio film, “Blood Diamond,” scheduled for release in theaters December 15.      DiCaprio’s publicist claims that awareness created by DeBeers and the diamond industry in general is helping the film more than Warner Brothers could do with advertising.   Warner has not yet publicized the film, although the international trailer has ... more
Boyajian Honored by 24 Karat Club
Bill Boyajian   Bill Boyajian, the longtime President of the Gemological Institute of America, will be honored by the 24 Karat Club of Southern California on October 28, at the club’s 62nd Annual Fall Dinner Dance in Beverly Hills.   Boyajian is now the Managing Director of the World Jewelry Center which is under construction in Las Vegas, NV.  Planned as a global jewelry shopping and business destination, it is scheduled to open within four years.   Also honored at th... more
Clarity: The Whiteflash Definition of Eye-Clean
With internet purchases, the most common clarity question:  'Is it eye clean?'  There are no industry definitions, so each person or institution must set his/her own and communicate the definition accordingly.  Our definition of eye-clean is:   'No inclusions visible face-up at a distance of 8-10 inches in natural lighting to a person with 20/20 vision.'   Why?   We believe lighting, vision and distance are critical elements when arriving at a working definition.... more
Color Differences in Diamonds
  The differences between descending nuances of color in diamonds are subtle and can be influenced by things like fluorescence and the quality of the diamond’s cut - especially in rounds.  A well-cut near-colorless (GHIJ) round can have a face-up appearance as good or better than colorless (DEF) rounds of average cut.  With well-cut rounds the face-up differences between near-colorless diamonds (GHIJ) are particularly subtle.  Descending colors in fancy shapes are not as influe... more
Color: What is Color Enhancement?
Warning:  Coatings   Coatings are not permanent and are typically done to deceive the buyer. The diamond may be coated with a substance to mask yellowish tint or have an area of dark ink painted strategically under the setting to counteract the yellowish color. Some coatings may be applied with heat but will eventually rub off with normal wear and cleaning. Color Enhancement The most well-known color enhancements are HPHT and Irradiation. Although color enhanced diamonds may ... more
Custom Rings
Custom Rings “Whiteflash is Lord of the Online Rings” – Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine Whiteflash custom wedding rings have received critical acclaim for distinctive beauty and finest make.  Our metalsmiths and jewelers bring thousands of client-inspired pieces to life with skill and elegance.  No one offers better quality or value than Whiteflash. Your custom ring design beings with a vision, shared with a drawing or photograph and communication about details.  O... more
Diamond Rings
Diamond Rings A great deal of emotion goes into purchasing diamond rings.   We are perfectionists in our work and Whiteflash comprises a collection of diamond rings meticulously selected in the spirit of commitment and beauty.   These styles reflect our philosophy that diamond rings are meant to be "cherished and adored from generation to generation as timeless pieces of art."   You have the option of choosing to begin your ring buying experience by picking out a diamond ring setti... more
Diamond-Studded Mercedes Worth $4.8 Million
31 Oct 2006 12:00
  This diamond-studded, mink-furnished Mercedes SL600, worth $4.8 million, was unveiled at a Dubai auto show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mercedes Benz SL550 in 2007.     The car is the property of Saudi Prince (Amir) al Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul-Aziz, one of the top 10 richest people in the world according to Forbes.  Prince Waleed has 50 cars in his collection.  The diamond-studded Mercedes is his 38th. ... more
Ellen Barkin’s “Breakup” Jewelry Nets $20.3 Million at Auction
31 Oct 2006 12:00
Ellen Barkin’s Jewelry Actress Ellen Barkin put 103 pieces of jewelry accumulated during her five-year marriage on the auction block at Christie’s this month and netted $20.3 million.      Ellen Barkin Barkin and billionaire Ron Perelman married in 2000.  Their split in January of 2006 was not amicable, with Perelman posting guards to prevent Barkin and her family from entering his property again.   Included in the auction was her wedding ring, a wide band set with fo... more
Fabrikant & Salant to become Salant Group Ltd
31 Oct 2006 12:00
In 1986 M. Fabrikant & Sons partnered with Salant of Israel to become the Fabrikant & Salant Group.  The Salant family has announced its full acquisition of the partnership now and the company name will change to Salant Group Ltd. These two companies have a rich history in the industry.  The Salant family has existed since 1948, operating in the Israeli Diamond Exchange.  M. Fabrikant & Sons operated out of New York beginning in 1895 as a small wholesaler in the Bowery and expa... more
Famous Golden Nugget Collection to be Sold at Auction
16 Oct 2006 12:00
The famous “Golden Nugget Collection,” which has been on display for almost three decades at the landmark Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV, will be offered at auction on December 3 in Los Angeles CA. The collection, also known as the gold nuggets of businessman Arthur J. Sexauer, includes 32 pieces selected for their beauty and folklore in his home of Fairbanks, Alaska.  Gold nuggets are valued as gemstones rather than gold due to their rarity.... more
GIA to Begin Grading Synthetic Diamonds in 2007
16 Oct 2006 12:00
The Gemological Institute of America’s Laboratory will start accepting synthetic diamonds for grading after January 1, 2007.   Acting GIA president Donna Baker commented, “The  final synthetic diamond grading report  has now been accepted by stakeholders on  all sides of this  issue,  and is  totally consistent  with GIA’s high standards of science, public service, education and professionalism.”   According to GIA more details will... more
GIA to House Bronze Bust of Edward J. Gübelin
20 Oct 2006 12:00
The late Dr. Edward J. Gübelin has been immortalized in a bronze bust donated to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) by Rober E. Kane, president and CEO of Fine Gems International in Helena, Montana. Photo by Robert Weldon, GIA One of the world’s most honored and accomplished gemologists, Dr. Gübelin was born in 1913 and passed away in 2005.  During his 65-year career he revolutionized gemology. Best known for his pioneering work on gemstone inclusions, he wrote extensively o... more
GIA Updates Reporting of Laser Manufacturing Remnants
07 Oct 2006 12:00
The use of lasers in the diamond manufacturing process has become increasingly common.  During the process unintentional marks can be left on a finished diamond.  These marks are different in nature than deliberate laser “treatments,” used to alter a diamond’s clarity grade or appearance. GIA will update its method of reporting to differentiate between deliberate treatments and unintentional characteristics of the manufacturing process, called “remnants.&rdquo... more
GSI Opens Lab in India
11 Oct 2006 12:00
  Gemological Science International, (GSI) New York, has opened an office in the Opera House area of Mumbai, India.  The lab is located in the Platinum Arcade, Ground Floor, 96/93, J.S.S. Road, Opera House, Mumbai 400004.   GSI markets its grading services mainly to large manufacturers, major jewelry chains, department stores, and online jewelers. It is headquartered at 581 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10017.  According to President/CEO Mark Gershburg, GSI can print grad... more
History of Wedding Rings & Diamond Engagement Rings
04 Oct 2006 12:00
History of Wedding Rings In 1477 the Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring.  He married her the following day.  Little did he know his diamond ring tradition would be wildly popular around the globe centuries later. Maximilian’s gesture may be the first recorded diamond given for betrothal, but the exchange of wedding rings dates back much further.  The ancient Romans gave each other iron bands to signify marriage.  Iron changed to gold in the seco... more
How To Determine Her Ring Size?
  Here is a list of strategies we hope will be useful:   Idea 1: If she has a ring that she wears on the correct finger and leaves it off, even for a moment  1. If you can bring one of her rings to the jeweler without arousing suspicion, this will probably be the safest course of action. Offer to take her jewelry to be cleaned and have the jeweler measure her ring at the same time. 2. Put it on your own finger.  Push is down as far as it will go and mark the spot with a pen.... more
How to use a Jewelry Loupe
09 Oct 2006 12:00
Jewelry loupes are small magnifiers that allow you to see diamonds just like a professional jeweler. These loupes come in various magnification levels, but the 10X loupe (which magnifies the object ten times) is the one used by diamond experts for official diamond grading. More powerful loupes may intrigue you with the possibility of discovering every possible detail, but such tiny characteristics would rarely (if ever) be visible to the naked eye. Triplet loupes contain three lenses and are often consid... more
Ideal Cut Diamonds
22 Oct 2006 12:00
Ideal Cut Diamonds - The Culture of Quality The ideal diamond cut is the most important and perhaps the most misunderstood and controversial of the 4Cs. Diamond dealers refer to cut as make, and it is the only feature of a diamond that can be controlled by man. The craftsmen at Whiteflash ensure that every Whiteflash A Cut Above Hearts & Arrows diamond attains the height of beauty and workmanship and therefore sells only perfectly cut round brilliant diamonds. Precision cutting is required t... more
Insuring Your Jewelry
09 Oct 2006 12:00
Your jewelry is generally covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. It is important for you to look into the coverage policies provided by your insurers because limits are often placed on the amount of coverage that the policy will allow. For example, many insurance policies only cover up to $1000 worth of stolen jewels, but your collection may be worth much more. Theft is also, generally, the only misfortune that is eligible for reimbursement. Coverage for lost or damaged jewe... more
JA Survey Shows Jewelry Sales Dropped in 2005
20 Oct 2006 12:00
    Jewelers of America (JA), a national organization for retail jewelers, has released their 2006 Cost of Doing Business Survey, which analyzes member stores’ financial data from 2005.   According to JA the growth of sales in this country took a drop in 2005 to 3.9 percent.  This is down from 6.1 percent in 2004.  The survey analyzed data from independent high-end retailers (27.8 percent), independent mid-range stores (56.9 percent), chain stores (6.4 percent) and designe... more
JCOC Reports Consumer Awareness on 'Hot Topics'
09 Oct 2006 12:00
  Only 29 percent of consumers have heard of “blood” or “conflict” diamonds, according to a survey done by the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC).  7223 United States and Canadian panelists participated in the survey, conducted in real-time last month during GIA’s 4th International Gemological Symposium, held August 26-29 in San Diego.     A majority of respondents believe the conflict diamond issue holds significant consequences for the jewelry ind... more
JIC Announces Fifth Annual Gem Award Recipients
31 Oct 2006 12:00
The Jewelry Information Center will award Jack Heuer of Tag Heuer with the fifth annual JIC Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.  The Award for Enduring Achievement will go to Kwiat, celebrating its 100th anniversary and the Robb Report’s Jill Newman will receive the Excellence in Journalism Award.  All recipients will be honored on Friday, January 12, 2007 at a gala awards dinner at Cipriani in New York City.  Over 600 guests are expected to attend.  The JIC Gem Award recipient... more
Kassoy names Slawistky President
20 Oct 2006 12:00
  Kassoy, LLC, has named Joanne Slawitsky their new president.  Formerly VP of Sales and Marketing, Slawitsky has been with the company for 11 years.  Based in Hicksville NY, Kassoy supplies the jewelry industry with tools, supplies and labal and bar code solutions.   Peter Gollon, the former president, is moving aside after more than 20 years with the company to pursue other projects.  He will continue with Kassoy as a consultant.   ... more
Platinum Discovered in Sierra Leone
04 Oct 2006 12:00
Platinum has been discovered in the western part of Sierra Leone.  According to Mohamed Swarray Deen, that country’s minister, the government has sent security and personnel and geological teams to that area to prevent illegal mining.  Coltan, a mineral used in producing electronic components and most notable for use in cellular telephones, was also discovered.  Sierra Leone is renowned for naturally occurring diamonds and deposits of gold, bauxite, iron ore and chromite. ... more
Selecting an Engagement Ring or Anniversary Ring
09 Oct 2006 12:00
Buying your girlfriend an engagement ring or wife a 3-stone anniversary ring may already seem like second nature to you, but an engagement or anniversary ring should be given careful consideration. Here are a few clues to help you get started.   Take mental notes of the rings she already owns. This is an excellent way to find out which styles and colors she likes without tipping her off to your secret plans. Does she normally wear gold or platinum bands? Would you consider her diamond rings and... more
Should my Prongs and Arrows Line Up?
16 Oct 2006 12:00
  You might receive a strange look if you ask this question to a retail jeweler.  The premium optical symmetry of our diamonds, coupled with the highly magnified photos we provide has sparked interest in this detail from some clients.  We understand the question.  Just be aware that in the 'real world,' common optical symmetry is more chaotic and diamonds are not usually seen at 40 power magnification.   For professional jewelry setters, typical priorities are durability factor... more
Smithsonian Gem Curator to speak at JM in Wisconsin
30 Oct 2006 12:00
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company will host free presentations by Jeffrey Post at 4:30 and 7:30 PM on November 1 at their office in Neenah, Wisconsin.  Post has worked at the Smithsonian for over 20 years and has been curator of the National Gem and Mineral Collections since 1991.  Over six million visitors per year visit these collections, which include items of natural and historical significance such as the Hope Diamond and Marie Antoinette’s earrings.  Mr. Post has authored many... more
Steven Kretchmer’s Work Lives On Past His Death
02 Oct 2006 12:00
On July 8 renowned jewelry designer Steven Kretchmer was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a car.  Overcoming this recent tragedy, the Steven Kretchmer design studio has released a new addition to its Inner Secrets collection called Spherule Halos.   Spherule Halos fit between the Inner Secrets bands which are crafted from Polarium, a magnetic platinum alloy of Kretchmer’s creation.  The halos come in several alloys and can be set with different gemstones.   Kretchmer... more
Swiss Watch-making Society launches Extensive Internet Site
13 Oct 2006 12:00
Switzerland’s Society for Fine Watch-making (Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie) has unveiled a new website, www.hautehorlogerie.org. The site covers over 700 years of watch-making history and is supported by thousands of pages in English and French, images, technical terms and descriptions, video documentaries, articles and commentary from experts. Billed as the "most extensive knowledge base" for fine watch-making on the internet, the content was designed for anyone wanting i... more
WDC Calls For Differentiation between Synthetic and Natural Diamonds
26 Oct 2006 12:00
Ernest Blom, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, believes the diamond industry must develop uniformity in the way synthetic diamonds are differentiated from natural diamonds.  Blom said in an October statement: “While synthetic diamonds are a legitimate product with its own market niche to fill, they must always be identified as synthetic diamonds, and when they are graded the documentation and terminology should be recognizable at a glance as referring to synthetics.&rdquo... more
What Hearts & Arrows Patterning Does for a Diamond
All ideal cut round diamonds will have robust light return.  The benefit of Hearts and Arrows patterning reveals itself in differing lighting conditions and surroundings, particularly in softer conditions. Bright, direct light makes any diamond perform well, particularly the spotlighting you see in common jewelry stores.  These overhead spotlights are designed to maximize brilliance and fire in order to sell any diamond.  The balance of what you see does depe... more
What is an AGS 000 or 'Triple Zero?'
AGS 0, AGS 000 and AGS Triple Zero - Ideal Cut Diamonds   The American Gem Society Laboratory (AGSL) uses a 0-10 grading scale with 0 being the best (ideal). This scale applies to color and clarity grades as well as cutting factors.   Traditionally AGS Triple Zero diamonds were diamonds receiving grades of zero in cut, zero in color, and zero in clarity on a Diamond Quality Document.   - Cut Grade: AGS 0 (Ideal) - Color Grade: AGS 0 (D) - Clarity Grade: AGS 0 (IF or Flawless)   Thu... more
What’s so Super about Superideal Diamonds?
09 Oct 2006 12:00
Superideal diamonds are all about maximized performance.  One huge benefit is crown and pavilion angles close to Tolkowsky’s, meaning the best true ideal cut.  Once those proportions are reached, this is where most cutters of “Ideal” diamonds stop.  Superideal diamonds go even deeper. When our Superideal diamonds are cut we use extra rough and extra time spent to get precise three-dimensional optical symmetry, where every facet is brought into optimum alignment with its opposi... more
Whiteflash | Loose Diamonds for Sale - Loose Diamond Search and comparaison
22 Oct 2006 12:00
Loose Diamonds for Sale   Loose Diamonds Start your ring with our loose diamonds for sale. The diamond will be the ultimate focal point of the ring, so why not begin with its selection process? Use our drop-down menu to browse loose diamonds for sale that fit your style and budget. The loose diamond prices of our gems range from low to high depending on what type of gem stone you are looking for. Whiteflash.com provides the larg... more
Whiteflash.com throws VIP party for Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson was greeted by flashes and photographers as she arrived at an exclusive party celebrating the pre-screening of her film "Employee of the Month" by Lionsgate. Whiteflash.com worked with Lionsgate to throw the celebration at the Tenjune lounge in New York City and congratulated the star with a triple set of matching yellow sapphire, amethyst and diamond bangle bracelets valued at $3500, which she wore to the event. Click to View "This jewelry is so pretty. I love them. I want to w... more
Why is Diamond Cut the ‘Secret C’?
09 Oct 2006 12:00
For many years diamond cut was not graded, so the public did not know to ask the difference between poorly cut, average cut and finely cut diamonds. It costs more in terms of manpower and rough material to craft a diamond to a range of measurements that result in best performance, so manufacturers have cut most diamonds to average quality so they will take less time and be larger when finished. With this fact guarded for many years most consumers still do not know the difference between average and fine-m... more
Barbara Berk Presents Modern Textile Art
From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) 2006 Museum Lecture Series concluded with designer Barbara Berk’s presentation, “Of Potholders and Pigtails: Contemporary Applications of Textile Techniques in Metal."  Berk revealed how she applied her childhood love of fabric and sewing to the weaving of precious metals by hand, thereby creating the “fabric” that becomes her jewelry, during her Oct. 18 lecture at the Institute’s headqu... more
Blood Diamond Action website launched by Movie and NGOs
  Non-Governmental Organizations Amnesty International and Global Witness, along with the movie “Blood Diamond” have launched a website at www.blooddiamondaction.org citing the history of conflict diamonds in Africa, information on present conditions and downloadable information.   The movie’s trailer and still photos are featured on the site, as well as buyers’ guides and sample letters to the US Government and World Diamond Council.  Overviews of the Kimberly Proc... more
CRJP Names Catherine Sproule Director of NA Operations
06 Nov 2006 12:00
The Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices (CRJP) has named Catherine Sproule Director of North American Operations, as of November 1.  Based in Toronto, Sproule completes a global triad of CJRP leaders including CEO Michael Rae, operating from Australia, and Program Director Santiago Porto stationed in Europe.   CRJP Photo   Ms. Sproule has served as Executive Director of Canada’s jewelry trade association where she influenced the organization’s efforts in the mining a... more
Crowningshield Memorial
 From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - On Jan. 11, 2007, GIA will host a memorial for G. Robert Crowningshield, who passed awayon Nov. 8. The service will begin at5 p.m. at the College Hall of the University Club of New York, with areception immediately following.   The University Club of New York is located at One West 54th Street (at 5th Ave.). To attend, please RVSP by Friday, Jan. 5 to memorial@gia.edu or call 760-603-4255. Dress is business attire.   In lieu of flowers being sent to GIA, if... more
Celebrity Engagement Rings Guide
What better way to show the world that you are in love than by the act of giving and receiving an engagement ring? Celebrity engagements have become a delightful spectacle for the lover of diamonds. The size of the diamond is not necessarily the key as to what makes some of these rings so unique and recognizable, rather it seems to be a facinating combination of the engagement ring itself and the famous celebrity the ring belongs to.   The history of diamond engagement ring... more
Diamonds: How Do They Form?
16 Nov 2006 12:00
If you look at the chemistry of diamond, it is pure carbon. The different arrangement of the carbon atoms makes it a unique gem. Diamonds have been considered precious since ancient times and is popular for their strength, hardness and purity.  But only in the hands of a master diamond cutter does a diamond's sheer beauty become apparent.     Diamond Rough   How a diamond is formed? Diamonds were formed in the earth thousands of years ago under extreme heat and... more
Engagement Ring Styles
16 Nov 2006 12:00
Styles of Engagement Rings It is traditional for Americans as well as Europeans to place an engagement ring on the left-hand ring finger of a woman who has accepted a man's proposal for marriage. The engagement ring is a symbol of the devotion and intent to be the one and only woman in her beau's life. It lets everyone know that your bride-to-be that is spoken for. In the classical history of engagement ring styles and traditions, the ring was fashioned from a plain gold band. Today, engagement ring styles have ev... more
Featured in Women's Health Magazine
17 Nov 2006 12:00
Diamond and sapphire bangles from Whiteflash.com feature in WHM fashion spread. Multicolor Shared Prong Diamond Bangles - A colorful twist to our Shared Prong Diamond Bangle, these dazzling bangles are offered in a variety of diamond/gem combinations (approx. 1.50ctw). Set as always with our premium line of Whiteflash A Cut Above diamond melee (Color: F/G, Clarity: VS). Width: 2.6mm. **Looking to customize your own diamond/gem combination? Please contact one of our diamond consultants for a bangle made to y... more
Flaunt Magazine: Chingy's Whiteflash Cufflinks
21 Nov 2006 12:00
Whiteflash Cufflinks with over 5ct. Diamond Melee Best Known as the rapper of the 2003 hit "Right Thurr", Chingy looks hot wearing custom cufflinks from Whiteflash.com... more
GIA Launches Holiday Site for Consumers
22 Nov 2006 12:00
From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is easing holiday shopping stress with a new microsite designed to help those looking for that special gift of jewelry. The microsite, http://www.jewelrytrends.gia.edu/,has something for everyone: information about gemstones, tips for caring for jewelry, and the latest jewelry trends seen on the runways, in magazines, and at stores. The site's “Featured Gem” is tourmaline, a popular gemstone available in a multitude of c... more
GIA Names Donna Baker President
22 Nov 2006 12:00
Donna Baker, Courtesy, GIA From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) today announced the appointment of Donna M. Baker to the permanent position of president, effective immediately. Baker had been serving as GIA’s acting president since May 2006. The announcement came at the opening of the GIA Board of Governors’ regular November meeting in Carlsbad. Board Chairman Helene Fortunoff said, “The Board is very pleased to have Donna’s former interim ... more
GIA's Gems & Gemology Receives PRSA Mark of Excellence
15 Nov 2006 12:00
From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - Gems & Gemology, the Gemological Institute of America’s quarterly professional journal, received the Edward L. Bernays “Mark of Excellence” award from the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) San Diego Chapter at its annual dinner in San Diego, Calif.on Oct. 19. Gems & Gemology, which publishes up-to-date technical information about diamonds and colored stones, won the Mark of Excellence in the magazine category. G&G Staff, Courtesy,... more
Internet to Influence Almost 30% of Holiday Purchases
06 Nov 2006 12:00
  According to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation (NRF) Internet purchases will be at an all-time high this holiday season.  Shoppers saying they will make 29 percent of purchases online.  Nearly half of consumers plan to make at least one holiday purchase on the internet, up from 36 percent three years ago.  Almost all consumers (88 percent) indicated they examine products on the internet before buying in a store.   The NRF forecasts put spending at an avera... more
Jadeite Enthusiast Donates Sculpture to GIA
15 Nov 2006 12:00
Courtesy, GIA From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has received a carved natural jadeite sculpture of a leaping carp from Sophie Leu, who has made several jadeite donations to the Institute in recent years. The piece will be displayed as part of the Institute’s Museum Collection at the Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad. “This large sculpture is a beautiful piece made of high-quality, rich green jadeite,” said Elise Misiorowski, director of the GIA Mu... more
JCK Events sets 2007 Dates
06 Nov 2006 12:00
Jewelers Circular Keystone has announced dates for its 2007 events. JCK Events offer buying, selling and networking opportunities for trade members and press. The JCK Invitational will take place at the New York Hilton Hotel February 4-6, 2007, in conjunction with the Rapaport International Diamond Conference. This event is an opportunity for retailers to meet with leading manufacturers. LUXURY by JCK will be held May 29-31 at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. LUXURY is by invitation-only; only the world&r... more
Jewelry Career Fair Inspires Attendees to Find Their Niche
15 Nov 2006 12:00
Courtesy, GIA From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - For 875 job seekers, the Gemological Institute of America’s West Coast Jewelry Career Fair on Oct. 27 was a day for meeting recruiters, learning from experienced professionals, and finding their niche in an industry that ranges from laboratoryto retail to entrepreneurial callings. These candidates met with 36 recruiting companies from throughout the jewelry industry. “I am proud to say that Career Fair is the largest recruiting event in the industry,... more
Kimberly Process Plenery Agrees to Strengthen KP
13 Nov 2006 12:00
The World Diamond Council, along with representatives of 71 nations and civil society met November 6-9, 2006 in Gabrone, Botswana at the annual Kimberly Process plenary meeting. In a statement, participants reported progress and agreements to strengthen KP. Participants called for stronger internal controls regarding trade, cut and polished diamonds. The plenary agreed to offer clearer guidance on implementation of controls from mine to export and will spot check industry compliance. The plenary will pu... more
Kiplinger's "Get A Diamond Deal Online" Article
... more
Legendary GIA Gemologist Robert Crowningshield Dies at 87
08 Nov 2006 12:00
From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) today lost one of its founding fathers as G. Robert Crowningshield, brilliant gemologist, legendary research scientist, and industry pioneer passed away at age 87 in New York. Former vice president of the GIA Laboratory, Crowningshield is considered the father of modern gemological research in spectrometry.  One of the original founders of the GIA Laboratory in New York, Crowningshield was a paramount scientist who establish... more
New NCDIA Website Launched
14 Nov 2006 12:00
The Natural Color Diamond Association has launched a new website. Featuring tips on buying, a store locator and design examples, the website provides consumers with education and insight about these increasingly popular gemstones.  The frequently asked questions section includes answers about rarity, origin of color, value, affordability and authenticity. NCDIA Executive Director Sam Merksamer hopes the new site will become the “number one consumer resource on natural color diamonds.&rdquo... more
Palladium Alliance International (PAI) Introduces Newsletter
06 Nov 2006 12:00
The Palladium Alliance International (PAI) introduced a newsletter to interested jewelers and journalists in October containing information about applications of the precious metal palladium, its use and developments related to this metal in the jewelry trade.  A second issue will be mailed in December and the organization plans to take the newsletter online in 2007.  Anyone interested in receiving the newsletter can email info@luxurypalladium.com to get on the mailing list.   The PAI is also par... more
Stars Shine with Whiteflash at Alzheimer’s Charity Gala
 Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of film legend Rita Hayworth, is a brilliant star in the fight against the disease which took her mother. On November 14 she shined her brightest in diamond jewelry from Whiteflash at the annual Rita Hayworth Gala; the world’s most successful fund raising event for Alzheimer’s Disease research.  Princess Yasmin wore the Whiteflash Mesh Bracelet featuring over 9 carats of Whiteflash A Cut Above superideal sparklers in 9 dancing rows ($19,000... more
Weave a brilliant ensemble with Whiteflash...
16 Nov 2006 12:00
Weave a brilliant ensemble with help from the Whiteflash Web necklace ($7,600; www.whiteflash.com) in 18-karat white gold and diamonds.... more
What to wear... Diamond Jewelry!
16 Nov 2006 12:00
When the Social Issues Research Centre investigated the trends that would define the dawn of the first decade of the 21st century, they found that many people thought of this period as the “Decade of Fear”, due to the immense media coverage of 9/11, the tsunami and the War on Terror. As a result, people are increasingly likely to stay at home, to indulge themselves and to demand everything on their own terms. One great way to combine all three is to treat yourself to gorgeous jewelery, ordered from the... more
Whiteflash Exclusive, Alpha Omega - Improper Bostonian
Earrings part of an ensemble ($75,000) by Alpha Omega exclusively at Whiteflash.com... more
WJA Names Anna Martin as 2007 Hall of Fame Recipient
14 Nov 2006 12:00
Anna Martin of ABN AMRO has been named the Women’s Jewelry Association’s 2007 “Hall of Fame” recipient. Martin is a past president of WJA and a board member for six years. She is senior VP of the America’s Diamond, Jewelry & Precious Metals group at ABN AMRO Bank in New York City, a leading player in diamond and jewelry industry finance. She is a member of the board of directors of the Gemological Institute of America, Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewele... more
837-Diamond Ring Claimed to be World Record
05 Dec 2006 12:00
Ukraine's Lobortas & Karpova jewelery house displayed a gold ring with 837 African and Yakutian diamonds in Kiev, claiming it is a new world record. The ring, owned by an unidentified Ukrainian businesswoman, is called "The Dance of an Angel". Its value has not been revealed, but similar rings from the collection fetched more than $50,000. The Dance of an Angel Lobortas & Karpova wants Ukraine to be a world force in expensive jewelery collections. Igor Lobortas, Head of the Lobortas &a... more
Blood Diamond has little initial impact on Consumers
According to reports from the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Counsel, after polling over 2900 consumer panelists, 60 percent of those who saw the movie Blood Diamond this past weekend indicated it did not influence their opinion of the diamond industry and 64 percent understand that the industry has safeguards in place to prevent the sale of conflictn diamonds in the consumer market.   Two-thirds of those polled say the movie will not have an impact on their willingness to purchase diamond jewe... more
Children's "Mood" Necklaces Recalled due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
From JCK News - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall of "Children’s Mood Necklaces and Diva Necklaces." Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed, CPSC said in a statement. The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead, CPSC said. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. CPSC said that there are 51,600 units in the market. The recalled Mood Necklaces are multi-colored pendant... more
Children's "Powerpuff" Necklaces Recalled due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.   Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/.)   Name of Product: Children's Powerpuff Girls necklaces Units: About 48,000 Importer: Rhode Island Novelty, of Cumberland, R.I. Hazar... more
Clarity: What is Clarity Enhancement?
Clarity: What is Clarity Enhancement?     Clarity enhancement techniques include laser drilling and fracture filling. The AGS and GIA will not accept fracture-filled diamonds for grading. They will grade laser drilled diamonds but the FTC requires that it be noted on the grading report.    Whiteflash will not sell clarity or color enhanced diamonds.   Laser Drilling Laser drilling was developed in the 1980s. An infrared laser is used to bore fine holes into a d... more
European Union Vows to Tighten Kimberley Process
21 Dec 2006 12:00
On January 1, 2007 the European Union will assume chairmanship of the Kimberley Process. The body has vowed to strengthen the process and deal actively with any crisis which could compromise its effectiveness. Participating KPCS governments now monitor and certify all rough diamonds in their territory before export and forbid any rough diamonds from entering their territory without an approved KPCS certificate. The Kimberley Process has dramatically reduced the scope of conflict diamond trade. Some estimates put... more
First Look at GIA's new Synthetic Diamond Grading Report
01 Dec 2006 12:00
From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. -  As previously announced, GIA will begin accepting synthetic diamonds for grading on Jan. 1, 2007, using the new report format unveiled today. Courtesy, GIA GIA Chairman Ralph Destino said that this report is a culmination of a process started last June when he announced to the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) at their Tel Aviv congress that GIA intended to begin the grading of these stones. At that gathering, Destino told the delegates that GIA’s pu... more
FTC to Consider Amending Use of "Cultured"
13 Dec 2006 12:00
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) in association with 10 other jewelry industry associations filed a petition with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to amend the FTC Guidelines for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries to add the term “cultured” to the list of unfair or deceptive terms when used in conjunction with jewelry industry products. The primary reason behind this request is so consumers will not be deceived when the term “cultured” is used in conjunction with ... more
Ghana to Tighten Internal Controls
13 Dec 2006 12:00
According to reports from the Ghana news agency, that country has inaugurated a Kimberley Process Certification Oversight Committee in an effort to ensure that conflict diamonds will not cross that nation’s borders. At the Kimberley Process Plenary in Botswana last month Ghana was accused of allowing diamonds from the Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) to enter the country for illicit export with Kimberley Process certificates. Ghana was given three months to take measures to take action to strength... more
GIA Elects Rodney Ewing to Board of Governors
05 Dec 2006 12:00
Robert Ewing, Courtesy GIA  From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has elected Dr. Rodney C. Ewing, a professor at the University of Michigan, as the newest member of its Board of Governors. Ewing, whose tenure begins immediately, will become one of the Institute’s 19 governors. With over 35 years of intensive experience in geology and mineralogy, Ewingis a leading researcher in his field. He has authored or co-authored approximately 500 research publicatio... more
GIA Seeks Auction Items for 2007 Tucson Dinner Dance
05 Dec 2006 12:00
From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Alumni Association is asking for auction items for the 2007 Tucson Dance Party, “GIA Rocks Tucson,” on Feb. 2. The annual GIA alumni event is held during February’s Tucson gem and mineral shows and features dancing, networking, a buffet dinner, and both a live and silent auction. A ceremony presenting Alumni Awards and honoring recipients of the Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarships will also take place. “All proce... more
GIA Staff and Students Donate to Local Hospices
20 Dec 2006 12:00
Courtesy, GIA From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) annual holiday gift drive, organized by Institute staff and students, collected more than $7,826 this year in cash, toys, and food. As a result, 360 gifts and 72 dinners will be given to local families in need during the holidays. The staff and students presented the funds and gifts to two north San Diego County nonprofit organizations, Hospice of the North Coast and The Elizabeth Hospice, on Dec. 13. Both hospice orga... more
GIA to Provide Geographic Origins on Emerald Reports
20 Dec 2006 12:00
From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will begin offering geographic origin determinations on its Emerald Identification Reports, effective December 1, 2006. Shane McClure, director of Gem Identification in GIA’s Carlsbad Laboratory, said, “We are very pleased to be expanding our emerald services to include geographic origin information on our reports. This is another step forward in our commitment to offer GIA’s laboratory and research services to the colored... more
GIA’s Kathryn Kimmel Receives Richard T. Liddicoat Award
05 Dec 2006 12:00
Kathryn Kimmel, Courtesy GIA From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - Kathryn Kimmel, vice president of Marketing and Public Relations for Gemological Institute of America (GIA), has been awarded the Institute’s Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement, the highest honor GIA bestows on an individual. This award is granted on an infrequent basis and only to individuals who truly exemplify excellence. Kimmel is the 11threcipient of the Liddicoat Award, which was started in 1994. GIA President Donna Ba... more
GIA’s Museum Collection Receives Large Turkish Diaspore
20 Dec 2006 12:00
From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently received a 24.60 ct. step-diamond cut, color-change Turkish diaspore that is marketed as Zultanite™. The gem was donated by Zultanite Gems LLC and will become part of the Institute’s permanent Museum collection. This turkish diaspore appears yellow-green/green yellow in daylight/fluorescent light and shifts to brownish, purplish-pink in incandescent light.  Gift of Zultanite Gems LLC.  Photo by Robert Weldon.... more
OGI - Yehuda Introduce Rough Color Evaluator
13 Dec 2006 12:00
OGI Systems and Zvi Yehuda, an Israeli developer of color machines, have introduced a colorimeter which will predict color in rough diamonds. According to reports the accuracy for rough diamonds in the D-K range as well as fancy yellow is +/- ½ color grade. An indication of fluorescence is given and the detects Fancy yellow in the following groups: None, light fancy yellow, fancy, intense fancy, and vivid fancy. The technology can also detect type IIA diamonds, and determine which are suitable... more
PGI Study Shows Internet Jewelry Research Growing
05 Dec 2006 12:00
According to a study by Platinum Guild International USA the number of people researching fine jewelry on the internet is growing. In fact the internet is the number one resource for Men who are looking for what’s often their first fine jewelry purchase – the engagement ring. PGI-USA has added a new feature on its websites to assist shoppers called “Find a Retailer.” The section was created to identify reputable fine jewelry retailers offering platinum jewelry. Two other sectio... more
Record-Setting Spending Occuring Online
13 Dec 2006 12:00
According to comScore Networks, Reston VA, consumer online retail spending on US Websites reached a record-setting $647 million on Dec 4. This represents a 26 percent increase over the corresponding day last year. During the first 35 days of the season this year total online retail spending reached $13.7 billion, which is a 25 percent increase compared to corresponding days in 2005.... more
While Supplies Last!
13 Dec 2006 12:00
Imagine her surprise when you follow up her diamond gift with a beautiful pearl necklace! Make any Whiteflash A Cut Above or Expert Selection diamond purchase of $1000 or more and receive this elegant 16" necklace with our compliments. Set with approximately 14 evenly spaced freshwater pearls, the fine sterling silver cable chain has a lobster clasp for added security. Whether it’s a gift for you or a gift to give this elegant necklace is the perfect companion for a girl’s best friend.... more
Whiteflash Blood Diamond Movie Review
04 Dec 2006 12:00
  Image: http://blooddiamondmovie.warnerbros.com/ On December 8 the Warner Bros movie 'Blood Diamond' opens nationwide. The film has been predicted to raise questions among consumers about the provenance of diamonds they purchase this holiday season and into the New Year.  After a pre-screening we believe those questions can only result in a positive spread of awareness.  Here are our thoughts: Depiction of the Diamond Industry Some diamond industry professionals were concerned tha... more
Zimbabwe Residents Arrested for Illegal Possession
21 Dec 2006 12:00
Five men, including one Belgian national, were arrested in Zimbabwe, charged with possession of diamonds from the Marange district. That country recently opened up the Marange diamond mine to all residents. Finders of diamonds are supposed to sell discovered rough to the state according to regulations, but the open market may pay more than the state is willing to. In an effort to control possession, police have set up roadblocks to search residents.... more