Whiteflash articles archive for June 2012

Diamond Laboratory Process - Basic Functions and Procedures Diamond Laboratory Process - Basic Functions and Procedures

Diamond Laboratory Process - Basic Functions and Procedures Diamond Grading - The AGSL Way (part two) *The following article was published prior to the GIA/AGSL merger at the end of 2022. The information contained herein is still highly relevant to anyone who owns or may acquire a diamond graded by AGSL pre-merger. Many consumers are curious about the journey that a diamond takes in acquiring laboratory certification. We place great value on the report that specifies the diamond’s identity and grading of the 4cs, but we seldom stop to think about what it takes to make it happen. When you actually break down the process you begin to understand the full value added by a grading report from a high quality lab. In this article we will discuss take-in procedures and the preliminary tests to validate receipt of a diamond before it enters the grading environment, the ethical need for and process of “anonymizing” the diamond before grading, and the various aspects of

France Jewelry France Jewelry

France Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry For the past two weeks, every celebrity from Eva Longoria to Diane Kruger has been stationed in the South of France for the grand annual tradition that is the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to the actual premieres of hundreds of films from around the world, the festival is also an excuse for models, movie stars, singers, and every other form of celebrity to attend gala banquets, pose on red carpets in designer dresses, and hobnob on beautiful yachts. But even if your wardrobe is more H&M than Hermes, and your idea of a boat ride is more row boat than yacht, it can still be fun to imagine the adventures of the rich and famous! This year, the most talked-about couple of Cannes were none other than Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The reality starlet and hip hop star were never spotted far from each other, making onlookers suspect that there might be another proposal headed Kim’s way. If Kanye really did propose

Aruba Jewelry Aruba Jewelry

Aruba Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The Aruba jewelry store owner says it happens all the time: A couple from the United States spends a romantic weekend or week on the beaches of Aruba, and suddenly, they find themselves in need of an engagement ring so they can take their relationship to the next level—immediately. There seems to be something in the sun, water and air of Aruba that makes everybody fall even deeper in love. Spontaneous beachside proposals made with a hastily purchased ring are so common that everyone from the abovementioned Aruba jewelry store owner to the beachside bartenders to the hotel concierges are ready with the necessary ingredients to a perfect last-minute proposal. Buying an Aruba engagement ring at the last minute doesn’t have to mean settling for shoddy, second-rate products at an unfair markup. In fact, the quality and prices of Aruba jewelry tend to be comparable with what you can get throughout most of the United States. The

Switzerland Jewelry Switzerland Jewelry

Switzerland Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The Swiss people are known for several things, in particular: their beautiful Alps, their incredible skiing, their delicious chocolates, and their unparalleled watches. The incredible natural beauty of Switzerland draws millions of tourists every year to hike and ski the Alps, tour the picturesque villages, and marvel at the productivity and efficiency of the country’s major industries. But what many tourists and visitors don’t know is that near the world famous firms producing some of the world’s biggest names in watches—from Swiss Army to Piguet—are smaller, less famous firms applying the same concepts of function, beauty and quality to some of the best-made jewelry in Europe. While France may be famous for fashion, Italy for luxury, and England for tradition, Switzerland is famous for quality and craftsmanship. A Switzerland engagement ring may not be flashy or overly opulent, but it

Netherlands Jewelry Netherlands Jewelry

Netherlands Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The Netherlands has long been known for its incredible artisans, craftsmen, and handicrafts. Dutch furniture, clothing, enamelware and candles have been known for their solid construction, high quality components, and loving, hand construction. But until recently, you had to travel deep into a small Dutch village to find the kind of Netherlands jewelry, decor and furniture the country was famous for. Only recently have some Dutch trade associations began creating websites to help local artisans and jewelers sell their ware online to a much larger international market. This transition has put some stress on the local market, as international buyers often demand lower prices than the locals are willing to pay, and higher demand can sometimes overwhelm smaller manufacturers. Nevertheless, the transition to online shopping has been a boon to the Netherlands jewelry industry, and to the economy in general. While the Neth

Arlington Jewelry Arlington Jewelry

Arlington Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry For a city that is only the 50th largest in the United States, Arlington, Texas boasts more than a few notable local landmarks. There is the University of Texas at Arlington, the Texas Rangers ballpark, the Texas Cowboys stadium, the International Bowling Museum, the International Campus of Mensa, Six Flags over Texas and Hurricane Harbor. If you are thinking of proposing to your special someone in Arlington, there is no need to travel out of town—Arlington has many beautiful proposal spots that you can utilize. You can propose over the MegaTron at a Rangers game (great if she is a sports fan!) or if she loves the roller coasters at Six Flags, you can propose on one—although you probably shouldn’t pull out the ring just as the coaster hits the upside-down loop! But before you can set up your perfect Arlington proposal, you need to find the perfect Arlington engagement ring. Luckily, this city isn&rsq

Colombia Jewelry Colombia Jewelry

Colombia Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Drive one hour South and you are in a lush subtropical forest with diverse plant and animal life. Drive an hour North and you find yourself in a rugged, serene, mountain region. Along the coast is miles and miles of sandy beaches, and in the interior of the country, some of the most beautiful rivers and valleys in the world. It sounds like every outdoorsy traveler’s dream come true. And it is, but unfortunately, because of some civil unrest in Colombia, tourism has fallen in recent years. But travel experts still recommend traveling to Colombia—as long as some simple precautions are taking, it can be completely safe and one of the best deals around for true adventure travel. But even the most adventurous traveler is going to need to take one day off from kayaking, hiking and exploring to take in the charms of Colombia’s large, bustling cities, such as Bogota. And of course, everyone needs souvenirs to bring home t

Sweden Jewelry Sweden Jewelry

Sweden Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry When you think of “Sweden jewelry” you might think of the tattooed and pierced face of Lisbeth Salander, the mysterious and Gothic computer hacker portrayed by Noomi Rapace and Rooney Mara in the Swedish and American versions of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. But as popular as the book trilogy and films are in Sweden, there is a lot more to this country’s ideas of style and fashion than safety pin earrings and dragon tattoos. In fact, Sweden jewelry is known throughout the world for its quality, affordability, and whimsical application of traditional concepts in Scandinavian design. If you’ve ever been to an Ikea store, you can imagine a Sweden jewelry store. The same dedication to clean lines, minimal but effective use of color, and whimsical, fun details that are evident in the worldwide furniture manufacturer’s couches, beds and tables are visible in every made-in-Sweden engagement ring

Portugal Jewelry Portugal Jewelry

Portugal Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Portugal has always been the smaller, lesser-known sibling to its neighboring country on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain. While millions of tourists flock to Spain every year to take in the unique Spanish culture, food, art and architecture, few think of visiting Portugal. But as Spain endures the instability and civil unrest of an increasingly volatile local economy, travelers are beginning to realize that many of the attractions of Spanish living are available here in Portugal as well. In fact, Portugal is consistently rated one of the best values in European travel—the same art and culture of Mediterranean living without the price tag of Spain or Italy. Tourism in Portugal has surged recently, but it is still one of the least-known and best deals available. Another important tip that experienced tour guides point out is the importance of planning your souvenir shopping. It may sound counter-intuitive, but when yo

Cyprus Jewelry Cyprus Jewelry

Cyprus Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry With all the talk in the news about the economic woes and uncertainties of Greece, many would-be tourists have weighed the advantages of traveling in a recession-racked country on the one hand, with the risks of spending time in a place with marked civil unrest. But while the world’s attention is focused on Greece, more savvy travelers are booking the vacation of a lifetime on Cyprus, Greece’s smaller island neighbor. A week spent in Cyprus is likely to be one of the most memorable and romantic of your life. From the incredibly blue water of the sun-drenched beaches, to the incredibly array of seafood and fresh Mediterranean food, to the fun and festivity of the local culture, there is something here for everyone. Cyprus is especially well suited for a private romantic getaway with that special person in your life. A private bungalow perched on a hillside above a crystalline beach is less pricey and impossible to acce

Be Inspired By Our Designer Engagement Rings

Find the perfect Designer Ring for your special diamond by clicking the links below, and let us build the ultimate ring for the love of your life!

Simon G. engagement rings featuring exceptional quality loose diamonds

Verragio engagement rings featuring exceptional quality loose diamonds

Vatche engagement rings featuring exceptional quality loose diamonds

A. Jaffe engagement rings featuring exceptional quality loose diamonds

TACORI engagement rings featuring exceptional quality loose diamonds

AS FEATURED IN

AS FEATURED IN

FIND DIAMONDS FIND JEWELRY

GO TO MY CART CONTINUE SHOPPING PROCEED TO CHECKOUT FIND DIAMONDS FIND JEWELRY

COMPARE REMOVE ALL FIND MORE DIAMONDS

COMPARE REMOVE ALL FIND MORE JEWELRY

COMPARE REMOVE ALL FIND MORE DIAMONDS

Be Inspired By Our Designer Engagement Rings

What would you like to do?

What would you like to do?

What would you like to do?

What would you like to do?

What would you like to do?

		Buy This Diamond without Setting – You can still add the Diamond to a setting later if you decide to do so.

		Buy this Diamond with Setting. Search from our selection of diamond settings to find your perfect ring.

		Buy This Diamond Pair without Setting – You can still add the Diamond Pair to a setting later if you decide to do so.

		Buy this Diamond Pair with Earrings. Search our selection for studs and earrings to find the perfect match for your diamonds.

		Buy Setting Now without diamond. You can add a diamond to this setting later.

		Buy Diamond with this setting. Choose from our selection of loose diamonds to create your ideal engagement ring.

		Buy Earrings Now without diamond. You can add a diamond to these earrings later.

		Buy these Earrings with our Diamonds. Choose from our selection of loose diamonds to create your gorgeous earrings.