Add Some Sparkle to Your Portfolio, Buy Diamonds

This could be the best time to invest in diamonds as falling supply coupled with growing demand for the precious stone means prices could double over the next decade, one diamond expert says.


“There is a depletion of diamond resources in the world. The last mine was discovered about 15 years ago and today if we discover a new diamond mine in the world it could take 8-9 years to bring it to full production. So this is leading to a continuous decrease in the supply of diamonds,” Alain Vandenborre, Founder of the Singapore Diamond Exchange told CNBC Asia’s “Squawk Box”.

“Demand is growing in double digits, with about 10-12 percent annual growth in China and India. This growth is primarily driven by consumption and the retail market,” he added.

There have been signs that demand for diamonds is gaining favor among Indian consumers who have traditionally favored gold. The World Gold Council, for instance, reported that the gold jewelry sector recorded an annual decline of 15 percent in the second quarter following a sharp fall in demand from India.

Investing in diamonds, however, is not as straight forward as investing in gold which can be bought through exchange traded funds such as the SPDR Gold Trust and iShares Gold ETF. That could be changing, however, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission saying earlier this year it would look at proposals for the first-ever diamond-backed exchange-traded fund. Vandenborre, who has set up an investment fund for investors keen on putting money into diamonds without buying actual diamonds, says the trend in prices is in investors’ favor.

“What’s important is the trend in diamond prices. So over the past 10 years, diamond prices have been going up,” he said, adding that the price of a 3 carat, triple-A rated diamond has gone up 200 percent since 2009.

“In the last month the market has softened a bit, but because of the long-term diminishing of supply, specialists are predicting that diamond pricing will increase by 6 percent annually, which means that over the next 10-15 years diamond prices could potentially double,” Vandenborre said.

- By CNBC's Dhara Ranasinghe

Diamonds: Masterpieces In the Making

Accounting for 90 percent of the world’s gem trade, diamonds are the rarest and most coveted of all stones.

Raw diamonds
Considered as investments, symbols of wealth and unique works of art, few objects surpass their perfection and nothing has comparable longevity, as the diamond is passed from one generation to the next. (Read More: How to Invest in Diamonds)

Diamonds are found throughout the world from Southern Africa to Russia, from Brazil to Australia. Approximately 100 miles below the surface of the Earth the requisite heat and pressure 1300ºC and 50,000 times normal atmospheric pressure — for the formation of diamonds can be found. Carbon molecules, present in abundance at this level of the Earth’s mantle, forge together as diamond crystals.

Magma, bearing the crystals, is then forced to the surface, and solidifies in formations known as ‘pipes’, some of which are miles wide. Only 100 in every 500 pipes will yield a profit: Just 25 carats of diamonds can be expected from 100 tonnes of mined earth and of this, 5 carats will be of gem quality.

Extracting the diamonds from the earth creates another problem and separation takes advantage of the physical properties of the stones — being significantly heavier than most other gem minerals and fluorescing under X-rays.

Once mined and processed, the next step is to sort, classify and value the diamonds according to size, shape, quality and color. Using more than 16,000 categories, the diamonds are sorted and then sold to a small group of the world’s leading diamond cutters.

Before any cutting takes place, the marker carefully examines the diamonds to decide how they should be shaped to yield the greatest value and beauty.

The process of cutting a diamond is full of complex decisions and the shape of the rough determines the form of the polished stone.


In order to maximize the optical properties of diamonds, there must be a good understanding of the geometry of each stone and a decision is made whether to sacrifice weight for beauty. Retaining 50 percent of the carat weight of the original rough crystal is considered a good yield.

Once the shape and size of the diamond are determined, the diamond is marked for cutting. Although diamonds are the hardest material known to man, this hardness is variable and a diamond crystal has planes of relative strength and weakness, allowing it to be cleaved or sawn effectively.

The next step is bruting, which involves grinding away the edges of the stone to provide a basic outline. The stone is then given its facets — for a round brilliant-cut diamond there are 58 facets — in two phases: An initial 16 facets (the main crown and pavilion facets and the culet) are the responsibility of a cross-cutter, while the brillianteer grinds the remaining facets and gives the overall polish to the stone.

When grinding the stone, the facet angles must be adjusted to ensure the maximum amount of light entering the stone is transmitted back out by its internal facets — known as total internal reflection. This quality is termed as ‘brilliance’.

The ‘fire’ or rainbow-like effect also associated with a diamond is caused by the dispersion of light rays and again the correct balance must be achieved to have a stone that displays both fire and brilliance. Once cut, the stone is then graded for cut, color, clarity and carat weight – the so-called four C’s – by a gemological laboratory.

This incredible journey shows the importance of the knowledge and care required by Sotheby’s Diamonds in order to deliver stones of the necessary quality to form the basis of our diamond based jewelry collection.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/48802727

How to Wear Chandelier Earrings

Without a doubt the most glamorous earrings you can wear are chandelier earrings. These have the biggest WOW factor when walking into a room and add instant glamour to any outfit. As beautiful as they are they are not always the easiest piece of jewelry to wear. Here are some do’s and don’t on chandelier earrings that I wanted to share with you.

Do – Select the right size for you. Depending on the shape of your face you can go smaller or bigger. If you’re very petite with small features steer clear from extra large earrings or they will just make you look smaller. Round face will be elongated with longer chandeliers.

Don’t wear with a statement necklace. Your earrings are a statement piece so no need to clutter your look by adding more bling around your neck. Stick with a simple pendant to accessorize but chances are you don’t even need it.

Do – Put your hair up. Show off the beauty of your chandelier earrings by putting your hair up in an elegant bun or high ponytail. Sweep your hair away from your ears to let your jewels really shine.

Don’t wear them to the office or during the day. Chandeliers are elegant and sexy. They dress up an outfit and sparkle beautifully at night. Not very professional for the office. If you really want to, opt for shorter chandeliers.

Do – Use them to dress up your daytime look. Chandelier earrings are the perfect accessory to go from daytime casual to nighttime chic with the same outfit. If you have plans after work, simply drape your ears with dramatic chandeliers to dress up your regular work attire like in this outfit below.

Don’t wear them for an entire day – Put these earrings on at the last moment before going out. Since they do tend to get heavy it would be wise to not wear them for a long period of time. Reserve them for nights out rather than all-day glamour.

Do – Wear chandeliers at any age. Everyone deserves a little glamour. I often hear middle-age women say they are too old to pull off this look. I couldn’t disagree more. Ladies, put them on! They are look fab whether you’re 20, 40, 60, etc.

Do you wear chandelier earrings? Tell us how you like to wear yours.

http://blog.ice.com/the-list/how-to-wear-chandelier-earrings/

DIAMOND AND JEWELRY BUYING GUIDE

People have been wearing jewelry for over 100,000 years, and even back then, chances are it wasn’t the easiest thing to shop for. There are just so many options when buying jewelry – so many materials, metals, styles and gems to choose from. You can shop better by taking the time to learn how to buy jewelry. It can seem like a lot, but with a little help from this jewelry buying guide, you’ll be shopping like a professional in no time. And if you are still stumped buying jewelry, feel free to ask an AGS-certified gemologist for help. They may know a lot about metals and gems, but they also know tons about styles and trends.

Here are a few basics to get your shopping jump-started, and be sure to click to the left to continue the guide:

WHAT ARE NATURAL GEMSTONES?

Natural gemstones come from the earth and are mined worldwide. Some natural gemstones can be enhanced, which means sometimes they are treated in some way (such as heat) to improve their color.

WHAT ARE LABORATORY-CREATED GEMSTONES?

These stones, which can also be referred to as laboratory-grown, manufacturer-created, or synthetic, have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural gemstones. Laboratory-created gemstones do not have the rarity or value of natural colored gemstones. Although they are similar in many ways to natural gemstones, a professional gemologist will be able to recognize their difference with proper testing.

WHAT ARE IMITATION GEMSTONES?

Imitation stones look like natural gemstones in appearance only. This includes tinted glass, cubic zirconia or other material that resembles natural stones when treated. Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GEMSTONE?

Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. The basic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat, which is equal to one-fifth (1/5th) of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 units, called points. For example, a half-carat gemstone would weigh .050 ct. or 50 points.

WHAT IS AN ENHANCED OR TREATED GEMSTONE?

Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way some gemstones are treated to improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color. Many gemstones are treated in some way. The effects of some treatments may lessen or change over time and some treated gemstones may require special care. Some enhancements also affect the value of a gemstone, when measured against a comparable untreated gemstone. Treatments and/or enhancements should always be disclosed by the seller, along with any special care that might be required.

http://www.americangemsociety.org/jewelry-buying-101

131 Carat Diamond Found in Angola

A 131.5-ct. piece of white diamond rough—larger than the rough that produced the famed Koh-I-Noor—was recovered from a mining concession in Angola.

West Perth, Australia-based Lonrho Mining said it had recovered the stone from a bulk sample at its Lulo concession. It is the largest find since the company started prospecting there in 2008.

The company also found a 38.3 ct. piece of rough in the same sample.

The company didn’t specify color or clarity or how the stone would be sold, but said the rock was “gem quality.”


In a statement, managing director Miles Kennedy called the stone’s size “incredible” and said it indicated a kimberlite source was nearby.

The Lulo concession is a joint venture between Lonrho and Angola's government-owned diamond company, Endiama. It is located in the country's diamond-rich Lunda Norte province, some 750 kilometers from Angola’s capital city of Luanda.


http://www.jckonline.com/2012/08/21/131-carat-diamond-found-in-angola

A vintage affair: Trends in wedding accessories

Researching vintage wedding accessories allows one to get lost in beautiful fabrics, scroll estate jewelry pages and reimagine a wedding day straight out of rosy prewar Downton Abbey days.

A vintage wedding doesn’t have to mean old-school – it should involve a few select pieces that make all the difference in establishing a romantic and soft mood.

Three trends in vintage wedding accessories are hot right now.



FABRIC BOUQUETS

Fabric flower bouquets have been around for centuries. They were used when flowers were scarce or when the empress wanted something completely new. Any fabric is acceptable, as long as you can manipulate it – satin, tulle, lace and brightly colored ribbons available at fabric stores.

The best part of a fabric bouquet is that you can also include vintage heirlooms from your family. Add a brooch passed on from a grandmother, pearls from an aunt or even photographs sewn onto the handle of the bouquet.

The secret to a gorgeous flower bouquet is infinite patience. A plethora of YouTube videos teach the step-by-step process. Try “How to Make Ribbon Rose Tutorial #1” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=53sVo-K6peg&feature=related).

For the impatient, Etsy.com is your best friend. A simple search yields hundreds of results, and many of the vendors are willing to work with you to make your fabric bouquet perfect.



HEADPIECES

Nothing says “This is my day” like being able to wear any headpiece you want and have everyone praise your beauty. Brides, express yourselves! The beauty of headpieces is that there is no correct answer. You can do flowers or a small pearl tiara, but remember one thing: Don’t overdo it. Your headpiece is like the dots on a peacock’s feather – a finishing touch.

Particularly interesting right now are flower pieces, because they can reflect the colors of the bridal party, the groom’s tie or a favorite flower. Use them as light touches, or go all out and make a statement.

Forever classic are the simple clip-on pieces you can reuse for a garden party or other weddings you attend. Twigs & Honey (www.twigsandhoney.com) offers a variety of headpieces that are simple yet sophisticated.



ESTATE JEWELRY

If you mention estate jewelry to your man, his eyes may pop and dollar signs may appear. Calm your honey down and assure him that “estate” doesn’t always mean expensive, just rare. Estate jewelry is making a serious comeback because it’s timeless, but also each piece is unique and not prefabricated in the back of Tiffany & Co.

If your budget is a little more on the restrained side, you can never go wrong reproducing a piece you really like. Bring a few pictures to your favorite local jeweler and ask what they can do for you. Chances are you’ll walk away with a piece that’s uniquely yours that you will love for many years.

Just remember brides, you are your own snowflake, and all these accessories are only a drop in the bucket compared to your glowing inner happiness. Go forth and shop!

http://www.losaltosonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43778&Itemid=145

Jewelry Designer Creates $250,000 Black Diamond Nail Polish

The incredibly expensive Black Diamond lacquer contains 267 carats of black diamonds — conflict-free — and is the priciest polish in the world. It comes from the Hollywood-based luxury jeweler Azature, the self-proclaimed “king of black diamonds.”

“The black diamond is the ultimate fine jewel,” Azature said in a statement. “Its combination of beauty, mystery and sophistication makes it a timeless luxury.

“One day, I thought, ‘Why not showcase this style on nails?”

Not willing to shell out a quarter million for a bottle of sparkly varnish?

For those who want the diamonds but can’t fork over the green, Azature is launching a budget-friendly version later this month. The polish will contain just one black diamond and sell for $25 at Fred Segal stores in Los Angeles.

The Black Diamond polish crushes the previous record for world’s most expensive nail lacquer, the Model’s Own gold nail polish, priced at $130,740, according to FashionStyle.com.

According to the jeweler’s website, Rihanna, Fergie and Beyonce are all fans of Azature designs.


http://www.nydailynews.com

Find The Best Earrings For Your Face Shape

Getting dressed up for a night on the town? Getting ready to walk down the aisle? Jewelry can make ALL the difference, but we don’t always give it the time of day, especially when it comes to earrings.

Urvi Tejani, Creative Director and Founder of Tejani Jewelry, gives GalTime the lowdown on finding earrings that flatter your face shape.

Round: If you have a rounder face, look for length in skinny dangles that elongate your appearance. Pick a pair of earrings that are a slightly longer than your chin.



Square: Balance out an angular face with round earrings. Think oversized teardrops or circular multi-tiers. Circles and curves will smooth out your look. Try to avoid sharp edges or diamond shapes because these styles emphasize square features.




Heart: To complement a heart-shaped face, look for drop earrings that are wider than they are long. Drops with circular details, like teardrop stones or dangling pearls, will help round out a narrow chin.



Oval: Wide earrings will flatter any oval-shaped face. Whether you prefer simple studs or statement chandeliers, make sure their width is substantial. These styles will balance narrowness and produce a sleek look.


Never let your accessories wear you: To flatter your face shape and height, make sure to wear earrings that are appropriately sized. Amp up your look, but don’t overdo it. You never want to drown in a pair of dangles , or lose the flash with too-simple studs.

Take your time: Selecting the right earrings – or any jewelry for that matter – is usually a last-minute decision. Instead of choosing the first pieces that catch your eye, select what looks best. Jewelry is an integral part of any outfit, so treat it as such! Mix personal style with flattering silhouettes, and you’ll truly shine!

Costume jewelry versus the “real” thing: According to Tejani, jewelry is all about achieving a “look,” so consider spending a bit more on well-made costume pieces. They’re the perfect middle ground between cheaper baubles that tend to fall apart and diamonds that cost a pretty penny. They’ll help you capture the trend du jour on a budget, and can still be worn time and time again.

Top 7 Places to Go Gem Hunting On Your Next Family Vacation

Got a rock hound in the family? Consider taking a vacation to one of these geologically rich destinations and you might just find enough gemstones or precious metals to pay for the trip, because you can keep everything you find. You're guaranteed to have a good time looking—even if you come up empty.

Crater of Diamonds State Park

What: Gem quality diamonds
Where: Murfreesboro, Arkansas
Web: www.craterofdiamondsstatepark

Bring your own tools or rent them at the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. Most visitors don't get rich digging in this ancient volcanic ground, but with 40 other rocks and minerals in the area you're sure to find something interesting. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children.

Gem Mountain

What: Sapphires
Where: Philipsburg, Montana
Web: www.gemmountainmt.com

Gem Mountain is in the middle of nowhere, but well worth the trouble it takes to get there. Staff dig up the dirt, screen out the big rocks, and provide all the tools and equipment you'll need to wash through the gravel for rough sapphires. They'll even help you determine which stones are worth heat treating (which improves the color and clarity) and faceting. Gravel is priced by the bucket, and prices vary. Be prepared to get wet and dirty.

Herkimer Diamond Mines

What: Double-terminated quartz crystals
Where: Herkimer, New York
Web: www.herkimerdiamond.com

Nicknamed "Herkimer Diamonds" because of their striking geometrical shape, these 500 million-year-old crystals can be broken out of rocks with a hammer and chisel or collected by casually looking around the prospect area. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children.

Royal Peacock Mine

What: Black fire opals
Where: Virgin Valley, Nevada
Web: www.royalpeacock.com

The Virgin Valley in Northern Nevada is a stark corner of the world, but come once and you might find yourself planning a return trip. Digging isn't cheap, though. They charge $180 per person per day to dig in the fire-opal-rich bank area and $75 to dig in the mine dumps and tailings (piles of rock extracted from the mine).

Cherokee Ruby Mine

What: Rubies (plus sapphires, garnets, and moonstones)
Where: Franklin, North Carolina
Web: www.cherokeerubymine.com

At the Cherokee Ruby Mine, you're provided with a seat cushion and a screen box and shown samples of rough gemstones. Then you proceed to the flume line, where you fill your screen box and begin sluicing. This is a friendly, family-owned operation whose website lists "Mom" on a list of "Our Gems." Awww. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children, and shade umbrellas are available to rent for $1.

Emerald Hollow Mine

What: Emeralds
Where: Hiddenite, North Carolina
Web: www.hiddenitegems.com

Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the United States open to public prospecting. You'll sit at one of three sluiceways, where you can pick over buckets taken directly from the mine. It's a chance to find not only emeralds, but also aquamarines, sapphires, garnets, topaz, and amethysts. The $5 admission includes one free bucket. You can purchase additional buckets, and digging and creek prospecting are available at an added cost too.

Gold Prospecting Adventures

What: Gold
Where: Jamestown, California
Web: www.goldprospecting.com

The California Gold Rush may have been 150 years ago, but that's nothing in geological time. At Gold Prospecting Adventures families can belly up to a sluice box (which processes the buckets of gravel more efficiently than an old-fashioned gold pan) and search for flakes of gold. Guides are on hand to help, and while gold nuggets aren't guaranteed, historical nuggets are. The family price for the 3-hour Sluice Box and Pan Adventure is $155 for two adults and three children.

http://www.fodors.com/

BIRTHSTONE OF THE MONTH – PERIDOT

Sunny yellow green peridot pronounced (pear- a- doe) and red brown sardonyx are both ancient gems symbolizing courage for those born in August. The lime green color of transparent peridot has been a long time favorite of women. And the richly-hued opaque sardonyx was a talisman worn by Roman soldiers and is still prized for men’s rings today.

How green? It all depends on the iron

This gemstone has no fewer than three names: 'peridot', 'chrysolite', from the Greek 'gold stone', and 'olivine', for the peridot is the gemstone form of the mineral olivine. In the gemstone trade it is called 'peridot', derived from the Greek word 'peridona', which means something like 'to give richness'.

The peridot is one of the few gemstones which come in one colour only. The rich, green colour with the slight tinge of gold is caused by very fine traces of iron. From a chemical point of view, peridot is an iron magnesium silicate. The intensity of the colour depends on the amount of iron actually present. The colour itself can vary over all shades of yellowish green and olive, and even to a brownish green. Peridot is not particularly hard - only 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale - but it is easy to look after and fairly robust. Peridot cat's eyes and star peridot are particularly rare and precious.

The most beautiful stones come from the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the peridot as a gemstone also exists in Myanmar, China, the USA, Africa and Australia. Stones from East Burma, now known as Myanmar, have a vivid light green and fine inclusions with a silky shine to them. Peridot from Arizona, where it is popularly used in native American jewellery, often has somewhat yellowish or gold-brown nuances.

-www.gemstone.org