Australia’s largest rough pink diamond unearthed
This fantastic gem find was discovered in Australia’s East Kimberly region – an area with the world’s largest concentration of rare pink diamonds. The stone, named the “Argyle Pink Jubilee,” is set for a world tour before going up at auction later this year.
The largest pink diamond ever found is the Darya-ye Noor, a treasure of the Mughal kingdom of India. This stone originally weighed 242 carats.
Pink diamonds are believed to get their color from extreme pressures that distort the lattice structure of their molecules during formation.
While they are one of the rarest fancy color diamonds, they have enjoyed a surge in popularity since Jennifer Lopez made the news with her 6 1/2 carat heart-shaped pink diamond engagement ring in 2002.
Why is gold in different colors?
Gold is the softest metal element – too soft for most uses – so it is mixed with other minerals such as nickel, copper, and aluminum to make it durable for jewelry. As you probably know, gold is measured in karats to indicate its purity; pure jewelry grade gold is 24 karats of gold content. A 14k gold piece, for instance, indicates 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy. 12 karat gold is composed of about half gold – 12 parts gold to 12 parts additive.
What’s the difference between gold alloys?
It’s the combination of minerals in the gold mixture that gives different kinds of gold jewelry their unique color. Goldsmiths and jewelers have specialized recipes for blending metals to perfection of hue and texture.
Image: AllAboutGemstones.com
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White gold is made when gold is combined with nickel or silver, and sometimes platinum or palladium.
In many countries, nickel alloys are not used because of a common allergic reaction some people have when their skin is exposed to nickel. If you’ve ever had a rash from wearing gold, you’re not alone: about 1 in 8 people who wear nickel alloy will develop contact dermatitis. For this reason, platinum alloy – though more expensive – is usually preferred.
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Rose gold gets its color from high levels of copper that give it a pink blush. The more copper, the stronger the reddish color.
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Mixing silver or zinc with gold gives it a creamier color, or in some cases greener.
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Popular “Black Hills” gold – a South Dakota specialty – is composed of several of these alloys to achieve its distinctive multi-tone appearance.
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There are some kinds of gold alloy classified as blue or purple. These are often formed with rarer minerals and are extremely brittle. -
Black gold is not an alloy, but the result of electroplating or synthetic oxidation with certain minerals on the gold’s surface.
If you’ve ever had a piece of jewelry turn your skin green, it’s because of the copper content. Acids in silver alloys oxidize on contact with the skin and can leave a dark stain.
These reactions, unlike a nickel allergy,
are quite harmless and may be more or less noticeable depending on your body chemistry. They are more common with lower grade metal alloys. To reduce their effect, avoid using lotions and soaps with your jewelry on. Keep your jewelry clean and your skin dry.
The 4 C’s of Diamonds
The 4 C’s classify the value of diamonds. Every diamond’s price, rarity and beauty are determined by the combination of cut, color, clarity and carat weight.
- CUT
Cut describes the properties and angles of a diamond. Many people confuse cut with the shape of a diamond. Although nature determines the other three characteristics, it takes a master diamond cutter to reveal a diamond’s true beauty. Diamonds are available in various shapes including round, square, pear, heart, marquise, oval and emerald shaped, but cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.
A well cut diamond reflects light from one mirror-like facet to another and projects the light through the top of the diamond. The result is a fiery and brilliant display. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in a lackluster appearance and diminish value.
- COLOR
Colorless diamonds remain the most popular, even though diamonds are found in a kaleidoscope of colors. Diamonds are graded on a color scale implemented by the Gemological Institue of America (GIA), which ranges from D (colorless) to Z. Color differences can be so subtle that diamond colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy. While truly colorless diamonds, graded “D,” are treasured for their rarity, diamond color is ultimately a very personal taste. Ask us to show you an array of color grades next to each other to help you determine your color preference.
- CLARITY
Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally occurring characteristics such as minerals or inclusions are identifying items created while diamonds are formed in the earth. Jewelers use magnification to view diamonds at 10X their actual size so these tiny inclusions are more easily seen.
Inclusions are measured on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by the GIA. The greater a diamond’s clarity, the more rare and valuable it is. A diamond with an inclusion in the middle or top could impact the dispersion of light, making the diamond less brilliant.
- CARAT Weight
Carat is a diamond’s measure of weight, not size. One full carat is equal to 100 points. A ¾ carat diamond is the same as 75 points and so on. Since larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, a 1 carat diamond will cost more than two times a ½ carat (assuming all other characteristics remain constant). The cut and the mounting can make a diamond appear larger than its actual weight. We can assist you in finding the right diamond and mounting to optimize its beauty.
When making your diamond purchase, let the staff at Faye’s Diamond Mine put your mind at ease. We give you the confidence, trust and expertise you need when making your diamond dream come true.
Stop by our showroom or search our online inventory of world-class diamonds.
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Now is the time to pick out the perfect piece of jewelry to say “I love you” to your one-and-only.
Whether it’s your 1st Valentine’s together, or your 50th, nothing will put the sparkle in your sweetheart’s eyes like a beautiful gemstone pendant or a pair of diamond earrings. We’d be happy to help you pick out just the right gift to make her Valentine’s dreams come true.
At Faye’s Diamond Mine, there’s even more reason to show your love with the gift of jewelry. With our “Tower of Love” special, the more you spend – the more free gifts you get!
Valentine’s Day Four-Tiered Gift Special
- Level ONE – With Any Purchase: Free “I Love You” Teddy Bear
- Level TWO – With $99 Purchase: Free Teddy Bear + Chocolates
- Level THREE – With $249 Purchase: Free Teddy Bear + Chocolates + Strand of Pearls
- Level FOUR – With $499 Purchase: Free Teddy Bear + Chocolates + Strand of Pearls + 24Kt Gold Dipped Rose
- Top of the Tower – With $999 Purchase: Free Teddy Bear + Chocolates + Strand of Pearls + 24Kt Gold Dipped Rose + Bottle of Champagne
‘Stolen’ $9m jewels found in drawer
The wife of former US ambassador and billionaire Roland Arnall assumed her jewelry travel kit worth nearly $10 million was gone forever after realizing she had lost it during a stay in the Netherlands. She filed with her insurance company when she returned to the US. Now, six years later, they have resurfaced after a Dutch hotel employee turned them in to the police upon discovering they weren’t costume jewelry.
Apparently, Mrs. Arnall had left them at a hotel during her stay, and forgot them there. The cleaning woman who found them brought them to the front desk, but when no one turned up to the lost and found to claim their “costume jewelry,” investigators said she could take them home. They lay forgotten all this time until she decided to see if they were worth anything – when to her shock when she was informed that the gems were real!
The jewels have been given to police custody and are now back in the US. No word on what the insurance company will say (or whether the Dutch woman will claim a reward).
The moral of this story: Travel light – even if you’re an ambassador’s wife.
Jewelry Trivia: Movies
Here are a few fascinating fast facts about some famous Hollywood jewelry.
The record for the most expensive piece of jewelry designed for a movie was Nicole Kidman’s million-dollar diamond and platinum necklace, “Satine,” created by Stefano Canturi for the film Moulin Rouge. It contains over 134 carats of diamonds.
Image: Forbes Magazine “Diamonds are More than a Girl’s Best Friend“
Film legend Marlene Dietrich was a famous connoisseur of fine jewelry who often wore her own pieces during filming. Some credit her with introducing bling to the silver screen. Once, she accidentally lost an 37.4 carat emerald ring while cooking, only to find it baked inside a cake!
Image: ACertainCinema.com
According to custom, actresses have been wearing borrowed jewelry at the Academy Awards ever since Jennifer Jones wore designer Harry Winston’s diamonds at the 1944 ceremony, where she accepted Best Actress for her role in The Song of Bernadette.
Image: The Academy: 1944 Nominees and Winners
In the blockbuster trilogy The Lord of the Rings, the model for the “One Ring” was the wedding ring of co-producer Rick Porras.
Elizabeth Taylor’s famous love affair with the world’s finest jewels was not without moments of angst. She once lost her priceless Spanish pearl “La Peregrina” until it was eventually discovered in her dog’s mouth!
(See more on Liz Taylor’s jewelry collection here.)
eHow Style: A Jeweler’s Guide to Quick Fixes
It’s happened to us all: You’re rushing to get ready, pulling a sweater over your head, when you break your favorite necklace. You’re too busy to rush to a jeweler, so your necklace ends up gathering dust until you get around to fixing it.
It’s the same story with that brooch with the loose stone setting, or that silver ring that’s become nearly black with tarnish. But there are some quick and easy ways to fix jewelry, restore it to its natural finish, or mend it temporarily.
This is a great article from eHow with some hints on jump-starting your well-loved jewelry – and some advice on when to see a pro.
A Jeweler’s Guide to Quick Fixes: What to Do when Your Baubles Fail You by Antonia Blyth
Valentine’s Proposal Ideas
Valentine’s Day is getting close – and it’s the #1 most popular time to pop the question!
Faye’s Bridal Center has an outstanding collection of engagement & bridal jewelry, gifts, and a Bridal Registry. Our knowledgeable staff would be happy to help you make a perfect choice to fit your style & budget.
Don’t forget that if you buy your wedding jewelry at Faye’s, you could be eligible for a full refund if it rains on your big day! Visit our website for details on how to enter: Rain on Your Wedding Sweepstakes
Here are a few of our favorite suggestions for an unforgettably creative (and romantic) proposal. (Read more ideas on our website…)
- Special Occasion
Have a Valentine’s Day cake made at the bakery, with “Will You Marry Me, [Name]” written across the top. Put the ring in the center where she’ll see it. Then deliver it personally and surprise her with the sweetest dessert of a lifetime!
- In The News
Place an ad in her favorite magazine or newspaper with your photos next to it, so she is sure to notice. Imagine her surprise when she is reading and sees her face in her favorite magazine.
- Fishing For Fiance
Take her fishing, but just before you arrive have a friend drop a few lines in the water. Have your friend bait one of the hooks with the ring (in a plastic bag or other secure enclosure). After fishing for a while, suggest that she check the lines that were already in the water. Be ready to propose when she reels in the ring.
- Treasure Hunt
Send her on a treasure hunt. Give her clues that take her to places of sentimental value to you both. Finish the hunt with a ring, roses, candlelight dinner and you.
- Your Good Fortune
Steam a fortune cookie until it is soft enough to open. Place the diamond ring inside with a note/fortune telling her you’ll love her forever.
- “On Air” Proposal
Call her favorite local radio station and propose to her on air.
- Billboard
Rent a billboard with your pictures and your proposal located along her normal commute route.
- At The Movies
Buy a theater advertisement or arrange for a local movie theater to play a video tape of you before the feature. In it, tell her how much she means to you and ask if she’ll marry you. Be ready to drop to your knee (amid the popcorn and theater candy) and present the engagement ring.
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