The stories of beautiful, creative 2020 wedding proposals are ongoing. This is something to celebrate. Something to share and spread. Every time I hear of a new adaptive, creative spirited marriage proposals during these past months are uplifting. I thought it would be nice to "share and spread" some of that joy here.
Right now there are delicious hot-dog, hamburger, steak and brisket barbecues occurring across the USA. There are potato salads, crisps and coleslaw. There's corn on the cob and baked beans. I am inspired to mark America's birthday with the sparkle of three American gemstones, all local to the USA, in her three patriotic colors.
An extremely rare variety of beryl which gets its red color from trace amounts of manganese, the Utah Geological Survey estimated that one crystal of red beryl is found for every 150,000 gem-quality diamonds. In 2006 the Jewelers Association designated red beryl as the world's rarest colored gemstone.
Whether it's imagination, disagreement or politics over rare and expensive objects, or planets aligning poorly - there are a number of gemstones rumored to curse those who own them. Of course, in at least one famous case below, the rumors may have been exaggerated to appeal to a buyer. But whatever the case there's entertainment value in what I'm bringing below.
Just imagine - a humble mapmaker’s son travels the ancient world, discovers fantastic treasures, rescues a damsel and rises to the highest levels of French aristocracy. If you don't know the story, “The French Blue" is a terrific read for true-lovers of diamonds, gemstones, travel, excitement and romance.
Four of the most magnificent diamonds in recent years have come from the same Lucara-owned Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana in recent years. I thought to assemble a visual feast of delicious rough and how they polished. My sparkling smorgasbord even includes both light and dark meat.
The "disappearing diamond" is a 16.87 carat natural Fancy Vivid Yellow SI1 Radiant shape, coated by carbon nanotube technology which absorbs more than 99.96% of light and is the blackest material in existence.
Rough sellers are partnering with technology providers to facilitate digital-scans, videos and potential polishing plans for rough diamonds to their customers. Originally intended to facilitate pre-selection of choices ahead of traditional tenders, remote-purchasing has now become an option.
Not everyone understands the importance of a transparent, accurate report of the gemological materials included in jewelry. And yet, such reporting not only advances your competitive position. It also serves to protect against legal disputes and demonstrates corporate social responsibility.
Did you know whatever device you're using to read this post - mobile, tablet or desktop - wouldn't exist without lab-grown diamonds? Did you know diamonds are being used for medical imaging, quantum entanglement and (you read it right) teleportation? Read on.
Courtesy of The New Yorker earlier this year, "The Woman Shaking Up The Diamond Industry" is a thoroughly composed, thoughtful and uplifting story of history, intrigue, discovery and achievement - definitely worth an hour of your time.
Did you ever wonder what happened to the incredible Esperanza Diamond? After a charmed journey, but a failed auction, this national treasure is still for sale. Let’s re-visit her unique story and see where things stand today.
The Guinness World Record for most diamonds set in one ring belongs to the IGI-graded Lotus Temple ring created by Mumbai's Lakshikaa Jewels. Enjoy this wonderful video documenting the careful grading of each of its seven components.
As the world watches the engaging achievements of NASA and SpaceX - and Boeing sits in the wings hungry to make their own space-shots - let's take a fanciful look at the landscape ahead for diamond and jewelry enthusiasts.
What's on your watch-list? Bookmark this post and get some popcorn ready. There are nearly 24 sparkling hours of well-known jewelry themed movies listed below. These 10 cinematic classics span more than 80 years. I'm not going to play favorites (even though I have one), so here they are in alphabetical order.