Kim Kardashian's 20.5 caratDiamond Engagement Ring

Kim and Kris Humphries are happily engaged after Kris popped the question last week on Kim's bed at her 4.5 million dollar Los Angeles home. They say that diamonds are a girl's best friend, Kris Humphries sure has a friend in Kim with Lorraine Schwartz's emerald cut engagement ring.

The ring, reportedly features a 16.5-carat emerald-cut center stone flanked by two 2-carat trapezoids, likely weighs over 4 ounces and possibly more if the ring is set in heavy platinum. Estimates say the ring is worth aprox $2 Million.

The details of the happy night between the two beautiful celebrities are emerging from People. 

Kim said "My hand was shaking as he put the ring on my finger. Shaking! I was so excited, but this calm over me. It was very overwhelming but in the best way possible." Later on, Kim adds, "He almost had a panic attack."

Kim said, "I almost felt bad because the first thing I did was gasp. I had always envisioned tears for this moment, but I wasn't crying. He was sitting there, on one knee, the candles lit all around him ― it was so romantic."

Kris told People, "I told my parents. And I went golfing with Bruce Jenner to ask him for his permission. It took me until the last hole to muster up the courage. I also talked to Kris Jenner. She was really excited. She cried."

On May 18, Kris Humphries, Kardashian's basketball player beau of six months  proposed to the reality starlet on bended knee with "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" spelled out in rose petals.

"It's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen," Kardashian told People magazine of the ring. "It's perfect."

"In high school I went to Macy's and bought this fake ring, my 'perfect' ring, and this is almost the exact same," she added.

46.51 Carat Diamond Leads Christie’s Sale

Photo courtesy of Christie's

An E color, oval-cut 46.51 ct. diamond ring will highlight Christie’s June 14 auction in New York City.
The main stone is flanked on either side by single carat D-color, pear-shaped diamonds and mounted in platinum. Sourced from the collection of a “distinguished lady,” the auction house said the ring is estimated to fetch $2.5 million to $3.5 million. The total sale is expected to bring in $8 million.
Other highlights include an important diamond ring, set with a D-color pear-shaped diamond of 10.01 cts., flanked on either side by a pear-shaped diamond of 1.02 cts. mounted in platinum. It is expected to fetch $1.1 million to $1.5 million.

May's Birthstone - Green Emerald

The Gemstone Emerald is the green variety of the mineral Beryl. Emerald is both the May birthstone and the Zodiac stone for the constellation of Cancer. Emerald gemstones are associated with patience, understanding, and foresight.


The wonderful green color of emerald is unparalleled in the gem kingdom. Emerald's precious green color is caused by small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. Unlike other beryls, emeralds usually contain inclusions and other flaws. These flaws are not looked on as negative aspects for emerald like they would be for other gemstones. Indeed, these flaws are considered part of the character of the stone and are used to assure the purchaser of a natural stone.




Even artificial emeralds often contain flaws, however, as the process of growing artificial emeralds mimics the way nature does it (slow crystal growth from a molten mix). Nearly all emeralds, even many "natural" stones, have been treated to improve clarity, generally by immersing them in oil. For gemstones, a green colored oil is sometimes used, "improving" the color as well. Unfortunately, this oil may evaporate over the years, making flaws appear where none were visible at the time of purchase.  A high-grade mineral oil may be used to improve the appearance again.


Some people believe that wearing an Emerald brings wisdom, growth, and patience. And as any couple in a long-term relationship would agree, all of these qualities are essential for a successful and lasting love.  This may explain why a gift of Emerald for an anniversary -- or anytime -- is considered symbolic of love and fidelity.

Princess Catherine’s Bridal Jewelry

Upon her marriage this morning to Prince William, the former Catherine Middleton now has the title of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge. 

The new Princess’ veil was held in place by a Cartier“halo” tiara, which was lent by The Queen. The tiara was made by Cartier in 1936 and was purchased by The Duke of York (later King George VI) for his Duchess (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) three weeks before he succeeded his brother as King. The tiara was presented to Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) by her mother on her 18th birthday. 

The bride’s earrings, designed and made by London boutique jeweler Robinson Pelham, are diamond-set stylized oak leaves with a pear shaped diamond set drop and a pavé set diamond acorn suspended in the center. Inspiration for the design comes from the Middleton family's new coat of arms, which includes acorns and oak leaves. The earrings were made to match the tiara. The earrings were a personal gift to the bride from her parents for her Wedding Day.

Robinson Pelham also designed and made a pair of diamond earrings for Philippa Middleton, Catherine’s sister. These earrings are more floral in nature to compliment her headpiece during the service.

A tourmaline and diamond pendant and matching earrings were designed and made for Catherine’s mother, Carole Middleton. Two gold stick pins, one with a single gold acorn at the head and the other with an oak leaf, are also worn by the father of the bride, Michael Middleton, and the Bride's brother, James Middleton.

The wedding ring for princess Middleton was designed and made by Wartski, a family owned firm of antique dealers. The ring was fashioned from a piece of Welsh gold that was given to Prince William by The Queen shortly after the engagement was announced.

There will be only one ring, in accordance with the Couple’s wishes.

Wartski is a family jewelry business founded in 1865. Its first establishment was in Bangor and later the business moved to the seaside resort of Llandudno.

Wartski has a history with the Royal Family. It supplied the engagement and wedding rings to Queen Elizabeth’s grandson Viscount Linley when he married The Hon. Serena Stanhope in 1993. They also made the wedding rings (also of Welsh gold) for The Prince of Wales and Mrs. Camilla Parker-Bowles for their wedding in 2005.

Wartski is long-established grantees of the warrants of The Queen and The Prince of Wales.



Article courtesy of JEWELRY NEWS NETWORK

136 Carat Yellow Diamond Found in Russia

Courtesy of Alrosa

Workers in a Siberian mining company in Yakutia have discovered a large diamond weighing more than 136 carats, a spokesman for the republic's Industrial Ministry said on Thursday.

The diamond has a very rare "honey-yellow" color, measures 33 x 23 millimeters, and is of irregular shape. The diamond's worth has not yet been determined.

The diamond was discovered by the Udachninsky Mining Company, which is a subdivision of ALROSA, one of the world's largest diamond producers mining 25% of the world's diamonds.

We will keep fallowing this story and hold our breath to find out the estimated value of it.....

Sotheby's to Auction 10.99 ct Fancy Pink Diamond

Sotheby’s Geneva will auction a 10.99-carat, VS1, emerald cut, fancy intense pink diamond ring on May 17 with a presale estimate of $9 million to $16 million.

“I do not remember the market for colored diamonds to have ever been as strong as it is today,” said David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Department for Europe and the Middle East. “This was underlined by the unprecedented results of our last November sale and undoubtedly influenced the owner’s decision to sell this beautiful pink diamond which has not appeared on the market for over 30 years.”

In November 2010, Sotheby’s Geneva sold the Graff Pink, weighing 24.78 carats, for $46.2 million, setting a world auction record for any diamond and any jewel to go under the hammer.

Black by Popular Demand Moody Hues are Hot

While the LBD of your jewelry box may be stud earrings, the color black is as much a necessity as styles themselves. Consider these points: When you want to add drama to an outfit, what color do you call upon? When you want to update a traditional look, what color helps up the edge factor? And when your champagne taste clamors for diamonds, but your beer budget puts high-end stones out of reach, black rocks are an ever-affordable alternative. Dark designs are available in myriad gemstones and metal options—the latter helping light stones pop and dark stones better blend.

18k White Gold Oval Shaped Black Diamond Ring

A single rose cut oval shaped black diamond totaling 1.87 ctw. sits surrounded by a halo of 104 sparkling white diamonds totaling 0.51 ctw. in this unique 18k white gold black diamond fashion ring.

18k White Gold Black and White Diamond Loop Pendant

This unique diamond fashion pendant features a stunning loop design with a 1.34 ct. rose cut black diamond drop surrounded by 22 round black diamonds totaling 0.21 ctw. and 105 brilliant round white diamonds totaling 0.39 ctw. pave set in 18k white gold.

18k White Gold Bypass Black Diamond Ring

Two stunning black diamonds totaling 2.37 ctw. sit surrounded by 96 sparkling round white diamonds totaling 0.51 ctw. in this elegant 18k white gold black diamond bypass ring.

14k White Gold Black and White Diamond Pave Swirl Ring

This diamond fashion ring features a mesmerizing swirl pattern composed of 121 glittering black diamonds totaling 0.48 ctw. and 115 brilliant round white diamonds totaling 0.98 ctw. set in stunning 14k white gold.

18k White Gold Rose Cut Black Diamond Pave Ring

This captivating 2.65 ct. black diamond center is set in polished 18k white gold. It is embellished with 52 lustrous black diamonds totaling 0.38 ctw. and 96 brilliant round white diamonds totaling 0.38 ctw both pave set on the remarkable shank.

18k White Gold Black and White Diamond Halo Ring

This unique 18k white gold semi mount ring features 170 stunning round black diamonds totaling 1.91 ctw. and a halo composed of 16 brilliant round white diamonds totaling 0.55 ctw. surrounding your center stone of choice.

14k White Gold Black and White Diamond Snake Pendant

This Stunning diamond snake pendant is dripping in 289 exquisite black diamonds totaling 1.98 ctw. and 199 brilliant round white diamonds totaling 1.20 ctw. pave set in 14k white gold.

14k White Gold Black and White Diamond Pave Snake Ring

Tempt yourself with this sinful diamond snake ring dripping in 252 exquisite black diamonds totaling 1.69 ctw. and 28 brilliant round white diamonds totaling 0.19 ctw. pave set in 14k white gold.

14k White Gold Black and White Diamond Bridge Band

A 14k black and white gold band is encrusted with 136 black diamonds totaling 1.87 ctw. with a swirl shape overlay of 89 brilliant round white diamonds totaling 0.47 ctw.

Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction - realized $39.4 million

New York--Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction here realized $39.4 million, the highest total ever realized by the auction house for a spring jewelry sale, Sotheby’s announced last week. 

Held April 14, the auction sold 84 percent by lot and 93 percent by value. The top lot was a emerald-cut diamond weighing 30.52 carats. Estimated at 3,000,000—4,000,000 USD. and Sold for 3,386,500 USD. Accompanied by GIA report no. 2115516430 stating that the diamond is D color, VVS1 clarity, with Excellent Polish and Excellent Symmetry. 

A 3-carat marquise-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond garnered the second-highest bid of the day, bringing in $3.3 million.

Meanwhile, The pear-shaped diamond weighing 20.74 carats, surmounted by an emerald-cut diamond weighing approximately .50 carat, and an old European-cut diamond weighing approximately .85 carat. that was estimated at 800,000—1,200,000 USD. had doubled its pre-sale estimate and Sold for 2,154,500 USD 

It was accompanied by GIA report no. 1122998496 stating that the diamond is D color, VS2 clarity. 

At least 10 bidders competed for a circa 1920 Cartier, Tiffany & Co. diamond jabot pin, featuring One terminal set with a pear-shaped diamond weighing 15.31 carats, the other set with a pear-shaped diamond weighing approximately 2.00 carats, framed by small round and single-cut diamonds, signed Cartier and Tiffany &Co. The larger diamond originally mounted by Tiffany &Co., circa 1900, converted into a jabot by Cartier, circa 1920. 

The pin was estimated at 600,000 - 800,000 USD and sold for 1,986,500 USD, more than double its pre-sale estimate. 

It was accompanied by GIA report no. 2125998478 stating that the 15.31 carat diamond is D color, VVS2 clarity.  

“Collectors are willing to pay a premium for diamonds with charm, and that was a hallmark of today’s sale,” Gary Schuler, director of jewelry in New York, said. “Whether they feature old-world cuts or magnificent and unique colors, the opportunity to compete for these stones is exactly why buyers come to auction.” 




Pictures courtesy of Sotheby’s 
Article courtesy of National Jeweler

Big Bucks: Big Bang!Hublot Watch Covered with 141 Carats of Diamonds

The €2 million ($2.8 million) Big Bang watch from Hublot could be more appropriately called the Bling Bang. The white gold, one-of-a-kind timepiece, which includes a Vendôme Tourbillon movement, contains 637 baguette diamonds and one rose cut diamond on the crown.

All told, the total weight of the diamonds, which are graded Top white / VVS, exceeds 141 carats.

According to Hublot, the task of cutting the stones took 45 gem-cutters in excess of 13,000 hours. Once the diamonds were all cut, they took a further 2,000 hours to set into the piece, which began life as a "light-hearted confidential challenge" between Hublot's CEO and the company’s master gemstone setters.

Such was the amount of work needed to complete the watch; it was only finished the day before BaselWorld 2011 opened, where the watch was shown to the public for the first time.

More than 270 carats of rough diamonds were chosen from a parcel of 1,500 carats sourced from a mine in the Yakutsk region of Russia.

For those interested in seeing it up close, the watch is going on display at the Hublot boutique at 10 Place Vendôme, Paris.

Article courtesy of Idex Online

Chandelier earrings take the stage at the CMA awards

Las Vegas--Celebrities took to the red carpet Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, accessorizing with chandelier earrings and bold rings.

CMT personality Allison Alderson DeMarcus wore Rhonda Faber Green chandelier Zultanite gemstone earrings, made with 18-karat white gold and diamonds, retailing for $80,000.

Carrie Underwood who was nominated for female vocalist of the year and album of the year, accessorized with Sutra diamond and blue sapphire earrings, valued at $4,800, and a Sutra diamond and blue sapphire ring. 

Country music singer Julianne Hough wore Isharya earrings and a cuff, as well as an 18-karat yellow gold diamond ring by Carrera y Carrera, retailing at $14,650.

Award nominee Taylor Swift donned Neil Lane platinum chandelier earrings and a diamond cocktail ring, while actress Reese Whitherspoon wore the brand’s garnet and diamond drop earrings, paired with a garnet and diamond bracelet.

Article Courtesy of National Jeweler

April's Birthstone - Diamond

April's birthstone is remarkably simple in composition, yet stunning in its unique ability to reflect and refract light into vivid flashes of brilliant color.  The ancient Hindus called the Diamond "Vajra," meaning lightening, both because of the sparks of light thrown off by this gem as well as its invincible strength.  The Diamond is harder than any other substance on earth.


Diamonds have been revered throughout history.  Used to embellish such items as crowns, swords and emblems as well as jewelry, they've even been part of national holidays.   Queen Victoria declared the celebration of her 50th year of reign a "Diamond Jubilee."  Diamonds have also been credited for having certain medicinal properties.  During the middle ages, these gemstones were thought to heal illness, but only if the ailing person took the Diamond into bed to warm it up first!


Formed deep within the earth where there is intense heat and pressure, Diamonds are simply crystallized carbon.  Volcanic activity of centuries ago brought these gemstones to the earth's surface, where they are found either within volcanic rock formations or washed out into rivers.  India is thought to be the first river-bed source of Diamond mining, but today these gemstones are found primarily in Australia, the Soviet Union, and Africa.


No more notable it its uncut state than a plain pebble upon the beach, the true beauty of the Diamond was not revealed until the 16th century, when gemstone cutting and polishing techniques were perfected.  Prior to this time, it was considered taboo to modify the original state of a Diamond.  Today, the value and appeal of this stone depends largely upon how skillfully it is cut and faceted.


A gift of a Diamond is symbolic of everlasting love.  There is no more convincing a promise of an enduring relationship than the brilliant gemstone that has endured in people's hearts throughout the ages.

Elizabeth Taylor has died at age 79

Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor has died at age 79. (1932-2011), Taylor had been hospitalized in February for congestive heart failure, a condition she learned she had in 2004. A two time Oscar winner (for "Butterfield 8" in 1960 and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in 1966), Taylor was also known for her eight high profile marriages and her love for jewels.

“You can’t cry on a diamond’s shoulder,
and diamonds won’t keep you warm at night.
 But they’re sure fun when the sun shines” 

For Dame Elizabeth Taylor, her love affair with jewelry started early on. “My mother says I didn't open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was her engagement ring. I was hooked!” Since then Dame Elizabeth has acquired one of the greatest private collections of jewelry in the world, with pieces by such leading jewelers as Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Chopard, Gerard, JAR, Ruser, Schlumberger, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, and David Webb.

For François Curiel of Christie’s, who appraised Elizabeth’s legendary collection, it was an experience like none other. “I shall never forget the trays and trays of jewelry that were presented to us… At first, it was the sheer volume that struck me, but gradually as I examined each piece, I was impressed by the quality and variety in the collection. And quality was the common denominator for every piece, regardless of stone or size.” Curiel was also impressed by Elizabeth’s vast knowledge of the provenance and design of each piece in her collection, one that started off quite small.

Elizabeth acquired some of the world’s most important pieces of jewelry during her two marriages to Richard Burton. Like Todd, Burton would, according to Elizabeth “use any excuse” to surprise her with a piece of jewelry. “I never discussed jewelry with Richard,” recalled Elizabeth. “It was given spontaneously.” Together they acquired pieces from the Grand Duchess Vladimir Suite, the Krupp Diamond, La Peregrina Pearl, the Taylor-Burton diamond, etc. It was not uncommon for the jet set couple to be visited by the world’s most famous jewelers while at the airport waiting for their next flight. And Richard, ever the history buff, loved acquiring pieces that were not only beautiful, but historically important.

Since they began their affair on the movie set of “Cleopatra” in January, 1962,Richard Burton delighted in giving bride Elizabeth Taylor extravagant jewels.

The Taylor-Burton Diamond

One of the most famous pieces Burton gave Taylor is the pear-shaped, 69.42 carat Taylor-Burton Diamond. Fifth husband Richard Burton bought the diamond from Cartier in 1969 after a Sotheby’s auction, paying over $1 million for it. Burton agreed to allow the jeweler to display the jewel for a limited period in New York and Chicago, beginning on November 1. Crowds of more than 6,000 a day circled the store’s Fifth Avenue shop in New York to “gawk at a diamond as big as the Ritz.” 

Meanwhile, Taylor had Cartier remount the stone as a pendant suspended from a V-shaped necklace of graduated pear-shaped diamonds, mounted in platinum. Elizabeth admitted that even for her the Cartier Diamond – now called the Taylor-Burton Diamond – was too big to wear as a ring. 

The Taylor-Burton Diamond hangs from a diamond necklace created by Cartier.

Elizabeth is no stranger to heavy rings. She wears the Krupp Diamond on her left hand almost every day and has worn it in most if not all of her films and TV appearances since Richard Burton acquired the Krupp, a 33.19 carat Asscher cut diamond, in 1968 from Parke-Bernet Galleries in New York at the cost of $385,000. The Krupp diamond is regarded as one of the most flawless diamonds in the world. According to Elizabeth, “the Krupp was my prize for beating Richard at ping-pong!” It was previously owned by Vera Krupp, who acquired it from Harry Winston jewelers. The Krupp’s had supplied the Nazi’s with arms during the war, so, according to Elizabeth: “When it came up for auction in the late 1960s, I thought how perfect it would be if a nice Jewish girl like me were to own it.” Burton won the ring in a bidding war that included Harry Winston. Since then the ring has rarely left Elizabeth’s finger.

The Krupp Diamond, Liz Taylor's everyday ring

Taylor was considered one of the greatest actress of all time and will always be remembered as a brave and relentless advocate in the fight against aids. Taylor will be remembered as a Hollywood icon and an incredible human being. (1932-2011)

Christie's Auctioning Big Colored Diamonds

Christie’s New York announced March 22 its Magnificent Jewels sale on April 12 will now feature additional fancy colored diamonds in shades of pink, blue, and yellow.

The sale will feature:

 

3.25 carat Fancy Vivid blue diamond, estimated $2–3 million

 

50.29 carat Fancy Vivid yellow diamond by Carvin French, estimated $2–3 million

6.61 carat Fancy Intense pink diamond set, with a rectangular-cut fancy intense pink diamond, flanked on either side by a baguette-cut diamond, mounted in platinum 

(Photos courtesy of Christie's)

Christie’s had previously announced the sale of a Fancy Vivid purple-pink diamond of 10.09 carats estimated at $12-15 million.

“Demand for large colored diamonds from connoisseurs and investors continues to reach new heights, and we look forward to starting the spring season with this exceptional group of top colored diamonds, curated with the specific desires of today's collectors in mind,” said Rahul Kadakia, head of jewelry at Christie's New York, in a statement.

Article Courtesy of JCK