A gift of custom-made chocolates is being iced with a lot more than sugar in Missouri this Christmas season.
A suburban St. Louis chocolate maker and jeweler have teamed up to offer a box of candy decked out with 13 pieces of diamond jewelry.
Their asking price is a cool $1.5 million.
Lake Forest Confections and Simons Jewelers in Clayton created the gift by combining an assortment of chocolates with plenty of jewels.
In addition to lots of diamonds, the jewelry features sapphires, rubies and emeralds.
The gift is being called "Le Chocolat" and will be presented in an intricate box made in Europe.
Chocolate maker Bud Kolbrener says if a serious buyer comes forward, he'll custom make the chocolates out of fresh fruits, creams or even dusted in 24-karat gold.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Christmas Savings Spectacular
Our Christmas Spectacular Newsletter will be going out this Monday, here is a brief preview of the new deals that are being offered for the Christmas Holiday.
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Thursday, November 16, 2006
Blood Diamond PR Ups Ante, Goes to Oprah
Warner Brother's new "Blood Diamond" film is coming out in a few weeks, and the studio houses are taking their message to the Oprah show.
As the December 8 opening date is nearing, the public relations efforts of the Blood Diamond are increasing. Next week lead actors Leonardo Di Caprio and Djimon Hounsou, together with producer- director Ed Zwick, will appear on the popular show Oprah
The three were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey earlier this week, and the segment will air either Friday or next Monday, the LA Times reports.
Movie makers and NGOs started to sell a red Blood Diamond rubber bracelet. The $2 item was also handed out to attendants of an Amnesty International event held in Los Angeles that focused on conflict diamonds.
Recent PR efforts include another website promoting the movie, Blood Diamond Action, which includes stills from the movie as well as information about conflict diamonds by NGOs and the option to purchase the bracelet. It seems that the site was created by the movie makers together with NGOs Global Witness and Amnesty International.
The LA Times report said that music recorded by rapper Nas for the movie may be on the Blood Diamond Action site some time next week.
The newspaper’s website also reported that a two-hour documentary about the trade in illicit diamonds and the civil war in Sierra Leone is scheduled to air on The History Channel in U.S. December 23.
Smolensk Kristall Offers its Most Expensive Diamond Ever
Smolensk Kristall put on display its most expensive diamond manufactured in the company’s over 40 years of history. Estimated at around $1.3 million, the unique emerald-cut diamond weighs 33.64 carat was cut from a 68.28 carats rough diamond.
The diamond was presented by the Russian DTC Sightholder at the Jewellers Guild Show held in Moscow earlier this month.
Kristall purchased the rough diamond at an international auction for diamonds weighing over 10.8 carats run by Alrosa, the biggest Russian diamond producer.
A state-owned corporation established in 1963, Kristall’s 2005 sales increased 11.19 percent to $347 million.
The diamond was presented by the Russian DTC Sightholder at the Jewellers Guild Show held in Moscow earlier this month.
Kristall purchased the rough diamond at an international auction for diamonds weighing over 10.8 carats run by Alrosa, the biggest Russian diamond producer.
A state-owned corporation established in 1963, Kristall’s 2005 sales increased 11.19 percent to $347 million.
Friday, November 10, 2006
DTC Nov. Sight Est. $700M
The Diamond Trading Company’s (DTC) ninth sight of 2006, commenced on November 7.
Preliminary estimates of the sight suggested a range of between $650-$750 million. According to sightholder estimates and comments there were no ex-plan goods on offer nor were there changes in assortment or price.
Preliminary estimates of the sight suggested a range of between $650-$750 million. According to sightholder estimates and comments there were no ex-plan goods on offer nor were there changes in assortment or price.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
1.01 ct Four Prong Princess Solitaire Ring G, VS1, GIA Plat
Exquisite 1.01 ctw four prong diamond solitaire ring shines with precision. Sparkling princess cut center stone is set in a highly polished platinum setting.
See the 1.01 ct Four Prong Princess Solitaire Ring G, VS1, GIA Plat on Crowdstorm.
See the 1.01 ct Four Prong Princess Solitaire Ring G, VS1, GIA Plat on Crowdstorm.
Gem Pavillion to open at Houston Musuem of Natural Science
"Intensely hued jeweled masterpieces float wondrously in utter darkness, embodying the ultimate combination of natural perfection and flawless artistic execution.” That is how curators describe the gem treasury awaiting visitors to the new Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault, set to open to the public on November 17, 2006 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
In selecting many of the objects for inclusion in the Gem Vault, the Museum’s curators used their extensive connections in the mineralogical world to acquire mineral “cutting rough” freshly extracted from mines around the world. In this way, the museum obtained good quality natural stones and had them cut into faceted gems of exact specifications.
Featuring some of the most extraordinary cut and polished jewels ever displayed in a single permanent exhibition, the Smith Gem Vault will complement and enhance the museum’s existing collection of natural mineral crystals, presently considered one of the finest in the world.
For more than a decade, Lester Smith, a third-generation oilman who began collecting rocks as a boy in his hometown of Wharton, Texas, has served as a trustee of the museum. For the last five years, he has served as chairman of the Gems & Minerals Committee and has provided millions of dollars in funding to advance science education.
The opening of this new permanent exhibit hall at the Houston Museum of Natural Science mineralogically completes the story begun by the world-renowned Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, where the Gem Vault will be located.
In selecting many of the objects for inclusion in the Gem Vault, the Museum’s curators used their extensive connections in the mineralogical world to acquire mineral “cutting rough” freshly extracted from mines around the world. In this way, the museum obtained good quality natural stones and had them cut into faceted gems of exact specifications.
Featuring some of the most extraordinary cut and polished jewels ever displayed in a single permanent exhibition, the Smith Gem Vault will complement and enhance the museum’s existing collection of natural mineral crystals, presently considered one of the finest in the world.
For more than a decade, Lester Smith, a third-generation oilman who began collecting rocks as a boy in his hometown of Wharton, Texas, has served as a trustee of the museum. For the last five years, he has served as chairman of the Gems & Minerals Committee and has provided millions of dollars in funding to advance science education.
The opening of this new permanent exhibit hall at the Houston Museum of Natural Science mineralogically completes the story begun by the world-renowned Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, where the Gem Vault will be located.
Monday, November 06, 2006
The origin of "diamond"
The word 'diamond' conjures up a host of illusions - wealth, treasure, excitement, romance and marriage, to name a few. In fact diamonds are amongst the most fascinating objects in human perception; they go beyond the mere technical definition of gem or precious stone. They exude an inexplicable aura and hold out an exotic allure unmatched by anything else.
The word 'diamond' originates from the Greek word 'adamao', which translates roughly into 'I control' or 'I subdue'. The descriptive form of 'adamao' is 'adamas', which was a term used to indicate the unconquerable; over a period of time the word came to be used to describe the diamond, which is one of the hardest substances known to science. The earliest diamonds were uncut and were therefore considered to be symbols of purity and strength rather than beauty.
For all its exclusivity and sophistication, the diamond comes of very humble parentage indeed. The material that goes to make the diamond is actually the very common carbon. Very early in the earth's history, when the solid substance of the earth began to condense and form a sphere, the bowels of the earth were subjected to enormous pressure and temperature. These extreme conditions resulted in the crystallization of the carbon deposits in the center of the earth. Later, with the cooling of the earth's surface and volcanic activity, the rocks carrying the diamond crystals were thrown upwards, where diamonds were later discovered, encased in vertical volcanic tubes. Many diamond-bearing rocks were also washed away into oceans and rivers and subsequently discovered in these locations.
The lustrous phenomenon known as the diamond today was known in India long before its introduction in the European countries sometime around the twelfth century. The stone was originally the preserve of royalty; in fact history has a record of the royal order passed by King Louis IX banning the use of diamonds by anyone other than the royal family. Gradually with the expansion of the diamond trade these prized pellets came to adorn the aristocracy as well as the wealthy trading class.
The value-determining factors of the diamond are the four 'c's carat, color, cut and clarity. The carat is the weight of the stone and is also measured in points, with one carat being equal to a hundred points, or two hundred milligrams. Carat is very often mistaken for size and is sometimes confused with the 'karat', which is a measure of the purity of gold. Larger diamonds are fewer to find and therefore cost more than smaller ones, with other attributes remaining the same.
As regards color, a chemically pure, perfect diamond is colorless and one of the most sought-after qualities of a diamond is the fiery brilliance of light emanating from the colorless crystal. While diamonds come in a wide range of hues, color variations are very fine and can be discerned only by an expert. Naturally colored stones are called 'colored fancies' and are rare and highly priced.
The 'cut' of the diamond determines its angles and proportions and this is the aspect of the stone that is most dependent on human skill. An accomplished cutter can create a thing of unparalleled beauty and brilliance from the rough stone. Diamond cutting and polishing is a craft that calls for great skill and practice. The cutting of the diamond involves polishing tiny surfaces on the diamond known as facets, thereby creating the various attributes of the stone such as crown, culet, table, girdle and pavilion.
The clarity of the stone is in inverse proportion to its imperfections, or 'inclusions' as they are called. These imperfections may range from the presence of bits of carbon in the stone to cracks or 'feathers'. When light penetrates the diamond, the facets of the diamond reflect and refract the beams and this is what imbues the crystal with its extraordinary dazzle. If any substance comes in the way of this dispersion, the brilliance of the stone will be impacted. In the scale of clarity diamonds are graded from 'Flawless' to 'Included '; totally flawless stones are very rare to find and are considered priceless.
The first diamond mines were discovered in India and it took a millennium for diamond deposits to be discovered in other parts of the world such as South Africa, Brazil and Russia. The latest to join the diamond fraternity is Australia where the Argyle mines produce the exclusive and incomparable pink diamonds.
In the annals of time, diamonds have been considered synonymous with wealth, status, strength and longevity. Some cultures have also associated the crystal with protection, mystery, poisons and the occult sciences. The tradition of gifting a diamond engagement was commenced in the fifteenth century when Archduke Maxmillian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy. Gradually the practice percolated down to become a common custom and is now manifesting as the all-pervading solitaire without which no betrothal is considered complete.
Diamonds occupy a unique place in human history and culture and will continue to do so; they are truly eternal and forever.
The word 'diamond' originates from the Greek word 'adamao', which translates roughly into 'I control' or 'I subdue'. The descriptive form of 'adamao' is 'adamas', which was a term used to indicate the unconquerable; over a period of time the word came to be used to describe the diamond, which is one of the hardest substances known to science. The earliest diamonds were uncut and were therefore considered to be symbols of purity and strength rather than beauty.
For all its exclusivity and sophistication, the diamond comes of very humble parentage indeed. The material that goes to make the diamond is actually the very common carbon. Very early in the earth's history, when the solid substance of the earth began to condense and form a sphere, the bowels of the earth were subjected to enormous pressure and temperature. These extreme conditions resulted in the crystallization of the carbon deposits in the center of the earth. Later, with the cooling of the earth's surface and volcanic activity, the rocks carrying the diamond crystals were thrown upwards, where diamonds were later discovered, encased in vertical volcanic tubes. Many diamond-bearing rocks were also washed away into oceans and rivers and subsequently discovered in these locations.
The lustrous phenomenon known as the diamond today was known in India long before its introduction in the European countries sometime around the twelfth century. The stone was originally the preserve of royalty; in fact history has a record of the royal order passed by King Louis IX banning the use of diamonds by anyone other than the royal family. Gradually with the expansion of the diamond trade these prized pellets came to adorn the aristocracy as well as the wealthy trading class.
The value-determining factors of the diamond are the four 'c's carat, color, cut and clarity. The carat is the weight of the stone and is also measured in points, with one carat being equal to a hundred points, or two hundred milligrams. Carat is very often mistaken for size and is sometimes confused with the 'karat', which is a measure of the purity of gold. Larger diamonds are fewer to find and therefore cost more than smaller ones, with other attributes remaining the same.
As regards color, a chemically pure, perfect diamond is colorless and one of the most sought-after qualities of a diamond is the fiery brilliance of light emanating from the colorless crystal. While diamonds come in a wide range of hues, color variations are very fine and can be discerned only by an expert. Naturally colored stones are called 'colored fancies' and are rare and highly priced.
The 'cut' of the diamond determines its angles and proportions and this is the aspect of the stone that is most dependent on human skill. An accomplished cutter can create a thing of unparalleled beauty and brilliance from the rough stone. Diamond cutting and polishing is a craft that calls for great skill and practice. The cutting of the diamond involves polishing tiny surfaces on the diamond known as facets, thereby creating the various attributes of the stone such as crown, culet, table, girdle and pavilion.
The clarity of the stone is in inverse proportion to its imperfections, or 'inclusions' as they are called. These imperfections may range from the presence of bits of carbon in the stone to cracks or 'feathers'. When light penetrates the diamond, the facets of the diamond reflect and refract the beams and this is what imbues the crystal with its extraordinary dazzle. If any substance comes in the way of this dispersion, the brilliance of the stone will be impacted. In the scale of clarity diamonds are graded from 'Flawless' to 'Included '; totally flawless stones are very rare to find and are considered priceless.
The first diamond mines were discovered in India and it took a millennium for diamond deposits to be discovered in other parts of the world such as South Africa, Brazil and Russia. The latest to join the diamond fraternity is Australia where the Argyle mines produce the exclusive and incomparable pink diamonds.
In the annals of time, diamonds have been considered synonymous with wealth, status, strength and longevity. Some cultures have also associated the crystal with protection, mystery, poisons and the occult sciences. The tradition of gifting a diamond engagement was commenced in the fifteenth century when Archduke Maxmillian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy. Gradually the practice percolated down to become a common custom and is now manifesting as the all-pervading solitaire without which no betrothal is considered complete.
Diamonds occupy a unique place in human history and culture and will continue to do so; they are truly eternal and forever.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
DeBeers 2007 Sight Release List
The Diamond Trading Company (DTC) through its Supplier of Choice (SOC) program supplies rough diamonds to 93 sightholders from around the world. These 93 sightholders are the sole distributors of the world's rough conflict free diamonds, being used in jewelry and sold in bulk. The sights will be held in London and Johannesburg.
The following schedule lists 10 upcoming sights for 2007:
* Monday, 15 January to Friday, 19 January
* Monday, 19 February to Friday, 23 February
* Monday, 26 March to Friday, 30 March
* Monday, 30 April to Friday, 4 May
* Monday, 4 June to Friday, 8 June
* Monday, 9 July to Friday, 13 July
* Monday, 20 August to Friday, 24 August
* Monday, 24 September to Friday, 28 September
* Monday, 29 October to Friday, 2 November
* Monday, 3 December to Friday, 7 December
The following schedule lists 10 upcoming sights for 2007:
* Monday, 15 January to Friday, 19 January
* Monday, 19 February to Friday, 23 February
* Monday, 26 March to Friday, 30 March
* Monday, 30 April to Friday, 4 May
* Monday, 4 June to Friday, 8 June
* Monday, 9 July to Friday, 13 July
* Monday, 20 August to Friday, 24 August
* Monday, 24 September to Friday, 28 September
* Monday, 29 October to Friday, 2 November
* Monday, 3 December to Friday, 7 December
152 carat diamond sells for 4.4 million
Rockwell Ventures Inc., and Durnpike Investments (Pty) Limited, sold a 152.11, D-color, diamond for $4.4 million or $29,123 per carat. The diamond was recovered from Wouterspan in South Africa during September and sold during tender the week of October 16, 2006.
The partners produced 1,292.03 carats of diamonds from Holpan/Klipdam, which sold for $1,247,636.10 in September. This is an average value of $965.64 per carat. 152-carat diamond
Not including the 152-carat diamond, a total of 1,229.09 carats were recovered from Wouterspan in September. The diamonds were sold for $2,792,166.42 for an average value of $2,272.73 per carat.
John Bristow, president of Rockwell, said, "We are encouraged by the strength of prices at the large stone - high quality end of the market and the great returns received from the most recent tenders.
"The 152.11 carat stone was the second 100 plus carat stone recovered at Wouterspan in 2006, and is a testament to the exceptional size and quality of diamonds recovered from the alluvial deposits of this area."
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