The Pearl

In 1477 the Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of

In 1817,  R.J. Hauy,  an eminent French mineralogist,  wrote “Gems are the flowers of the mineral kingdom …. fancy color diamonds are the orchids.”  Fancy color diamonds,  like orchids,  are truly exotic and rare beauties of nature. Yellows,  reds,  pinks,  purples,  blues and greens are not what you expect from diamonds.  Anyone who has studied the 4 Cs can tell you,  “When it comes to diamonds,  the less color …. the better.”  While this is true,  it is only true up to a point.  Slight traces of color can be annoying and detract from a diamond’s beauty and value.  But when a diamond sparkles with brilliant,  intense color,  it is a gem of great rarity and beauty.  These extraordinary gems are known as “fancy color diamonds.” The rarest and most valuable colored diamonds are vibrant reds.  In fact,  one of the highest per-carat prices ever paid for a diamond was for a purplish red stone weighing just over  0.95 carats.  Sold at auction in 1987,  this fiery beauty brought an astounding  $926,000 per carat.  More recently,  a 5.11 carat red diamond is rumored to have sold privately for  $8 million.  However,  not all fancy color diamonds sell for such colorful prices  (please excuse the pun). Fancy color diamonds attain high values because of their great rarity and the attraction they have for gemstone collectors and connoisseurs.  It has been estimated that only one out every  10,000 natural diamonds is a fancy color.  Among natural colored diamonds the rarest shades are red,  pink and green.  More common are various shades of yellow and brown. If a natural red diamond does not fit your budget or your color scheme,  you may want to consider one of the more affordable,  but equally striking alternatives.  Pink diamonds from the Argyle mines in

CostThe fifth C is cost.  The value of colored diamonds is largely determined by the color and weight of the stone.  In the lower color grades of “Light” and “Faint,” colored diamonds usually trade for no or only a slight premium over near-colorless stones of comparable weight,  cut and clarity.  The relatively low premium for these stones reflects the weak,  washed out appearance of their color.  When set in a jewel,  the color in these stones is often masked by the color of the surrounding precious metal. In the middle color grades,  “Fancy” through “Fancy Intense,”  there are many fancy color diamonds that are beautiful and can be found in affordable sizes.  These diamonds are wonderful additions to any gemstone collection and striking center stones when set in a custom designed jewel. As diamonds approach the top color grades,  “Fancy Deep” and “Fancy Vivid,”  their rarity and cost increases sharply.  However,  these diamonds are truly striking and worth acquiring,  if they are within your budget. Synthetic and Treated Colored DiamondsThe great value of fancy color diamonds has enticed many modern-day alchemists to try to recreate these rare and beautiful gems in their laboratories.  As scientific knowledge of the origins of natural fancy color diamonds increases,  the efforts to create synthetic and treated colored diamonds become more successful. Synthetic diamonds are artificial diamonds that have been created in a laboratory.  By varying the heat and pressure during formation,  adding foreign elements,  and irradiating the finished crystals,  synthetic diamonds can be made to imitate natural colored stones.  There is currently a wide spectrum of synthetic colored diamonds available. Treated diamonds are natural diamonds that started out with an unappealing or slightly off color.  By exposing these less desirable stones to the same high-tech alchemy used to create synthetic colored diamonds,  the apparent color and appearance of these diamonds can be significantly improved.  Recently we have seen treated diamonds with vibrant yellowish green,  red and blue colors enter the market. Natural fancy color diamonds are significantly more valuable and rarer than comparable treated or synthetic stones.  Although treated and synthetic diamonds can be beautiful in their own right,  the origin of their color should be fully disclosed by the seller.  They should also cost significantly less than natural diamonds.  Ethical practice and the law require that synthetic gemstones and treatments be fully disclosed to consumers.  Unfortunately,  this does not always happen.  As always,  be careful! A Word of AdviceFancy color diamonds are among the rarest and most beautiful gemstones.  They are,  like orchids,  true treasures of nature! Acquiring a colored diamond requires a special expertise.  In light of the recent advancements in creating treated and synthetic diamonds and the sometimes deceptive practices of sellers,  you may want to seek guidance from an impartial expert.  An independent gemologist/appraiser,  with a knowledge of fancy color diamonds and the diamond markets,  can help you acquire a stunning diamond of high value at a fair price.  As always,  education and expertise are your best protection against the games and shenanigans in the diamond market place.  

Previously, I described how many cost-conscious consumers are hiring diamond brokers to assist them in the purchase of expensive diamonds and colored gemstones.  The advantages of working with a diamond broker are three-fold: 1.  Significantly Lower Cost - By working with a broker you will be purchasing your diamond directly from a cutter or wholesaler. 2.  Higher Quality  -  A qualified broker assures that the color,  cut,  clarity and weight of any diamond you consider purchasing are accurately and fairly described by the seller. 3.  Time Saved  -  The broker is responsible for locating in the diamond markets the 3 or 4 stones that best meet your desires and budget. In short, because the diamond broker works for you,  you avoid typical retail mark-ups,  misrepresented or misgraded diamonds,  and the time and frustration needed to locate and compare different diamonds in different jewelry stores. The key to successfully working with a diamond broker is to first find one who is knowledgeable and committed to working for you.  There are many individuals who are willing to sell you a diamond,  but few who will work in your best interests.  To help you find a qualified diamond broker,  I offer the following guidelines: 1.  A qualified diamond broker must be an expert in the appraisal and grading of diamonds.  At a minimum the broker should be a Graduate Gemologist (GG) trained by the Gemological Institute of

The options available for purchasing a diamond are almost limitless.  The consumer can choose between mall discount stores,  independent retail jewelers,  home shopping channels and even diamond vendors on the internet.   Deciding where to shop for a diamond is almost as difficult as deciding which diamond to buy. One alternative which is gaining popularity among consumers is to hire a diamond broker.   The legitimate diamond broker acts as your representative to help you locate and purchase a diamond of high quality and value.   The broker does not own the diamonds, but acts as your agent to find just the right gemstone in one of the alternative markets.   Among these alternative markets are private sales, auctions, diamond cutters and wholesalers.   For this service the broker charges a preset fee. The advantages of working with a diamond broker are three-fold: lower cost, higher quality and time saved. 1.   Lower Cost - By working with a broker the consumer is in effect buying a diamond from a cutter, dealer or wholesaler.   The total cost to the consumer is the wholesale cost of the stone plus the broker’s fee, usually an additional 10 to 20% of the wholesale cost.   This is significantly less than the typical  50 to 200% retail mark-ups. 2.   Higher Quality - A qualified diamond broker is an expert in the grading and evaluation of diamonds.   The broker assures that the stone you are buying has been accurately graded and is fairly priced.   As an expert in the diamond markets, the broker also knows where to go to get just the right gems to meet your needs. 3.   Time Saved - At First People’s Jewelers when we broker a diamond for a client we locate the best 3 or 4 diamonds that meet the client’s desires.   We then have the diamonds shipped to our offices where the client can examine each stone and select the one that he/she likes the most.   This saves you the time and frustration of “shopping around” and mentally trying to compare diamonds from different stores. Once you have decided to work with a diamond broker, your next challenge is find one who is qualified and will work diligently for you.   In my next artcile I will discuss how you select a qualified diamond broker, but for now I offer a few words of caution. Caveat emptor!   Not all diamond brokers are created equal. Increasing consumer interest in working with a diamond broker (and saving time and money) has lead some unscrupulous retailers and diamond merchants to misrepresent themselves as brokers working for the public. Whether you are shopping at the mall, in an independent jewelry store or on the internet, you should be wary of vendors offering to sell you “diamonds at or below wholesale cost.”   Often times they are merely selling stones they have purchased for inventory and are misrepresenting the quality grade and wholesale value of the diamonds. A true diamond broker does not own the diamonds they help a client purchase.   The broker’s responsibility is to help the client locate and purchase the best diamond available in the marketplace. First People’s Jewelers is a practice of diamond and jewelry experts who can help you purchase a beautiful diamond of high quality and value.  Among the services we offer are diamond brokering, custom jewelry design and jewelry appraisals.  

At a point in nearly every man’s life, there comes a time when his heart knows it’s time for buying a diamond engagement ring for the woman he loves. A symbol of feelings deeper than words can convey, a diamond engagement ring speaks of a man’s need to honor and delight one very special person.

Nature’s Perfect Gemstones

Quality in diamonds is as meaningful as it is in every other aspect of life. How can you recognize a high-quality diamond? It’s the one with more sparkle, more fiery brilliance, more depth — more of what characterizes your relationship.

While there are many diamonds of quality, rare diamonds are even more valuable. Below you’ll find information on the 4Cs, buying guidelines, and why a diamond engagement ring is the most heartfelt gift a man can buy for a woman.

THE 4Cs: Elements that Reveal a Diamond’s Rarity

The 4Cs are the four distinct characteristics that combine to determine a diamond’s value. Since no two diamonds are exactly alike, you’ll want to examine each of the 4Cs in order to find a stone that offers the best combination of qualities — which is the same way experts arrive at a diamond’s rarity and value. Only then will you feel comfortable buying a diamond engagement ring.

CARAT: A Diamond’s Weight

A diamond’s size is measured in carat weight, and each carat is equal to 100 points. For example, a 75-point diamond can also be defined as a .75 or a 3/4 carat stone.

The size you choose is a matter of personal taste and of course budget. It’s important to know that large diamonds are more rare in nature than small ones, and a bigger diamond shows off a fine stone’s dazzling cut and color to its best advantage.

Diamonds of the same size may vary widely in value, depending on their qualities of color, clarity, and cut. If you place one size diamond next to another, the one that has better color and is more pure and sparkling will be worth more.

CLARITY: The Purity of a Diamond

• FL (flawless)
• IF (internally flawless)
• VVS1 VVS2(very, very small inclusions)
• VS1 VS2 (very small inclusions)
• SI1 SI2SI3(small inclusions)
• I1 I2 I3 (visible inclusions)

Virtually all diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet most are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweler’s 10x-magnifying loupe, natural phenomena — called inclusions — may appear to look like tiny crystals, clouds, or feathers. They’re nature’s fingerprint.

The number, color, type, size, and position of inclusions as well as surface blemishes affect a diamond’s clarity. Major inclusions can interfere with the path of light that travels through a diamond. So the greater a stone’s clarity, the more brilliant, valuable, and rare it is.

Diamonds categorized as flawless reveal no inclusions or imperfections under a loupe. However, truly flawless stones, which can only be identified with a gemologist’s powerful microscope, are the most unique of all.

COLOR: A Diamond’s Whiteness

• D E F = Colorless
• G H I J = Near Colorless
• K L M = Faint Yellow
• N O P Q R = Very Light Yellow
• S T U V W X Y Z = Light Yellow

Colorless diamonds — the ideal — are treasured for their rarity. The closer to colorless a diamond is, the more vividly it can reflect light and glorious flashes of the rainbow spectrum.

While most diamonds appear colorless, many actually have subtle yellow or brown tones that can be detected by a trained eye. Color grades range from totally colorless to light yellow. A single color upgrade will increase the value of a diamond significantly.

“Fancy” diamonds — in well-defined colors than include red, pink, blue, green, and canary yellow — are highly prized and as rare as truly colorless stones.

CUT: A Diamond’s Brilliance

A properly cut diamond, regardless of its shape, scintillates with fire and light-offering maximum appeal, durability, and value.

While nature determines a diamond’s color, clarity, and carat weight, the hand of a craftsman is necessary to release its sparkle and beauty.

A master cutter devotes hundreds of hours to carving a stone that makes optimal use of light. When a diamond is cut to proper proportions, light will bounce from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone.

Diamonds which are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the side or bottom. As a result, an improperly cut diamond will be less brilliant and beautiful — and certainly less rare.

SHAPE: A Diamond’s Silhouette

Diamonds are available in a number of beautiful shapes, and the one you choose is purely a matter of personal taste.

After studying the dimensions of a rough stone, a cutter applies his art and imagination to produce a distinctive shape. These include Brilliant Round (the most popular choice), Oval, Pear, Emerald, Marquise, Square Princess, and Heart shapes.

Before scientists discovered where fancy diamonds got their brilliant colors, there were many theories.  One diamond cutter, Briefel, stated that diamonds got their color from the sky.  If the sky was blue when they were formed than they retained that color.  If it was night time when the diamond was formed than the diamond received no color at all.  This theory would mean that pink diamonds got their color from a pink sky probably during a beautiful sunset.  

The theory above is a romantic one, but unfortunately it is not an accurate one.  Fancy diamonds, including pink diamonds, do not get their color according to light they are reflecting at the time.  Instead fancy diamonds get their color through trace amounts of other elements.  These are technically impurities in the diamond.  However, pink diamonds are actually rarer than pure diamonds and are usually found in much smaller sizes.

Pink diamonds are a type II diamond meaning that, unlike type I diamonds that get their color from nitrogen atoms, pink diamonds contain very few nitrogen atoms.  Instead, their color seems to come from their structural impurities.  These impurities seem to be similar to the impurities found in brown diamonds.  In fact, some diamonds are found that contain both pink and brown colors.

Grading pink diamonds is a little different than grading pure diamonds.  When grading fancy diamonds you must also take their color into consideration. This is done by considering factors such as the hue, tone, and saturation of the color.  The Gemological Institute of America or GIA, is the institute that has set forth these standards for grading fancy diamonds including pink diamonds.

Pink diamonds used to be very rare.  Although they are still rare and tend to be found in smaller sizes than pure diamonds, they are becoming more popular.  This is because of the Argyle mine in Australia.  This mine has been producing a good deal of pink diamonds.  In fact, the Argyle mine produces around 90% of the pink diamonds being mined.  The Rio Tinto Group is the mining company that owns the Argyle mine.  This company also owns diamond mines in Canada and Zimbabwe.

We have already noted that pink diamonds are fairly rare.  However, pink diamonds that are huge in size are even rarer.  The Steinmetz Pink is a famous diamond that is 59.6 carats.  This is even larger than the famous Hope Diamond which is only 45.52 carats.  The color is rated a Fancy Vivid Pink by the GIA.  It is not known who originally owned the Steinmetz Pink diamond or where the diamond came from.  However, it is the largest known pink diamond and took the Steinmetz group almost two years to cut.  Their slow pace was a precaution to keep anything from happening to the precious gem during the process.

Pink Diamonds may not be pure diamonds, but it is clear that they have much more character.  Although the color may not come from the reflection of a setting sun, the color can invoke the same feelings that come from gazing upon such a beauty.

Diamonds mean different things to different people. For the most part, diamonds are often associated with love or affection. Thus, it is common for persons in a relationship to exchange a piece of diamond jewelry as a symbol of their love. This is evident by the exchange of diamond rings during a wedding ceremony, or giving diamond jewelry as anniversary gifts. Of course, persons not in a relationship also wear diamonds. The price of diamond jewelry varies. There are diamond jewelry pieces that cost around $100. Unfortunately, the stone is typically small. Persons wanting a bigger diamond, but cannot afford the larger price tag, may consider purchasing a man made diamond.

Man made diamonds have been around for many years. Commonly referred to as synthetic or artificial diamonds, man made diamonds include cubic zirconium, moissanite, and so forth. There are different grades of artificial diamonds. In fact, some are replicated so closely, that onlookers will be unable to detect a faux. Manufacturers of artificial diamonds take great pride in replicating the composite and clarity of a real diamond. For this matter, the stone will have the same luster and color.

The same way real diamonds have different grades; there are also different qualities of man made diamonds. Some low quality synthetic diamonds are sold in department stores and smaller retail stores. While inexpensive and opportune for accessorizing an outfit, faux diamonds of this sort are easily identified. On the other hand, some people choose to purchase high quality replicas. Quality faux stones are more durable. Moreover, their brightness and color is comparable to a real stone. Genuine diamonds are hard, which contributes to their durability. On average, a real diamond rates 10 on the hardness scale. A low quality faux diamond may rate a 5 on the hardness scale. Yet, a quality man made diamond has a rating of 8 or 9, making them a better choice. Naturally, if buying quality man made diamond, you can expect to pay more. Nonetheless, the price is considerably less than what you would pay for a real diamond.

Before 1953, man made diamonds were unheard of. It wasn’t until a group of Swedish engineers and designers produced a machine that was capable of creating diamonds. When General Electric was successful with creating the first man made diamond in 1954, this giant step was withheld from the public. Once information of man made diamonds became known, this prompted other engineers to join the cause. Before long, the process of creating laboratory diamonds had spread across the globe.

Producing a faux diamond includes one of two methods. One approach involves using high pressure and high temperature. To create a man made diamond there must be a pressure of five GPA. Moreover, the temperature must be around 1500 degree Celsius. A second method for producing a faux diamond involves using chemical vapors. This method introduced in 1980 uses carbon plasma. By combining carbon plasma and a mixture of other gases, this creates the appropriate environment for developing a diamond

Diamonds are considered by many to be the world’s most precious of all natural stones.  Whether they are used in an engagement or wedding rings, or simply as an addition to a stunning piece of jewelry, the diamond is a symbol of beauty and power.  They are also found in the crowns of kinds and queens.  Diamonds are found in various mines all over the world, however some of these mines are much better known for their location and the diamonds that have been found and continue to be found there.  In Canada, the Akati Diamond Mine is the country’s very first diamond mining operation.  It was officially opened in 1998 and is operated by the BHP Bilton group, one of the world’s largest natural resources companies.  Since its opening, the mine has produced hundreds of thousands of carats.  The Argyle Diamond Mine is the world’s largest diamond mining operation by volume, although not necessarily by value.  Located in Australia, this mine covers 110 acres, and reaches down underground about 1,900 feet at its deepest part.  The mine produces millions of carats of diamonds each year, although their quality and overall value is considered to be fairly low in the marketplace.  The country of Africa is perhaps the most well known for its diamond production.  The Williamson Diamond Mine is one of the most famous in the world and is located in Tanzania.  One of the most famous stones to come out of the Williamson Diamond Mine was a huge 54 carat pink stone that was later given to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip as a wedding gift in 1947.  Many claim the stone was already perfect when it was found.

America is known for some famous diamond mines as well.  The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is the only public diamond mine in the entire world.  Here, visitors from all over can come and search for their own valuable stones.  The site is 37 acres of plowed field which is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe.  Anyone who comes to visit the Crater of Diamonds is encourage bringing their mining gear, doing some serious diamond searching, and has a fun adventure.  In 1956, a visitor found a large 15.3 carat diamond, making the location a very popular tourist attraction.  Perhaps the most famous diamond mine of all is the De Beers mine, owned and operated by the world famous De Beers Company.  This company practically has a monopoly on the entire diamond mining industry, simply because of their centuries of outstanding quality and cuts.  De Beers was founded in 1888 in the United States, but has since taken over the diamond mining industry for much of Africa, where diamonds are prevalent.  De Beers coined the very famous phrase “A Diamond is forever,” making it one of the most widely recognized advertising campaigns in the diamond business.  The mines are now a worldwide operation, and the company has license to sell its diamonds in retail stores all over the globe. 

A Smile Worth a Million Bucks

It used to be that a shiny smile came from good hygiene.  You brushed your teeth regularly, flossed and visited the dentist for cleanings and teeth whitening … all for the sake of a bright and shiny smile. Well guess what? You can have a smile worth a million bucks, thanks to diamond teeth.

Yep, you heard right – diamond teeth. Having a little bling with your smile is the newest fad. It is all about vanity, setting you apart from the rest of the crowd. That is why you see a lot of rap artists indulging themselves in this tooth jewelry. The diamond teeth craze is also reaching beyond the entertainment industry and into the homes of “regular” folks too.

There are several ways you can obtain diamond teeth and all of them entail non-invasive techniques to achieve that bright smile.  This means no large needles giving you mouth-numbing shots and no noisy drilling or the smell of freshly drilled teeth. The first method involves having a mold made of your teeth. Usually, a mold kit can be mailed straight to your home with detailed instructions. The mold will serve as a guide so that caps can be made to slide right over your existing teeth. Since these caps cannot be solid diamonds, you can choose a base of sterling silver, white gold or even yellow gold. How bright you want your smile will depend on which metal you choose.

With the caps, you have the advantage of your diamond teeth hiding any imperfections in your smile. Crooked teeth and gaps can be camouflaged easily. The same applies for any discolored teeth. They can be hidden too. Best of all, you have the option of purchasing these diamond teeth caps in a removable form or making the addition to your bright smile more permanent through a visit to the dentist or other licensed dental professional.  In the removable form, they would almost be like an accessory that you can interchange as you would any regular jewelry like earrings or necklaces.

Another option for your diamond teeth can be likened to an appliqué.  Little diamonds can be directly adhered to your teeth using a special bonding process similar to what orthodontists use when installing the brackets for braces. Your teeth are cleaned and a special glue and sealant are used on these jewels for the teeth.  These diamond teeth can last for several years if good hygiene is practices and they are not typically harmful to the tooth enamel.

Please keep in mind that this appliqué option can and should only be applied by a dentist, orthodontist or other licensed professional in the dental industry.  This is the only way to be assured that your tooth enamel, the surface of the teeth, stays protected. 

A variety of items can adorn your body.  There are barrettes and combs for the hair, piercing on various body parts like the ears, nose, lip and belly button and there are tattoos for the skin.  Why not diamond teeth for a sparkling mouth?