Whiteflash articles archive for 2012

Engagement Ring Setting Types: Bar Engagement Ring Setting Types: Bar

Engagement Ring Setting Types: Bar If you’re in the market for a diamond engagement ring, but you are looking for a setting more distinctive than the classic prong setting but more dazzling than the bezel setting, you are in for a surprise. The little-known bar setting is the perfect combination of fashion and function, of diamond security and light performance, and of traditional ring design and modern unique flourishes. The bar setting gets its name from the two bars that are set on either side of the center stone, perpendicular to the band, that protect it, hold it in place, and give the setting its trademark appearance. This setting has some similarities to the channel setting, in that the diamond is held securely be hidden notches carved into the strips of precious metal on either side of it. However, unlike the channel setting, the bar setting is usually used on a single center stone, not a row of smaller diamonds. Also, where in a channel setting the

Most popular jewelry in US Most popular jewelry in US

Most Popular Jewelry in the US Jewelry styles, like all fashion, comes in and out. One year, everyone is layering long pendant necklaces; the next, they are wearing oversize cocktail rings set with brightly colored gemstones. But despite all the changes, a few styles have remained the same. No matter how much time goes by, a woman dressed in these classic and most popular jewelry styles will always look timeless and beautiful. If you are looking for a jewelry gift for a woman in your life, a choice from this list of popular jewelry bestsellers can’t go wrong. Every single one of these pieces is sure to stand the test of time and be just as fashionable in twenty years as they are now. Classic 4 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring Browse Solitaire Rings 1. First introduced by Tiffany’s nearly 100 years ago, the solitaire engagement ring is the most popular diamond jewelry piece of all time. Consisting of a single diamond set in a simple prong setting on a

Most Expensive Jewelry in the World Most Expensive Jewelry in the World

04 Jan 2012 12:00

Most Expensive Jewelry in the World If you thought your engagement ring or wedding band was pricey, you’ll be amazed to see that some of the world’s most expensive jewelry has been sold for prices that would easily buy you a house, a car, and maybe a mid-size yacht! What kind of jewelry qualified as the “most expensive jewelry ever” and who buys these diamond-laden extravagances? Most of the world’s most expensive jewelry is pieces created around a specific, unique diamond—diamonds which would be record-breaking even on their own, if they were not set into jewelry. These jewelry pieces—usually necklaces and rings—are often auctioned off to collectors and jewelers, not private individuals, and are rarely, if ever worn. For these jewelry pieces to be worn safely, the wearer must be surrounded by armed bodyguards at all times! In fact, some owners of some of the world’s most expensive jewelry actually often wear h

Whiteflash Announces New Proprietary AGS Certificate for A CUT ABOVE® Whiteflash Announces New Proprietary AGS Certificate for A CUT ABOVE®

Whiteflash Announces New Proprietary AGS Certificate for A CUT ABOVE® Whiteflash is proud to present the latest collaboration with AGS Laboratories: The New AGS Proprietary Light performance Diamond Quality Document for Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Diamonds. As a company committed to providing diamond shoppers with the largest selection of ideal diamonds in the world together with the most comprehensive diamond information available, this new document is the latest step on the Whiteflash path to providing their customers with a Brilliant Diamond Buying Experience®. This new document is being created in partnership with AGS Laboratories, the pioneers of the Ideal Cut Grade for Diamonds. AGS Laboratories has long been considered the leading authority on diamond cut quality. The Proprietary Light Performance Diamond Quality Document adds to that prestigious legacy. The document includes the following points of education and identification: A CUT ABOVE®

The Top 5 Famous Jewelers and Jewelry Stores in the World The Top 5 Famous Jewelers and Jewelry Stores in the World

Top 5 Famous Jewelers and Jewelry Stores in the World For most of us, buying a designer engagement ring is going to be a carefully considered purchase that we will make only after creating a budget, researching price comparisons, and probably saving up for some time. But imagine for a moment that money was no object, that you could buy the best engagement ring from the most famous jewelers in the world. Tacori HT2548CU Shank Halo Diamond Engagement Ring Verragio AFN-5047RD-1 Venetian Diamond Engagement Ring Browse Engagement Rings Where would you go? Would you choose the over-the-top glamour of Tacori or the refined traditionalism of Verragio? All of the world’s most famous jewelry stores have a few elements in common—superb customer service, incredible quality and design, and of course, sky-high prices. At the same time, each of these famous jewelers have a few unique characteristics that give them their distinctive place in the pantheon of g

What are high end jewelers and jewelry stores ? What are high end jewelers and jewelry stores ?

What are high end jewelers and jewelry stores? We all want to know that when we spend money on a major purchase, we are getting a good value on a good quality product. But when it comes to buying jewelry, those terms can be more than a little bit murky. How do you know what is a good value and what is an overpriced subpar product? How do you determine quality in a field without strong brand names, where you must rely on expert testimony when purchasing? To solve this dilemma, many of us turn instinctively to “high end jewelers”, who we can trust to provide a high-quality product. Without their own understanding of what makes one diamond worth more than another, some customers turn to established high end jewelers like Tiffany and Company, who they trust to provide them with a great diamond no matter what. But do high end jewelry stores really carry better diamonds than the chain stores in the mall, independent boutiques, or online-only jewelry stores?

Celebrity Engagement Rings — Holiday Edition Celebrity Engagement Rings — Holiday Edition

12 Jan 2012 12:00

Celebrity Engagement Rings — Holiday Edition ‘Tis the season...to get engaged, apparently! A staggering ten celebrities announced their engagements this holiday season, giving us plenty of stunning celebrity engagement rings to analyze and ogle as we put down the ‘2012’ novelty sunglasses and settle into the new year. For these celebrities, this new year will bring with it a star-studded celebrity wedding and hopefully, plenty more occasions to wear gorgeous celebrity jewelry so we can talk about it! Here are the ten celebrities who announced their engagements over the past month: 1. Michael Jordan, the basketball icon, just announced his engagement to Cuban-born model Yvette Prieto, who he has lived with since 2009. Although Prieto has not revealed her engagement ring to the press yet, rumor has it that the ring cost upwards of $1 million. 2. Famously relaxed movie star Matthew McConaughey bought a very special Christmas gift for Camilla Alves, the Braz

Lost Engagement Ring Found...On a Carrot Lost Engagement Ring Found...On a Carrot

16 Jan 2012 12:00

Lost Engagement Ring Found...On a Carrot You’ve heard of lost engagement rings being rediscovered through Craigslist, being found in behind couch cushions, or even turning up in an x-ray of a pet’s stomach. But when Lena Paahlson was weeding her garden at her home in Northern Sweden earlier this month, she made an even more unusual discovery. As she pulled up a carrot by its top, she noticed a band of metal encircling the carrot. As she looked closer, she realized that it looked a lot like her engagement ring, which she had lost...sixteen years earlier! As the BBC reports, Paahlson had lost her engagement ring while baking in her kitchen back in 1995. After thoroughly searching her home for the missing band, even tearing up floorboards in case the ring had slipped into a crack, she gave up the search. Now, here she was holding a carrot that had somehow grown around the diamond ring, which had somehow made its way into her backyard vegetable patch.

World’s Most Expensive Diamonds World’s Most Expensive Diamonds

20 Jan 2012 12:00

World’s Most Expensive Diamonds R&B superstar Beyonce Knowles may have the biggest and most expensive diamond engagement ring in the world, but that doesn’t mean she owns the world’s most expensive diamond. The most expensive diamonds in the world are decades or centuries old—many have been passed from estate to estate, from museum to museum for generations of diamond lovers to gawk at. Blue, pink and other fancy colored diamonds are among the rarest diamonds, and so it is not surprising that many of the world’s most valuable diamonds are not D-grade colorless but brightly colored in a rainbow of gorgeous, and pricey, hues. One of the most expensive diamonds of all time is the famous Chopard blue diamond. With its 9 carat oval-shaped blue center stone, and enormous diamond side stones, as well as an 18 karat gold band encrusted in smaller diamonds, the Chopard ring is beautiful to look at even if you don’t know its h

World’s Largest Emerald Up For Auction World’s Largest Emerald Up For Auction

21 Jan 2012 12:00

World’s Largest Emerald Up For Auction In the world of oversized gemstones, one often hears about the three or even five-carat diamonds set in celebrity engagement rings. Occasionally, there is even the ten or twenty carat ring worn on a starlet’s hand. Then there are the world-famous large diamonds and gemstones with weights that soar upwards in the two- and even three-hundred carat range. But now, there is a new stone vying for the title of world’s largest gemstone. And this one is too big to be worn on any finger. Gems Canada, a high-end gem trader in Calgary, Canada, has just announced that they will be auctioning off an emerald that weighs a staggering 57,500 carats. That’s right—fifty-seven thousand, five hundred carats. That translates to over 25 pounds! The monstrous stone was first mined in Brazil, where it was given the title of Teodora—or Gift of God in Portuguese. Its exact line of ownership is not known,

Virginia Jewelry Virginia Jewelry

Virginia Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Virginia is considered by many to be the model state. With mild, pleasant weather, great schools, arts centers, and other institutions, and a state legislature that is consistently rated the most effective government in the Western Hemisphere, Virginia seems to offer everything a family might need. If you are already living in Virginia, whether in the metropolitan Richmond area, at the Naval Station of Norfolk, or even near Historic Williamsburg, you might be tempted to settle down here for good. If you have already found the right person to settle down with, all that remains is the proposal and the wedding. Before you can propose, you will have to find the Virginia jewelry store that carried the engagement ring that is right for you. To make that hunt a little easier, we’ve broken down the top jewelry stores in Virginia in several important categories. Happy Shopping! Best Mall – Potomac Mills Mall, i

US Merchant Marine Academy Jewelry US Merchant Marine Academy Jewelry

US Merchant Marine Academy Jewelry The village of Kingspoint, New York, is home to an interesting contradiction. On the one hand, the town of 5,000 people located in Nassau County, New York, is a prosperous village populated mostly by Iranian immigrants and their families. On the other, it is a historic Long Island town that is home to one of the least-known but most important branches of the United States Service—the United States Merchant Marine Academy. A visit to Kingspoint will quickly reveal both sides of this town to the observer, cementing its place as one of the most unique towns in the Greater New York area. The United States Merchant Marine is a little-known but important branch of the United States Service that dates back over 100 years. The Academy in Kingspoint is the central training location for all merchant marines, the servicemen who operate the ships that are the backbone of United States military across the world. Opened in 1943, the curr

US Coast Guard Academy Connecticut Jewelry US Coast Guard Academy Connecticut Jewelry

US Coast Guard Academy Connecticut Jewelry Located on the Southeastern coast of the state of Connecticut, New London is a vibrant, exciting town with a rich maritime history. With its close historical, industrial and cultural connection to the Long Island Sound it borders, it is no surprise that New London is also home to the United States Coast Guard Academy. Whether you find yourself in New London on business, visiting friends or family, or even attending the Coast Guard Academy, there is plenty to do on the weekends in this small but dynamic town. New London is steeped in the rich American history of New England’s days as a maritime superpower. You can get a better sense of this history when you visit Hempstead Houses, a collection of historic mansions that date all the way back to 1678, when New London was one of the first colonies settled in New England. You can even shop for your own piece of New England history to bring home at the famous New London A

Florida Jewelry Florida Jewelry

Florida Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Shopping in Florida does not have to be all about overpriced touristy shops and under-stylish beachside surf stores. The Sunshine State has plenty of glamorous, subtle, and elegant shopping destinations—if you know where to look. So whether you are searching for the perfect Florida engagement ring in Miami, or want to find a memorable diamond necklace in Jacksonville, a quick Internet search is all you need to be on your way! In the Miami area, malls of every size and style abound. For the outdoor, European-style pedestrian mall experience, try Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road. For the all-American sport of bargain hunting, visit the Aventura Mall in nearby Aventura. If your taste in fashion and jewelry is more Cartier and Chanel, stop in at the Bal Harbour Shops. For a view of Biscayne Bay as beautiful as anything in the shops, visit the Bayside Marketplace. For a laid-back, Mediterranean-style day of shopping, ea

North Carolina Jewelry North Carolina Jewelry

North Carolina Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The quintessential Southern state, North Carolina has something to offer to everyone—from the hippie culture of Asheville to the history of New Bern to the beaches of Wilmington. No matter where in North Carolina you call home, you may be surprised to learn that North Carolina is one of the best places in the Southeast United States for shopping. That’s right—with its wide variety of malls, independent boutiques, markets, and downtown shopping districts, North Carolina is a gold mine when it comes to shopping. So whether you live in Greensboro or Chapel Hill, you can find the North Carolina engagement rings of your dreams at a local, North Carolina jeweler near you! Here are some of the best North Carolina jewelry stores in several key categories: Best Outlet – There are several substantial outlet malls in North Carolina. For bargains on jewelry, try Concord Mills, in Concord, which h

California Jewelry California Jewelry

California Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry When most people think of California engagement rings, they immediately imagine the 3-carat-plus rocks worn by Hollywood A-listers. But California jewelry has much more to offer than the oversized diamond engagement rings worn by the stars. In Northern California, jewelers are combining classic jewelry techniques with Silicon Valley innovation to create new and exciting trends in the jewelry industry. Even in the Los Angeles area, jewelers in Orange County offer laid-back baubles that can be worn with the most casual Californian wardrobe, while others specialize in eco-friendly recycled diamonds that even the most environmentally-conscious citizen would be proud to wear. Like many states, California is home to an independent jewelers’ organization—in this case, the California Jewelers Association—that supervises many elements of the California jewelry industry. In fact, the CJA is the largest such o

New Jersey Jewelry New Jersey Jewelry

New Jersey Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry It may have achieved punch-line status thanks to constant mocking by New York City comedians and due to the efforts of a certain MTV reality show, but New Jersey has a lot more fashion to offer than spray tans and leopard print mini-dresses. In fact, New Jersey is consistently rated one of the best states in the union for shopping, thanks to the plethora of outlet malls, fun downtown shopping areas, and of course, the lack of sales tax on clothing. The Garden State may be named for its natural greenery, but the term could also apply to the garden of shopping options for the discerning fashionista. If you are looking for New Jersey jewelry, you’re in luck. Here are the top New Jersey jewelers and jewelry stores in a variety of categories: Best Designer – For the widest variety of designer jewelry boutiques, you have to turn to the Mall at Short Hills in Morris County. This sleek, modern suburban shopping d

Texas Jewelry Texas Jewelry

Texas Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry As the saying goes, they make things bigger in Texas, and that applies to diamond jewelry too. Texas cities like Houston and Dallas are rising to prominence in the international diamond scene, and for good reason: These cities offer incredible diamond jewelry values and selection to the discerning buyer. The first step to understanding the Texas jewelry scene is checking out the website of the Texas Jewelers Association. Started in 1906, the TJA is a statewide organization designed to promote the Texas jewelry industry while ensuring that all jewelry customers in Texas are given fair and reputable service. The TJA helps ensure that all jewelry businesses in Texas adhere to a high code of conduct and ethical business standards. Most reputable Texas jewelers are affiliated with the TJA—make sure to ask and double check. The best place to purchase Texas jewelry is in a locally-owned boutique, not a national chai

Tampines Jewelry Tampines Jewelry

Tampines Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The largest residential area in Singapore, Tampines is located in the East region of the state’s main island. Despite being one of the most densely populated areas of Singapore, it is considered a very desirable place to live, work and shop. In fact, it is said that the Tampines jewelers are some of the most talented and innovative in the country. Although much of Tampines’ residential area consists of the high-density apartment blocks utilized elsewhere in the country, the buildings in Tampines have architectural details and differences that set them apart and contribute to the town’s unique look. In fact, thanks to Tampines’ simultaneously efficient and yet pleasant living conditions, the UN awarded the district with the World Habitat Award in 1992 in recognition of its outstanding contribution to human settlement. Part of what makes Tampines an attractive region to Singaporeans is the ex

Toa Payoh Jewelry Toa Payoh Jewelry

Toa Payoh Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Nestled in the Central Region of Singapore, the quiet and idyllic region of Toa Payoh attracts families, retirees, and tourists to its beautiful, tree-lined avenues and bustling community centers. Well-to-do businesspeople and their families live in the private estates of Upper Aljuried, while students and younger people congregate in the affordable apartment housing of the downtown area. Toa Payoh is also a notable center for some of the best and most pleasant shopping of the Central Region—Toa Payoh jewelry is said to be some of the highest quality and most affordable of any in Singapore. When Toa Payoh was cleared of its slum and swamp origins and redeveloped in the late 1960’s, the town’s planners envisioned a tasteful suburban oasis centered on a pedestrian plaza. Toa Payoh was the first prototype of an urban planning model that would later become the norm throughout the region. Today, the Tow

Ohio Jewelry Ohio Jewelry

Ohio Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry On the most recent episode of the hit TV musical show “Glee,” titled “Yes/No,” one of the lead characters, high school choir and Spanish teacher Will Schuester (played by Matthew Morrison), shopped for an engagement ring for the dramatic proposal he had planned for his sweetheart, guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury (Jayma Mays). That got us thinking....if someone really lived in Lima, Ohio, (or in Akron, Columbus, or Dayton, for that matter), where would he go to buy his engagement ring? Would it be the kind of sweetly old-fashioned jewelry shop Ms. Schuester visits on the show? Would it be a designer jewelry boutique? Or would a real-life Ohioan have to find the engagement ring in a mall chain store? In the show, Will presents Emma with a modest but sparkling white gold ring set with a single delicate round diamond—where could someone find a ring like that in real-life Lima? Lima, a small tow

Georgia Jewelry Georgia Jewelry

Georgia Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Georgia may seem like a quiet, sunny state full of peaches and sunshine, but its largest city, Atlanta, is a bustling, thriving metro area with some of the best nightlife, culture, and shopping in the country. In fact, Atlanta, Georgia is rated as one of the ten best retail markets in the United States, with everything from designer emporiums, discount depots, bohemian boutiques, to some of the biggest and best malls in the country. Jewelry shopping in Georgia is difficult only because there are so many options. You can find top-notch Georgia jewelers everywhere from Savannah to Macon, but some of the best Georgia jewelry stores are right here in Atlanta. Atlanta has the highest concentration of big designer labels anywhere in the state, but it also has a great selection of independently-owned, smaller jewelry boutiques. Here are some of the best Georgia jewelers in several important categories: Best Designer: Two

Illinois Jewelry Illinois Jewelry

Illinois Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Cold, windswept Illinois is perhaps not the first place you might consider when you think of an enjoyable, high-end retail experience. But despite the wind and snow, Chicago, Illinois is shaping up to be a must-visit destination for shopper from the surrounding area. And while Chicagonians probably already know about shopping destinations like the Magnificent Mile and the Atrium Mall, there are tons of other excellent shopping destinations tucked away in many of Chicago’s smaller neighborhoods. Nowhere is this more true than for jewelry shopping. Many Chicago, Illinois jewelers eschew the high rents of the ritzy retail blocks in favor of small, family-owned boutiques on quieter streets. Shoppers who might otherwise turn to the bland, generic designs in a mall chain store will be happy to learn that there are local Illinois jewelry stores in Chicago that offer unique designs, superior customer service, and competi

Massachusetts Jewelry Massachusetts Jewelry

Massachusetts Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry When it comes to jewelry shopping in Massachusetts, there are as many options available to you as there are Red Sox fans in Boston, or late-night study sessions in Cambridge. But to find the best of the best, check out these all-time favorite jewelry shopping destinations in every important category: Best High End – Dorfman Jewelers, a Boston institution for more than two generations, is your number one source for the finest diamonds and gems Massachusetts jewelers have to offer. Dorfman’s deep inventory includes top-grade flawless diamonds, rare colored diamonds, and other high-end gemstones, plus a wide selection of designer fine jewelry. Best Boston Institution – Bostonians like their jewelry like they like everything else—with a healthy dose of history. Lux, Bond and Green, a Wellesley, Massachusetts jewelry store that first opened its doors in 1898, fits that bill perfectly. But t

ASET – The Diamond Evaluation Tool – Simple and Powerful ASET – The Diamond Evaluation Tool – Simple and Powerful

ASET – The Diamond Evaluation Tool – Simple and Powerful Of all the diamond instruments and analytical devices on the market today possibly the most valuable is the ASET (Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool). It is simple in concept, easy to use and to understand, and forms the graphical portion of the sophisticated light performance grading system used by the American Gem Society and its Laboratory. The cut quality analysis performed by the AGSL is widely considered to be the most comprehensive and critical of any lab in the world. As an illustration of the real-world power of the ASET, and as an example of the thorough evaluations that Whiteflash performs on all certified diamonds that we sell, below is a case study of two high quality Asscher Cut diamonds we recently brought in for a client. Both diamonds had grading reports from the GIA. In this article we look at the data on the GIA report, along with the Ideal Scope, ASET, and photographic images and Sarin measurements t

Whiteflash Offers Perfect Pair of D Internally Flawless Diamonds Whiteflash Offers Perfect Pair of D Internally Flawless Diamonds

Whiteflash Offers Perfect Pair of D Internally Flawless Diamonds Whiteflash Inc, international retailer of ideal diamonds and fine bridal jewelry, announced today the addition of two perfectly matched, perfect color and clarity (D IF) one carat diamonds to their already impressive inventory of ideal and super ideal diamonds. Internally Flawless Diamond D IF diamonds (perfect color and internally flawless) are exceedingly scarce. Perfectly matched one carat certified AGS ideal diamonds are phenomenally rare. The fact that they are A CUT ABOVE® Super Ideal Diamonds makes them virtually irreplaceable. Whiteflash has posted an article to their website called The “Perfect” Perfect Pair of Gem Diamonds profiling the pair and providing links to a comprehensive analysis of these world class gem diamonds including AGS Laboratory reports, light performance imagery and pricing. Debi Wexler, Whiteflash CEO, had this to say about the gems: &ldqu

Loose vs. Mounted Diamonds: Which is the Best Choice for You? Loose vs. Mounted Diamonds: Which is the Best Choice for You?

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Whiteflash Recommended Jewelry Appraisers Whiteflash Recommended Jewelry Appraisers

Whiteflash Recommended Jewelry Appraisers As a service to our customers we have prepared this page as a reference to help locate qualified diamond appraisers and jewelry professionals throughout the United States. The individuals and businesses appearing on the list below are recommended based upon industry credentials and a reputation for high quality customer service. Where noted, the company or individual has been pre-approved to receive diamonds and jewelry for the purpose of enabling Whiteflash customers to obtain expert consultation on diamonds and fine jewelry purchases. To learn more about this valuable service please contact one of our knowledgeable diamond and jewelry consultants at 877-612-6770. The list below is provided solely as a convenience, and no guarantees or warranties are intended or implied. Customers are encouraged to shop around and use all resources available to make judgments about companies with whom to do business. To learn more a

Michigan Jewelry Michigan Jewelry

Michigan Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry A few years ago, it looked like the once-great city of Detroit, and the state of Michigan with it, was headed into a sharp decline. But in 2012, the car industry is revving itself up again, downtown Detroit is turning into a thriving creative community, and the state of Michigan is back on the map. In fact, couples and young families are looking at the affordable housing and newly emerging industries in Michigan as a great reason to relocate to the Great Lakes State themselves. If you already live in Michigan, you would be forgiven for not thinking that retail centers in cities like Detroit, Troy, or Grand Rapids would have much to offer in terms of high-end shopping. But what Michigan jewelry shops lack in internationally-renowned designer boutique names they make up for in small, family-run shops with the kind of all-American friendliness and customer service you won’t find anywhere else. Michigan jewelers are

Colorado Jewelry Colorado Jewelry

Colorado Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Denver, Colorado, is a thriving mountain city with a vibrant arts and culture scene, great shopping and entertainment, fine dining, and every other sophisticated amenity an urban dweller could want. The top ten Denver, Colorado jewelry shops are a wonderland of quality, affordability, handcrafted design, and superb customer service. But which one will get the number one ranking as the best jeweler in Colorado? 1. The best Colorado jeweler, winner of 5280 Magazine’s Top of the Town award, is Oster Jewelers, in the Denver neighborhood of Cherry Creek. With a sleek, sophisticated store and a friendly, helpful, staff, Oster is the best source in town for dazzling engagement rings, creative designer jewelry, luxury watches, and even handbags and accessories. Locally owned and operated for over ten years, Oster sources their selection of fine jewelry from some of the world’s best designers, like Calgaro and Arma

Pennsylvania Jewelry Pennsylvania Jewelry

Pennsylvania Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry It’s a rivalry that goes back decades: Pittsburgh versus Philadelphia. The city built by the steel industry versus the city that built America; the City of Bridges versus the City of Brotherly Love; and of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Pennsylvania Eagles. Now we are going to settle one dispute between the two largest cities in Pennsylvania—jewelry. Which of these two cities has better jewelry shopping opportunities? If you needed an engagement ring, which of these cities would be the best place to look for it? We begin with Pittsburgh. The one-time Steel City suffered when the steel-working industry ended, but has since bounced back with thriving, 21st century industries like healthcare, education, technology, and finance. Now, with bustling college campuses, a healthy arts and culture scene, and even a Google campus, Pittsburgh is once again a place to be people young and old. Let&rsquo

South Carolina Jewelry South Carolina Jewelry

South Carolina Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry With its gorgeous weather and Southern charm, South Carolina is the perfect place for a weeklong vacation or a quick romantic getaway. It’s also a surprisingly great place to shop—so whether you are looking for the perfect handmade trinket to commemorate your trip, or you find yourself overwhelmed by the romance and need a last-minute engagement ring, South Carolina has plenty to offer jewelry shoppers of all kinds. Best Vintage Costume Jewelry – When buying vintage costume jewelry, it is important to know that you can trust the style and expertise of the seller, and nowhere is that more true than at Candy Shop Vintage. Owner Diedre Zahl is always dressed to kill and full of information and advice for her loyal customers, even as her pop-up shop moves from various local boutiques to several annual jewelry and art fairs. You can score a vintage cameo brooch or a pair of fabulous mod earrings, all

Alabama Jewelry Alabama Jewelry

Alabama Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry If you know where to look, you can find incredible jewelry in Alabama. And we’re not talking about the bland engagement rings available at every single mall in the country. Alabama jewelry shops are known for their impeccable, friendly customer service—the kind of employees who will remember your name and send you grandma their regards. Plus, in recent years, Alabama’s best jewelry shops have begun celebrating the unique contributions of local Alabama jewelers and artisans. Here are the best of Alabama jewelry stores in several key categories: Best Boutique – Locals are utterly charmed by Charm, a Second Avenue boutique with an eclectic collection of new, vintage, and handmade jewelry, much of it by local Alabama jewelers. The chic, clean space, anchored by a sophisticated black chandelier, also hosts parties and evening events, and fans rave about the inexpensive, authentic jewelry pieces. The

Oregon Jewelry Oregon Jewelry

Oregon Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Portland, Oregon, is more than just the title and favorite punching bag of an IFC sketch comedy show. Sure, there are feminist bookstores, fair-trade coffee shops, and perhaps more individuals with moustaches than in the average population, but Portland, and in fact, Oregon in general, is also a thriving center of American business and culture. There are plenty of people here who do not in any way resemble Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein’s memorable characters. So if you find yourself shopping for Oregon jewelry, you do not need to resign yourself to hemp necklaces beaded with moonstones. You can find everything from spectacular designer diamond jewelry to contemporary artisanal statement pieces in this incredibly diverse state. Here are the gems of the Oregon jewelry scene: Best Local Designer – Portlanders to tend to love local and handmade everything, and jewelry is no exception. Rather than rely o

Maryland Jewelry Maryland Jewelry

Maryland Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there has never been a better time to acquaint yourself with the best locally-owned jewelers in your area. Here in Maryland, there are so many born-and-bred Maryland jewelers with every kind of jewelry shop imaginable, for every taste and budget, that there is no need to settle for a generic bauble at a national chain store in a mall. Here are some of the gems of the Maryland jewelry scene: Best Luxury – With locations in both Pikesville and Towson, Radcliffe Jewelers is the ultimate name in luxury jewelry in the Baltimore area. The fine jewelry department boasts the likes of H. Stern and Bulgari; the bridal jewelry selection is stocked with Simon G. and Henri Daussi, and the luxury watch collection is perhaps most impressive of all—with timepieces by everyone from Cartier to Harry Winston to Movado. Plus, Radcliffe offers many perks and conveniences, like

Winsconsin Jewelry Winsconsin Jewelry

Winsconsin Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Choosing just five Wisconsin jewelers to represent the state was a challenge. With so many family-owned Wisconsin jewelry shops operating in the state, many of them since the early 20th century, it becomes nearly impossible to find the five that truly represent the Wisconsin ethos and the best jewelry shopping experience in the state. That being said, here are five Wisconsin jewelers that receive consistent accolades for superb customer experience, impressive inventory, and quality craftsmanship. 5. Stein’s Jewelers, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been family owned and operated since 1933. In that time, it has become a veritable diamond emporium, with everything from antique jewelry to watches to classic engagement rings to custom jewelry design. A Better Business Bureau accredited establishment and a neighborhood favorite, Stein’s is known for its thoughtful, helpful customer service and unpressured shoppi

Oklahoma Jewelry Oklahoma Jewelry

Oklahoma Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry People in Oklahoma have simple, but very specific taste when it comes to shopping. We don’t need our clothes and accessories to be fancy, and we don’t need to compete with the trends from New York or LA, but when we do buy something, we expect solid workmanship and quality that will last. So although every city has its fair share of boutique gift shops selling cheap jewelry and trinkets, here in Oklahoma, we expect even those stores to put care and attention into their merchandise. Maybe that’s why Oklahoma jewelers have acquired a reputation for producing and selling some of the most well-crafted and simple fine jewelry available anywhere. In Oklahoma City, your choices in jewelry shopping range from the dusty antiques of any of the local antiques malls and dealers to the shiny glitz of area malls like Quail Springs or Penn Square. But if you are looking for authentic Oklahoma jewelry, there are seve

Arizona Jewelry Arizona Jewelry

Arizona Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Buying jewelry in Arizona does not mean that you are stuck with a tacky selection of “pueblo-inspired” turquoise and silver necklaces and bracelets. With an up-and-coming cultural scene and a strong showing by local Arizona jewelers and designers, the Arizona jewelry and clothing shopping scene has never looked better. For sheer variety and aesthetic sensibility, the winner of the Arizona jewelry shopping contest is definitely Phoenix—you can find everything from a whimsical brooch designed by a local artist to a Tory Burch necklace at 90% off here in Phoenix. Best Engagement Rings – If you are looking for a Phoenix engagement ring, you’ll want to head straight for C&G Jewelers. Since 1948, the staff of C&G has been helping budget-conscious fashion lovers and hapless boyfriends find the perfect piece of diamond jewelry for themselves and their significant others, respectively. C&am

Kentucky Jewelry Kentucky Jewelry

Kentucky Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Valentine’s Day may be over, but February is still the perfect time to propose. The weather is cold and dismal, which might not sound romantic, but is the perfect excuse to stay home and cuddle with your significant other. And it’s the perfect time to stage a low-key, low-pressure proposal. If you are planning to pop the question to your girl this month, you’ll need to get started with the ring search. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best Kentucky jewelry stores, where you are sure to find the girl of your dreams the engagement ring of her dreams. Louisville – In Kentucky’s biggest city, your choices for engagement ring shopping run the gamut from high-end designer boutiques to generic mall chain stores, but for that old-fashioned Southern hospitality Kentucky jewelers are famed for, visit Clater Jewelers. Family-owned and operated since 1949, Clater prides itself on it

Tennessee Jewelry Tennessee Jewelry

Tennessee Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Although it is located deep in the Southern Bible Belt, an area not especially known for its cutting-edge fashion, there is a lot more to Tennessee jewelry shopping than bland mall chain stores and Target jewelry counters. In fact, in cities from Memphis to Knoxville, local Tennessee jewelers and artisans are getting back to their local roots with handmade treasures made with traditional techniques like silversmithing. Finding one of these local hidden treasures can take a bit of searching, as they aren’t located in the easy-to-find strip malls, but the search will be completely worthwhile when you find that perfect piece of Tennessee jewelry. In Memphis itself, there are a number of locally-owned boutiques selling the handicrafts of Tennessee jewelers and artisans. The National Ornamental Metal Museum, or NOMM, as its fans call it, is a tucked-away metalworking shop with unique jewelry, home decor, and art item

Maine Jewelry Maine Jewelry

Maine Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Valentine’s Day is over, but just because the season of red roses, champagne and teddy bears holding stuffed hearts is over, does not mean that romance should pack its bags and go. If anything, the end of February is the perfect time for a cozy, intimate proposal—all that snow and wind gives you the perfect excuse to stay home together, cuddled in front of a roaring fire. If you are looking for the perfect engagement ring in Maine in February, you don’t want to waste too much time going from store to store in the cold and wind. Instead, use this simple guide to pick the perfect Maine jewelry shop, and then dash in and out with your prized purchase in hand. It’s that simple! Portland – It may be the biggest city in Maine, but Portland still has a small-town vibe, with neighborhood shops providing most people with their shopping needs. One of those small shops is D. Cole, a family-owned Maine j

New Hampshire Jewelry New Hampshire Jewelry

New Hampshire Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry New Hampshire may be buried under several feet of snow right now, but as the last rose from Valentine’s Day fades and the last chocolate gets eaten out of the heart-shaped box, romance is still in the air. In fact, many New Hampshireans know that February is one of the best times to pop the question—in the quiet season, New Hampshire jewelers have plenty of time to give each customer all the attention and help he or she might need, and may even be able to throw in a discount or promotional deal to sweeten the engagement ring deal. Here are some of the best New Hampshire jewelry shops in all the major cities in the state: Manchester – This small city is home to one of the country’s best jewelry shops. Day’s Jewelers, with five locations across Maine and New Hampshire, was rated one of the best jewelers in the country by wedding website The Knot. Fans of Day’s rave about the

Rhode Island Jewelry Rhode Island Jewelry

Rhode Island Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Whether you are looking for a diamond tennis bracelet in Warwick or a diamond engagement ring in Providence, Rhode Island jewelers can provide you with all the sparkle and flash you are looking for—all at reasonable prices, and with the kind of old-fashioned friendly customer service Rhode Islanders look for. Sure, you can go to the mall and purchase a generic ring or necklace at a national chain store, but for the authentic Rhode Island jewelry store experience, you will want to skip the mall chain store altogether and instead visit these locally-owned shops that can bring you the best jewelry Rhode Island has to offer: Providence – This city, known for quirky style and unique fashion sensibilities, is a great place to find the perfect Rhode Island engagement ring or necklace. One favorite local store is Copacetic Rudely Elegant Jewelry—a store whose quirky name is just a hint to the treasures that li

Mississippi Jewelry Mississippi Jewelry

Mississippi Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Mississippi may be located far from New York, LA, and all the other major fashion centers of the country, but when it comes to shopping, Mississippi is in a class of its own. Jackson, Hattiesburg and Gulfport may not have designer boutiques and world-class malls, but the stores here represent affordable, timeless fashion and honest, caring service. So if you are trying to buy the perfect Mississippi engagement ring, these cities and others in the state can provide you with a beautiful ring you will be proud to wear for years to come. Jackson – The state’s largest city is also the best place for Mississippi jewelry shopping. One local favorite is Jackson Jewelers, a neighborhood institution since 1981 that has recently moved to a shiny, spacious new showroom in nearby Flowood, Mississippi. Jackson Jewelers employs a GIA-certified gemologist, a talented and skilled craftsman, and a full team of knowledgea

Montana Jewelry Montana Jewelry

Montana Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Right, at the tail end of winter, is the perfect time to start thinking about buying an engagement ring for your significant other. After all, spring, with its sunny weather and greenery, is the perfect time to propose, but if you want your ring ready in time, you’d better start now! Luckily for you, I’ve assembled the best of Montana’s jewelry stores in one simple list, so you can find the jeweler nearest you and start shopping! Billings--Your first stop has to be Marcasa, in Billings, Montana. Although they are a full service boutique with everything from accessories to men’s apparel (pick up something for yourself, while you’re there!), they are also known for having the best jewelry counter of any department store in the state. In addition to well-known national brands, Marcasa also showcases pieces by local Montana artists, making it the perfect way to start brainstorming and researchi

Arkansas Jewelry Arkansas Jewelry

Arkansas Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Located smack in the middle of the country, about as far from New York or Los Angeles as you can get, Arkansas may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about where to get fine jewelry. But if the people of Arkansas value one thing, it’s self-reliance—so nearly every small town and village has a handful of locally-owned Arkansas jewelry shops to provide the locals with the simple diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, and other jewelry they need for the big milestones in life. Larger cities, like Little Rock and Fort Smith, have an even wider selection—you can find everything from traditional jewelry emporiums employing traditional Arkansas jewelers to funky boutiques stocked with the latest in trendy fashion jewelry. If you are looking for a perfect piece of jewelry in Arkansas, Little Rock and Fort Smith, along with a handful of other larger towns, are your best bet. If you

Utah Jewelry Utah Jewelry

Utah Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry In recent years, Salt Lake City, Utah, has proved itself to be a surprisingly cosmopolitan city with thriving arts, culture, and fashion sectors. If you want to buy jewelry in Utah, you will be shocked at your range of options—everything from high-end designer boutiques to funky hand-crafted jewelry stores. Utah jewelry stores are also known for fair prices, a keen design sensibility, and honest, fair customer service. Here are the best Utah jewelers and stores selling jewelry in every category: Best Antique Jewelry: Instead of visiting one antiques dealer, spend some time at the Capital City Antique Mall, where over 60 antiques vendors operate out of a single warehouse. In addition to quality antique jewelry from every time period imaginable, you will also find furniture, decor, and even clothing. You might walk away with a genuine 19th-century brooch or a funky Art Deco necklace. If you have fine antique jewel

Nebraska Jewelry Nebraska Jewelry

Nebraska Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry You might not think of Nebraska as the world’s most romantic place, but as Lady Gaga memorably sang in her #1 hit “You and I”, “Something, something about this place...something, something about my cool Nebraska guy...” There is in, fact, a certain something about the cool, crisp mountain air and the tough-as-nails locals that makes Nebraska the kind of place even a cosmopolitan international superstar like Lady Gaga can’t quite forget. So if you have a “cool Nebraska gal” of your own, you might decide it’s time to make it official. Not being Lady Gaga, you probably want to take things to the next level not with a mermaid in a bathtub or by lighting a piano on fire, but with a simple but beautiful diamond engagement ring. Whether you live in Omaha or Sidney, Lincoln or Elkhorn, Nebraska’s biggest cities and smallest towns all have the kind of mom-and-po

Hawaii Jewelry Hawaii Jewelry

Hawaii Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Liam and Rachel, a young Manhattan couple, were already dating seriously for some time when they booked their first big vacation together as a couple: a week-long getaway in Hawaii. They bought swimsuits, packed their vacation essentials, and headed off for that string of natural gems in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It was only the second night of their stay when Liam had a strange, but compelling idea. He would propose to Rachel, right here in Hawaii. There could be no better backdrop to the big question than this tropical paradise, with the sun sinking into the impossibly blue ocean and everyday worries and concerns left far behind. There was just one problem: He had no engagement ring. Although he felt confident in choosing a ring Rachel would love, this was Hawaii, not Los Angeles or New York. Where would he find a Hawaii jeweler that could provide him with a simple, high-quality engagement ring for the big mome

Alaska Jewelry Alaska Jewelry

Alaska Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry While the months between Thanksgiving and New Year’s may be prime engagement season in many states, the state of Alaska operates on its own timetable. Most couples here tend to get engaged in early spring, as the land and our lives begin to thaw out and it becomes easier to get out and about. If you’ve been thinking about popping the question to your Alaskan girl, whether your idea of a dream proposal is a picnic under the Northern Lights or a snowmobile ride through the wilderness, your journey down the aisle begins with a trek to your local Alaska jewelry store. And believe it or not, Alaska jewelers know ice! Here are the top Alaska jewelry stores in every category: Best Authentic Alaska Engagement Ring: If you are looking for a piece of jewelry that is true to Alaska’s spirit and culture, you have to try Alaska Mint, the store of the official US Mint of Alaska. Although the store specializes i

Diamond Light Return - Is maximization really the answer? Diamond Light Return - Is maximization really the answer?

Diamond Light Return - Is maximization really the answer? It may be bit counterintuitive but the answer is “not really”! On the one hand it seems obvious that the more light returning to the eye, the more eye-catching and impressive a diamond would be. But gem diamonds are complicated little wonders, and what makes them truly dazzling is a combination of performance traits. Total light return is one factor and is the engine of diamond performance. A diamond must have sufficient brightness to drive the other beauty aspects – fire and scintillation. In the real world the most beautiful diamonds have the optimal combination of light return, dispersion and scintillation. Dispersion is the breaking up of diamond light into its spectral components through refraction. This is the property commonly referred to as fire. Scintillation is the dynamic property commonly known as sparkle. A diamond with excellent brightness (also referred to as brilliance), th

Main Diamond Certification Institutions Main Diamond Certification Institutions

Main Diamond Certification Institutions The art of purchasing diamonds has changed dramatically over the past few decades. One thing just about all potential customers now know is the importance of buying a diamond that has been “certified”. Prior to 1953, diamonds were graded by the buyers and sellers, without a strict set of standards by which to compare them. One can only imagine the haggling and wrangling that must have accompanied most sales! These days there are many professional diamond certification options, from small appraisal companies to very large grading laboratories. We will be taking a look at the five most well-known labs in the world, whose grading reports are believed to directly impact diamond pricing. The certification of diamonds can be a very subjective process. These labs all grade diamonds on the same criteria; cut, carat, color, clarity (the 4 C’s), shape, fluorescence, symmetry and dimensions being some of the more sig

Is a Diamond Truly the World's Hardest Material? Is a Diamond Truly the World's Hardest Material?

Is Diamond the Hardest Substance in the World? Indeed, diamond is the hardest material in the world. Material hardness is a property determined by scratch resistance. A substance can only be scratched by something of equal or greater hardness. Therefore, only a diamond can scratch another diamond. Diamond sits at the top of the Mohs scale of hardness at number 10 as the hardest material. The Mohs scale rates relative hardness among materials. But hardness is non-linear and it is calculated that diamond is many times harder than next hardest substance (corundum) at 9. Browse In Stock Diamonds Does that mean that diamond is impervious to damage? The answer is a qualified “no”. Diamonds are amazingly durable and can be worn daily for generations without the slightest bit of damage. But they can also chip or even break under certain conditions. Diamond is composed of pure carbon and the atomic bonding of the atoms makes it the hardest material.

Jessica Biel Reveals Engagement Ring Jessica Biel Reveals Engagement Ring

12 Mar 2012 12:00

Jessica Biel Reveals Engagement Ring If you were engaged to pop-star-turned-actor-turned-designer multi-hyphenate Justin Timberlake, wouldn’t you wave your engagement ring around for the world to see? But actress Jessica Biel, who has been reportedly engaged to Timberlake since Christmas, has been suspiciously camera-shy when it comes to showing off her diamond engagement ring for the press. At recent awards shows like the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, Biel dazzled the cameras with sparkling designer dresses, diamond earrings and necklaces and a megawatt smile—but no engagement ring. To cast even more suspicion on the alleged engagement, the Hollywood power couple is rarely photographed on the red carpet together. However, our skepticism at the reality of this engagement may be premature. When Timberlake made a cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live a few weeks ago, he celebrated at the after party with fiancée Biel, and the two were allegedly

Snooki Reveal Engagement Ring! Snooki Reveal Engagement Ring!

12 Mar 2012 12:00

Snooki Reveals Engagement Ring! Ever since it was announced last week that reality TV star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi was pregnant, fans of her show, MTV's megahit Jersey Shore, have been wondering if the starlet might also announce her engagement, to boyfriend and the baby's father, Gionni LeValle. Just two months ago, Snooki, 24, told People magazine, "I know he's the one so I know a ring is coming soon." She also jokingly said that she would only be interested in the proposal if it was accompanied by a large diamond ring. "If it's small, I'm saying no," she said, "Like, Get another ring!" Well, it seems that Snooki's boyfriend of one year, Jionni, found the ring that Snooki loved, because on Monday, March 5, the pint-sized star was spotted in Jersey City, filming her spin-off show with best friend JWoww, wearing oversized shades, striped plastic earrings, and a diamond engagement ring on her left hand! Although the media-savvy

Sweepstakes Winner Pays Whiteflash the Ultimate Compliment Sweepstakes Winner Pays Whiteflash the Ultimate Compliment

22 Mar 2012 12:00

Sweepstakes Winner Pays Whiteflash the Ultimate Compliment Pleasing customers is the central mission for Whiteflash and we regularly receive positive feedback in the form of appreciative emails and online testimonials. But we recently received the ultimate compliment from Michelle Mastas. She had entered and won a recent “Give it the Yes Vote” sweepstakes, one of a series of promotions Whiteflash has been running on its Facebook Fan Page. So pleased was she with her experience with Whiteflash that Michelle decided to get a tattoo of the company logo! Michelle was so ecstatic in winning her beautiful Melody diamond and pink topaz ring, and with her entire experience with Whiteflash, that she wanted to honor the company in a most personal and permanent way. She had the company logo, three merging W’s signifying Whiteflash and the World Wide Web (the company’s premier e-commerce website is www.whiteflash.com), tattooed prominently on her lower

Infinity Diamond Engagement Ring Infinity Diamond Engagement Ring

Infinity Diamond Engagement Ring The concept of Infinity has been pondered by artists, scientists, philosophers and romantics alike. Whether defined as unbounded, unlimited, exceedingly great or immeasurable – there seems to be a moment we all share when we think of the concept of the infinite where we pause and are blown away by the thought. So many cultures and peoples have spent time to represent endlessness of time, from paintings, drawings, mathematical equations and many other mediums. Jewelers and artisans have also strived to create jewelry to withstand the test of time and to represent boundless love – and the Infinity Engagement ring is a perfect piece to covey this. Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring and Diamond Wedding Ring The infinity symbol has been credited to John Wallis, an English mathematician who lived November 23, 1616 through October 28, 1703. There has been much debate as to what influenced his choice for the infinity symbol:

Getting an Art Deco Engagement Ring Getting an Art Deco Engagement Ring

Getting an Art Deco Engagement Ring Retro is in, and the art deco style diamond engagement ring conjures up images of days gone by. This style originated in the 1920’s and 30’s, during the age of flappers, the machine age and “all that jazz”. It is characterized by its geometric shape and symmetry. Art Deco jewelry consists of arcs, circles, triangles and squares rectangles and arcs. It is often featured in black and white or black and red. Some pieces were made into pins or brooches that were shaped into flowers, insects or plants. Fancy colored diamond engagement ring Old mine cut diamonds and European cuts were very popular and mounted into rings with contrasting rubies, emeralds, turquoise and other gemstones. Some wedding sets were made with embellishment and unusual designs. In the 1920’s new diamond cutting techniques were developed that allowed for shapes that would add to this enhanced geometric flair. Art deco st

150-Carat All-Diamond Ring Breaks Records 150-Carat All-Diamond Ring Breaks Records

30 Mar 2012 12:00

150-Carat All-Diamond Ring Breaks Records Shawish Jewelers of Switzerland has just unveiled the world’s first diamond ring. For anyone who thinks that can’t possibly be true, that diamond rings have surely been around for centuries and practically every woman will own one at some point in her life, consider this: every other so-called “diamond ring” in the world is made of gold, platinum or another precious metal and set with a diamond as adornment. This ring, unveiled this week by Swiss jeweler Mohamed Shawish, is made of a diamond—that is, carved entirely from a single enormous loose diamond stone. Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend! Shawish explained that he created the ring—which weighs a hefty 150 carats—from a single stone using a combination of traditional diamond cutting techniques as well as laser cutters, a process which took over a year to plan and execute. The ring is currently copyrighted and is being scheduled to go up for auction—experts predict it

Delaware Jewelry Delaware Jewelry

Delaware Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Located near the bustling urban centers of Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Southern New Jersey, Delaware has recently earned some of its own attention as a sophisticated state with thriving arts and fashion sectors. If you want to buy jewelry in Delaware, you will be amazed at your range of options—everything from high-end boutiques to funky jewelry stores stocked with hand-crafted artisanal wares. Delaware jewelry stores are also well known throughout the D.C. metro area for fair prices, a keen design sensibility, and honest, friendly customer service. When it comes to Delaware jewelry shopping, many of your best options are going to be found in some of Delaware’s many high-end malls and shopping centers. These beautiful centers often combine the finest in luxury shopping with gourmet eateries, fun luxury services and spas, and a relaxing atmosphere that will make you want to stay all day. The Sho

Idaho Jewelry Idaho Jewelry

Idaho Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry With a name like the “Gem State”, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that there is plenty of great fine jewelry shopping in Idaho. After all, nearly every known gemstone has been mined in the state, and it is the only place in the world that six-pointed star garnets have been found. But even if you are looking for a more traditional stone like a diamond, sapphire, or emerald, you can still find well-designed, high-quality fine jewelry at many local stores. If you are looking for local Idaho jewelers with a full-service selection of fine jewelry, your best bet is in Boise. Here are some of the best jewelers in Boise: R. Grey Gallery—An inspiration to open up a small boutique showcasing the jewelry designs of Robert Grey Keller has evolved over the last twenty years into a large, sleek showroom featuring the work of over 150 local Idaho jewelers and artists. Despite carrying dozens of

Nevada Jewelry Nevada Jewelry

Nevada Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The city of Las Vegas, Nevada hosts an average of 315 weddings a day. While some of those are preplanned destination weddings, the majority of them are spur-of-the-moment drive-thru-chapel type affairs. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! Some long-lasting marriages start that way—with a couple deciding that the time is right, and that the right time is right now! So what if you want to tie the knot Vegas-style? Well, it might be an impromptu proposal and wedding, but you can still make it feel like the real deal by proposing with an engagement ring as beautiful and classy as any you would have found back home. While many stores in Vegas sell overpriced touristy souvenirs, if you look a little bit off the beaten track, you can find quality Nevada jewelers selling traditional or contemporary diamond jewelry. Here are the best Nevada jewelry shops to suit every style and budget: Best Vintage: T

Vermont Jewelry Vermont Jewelry

Vermont Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry One of the little-known customs and traditions of Leap Day, February 29, is that it is the one day where women in England were allowed to propose to the men in their lives, instead of the other way around. Of course, today, anyone can propose to their girlfriend or boyfriend anytime they want, but Leap Day is still associated with spontaneity and romance. So if you took the leap and proposed to your significant other on Leap Day, it’s time to follow through on that commitment by buying her a beautiful engagement ring. Luckily for you, there are lots of places to find the perfect engagement ring in Vermont, so you won’t have to wait weeks to have one delivered from an online retailer. Of course, most of the best Vermont jewelers are concentrated in the larger cities, with Burlington in particular being a great place to find that Vermont engagement ring: Best Imported—If you are looking for a Vermo

West Virginia Jewelry West Virginia Jewelry

West Virginia Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The people of West Virginia are known for being salt-of-the-earth, unfussy Southerners, who love outdoorsy activities like white water rafting, hiking, and exploring West Virginia’s many caves. While they aren’t known for their fashion expertise, West Virginians tend to favor clothing and jewelry purchases that are timeless and sensible, and tough enough to put up with the intense West Virginia lifestyle. So if you are shopping for an engagement ring here, put aside your preconceived notions about what West Virginia engagement ring shopping is all about and prepare to be delightedly surprised by the simple, tasteful and high quality rings West Virginia’s jewelers have to offer. Charleston: West Virginia’s jewelry stores are most plentiful in the state’s largest city, and Petit Jewelry Designs is one of the best. The small but well-stocked shop carries a range of styles from many of th

North Dakota Jewelry North Dakota Jewelry

North Dakota Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry In a country racked by industrial stagnation, surging unemployment, and increasing pollution, the state of North Dakota can seem like a breath of fresh air, literally. With the lowest unemployment rate (3.7%) and the cleanest air in the country, there is little wonder the people of North Dakota are reportedly among the happiest and most satisfied in the country. All that happiness and satisfaction is leading people to one place: the altar. When the economy and overall life satisfaction is up, marriage rates in that place tend to go up as well. So if you live in North Dakota, chances are you’ll find this guide to the best engagement ring jewelry shopping in North Dakota pretty useful: Fargo: Your North Dakota jewelry shopping options are not limited to the generic chain stores in the mall, especially not in Fargo. Family-owned Schmidt’s Gems and Fine Jewelry has over 25 years of experience providing

Missouri Jewelry Missouri Jewelry

Missouri Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry As Missouri goes, so goes the country. This old saying continues to be true in many respects—politically, socially, culturally, and demographically. The mean center of the US population is in Missouri; the state’s election results have accurately predicted national results in nearly every election since 1904. So it’s unsurprising that the nation’s turn towards a preference for locally owned stores and handcrafted goods in the fine jewelry market is reflected in Missouri jewelry shopping options as well. Whether you live in “western-most Eastern city” of St. Louis and draw fashion inspiration from New York, or if you reside in the “eastern-most Western city” of Kansas City and look towards LA for style cues, Missouri jewelers can provide for their state’s split personality by offering uniquely Missouri engagement rings that have the elegance and refinement of New Yor

Iowa Jewelry Iowa Jewelry

Iowa Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Believe it or not, the day after Valentine’s Day is often the day when Google searches for terms like “engagement rings” and “how to propose” skyrocket. After all, there is nothing like a day of full-time, no-holds-barred romance to make a couple realize that it is time for them to take the next step in their relationship. And maybe it is just leftover happiness hormones from the day before, but February 15th seems like a perfect time to renew your commitment to romance and love, not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day of the year. Of course, it being the coldest point in the winter right now, you probably don’t want to spend your entire weekend trudging around your local town to find that perfect engagement ring, so we’ve done some of the work for you, rounding up the best Iowa jewelry stores in each major city. You can thank us after you pop the question and see the excited l

New Mexico Jewelry New Mexico Jewelry

New Mexico Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry When people hear the phrase “New Mexico jewelers”, they often think of the kind of cheesy, over-the-top silver and turquoise pieces you’ll find at every roadside tourist attraction near Santa Fe. But if you are looking for classic, quality jewelry, New Mexico jewelers have you covered, with everything from handmade artisanal jewelry made by local New Mexico jewelers to high end designer pieces from the biggest names in jewelry. Albuquerque: If you are looking for a New Mexico engagement ring in Albuquerque, your first stop must be Butterfield Jewelers. Founded in 1928 and owned and operated by the Butterfield family ever since, this is the kind of jewelry store that will stop at nothing to make sure you have your engagement ring and wedding band needs met. They carry a wide selection of fine jewelry items from the biggest designer brands, and can also repair and custom-design jewelry to your exact

South Dakota Jewelry South Dakota Jewelry

South Dakota Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry With spring right around the corner, it’s time to start working on those springtime proposals. Early spring is the perfect time to pop the question—the beautiful weather and blooming outdoors make the perfect backdrop for your big moment, and who isn’t in a good mood on the first sunny, warm day of the year? If you are planning on proposing to your girl this spring, it’s time to start preparing. You need to choose a location, plan the big moment, and come up with a cute way of asking the big question—but most of all, you need to start shopping for the engagement ring! Where in South Dakota can you find a perfect engagement ring? You can easily find dozens of South Dakota jewelry shops, but unfortunately, many of them are generic national chain stores selling mediocre merchandise at inflated prices. Like so many things in life, engagement ring shopping is one area where patronizing loca

Connecticut Jewelry Connecticut Jewelry

Connecticut Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Home of Yale University in New Haven, the dramatic private estates of Greenwich, and the banking and finance center of Stamford, it should be surprising to no one that the state of Connecticut is an excellent place to shop for luxury items like cars, designer goods and jewelry. Connecticut residents, whether they are from Monroe or Norwalk, like elegance, luxury and class in all their purchases—so Connecticut jewelers tend to carry only the best when it comes to engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry. Here are the best Connecticut jewelry stores in several important categories: Best Custom Jewelry – Peter Indorf Jewelers, in downtown New Haven’s vibrant shopping district, is renowned for his incredible custom jewelry designs. Winner of several Connecticut engagement ring design contests, Peter Indorf is known for taking any client’s custom design dream and turning it into a dazzli

Boston Jewelry Boston Jewelry

Boston Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The city of Boston is no stranger to rivalries. There’s the Boston Red Sox versus the New York Yankees, Cambridge’s Harvard versus New Haven’s Yale, and of course, the New England Patriots versus the New York Giants. But the biggest rivalries are often not between Boston and one of her neighboring cities, but within the city itself—who has the best pizza in Boston? The best haircut? The best bookstore? Bostonians take these kinds of challenges seriously. So when it comes to choosing the best jewelry store in Boston, many factors have to be taken into account. The best Boston jewelry store is going to have all the qualities Bostonians look for in a business establishment—a beautiful showroom, calm, dignified, shopping experience, good prices, excellent customer service, and a great selection of products. While there is no one style that typified Boston jewelry, you do expect Boston rings to h

Shanghai Jewelry Shanghai Jewelry

Shanghai Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Whether you live in the city, in the nearby metropolitan area, or are visiting Shanghai for the very first time, if you’ve never spent any time in Shanghai’s famous markets, then you are overdue for a visit. Unlike American markets or marketplaces in many places in the world, Shanghai’s markets are often organized according to product, so each location hosts many vendors selling similar products. This strategy can often bring prices down, give the customer the widest possible range of styles and models, and make it easy to comparison shop between different vendors in the same market. The Shanghai jewelry market is no different—having so many jewelers and jewelry vendors under the same roof gives the customer access to a level of selection and quality that would be difficult to attain in a Shanghai jewelry store. One of the most popular Shanghai jewelry market is the Hong Qiao New World Pearl Mar

Beijing Jewelry Beijing Jewelry

Beijing Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Beijing jewelry is famous the world over for its elegance, refinement, and grace. Jewelers in the Beijing area have been practicing the same traditional techniques for millennia, and today, with the use of modern technology aiding these traditional practices, Beijing jewelry stores are able to cater to modern demands of price and practicality while still producing the tasteful and beautiful designs of generations past. For a complete tour of the Beijing jewelry stores, you should start at Fanghua Pearl and Jewelry, the largest and most famous pearl store in the famous Beijing pearl market. In this crowded but well-appointed showroom, locals and foreigners alike are treated with the consideration and care central to the Beijing jewelry shopping experience. The pearls on display range from classic white to yellow, pink, and black, from the smallest seed pearls to opulent oversized gems. You can find a classic pearl neckla

Guangzhou Jewelry Guangzhou Jewelry

Guangzhou Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Every year, Westerners are becoming more and more aware of the level of sophistication and modernity that is to be found in Chinese culture, business, and technology. And it isn’t only the famous cities like Shanghai and Olympics-hosting Beijing getting all the attention—Guangzhou, the capital of the historic Guangdong district of China, is receiving newfound Western attention for its industry, manufacturing, technology, and increasingly, its shopping. One industry that combines the age-old arts and culture of the Chinese heritage with the modern technology and high-tech craftsmanship so prevalent in the country is the jewelry industry. In Guangzhou, jewelry manufacturers are taking traditional Chinese motifs and materials and using modern technology to produce these pieces at a quality and cost not even imaginable only a few years ago. That means, for the first time, Guangzhou jewelry stores are able to produc

Perth Jewelry Perth Jewelry

Perth Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewellery As a city, Perth, Western Australia can sometimes seem a bit isolated. Even lifelong Perthians sometimes assume that when it comes to major, important purchases, they will be forced to order online and pay exorbitant shipping fees or travel to Sydney or Melbourne for better shopping options. But increasingly, this stereotype is no longer true. The last ten years have seen a sudden flowering of local trade and industry as Perthians embrace the global trend towards all that is handmade, artisanal and local. This Perth-based local artisanal industry includes food, clothing, furniture and now even jewelry. Whereas only a few years ago, Perthians were forced to order jewelry for special occasions that had been made as far away as the United States, local Perth jewelry stores have been responding to the desire for supporting local jewelers by stocking their display cases with made-in-Perth jewelry. Many Perth jewelry shopper

Laboratory Graded Diamonds – What are the benefits for the consumer? Laboratory Graded Diamonds – What are the benefits for the consumer?

Laboratory Graded Diamonds – What are the benefits for the consumer? *The following article was published prior to the GIA/AGSL merger at the end of 2022. The information contained herein is still highly relevant to anyone who owns or may acquire a diamond graded by AGSL pre-merger. In the internet age consumers expect to know the details of their purchases more intimately- especially the significant ones. In-depth and comprehensive information is more accessible to the consumer today than ever before. Informed diamond shoppers understand that certain characteristics that might not be obvious to the casual shopper may in fact be significant in terms of value and performance. These factors are revealed in high quality laboratory reports. Moreover, laboratory grading provides expert, unbiased, third-party evaluation that is not vested in the sale of the diamond. One major trend is that today’s diamond consumers are coming to understand that diamond cut quality is arguabl

Top 10 Engagement Ring Trends for 2012 Top 10 Engagement Ring Trends for 2012

17 Apr 2012 12:00

Top 10 Engagement Ring Trends 2012 With news of Angelina Jolie’s and Brad Pitt’s engagement filling the blogosphere, it seems like the perfect time to look at some of the engagement ring trends we’ve been seeing lately, so all the commitment-shy couples out there who might take Brangelina’s engagement as a sign that it is time to pop the question themselves can have a quick update on what’s been going on in the world in engagement rings trends, 2012. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Angelina Jolie Engagement Ring 1. Angelina’s quarter-million-dollar ring may be out of your price range, but you can adopt her sleek and sexy style with a similar emerald cut diamond in your engagement ring. The clean lines of this rectangular diamond shape give the stone a unique look that stands out from the typical round brilliant diamond shape. Vatche 18k White Gold Pink Topaz Diamond Engagement Ring 2. Gemstones &ndash

China Jewelry China Jewelry

China Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Tourism in China has expanded significantly over the past several decades. Today, over 56 million people visit China every year, making it the third-most visited country in the world. And nearly every one of those tourists come to China looking for that one perfect souvenir to recall their trip to the East. China jewelry makes the perfect souvenir for your trip to China, because it is affordable, beautiful, useful, and recalls the authentic culture and traditions of China in a way that is still wearable and accessible. Authentic China jewelry, incorporating traditional materials such as jade and pearls, and made with traditional techniques, is as fashionable as it is timeless, and buying souvenirs from a China jewelry store is a great way to support the local economy while visiting. However, before you spend hundreds of dollars on China rings or bracelets, keep in mind that an increasing number of China jewelry store

Italy Jewelry Italy Jewelry

Italy Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Italy. The country that invented good food, great fashion, and wonderful times. Even today, nearly every high-fashion designer name rolls off the tongue with a distinctively Italian lilt. Giorgio Armani. Roberto Cavalli. Salvatore Ferragamo. In Italy, jewelry is no different. Italy jewelry stores have the same commitment to classic fine design, time-honored techniques, and meticulous craftsmanship as the finest atelier of Milan. Whether you are an American taking in the Tuscan countryside for a week, or you are a native Italian living in Milan, the best way to experience the true range of Italy jewelry is to visit a wide combination of high-end designer boutiques, international labels, artisanal jewelry stands, and classic old-fashioned jewelry shops. Florence – Although Florence has its fair share of designer Italy jewelry stores, the main attraction when it comes to buying an Italy engagement ring in Florence

Finland Jewelry Finland Jewelry

Finland Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Anyone who has ever been to an Ikea knows the principles of Scandinavian design: ultra-simple, modern styles are made fresh with a keen eye for color and size and a whimsical sense of humor. This same principle applies to the unique local jewelry styles of Finland. Visitors to this small country are often surprised at the fun, bright Finland jewelry—and usually end up flying home with suitcases stuffed with fashion finds for family and friends. Finland jewelry often takes advantage of the natural minerals available in the country. Although you can find Finland diamond vendors selling high quality diamonds for classic Finland engagement rings, you are much more likely to encounter a Finland jewelry store selling bronze and copper jewelry set with sun quartz, jasper, and rhodonite. Spectrolite, a locally-mined stone, is especially beloved by Finnish jewelry designs for its deep, moody color, which ranges from blue t

Japan Jewelry Japan Jewelry

Japan Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Whether you are a tourist visiting for a week, a student or businessperson staying for several months, or an expat who has come for good, shopping in Japan can be an intimidating and confusing prospect if you did not grow up here. And as much as that can be true for small purchases like groceries or clothing, it is even more true when it comes to a major purchase, like jewelry. For that reason, many Japan-dwelling Westerners avoid visiting Japan jewelry stores altogether, opting instead to purchase jewelry online and have it shipped from the United States. While this may be a perfectly reasonable option for some, there is no reason that, if you are in the market for an engagement ring in Japan, you shouldn’t actually purchase that engagement ring in Japan itself. Besides for providing a sorely-needed boost to the local economy, you will also be promoting the work of traditional Japan jewelry makers, who have been pe

Bermuda Jewelry Bermuda Jewelry

Bermuda Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Bermuda jewelry store owners are already familiar with the phenomenon: a couple comes to the island nation on vacation, then falls in love with each other over the pristine white sand beaches and endless blue ocean, and comes running into a Bermuda jewelry store looking for that perfect Bermuda engagement ring so they can take their relationship to the next level right there on the island. Luckily, these jewelers are prepared for that kind of romantic impulsivity, with a huge variety of engagement rings and other pieces of Bermuda jewelry perfect for commemorating that major milestone in your relationship. However, like any other tourist center, Bermuda jewelry stores can overwhelm unprepared visitors with a vast array of kitschy, knockoff products that will fall apart or wear out faster than your tan can fade. “Bermuda rings” and other tourist-oriented products embellished with the name of the island are of

Belgium Jewelry Belgium Jewelry

Belgium Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Chocolate. Beer. Waffles. When the Belgians make something, they tend to do it right. So it should come as no surprise to anyone that Belgium jewelry stores tend to turn out some of the most high quality and well-crafted jewelry available anywhere in Europe. The Antwerp, Belgium diamond industry is one of the most important centers of the polished diamond and gemstone industry worldwide—jewelers from all over the world come to Antwerp to buy their stones. However, perhaps because of the advanced level of the professional market in Belgium, it can be difficult for the average Belgian or visitor to find that perfect Belgium engagement ring at the retail level, especially if you are not an expert on diamond buying. However, if you do find a way to navigate the complex world of the Belgium diamond markets, you can feel satisfied in the fact that you are buying your diamond ring from the very heart of the world diamond mark

Malaysia Jewelry Malaysia Jewelry

Malaysia Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Shopping for jewelry can be a stressful experience. There are so many decisions—what kind of jewelry are you looking for? What is your budget? Do you want yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or maybe platinum? Do you know exactly where on the Four C’s you want your diamond to fall? If you are buying jewelry as a gift for someone, that stress level can be ratcheted up even higher, as you look for that perfect piece that your special someone will love. Not only that, but as complicated as this kind of major purchase can be in a major shopping city like New York City or Tokyo, it can be even more difficult to navigate the small and unpublicized jewelry scene in a country like Malaysia. To cut down on that stress just a little, we’ve put together a list of the best Malaysia jewelry stores in every important category: Best Malaysia designer engagement rings: When you are looking for “the” r

Germany Jewelry Germany Jewelry

Germany Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry If you’ve ever owned a BMW, a Mercedes, or even a Volkswagon, you know the power of German engineering. German craftsmen have been famous worldwide for generations for their incredible attention to detail, unparalleled quality of workmanship, and the kind of craftsmanship that lasts generations. When it comes to jewelry, Germany is no different. Buying jewelry in Germany is one of the best ways to take home the best of German culture and traditions in a portable, usable souvenir (unless you’re planning on fitting a BMW in that carry-on bag!) Whether you are spending the summer in the German countryside, or fitting in the vibrant culture of Munich and Dusseldorf in one week, you can easily find a beautiful piece of German jewelry for yourself or as a gift for someone special. Here are some useful tips for buying jewelry in Germany: 1. Although most people in a Germany jewelry store will speak a little bi

Visual Proportion Analyzer: Free Diamond Assessment Tool Visual Proportion Analyzer: Free Diamond Assessment Tool

Visual Proportion Analyzer – Free Software for Diamond Evaluation The following article was produced in collaboration with the AGSL. Special thanks to Alethea Inns, Director of Diamond Grading, for her invaluable help. In keeping with their mission of consumer protection and education the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) has just released a software program for evaluating cutting precision of the standard round brilliant diamond. And they have made this Visual Proportion Analyzer (VPA) software available to the public for free! The VPA is the same software used by AGSL to assess certain aspects of diamond cut quality. It analyzes aspects of faceting related to diamond cutting precision. With the VPA it is possible to easily gain sophisticated insights into the quality of diamond cut craftsmanship. Using a data file generated by a 3D scan of the diamond by non-contact optical measuring devices such as the Sarin (.srn), the VPA software analyzes the angles a

Where Are The Main Diamond Sources? Where Are The Main Diamond Sources?

Where Are The Main Diamond Sources? While locating and purchasing a diamond today is as easy as opening a webpage and clicking a button – the location of where the diamond came from is not usually considered. While we are all lucky to reap the benefits of diamond mining, sorting, grading, and international distribution – just where do they all come from? There are two primary diamond sources: the earth, which produces naturally formed diamonds, and laboratories which provide synthetic diamonds. Rough Diamond Crystals In 1797, it was discovered that diamond was composed of pure carbon. This begged the inevitable question: can ‘we’ recreate it? Many scientists, chemists and other intellectuals sought after the possibility of creating diamonds. Henri Moissan, and James Ballantyne Hannay were some of the first to have success with creating simulated diamonds by applying heat and pressure to charcoal. These landmarks happened between 1879 and 1

The Most Famous Diamonds in the World The Most Famous Diamonds in the World

The Most Famous Diamonds in the World The Hope Diamond As the old song goes “Ya gotta have hope”, but when you know the history of the Hope Diamond, you may change your tune. The 45.52 carat Blue Hope Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world. It was named for one of its purchasers, Henry Thomas Hope, an English banker. The Hope has a long history of being associated with bad luck for its owners. Hope's son inherited the diamond and subsequently lost his fortune. It was eventually acquired by an American widow, Mrs. Edward McLean, whose family suffered a series of catastrophes including the death of her only child, and the break up of her family. She lost her money, and committed suicide. When Harry Winston, the New York diamond merchant, bought the stone in 1949, many clients refused to touch it. Large Blue Gemstone and Diamond Pendant As an interesting side note, Whiteflash Senior Diamond Consultant Bob Hoskins (Graduate Gemologist, GI

How Are Diamonds Mined? How Are Diamonds Mined?

How Are Diamonds Mined? Finding a diamond this day and age is easy: go online, head to the mall – and in some cases you can even find diamonds at the store you buy your groceries! But in this age of instant gratification we should take a moment and ask, “Just how did these diamonds end up in front of me?” The short answer is that they are created by time and pressure – and if they are naturally formed diamonds- they are mined. Diamond mining is a combination of art, science, engineering, and a lot of hard work. Large Diamond Mine with Explosions There are two basic types of mining used to bring these gems close to home: Pipe Mining and Alluvial Mining. Neither of these really fits the notion of workers in hard hats exploring cavern-like diamond mines, perhaps carrying a pick ax and whistling a song! Both methods require massive amounts of labor and planning in order to locate diamonds, however it is the latter of the two methods that started the world’s obsessio

What is a Diamond? What is a Diamond?

What is a Diamond? The word diamond is derived from the Greek word adamas, meaning “unbreakable” or “indestructible”. The definition of diamond is “a pure or nearly pure, extremely hard form of carbon, naturally crystallized in the isometric system”. These carbon formations are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, at the site of a meteorite strike, or in space and then transferred to the Earth by asteroids. Since meteorite and asteroid strikes are not terribly common, the majority of these stones come from the Earth. Wherever they are formed, the conditions must be very specific. Carbon-bearing minerals in the Earth’s mantle are subjected to extremely high temperature and pressure, and over long periods of time, will become crystallized. This process can take up to one billion years or more. The diamond is then forced toward the Earth’s surface along with magma from deep volcanic eruptions. The magma travels through volcanic pipes and cools into igneous rock close to the Earth

Verragio – A Name Guys Need to Know! Verragio – A Name Guys Need to Know!

Verragio – A Name Guys Need to Know! Good news guys- when it comes to engagement rings a lady’s dreams and wishes were a lot harder to fathom in generations past. But today women are more involved in the selection of wedding rings than ever before in history. The advantage – less guesswork, less ground work, and less risk for you! Verragio Engagement Rings and Wedding Ring BROWSE VERRAGIO RINGS One of the best known designer jewelry lines today is Verragio. As a bridal specialist with an upscale line of high quality fashion-forward designs, Verragio is the solution for a growing population of lucky guys. In addition to the fact that they have a well deserved reputation for quality and style, Verragio is a name that guys need to know because your lady probably does! With a million Facebook fans, far more than any other designer jewelry brand, women are the focus at Verragio. If she is not already a fan herself she probably has a good friend who i

Whiteflash Captures 2012 BBB Pinnacle Award Whiteflash Captures 2012 BBB Pinnacle Award

Whiteflash Captures 2012 BBB Pinnacle Award Whiteflash Inc., specialists in Ideal Diamonds and Fine Bridal Jewelry, announced today that it has been selected the 2012 Pinnacle Award Winner by the Better Business Bureau for the retail jewelry category in Houston, Texas. This award recognizes Whiteflash as the top retail jeweler in the fourth largest city in America. Whiteflash Wins the BBB Pinnacle Award Businesses were judged by a panel of experts on many different measures of excellence including best practices in providing clear and complete information about their products and services, assurance policies, innovation in adding value to the marketplace, and above all customer satisfaction. Bryan Boyne, Vice President of Whiteflash who spearheaded the effort on the part of the company, had this to say about the honor: “Being in the diamond engagement ring business the saying that comes to mind is “always the bridesmaid, never the bride”. We have taken home

Thailand Jewelry Thailand Jewelry

Thailand Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry With the rise of the East as a major world center for technology, business, and increasingly, culture, more and more tourists are pouring into China, Singapore, Japan and Thailand every year. And if you are one of those millions of Western tourists making your first trip to the East this year, chances are you are looking for that one special souvenir to take home, as a way to remember the trip and add a little Asian flair to your home or wardrobe. When you visit Thailand, jewelry is the best souvenir you can purchase. Affordable, yet high quality, and sophisticated yet small enough to fit into your luggage, made-in-Thailand rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings are one of the most sought-after items by American and European tourists. However, when you do go to find your special Thailand engagement ring, use caution. Unfortunately, the Thailand jewelry industry is not very well regulated, and many Thailand jewelry st

Ireland Jewelry Ireland Jewelry

Ireland Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewellery There’s just something about the green, green hills of Ireland...once people visit the Emerald Isle once, chances are they are going to want to keep a piece of its culture and history with them forever. If you aren’t lucky enough to make your home in the land of the leprechaun, take home a piece of the Irish magic with a piece of genuine Ireland jewelry. Ireland jewelry stores do carry the same traditional Western jewelry pieces as jewelry store around the world, but most tourists are coming for specific, unique, made-in-Ireland rings and other jewelry pieces. Before you purchase your own piece of Ireland jewelry, it’s important to know the various terms and symbols relating to traditional Ireland jewelry. The term “Celtic jewelry” is quite general—it refers to jewelry made using motifs and symbols that were traditionally used by the Celts, an ancient nation that lived in Ireland. A

New Zealand Jewelry New Zealand Jewelry

New Zealand Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewellery Most tourists to New Zealand come seeking outdoor adventure—New Zealand is known as one of the best places for hiking, boating, and extreme sports. Whatever adventure you are looking for—rappelling, kayaking, bungee jumping, or paragliding—you can find it within this small but action-packed island nation. But if all that running and jumping tires you out, and you are looking for something slightly less strenuous to do as well, consider stopping in at one of the famous New Zealand jewelry stores. Of course, you can find all the standard fine jewelry designs at a New Zealand jewelry store—you can get a New Zealand engagement ring that looks identical to a ring from New York, London or Tokyo. But New Zealand jewelers also specialize in producing simple, organic designs using local materials that simply cannot be found elsewhere in the world. Although New Zealand diamonds tend to be similar i

United States Jewelry United States Jewelry

USA Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The classic solitaire engagement is an American tradition, so it should be no surprise that every single town in the United States, no matter how small, seems to have its own small locally owned United States jewelry store. These days, with megamalls and retail strips lining every interstate corridor throughout the country, United States jewelry chains like Kay Jewelers have spread across the country and are now available in nearly every county and all 50 states. But neither the small town local jeweler or the jewelry mega-chain can compete with the best sources of United States jewelry—the diamond district. The presence of strongly regulated trade associations in the United States jewelry industry have given rise to the presence in many big cities of diamond districts—neighborhoods in which many diamond and jewelry stores are located. The centrality of these districts make them especially attractive to tourist

Denmark Jewelry Denmark Jewelry

Denmark Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Around the world, the term “Denmark jewelry” calls to mind two world-famous brands: Pilgrim and Skagen. These two internationally renowned jewelry brands are designed and produced right here in Denmark, so if you are looking for the perfect Denmark jewelry souvenir, an item from one of these two brands is the perfect choice. Here is everything you need to know about buying Pilgrim or Skagen items in a Denmark jewelry store. Based in Skanderborg, Denmark, and sold in over 5000 specialty retail stores around the world, Pilgrim jewelry represents the finest in Danish design concepts translated into the best of Denmark’s rings, bracelets and necklaces. You can even get a best-in-Denmark engagement ring at one of Pilgrim’s many local retail outlets. Pilgrim specializes in high-quality handmade fashion jewelry, utilizing materials like sterling silver, 14 karat gold, colored enamel, and leather. Pilgri

Spain Jewelry Spain Jewelry

Spain Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Spain has always been known for some of the finest arts and craftsmanship in the world. The architecture in even the smallest, most insignificant Spanish village could rival some of the greatest cities in the world in terms of beauty, detail and craftsmanship. Visitors to Spain are always amazed at the Old World beauty that still exists even in Spain’s major cosmopolitan cities. If you are visiting Spain and looking for the perfect souvenir to take home to remember the beauty and culture of this majestic country, consider stopping it at one of the many Spain jewelry stores and picking out a small but beautiful piece of jewelry hand made right here in Spain. Spain jewelry styles reflect the ornate, Mediterranean aesthetic prized throughout the country, but recently, traditional jewelers have been taking classic, age-old techniques and methods and applying them to more modern, 21st century styles—to acclaimed re

Kingwood Jewelry Kingwood Jewelry

Kingwood Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Getting engaged in Kingwood, Texas? Well, you deserve to be treated like a king. And at Kingwood’s best jewelry stores, you will be. If you are a first time buyer, choosing an engagement ring setting and diamond can seem intimidating and even frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. Wandering through the vast archives of some of the biggest online jewelry retailers, or confronting the overwhelming displays of brightly glittering jewelry at your mall jewelry store, you may be wondering how it is even possible to choose the engagement ring and diamond that is right for you. But the secret is—you don’t need to go it alone. The stores that sell fine jewelry in Kingwood are among the best in Houston—just by walking into one of them you will be on your way to making the right decision about one of the most important choices in your life—after who to propose to, of course! One of Kingwood&r

Poland Jewelry Poland Jewelry

Poland Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Poland is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. To most people, the word “Poland” conjures up images of negative stereotypes, endless cold winters, and bland food. But the real country of Poland is so much more complex than that—and makes an incredible, and incredibly inexpensive, Eastern European getaway. A fervently Catholic country with a strong local culture, Poland has many beautiful places, modern cities, and idyllic villages set in a picturesque countryside. Poland’s bigger cities, such as Warsaw and Krakow, combine Old World elegance and architecture with the thriving arts and culture that have emerged in many countries in the former Soviet bloc. You’ll find young artists operating galleries out of factories that once manufactured cars, or musicians performing experimental jazz in the plaza in front of the former government buildings. All of these mingling of old and new ha

Norway Jewelry Norway Jewelry

Norway Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Incredible, rugged natural beauty is the most dominant feature of the Norwegian landscape. The sparsely populated Scandinavian country is home to both the stark serenity of the fjords as well as the bustle of cities like Oslo and Bergen. Visitors to Norway are often amazed at the way the simple beauty of the landscape inspires not only the arts and architecture of the nation, but even the national culture and psyche. The appreciation for the ruggedness of nature and the intense simplicity of water, sun and rock have bred a unique national style that is expressed in everything from the architecture in Oslo to the traditional Norway jewelry produced by artisans and jewelers running small Norway jewelry stores in the smaller towns and villages. In fact, purchasing a piece of Norway jewelry is perhaps the easiest and best way to bring a piece of this incredible country home with you. While Norway in general tends to be an ex

Pearland Jewelry Pearland Jewelry

Pearland Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Looking for the perfect Pearland diamond? For many years residents of this Houston suburb had no choice but to travel into Houston’s downtown shopping district for big ticket purchases like fine jewelry, designer clothing and shoes. But lately, Pearlanders looking to stay closer to home have realized that there are actually many great shopping opportunities right here in Pearland. Pearland jewelry stores are actually among the finest in the area, so if you are looking for the perfect Pearland engagement ring, you would be surprised to discover at how easy it is to find. In fact, Pearland jewelry stores range from classic fine jewelry boutiques to antique jewelry and clothing shops, to funky costume jewelry stores showcasing locally made designs. In recent years, chain stores have been taking over the downtown shopping areas in most American small towns. Where before, people purchased most of their goods as small,

Diamond Laboratory Process - Basic Functions and Procedures Diamond Laboratory Process - Basic Functions and Procedures

Diamond Laboratory Process - Basic Functions and Procedures Diamond Grading - The AGSL Way (part two) *The following article was published prior to the GIA/AGSL merger at the end of 2022. The information contained herein is still highly relevant to anyone who owns or may acquire a diamond graded by AGSL pre-merger. Many consumers are curious about the journey that a diamond takes in acquiring laboratory certification. We place great value on the report that specifies the diamond’s identity and grading of the 4cs, but we seldom stop to think about what it takes to make it happen. When you actually break down the process you begin to understand the full value added by a grading report from a high quality lab. In this article we will discuss take-in procedures and the preliminary tests to validate receipt of a diamond before it enters the grading environment, the ethical need for and process of “anonymizing” the diamond before grading, and the various aspects of

France Jewelry France Jewelry

France Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry For the past two weeks, every celebrity from Eva Longoria to Diane Kruger has been stationed in the South of France for the grand annual tradition that is the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to the actual premieres of hundreds of films from around the world, the festival is also an excuse for models, movie stars, singers, and every other form of celebrity to attend gala banquets, pose on red carpets in designer dresses, and hobnob on beautiful yachts. But even if your wardrobe is more H&M than Hermes, and your idea of a boat ride is more row boat than yacht, it can still be fun to imagine the adventures of the rich and famous! This year, the most talked-about couple of Cannes were none other than Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The reality starlet and hip hop star were never spotted far from each other, making onlookers suspect that there might be another proposal headed Kim’s way. If Kanye really did propose

Aruba Jewelry Aruba Jewelry

Aruba Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The Aruba jewelry store owner says it happens all the time: A couple from the United States spends a romantic weekend or week on the beaches of Aruba, and suddenly, they find themselves in need of an engagement ring so they can take their relationship to the next level—immediately. There seems to be something in the sun, water and air of Aruba that makes everybody fall even deeper in love. Spontaneous beachside proposals made with a hastily purchased ring are so common that everyone from the abovementioned Aruba jewelry store owner to the beachside bartenders to the hotel concierges are ready with the necessary ingredients to a perfect last-minute proposal. Buying an Aruba engagement ring at the last minute doesn’t have to mean settling for shoddy, second-rate products at an unfair markup. In fact, the quality and prices of Aruba jewelry tend to be comparable with what you can get throughout most of the United States. The

Switzerland Jewelry Switzerland Jewelry

Switzerland Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The Swiss people are known for several things, in particular: their beautiful Alps, their incredible skiing, their delicious chocolates, and their unparalleled watches. The incredible natural beauty of Switzerland draws millions of tourists every year to hike and ski the Alps, tour the picturesque villages, and marvel at the productivity and efficiency of the country’s major industries. But what many tourists and visitors don’t know is that near the world famous firms producing some of the world’s biggest names in watches—from Swiss Army to Piguet—are smaller, less famous firms applying the same concepts of function, beauty and quality to some of the best-made jewelry in Europe. While France may be famous for fashion, Italy for luxury, and England for tradition, Switzerland is famous for quality and craftsmanship. A Switzerland engagement ring may not be flashy or overly opulent, but it

Netherlands Jewelry Netherlands Jewelry

Netherlands Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry The Netherlands has long been known for its incredible artisans, craftsmen, and handicrafts. Dutch furniture, clothing, enamelware and candles have been known for their solid construction, high quality components, and loving, hand construction. But until recently, you had to travel deep into a small Dutch village to find the kind of Netherlands jewelry, decor and furniture the country was famous for. Only recently have some Dutch trade associations began creating websites to help local artisans and jewelers sell their ware online to a much larger international market. This transition has put some stress on the local market, as international buyers often demand lower prices than the locals are willing to pay, and higher demand can sometimes overwhelm smaller manufacturers. Nevertheless, the transition to online shopping has been a boon to the Netherlands jewelry industry, and to the economy in general. While the Neth

Arlington Jewelry Arlington Jewelry

Arlington Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry For a city that is only the 50th largest in the United States, Arlington, Texas boasts more than a few notable local landmarks. There is the University of Texas at Arlington, the Texas Rangers ballpark, the Texas Cowboys stadium, the International Bowling Museum, the International Campus of Mensa, Six Flags over Texas and Hurricane Harbor. If you are thinking of proposing to your special someone in Arlington, there is no need to travel out of town—Arlington has many beautiful proposal spots that you can utilize. You can propose over the MegaTron at a Rangers game (great if she is a sports fan!) or if she loves the roller coasters at Six Flags, you can propose on one—although you probably shouldn’t pull out the ring just as the coaster hits the upside-down loop! But before you can set up your perfect Arlington proposal, you need to find the perfect Arlington engagement ring. Luckily, this city isn&rsq

Colombia Jewelry Colombia Jewelry

Colombia Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Drive one hour South and you are in a lush subtropical forest with diverse plant and animal life. Drive an hour North and you find yourself in a rugged, serene, mountain region. Along the coast is miles and miles of sandy beaches, and in the interior of the country, some of the most beautiful rivers and valleys in the world. It sounds like every outdoorsy traveler’s dream come true. And it is, but unfortunately, because of some civil unrest in Colombia, tourism has fallen in recent years. But travel experts still recommend traveling to Colombia—as long as some simple precautions are taking, it can be completely safe and one of the best deals around for true adventure travel. But even the most adventurous traveler is going to need to take one day off from kayaking, hiking and exploring to take in the charms of Colombia’s large, bustling cities, such as Bogota. And of course, everyone needs souvenirs to bring home t

Sweden Jewelry Sweden Jewelry

Sweden Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry When you think of “Sweden jewelry” you might think of the tattooed and pierced face of Lisbeth Salander, the mysterious and Gothic computer hacker portrayed by Noomi Rapace and Rooney Mara in the Swedish and American versions of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. But as popular as the book trilogy and films are in Sweden, there is a lot more to this country’s ideas of style and fashion than safety pin earrings and dragon tattoos. In fact, Sweden jewelry is known throughout the world for its quality, affordability, and whimsical application of traditional concepts in Scandinavian design. If you’ve ever been to an Ikea store, you can imagine a Sweden jewelry store. The same dedication to clean lines, minimal but effective use of color, and whimsical, fun details that are evident in the worldwide furniture manufacturer’s couches, beds and tables are visible in every made-in-Sweden engagement ring

Portugal Jewelry Portugal Jewelry

Portugal Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Portugal has always been the smaller, lesser-known sibling to its neighboring country on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain. While millions of tourists flock to Spain every year to take in the unique Spanish culture, food, art and architecture, few think of visiting Portugal. But as Spain endures the instability and civil unrest of an increasingly volatile local economy, travelers are beginning to realize that many of the attractions of Spanish living are available here in Portugal as well. In fact, Portugal is consistently rated one of the best values in European travel—the same art and culture of Mediterranean living without the price tag of Spain or Italy. Tourism in Portugal has surged recently, but it is still one of the least-known and best deals available. Another important tip that experienced tour guides point out is the importance of planning your souvenir shopping. It may sound counter-intuitive, but when yo

Cyprus Jewelry Cyprus Jewelry

Cyprus Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry With all the talk in the news about the economic woes and uncertainties of Greece, many would-be tourists have weighed the advantages of traveling in a recession-racked country on the one hand, with the risks of spending time in a place with marked civil unrest. But while the world’s attention is focused on Greece, more savvy travelers are booking the vacation of a lifetime on Cyprus, Greece’s smaller island neighbor. A week spent in Cyprus is likely to be one of the most memorable and romantic of your life. From the incredibly blue water of the sun-drenched beaches, to the incredibly array of seafood and fresh Mediterranean food, to the fun and festivity of the local culture, there is something here for everyone. Cyprus is especially well suited for a private romantic getaway with that special person in your life. A private bungalow perched on a hillside above a crystalline beach is less pricey and impossible to acce

Whiteflash Expanding with New Retail Showroom Whiteflash Expanding with New Retail Showroom

Whiteflash Expanding with New Retail Showroom Whiteflash Inc., internationally acclaimed retailer of ideal diamonds and engagement rings based in Houston, TX announced today the opening of a new retail showroom in nearby Sugar Land, Texas. Scheduled to open in August 2012 the showroom located in Sugar Land Town Square (www.sugarlandtownsquare.com) will provide a more traditional retail experience to a rapidly growing number of local Whiteflash customers. Sugar Land Town Square Plaza Even after winning the 2012 Better Business Bureau’s Pinnacle Award for the best retail jeweler in the greater Houston area, Whiteflash is still best known for its expertise in e-commerce. Since the company’s inception in 2000 e-commerce has been their primary marketing channel and the website www.whiteflash.com has been hailed by Kiplinger’s magazine as “Lord of the Online Rings”. Their A CUT ABOVE® Super Ideal Diamonds are sought after by diamo

Honolulu jewelry Honolulu jewelry

Honolulu Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Ask ten people what the most romantic city in the United States is, and chances are nine out of ten will have the same response: Honolulu, Hawaii. Despite its remote location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu is one of the top American tourist-drawing cities, with over 7.5 million tourists per year, most from the continental United States. Although some of these travelers are families, groups of friends, or even single travelers, a large percentage of these visitors are couples who travel to Hawaii to take in the gorgeous white sand beaches, endless blue oceans, and even more endless varieties of fun and romantic couple’s activities. Honolulu has some of the world’s best resorts, luxurious spas, fine dining options, incredible beaches, and every imaginable water sport from kayaking to surfing to deep-sea fishing. Whether you are an adventurous couple who finds an early morning hike up a volcano to be

Kailua Kona jewelry Kailua Kona jewelry

Kailua Kona Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Out of the 7 million tourists who visit Hawaii every year, most spend their time in the bustle of Honolulu, the beauty of Oahu, or the surfer's paradise of Waikiki Beach. But if you are looking for a Hawaiian romantic vacation that is slightly off the beaten track, travel experts recommend Kailua Kona. The history of Kona-Kailua, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a fantastic one worthy of the gorgeous island: it includes Hawaiian royalty, Christian missionaries and Captain James Cook. It is also the site of some of the world’s best place for snorkeling and diving. The stunning beaches range from pure white sand to mysterious and mystically beautiful black sand, as well as waterfalls, volcanoes, luaus, seahorse farm, whale and dolphin sightings, sea turtles and, of course, the world famous Kona coffee. If you find yourself in Kailua Kona (lucky you!) with a significant other, relaxing and enjoying each other&rsqu

Kapaa Hawaii jewelry Kapaa Hawaii jewelry

Kapaa Hawaii Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry With one of the highest concentrations of hotels, resorts, restaurants, shops, and other tourism-oriented businesses, Kapaa, Hawaii, is one of Hawaii’s hotspots for tourists and locals alike. If you are planning a trip to Kapaa—whether you plan to spend a romantic weekend in the gorgeous locale or you are just stopping in for a day in the midst of island hopping—there is a wealth of things to do, see, buy and eat in Kapaa. Here are some of the best: Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa—Everyone from singles to couples to families with children raves about the beautiful views, clean rooms and friendly, unpretentious service at Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa. While suited for a romantic getaway or a group of friends traveling together, Waipouli has more of a family-oriented atmosphere, with a great, but busy pool area, and plenty of activities for children of all ages. Rooms are modest in size, but gr

Wailuku jewelry Wailuku jewelry

Wailuku Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry In an era when many Hawaiian vacation spots have gone corporate, with high-rise resorts, gleaming tourist shopping centers, and extensions of every famous eatery available in town, Wailuku offers a breath of fresh air. The small Maui town still has that small-town feel that is at once classically American and at the same time, distinctly Hawaiian. Located conveniently near the Kahulai Airport, and home to local landmarks like Bailey House, and the Iao Valley State Park, travelers looking for a Hawaiian experience that is off the beaten track often end up in Wailuku. Your accommodation options are limited to friendly, rustic hostels, eateries are casual, cheap and cater to locals, and the main streets are still full of the kind of locally-owned stores and artisan shops that Hawaii was once famous for. It's the Hawaii experience most tourists, staying at a Sheraton on the beach in Honolulu, will never even know exists. O

Kapolei Hawaii jewelry Kapolei Hawaii jewelry

Kapolei Hawaii Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry If you are considering a move to Hawaii (and considering the incredible weather, friendly locals, gorgeous vistas and healthy economy, who isn’t?), you might want to take a look at Kapolei. This small city is often called the “Second City of Hawaii”, because it is second only to Honolulu in terms of growth, job availability, and overall success. While tourism does not play as big a role in Kapolei as it does in other areas of Hawaii, there are some big resorts in the area, including Disney’s largest and best resort in Hawaii. While the economic standards for local residents in many Hawaiian towns can be unfortunate when compared to the wealth and living standards of the tourist-oriented hotels and shops, here in Kapolei, the standard of living for residents is equal to that of the resorts and their visitors. In fact, Kapolei’s medial income of $70,000 is the second highest of any place i

South Korea jewelry South Korea jewelry

South Korea Diamond Engagement Rings and Jewelry Along with Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore, South Korea has recently seen a major increase in the number of tourists who arrive in its airports each year. This boom in Southeast Asian tourism can be attributed to the increasing costs of travel in other notable tourist destinations, such as Europe, the improving political climate in many Southeast Asian cities, and the rise of the East in general. Whatever the reasons may be, there is no doubt that more and more travelers are becoming aware of the unique experiences that can only be had in South Korea and its neighboring countries. As any South Korean can tell you, the Hallyu, or “Korean Wave,” is a widespread cultural movement that has brought aspects of South Korean culture—its music, food, television and clothing and jewelry styles—across Asia. South Koreans are by and large passionate about their unique culture, and welcome the opportunity to showcase it to touri

Certified Diamonds vs Non-Certified Diamonds Certified Diamonds vs Non-Certified Diamonds

Certified Diamonds vs Non-Certified Diamonds The term “certified diamonds” refers to polished diamonds that have undergone quality analysis by a trusted gemological laboratory such as the AGSL (American Gem Society Laboratories) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and have been issued a lab report, commonly referred to as a “certificate”. The major gemological laboratories serve as an independent authority on the identity and quality of diamonds, and are not directly involved in the transaction. Non-certified diamonds are very common in the marketplace, and are simply those diamonds that have not been put through formal laboratory grading. Read our guide comparing the similarities and differences between the AGS and GIA diamond grading labs. Certified Diamond - Round Cut Browse Certified Diamonds Non-Certified Diamonds Not all diamonds need to be laboratory graded. Lab reports on small or inexpensive diamonds provide negligible benefit to

AGS Laboratories - Color Grading of Diamonds AGS Laboratories - Color Grading of Diamonds

AGS Color Grading of Diamonds Diamond Grading - The AGSL Way (part three) *The following article was published prior to the GIA/AGSL merger at the end of 2022. The information contained herein is still highly relevant to anyone who owns or may acquire a diamond graded by AGSL pre-merger. A diamond’s color (or lack thereof) is a critical aspect in determining its market value. Grading the color is therefore a crucial part of the laboratory certification process. The following article will illuminate the various steps and considerations in performing color grading at the AGSL. Other laboratories have different practices. Diamond Color Grading Scale (click image to enlarge) AGS Certified Diamonds Because of the central role color plays in the valuation of diamonds, accuracy and consistency are paramount goals for the lab. As we will see in this article, many overlapping cross-checks are u

Diamond with e-report: Is it worth buying? Diamond with e-report: Is it worth buying?

Diamond with e-report: Is it worth buying? The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) earlier this year began offering a new, all digital diamond grading report known as the e-report. It features the same grading of the 4c’s done on a full report with the exception of a stone plot of the clarity characteristics. One of the highlights of this new diamond report is the inclusion of an actual photo of the diamond in face up view. It is also environmentally friendly as it involves no printed document or mailing envelop. And it will be accessible from anywhere in the world through the GIA report check feature on the GIA website. GIA e-report - sample (click to zoom) A Good Value for Traders This new diamond report should be particularly interesting for diamond manufacturers and the diamond trade with the actual photo providing a lot of information that professionals will find useful. This should help facilitate remote trading by cutting down on some of the back a

How to Get the Best Deal on an Engagement Ring How to Get the Best Deal on an Engagement Ring

How to Get the Best Deal on an Engagement Ring If you are thinking about finally springing for the engagement ring of your (or your girlfriend’s) dreams, the news this month from The Rapaport Group that diamond prices are down 13.7% versus this time last year may have inspired you to finally head over to your neighborhood jewelry store and buy that ring. You may have been disappointed to learn that while the statistic released by Rapaport applies to the global diamond market in general, but that diamonds of engagement ring size and quality in the United States are pretty much unchanged in price. In fact, some diamond retailers are using the recent attention to bargain-priced diamonds to unload some lower-quality product on unsuspecting customers. The reality is that a “bargain engagement ring” isn’t really such a bargain if you are paying a still-sizable sum for a lesser-quality engagement ring that you won’t love for long. When shopping for an enga

Engagement and Wedding Traditions Around the World Engagement and Wedding Traditions Around the World

13 Aug 2012 12:00

Engagement and Wedding Traditions Around the World Marriage is one of the oldest social institutions in the world. Customs and wedding traditions have been evolving for centuries and vastly differ between cultures and countries. Most of the ritual is heavily steeped in social, religious and civil law that has been passed down through generations. With modern technology, the world is getting smaller and some practices are being challenged by today’s young adults who may decide they want to do something new and different. Even in this ever-changing world many wedding traditions still abound. There may be numerous approaches to matrimony, but love and marriage is still the end result. How we get there is what makes it such an interesting and diverse world. In the U.S. and much of western civilization, a man will most often present his future bride with a diamond engagement ring and a well thought-out proposal of marriage. It wasn’t until the 1920&rsquo

Princess Cut Engagement Rings Princess Cut Engagement Rings

Princess Cut Engagement Rings Second only to the venerable round brilliant shape, princess cut diamond engagement rings are the most popular option for couples today. The princess is essentially a square version of the round brilliant, possessing many of the same attributes for fire and brilliance as the classic round. That is, provided you are looking at high quality gems such as certified ideal cut princess diamonds. Most princess cuts on the market today do not have excellent light performance and can lack that all important sparkle factor. Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring The interest in princess cut diamond engagement rings have been growing steadily for the past 10 or 15 years. One reason is certainly the fact that a shopper can get more diamond for the dollar in a princess cut versus round – sometimes a lot more. For instance, comparing like color and clarity in princess cut solitaire engagement rings containing high quality ideal cut diamonds of

Common Jewelry Issues: Navigating Typical Challenges Common Jewelry Issues: Navigating Typical Challenges

Jewelry Problems: Most Common Problems with Jewelry Jewelry a problem? Seems like a contradiction in terms to most of us! In fact even the finest and most cherished pieces of jewelry can eventually need refurbishing, repair or upkeep from time to time. Jewelry problems can range anywhere from minor adjustments to major restoration. With today’s modern technology, almost any item can be made to look like new again. A few years back I experienced this first hand. My late mother-in-law’s antique diamond ring was missing for some time. It was found very unexpectedly after many months, mangled and badly misshapen. It clearly seemed to be a total loss; however, this was not the case. The jewelers were able to completely restore our precious family heirloom and the results were quite miraculous. Vatche U-113 6-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring Browse Engagement Rings Many jewelry problems can be avoided with proper care and upkeep, but even the most vigilant

Ritani Reviews and Locations Ritani Reviews and Locations

Ritani Reviews and Locations Ritani - the name evokes visions of delicate, romantically designed and brilliantly sparkling diamond rings. It’s enough to make any woman want to go out and get a good manicure and have someone put one of these beauties on her finger! And where would one go for one of these timeless and elegant designer engagement rings and wedding bands? No need to travel abroad to some exotic distant land to find Ritani locations. While to those looking for designs by Ritani Texas may seem an unlikely bet, thanks to the beautiful new Whiteflash showroom, Ritani Sugar Land is now on the map! Ritani Masterwork Engagement Ring BROWSE RITANI RINGS These unique and elegant Ritani rings have been created by Ritani designers who have mastered the technique of micro-pave, which is featured throughout their exquisite collections. The market is full of Ritani Reviews from people who are absolutely thrilled with their gorgeous Ritani rings.

Verragio Reviews and Locations Verragio Reviews and Locations

Verragio Reviews and Locations Verragio is known for their exquisitely handcrafted diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. Verragio reviews a bound with stories from lucky brides ecstatic with their rings and in particular the Lumino setting which is the signature technique of designer Barry Verragio. This innovative mounting suspends the diamond exposing all its facets to the light. It is used in over 95% of Verragio styles. The development of the Lumino setting eventually led this talented designer to establish his own company. BROWSE VERRAGIO RINGS From complex and intricate designs to the classic clean look, Verragio is unlike any other ring. The quality of the craftsmanship is evident throughout the entire collection. And the line can be viewed at many Verragio locations in stores around the country and online. For designer engagement rings with the sophistication and style of Verragio Texas may seem an unexpected place to find them. Whi

Vatche Reviews and Locations Vatche Reviews and Locations

Vatche Reviews and Locations Vatche engagement rings have become the timeless treasures of thousands of happy couples. These exquisite original designs have set a new standard in the industry combining modern jewelry art with expert craftsmanship and top quality materials. Every piece in this magnificent line has been designed by Vatche himself. The results are enduring and breathtaking Vatche rings that are sure to become priceless family heirlooms. Vatche 187 Caroline Engagement Ring Browse All Vatche Rings Vatche rings are perfect settings for the incomparable A CUT ABOVE® Super Ideal diamonds in round and princess cut, special diamonds that are sought after by astute diamond shoppers all over the world. One of our customers expressed it well in one of the many Vatche reviews that we receive on a regular basis: “I love the setting and the size of the diamond. I know many people have the Vatche Swan and I looked at a ton of photos before offic

Synthetic Diamonds - Are man made diamonds a concern for the market? Synthetic Diamonds - Are man made diamonds a concern for the market?

Synthetic Diamonds - Are man made diamonds a concern for the market? In a word “yes”, but with some important qualifiers. To begin, it is necessary to understand some basic terminology in order to avoid confusion. There have been imitation or simulated diamonds in the market as long as there have been cut and polished natural diamonds. The simulants include an expansive list of natural and created materials that simply have the appearance of diamond. Some of the more modern simulated diamonds are pretty convincing. BROWSE LOOSE DIAMONDS True synthetic diamonds, on the other hand, are grown in a sophisticated laboratory and have all the physical and optical properties of natural diamonds. Therefore, the detection devices on the market that have been used for years to detect simulants like glass, YAG, CZ , and Moissanite will NOT detect synthetic diamond. Definitive detection of synthetic diamond is done in the major gemological laboratories with t

What are diamonds made of? What are diamonds made of?

What are diamonds made of? Bright, brilliant, sparkling diamonds are considered by many to be the most beautiful natural creations on Earth. Many are priceless precious possessions that have brought immense joy to people for countless years. Ever wonder what exactly they are made of? Take a look at that gorgeous rock on your finger and then look at the lead tip at the end of a pencil. Believe it or not they are both formed from the same basic element, carbon. The difference (other than the obvious) is that the atoms in diamonds are more tightly packed together. Under just the right conditions carbon atoms can become highly organized and eventually turn into a diamond. BROWSE LOOSE DIAMONDS How does this happen? Natural diamonds form very deep under the Earth’s crust, in the upper mantel, which is made of molten rock, metals and other material. They consist of pure carbon which has been subject to immense and temperature for millions of years. (I gue

Verragio Rings and Jewelry Boutique in Sugar Land | Houston Texas Verragio Rings and Jewelry Boutique in Sugar Land | Houston Texas

Verragio Rings in Houston Verragio rings are known for their ornate detail, enhancing every diamond with a touch of elegance and beauty. Barry Verragio, entrepreneur and innovator of the Verragio brand, strives to make each design unique by using the perfect combination of design elements. Each Verragio ring is immaculately crafted, using the finest materials and resulting in engagement rings of superb quality. BROWSE VERRAGIO RINGS The Lumino Setting is a signature technique developed and incorporated into 95% of all rings found at Verragio. Each one suspends the center diamond uniquely, exposing all facets to the light and maximizing the diamond’s light performance and beauty. With a range of designs from simple elegance to elaborate detail, Verragio offers engagement rings perfect for any woman’s sense of quality and style. As a major retail center, Houston is a logical place to go in search of a Verragio jewelry boutique. Serving

Ritani Rings And Jewelry In Sugar Land Houston Texas Ritani Rings And Jewelry In Sugar Land Houston Texas

Ritani Rings and Jewelry Boutique in Sugar Land | Houston Texas The name Ritani alone conjures up thoughts of elegance and sophistication. Since its beginning in 1999, Ritani has made every effort to ensure its jewelry is associated with quality and durability. From its cutting edge computer generated designs to the traditional craftsmanship of each piece, Ritani has quickly vaulted to the top of the designer jewelry world. Ritani Engagement Rings BROWSE RITANI RINGS Deriving inspiration from romance and nature, each hand-crafted piece is truly a work of art. Ritani Engagement Rings are created to be long-lasting and versatile, accentuating any style and always complimenting its center stone. They are feminine and romantic adornments are timeless treasures to be cherished for generations. While for many Texas shoppers searching for Ritani rings Houston may appear to be the obvious location, its quaint neighbor located just a few miles to the sou

Vatche Rings And Jewelry Store In Houston Texas from Whiteflash Vatche Rings And Jewelry Store In Houston Texas from Whiteflash

Vatche Rings and Jewelry Boutique in Houston Texas As a visionary and perfectionist, Vatche has become a well respected name in the world of designer jewelry. Being very meticulous about the quality of his jewelry, Vatche has personally trained his entire staff. Vatche Engagement rings are not only designed and crafted with precision, but undergo a scrupulous quality control inspection before ever leaving the shop. His passion and commitment for creating timeless jewelry is apparent in each and every Vatche piece. The combination of cutting edge design and immaculate finishing make Vatche rings truly exceptional. Vatche U-113 6 Prong Engagement Ring Browse All Vatche Rings So where can you find a Vatche jewelry boutique? When thinking about Vatche rings Sugarland may not be the first location that comes to mind, but with the new Whiteflash showroom located in spectacular Sugar Land Town Square, there is no better place to go! Not only for the excelle

Benchmark Rings Reviews and Locations Benchmark Rings Reviews and Locations

Benchmark Rings Reviews and Locations Benchmark wedding bands are known the world over and Benchmark is recognized as a leader in the wedding jewelry industry for over 40 years. Benchmark sets the standard by which all others are measured. Purchasing a wedding band can be both exciting and frustrating. A wedding band potentially becomes part of your daily wear for the rest of your life -some people never remove their wedding band. Benchmark rings are engineered for wear ability and complete comfort. They were the first to introduce the “comfort fit” band, which is curved on the inside, providing a superior wearing experience. This concept has become an accepted industry-wide standard. Comfort fit bands can be found at Benchmark ring locations throughout the world. Benchmark Wedding Ring BROWSE BENCHMARK RINGS If you are looking for Benchmark rings Texas is a good place to start. We invite you to visit our beautiful Whiteflash showroom located i

Masterwork Engagement Rings Collection by Ritani Masterwork Engagement Rings Collection by Ritani

Masterwork Engagement Rings Collection by Ritani Intricate detail is featured throughout all the Ritani collections. Superbly crafted with diamond micro-pave as a featured design element, Ritani rings are nothing short of small works of art. But the art of designing engagement rings reveals itself not only in the detail of the ring but also the way in which the ring enriches the beauty of its center stone. Ritani engagements rings excel in this respect. From the Ritani Modern Engagement Ring collection to the Classic collection, unique combinations of design elements create distinctive look and feel. But the pride and joy of all Ritani rings can be found in the Ritani Masterwork collection. Ritani Masterwork Engagement Ring BROWSE RITANI RINGS The Masterwork collection includes halo settings as well as semi-bezel, split shank, double and triple diamond bands. Specially designed for rare and extraordinary diamonds, Masterwork engagement rings are inte

Diamond Fluorescence - Good or Bad? Diamond Fluorescence - Good or Bad?

Diamond Fluorescence - Good or Bad? The answer is both… or neither. What is fluorescence in a diamond? When exposed to invisible ultraviolet (UV) light, many diamonds temporarily luminesce, emitting visible light of different colors and different strengths. Sunlight and indoor fluorescent lights contain varying amounts of UV radiation. A significant percentage of diamonds in the market have some degree of fluorescence. The vast majority of those are blue, but in rare cases white, yellow, orange and red fluorescence are also seen. Diamond Fluorescence Diamond fluorescence is caused by submicroscopic structures within the crystal. (Blue fluorescence is most commonly associated with the presence of nitrogen atoms aligned in specific arrays within the carbon lattice.) In most cases fluorescence is simply an identifying characteristic and not a performance characteristic, and is therefore NEITHER good nor bad. In some cases, strong or very strong fluore

Diamond Laser Inscription Diamond Laser Inscription

Diamond Laser Inscription Modern technology has provided the option of permanently marking diamonds in a very discreet way so that they can be identified quickly and conveniently. Diamond laser inscription is done using a very small and precise laser beam to lightly etch numbers, letters and even graphics on the girdle of the diamond. The laser inscription can be read using a jewelers’ loupe, but is not visible to the naked eye and does not impact the diamond’s quality or light performance. Every A CUT ABOVE® Super Ideal Diamond is inscribed at the laboratory with its corresponding report number. The details of the diamond inscription are noted on the lab certificate under “comments”. Most diamonds in our Expert Selection and Premium Select categories are likewise inscribed. Diamond Laser Inscription Diamond Inscription – Noted on Lab Report With an inscribed diamond the owner has peace of mind in knowing that they can easily verify their diamond at a

Most Popular Diamond Jewelry in Houston Most Popular Diamond Jewelry in Houston

Diamond Jewelry Shopping in Houston Whether you are looking for a funky pair of earrings to wear on vacation, a glamorous diamond bracelet for a black-tie affair, or simple stud earrings for everyday wear, it's no surprise to learn that it is easy it is to find fine jewelry options in the fourth largest city in America. And of course, most stores offer a good selection of diamond engagement rings. BROWSE LOOSE DIAMONDS While Houston may not have an international reputation for fine jewelry shopping that Los Angeles, New York, Paris and London do, it is still possible to find everything world-class diamonds, gems and jewelry. Many first time Houston diamond engagement ring shoppers actually feel overwhelmed by the variety of stores and boutiques selling loose diamonds and every kind of jewelry imaginable. That is why many shoppers today do at least some research online to learn about products and the stores selling them. The Houston Diam

10 Diamond District Shopping DOs and DON’Ts 10 Diamond District Shopping DOs and DON’Ts

10 Diamond District Shopping DOs and DON’Ts Anyone who has every tried to shop for loose diamonds or an engagement ring in New York’s famed Diamond District knows that it can be overwhelming, frustrating and intimidating, as well as an amazing place to shop and browse in the most highly concentrated district of diamonds and diamond jewelry in the world. The Diamond District, occupying hardly more than one square block of space on 47th and 48th street in Manhattan, is home to a whopping 2,600 diamond and gold jewelry retailers. It is one of the most difficult places to purchase diamonds but also a place where you can get some excellent deals on classic styles like an ideal round cut diamond or a classic gold necklace. BROWSE LOOSE DIAMONDS However, with a few Do’s and Don’ts in your back pocket, you will be much more prepared and ready to make the most of one of the most unique shopping experiences in the world. DO make an appointment. There are t

Engagement ring shopping on a college student budget Engagement ring shopping on a college student budget

Engagement ring shopping on a college student budget So you’re right in the middle of getting your college education and you meet the person of your dreams. Considering the rising cost of tuition, fees, living expenses and all that’s associated, the idea of engagement ring shopping seems daunting at best. With student loans looming in your future, the logic and feasibility of committing to the expenses associated with diamond engagement rings can be quite intimidating. BROWSE ENGAGEMENT RINGS For the average guy, popping the question is hard enough. You worry about finding the right time, the right place and the perfect way to propose. You shouldn’t have to worry about shopping for an engagement ring that is way out of your budget. Your heart is definitely in the right place so you will be happy to know that options are available for students and anyone else, getting engaged on a budget. You can give your future wife a ring to be pro

Ritani Endless Love Engagement Rings Collection | Whiteflash Ritani Endless Love Engagement Rings Collection | Whiteflash

Endless Love Engagement Rings Collection by Ritani An engagement ring is the most important piece of jewelry a woman will wear. It’s not just a sparkly accessory for her everyday attire, but a constant reminder of your unending love and commitment for the rest of your lives. Ritani engagement rings are designed to represent this undying love and affection shared between each and every couple. Ritani Endless Love Diamond Wedding Set Browse Ritani Rings Ritani offers many different collections that will satisfy the desires of women with diverse tastes and styles. The Endless Love collection features micro pavé detailing, which has become a well known characteristic of Ritani settings. A pave setting contains numerous small diamonds that are mounted close together (think of street that is paved with bricks) to create maximum sparkle and reduce the amount of metal that is visible. Ritani’s mastery of the micro pavé technique can be found among Endless Lo

Sapphire Guide: Unveiling its Colors and Qualities Sapphire Guide: Unveiling its Colors and Qualities

Sapphire - Something Blue... and a whole lot more The gemstone we call Sapphire is the mineral Corundum. It comes in all colors of the rainbow. Sapphires come in vivid pinks and yellows and pastel colors of every hue. Colorless sapphires are often used as diamond simulants, especially for accent stones for customers who prefer natural gemstones. Sometimes multiple colors occur in the same crystal and these are referred to in the trade as “Parti-Colors”. Blue Sapphire To learn more about gemstones or to browse our catalogue of fine jewelry, please click the buttons below: Most sapphires on the market are heat treated to improve color and/or clarity. Conventional heat treatment has been done for ages and is accepted by the market as being almost a standard part of the processing of sapphire from rough to cut, and it is permanent. Some newer treatments however are not widely accepted, such as diffusion treatment, wher

Designer Engagement Rings Designer Engagement Rings

Be Inspired by our Designer Engagement Rings Find the perfect Designer Ring for your special diamond by clicking the links below, and let us build the ultimate ring for the love of your life!

Be Inspired by our Designer Engagement Rings Find the perfect Designer Ring for your special diamond by clicking the links below, and let us build the ultimate ring for the love of your life! read more

GIA Ex vs AGS Ideal Diamonds GIA Ex vs AGS Ideal Diamonds

GIA Ex vs AGS Ideal Diamonds Of the diamond “4 C’s”, diamond cut quality is considered by experts to be the most important. Defects in cut quality will result in diminished light performance. And after all, it is brilliance, fire and scintillation that make diamonds beautiful. Thus the debate between GIA Ex and AGS Ideal is one worth exploring. GIA and AGSL are the two most important gemological laboratories and both do cut quality analysis on diamonds. The American Gem Society Laboratories began issuing cut grading reports in 1996 setting the standard for Ideal cut, and now grades rounds, princess cuts and several other fancy diamond shapes. The Gemological Institute of America finally began issuing overall cut grades in 2006, but still only grades round brilliant diamonds. There are other very important distinctions between the two labs in how they grade diamond cut quality. Browse our in-house selection of AGS Ideal and GIA Ex certified diamonds

AGSL Diamond Clarity Grading: The Standards of Excellence AGSL Diamond Clarity Grading: The Standards of Excellence

AGSL Diamond Clarity Grading *The following article was published prior to the GIA/AGSL merger at the end of 2022. The information contained herein is still highly relevant to anyone who owns or may acquire a diamond graded by AGSL pre-merger. Diamond clarity grading involves assessing how readily visible the inclusions are in a diamond and accounting for an extensive list of potential variables including the size, number, type, location and relief of its inclusions. At the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL), clarity grading begins once color grading is completed. The grading sequence is sometimes altered depending on workflow considerations. For more information please see the article in this series on the basic lab functions and procedures. The first thing the grader does in assessing clarity is to examine the stone in the face up direction with a 10x loupe. The diamond is then studied under higher magnification with a microscope to identify i

Is EGL certification as good as AGS or GIA? Is EGL certification as good as AGS or GIA?

Is EGL certification as good as AGS or GIA? From a standpoint of accuracy and consistency, the consensus of the experts is that EGL certification is not as reliable as diamond certification done by AGS or GIA. As a result, diamonds marketed with EGL reports are significantly discounted relative to diamonds with reports from AGS Laboratories (AGSL) and GIA. Diamond certification is part science and part practiced skill, but it is also a business. There appears to be a fundamental business reason that EGL reports are considered by the diamond and jewelry industry to lack some credibility. “EGL” is network of independent labs lacking central control. What is generally referred to as “EGL” is a combination of European Gemological Laboratories International and EGL USA Group, somewhat related but distinct entities. GIA, while having multiple labs worldwide, is a single business entity with unified practices and philosophy. Likewise, AGSL is a single, stand-alone labora

Modern Engagement Rings Collection by Ritani Modern Engagement Rings Collection by Ritani

Modern Engagement Rings Collection by Ritani The Modern Collection of Ritani Engagement Rings feature a variety of themes that reflect the beautifully eclectic taste of the designer. Modern engagement rings feature unique and sophisticated design motifs with a romantic and modern twist. Ritani rings are all exquisitely detailed and versatile. The designer brilliantly created them to be heirloom quality, while keeping the wearers comfort and taste in mind as well. The Modern Collection is designed for today’s busy woman and is perfect for every occasion, from daily wear to an elegant evening out. The clean lines of Ritani engagement rings are both stunning and beautifully simplistic – a perfect combination for today’s active woman. Ritani Modern Engagement Ring BROWSE RITANI RINGS Each Ritani Modern Collection ring is handcrafted in their state-of-art design studio in New York using the newest computer aided design (CAD) software. This thoroughly mode

Whiteflash 2013 Calendar Whiteflash 2013 Calendar

Whiteflash 2013 Calendar We are pleased to present the Whiteflash 2013 Calendar. It is an annual labor of love produced by the Whiteflash photography department as a tribute to and for the enjoyment of our wonderful customers. This year’s cover design is inspired by the international Art Nouveau movement that swept through the decorative arts and architecture circles from the late 19th and into the early 20th century. Visually it was characterized by organic, flowing lines and forms resembling the stems and blossoms of plants, as well as geometric elements such as squares and rectangles. Art Nouveau served to modernize the art world by incorporating the concepts of form and function along with decorative elements. The masters of Art Nouveau sought to revive excellent craftsmanship and produce genuinely modern design. The most prolific American artist of the movement was glass designer Louis Tiffany, who would later join his father’s firm, Tiffany

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		Buy This Diamond without Setting – You can still add the Diamond to a setting later if you decide to do so.

		Buy this Diamond with Setting. Search from our selection of diamond settings to find your perfect ring.

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