Three String Pearl Set

Broome pearls adorn crown jewels around the world; the Queen wears them to State banquets and morning teas; Sharon Stone flashes them at the Oscars; and in Asia they are symbols of both achievement and enlightenment.

Occupying the luxury end of the market, South Sea pearls earned the industry $196 million last year and although their price is high, the international spread of well-heeled folk who buy them is expanding.

The marketing and jewellery arms of the industry have been flexing in tandem with pearl production, working to increase sales and distribution and create imaginative fine jewellery which challenges the traditional notion that pearls are just necklaces worn with twinsets.

One man ideally placed to comment on the growth in interest in pearls and pearl jewellery worldwide is David Norman. David's involvement in the industry started when he was quite young. He was born into a pearling family with connections in Japan and Thursday Island and, as he grew up, was determined to stay in the industry; today he is pearl marketing consultant at Broome Pearls Pty Ltd.

His busy job takes him to Broome, where he grades and values pearls during harvest time (about 80,000 in the last crop) to international trade fairs, regular clients and developing markets.

He sells 'raw' unset pearls, rounds, "keshi' and "mabe' and also acts as a broker by buying and selling produce from smaller farms.

Different types of pearls fetch very different prices, depending on their rarity and quality but, as David explains, the best pearls are extremely valuable.

"About 20 per cent of the whole pearl harvest is completely clean - that's over all the different shapes and sizes - and the rest of them have some kind of flaw or blemish," he said.

"The ones which are blemish-free sell for an enormous amount of money, perhaps $15,000 a pearl wholesale, and the very large size perfect ones certainly sell for a lot!'

Jewelers and precious stone

Jewelers design, manufacture, repair, and adjust rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry. They use a variety of common and specialized handtools to mold and shape metal and set gemstones. Increasingly, jewelers use computers to design jewelry and lasers to perform very delicate and intricate work.

Jewelers usually specialize in one or more areas: Designing and manufacturing new pieces of jewelry, gem cutting, setting and polishing stones, or repairing broken items. Jewelers who are knowledgeable about the quality, characteristics, and value of gemstones also sell jewelry and provide appraisal services. In small retail or repair shops, jewelers may be involved in all aspects of the work. Jewelers who own or manage stores or shops also hire and train employees; order, market, and sell merchandise; and perform other managerial duties.

The work of jewelers requires a high degree of skill, precision, and attention to detail regardless of the type of establishment or work setting. Typical repair work includes enlarging or reducing ring sizes, resetting stones, and replacing broken clasps and mountings. Some jewelers also design or make their own jewelry. Following their own designs, or those created by designers or customers, they begin by shaping the metal or carving wax to make a model for casting the metal. The individual parts are then soldered together, and the jeweler may mount a diamond or other gem, or engrave a design into the metal. Although jewelers mainly use computers for inventory control, some jewelry designers also use them to design and create customized pieces according to their customers’ wishes. With the aid of computers, customers visualize different combinations of styles, cuts, shanks, sizes, and stones to create their own pieces.

In manufacturing, jewelers usually specialize in a single operation. Some may make models or tools for the jewelry that is to be produced. Others do finishing work, such as setting stones, polishing, or engraving. A growing number of jewelers use lasers for cutting and improving the quality of stones, intricate engraving or design work, and ID inscription. Some manufacturing firms use CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) to facilitate product design and automate some steps in the mold and model-making process. As such systems become more affordable, their use should increase. In larger manufacturing establishments, jewelers may be required to perform several tasks as new manufacturing processes make their way through the industry.

NATURE | Diamonds | The Pinks of Argyle | PBS

Hundreds of Byzantine gold coins

A hoard comprising hundreds of gold coins was uncovered in the excavations the Israel Antiquities Authority is conducting in 'Giv‘ati car park' in the City of David, in the walls around Jerusalem National Park.

One thousand three hundred year old Chanukah money in Jerusalem: a hoard of more than 250 gold coins was exposed excavations the Israel Antiquities Authority is conducting in the 'Giv ‘ati car park' in the City of David, in the Walls Around Jerusalem National Park. The excavations at the site are being carried out on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, in cooperation with the Nature and Parks Authority and are underwritten by the ‘Ir David Foundation.

Since the archaeological excavations began there about two years ago, they have not ceased in providing us with surprising discoveries that shed new light on different chapters of the city’s past. Currently a very large and impressive building is being uncovered that dates to about the seventh century CE (end of the Byzantine period-beginning of the Umayyad period). A large cache of 264 coins, all made of gold, was discovered among the ruins of the building.

According to Dr. Doron Ben-Ami and Yana Tchekhanovets, directors of the excavation at the site on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “Since no pottery vessel was discovered adjacent to the hoard, we can assume that it was concealed inside a hidden niche in one of the walls of the building. It seems that with its collapse, the coins piled up there among the building debris”. Ben-Ami and Tchekhanovets believe, “This is one of the largest and most impressive coin hoards ever discovered in Jerusalem – certainly the largest and most important of its period.

For comparison’s sake, it should be noted that the only hoard of gold coins from the Byzantine period that has been discovered to date in Jerusalem consisted of only five gold coins. All of the coins bear the likeness of the emperor Heraclius. Different coins were minted during this emperor’s reign; however, all of the coins that were discovered in the City of David in Jerusalem belong to one well-known type in which the likeness of the emperor wearing military garb and holding a cross in his right hand is depicted on the obverse, while the sign of the cross is on the reverse. These coins were minted at the beginning of Heraclius’ reign, one year before the Persians conquered Byzantine Jerusalem.

From the moment that the first coin was exposed, it stood out against the background of its surroundings. It is easy to imagine the excitement took hold of the excavators when they continued to discover many more dozens of gold coins alongside it. These were resting on the ground, in one place where they fell, and were buried there more than 1,300 years ago, until once again man laid eyes on them – this time the amazed eyes of the archaeologists.

Although gold is not among the ordinary discoveries in archeological excavations, not long ago a surprisingly well preserved gold earring, inlaid with pearls and precious stones, was discovered at this site.

Ancient Dangling Gold Earrings

Rig-Veda, the oldest book in the world, mentions ornaments worn by the gods. Rudra, a Vedic deity, is described as "shining with brilliant gold ornaments" and "wearing" an adorable, uniform necklace". According to this book the demons also had plenty of gold and jewels and the kings and sages prayed to the God for valuables of that kind. Kakshivat, the sage, prayed for a son "decorated with golden earrings and jewel necklace".

No doubt jewellery making is an ancient craft that goes back to the cave man and its popular use in ancient India is well established.

In addition to it there are more ornaments used for the head, followed by ornaments used for the ears, the neck, the arms, the fingers, the anklets and the feet.

Jewellery in India also has had social and economic implications. It is an investment as also a saving for emergencies. The jewellery given to the bride at the time of the marriage becomes her own possession called stridhan, woman's wealth. This was in addition to the love of personal adornment inherent in the women folk.

But for mortal humans it also symbolises the concept of immortality. Precious stones and precious metals, distinguished by this classification from other substance have, throughout the ages, stood for power and wealth.

And this concept of power and wealth, as imbibed through ornaments, seems to have remained integrated in the psyche of the Punjabi women through the ages and remarkably so despite a stream of war and rapine that marked the life of the people of the land of five rivers with continuous vicissitudes.

Diamonds from Outer Space

Geologists Discover Origin of Earth's Mysterious Black Diamonds

If indeed "a diamond is forever," the most primitive origins of Earth's so-called black diamonds were in deep, universal time, geologists have discovered. Black diamonds came from none other than interstellar space.

In a paper published online on December 20, 2006, in the journal Astrophysical Journal Letters, scientists Jozsef Garai and Stephen Haggerty of Florida International University, along with Case Western Reserve University researchers Sandeep Rekhi and Mark Chance, claim an extraterrestrial origin for the unique black diamonds, also called carbonado diamonds.

Infrared synchrotron radiation at Brookhaven National Laboratory was used to discover the diamonds' source.

"Trace elements critical to an 'ET' origin are nitrogen and hydrogen," said Haggerty. The presence of hydrogen in the carbonado diamonds indicates an origin in a hydrogen-rich interstellar space, he and colleagues believe.

The term carbonado was coined by the Portuguese in Brazil in the mid-18th century; it's derived from its visual similarity to porous charcoal. Black diamonds are found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic.

"Conventional diamonds are mined from explosive volcanic rocks [kimberlites] that transport them from depths in excess of 100 kilometers to the Earth's surface in a very short amount of time," said Sonia Esperanca, program director in the National Science Foundation's Division of Earth Sciences, which funded the research. "This process preserves the unique crystal structure that makes diamonds the hardest natural material known."

From Australia to Siberia, from China to India, the geological settings of conventional diamonds are virtually identical, said Haggerty. None of them are compatible with the formation of black diamonds.

Approximately 600 tons of conventional diamonds have been mined, traded, polished and adorned since 1900. "But not a single black/carbonado diamond has been discovered in the world's mining fields," Haggerty said.

The new data support earlier research by Haggerty showing that carbonado diamonds formed in stellar supernovae explosions. Black diamonds were once the size of asteroids, a kilometer or more in diameter when they first landed on Earth -NSF(National science Foundation). To find A Stylish Diamonds, jst chek it out!

Diamonds Retailers Club

The Government of the Northwest Territories, together with its partners, supports and promotes a Retailers Club for approved retailers of diamonds certified under its Diamond Certification Program.

The Retailers’ Club provides its membership with exclusive opportunities, tools and products as well as information designed to support the marketing and promotion of a GOVERNMENT CERTIFIED CANADIAN DIAMOND™.

To secure membership, jewelers and diamond professionals must demonstrate the ability and knowledge to provide clients with timely and accurate information about the Northwest Territories, its diamonds and the Government Certification Program.

Qualifying members receive a certificate of designation signed by the Premier of the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories Diamond Certification Program is the world's first of its kind to monitor diamonds from mine to market.

Thanks to the stringent monitor system, the Government is able to guarantee that a CANADIAN DIAMOND™ is 100% Canadian in origin – and was mined cut and polished in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The Diamond Certification Program is administered by the Minerals, Oil and Gas Division of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

This division also oversees agreements on rough diamond supply, and monitors the production of approved NWT manufacturers.

Factories participating in the GNWT’s Diamond Certification Program are required to keep detailed records on each stone and to submit reports of purchases and processing of individual stones at key stages in the manufacturing process. The program includes factory compliance audits and inspections to examine the diamonds and review the records.

Gold Diamond Pair Watches

Made by Barraud, London. Of Huguenot origin there were several Barrauds working in the horological business from the mid-eighteenth century. The makers of this watch were probably Francis and Paul Barraud. Later, the firm became famous as chronometer makers and survived until late in the nineteenth century as Barraud and Lund.

The fusee driven movement has a verge escapement with an uncompensated balance. The spiral pattern on the back of the watch case was produced using a rose engine which mechanically engraved the case. This was then covered by a layer of translucent enamel.

This style of watch can be described as mechanical jewellery. The deep purple enamel and split pearl bezels were designed to appeal to feminine taste. Arabic numerals are used, a rare feature and the gold hands have diamond shaped tips.

This watch was worn to be seen, and is likely to have been hung on the end of a chatelaine, attached to a band at the waist.

Toughness of Diamond

Toughness relates to a material's ability to resist breakage from forceful impact. The toughness of natural diamond has been measured as 2.0 MPa·m^1/2, and the critical stress intensity factor is 3.4 MN·m^−3/2. Those values are good compared to other gemstones, but poor compared to most engineering materials. As with any material, the macroscopic geometry of a diamond contributes to its resistance to breakage. Diamond has a cleavage plane and is therefore more fragile in some orientations than others. Diamond cutters use this attribute to cleave some stones, prior to faceting.Diamond Toughness shows the Quality of the Diamonds.. Here Some Of the Beautiful Diamonds To Buy!!

Traditional Indian - Gold Bangles

Fashions in ornaments have undergone a great change in recent years, ornaments are made artistically and having less weight. The innate crave of the female heart for ornaments continues in despite social, economic and political and women continue to be zealous about ornaments.

Investment in the form of , ornaments is considered as unproductive investment yielding no returns. Such a change in the attitude coupled with high price of gold, insecure economic condition and a change in the taste has led to a change in the pattern of ornaments used.

Ornaments are used chiefly by women and children. Men hardly use any things ornaments now-a-days. Formerly, a gold necklace called sakhali, goph or kantha, a pearl ear-ring called bhihbali, a fold wristlet called poci and angathis (finger-rings) were the chief ornaments for men. Then came buttons, links, tie-pins and wrist-watches of precious metals. These are also used rarely now-a-days. Orthodox Jains wear ear-rings, gold chains and angathis.

Women's ornaments show a large variety. In rural areas such a necklace is called dorale. She should also wear silver rings (called masolya) and golden rings (jodavis) on fingers of her feet and a nose-ring (nath).

Ever Wonder How Much Your Diamond Really Cost?

Second Version of Conflict Diamond

So many people do something to glorify them...I figure I'll do something to horrify them.

The Beautiful Diamond Necklace

The site, the only one of its kind operated by a diamond center, comes two years after the IDI successfully launched the Chinese version, which was also a first for the industry. The English and Hebrew versions were launched in 2003.

The Israel Diamond Industry Portal, Israeli Diamond.co.il, creates a business-to-business marketplace for the exchange of business contacts and diamond requests that lead to actual transactions. With 7,500 registered users in 125 countries, the portal is a dynamic site, with content being updated throughout the day. Every month the site has 113,956 entries and 1,250,053 pages viewed.

The Russian portal site includes:

--Continuously updated industry news from Israel and the world.
--Articles by experts on topical issues.
--General information, statistics and history of the Israel diamond industry.
--Photo gallery and videos.
--Tips on how to do business with Israel, including visa and travel information.
--A comprehensive index of Israeli diamond companies with links to their Web sites.
--A sophisticated diamond supply and demand platform for posting the needs of international and Israeli members, as well as goods offered by Israeli diamantaires. An alert system informs users of relevant diamond needs in real-time.

The information section of the portal is open to all users. Russian members of the diamond and jewelry trade are invited to register as members, free-of-charge, to gain access to the secure section of the portal that offers information about Israeli companies, as well as entry into the diamond supply and demand platform.

Diamond Butterfly Ring

Seen as a symbol of nobility, perfection and immortality, jade has a unique place in Chinese culture. It has been used to make ritual utensils as well as other items such as seals, snuff bottles and penholders. Viewed as the essence of heaven and earth and a symbolic link between the two, it has been a custom in Chinese societies to place jade cicadas in the mouths of the deceased to comfort their souls and help with their "rebirth."

People also like to wear jade ornaments, as they are believed to have the power to protect the wearers from misfortune and bring good luck, while wearing the jade is also thought to improve its quality and color as it absorbs oil from the skin. It is employed for hat or waistband ornaments, inlayed on Sword handles and scabbards and crafted into hairpins and pendants. The carving of such jade ornaments can be as simple as shaping a jade "coin" or as detailed and complicated as can be imagined, but the method of attaching a piece to a hat, belt or necklace is usually quite simple.

Instead of the traditional Chinese jade and macramé design, Chang adds other precious and semi-precious stones like diamonds, rubies, black onyx and red agate to her jade creations, "assembling" all the parts together with precious metals like gold and silver. The result can be just a small accessory that enables the original piece of jade to be worn as a pin or pendant, or it can be as complicated as a butterfly with movable wings and antenna.

The centerpiece stone of Chang's designs is usually white jade from the Ming or Qing dynasties (1368-1644 and 1644-1911 respectively) collected by her husband Yang Ping-shih. Yang, a professor of entomology at National Taiwan University, started collecting jade nearly 30 years ago when, while preparing teaching materials for a class on insects and arts, he hit upon the idea of using a few small jade butterflies and cicadas to illustrate his lecture.

Aishwarya Rai - De Beers Diamond Commercial