Given that we’re now in the heart of the spring season, Diamond & Estate Trust is devoting this week to this season’s most colorful, lively luxury jewelry trend: colored diamonds . Up today is the pink diamond , perhaps the most popular colored diamond of the last few years. From its striking Red Carpet presence (did you see Penelope Ann Miller ’s 3 carat pink diamond ring at the 2012 Oscars?) to its massive price tag at Christie’s and Sotheby’s auctions (one fetched more than $600,000 just last month), it’s no surprise that the pink diamond is one of the most coveted gems of 2012. How rare are pink diamonds? Just how rare is the pink diamond? If you’ve been reading our posts this week, you already know that 1 in every 10,000 diamonds mined is a color other than white. Within the spectrum of colored diamonds , the pink diamond falls somewhere in the middle: It’s not as rare as the red, purple, blue or green diamond, but it is far less common than brown, black, yellow and grey diamonds. The number of pink diamonds in the world is so few that most people will never see one of these gorgeous gems outside of a museum or auction (which may explain the world’s excitement over the recent pink diamond discovery at Australia’s famed Argyle Mine!) How do pink diamonds get their color? Whereas nitrogen gives yellow diamonds their hue, and boron causes a diamond to turn blue, scientists are still not sure what causes diamonds to take on a gorgeous, rosy hue. Still, most agree that the romantic pink color is the result of a rare atomic structure present while a diamond is forming. As with most colored diamonds, the richer and deeper the pink hue, the more valuable the gem. When it comes to pink diamonds, natural fancy deep and fancy intense hues are the ultimate sign of luxury. Capitalizing on the world’s love affair with pink diamonds, many jewelers use techniques like irradiation and heat to turn white diamonds to that desirable rosy pink hue. Just remember that natural colored diamonds are much more valuable than artificially treated ones. Want to know for sure that a pink diamond has a natural color? Check its certification! What are some famous pink diamonds? The Conde Pink Diamond The largest known pink diamond in the world is the Darya-i-Nur or Sea of Light diamond. At 175 carats, this flawless, rosy pink diamond is found in the crown jewels of Iran. Another notable pink diamond is The Grand Conde, also known as The Conde Pink, The Conde Diamond, or Le Grande Conde. At 9.01 carats, this light pink pear-shaped diamond has as much beauty as it does history. The story goes that King Louis XIII presented this stunning diamond to Louis de Bourbon, the commander of the French Army during the Thirty Years’ War. And numerous pink diamonds have gained worldwide fame at recent luxury jewelry auctions . A fancy vivid pink 5 carat diamond in a chic cushion cut fetched $11.8 million at a Christie’s Hong Kong sale in 2009. Another pink diamond from Christie’s, a 14.23 carat rectangular cut fancy intense pink diamond, fetched $23.2 million at a 2010 sale in Hong Kong. And a 6.01 carat fancy vivid blue and pink diamond ring set a world record for price-per-carat when it fetched a cool $10.1 million in an October 2012 auction. What’s the next major pink diamond to go up on the auction block? An exquisite 9 carat cushion cut pink diamond ring that copper heiress Huguette Clark inherited from her mother. Christie’s expects this gorgeously cut, perfect condition pink diamond from 1910 to go for $10 million to $15 million when it’s sold later this month. What cut is best for pink diamonds? Pink diamonds are often seen paired with white diamonds , a popular design aesthetic that amplifies the beauty of a pink diamond’s color. Radiant, princess and brilliant cuts are preferred for pink diamonds, as these cuts feature strong facets that bring out the depth and color of a pink diamond. But because a pink diamond is so romantic, many jewelers choose antique cuts not commonly seen in colored diamonds. The cushion cut, for instance, is a soft, lustrous diamond cut that matches the romance of a soft pink diamond. Which celebrities wear pink diamonds? Penelope Ann Miller stole the spotlight at the 84th Annual Academy Awards when she wore a stunning 3 carat pink diamond ring that matched the powdery pink color of her vintage gown. Jennifer Lopez was one of the first celebrities spotted wearing a pink diamond, a magnificent 6 carat pink diamond engagement ring given to her by then-fiancée Ben Affleck. Mariah Carey, Nicole Kidman, and Salma Hayek have been spotted recently wearing pink diamonds. (We can’t think of anyone who’s worn a pink diamond better than Nicole Kidman did. Did you love her Red Carpet pink diamond Bulgari necklace as much as we did?) Pink diamonds and Diamond & Estate Trust For the ultimate symbol of luxury and romance, there’s nothing more exquisite than a rare, breathtaking pink diamond. This 6.8 carat fancy intense pink radiant cut diamond in our collection has a gorgeous natural hue and a quality cut that brings this pink diamond to life. It would be perfect in a classic ring setting or as a custom piece designed just for you by our experts.
Beverly Hills News
Posts Tagged ‘ collection ’
No-Heat Ruby – 5.09 Carat Burma Ruby Ring
Lately, we’ve spotted a host of A-List celebrities — including Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Richie , Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lopez — wearing ruby rings on the Red Carpet. There’s no denying that the ruby ring is surging back into vogue just in time for spring, and the ruby options on the jewelry market are endless. But take it from the gem experts at Diamond & Estate Trust : although it can be difficult to find, a no-heat ruby is by far the most exquisite choice. Rubies have long been considered royal gems, both for their mythical healing properties and central role in the jewelry of some of history’s most famous nobility . When you’re looking to buy a ruby ring , the most important quality to consider is whether the ruby has been treated. Most low-value rubies on the market have been artificially heat-treated to improve color, usually by removing blue or purple hues. These rubies are the ones to avoid, as their value and beauty are both low-quality. A no-heat ruby – one with a naturally coveted hue not achieved through a treatment process – is truly an exquisite gem with unparalleled natural beauty. Why purchase something artificial when the natural version is much more gorgeous, rare and coveted? This 5.09 carat Burma no-heat ruby ring from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection is the epitome of modern luxury. The rich, full red color and slight blue tint make the Burma ruby highly coveted throughout the world, and this stunning, no-heat 5.09 carat ruby boasts all those exceptional qualities. This massive oval Burma ruby has a natural color and clean facets that make it shine vividly under any light. The white diamonds that surround the ruby are as delicate and chic as this ring’s modern platinum setting. It’s a vivid, lively ring that is just as vogue today as when it was handcrafted. And because this Burma ruby is a certified no-heat gem, you can be sure that it is of the highest quality imaginable. With an exquisite collection of luxury gems such as diamonds , colored diamonds , no-heat rubies and no-heat sapphires , Diamond & Estate Trust is Southern California’s premier luxury jewelry buyer and seller. We hand-pick each gem and piece of vintage jewelry in our collection based on quality, design and natural beauty. Link: No-Heat Ruby – 5.09 Carat Burma Ruby Ring
Huguette Clark Christie’s Auction – Art Deco Jewelry and Gems
Less than six months after Christie’s held the record-breaking auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry , the legendary auction house has another major celebrity sale on its hands: the sale of reclusive copper heiress Huguette Clark’s stunning diamonds and Cartier and Tiffany jewelry, all from the Art Deco period. Christie’s says the collection could fetch $9 million to $12 million when it goes up for auction in April. The last known photo of copper heiress Huguette Clark When Christie’s jewelry department head Rahul Kadakia saw the contents inside the jewelry vault of Huguette Clark, who died last year at 104 years old, he was stunned at the gorgeous jewelry and gems, all in their original boxes, that the heiress had stowed away since the 1940s. “It was like chasing a rainbow and finding a big pot of gold at the end of it,” Kadakia said of discovering one exquisite signed designer piece after another. So which of Huguette Clark’s pieces will go on the auction block at the April 17 th Christie’s sale? The most exquisite piece is a 9 carat cushion cut pink diamond ring that Huguette inherited from her mother. Given the huge price tag of the last pink diamond auctioned by Christie’s — a 5 carat pink diamond that sold for $ 2 million per carat – the auction house expects this gorgeously cut, perfect condition pink diamond from 1910 to sell for $10 million to $15 million. Another of Huguette’s gorgeous diamond rings is expected to fetch $2 million to $4 million at the April Christie’s auction. The spectacular GIA certified 19.86 carat rectangular cut white diamond has the best color grade, D color, is internally flawless and was cut in the 1930s by famed jeweler Cartier . Christie’s officials said that even in the dimly lit bank vault, they immediately knew the colorless diamond was a spectacular stone. And given the world’s fascination with Art Deco jewelry, two 1920s signed Cartier diamond bracelets will likely be hot items at the Huguette Clark sale. The first, a gorgeous geometric link diamond bracelet circa 1925 bearing the Cartier signature, is expected to sell for $300,000 to $500,000. The second, also circa 1925, is a sleek Art Deco Cartier diamond bracelet with chic rectangular emerald accent stones, valued at $50,000 to $70,000. Huguette was wearing these two exquisite Cartier Art Deco bracelets in her last known photograph. (The Tiffany & Co. single-strand pearl necklace also featured in that photo is set to sell for $20,000 to $30,000.) Other items up for auction Some of Huguette’s other pieces up for auction include an Art Deco Mother of Pearl, coral and diamond desk clock from Cartier , which could fetch $15,000 or more; a diamond , ruby and sapphire American flag brooch by Cartier, worth $30,000 to $50,000; a ruby , sapphire and emerald gold Tiffany & Co. bracelet circa 1915, estimated at $30,000 to $50,000, and possibly made by Louis Comfort Tiffany; and an onyx, turquoise and diamond photograph frame by Cartier with a portrait of Huguette’s younger sister inside, worth $5,000 to $7,000. Art Deco and Diamond & Estate Trust Huguette Clark’s collection showcases the best of sleek, geometric Art Deco jewelry design from some of the most chic designers of the era. Want to own a piece of vintage 1920s jewelry but can’t make it to the April auction ? Diamond & Estate Trust has an exquisite collection of Art Deco bracelets, including gorgeous sapphire and diamond bracelets , brooches , and rings that will add vintage flair to your collection. And with the 1920s roaring back into vogue lately, there’s no better time to treat yourself to a piece of Art Deco jewelry. Want to hear more about Huguette’s jewelry and gems? Here’s a video of Christie’s jewelry department head Rahul Kadakia talking about the amazing pieces found in Huguette’s vault! Diamond & Estate Trust is the most trusted diamond and vintage jewelry seller in Los Angeles and Southern California. With an exquisite collection of diamonds , rubies , sapphires and emeralds, estate jewelry and watches, Diamond & Estate Trust can help you find the perfect vintage or signature piece for any occasion. Read more: Huguette Clark Christie’s Auction – Art Deco Jewelry and Gems
What Are The Best Diamond & Gem Certification Agencies? – Jewelry 101
When you’re looking to buy, sell or know more about a particular gem , a certification report is the best starting point. A certification can help you understand a gem’s cut, clarity, carat, clarity and other qualities — all important when determining how much a diamond or other precious gem is worth. Here’s a quick guide to the most trusted gem certification institutes and how they evaluate a diamond , colored diamond , ruby , sapphire or emerald. Two certified gems from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection: a diamond, left, and a sapphire. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) The GIA is the most well-known institute for grading and evaluating diamonds , colored stones and pearls. A nonprofit institute, GIA has been providing reports on the quality of diamonds, colored stones and pearls since 1931. It’s considered to have the highest standards of all the major gem certification agencies. What you’ll find in a GIA report The GIA objectively compares and evaluates diamonds using the 4 C’s : carat, color, clarity and cut. It developed the 4C system in the 1940s, and has been using it ever since. The GIA’s color grading scale for diamonds ranges from D to Z, with D, the closest to colorless, being the most coveted grade. The GIA determines how many blemishes and inclusions a diamond has on a scale of flawless (most desirable) to included (least desirable). The institute grades cut based on how a diamond reflects light, the dispersion of that light, and the how much a diamond sparkles when it’s moved. You’ll also find grading for polish, symmetry and fluorescence in a GIA report. The GIA grades colored gems including colored diamonds , rubies and sapphires based on weight, facet angles and proportions. It also determines the gem’s origin and whether the gem was heated, or artificially treated, to achieve its color. The GIA has a separate color grading system for colored diamonds that ranges from vivid (most valuable) to light (least valuable). A GIA report also includes a diamond’s shape, measurements, weight, depth percentage, table percentage, girdle thickness, culet size, and general comments about the gem that was evaluated. A certified pear shaped diamond, left, and a certified ruby, both from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection. American Gem Society (AGS) The AGS is a nonprofit trade organization founded in 1934. Its membership includes fine jewelers, jewelry designers and jewelry suppliers throughout the U.S. The AGS has been certifying and grading diamonds and other gems since 1996. What you’ll find in an AGS report The AGS uses the 4C criteria for determining the quality of a diamond or gem. But one aspect that makes the AGS different is that it uses a scale of 0 to 10 for its cut, color and clarity grades. For cut, 0 is ideal and 10 is poor; for color, 0 is equivalent to the GIA’s D colorless grade; and for clarity, 0 matches the GIA flawless/internally flawless grade (I/IF). A colorless diamond with the finest cut grade and no blemishes or inclusions would get the “000” AGS grade. AGS also provides information on shape, weight and measurements. It gives a more in-depth view than the GIA on pavilion and crown angles. Gueblin Gem Lab The Gueblin Gem Lab dates back to the early 19 th Century, and has been providing scientific evaluations of gems since the 1960s. Two of the lab’s first gem report clients were luxury jewelry auction houses Christie’s and Sotheby’s. What you’ll find in a Gueblin report For diamonds, Gueblin uses the 4C scale developed by the GIA. It also provides table and depth percentages, information on girdle and culet, and a commentary on a diamond’s fluorescence. Gueblin also identifies origin , species and treatments (if any) for colored gems such as rubies and sapphires . A certified Asscher cut diamond, left, and a certified Kashmir sapphire, both from Diamond & Estate Trust. European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) The EGL is a for-profit company that certifies diamonds and colored gems around the world. It is known for having less strict standards than the GIA when evaluating a diamond or gem. Like the GIA, the EGL grades diamonds , colored diamonds , rubies, sapphires and other colored stones. What you’ll find in an EGL report An EGL report grades a diamond on the 4Cs using the same scales developed by the GIA. It also provides an in-depth look at a gem’s proportions, including its depth, table, crown, pavilion, girdle and culet. International Gemological Institute (IGI) The IGI is the largest independent laboratory for grading and evaluating jewelry and gems, and has been in existence for about 30 years. It’s considered to have more lenient standards than the GIA. What you’ll find in an IGI report The IGI grades using the same 4C scales as the GIA. Like the AGS, the IGI also provides more in-depth information on a gem’s crown and pavilion angles than the GIA does. Looking to buy a certified diamond , ruby or sapphire ? Diamond & Estate Trust has a wide range of certified diamonds and colored gems that you can trust to be of the highest quality imaginable. We use our discerning eye to select only the most exquisite gems for our collection , which is one of the finest examples of luxury jewelry in Southern California. Read more from the original source: What Are The Best Diamond & Gem Certification Agencies? – Jewelry 101
Mad Men Jewelry- Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Earrings
Ever since its debut episode way back in July 2007, AMC’s Mad Men has been giving viewers a vivid, high-drama glimpse into 1960s culture , sexuality and style. From Season 1 Episode 1 all the way through Sunday’s Season 5 premier, we’ve been enthralled with all things Mad Men . In honor of the new season, here’s a quick overview of the gorgeous jewelry the women of Mad Men have worn over the last five seasons. Source: AMC Joan Harris, Sterling Cooper’s confident, feisty office manager, is the epitome of 1960s mod chic. Every time Christina Hendricks walks onto the screen, we’re blown away by her jewelry: gem-studded brooches , intricate diamond and pearl earrings , and her signature gold pen necklace all reflect Joan’s undeniable confidence. Source: AMC And with the brooch coming back into vogue at Red Carpet events and beyond, Joan Harris’ style has never been more modern. Source: AMC And then there’s Betty Francis (Draper), Don Draper’s ex-wife and mother of three whose style still reflects her former calling as a model. Actress January Jones always looks vogue and sophisticated in her strand of pearls and oversized diamond stud earrings . Source: AMC Don Draper’s secretary, Peggy Olson, played by Elisabeth Moss, doesn’t take as many jewelry chances as Betty or Joan, but her classic feminine style is still worth mentioning. Like the other Mad Men women, Peggy looks current and chic in pearls and intricate drop earrings . Source: AMC Just take it from Joan Harris, Betty Francis, or Peggy Olson — nothing says 1960s quite like a pair of sophisticated, ultra-feminine pearl earrings. Let Diamond & Estate Trust help you capture this Mad Men signature jewelry look just in time for Season 5. These romantic South Sea pearl earrings from renowned designer Van Cleef & Arpels are as stunning today as they were decades ago. In these earrings from our collection , diamonds of various cuts form delicate petals around show-stopping South Sea Pearls , gems highly coveted for their magnificent size and soft luster. With two large, exquisitely matched pearls on each earring, this pair makes a quintessential vintage style statement. Still in their original box, these Van Cleef & Arpels earrings boast a timeless design aesthetic that accents the beauty of these exceptional pearls and diamonds. When you wear these vintage pearl earrings, you will embody the feminine flair of Joan Harris, Betty Francis, and Peggy Olson. And with Mad Men Season 5 just getting heated up, 1960s jewelry will continue to make a chic comeback among A-List celebrities and other fashion icons. For those of you who can’t wait until Sunday for your next Mad Men fix, here’s a sneak peak of what’s in store for the rest of Season 5! Diamond & Estate Trust is Southern California’s premier vintage jewelry buyer and seller. With an exquisite collection of estate pieces including brooches , necklaces , bracelets , watches and rings , Diamond & Estate Trust can help you find your inner vintage vogue. And for the client looking for a truly unique piece, our experts can create a custom piece using one of our exemplary loose diamonds or gems . Go here to see the original: Mad Men Jewelry- Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Earrings
Pear Shaped Diamond Ring – 9.36 Fancy Brown
A colored diamond is the ultimate symbol of rarity and exceptional beauty. Each of the world’s colored diamonds possesses a unique hue and vibrancy, making a piece of colored diamond jewelry the ultimate statement in individuality. Of all the variations of colored diamonds , the brown diamond has quickly achieved a new level of affection from the world’s fashion and jewelry icons. You’ll be the vision of extraordinary sophistication in this GIA certified 9.36 carat fancy brown pear shaped diamond ring from our collection . This stunning diamond ring has all the hallmarks of a timeless statement piece. Its most striking feature is the large, 9.36 carat yellow-brown diamond, which has a deep fancy natural color grade found in few colored diamonds. But what makes this cognac colored diamond absolutely breathtaking is its perfect pear modified brilliant cut . Intricate, precise facet work brings out the depth and vibrancy of this yellow-brown diamond’s striking hue . By bringing together the best aspects of the round-brilliant and marquis cuts, the fiery pear cut adds a sophisticated flash to this already stunning brown diamond . This 9.36 carat fancy yellow-brown diamond ring also features white marquis diamonds that form a sophisticated border around the center gem. The colored and white diamonds are married gorgeously in a high-quality mount that matches this ring’s classic design aesthetic. It’s a timeless piece that will always be in vogue. For the true diamond aficionado, this ring is the best of both worlds: a case study in both the vibrancy of colored diamonds and the elegance of white diamonds . Let Diamond & Estate Trust help you discover the perfect diamond ring for any occasion. With a wide selection of white and colored diamonds across the color spectrum, we offer the most exquisite luxury jewelry collection in Southern California. Like this cognac diamond ring , each piece in our collection is carefully chosen based on its quality, rarity and design aesthetic. Visit link: Pear Shaped Diamond Ring – 9.36 Fancy Brown
A Former Prisoner of Khaddafy Speaks Out About the Regime
A Torrance man who suffered under the the brutal regime of Moammar Khaddafy when he was younger is now speaking out upon the death of the former dictator. Photo Credit: Julie Brayton Continue reading here: A Former Prisoner of Khaddafy Speaks Out About the Regime
Richie launching fragrance
Nicole Richie arrives at A Pea In The Pod Presents Nicole Richie’s ‘Nicole’ Collection on August 6, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. Read more here: Richie launching fragrance
