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Fox 13 Tampa Bay: AAA Diamond Ratings Work
May 17, 2013
Fox 13 Tampa Bay: Hotel Ratings Consumer reporter Chris Chmura takes a behind the scenes look at the AAA Diamond Ratings. “We can’t show his face. And we can…
Retro Period Guide – Jewelry Design and Styles
April 19, 2012
After the bold, sleek designs and decadence of the Art Deco period , jewelry took a decidedly softer turn. The Retro Period (1935 to 1960) was characterized by romantic motifs, the heavy use of gold, and “larger than life” sized jewelry. Retro Period jewelry aesthetic and style During the Retro Period, America was reeling from its involvement in World War II. Amid the turmoil overseas and the uncertainty at home, society turned to Hollywood for a romantic, “larger than life” escape from reality. Retro Period jewelry reflects this escapism: mimicking the abundance and glamour of Hollywood, designers crafted enchanting, oversized pieces that created a sense of romance and grace. Settings that featured pleats or drapes were also popular. Charm bracelets , watches and necklaces were particularly vogue during this jewelry period , as were oversized pins, clips and cocktail rings. The Duchess of Windsor’s bold style and fondness for cat motifs also propelled many of the period’s luxury jewelry trends. Popular metals, gems and stones during the Retro Period Gold is the hallmark of Retro Period jewelry. Although platinum was vogue during the Art Deco period, wartime restrictions made it largely unavailable for jewelry making during the Retro years. Thus, yellow gold became the metal of choice in the 1940s and 1950s. Yellow gold was often paired with rose or green alloys to create settings with a soft, romantic luster. Stones such as aquamarine , topaz, amethyst and citrine were extremely popular during the Retro Period, and like most jewelry settings from this period, were magnificent in size. The rectangular cut was one of the period’s most popular cuts, featuring prominently in cocktail rings with oversized stones. Although luxury designers still used rubies , sapphires and diamonds as accents, this period also saw the birth of costume jewelry using synthetic gems and wallet-friendly stones. Popular jewelry motifs during the Retro Period A Retro Period motif is unmistakable. Bows , fans, ribbons and ruffles reinforced this period’s femininity, while nature-inspired images such as flowers also began to grace everything from earrings and rings to brooches . Patriotic motifs were vogue, especially during the wartime periods, as were sculptural or 3-D designs that mimicked the movement of fabric. And although the trends varied from year to year, one thing remained constant: motifs during the Retro Period were almost always oversized, reflecting the grandness of Hollywood. Popular jewelry designers during the Retro Period Designers such as Cartier, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels shaped the luxury jewelry aesthetic during the Retro Period. With its nature-inspired designs and eye for romance, Van Cleef & Arpels ushered in the period’s emphasis on femininity and glamour more than any other design house. To this day, Van Cleef & Arpels is synonymous with 1940s and 1950s naturalism, an aesthetic just as vogue today as it was a half-century ago. Retro Period jewelry and Diamond & Estate Trust The Retro Period is defined by romance and glamour, a spirit captured meticulously by this 1950s-inspired custom ring in the Diamond & Estate Trust collection . Named the Aurora, this romantic ring features a soft 18K gold setting paired with lustrous yellow and pink colored diamonds. The center stone of this floral ring is a .72 carat GIA certified fancy intense pink diamond . A delicate row of white diamonds and 7 carats of perfectly matched natural fancy yellow pear-shaped diamonds complete this ring’s bouquet motif. This custom ring seamlessly blends the Retro Period’s fondness for oversized jewelry and love of whimsical, nature-inspired images. The Aurora is our tribute to the Van Cleef & Arpels designs that defined 1950s naturalism. Whether you’re looking for a funky cocktail ring or a romantic brooch or pin, you’ll find the perfect Retro Period piece in Diamond & Estate Trust’s luxury jewelry collection . With an unparalleled inventory of loose gems such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds , and vintage pieces including watches, rings and signed designer pieces, Diamond & Estate Trust is regarded as the premier luxury jewelry buyer and seller in Southern California. Read the rest here: Retro Period Guide – Jewelry Design and Styles
July Birthstone – Ruby Information
April 17, 2012
Few gems have a more colorful history than the ruby . With a rich, red color that instantly evokes passion, power and lust, the ruby has long been celebrated as the most royal of all the gems. And because July is characterized by hot sun, fire and the passions of summer, it’s no surprise that the ruby has been its official birthstone since the early 1900s. A vintage ballerina mount ruby ring from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection. More than any other month, July is synonymous with heat, fire, and the romance of warm summer days. This heat and lively spirit is perfectly reflected in the ruby’s vivid red hue. And with celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson and Emma Stone all choosing the ruby, you’ll be in luxurious company when you wear this royal gem. A 5.19 carat no-heat pigeon blood ruby ring from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection, The rarest of all the precious gems, the ruby is a luxurious choice any time of year. But given that summer is right around the corner, there’s no better time than now to indulge in a piece of passionate ruby jewelry. There’s nothing more sentimental than a gorgeous ruby ring, and Diamond & Estate Trust’s collection boasts ruby rings to fit every style. This 5.19 carat African pigeon blood no-heat ruby ring showcases the ruby in its most desirable hue: the rich, velvety shade known as pigeon blood . Flanked by two lustrous white diamonds, this antique ring stuns with its simple vintage charm. It would make the perfect engagement ring. A 4.98 carat no-heat ruby ring from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection. This 4.98 carat no-heat Burma ruby ring is the perfect reflection of the spirit of summer. This oval cut ruby has a fuchsia hue that pops against the ring’s stark band of white diamonds. A 5.09 carat no-heat Burma ring from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection. Boasting the same fuchsia hue but a sleeker band, this 5.09 carat no-heat Burma ruby ring is simultaneously delicate and bold. Looking for a loose ruby? This 6.04 carat no-heat Burma ruby from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection is the perfect foundation for a stunning custom piece . Its natural deep red color and classic oval shape would make this ruby ideal in either a modern or vintage setting. We’d suggest flanking this ruby by two white diamonds, a classic style that brings out the ruby’s vivid deep-red color. A no-heat Burma ruby from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection. Using its discerning eye and extensive gem and vintage jewelry expertise, Diamond & Estate Trust has crafted a collection filled with the world’s most breathtaking pieces. Whether you’re located in Los Angeles, San Diego, Southern California, Miami, or even overseas, Diamond & Estate Trust should be your first choice for diamonds , rubies , sapphires , colored diamonds , vintage jewelry , designer pieces , and luxury watches . Read the original: July Birthstone – Ruby Information
Brown Diamond Guide – Celebrity Jewelry Trend 2012
April 13, 2012
Diamond & Estate Trust couldn’t let our colored diamond week end without spotlighting the brown diamond, which has quickly become a luxury jewelry staple over the past few years. With celebrities such as Cate Blanchett, Hillary Swank, Lea Michelle, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez trusting the cognac diamond to complete their Red Carpet looks, you’ll be in fashionable company once you select a gorgeous brown diamond for your own collection. Here’s a quick guide to the brown diamond, also known as the cognac diamond or the chocolate diamond. A orange-brown diamond from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection. How rare are brown diamonds? Only one in 10,000 diamonds mined is a color other than white, making any colored diamond a rarity. Within the spectrum of colored diamonds , the brown diamond is in the middle of the road: a little more common than the yellow diamond , blue diamond , pink diamond , green diamond , and red diamond. But even though the brown or cognac diamond isn’t the rarest of the colored diamonds , it is still exceptional to find one naturally. Most of the world’s exquisite brown diamonds are produced at Australia’s Argyle Mine (which is also famous for champagne diamonds and pink diamonds). How do brown diamonds get their color? Because brown diamonds have soared in popularity lately, gemologists are devoting more time to understanding just what gives the brown diamond its beautiful, rich cognac color. Like most colored diamonds, a brown diamond gets its hue because of a structural irregularity in the diamond’s lattice. Some varieties of brown diamonds include golden brown diamonds, brownish orange diamonds, champagne diamonds and cognac diamonds. As with any other colored diamond , the most important word to look for in its color classification is “natural.” Diamonds treated with irradiation or other artificial methods to achieve a brown color are far less valuable and far more common than natural fancy brown diamonds. What are some famous brown diamonds?
Blue Diamond Guide – Celebrity Jewelry Trend 2012
April 10, 2012
In honor of the spring season, Diamond & Estate Trust is devoting this week to the colored diamond , spring 2012’s most vibrant jewelry trend. Up today is the blue diamond, one of the rarest colored diamonds around. Although blue diamonds have always been celebrated by the world’s nobility (think the Hope Diamond’s cursed royal legacy), celebrities such as Jay-Z and Halle Berry have catapulted the blue diamond back into the fashion spotlight. Here’s a quick guide on the blue diamond. The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond How rare are blue diamonds? Only one in 10,000 mined diamonds is a color other than white. Within the spectrum of colored diamonds , the blue diamond is one of the rarest: only red and purple diamonds are more extraordinary than the blue diamond . The blue diamond may not be as rare as the red diamond, but these gorgeous blue gems are seldom discovered. Less than .1 percent of all diamonds mined have an intense fancy blue color . That may explain why blue diamonds command sky-high auction prices on the rare occasion when they do become available for public purchase. How do blue diamonds get their color? A white diamond takes on a deep blue hue when there’s a surplus of boron available during its formation below the Earth’s surface. The more boron found within a diamond’s carbon molecules, the more intense the diamond’s blue color becomes. When you’re determining the worth of a blue diamond, it’s safe to assume that the richest hue commands the largest price. Blue diamonds range from a deep, steely shade like the one found in the legendary Hope Diamond to a pale, subtle blue. Blue-green or blue-purple shades are less valuable than true, rich blue hued diamonds. When it comes to color , remember that naturally enhanced (heat treated) blue diamonds are far less valuable than blue diamonds with a natural color. Be sure to check a GIA certification to make sure the blue diamond you’re considering hasn’t been artificially treated to achieve its color. What are some famous blue diamonds? The Hope Diamond The 45.52 carat Blue Hope Diamond is regarded as one of the world’s most breathtaking gems. Currently housed in the Smithsonian, this steel blue cushion antique brilliant cut diamond is one of the largest known fancy blue colored diamonds ever discovered. Another famous blue diamond, the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond , from India, sold for $24.3 million at a Christie’s auction in 2008, setting a record at the time for the highest auction price of any diamond or gem. The cushion cut diamond’s deep grayish blue color, magnificent 35.56 carat size and legendary history make it one of the most iconic blue diamonds in the world. Other notable blue diamonds include the 70.21 carat Idol’s Eye, which has a striking shape that combines the Old Mine Cut and the triangular cut; the 189.62 carat Orlov Diamond; the 35.27 carat Sultan of Morocco; and the 42.92 carat Terschenko Diamond. What cut works best for a blue diamond? Like other colored diamonds, a blue diamond’s hue is most striking when cut into a radiant, princess or brilliant cut. That’s mainly because the facets of these fiery cuts bring out the depth and hue of a colored diamond. Still, some diamond cutters , such as the one responsible for the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond , choose a softer cut like the cushion cut to emphasize a colored diamond’s luster. Which celebrities wear blue diamonds? Jay-Z and Beyonce may have gained fanfare lately for wearing sapphires to celebrate the birth of Blue Ivy , but it seems the musicians are now moving on to even bigger, more valuable blue gems. Jay-Z has reportedly been scouring the world’s best jewelry collections this week for the ultimate fourth wedding anniversary gift for Beyonce: a gorgeous blue diamond. And Halle Berry famously wore a pear shaped blue and white diamond necklace on the Red Carpet a few years ago, garnering rave reviews from luxury jewelers worldwide. Blue diamonds and Diamond & Estate Trust When you’re ready for the ultimate symbol of exceptional luxury, there’s no better choice than the elegant and stunning blue diamond. Diamond & Estate Trust’s collection includes colored diamonds in every hue in the color spectrum. Our experts can turn any loose gem into a truly magnificent colored diamond custom piece . Diamond & Estate Trust is Southern California’s most trusted buyer and seller of diamonds, gems, vintage jewelry and luxury watches . For the ultimate vibrant statement piece, view our exquisite collection of colored diamonds . Looking for more information on colored diamonds? Be sure to check out yesterday’s post on the yellow diamond, and visit our blog everyday this week for a profile on a different colored diamond . Follow this link: Blue Diamond Guide – Celebrity Jewelry Trend 2012
Asscher Cut – Joseph Asscher and Royal Asscher Diamond Company
April 7, 2012
The Asscher cut diamond has always been one of the most coveted diamond cuts , but its strong, modern lines became even more vogue after the Asscher cut was profiled on the popular show Sex and the City. You’ll be in the company of celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel and Jessica Alba when you choose a piece of Asscher cut diamond jewelry . Who created the Asscher cut? Joseph Asscher The Asscher cut diamond was created in 1902 by famed diamond cutter and jewelry designer Joseph Asscher of the Asscher Diamond Company (now called the Royal Asscher Diamond Company). Soon after Joseph Asscher debuted his new diamond cut, the world was captivated. The Asscher Diamond Company, which Joseph’s father had founded in 1854, patented the design and maintained exclusive rights of the Asscher cut until World War II. What does the Asscher cut look like? An emerald cut diamond, left, and an Asscher cut diamond. The Asscher cut is similar to the emerald cut in that it has a similar striking pavilion cut with rectangular facets that highlight a diamond’s clarity and depth. The main difference between the emerald cut and the Asscher cut is that the Asscher cut is square rather than rectangular. The Asscher cut was designed to draw your eye to the diamond itself rather than wow you with flash; that quality makes it an ideal diamond cut for an engagement ring . What is the Royal Asscher cut? About 100 years after the Asscher cut was created, two relatives of Joseph Asscher debuted the Royal Asscher cut. Known for its unparalleled light performance , the Royal Asscher cut features one extra break on the diamond’s pavilion, which gives this cut 74 facets instead of the Asscher’s 58 facets. The Royal Asscher Diamond Company holds the patent for the Royal Asscher cut, which debuted in 2001. The Asscher cut and Diamond & Estate Trust If you prefer a strong, modern cut that emphasizes a diamond’s color and depth, the Asscher cut is the perfect choice. This exquisite, 4.65 carat Asscher diamond in the Diamond & Estate Trust collection is the epitome of a precise diamond cut. With striking facets and a perfectly symmetric signature Asscher shape, this GIA certified diamond isn’t one you’ll easily forget. Diamond & Estate Trust is the premier luxury jeweler buyer and seller in Los Angeles, Southern California and beyond. We specialize in vintage jewelry , signed designer pieces, watches such as Rolex , Audemars and Patek Philippe , and loose gems such as diamonds , rubies and sapphires . Read more here: Asscher Cut – Joseph Asscher and Royal Asscher Diamond Company
Diamond Cutters – Tolkowsky Family
April 5, 2012
History is filled with famous families such as the Kennedys, the Rockefellers and the Rothschilds. But in the world of luxury jewelry , one family towers above the rest. With six generations of renowned diamond cutters in its family tree, the Tolkowsky family has been synonymous with some of the world’s most beautiful gems since the 1800s. Marcel Tolkowsky The Belgian Tolkowsky family first got involved in the precious gem industry in the 1800s (when Abraham Tolkowsky began trading gems), and was credited with its first major diamond invention in the 1870s (when Maurice Tolkowsky created the diamond bruting machine). But it was a generation later that the first Tolkowsky gained worldwide fame. Marcel Tolkowsky is known as the father of the modern round brilliant cut diamond, one of the most popular diamond cuts today. A mathematician at heart, Marcel discovered the most ideal symmetry for cutting diamonds to achieve maximum brilliancy . This measurement, which included 58 facets to maximize the amount of brilliance and reflected light, is known as the Ideal Cut, Tolkowsky Cut or Tolkowsky Brilliant. Marcel died in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of diamond cutting expertise that is still carried on today by his nephew Gabriel Tolkowsky. Gabriel (Gabi) Tolkowsky Trained primarily by Marcel, Gabriel Tolkowsky is one of the world’s foremost diamond cutting experts. The master diamond cutter invented flower cuts in the mid-1980s, and has been one of De Beers’ go-to gem consultants ever since. Gabi gained worldwide recognition for his work as master cutter for the Centenary Diamond . At 273.85 carats, the gem is known as the world’s largest internally flawless diamond. It took Gabi and his team three years to cut the Centenary Diamond into its intricate, 247 facet shape, and the team reportedly hand cleaved the massive gem in order to avoid heating-related damage that often results from using saws or lasers. The Tolkowsky’s De Beers Centenary Diamond was unveiled to the world in 1991 and has since joined the ranks of the world’s most exquisite diamonds . Gabi also designed and cut the Golden Jubilee Diamond, a magnificent 755.5-carat rough stone that was presented to the King of Thailand. The final version of the Golden Jubilee Diamond is one of the most stunning examples of a cushion cut that the world has ever known. Boasting 545.65 carats and 148 precisely cut facets, this diamond furthered Gabi’s reputation as the world’s foremost diamond cutter. Gabi also developed the first triple brilliant cut diamond, displayed in the famous Gabrielle Diamond, which has 105 facets and striking brilliance and fire. When it comes to diamonds , rubies , sapphires or other gems , nothing is more important than a quality cut . Diamond & Estate Trust’s collection is filled with exquisite, hand-picked loose gems that exhibit perfect facets and fire. In honor of Marcel Tolkowsky’s celebrated round brilliant cut, consider adding one of our round diamonds to your personal collection . Diamond & Estate Trust is Southern California’s premier luxury jewelry buyer and seller . Our gem experts only select the most beautifully cut diamonds for our exquisite collection . Read more: Diamond Cutters – Tolkowsky Family
Pantone Spring 2012 Color Guide Inspired Jewelry – Part II
March 29, 2012
Spring 2012 is finally here, and that means one thing — it’s time to pack away your winter accessories and make room for your spring collection. Do you need a new gorgeous gem to breathe life into your spring jewelry collection? If so, there’s no better guidepost than the Pantone Color Institute’s Spring 2012 colors list. Here are last five hues on Pantone’s Spring 2012 color palate, each paired with a gorgeous gem of a similar hue! And be sure to check out Part I of this series for a recap of the first five colors on the Pantone Color Institute’s Spring 2012 color list! Margarita This dusty green shade is all about a soft glow — and you’ll add the same soft radiance to your look when you wear a Peridot ring or earrings . Just look for a more subtle Peridot hue that matches the pastel aspects of the Margarita shade. Sweet Lilac This fresh baby pink shade adds whimsical romance to Pantone’s Spring 2012 colors list. And there’s undoubtedly only one choice when it comes to pink gems: the pink diamond . This gorgeous fancy pink radiant cut diamond in Diamond & Estate Trust’s collection is the vision of springtime romance. Driftwood This charcoal grey neutral brings to mind the beautiful, dark luster of grey diamonds . And if a grey diamond doesn’t suit your sense of style, Driftwood is a perfect complementary color to any brighter hue, making a yellow, green or blue colored diamond a striking choice for pairing. Bellflower Of all the colors on the Pantone Color Institute’s Spring 2012 color list, Bellflower is probably the hue that will transition most seamlessly into the fall season. Just at this ornamental purple shade can carry you through the year, this gorgeous vintage amethyst ring from our collection will be in vogue no matter the season. Cockatoo Our favorite color on Pantone’s Spring 2012 list is this tactile blue-green shade. When you’re in the mood for some Cockatoo flair, an aquamarine ring such as this 30 carat vintage stunner in the Diamond & Estate Trust collection is sure to make your spirits soar. Let Diamond & Estate Trust help you find the perfect piece of jewelry to match the beauty of each Pantone Spring 2012 color. Whether you’re infatuated with Cockatoo, romanced by Sweet Lilac, or knocked out by Cabaret, we have the perfect gem with a vibrant hue to match. And for the ultimate jewelery look inspired by Pantone’s Spring 2012 colors, we will create you a custom piece that embodies your style and the spirit of the season. Diamond & Estate Trust’s collection of loose gems such as diamonds , colored diamonds , rubies and sapphires , as well as estate jewelry make us Southern California’s premier luxury jewelry buyer and seller . Excerpt from: Pantone Spring 2012 Color Guide Inspired Jewelry – Part II
