A lot of attention has been paid lately to conflict-free stones, and rightfully so. Even with all the reputable vendors out there, the mining and cutting of precious gems isn’t always handled in the most ethical way. Think small children working 12- to 16-hour days in a factory and breathing in harmful diamond dust. Or miners working in unsafe conditions with very little or no medical help at the ready and for little pay. see the full article

Have you been considering a colorful stone for your engagement ring and/or wedding band? With several stone options out there that offer many color varieties, the choices seem endless. However, when other stones get compared against a Fancy Colored Diamond, the benefits of going with a diamond start to vastly outweigh any other stone choice. see the full article

Many engagement ring trends have seen their day, such as rose gold rings, black diamond center stones and whatever the most current celebrity said “I do” to. But nothing is quite so interesting as the latest surge of unique engagement rings: the salt and pepper diamond. 
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Diamond engagement rings are simply not “one-size-fits-all” and when you are shopping for yourself or a lover, keep these handy tips in mind for choosing the right stone.

At first, this question might seem simply answered, “it’s all about what you can afford.” Yet many other factors should influence your design decisions and will make a big visual impact when you wear your diamond ring.

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Have your heart set on a fancy colored diamond (FCD)? We don’t blame you. With their array of eye-catching shades, these beauties add a pop of color and a quirky-cool edge to your jewelry. Just like their more traditional white cousins, FCDs are the hardest stones on the market and can be easily customized into the piece of your dreams. But since they are colored, you’ll have a few extra things to keep in mind during the design process.

Here’s what you—and your jeweler—should know. see the full article

Want a Fancy Colored Diamond? Then R

Jenny McCarthy. Carrie Underwood. Jennifer Lopez. Kelly Clarkson. The list of celebrities who have rocked fancy colored diamond engagement rings is long—and it’s easy to see why. These rare, tinted stones add an exotic touch to a treasured piece of jewelry, and since each one is unique, you’re guaranteed a one-of-a-kind creation. What woman doesn’t want that?

Luckily, you don’t have to have an A-lister’s bank to buy a fancy colored diamond (FCD). Though natural, untreated ones are pricey—especially in ultra-rare blue—there are plenty of lower-cost options that are just as beautiful. Here’s what to know before you shop for one of these colorful sparklers. see the full article

Every year in June, the who’s who of the jewelry industry descend upon Las Vegas for the international convention JCK. Besides walking the floor and feeling like I’ve been transported to another country, I love seeing what design trends are emerging.

Here are eight of my favorites: see the full article

Take one look at a black diamond and it’s immediately clear why it’s is so popular these days. It’s sparkly, dramatic, sexy. In short, it’s a showstopper that looks just as good in a fancy engagement ring as it does in a pair of everyday earrings. But as with any gemstone, it pays to do a little research about black diamonds before you hit the jewelry store. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from our customers.  see the full article

Of all the amazing features of a diamond, I think one of the coolest is its ability to glow under a UV light. The phenomenon, called fluorescence, doesn’t occur in all diamonds, but it’s fairly common. About a quarter of all the diamonds submitted to the Gemological Institute of America over the past decade show some degree of it. see the full article

Q: I’m helping my fiance design my engagement ring, and I’ve decided against a diamond. I love the sparkle of a diamond, but I’d prefer something more socially responsible. I’m considering a white sapphire. What do you recommend?

I love when customers ask me this question because I’m constantly researching and trying out the latest diamond alternatives. And I can see why you’re tempted to go with a white sapphire: It’s a 9 on the hardness scale (diamonds are a 10), won’t cost your fiance an arm and a leg, and it sounds beautiful. But here’s the big drawback:  see the full article

Black Diamonds for Wedding and Engagement Rings

Black is the New White

   

The Origin of Black Diamonds

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