Diamond Simulants

Cubic Zirconia
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is the most commonly encountered diamond simulant. All commercial CZ is formed in laboratories however, it is also found in nature. In both its synthetic and natural forms, CZ is colorless but color can be introduced. A thermal pen tester can quickly and easily detect CZ.
Synthetic moissanite
Synthetic moissanite is a new diamond simulant to join the long list of products that imitate diamonds. Although moissanite is being marketed as a new unique, synthetic gemstone, some of its properties are close enough to those of diamonds to lead to confusion in the trade.
Natural moissanite was first identified in a meteorite crater at the beginning of the twentieth century however; most is produced synthetically as natural moissanite is very rare. Chemically, it is 'silicon carbide', also known as 'carborundum', which is widely used for abrasive purposes and for use in the electronics industry.
Synthetic moissanite is a diamond simulant like Cubic Zirconia however; it can be passed as a diamond by the widely used thermal pen testers because it has similar thermal characteristics to diamonds. However, it can be easily identified by other methods.

Coloured Diamonds

Yellow Diamond

Fancy yellow diamonds come in a broad range of shades ranging from light yellow to a rich canary colour.
A limited quantity of fancy yellow diamonds is recovered from the Argyle mine.

Blu Diamonds

Fancy blue diamonds are available in a wide range of shades, from the blue of the sky to a more "steely" colour than sapphire.
Limited quantities of fancy blue diamonds are recovered from the Argyle mine.

Green Diamonds

Fancy green diamonds are also available. Usually, penetration of the colour is not very deep and is often removed during the fashioning of the stone.
A limited quantity of fancy green diamonds is recovered from the Argyle mine.

Pink Champagne Diamonds

Attractive champagne diamonds with secondary pink colour are also available and command a higher price per carat than champagne diamonds. These stones display slight to bold flashes of pink in their fire.
Argyle Pink Champagne Diamonds are available in three ranges of shades, from light pink champagne to medium and dark pink champagne.
As pink is one of the rarest colours found in diamonds, even secondary colours demand a higher price depending on depth and strength of colour.

Champagne Diamonds

Champagne diamonds are naturally colored diamonds that are produced in a wide range of colours from light straw to rich cognac.
The 4C's of colour, cut, clarity and carat weight apply to colored diamonds just as they do to colorless diamonds except the intensity of colour, not lack of it, plays a greater part in the valuation.
Argyle Diamonds created the following scale specifically for champagne diamonds. The diamonds are graded on a C1-C7 colour scale. C1 and C2 represent light champagne, C3 and C4 medium champagne, and C5 and C6 dark champagne. The fancy cognac diamond is graded C7.

White Diamonds

White diamonds are produced by mines all over the world in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The white diamonds recovered from the Argyle mine are particularly brilliant and of high quality.The Argyle mine also produces white diamonds with secondary pink colour that command a higher price per carat. In an effect similar to that described of pink champagne diamonds, the white diamond will display slight to bold flashes of pink when viewed from the top. A higher price is commanded for pink secondary colour depending on its depth and strength, because pink is one of the most rare colours found in diamonds

Pink Diamonds

The pink diamond is the worlds most rare and valuable diamond. The Argyle mine is the world's foremost source of unrivalled intense pink diamonds, producing 95% of the world's supply. However, an extremely small proportion of Argyle Diamonds production is Pink colour, in fact less than one tenth of 1% is classified Pink.
The legend of Argyle pink diamond has grown over the past ten years. At the 1989 Christie's auction in New York a 3.14 carat Argyle pink sold for $1,510,000. Privately, Argyle has sold pink diamonds for up to $1 million a carat. For years the white diamond was considered the world's most beautiful diamond, until the discovery of the Argyle mine heralded the arrival of the Argyle pink diamond. Never before had pink diamonds displaying such intense shades of colour been seen. The pink diamonds of India, Brazil and Africa were characteristically light in colour and paled even further when placed beside the intensely pink Argyle diamonds. The natural colour diamonds have in fact been around as long as the classical whites but in much smaller quantities and never in great demand. The Argyle pink diamond comes in shades ranging from delicate pastel rose to robust raspberry and full-blooded purple-reds. The prices per carat are determined by the intensity of colour. Argyle selects only its most vibrant pink diamonds for polishing at its head office in Perth. There, the stones are polished in a wide range of cuts, such as round brilliant, marquise, oval and pear, to enhance their natural beauty. Polished pink diamonds are available in the same size ranges as traditional commercial sizes. Once a year, Argyle Diamonds issues a special release of outstanding pink diamonds that are sold by special bids in the international and invitation-only, Pink Diamond Tender.

Rosy Blue to Unveil 42ct

This oval cut 42 carat fancy yellow diamond inscribed with the FOREVERMARK provides a promise from the world’s number one diamond company. It holds a commitment of brilliance at its heart – a guarantee that the diamond has been cut and polished by the world’s leading diamond craftsmen - diamantaires. It radiates assurance, integrity and emotion. Russell Mehta of Rosy Blue commented, “We are thrilled to be unveiling this magnificent diamond at BASEL WORLD and are extremely proud that it is the world’s largest fancy yellow diamond inscribed with the FOREVERMARK. This in itself makes it a perfect combination of integrity and impeccable craftsmanship.” This diamond has been set apart and specially cared for by experts at every step of its remarkable journey. It has been individually inspected to ensure it meets the FOREVERMARK criteria and has been cut and polished by master craftsmen at Rosy Blue before being inscribed with a unique identification number. This dazzling 42 carat FOREVERMARK diamond promises that this diamond meets high ethical, social and environmental standards along its journey. The FOREVERMARK also provides the assurance that the diamond is genuine, natural and untreated.

About FOREVERMARK:

Each FOREVERMARK diamond is a precious diamond. Individually inspected, FOREVERMARK diamonds have been cut and polished by master craftsmen to reveal their ultimate beauty and natural brilliance. They also carry an assurance that the diamonds have been specially selected and preciously cared for at every step of their journey, and that they are genuine, natural and untreated.

About De Beers Group Marketing:

De Beers Group Marketing was established in 2007 as a separately managed division within the De Beers Group. De Beers Group Marketing focuses on three core activities. The division’s main mission is to build and develop the FOREVERMARK. De Beers Group Marketing will also still hold responsibility within the De Beers Group for driving diamond demand in key markets and maintaining consumer confidence in diamonds.

Future Demand & Prices Of Diamonds

Right now, we seem to be one of the only jewelers who believe in, and stock, colored diamonds. We predict that within a few years colored diamonds will be in great demand, and become highly sought after. Even though supplies are greater now than they ever have been, we believe that demand could easily outstrip supply. The greater availability means that more people will get to see colored diamonds, and realise how great they look. When this happens, prices may rocket. Why not lead fashion instead of waiting to follow it, and also get in now before prices rise.
We have recently made up several Colored Diamond Pendants, in a variety of colours for stock. However, as we also manufacture please do not panic if you do not see what you want, just telephone and see if we can help.

Colour Prejudice

we think it's slightly sad that many people believe that white is best. Our belief is that the greater the variety of colour, the better. We have been trying to source colored diamonds for many years, and it is only recently that we have been able to find such a good variety as we have recently.

Argyle Socks it to De Beers

The Argyle diamond mine in Australia is now one of the worlds largest and most productive diamond mines. It started production in 1985, and produces colored diamonds. Most of its production is colorless or nearly so, and only a very tiny proportion are fancy colored, nevertheless. Argyle produce more colored diamonds than all other sources combined. Because of this, and because some colored diamonds have been coming onto the market in the last few years, colored diamonds are becoming better known, and rightly so. We have long believed that colored diamonds are under-rated and under-appreciated. It has been widely reported that Argyle annoyed De Beers by marketing its own diamonds rather than joining the "cartel", and we suspect that Argyle's marketing of colored diamonds will not please De Beers who want everybody to keep thinking that white is best.

Coloured Diamonds

The Best Kept Secret

most people have never even heard of colored diamonds. Almost all of the publicity and advertising for diamonds is slanted towards convincing consumers that white, or more accurately colorless, is the only desirable colour for diamonds, and that diamonds with a slight tinge of yellow or brown are less attractive and therefore less desirable. While we would broadly agree with this, diamonds do occur in a wide variety of colors. Many of these colors are very attractive and the diamonds are even more desirable than colorless ones. This is especially true of intensely colored diamonds. You may wonder why, if colored diamonds are so fabulous, why don't you hear more about them.

Coloured Diamonds Are Very Rare!

Probably the main reason why colored diamonds are hardly ever promoted is the very fact that they are so rare. Why bother to promote something with a very limited supply that you can't get enough of? De Beers, who own or control about half the world's diamond mines and marketing, have their own collection of natural fancy colored diamonds, which they keep for themselves, and which are not for sale. It might even be harmful to their marketing if consumers decided that colored stones were more interesting and exciting than colorless ones.

Matching Diamonds

If you need to buy a number of matching stones, any quantity from two upwards, it is not quite as simple as shopping round for a single diamond. It now becomes quite important to ensure that the dimensions of the stones match, and that they match in other respects such as colour, clarity and cut. Two diamonds which have the same grade on paper may not match each other in real life. In this case it may be best to revert to buying your rings complete, perhaps having it made for you by special order to your own requirements. There is then nothing to stop you having the stones graded before they are set, to ensure that you are getting what you pay for. This approach would be worth using if the piece of jewellery you wanted was of particularly high quality or used particularly large diamonds. Obviously we can help you with this project as we are experienced at dealing in diamonds both loose and ready mounted into rings.

Why Isn't Every Diamond Certificated?

Why Isn't Every Diamond Certificated?Diamond grading laboratories charge fees for their work, so its only worth paying for larger or better diamonds to be certificated. The extra cost needs to be weighed against the fact that the diamond should be easier to sell. Also many customers prefer to see a complete ring rather than a selection of loose diamonds. There is however a far more practical reason why most jewelers are reluctant to get involved in promoting graded diamonds, they need to protect their profits margins, and certificated diamonds would make it easier to shop around.
Easier to Comparison ShopWe welcome comparison shopping because we don't have the high overheads of High Street retail shops, and our prices can be much lower and more competitive than traditional jewellery retailers. Ideal for SolitairesBuying unmounted certificated diamonds is a good way to buy an important diamond for a solitaire ring or pendant, but it's not quite so easy when it comes down to finding a pair of diamonds for ear-rings, or a number of matching stones for a cluster or eternity ring.

Certificated & Judging Diamonds

Certificated Diamonds - Know What You Are BuyingWhen you buy a diamond ring from most jewelers, how do you know what quality of diamond you are getting, or even if its weight is correct? When you buy a diamond which has been graded and certified by an independent laboratory, you can be reasonably sure about the quality you are getting.
Judging Diamond Quality is an Expert JobWhether or not you have read our pages about the 4C's and more of diamond quality, if you have ever thought about spending an amount of money on a diamond; you will know how difficult it is to compare quality. When you buy a certificated stone, much of this hard work has already been done for you.

Unmounted & Loose Diamonds

Loose Diamondswe don't mean diamonds which are about to drop out of their mounts, but unmounted diamonds, the way the trade buy them.We are pleased to offer a small selection of loose - unmounted - diamonds.Most of the diamonds which we list are of particularly high quality, and will be accompanied by a grading certificate from an independent gemological laboratory. Unmounted Diamonds - Lower PricesBy buying a diamond loose, you can pay much lower prices than buying it ready made into a ring, especially compared with buying in High Street jewelers. We can also supply a ring mount of your own choice and design, or you can have your diamond mounted by you own favourite jeweler.

How to Shop for Diamond & Gold Jewelry?

Planning to buy Diamond and Gold Jewelry for your loved one this holiday season? Here are some tips to help you find bargains, and help you stretch your hard earned dollars.
While giving any gift to your sweetheart, you have to take a lot of things into consideration – including price. This becomes even more important if you are planning to buy a diamond or Gold jewelry. You need to make this gift giving satisfactory for you, as well as your loved one.
Here are seven tips to enhance your shopping experience this festive season.
Look Around: With retailers fighting over each other to get you the best bargain this holiday season, you need to shop around to see where you get the best deals. In these tough economic times, prices of everything are falling including luxury items, and jewelry. This can be one of the best opportunity to get best deals for your money.
Compare Stores: With the advent of internet, and online shopping, many customers prefer to shop online to find the best deals. Most online stores do offer a good selection of diamonds, pearls, silver, gold, and Gold. In addition of getting good selection of products, you also need to make sure you are getting lower prices than the stores at the mall. Online shops carry less overhead, and hence should be able to pass on their savings to the customer. Shopping direct from the jeweler also helps, as it cuts the middleman charges.Consider your budget: If your heart is set on giving the gift of diamonds or Gold, but your budget is small consider going for lower grade metal or gem. Platinum band can be replaced with white gold. Also give consideration to which of the four C’s is more important in a diamond to your sweetheart. If cut is more important, maybe go for lesser carat weight. Going for a slightly smaller diamond can still provide you with a beauty, while going easy on your pocket.
Think Silver: Silver is another metal that is very popular. Its price is also much lower than that of gold or other precious metals. Hot Diamonds is one of the trendiest and sought after designs, giving unique jewelry at very reasonable prices. Hot Diamonds is also very popular among ladies to buy for their men. With Hot Diamonds you will find an amazing selection of cufflinks, necklaces, rings and bracelets for the men.
Seek Pearls: Pearls are another thing you might want to consider. Prices of pears generally depend on their size, color, luster, quality, shape and surface markings. Pearls were once considered to be affordable by royalty and wealthy people only. However modern farming techniques have changed this. Cultured pearls nowadays are very affordable and very beautiful. Look at different things available like strands, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and studs.
Trade Gold: If she has her heart set on diamonds, and your wallet doesn’t allow, be creative. Go for some mix and match of diamond and Gold. Try ruby with diamonds, or consider topaz which is lower in cost. These days there are very talented designers who come up with exquisite designs doing mix and match. They look gorgeous on and you will have a very happy and satisfied sweetheart.
Esteem Time: And finally make sure you take care of your emotional well being while going through this purchase. You do not want to rush into purchasing a particular diamond ring or exquisite earrings. You can even consider helping design the jewelry of your choice. That will make this gift giving more rewarding. If not convinced, get help from trained jewelry expert. They will guide you through the steps and help you make the right decision.

The Diamond

Diamonds have been a source of fascination for centuries. They are the hardest, the most imperishable, and the brilliant of all precious stones. The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning "unconquerable".A diamond is a transparent gem made of carbon, one of the earth's most common elements. The formation of diamonds began very early in the earth's history, when the condensation of solid matter into a sphere caused the centre of the planet to become subjected to incredible extremes of temperatures and pressure. It was these conditions that caused deposits of carbon to begin to crystallise deep in the earth. As the earth's surface cooled, volcanic activity forced streams of magna (liquid rock) to the surface, carrying with it the diamond crystals. Later, the diamond-bearing rock hardened, encasing the diamonds in vertical volcanic "pipes But not all diamonds are found where they first came to the surface. Subsequent erosion of the topsoils over millions of years washed some of the diamonds into streams and rivers, and sometimes as far away as the sea. It is highly probable that they were first discovered in areas such as these, far away from their original location. The atomic structure of a diamond gives it the property of being the hardest substance known to man, natural or synthetic. The diamond is thousands of times harder than corundum, the next hardest substance from which rubies and sapphires are formed. Even after many years of constant wear, diamonds will preserve their sharp edges and corners when most other stones will have become worn and chipped. However, many people expect a diamond to be unbreakable. This is not true. A diamond's crystal structure has "hard" and "soft" directions. A blow of sufficient force, in a very exact direction, can crack, chip, split or even shatter a diamond.