I am officially half way through my GIA Diamonds courses, on the road to becoming a Graduate Gemologist. You sort of know you are on the right path when you are extremely enthusiastic while reading 47 pages of cubic, octahedral, and dodecahedral planes. This has been… Read More
image via Radio Netherlands I really enjoyed this informational video called Secret History of Diamonds, as seen on Hulu. It follows three different stories of people who found themselves becoming risk-takers for the love of diamonds. Some even… Read More
As a jewelry blogger, I realize how much work goes into blogging–thinking of an idea, getting the words out, uploading/editing/finding pictures, and then polishing the final product. Now try doing this on a daily basis, without sounding stuffy or repetitious, even after working twelve hours straight. Yikes. But… Read More
When it comes to getting the best price for the jewelry you no longer wear or want, it’s a case of seller beware. With the high valuation of gold these days, the incentive to sell jewelry can be pretty strong. People are holding wine-and-cheese “gold parties” where they sell their jewelry for… Read More
Hulu is a great resource for those who can't find anything worth watching on television. The National Geographic Specials are my favorite, and I recently found a very interesting documentary about the African diamond trade. The special, called Diamonds of War: Africa's Blood Diamond, provides a whole new aspect about diamonds that most never talk about. Aspects that are normally hidden and kept mum are revealed and put on center stage. The journalist, Dominic Cunningham Reid, explores the non-glamorous parts of the diamond trade first-hand, and takes viewers on an eye-opening experience. A shocking statistic shown says: 20% of all diamonds are illicit diamonds. Even more daunting is are the scenes of wars that have been linked to African diamonds, as well as the shear fact that diamonds are incredibly easy to smuggle. Watch the special for yourself to broaden your perspective about diamonds, and help others become more aware! http://www.hulu.com/watch/70093/national-geographic-specials-diamonds-of-war-africas-blood-diamond Read More
Jewelry of the 1950s has recently been acknowledged in a historical perspective. Modern day jewelry is everchanging and is not yet considered "historical." After WWII, the jewelry industry began to flourish once again. Television and rock & roll were new influences. Several large jewelry houses produced both high-end, luxurious jewelry, as well as smaller classic pieces for your average, middle class consumer. During this time, artisan jewelry emerged, inspiring "Jewelry as Art" or "Wearable Art." Often this type of jewelry was hand-made and only included one-of-a-kind pieces. There are many collectors of Mid-Century American Studio Jewelry today. Present-day jewelry is happening now, with trends and motifs all around us. It is only a matter of time until it makes its way into history! Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: pavé diamonds! open, textural designs braided & twisted goldwork yellow gold paired with gemstones; white gold/platinum paired with diamonds matching sets called "suites" animals, bumble bees, snowflakes, flowers, leaves, stars short necklaces, choker style; "Riviera" necklace- graduated diamond choker Important People of the Time: Harry Winston Read More
