.
There they are...case after case of sparkling beauties! Smiling sales people eager to show you anything, and what appears to be a pit boss in the back for ground support. There's a guard at the front door and you wonder "Is he here to protect the jewelry store from being robbed or to make sure I leave with something!" Jewelry stores and their overly eager commissioned sales people can be a little intimidating for the average bear, but not for you!
I'm going to teach you five simple little tricks that will not only make your experience enjoyable,but put you in command of your purchase. The goal is to get your dream diamond for your dream gal, at a dream price. The sooner you can get the purchase of the ring taken care of, the sooner you can get on one knee (or both knees if you have to) and lock in the deal! If you are like most men (I include myself in this group), you don't look like Brad Pitt and are still amazed that someone will go out with you regularly, much less spend the rest of their life with you! According to the 2002 U.S. Census Bureau Report, 31.7% of men will never marry in their lifetime! Isn't that amazing! Let's not make YOU part of that statistic.
Here are the five lifesaving "take charge tips" I like to call "The Alphabet Rules"
1. Loose. The first tip is pretty easy. If you are buying an engagement ring, only consider buying a diamond that hasn't been mounted yet. You want to see it LOOSE! It has been a closely guarded secret (until now) that jewelers will take their crummiest diamonds and put them in settings and stick them under hot spot lights. The vintage valuable rocks are hidden in the safe in the back! There are four reasons for this 1) if the diamond has a few knicks or chips, they can be hidden under prongs; 2) if the diamond has a little body color (a little yellow), they can use the setting to mask it; 3) if they are rounding up on the actual weight of the diamond, you can't put it on a scale; and 4) it's very hard to have the diamond's proportions checked out to guarantee your diamond will keep sparkling for many years and anniversaries to come.
2. Magnify. Once they bring you some loose diamonds, ask them nicely to place each one under a microscope and point out the imperfections. Ask if the diamond is "eye clean" or not. You want to avoid diamonds that you can see imperfections with your own eyes because they don't hold their value or beauty. Have the jeweler assign a clarity grade to each diamond you are considering and try to stick to diamonds that are only slightly imperfect (SI) to very slight imperfect (VS). Once the diamonds are removed from the microscope, have the jeweler place each one upside down in a white tray (looks like a business card that is folded down the middle) to see if the diamond appears yellow against the white background. The good ones, the near colorless ones (G, H, I color grade) won't have a yellow tinge. If a diamond looks clean, white and big enough to you, ask if it is well proportioned? These will be Class 1 & Class 2's. If the jeweler is uncooperative in any way or seems bothered by your intelligent questions, ask for the manager (he was the pit boss I mentioned earlier).
3. Negotiate. The typical retail markup in a jewelry store is 100% (double) and in some stores as much as 400%!! Never pay sticker at a retail establishment. They expect you to negotiate; think of this like buying a car. A good general rule of thumb is to take their first offer and cut it in half and begin the negotiating from there. If you can end up 30-40% off their original price, you have probably done pretty good for yourself. It is not unusual that during this negotiation the jeweler might throw in a free or heavily discounted setting and explain what kind of warranties come with the purchase. The best warranties aren't warranties at all but guarantees. Avoid the "lab grading reports"; they can be in cahoots with the jeweler on the evaluation, and instead, get a Fully Bonded Appraisal (F.B.A.). F.B.A. diamonds come with a lifetime, buy-back and exchange policy. F.B.A. diamonds are the gold standard for the top quality diamonds on the market. Lower quality merchandise only comes with lab reports that don't guarantee anything.
4. Opinion. Now that the diamond, setting, price, and guarantees have been settled, the jeweler is going to need a day or two to mount your selection. For some unscrupulous jewelers, this is a time where they may try to switch your selection for something else. So let the jeweler know up front that once you pick it up, you are immediately taking it to an independent appraiser to make sure everything is copasetic. When the jeweler knows his work is going to be double checked, they always take special care to get it right and not make any mistakes.
5. Plot. Your final failsafe before you leave the jewelry store is to have the diamond you have chosen plotted. This is like getting a fingerprint of the diamond that can be compared to the diamond at any time - to make sure your diamond is always your diamond. Take your plotting with you and bring it back when you make your pick-up so it can be compared to the diamond you are taking home. Even the most honest jeweler in the world can make a mix-up and set the wrong diamond in the wrong setting. A plot will be the only way to be 100% sure that all the time you spent picking out that diamond doesn't go to waste.
L, M, N, O, P . . .. Loose, Magnify, Negotiate, Opinion, and Plot ~ The Alphabet Rules ~ Five little tips that could save you a lifetime of headaches. After you have the ring in your pocket, you'll have completed a big part of the perfect proposal, but it's only a part. If the romance muscle in your brain doesn't workout regularly and you need a little help to get those romantic juices flowing, read on to "How to Propose Marriage" and we'll see if we can help get you to the altar in record time!
I'm going to teach you five simple little tricks that will not only make your experience enjoyable,but put you in command of your purchase. The goal is to get your dream diamond for your dream gal, at a dream price. The sooner you can get the purchase of the ring taken care of, the sooner you can get on one knee (or both knees if you have to) and lock in the deal! If you are like most men (I include myself in this group), you don't look like Brad Pitt and are still amazed that someone will go out with you regularly, much less spend the rest of their life with you! According to the 2002 U.S. Census Bureau Report, 31.7% of men will never marry in their lifetime! Isn't that amazing! Let's not make YOU part of that statistic.
Here are the five lifesaving "take charge tips" I like to call "The Alphabet Rules"
1. Loose. The first tip is pretty easy. If you are buying an engagement ring, only consider buying a diamond that hasn't been mounted yet. You want to see it LOOSE! It has been a closely guarded secret (until now) that jewelers will take their crummiest diamonds and put them in settings and stick them under hot spot lights. The vintage valuable rocks are hidden in the safe in the back! There are four reasons for this 1) if the diamond has a few knicks or chips, they can be hidden under prongs; 2) if the diamond has a little body color (a little yellow), they can use the setting to mask it; 3) if they are rounding up on the actual weight of the diamond, you can't put it on a scale; and 4) it's very hard to have the diamond's proportions checked out to guarantee your diamond will keep sparkling for many years and anniversaries to come.
2. Magnify. Once they bring you some loose diamonds, ask them nicely to place each one under a microscope and point out the imperfections. Ask if the diamond is "eye clean" or not. You want to avoid diamonds that you can see imperfections with your own eyes because they don't hold their value or beauty. Have the jeweler assign a clarity grade to each diamond you are considering and try to stick to diamonds that are only slightly imperfect (SI) to very slight imperfect (VS). Once the diamonds are removed from the microscope, have the jeweler place each one upside down in a white tray (looks like a business card that is folded down the middle) to see if the diamond appears yellow against the white background. The good ones, the near colorless ones (G, H, I color grade) won't have a yellow tinge. If a diamond looks clean, white and big enough to you, ask if it is well proportioned? These will be Class 1 & Class 2's. If the jeweler is uncooperative in any way or seems bothered by your intelligent questions, ask for the manager (he was the pit boss I mentioned earlier).
3. Negotiate. The typical retail markup in a jewelry store is 100% (double) and in some stores as much as 400%!! Never pay sticker at a retail establishment. They expect you to negotiate; think of this like buying a car. A good general rule of thumb is to take their first offer and cut it in half and begin the negotiating from there. If you can end up 30-40% off their original price, you have probably done pretty good for yourself. It is not unusual that during this negotiation the jeweler might throw in a free or heavily discounted setting and explain what kind of warranties come with the purchase. The best warranties aren't warranties at all but guarantees. Avoid the "lab grading reports"; they can be in cahoots with the jeweler on the evaluation, and instead, get a Fully Bonded Appraisal (F.B.A.). F.B.A. diamonds come with a lifetime, buy-back and exchange policy. F.B.A. diamonds are the gold standard for the top quality diamonds on the market. Lower quality merchandise only comes with lab reports that don't guarantee anything.
4. Opinion. Now that the diamond, setting, price, and guarantees have been settled, the jeweler is going to need a day or two to mount your selection. For some unscrupulous jewelers, this is a time where they may try to switch your selection for something else. So let the jeweler know up front that once you pick it up, you are immediately taking it to an independent appraiser to make sure everything is copasetic. When the jeweler knows his work is going to be double checked, they always take special care to get it right and not make any mistakes.
5. Plot. Your final failsafe before you leave the jewelry store is to have the diamond you have chosen plotted. This is like getting a fingerprint of the diamond that can be compared to the diamond at any time - to make sure your diamond is always your diamond. Take your plotting with you and bring it back when you make your pick-up so it can be compared to the diamond you are taking home. Even the most honest jeweler in the world can make a mix-up and set the wrong diamond in the wrong setting. A plot will be the only way to be 100% sure that all the time you spent picking out that diamond doesn't go to waste.
L, M, N, O, P . . .. Loose, Magnify, Negotiate, Opinion, and Plot ~ The Alphabet Rules ~ Five little tips that could save you a lifetime of headaches. After you have the ring in your pocket, you'll have completed a big part of the perfect proposal, but it's only a part. If the romance muscle in your brain doesn't workout regularly and you need a little help to get those romantic juices flowing, read on to "How to Propose Marriage" and we'll see if we can help get you to the altar in record time!
How To Buy Diamond?
Diamond Buying Guide
How to Buy a Diamond
Buying a diamond is one of the most expensive purchases you will make. This diamond buying guide explains how to get the highest quality diamond for your money as well as how to care for your diamonds. We also teach you about diamond treatments and how to protect yourself.
Quality - 4 C's ~~ Examination ~~ Treatments
Care of Diamonds ~~ Helpful Books ~~ Diamond Stores
Anniversary Gifts ~~ Wedding Links
4C's of Diamond Quality
Diamonds are graded by four characteristics: cut, carat (weight), clarity, and color. All four of these properties determine how much a diamond is worth.
* Cut - What is the proportion of the diamond? Round brilliant diamonds are commonly cut with 58 facets. The better proportioned these facets are on the diamond, the more light will be reflected back to the viewer's eye. This is extremely important. When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more. Diamond cuts are measured by the table percentage, so always ask for it. A good table percentage is between 55-60%. Cut also refers to the shape such as: round, pear, and oval.
If you are having a diamond mounted, write down the measurements of your stone. Measurements never change. Measure the stone after it is mounted and verify that it matches the appraisal and/or certificate.
* Carat - How big is the diamond? Larger diamonds often cost more per carat due to their size. There are 100 points to a carat. Hence a 50 point diamond is 1/2 a carat. (There are 5 carats to a gram.) Always get the actual point size of a diamond rather than a fractional weight. Sometimes jewelers will try to sell a .90 diamond as a 1 carat diamond. A .90 diamond should be substantially less expensive.
* Clarity - How clear is the stone? Clarity ranges from flawless (perfect) to I (included). Here is a chart:
Flawless: perfect inside and out
Internally Flawless: may have minor blemishes on the outside
VVS1, VVS2: have very very small inclusions. VVS1 inclusions can only be seen through the pavilion. VVS2 inclusions are more visible.
VS1, VS2: have very small inclusions. VS1 inclusions are harder to see than VS2.
SI1, SI2, SI3: have small inclusions
I1, I2, I3: have inclusions visible to the naked eye
* Color: Diamond colors generally range from D - X for white and yellow diamonds. D is the whitest. Around S they become "Fancy" yellow Diamonds. One can also find green, pink, red, blue and brown diamonds - though these are usually irradiated.
Be certain to ask: Do you guarantee the color and clarity of your stones? Many states allow dealers to be off by one color and/or one clarity.
Quality - 4 C's ~~ Examination ~~ Treatments
Care of Diamonds ~~ Helpful Books ~~ Diamond Stores
Anniversary Gifts ~~ Wedding Links
How to Examine a Diamond
To accurately judge the quality of a diamond, it is advisable to use more than the naked eye. Here are common ways to examine a diamond.
* Microscope/Loop: To examine inclusions, one uses either a microscope or a 10x magnifying glass called a jeweler's loop. This enables one to see inclusions in stones. Most dealers will let you use theirs.
* Diamond Tester: A diamond tester uses light to verify that the stone you are examining is really a diamond. It does not guarantee quality -- just the type of stone. Most testers will still work when the stone is mounted. Jewelry Mall Diamond Tester Search Results
* Certification: If you are unsure of your diamond knowledge or the jeweler you are buying from, get a certified Diamond. The best known and reliable certification is from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). Be aware that certificates will cost you an extra $100-$200 on average.
Quality - 4 C's ~~ Examination ~~ Treatments
Care of Diamonds ~~ Helpful Books ~~ Diamond Stores
Anniversary Gifts ~~ Wedding Links
How Diamonds are Treated
Diamonds are often treated. If you are concerned about getting true value for your money, know what you are getting.
* Filled for clarity: Diamonds with inclusions are sometimes filled with glass to make them appear clearer. Yehuda Diamonds have undergone this treatment. Filler can be damaged by heat, ultrasonic cleaning, and by re-tipping. The filling does not repair the inclusion, it just makes it less visible.
If you look at a filled diamond closely, rotate it under light, you should be able to notice a bluish flash. Yehuda will usually refill your diamond for free if it is ever damaged. Check for guarantees before buying such a diamond.
* Irradiated for color: Can be affected by heat.
* Painted for color: Can be painted to offset a yellow tinge. The paint wears off rather quickly.
*
Ask if the diamond you are considering buying is treated. Getting a notarized statement from your jeweler saying that your diamond in not treated is recommended. This is like having the jeweler swear under oath that to his/her knowledge that the diamond is not treated. Several states have disclosure acts requiring dealers to tell you about these treatments.
Quality - 4 C's ~~ Examination ~~ Treatments
Care of Diamonds ~~ Helpful Books ~~ Diamond Stores
Anniversary Gifts ~~ Wedding Links
How to Care for your Diamonds
Diamonds are often thought to be unshatterable. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Here are some useful handling and care tips.
* Diamonds are brittle: If you hit a diamond hard, they WILL crack or chip if mishandled. Don't wear your diamond when doing rough work.
* Storage: Store diamonds separately. When stored with other jewelry, diamonds may scratch other jewelry (or each other).
* Cleaning: The best method for cleaning is a jeweler's polishing cloth. Most jewelers will clean your diamond ring for free if you are making another purchase in the store.
Quality - 4 C's ~~ Examination ~~ Treatments
Care of Diamonds ~~ Helpful Books ~~ Diamond Stores
Anniversary Gifts ~~ Wedding Links
Helpful Books
* Consumer Guide To Diamonds, Third Edition - by Joseph Mirsky
Practical and sensible approach to diamond selection, terminology and ownership.
* How to Buy a Diamond: Insider Secrets for Getting Your Money's Worth - by Fred Cuellar
Very educational and detailed reference.
* Engagement and Wedding Rings: The Definitive Buying Guide for People in Love - by Antoinette Leonard Matlins, Antonio C. Bonanno (Contributor), and Jane Crystal
A practical book for recognizing the quality of various investment diamonds.
How to Buy a Diamond
Buying a diamond is one of the most expensive purchases you will make. This diamond buying guide explains how to get the highest quality diamond for your money as well as how to care for your diamonds. We also teach you about diamond treatments and how to protect yourself.
Quality - 4 C's ~~ Examination ~~ Treatments
Care of Diamonds ~~ Helpful Books ~~ Diamond Stores
Anniversary Gifts ~~ Wedding Links
4C's of Diamond Quality
Diamonds are graded by four characteristics: cut, carat (weight), clarity, and color. All four of these properties determine how much a diamond is worth.
* Cut - What is the proportion of the diamond? Round brilliant diamonds are commonly cut with 58 facets. The better proportioned these facets are on the diamond, the more light will be reflected back to the viewer's eye. This is extremely important. When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more. Diamond cuts are measured by the table percentage, so always ask for it. A good table percentage is between 55-60%. Cut also refers to the shape such as: round, pear, and oval.
If you are having a diamond mounted, write down the measurements of your stone. Measurements never change. Measure the stone after it is mounted and verify that it matches the appraisal and/or certificate.
* Carat - How big is the diamond? Larger diamonds often cost more per carat due to their size. There are 100 points to a carat. Hence a 50 point diamond is 1/2 a carat. (There are 5 carats to a gram.) Always get the actual point size of a diamond rather than a fractional weight. Sometimes jewelers will try to sell a .90 diamond as a 1 carat diamond. A .90 diamond should be substantially less expensive.
* Clarity - How clear is the stone? Clarity ranges from flawless (perfect) to I (included). Here is a chart:
Flawless: perfect inside and out
Internally Flawless: may have minor blemishes on the outside
VVS1, VVS2: have very very small inclusions. VVS1 inclusions can only be seen through the pavilion. VVS2 inclusions are more visible.
VS1, VS2: have very small inclusions. VS1 inclusions are harder to see than VS2.
SI1, SI2, SI3: have small inclusions
I1, I2, I3: have inclusions visible to the naked eye
* Color: Diamond colors generally range from D - X for white and yellow diamonds. D is the whitest. Around S they become "Fancy" yellow Diamonds. One can also find green, pink, red, blue and brown diamonds - though these are usually irradiated.
Be certain to ask: Do you guarantee the color and clarity of your stones? Many states allow dealers to be off by one color and/or one clarity.
Quality - 4 C's ~~ Examination ~~ Treatments
Care of Diamonds ~~ Helpful Books ~~ Diamond Stores
Anniversary Gifts ~~ Wedding Links
How to Examine a Diamond
To accurately judge the quality of a diamond, it is advisable to use more than the naked eye. Here are common ways to examine a diamond.
* Microscope/Loop: To examine inclusions, one uses either a microscope or a 10x magnifying glass called a jeweler's loop. This enables one to see inclusions in stones. Most dealers will let you use theirs.
* Diamond Tester: A diamond tester uses light to verify that the stone you are examining is really a diamond. It does not guarantee quality -- just the type of stone. Most testers will still work when the stone is mounted. Jewelry Mall Diamond Tester Search Results
* Certification: If you are unsure of your diamond knowledge or the jeweler you are buying from, get a certified Diamond. The best known and reliable certification is from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). Be aware that certificates will cost you an extra $100-$200 on average.
Quality - 4 C's ~~ Examination ~~ Treatments
Care of Diamonds ~~ Helpful Books ~~ Diamond Stores
Anniversary Gifts ~~ Wedding Links
How Diamonds are Treated
Diamonds are often treated. If you are concerned about getting true value for your money, know what you are getting.
* Filled for clarity: Diamonds with inclusions are sometimes filled with glass to make them appear clearer. Yehuda Diamonds have undergone this treatment. Filler can be damaged by heat, ultrasonic cleaning, and by re-tipping. The filling does not repair the inclusion, it just makes it less visible.
If you look at a filled diamond closely, rotate it under light, you should be able to notice a bluish flash. Yehuda will usually refill your diamond for free if it is ever damaged. Check for guarantees before buying such a diamond.
* Irradiated for color: Can be affected by heat.
* Painted for color: Can be painted to offset a yellow tinge. The paint wears off rather quickly.
*
Ask if the diamond you are considering buying is treated. Getting a notarized statement from your jeweler saying that your diamond in not treated is recommended. This is like having the jeweler swear under oath that to his/her knowledge that the diamond is not treated. Several states have disclosure acts requiring dealers to tell you about these treatments.
Quality - 4 C's ~~ Examination ~~ Treatments
Care of Diamonds ~~ Helpful Books ~~ Diamond Stores
Anniversary Gifts ~~ Wedding Links
How to Care for your Diamonds
Diamonds are often thought to be unshatterable. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Here are some useful handling and care tips.
* Diamonds are brittle: If you hit a diamond hard, they WILL crack or chip if mishandled. Don't wear your diamond when doing rough work.
* Storage: Store diamonds separately. When stored with other jewelry, diamonds may scratch other jewelry (or each other).
* Cleaning: The best method for cleaning is a jeweler's polishing cloth. Most jewelers will clean your diamond ring for free if you are making another purchase in the store.
Quality - 4 C's ~~ Examination ~~ Treatments
Care of Diamonds ~~ Helpful Books ~~ Diamond Stores
Anniversary Gifts ~~ Wedding Links
Helpful Books
* Consumer Guide To Diamonds, Third Edition - by Joseph Mirsky
Practical and sensible approach to diamond selection, terminology and ownership.
* How to Buy a Diamond: Insider Secrets for Getting Your Money's Worth - by Fred Cuellar
Very educational and detailed reference.
* Engagement and Wedding Rings: The Definitive Buying Guide for People in Love - by Antoinette Leonard Matlins, Antonio C. Bonanno (Contributor), and Jane Crystal
A practical book for recognizing the quality of various investment diamonds.
Spoonmaker's Diamond
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Spoonmaker's Diamond (Turkish: Kaşıkçı Elması), also known as the Kasikci, is the pride of the Topkapi Palace Museum and its most valuable single exhibit, it is an 86 carat (17 g) pear-shaped diamond. Surrounded by a double row of forty-nine old mine-cut diamonds and well spotlighted, it hangs in a glass case on the wall of one of the rooms of the treasury. The forty-nine separate brilliants surround it, giving it the appearance of a full moon lighting a bright and shining sky amidst the stars.
Uncle Sam (diamond)
Uncle Sam is the nickname for the largest diamond discovered in the United States. In 1924, W. O. Bassum discovered this pale brown diamond at Crater of Diamonds state park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The rough diamond originally discovered weighed 40.23 carats (8.046 g). It was cut twice, resulting in a final 12.42-carat (2.484 g) M-color, VVS1 clarity emerald-cut diamond. In 1971, the Uncle Sam was sold for $150,000.
Spirit of de Grisogono Diamond
The Spirit of de Grisogono is the world's largest cut black diamond and the world's fifth largest diamond overall. Starting at an uncut weight of 587 carats (117 g), it was taken from its origin in west central Africa and cut by Swiss jeweler De Grisogono. The resulting mogul-cut diamond weighs 312.24 carats (62.45 g) and is set in a white gold ring with 702 smaller white diamonds totaling 36.69 carats (7.34 g). The ring is rumored to have been sold.
Star of Sierra Leone
The 968.9-carat Star of Sierra Leone diamond was discovered on February 14, 1972 in the Diminco alluvial mines in the Koidu area of Sierra Leone. It ranks as the third-largest gem-quality diamond and the largest alluvial diamond ever discovered.[1]
On October 3, 1972, Sierra Leone's then-President, Siaka Stevens, announced that Harry Winston, the New York City jeweller, had purchased the Star of Sierra Leone for under $2.5 million.[2]
The stone was initially cut into an emerald shaped stone weighing 143.2 carats but was later re-cut due to an internal flaw,[3] eventually resulting in 17 separate finished diamonds, of which 13 were deemed to be flawless. The largest single finished stone was a flawless pear-shaped diamond of 53.96 carats. Six of the diamonds cut from the original rough were later set by Harry Winston into the "Star of Sierra Leone" brooch.
On October 3, 1972, Sierra Leone's then-President, Siaka Stevens, announced that Harry Winston, the New York City jeweller, had purchased the Star of Sierra Leone for under $2.5 million.[2]
The stone was initially cut into an emerald shaped stone weighing 143.2 carats but was later re-cut due to an internal flaw,[3] eventually resulting in 17 separate finished diamonds, of which 13 were deemed to be flawless. The largest single finished stone was a flawless pear-shaped diamond of 53.96 carats. Six of the diamonds cut from the original rough were later set by Harry Winston into the "Star of Sierra Leone" brooch.
Steinmetz Pink Diamond
The Steinmetz Pink is a diamond weighing 59.60 carats (11.92 g), rated in color as Fancy Vivid Pink by the Gemological Institute of America. The Steinmetz Pink is the largest known diamond having been rated Vivid Pink. As a result of this exceptional rarity, the Steinmetz Group took a cautious 20 months to cut the Pink. It was unveiled in Monaco on May 29, 2003, in a public ceremony.
The Steinmetz Pink was displayed as part of the Smithsonian's "The Splendor of Diamonds" exhibit, alongside the De Beers Millennium Star, the world’s second largest (the Centenary Diamond is the largest) top colour (D) internally and externally flawless pear-shaped diamond at 203.04 carat (40.608 g), the Heart of Eternity Diamond, a 27.64 carat (5.582 g) heart-cut blue diamond and the Moussaieff Red Diamond, the world's largest known Fancy Red diamond at 5.11 carats.
The Steinmetz Pink was displayed as part of the Smithsonian's "The Splendor of Diamonds" exhibit, alongside the De Beers Millennium Star, the world’s second largest (the Centenary Diamond is the largest) top colour (D) internally and externally flawless pear-shaped diamond at 203.04 carat (40.608 g), the Heart of Eternity Diamond, a 27.64 carat (5.582 g) heart-cut blue diamond and the Moussaieff Red Diamond, the world's largest known Fancy Red diamond at 5.11 carats.
Star of the South
The Star of the South, also known as Estrela do Sul, is a diamond found in Brazil in 1853.[1] The diamond is cut into a cushion shape and weighs 128.48 carats (25.70 g). The Star of the South is graded as a type IIa diamond, with a colour grading of light pinkish-brown and a clarity of VS2. At the time of discovery, the diamond weighed 254.5 carats (50.9 g). It has passed through the hands of many owners, and its last known purchase was by Cartier store, when it was sold by Rustomjee Jamsetjee of Mumbai. The light reflected by the diamond is white, and the refracted light is of a rose tint.
Ocean Dream Diamond
The Ocean Dream is a diamond measuring 5.51 carats (1.102 g), rated in color as Fancy Deep Blue-Green by the Gemological Institute of America. The Ocean Dream is the only natural diamond known to the GIA to possess a blue-green hue, making it one of the rarest diamonds in the world. (A blue-green colour is commonly seen in artificially enhanced diamonds, whose colour is imparted by various irradiation methods.) After careful study, the GIA concluded that its distinct hue is a result of millions of years of exposure to natural radiation. The Ocean Dream originated in Central Africa, and is currently owned by the Cora Diamond Corporation.
Nizam Diamond
Nizam Diamond is believed to have been the most famous diamond in its time. There are tales about its size, around 340 carats (68 g). The story goes back to the rulers of Golconda, and is believed to found at Kollur Mine[1]. The precious stone gets its name from the Prince Nizam of Hyderabad.
The diamond was almond in shape.
The diamond was almond in shape.
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