January 27, 2010
“With colored diamonds, it’s not about what’s beautiful to everyone else. It’s about what speaks to me and my personal sense of style.”
That’s what Randi Molofsky has to say, the author of “A Girl’s Guide to Buying Diamonds: How to Choose, Evaluate, and Buy the Diamond You Want.”
According the New York Times article:
Brown diamonds, better known by their more effervescent name, champagnes, were first offered to the trade in the early 1990s after a big discovery at the Argyle mine in Western Australia. Since they are small, marked with internal flaws and plentiful, they had only been used for industrial purposes. Retailers, the gatekeepers of the jewelry industry, disdained them.Years of training by the Gemological Institute of America had instilled in retailers the notion “that white was better,” said Elizabeth L. Chatelain, president of MVI Marketing, based in Paso Robles, California, which helped Argyle introduce champagne diamonds to the American market. “To retailers, these were off-color goods.”
Consigned to mass merchants, who sold them on the cheap, browns languished in the low-end market until the turn of the millennium, when opinions began to change and designers warmed to the idea of jewelry with the refractive brilliance of a diamond and the singular palette of a colored stone.
There was a bonus: At prices 15 percent to 25 percent lower than their white counterparts, champagnes were a bargain.
“It gave designers a way to do quite exuberant and elaborate diamond designs at a lower cost,” said Sally C. Morrison, director of the Diamond Information Center. “There are so many shades to create nuance and texture using browns. It’s a way to paint in color.”
What we can note from this article is that colored diamonds are seeing a well-deserved resurgence. They are affordable and reflect a personal style, plus the variations on what to do with a fancy-colored gem are endless.
“It’s been an interesting journey,” Mr. Le Vian said. “We’ve taken stones considered low quality and made them attractive to consumers.”
Take a look at our Gemesis page for some of our best and brightest:
Style GM1006
1.38ct deep fancy yellow cushion cut Gemesis diamond of VS clarity set into 18kt white gold single shank mounting accentuated with approximately .90ct t.w. round brilliant cut pave’ set diamonds.
Metal: 18kt White Gold
Stone Size: .84ct
Ring Size: 5 – 8
January 18, 2010
Yes, it’s a long way off. But it’s alright to take a little peak! As our economy slowly, slowly picks back up, we see hints of that same optimism in the fashion trends for this Spring.
American designers showing their Spring 2010 collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York this fall have responded to the shift in the economy by using bold colors in comforting, familiar silhouettes, or creating eye-catching one-of-a-kind pieces that are completely irresistible.
Key design directions include the layering of sheer fabrics, more distinct color blocking, cut outs and splicing of angular panels, asymmetrical lines, acid wash, and mixing textures and patterns in a fresh patchwork. Dresses, tops and jackets pay homage to the back, promoting a “look as good going as coming” attitude—with some designers spinning two diverse looks front and back.
“But the fashion constant has been and always will be color,” hails Nina Garcia, fashion director Marie Claire and Lifetime’s “Project Runway” judge. “There’s nothing like a vibrant hue of royal purple or golden yellow to make us feel optimistic and hopeful for the future.”
Color is one of the most essential elements each season as it triggers the emotional ‘buy me’ reaction. But now more than ever, women are vigilant in their spending. “Instead of reinventing their wardrobe each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they own,” tells Leatrice Eiseman, executive director Pantone Color Institute. “Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up a look with bright accents addresses the needs for practicality and fun.”
Source: AGTA
Luckily, we’re right on track, when it comes to color and affordability. Our Gemesis cultured diamond pieces are eye-catching and warming to any wardrobe. Wear a little positivity today….you deserve it!
November 16, 2009
The release of the PANTONE Fashion Color Report coincides with the beginning of New York Fashion Week.
“Now more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
“Instead of reinventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own. Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun.”
Yellow has made its mark on fashion and spring will further this trend with gleaming Aurora. Reminiscent of the first glimpse of yellow as the sun begins to rise over the horizon, this shimmering, slightly greenish yellow adds a bold infusion. Energy continues to surge throughout the warmer hues, leading to provocative Fusion Coral. This inviting orange connects directly to tangy Tomato Puree, this season’s classic red. Pair it with Turquoise for a retro look.
When it comes to yellow, nothing is better than the complex and rich yellows of Gemesis, covering just about every shade under the sun. Not only is Gemesis is fashionable with its varied yellows, but costwise, you can have your cake and eat it too!
Style 9026GM
Hand engraved pendant with hand applied scrolls and a 3/4ct Gemesis cultured diamond with fancy yellow or orange color on an 18″ wheat chain. Pendant measures approx. 8mm in diameter.
Available Metal: 18kt White Gold and Platinum
Available Stone Size: 3/4ct
August 26, 2009
Fall 2009 jewelry trend experts predict a “warming” trend that has nothing to do with our climate problems. Metals like silver will take a back seat to warmer toned metals like gold, brass, and bronze.
Jewel tones, like amethyst, will be seen on more skin as well. According to one expert:
Deep, warm, regal hues dominate both clothing and accessories. Think of colors that look especially elegant in velvet . . . dark amethyst, royal blue, camel, burnt orange, ruby red, and eclectic greens from hunter to olive.
Most of these colors can work together or alone, so experiment with mixing and matching. In addition to jewel tones, jewelry trends have embraced clear crystals and even natural elements like wood (crossing over from last summer’s hottest styles).
Nothing says “warm jewelry” like our regal Gemesis gems, which add a rich and unique look to any wardrobe. And right now, we’re offering a 40% discount on the gem itself in addition to 20% off of any setting.
Take a look at our gallery of Gemesis jewelry.
Style GM1000
.93ct deep fancy yellow round brilliant Gemesis diamond of I clarity accented by 1/3ct t.w. of marquee and round white diamonds, set into an 18kt white gold pendant on an 18″ cable chain.
Metal: 18kt White Gold
Stone Size: .93ct
May 6, 2009
Ever since J Lo's engagement ring, there has been a movement toward fancy colored diamonds. What is it about these magical, richly hued gemstones that capture the hearts of the buyer? And how are they created?
For quite some time, any color found in a diamond was considered undesirable. Diamonds were meant to be clean and clear – devoid of any color or even the slightest hue.
But now that fancy colored diamonds have become popular, gemologists are purposefully creating diamonds in a wide array of colors.
Naturally, diamonds can have color due to the following factors:
More commonly, fancy color diamonds are treated in one form or the other. Synthetic colored diamonds are affordable and often very vibrant in hue. They are created in a laboratory but are still the "real deal." With that said, you'll want to do your research and find a company that creates a solid, authentic product (like Gemesis, for instance.)
May 4, 2009
An interesting jewelry trend these last few years has been the "warming up" of colors contained within the pieces. These warm colors consist of many names but may include:
None of these colors are primary colors – they are secondary or tertiary colors.
Our Gemesis line of jewelry offers up those vivid, warm tones at a fraction of the natural diamond price. If you're looking for a piece that you can bank on, fashion-wise, than Gemesis not only offers a sultry, inviting color for any outfit but for any skin type.
Here's an example of a classic, warm-toned piece that can only enhance your wardrobe:
.99ct
deep fancy yellow cushion cut Gemesis diamond of SI clarity set into an
18kt white gold milgrain bezel pendant, featuring .05ct t.w. of bezel
set white diamonds on a delicate 18" cable chain.
Metal: 18kt White Gold
April 29, 2009
Gemesis cultured diamonds are becoming increasingly popular for a vast array of reasons but the main ones include extremely high quality, affordable price and ecological conscientiousness. The consumer of today wants to feel decked out in jewels but in a way that's in step with our time.
Gemesis began creating diamonds in its laboratories in the 1990's. According to Wikipedia:
After 7 years of research and development in
cooperation with experts from the University of Florida his company brought high quality diamonds onto the market.Gemesis started marketing its diamonds by polishing them and selling directly to jewelry retailers.
Since then, the quality and craftsmanship of their product has steadily increased. We have a wide array of Gemesis diamond jewelry to choose from – or better yet, tell us what you'd like to create and we can make your dream piece for you.
Hand made "half moon"
chandelier earrings with 1ct t.w. Gemesis cultured diamonds in fancy
yellow or orange color, 1/4ct t.w. pave natural round diamonds and
1/2ct t.w. natural princess cut diamonds (1 3/4ct t.w.). Earrings
measure approximately 1.5" without the ear wire.
Available Metal: 14kt White Gold, Yellow Gold And Platinum
February 2, 2009
(above) A variety of Gemesis cultured diamonds offered at Joseph Schubach Jewelers for custom designed jewelry, where you are the artist
So what is Gemesis and why is it causing such a stir in the market?
Well, let's explore what Gemesis is not, first:
Gemesis is a laboratory-grown diamond of exceptional color and clarity. It is considered a "cultured" diamond but a diamond nonetheless.
How does one "grow" a diamond?
With a diamond seed, of course! Seriously. The seed is placed in a carbon-rich environment, heated and pressurized, then begins to grow, molecule by molecule into a beautiful gem.
A diamond seed (do not try this in your garden!)
Gemesis diamonds can be produced in a myriad of rich, inviting colors such as yellow, pink, blue, green, or even red. In these times, customers are looking for a quality gem and affordable prices. Gemesis offers just that, hence its success.
So what is a "Gemesis cultured diamond"? As the Gemesis Company puts it so aptly:
Hand engraved pendant with hand applied scrolls and a 3/4ct Gemesis
cultured diamond with fancy yellow or orange color on an 18" wheat
chain. Pendant measures approx. 8mm in diameter.
Available Metal: 18kt White Gold and Platinum
Available Stone Size: 3/4ct
November 4, 2008
While an early bird special usually refers to a late
afternoon meal at the local buffet, we're using the idea as an
opportunity for you to save some money on a custom jewelry
design before the holiday rush starts. Between now and
November 15th, save 1/2 on custom design fees. It's a great
opportunity to save money and get your holiday shopping out of
the way ahead of time. So if you're thinking about having a
special piece of jewelry made for your loved one this holiday
season, now is a great time to act! Call our custom jewelry
specialists today for assistance or visit our custom jewelry
page.
November 3, 2008
The price of platinum jewelry is falling and, actually, the metal is currently less
than 1/2 price. Back in February of this year we sent a
newsletter featuring the cost benefits of using alternative
metals due to platinum's high price. Well, the price of
platinum has now dropped from over $2200/oz earlier in the
year to under $900/oz as of today. Now is a great time to take
advantage of this unusual situation and have a platinum
anniversary band, a platinum engagement ring or any other
piece of platinum jewelry made. Visit our website or call us
today for
assistance.