Jewelry News

What can you say about this incredible piece of art but…wow. The Swiss jeweler Shawish has created a ring  made entirely of one 150-carat diamond.

The ring, valued at approximately $68 million, was unveiled last year in London.

“A ring made entirely of a faceted diamond has always seemed like a fantasy,” Mohamed Shawish, president of Geneva-based Shawish Jewellery, according to press materials. “To create the perfect diamond ring is the epitome of art.”

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/fashion/diamond-ring-made-bling-150-carat-bauble-fetch-68m-article-1.1049818#ixzz1rg1IBDJ4

CHARLES & COLVARD LAUNCHES ENHANCED FOREVER BRILLIANTTM MOISSANITE GEMSTONES AND ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH SERENITY TECHNOLOGIES

MORRISVILLE, N.C. – January 27, 2012 – Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CTHR), the sole manufacturer of created moissanite gemstones, The Most Brilliant Jewel in the World®, today announced that it has exclusively partnered with Serenity Technologies, Inc., one of the world’s notable laboratories for gemstone enhancements, to create moissanite gemstones with optical properties that are remarkably whiter and brighter than ever before. Charles & Colvard is introducing these enhanced gemstones as FOREVER BRILLIANTTM, a new premier brand of Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite®, available on its e-commerce site Moissanite.com and soon through its current distributors.

In creating the FOREVER BRILLIANTTM gemstone, Charles & Colvard hand selects and expertly polishes only the world’s finest moissanite. Then, through a proprietary process using extraordinary, cutting-edge twenty-first century technology, Serenity Technologies transforms each stone to a higher standard of the Gemological Institute of America’s near-colorless spectrum, up to four color grades whiter.
“As a former jewelry retailer, I recognized the importance of being able to market a whiter gem and sought to provide one since joining Charles & Colvard. Serenity Technologies provided the solution that best maintains the integrity of our moissanite gemstone and I’m excited to be able to bring FOREVER BRILLIANTTM gems to market, opening a whole new chapter for moissanite sales,” stated Randy N. McCullough, Chief Executive Officer of Charles & Colvard, Ltd. “Consumers around the globe will be astonished at the transformation of our gemstone that is up to four color grades whiter. I can’t imagine a better platform for launching new jewelry brands that provide an affordable luxury experience like no other.”
Dr. Suneeta Neogi, President of Serenity Technologies, Inc., commented, “While moissanite can easily withstand very high temperatures and its covalent bonding, similar to diamond, allows it to withstand very high pressures, moissanite crystal does not respond to HPHT treatments in a fashion similar to Type IIa (virtually nitrogen-free) diamonds that can become near colorless after such treatments. Serenity has developed a radically different proprietary process of whitening moissanite that greatly improves the color and brilliance of moissanite without any residual negative effects. This partnership between Charles & Colvard and Serenity brings the best opportunity for consumers worldwide to experience this exciting new product with confidence, knowing that it is brought to the market directly from the sole manufacturer of created moissanite gems.”
300 Perimeter Park Drive, Suite A Morrisville, North Carolina 27560 919.468.0399
Company Contact:
Timothy Krist
Chief Financial Officer
919.468.0399, ext. 295
tkrist@charlesandcolvard.com
Investor Relations:
Christopher Schreiber
Taglich Brothers, Inc.
Investor Relations Counsel
800.383.8464
cs@taglichbrothers.com
Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite®
Made of silicon carbide (SiC) and exhibiting overall properties that are close to that of diamonds but with nearly 2.5 times the fire of diamond, moissanite’s superior brilliance, luster, and optical properties rival even the highest quality diamonds. Created moissanite gemstones possess the quality, value, and resilience of fine diamonds while offering much more affordable price points. In partnership with Serenity Technologies, Charles & Colvard is bringing to the marketplace its exclusive trademarked brand of whiter moissanite gemstones – FOREVER BRILLIANTTM.
Limited Lifetime Warranty and Certificate of Authenticity
Charles & Colvard and Serenity Technologies are committed to ensuring the quality and longevity of FOREVER BRILLIANTTM gems. Each stone will be accompanied by a Charles & Colvard certification and laser inscribed on the girdle for easy identification. FOREVER BRILLIANTTM moissanite gemstones carry the same Limited Lifetime Warranty as all other Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® gemstones for maintaining their optical property of brilliance.
The process developed by Serenity Technologies is the only color alteration process that is included under Charles & Colvard’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. Any other third-party alterations or treatments made to moissanite created gemstones are not supported by either Charles & Colvard or Serenity Technologies.
About Charles & Colvard, Ltd.
Charles & Colvard, Ltd., based in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, is the global sole source of moissanite, a unique, near-colorless created gemstone that is distinct from other gemstones and jewels based on its exceptional fire, brilliance, luster, durability, and rarity. Charles & Colvard Created Moissanite® is currently incorporated into fine jewelry sold through domestic and international retailers and other sales channels. Charles & Colvard, Ltd. is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, and its common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CTHR.” For more information, please visit www.charlesandcolvard.com.
About Serenity Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Temecula, California, Serenity Technologies has focused on bringing new ideas and innovation to emerging technologies that have potential for large-scale application. Serenity’s strong portfolio of intellectual property and diversification strategies have helped develop innovative products having wide commercial application. These products cover a gamut of fields relating to color enhancement technologies for diamonds and other gem materials, protective treatment technologies for precious metals and alloys, nanocrystalline diamond coatings, hydro-oleophobic treatments for gems and jewelry, personalization and branding of jewelry articles, micro-marking of diamonds, revolutionary chemical-mechanical polishing technology for diamonds, analog archival, custom optics, and beam-based polishing, to name a few. For more information, please visit www.serenitytechnology.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements expressing expectations regarding our future and projections relating to products, sales, revenues, and earnings are typical of such statements and are made under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations, and contentions and are not historical facts and typically are identified by use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue,” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently.
All forward-looking statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties inherent in predicting the future. You should be aware that although the forward-looking statements included herein represent management’s current judgment and expectations, our actual results may differ materially from those projected, stated, or implied in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors including, but not limited to, our dependence on consumer acceptance and growth of sales of our products; our dependence on third parties for the sales and marketing of our products to end consumers; dependence on a limited number of customers; our current customers’ potential perception of us as a competitor in the finished jewelry business; general economic and market conditions, including the current economic environment; dependence on Cree, Inc. as the current supplier of the raw material; intense competition in the worldwide jewelry industry; the financial condition of our major customers; risks of conducting business in foreign countries; the pricing of precious metals, which is beyond our control; our ability to protect our intellectual property; and possible adverse effects of governmental regulation and oversight, in addition to the other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur except as required by the federal securities laws, and you are urged to review and consider disclosures that we make in the reports that we file with the SEC that discuss other factors relevant to our business.
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We love platinum here at Joseph Schubach Jewelers. And when the stars wear it, we’re all over it. Platinum has increased drastically over the years and made its way to red carpets all over the world. This recent Golden Globes award ceremony were no exception.

“Platinum is naturally white, so it never changes color or fades, thereby maximizing the brilliance of diamonds and colored gemstones. It is the ideal setting for the red carpet, and all of life’s most important moments.”

Source: The Daily Jewel

Joseph Schubach Jewelers ushers in a new and exclusive earring design for 2012. The Fleur-de-lis earrings are distinctly delicate and practically lightweight.

“We were looking for something antique looking as anything antique is so popular right now. We also wanted something light, delicate, and sitting low to the ear. They are very lightweight. The five prongs also are unique, normally we see 4 prongs, and some 3 prong settings now.” says designer Joseph Schubach, based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Though these earrings are new in design, the fleur-de-lis has a rich history. Fleur-de-lis means “flower of the lily” and this symbol has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used as a symbol to represent French royalty, personifying light, life and perfection.

Other interesting facts about the fleur-de-lis:

• Joan of Arc carried a white banner that showed God blessing the French royal emblem, the fleur-de-lis, when she led French troops to victory over the English in support of the Dauphin, Charles VII, in his quest for the French throne.

 

• The Roman Catholic Church ascribed the lily as the special emblem of the Virgin Mary.

 

• Due to its three “petals,” the fleur-de-lis has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity.

 

• Military units, including divisions of the United States Army, have used the symbol’s resemblance to a spearhead to identify martial power and strength.

 

The studio will only be producing a handful of these one-of-a-kind earrings. Order as soon as possible.  Perfect for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.

Price: $425.00 – $995.00

Style 102017 Fleur-de-lis Stud Earrings   A Schubach Exclusive. Delicate five prong Fleur-de-lis stud earrings that sit low on the ear.   1ct t.w. (2-5.5mm) 2ct t.w. (2-6.5mm) Other sizes and stone options available, call for more info.

Source of Fleur-de-lis facts: Fleur-de-lis Designs

As famous in death as in life, Christie’s in New York City was packed to the gill last week, as all attendees watched history in the making.

Its no wonder that this auction would be so successful; Elizabeth Taylor and her jewelry were inextricably linked. Her jewelry became her. And the images of her wearing those magnificent pieces are imprinted in our collective unconscious, along with the wonderful stories behind them. To have the opportunity to own that kind of history was bound to break a record or two!

Like disciples gathering at the altar of their high priestess, the jewelry faithful packed the showroom at Christie’s New York Dec. 13 for an evening sale of Elizabeth Taylor’s “Legendary Jewels,” an epic assortment of 80 lots that earned $115,932,000, setting a world record for the most valuable private collection of jewels sold at auction.

“We knew it would do well, but no one dared dream of $115 million,” said François Curiel, Christie’s international head of jewels. “Probably we will not see another sale like this for many years.”

Nearly every lot sold well above its high estimate, “a testament to the affection for Elizabeth Taylor worldwide as well as to her collecting ability,” said Marc Porter, chairman and president of Christie’s Americas.

Read more at JCK.

 

La Peregrina on diamond, ruby, and cultured pearl necklace by Cartier

 

The 33.19 ct. Elizabeth Taylor Diamond

Gold and multigem charm bracelet

 

The Taj Mahal diamond, on a gold and ruby chain by Cartier, fetched $8.8 million—a world auction record for an Indian jewel.

 

Read more about the back story of these and more pieces.

We just received a teaser about the new Gelin and Abaci Winter tension set engagement ring collection. We’re anxious to see it ourselves! Here’s a teaser.

View the current tension set collection

After the craziness that was Kim Kardashian’s brief and wild media-hyped marriage, many questions arose as to who can legally keep the ring after an engagement (or marriage) gone wrong? Well, it varies from state to state and pre-nup to pre-nup. Interestingly, in Kardashian’s case, without a special clause in the prenup, Kim would have been the owner outright – once they became man and wife, the ring would have been Kim’s.

Engagement rings fall under property, contract or family law, and how they are treated varies by state.

In California, it depends on who broke the engagement. For example, if the person who received the ring is the one who is reneging on the engagement, then that person must relinquish the jewelry. In New York, North Carolina, Minnesota, Tennessee and other states, appellate courts say engagement rings are conditional gifts that must be returned to the gift giver if the condition — namely, the marriage — does not take place, regardless of who broke off the engagement. Kansas and Montana say a gift, once given, cannot be taken back.

Source: CNNLiving

The American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Awards is an annual natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl jewelry design competition, considered to be the most respected and prestigious creative award for the jewelry design industry. Launched in 1984, the awards honors, recognizes and promotes designers whose work uses natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls in finished fine jewelry design. What follows are some of the top award winners.

(above) Best of Show, Todd Reed - Palladium and 22k gold locket featuring blue moonstones, grey diamonds (24.51ctw.) blue sapphires (17.34 ctw.) and white diamonds opening to reveal a 76.03-ct. Moldavite Buddha.

(above) Best Use of Color, Deirdre Featherstone - Platinum earrings with removable opal enhancers (15.64 ctw.) accented with blue zircons (3.27 ctw.), tanzanites (3.53 ctw.) Paraiba tourmalines (0.40 ctw.)

(above) First Place Winner in Evening Wear, Ion Ionescu - Titled "Pillow for Dreaming," this palladium and black rhodium ring is topped with a 36-ct. carved labradorite accented with paraiba tourmalines

Remember, if there’s a piece that you see on our blog that inspires you, we can recreate it at a fraction of the cost!

Check out more of the winners here.

By now, you know our love of moissanite, which is a lab-created diamond. Not only is it highly durable and brilliant, but eco-friendly. It’s one of our favorite gems to work with. This lab in Japan, using a similar process to the creation of moissanite, created the first perfectly spherical diamond. Read on:

A team of researchers at Ehime University in Japan say they have created the world’s first perfectly spherical diamond, according to a media report.

The state-run university’s Geodynamics Research Center said it has processed an artificially produced diamond, of a variety the center has named Hime, into a perfect four-carat sphere with a diameter of 7.5 millimeters.

The potential applications of the technology used to shape an artificial diamond into a perfect sphere are expected to be widespread, the researchers said in a report in The Daily Yomiuri.

In 2003, the research center synthesized a tiny grain of Hime diamond measuring less than 1 millimeter wide. The centre combined carbon atoms by subjecting them to 150,000 times the standard atmospheric pressure and temperatures of 2,300 C.

By last year, the research team had become able to create Hime diamonds up to 1 centimeter wide, they said.

Hime diamonds are far harder than naturally formed diamonds. They have a uniform degree of hardness throughout their structure, whereas this changes in different parts of a natural diamond, according to the centre.

From the Antwerp Facets Newsletter…

Even those not familiar with the jewelry industry know that gold prices continue to soar. But many don’t understand why, consider the economic woes that have befallen the US and other countries throughout the world. This piece from CBS’s MoneyWatch addresses some of the basics and reminds us that gold prices and our economy are intrinsically intertwined:

• Geopolitical uncertainty. Between the fighting in Libya that threatens the stability of the world oil supply, the political upheaval in Egypt, Japan’s struggle to get its economic engine moving in the wake of the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami, and the sovereign debt crisis that bedevils the European Union — Portugal just officially asked for an EU bailout — we’ve got a confluence of worries. In isolation, each might be more easily absorbed, but in aggregate they ratchet up the global blood pressure, and that’s when gold becomes most alluring.
• The U.S. isn’t exactly a roaring safe haven. Typically in times of global angst, money flows to U.S. investments. When the financial crisis hit in the fall of 2008, for example, the U.S. dollar strengthened against foreign currencies. But with our debt load causing many to worry about higher inflation and a lower dollar in the future, the U.S. is losing some of its safe-haven luster, making gold look all the better.
• Where else are you going to park your money? A Treasury bill yielding less than 0.50 percent isn’t exactly crowding out gold right now. Part of gold’s popularity is being driven by a lack of better investment opportunities.
• Fears of higher inflation. Gold is a classic hedge against higher inflation and a weakening dollar, since it holds its purchasing power when the dollar’s value declines. And right now, concerns about inflation are beginning to creep back into the global economic dialogue. While the Federal Reserve is grappling with whether it needs to respond to a rise in inflation in the coming months, the European Central Bank (ECB) pulled the trigger yesterday by raising its benchmark interest rate for the first time in three years, from a record low of 1 percent to 1.25 percent. Sure, that’s still low, but the concern is where things might head from here.

Read more: http://moneywatch.bnet.com/economic-news/blog/daily-money/gold-hits-new-record-whats-driving-prices-so-high/2429/#ixzz1bEXqGpAi