An Appropriate Budget for Buying an Engagement Ring Engagement rings hold symbolic value and they last a lifetime, but every couple is different. In the 1930s, luxury jewelry giant De Beers created a marketing campaign in an attempt to draw buyers during the Great Depression, using its famous slogan "A Diamond Is Forever" to depict their product as a priceless, timeless tradition. In the 1980s, De Beers started the "two months' salary" campaign asking potential customers to connect the amount of money they were willing to spend to the worth of their relationship. Engagement rings hold symbolic value and they last a lifetime, but every couple is different. It’s highly unrealistic these days, since it considers gross income rather than net, and doesn’t look at debt load (at an all-time [...]

What are the "4 C's" and What Does it Mean to YOU When Buying a Diamond Today, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNVVWN60ATs The creation of the Diamond 4Cs meant two very important things: diamond quality could be communicated in a universal language, and diamond customers could now know exactly what they were about to purchase. Color- The diamond color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond color-grading system measures the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions [...]

How to Negotiate a Fair Price When Buying a Diamond? Negotiating a fair price when buying a diamond depends mostly on how much you study the market for the specific diamond of your choice. You can readily study what is available on the internet and you can shop in the stores in your area, too. Once you know all the prices, you can decide where you'd like to buy and what level of mark-up over cost you want to pay which will be mostly according to the level of service and ambiance you desire and appreciate. Not everyone wants to pay the least for little or no service. Not everyone wants to pay top dollar for luxurious surroundings, privacy and atmosphere. Most folks end up being most comfortable [...]

Faberge: A Life of its Own An award-winning documentary “Fabergé: A Life of Its Own” recounts the roller coaster story of the House of Fabergé, one of the most prestigious names in luxury. The work of Peter Carl Fabergé, and the jewelry firm begun by his father, first came to the attention of the Russian royal family when Tsaritsa Maria — recipient of the Third Imperial egg — bought her husband a pair of Fabergé cufflinks. The patronage of the Tsars, who commissioned the legendary Imperial eggs as family Easter gifts, and gifted thousands of Fabergé items to dignitaries and dignitaries they visited, meant that in 1900, Peter Carl oversaw a firm of 300 craftsmen and workers, all housed in one St Petersburg building. Along with the eggs [...]

Vivacious. Vintage. Victorious. The History of Victorian Jewelry officially starts with the coronation of young Queen Victoria in 1837 and ends with her death in 1901 at the age of 82. The Queen loved jewelry. She designed it, wore it, and gave it away as gifts throughout the rise of the British Global Empire to the inception of the Industrial Revolution. Her passion ignited the talents of the jewelry trade in London, especially during the death of her beloved husband, Albert. The expression “The sun never sets” grew during the British Empire as Britain controlled 25% of the world’s economy. From India and China to the British Virgin Islands, and everywhere in between, the phrase supports that there was always at least one part of their territory that was [...]

Art Nouveau The Beauty of Nature Art Nouveau or New Art is an international philosophy and style of art, architecture and applied art – especially the decorative arts – that was most popular during 1890–1910. Inspired by natural forms and structures, not only in flowers and plants but also in curved lines, Art Nouveau horrified the Victorians, frightened the Edwardians, and had a great time doing so. Although Art Nouveau's time in the sun spanned roughly the period from the late 19th to the early 20th century, some say, it also extended from the mid-19th century to World War I. Either way, it co-existed with the Victorians and the Edwardians in an unwanted and often volatile alliance. The jewelry vastly influenced Western art and architecture. Metalwork, textiles, interior design and, [...]

Beware of Buying Jewelry While on Vacation Be alert when buying high-priced diamonds and estate jewelry items when away on vacation. Duty free or discount does not necessarily mean a good deal. You don’t want to impulse buy a high-priced jewelry item because it could be a gamble. Remember to never spend more than you can afford to lose. Purchasing jewelry at home takes the pressure off. Diamond ring buyers near you, will have time to compare prices or items or maybe you have a trusted jeweler who has never led you astray before. Vacation is about having fun so it’s easy to wing it and just purchase an item but you may regret that purchase later. If you do realize your mistake later and want to return, exchange or [...]

What to Ask a Buyer When Selling Jewelry or Diamonds Knowing the right questions to ask is the first step in selling your jewelry for fair market value. If you choose to sell to a buyer, like D. Atlas Estates, you will want to ask for an offer to purchase not an appraisal for insurance purposes. Many appraisers or gemologists will sell you an appraisal report, which adds nothing to the secondary market value of your items and will often cost you money. Instead, simply ask a buyer what he will pay for your specific item. Ask for an offer, not an appraisal. Most buyers will then make you an offer at no cost or obligation to you. Ask the straight question, “Is this a firm offer?” and “Will you [...]

Edwardian Style - Hail to the King Recently, we published a blog entitled Vivacious. Vintage. Victorious, which focused on the Victorian Era, Queen Victoria to be exact. She loved jewelry with a passion. Her son, King Edward is the focus of this blog and like his mother enjoyed the lavish lifestyle which encompassed clothing as well as jewels. During King Edward's reign, many of the Edwardian-designed pieces were more expensive, like; diamonds, emeralds, rubies and other gems. Simply put, they were exquisite, elaborate designs. When married, King Edward's Queen, Alexandra and he lived a most opulent lifestyle, and it was at this time that Cartier became the official jeweler of the new King and Queen. Known as the Age of Opulence, (think Downton Abbey), Cartier also became the first artist [...]