Why does Antique Jewelry have a higher quality of workmanship than some modern jewelry? Antique and vintage jewelry is often imitated but rarely duplicated. Even in high-end bespoke modern pieces, it’s nearly impossible to find the same level of quality and workmanship as we commonly see in antique and vintage jewelry.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkD25xF09bk&feature=youtu.be Antique and vintage jewels were made by highly-skilled craftsmen who took their time, often creating intricate and unique pieces on a custom made basis, rather than for the mass market. This is evident in the high standard of workmanship we see in antique and vintage jewelry. Vintage jewelry is more delicate and refined than most of the pieces that are produced today. Vintage jewelry was made by artisans, masters of their craft, so you can anticipate the highest quality. Not only is the craftsmanship of the highest quality, but the fact that they’re made by hand also [...]

GIA vs Insurance Appraisal When selling your jewelry in the secondary market, a different market than the retail market, it is very important to understand the differences between the types of evaluations your items can go through beforehand. An insurance appraisal and a Gemological Institute of America laboratory report are two completely different documents. An insurance appraisal may use a GIA report as a point of reference. The insurance appraisal is for your protection in case of a loss. It is a matter of opinion. The GIA report is the most reliable source of establishing what you have. It is considered a fact. Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. It's for public benefit, and a nonprofit institute. The GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry. Also, it's important to [...]

Get in front of the coming recession. Have you forgotten how devastating the great recession was? You can beat the coming recession blues! Financial experts across the country are speculating that the U.S. is due for another economic recession. Financial experts across the country are speculating that the U.S. is due for another economic recession. According to The Balance, there have been 11 recessions since the end of World War II and each time these recessions occur they are preceded by substantial economic growth. Forbes Magazine takes the position, "Activity measures like retail sales, industrial production and employment, the U.S. economy does not seem to be on the brink of slowing down. But it is a perverse fact that such measures have been at their highest points, and even at record levels<, just before falling a few months later under the weight of an economic downturn." The New York Times says, [...]

Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamonds Would you like to know the advantages and disadvantages of Cubic Zirconia and how it differs from Diamond? Cubic Zirconia is a substitute for Diamond.  It is made of a synthetic material that is not as hard as diamond. One of the most important differences between Cubic Zirconia and Diamond is that Zirconia is almost entirely flawless.  Being created artificially Zirconia does not have any inclusions.  An additional characteristic of Zirconia is that it is less durable than Diamond.  This stone is more brittle than Diamond but what you have to be aware of mainly is that Zirconia scratches so easily and will start to look worn. A Cubic Zirconia corresponds to that of a Diamond having a high grad of color.  Zirconia is purely colorless and will not have any shades present in the stone.  So, if you purchase a Cubic Zirconia, no need to [...]

Lab Grown Diamonds Beware of lab grown diamonds! Lab created diamonds, also known as engineered or cultured diamonds, are grown in highly controlled laboratory environments. Subsequently, this is by using advanced technological processes that duplicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally develop when they form in the mantle, beneath the Earth’s crust. These man-made diamonds consist of actual carbon atoms. They are arranged in the characteristic diamond crystal structure. Since they are made of the same material as natural diamonds, they exhibit the same optical and chemical properties. Lab diamonds are grown from the tiny carbon seeds of pre-existing diamonds. Advanced technology – either extreme pressure and heat or a special deposition process – mimics the natural method of diamond formation. Lab grown fancy colored diamonds are formed when small amounts of specific trace elements are present during the growth phase of the diamond, just like in nature. In both [...]

The Process of Diamond Cutting and Manufacturing The manufacturing of diamonds has advanced more since 1980 than in the preceding century. During the past two decades, a quiet revolution has taken place in much of the diamond-manufacturing industry. By adapting computer-imaging techniques, precision measurement systems, lasers, and other modern technological equipment. All of these challenges must be addressed throughout the cutting process. Today, diamond manufacturing involves the following basic steps: Selecting (or sorting) the diamond rough. This includes examining each diamond for its potential color grade, clarity grade, and cutting style. The main sorting categories are size, shape, color, and clarity. Marking the rough for manufacturing. This step is crucial because it represents the major decision on how to manufacture a given piece of diamond rough. Cleaving and/or sawing the rough crystal. Cleaving is the traditional method for dividing a rough diamond into two parts. Bruting the girdle. It is [...]