Anatomy of a Diamond - The Cut

Cut is the factor that fuels a diamond’s fire, sparkle and brilliance.

"The cut of any diamond has three attributes: brilliance (the total light reflected from a diamond), fire (the dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum), and scintillation (the flashes of light, or sparkle, when a diamond is moved)."

via Gemological  Institute of America (gia.edu)

Diamond Cut Guide

via Brilliance

CORA - When You Want That Red Carpet Glamour

For Cora, jewelry is not just an adornment...it makes the woman who wears it feel special. 

As one of the leading diamond manufacturers in the world, Cora understands that exceptional diamonds demand exceptional expertise - from cutting to setting to design. 

For over 30 years, Cora International has produced, bought and sold some of the largest, rarest and most prized diamonds in the gem world. 

Their vast inventory of diamonds include the worlds largest 218 carat cushion cut diamond ring as well as a 50 carat fancy yellow diamond set in yellow gold and ebony wood. 

Cora's skilled craftsmen have years of experience cutting and polishing rough diamonds into beautiful white stones while extracting the exquisite color out of natural fancy colored diamonds. Cora works with diamonds in all colors including yellow, pink, blue, brown and white, to name a few.

"The design process starts with each individual diamond. We carefully study the diamond and its characteristics and then create a piece of jewelry around its particular shape and color. Every piece is meticulously manufactured according to the individual stone or stones that are being cut. That's why our diamonds and diamond jewelry are beyond compare."

That's why every piece of jewelry that Cora creates is worthy of a red carpet moment.

Gemvara Gives Us The History Of Engagement Rings

I found this great little infographic from our friends at Gemvara - take moment to check out their blog - lots of great information:
"Take a look at the infographic below and explore more about this tradition, including why it is custom to wear the ring on your fourth finger and who started that whole “2-months salary” myth anyway. Also, learn about the 4 C’s of picking a gem and marvel at the women who wore the most remarkable engagement rings in history."

Katrina Kelly Pinterest Contest "Re-Pin To Win"!

Katrina Kelly Pinterest Contest "Re-Pin To Win"!

PIN TO WIN A STERLING SILVER AND PINK GEMSTONE 

WISDOM WAND™ PENDANT

Re-pin this image for your chance to win a Katrina Kelly Jewelry Wisdom Wand™ Pendant beginning September 6, 2012 through October 6, 2012. This sterling silver Wisdom Wand™ Pendant by Katrina Kelly sparkles with glittering pink and white gemstones. This 1 ½” length charm glitters at just the right length, on an 18” cable chain. Celebrate you with a timeless symbol of your beauty and wisdom! Retails at $330. The winner will be notified in the comment section of the pin. Katrina Kelly Jewelry is responsible for all shipping costs associated with the item. Winner must live in the United States, must be 18 years of age or older and must also follow Katrina Kelly Jewelry on Pinterest to qualify. For details and official rules; www.katrinakellyblog.com

MJSA Vision Awards Design Competition

MJSA Announces 

2013 Vision Awards Design Competition

 Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry Inc., Laguna Beach, CA  
"Moonlight & Caviar" - 1st Place
Professional Excellence

The 22nd Annual MJSA Vision Awards Competition is now open to receive entries, according to MJSA, the U.S. trade association for jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. The awards celebrate outstanding talent in the field of jewelry design.

For 2013, there are seven award categories: Design Excellence; Visionary Technical Solution; Custom Design Distinction, sponsored by TechForm Advanced Casting; Laser Distinction, sponsored by LaserStar Technologies Corp.; Gold Distinction, sponsored by Hoover & Strong; Palladium Distinction, sponsored by the Palladium Alliance; Platinum Distinction, sponsored by Platinum Guild International; and Future of the Industry awards for students, sponsored by the MJSA Education Foundation. Rio Grande is the general sponsor of this year's competition, and Instore and Metalsmith magazines are media sponsors.

Mark Schneider Design, Long Beach, CA

"Manta Ray" Brooch - 2nd Place

Platinum Distinction

MJSA recognizes Vision Award winners through both publicity and advertising in industry publications, which in 2013 will include full-page ads in Instore, Metalsmith, and the association's own MJSA Journal and MJSA Custom Design. Prizes also include gift certificates of up to $500 (courtesy of Rio Grande), cash awards, book libraries, and, for student winners, scholarships of up to $1,000.

In addition, the winning entries will be on display for thousands of buyers and exhibitors during the annual MJSA Expo New York, the largest and oldest trade show in the U.S. dedicated to the design and manufacture of jewelry, which will be held March 10-12, 2013, at the Hilton New York in New York City. An awards ceremony during the show honors the winners with trophies.

For more information about the categories, or to download an entry form, go to Events & Programs at mjsa.org, or call 1-800-444-MJSA (6572).

About MJSA MJSA is the U.S. trade association for jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It provides the resources to achieve professional excellence and maintain a competitive edge. Information, call MJSA at 1-800-444-6572 or visit www.mjsa.org.

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND (DEF) RELAUNCHES WEBSITE

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND (DEF) RELAUNCHES WEBSITE 

WITH A ‘BACK-TO-SCHOOL’ PROMOTION!

New York, NY; August 29, 2012— In the spirit of students going back-to-school, DEF announces today that it is launching its own online ‘back-to-school’ promotion to benefit student scholars from its three beneficiaries, CIDA City Campus and African Leadership Academy, both based in South Africa, and the Botswana Top Achievers Program. Donations as small as $10 can help support student scholars through these institutions. Donations of $199 or more will receive a thank you DEF Green Malachite or Black Onyx Empowerment bracelet. Details can be found on DEF’s newly redesigned website, diamondempowerment.org.

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based non-profit that raises money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, and the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.  www.diamondempowerment.org