found September 17, 2008 at Time Out NYC

…a non-diamond engagement ring that is classy and old (ish), and won’t set me back three months of unemployment? I’m thinking white gold set with an aquamarine, maybe.
Frank
Jackson Heights, Queens

 

Little King Diamond | engagement ring in New York

Little King Ltd.
This intimate shop is chock-full of unexpected baubles. Is she (or he) a fan of the Chrysler Building? Get a ring featuring the iconic landmark in your choice of metals. Going fancy? Check out a beautiful light blue sapphire in palladium (a metal in the same family as platinum) for $3,000 or a rose-gold and pink tourmaline ring with an intricately etched band for $720. But be careful of aquamarine, warns gemologist Jennifer O’Sullivan: “It’s a very soft stone and may not withstand a lifetime of wear and tear. Sapphires are much stronger and come in all shades of blue.”
319 E 9th St between First and Second Aves (212-260-6140, littlekingjewelry.com)

Fichera and Perkins
If you book it too quickly down University Place, you might miss this dim store tucked away in the middle of the block. Lou Fichera and Ron Perkins have been in the same location for 34 years, putting the sweethearts of “some very guilty men” in forgiving moods. Please your sweetie with a traditional Irish claddagh wedding ring from the ’40s with a deep purple amethyst for $495.50 University Pl between 9th and 10th Sts (212-533-1430)

 

Ilana fine Jewelry New York

Ilana Fine Jewelry
Just a few doors down from Fichera and Perkins, Ilana Fine Jewelry has more vintage and estate gems, such as a teardrop opal ring with diamond accents from the ’50s for $1,450. If you inherited grandmother’s jewels and they need some TLC, bring them here where the repair services can resize, restore and renew those family heirlooms.
42 University Pl between 9th and 10th Sts (212-473-1057)

Gold Label by Tina Tang
Is your lover more modern chic than retro artsy? Visit this downtown cool design studio and find an 8mm sky blue topaz in 14-karat white gold, a new take on the old standby, for $550. Designer and former Wall Street equities trader Tina Tang appeals to the green set, as well, by donating a portion of her proceeds to tree-planting organization American Forests and offering eco-friendly packaging and wrapping.
48 Greenwich Ave between Charles and Perry Sts (212-645-3124, goldlabelbytinatang.com)

 

Doyle and Doyle NYC engagement rings

Doyle & Doyle
For the Gemini gem-lovers out there, a unique flip ring comes with black onyx on one side and a rose-cut garnet and diamonds on the other for $575. A three-stone ruby ring framed in diamonds with a yellow gold band is $1,800.
189 Orchard St between E Houston and Stanton Sts (212-677-9991, doyledoyle.com)

Clay Pot
Opened in Park Slope in 1969, long before the stroller invasion, this family-run store boasts a large bridal collection from more than 75 independent designers. Michele Mercaldo’s Sapphire Fade Band features sapphires across the spectrum, from pale blue to deep navy, set in a palladium band for $1,765. Or surprise your diamond in the rough with Melissa Joy Manning’s Diamond Slice Ring—a dark, raw diamond in a hammered gold band for $1,080.
162 Seventh Ave between Garfield Pl and 1st St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (800-989-3579, /clay-pot.com)

Cog & Pearl
This other Park Slope gem features handmade goods—from tees to home decor—and a nice selection of jewelry from independent designers. The owners handpick featured designers like Liza McLaughlin, who created a charming ruby solitaire with a twisted band for only $80. All the rings in the store are under $300, many of which are suitable for an understated, unique engagement ring. Many designers are happy to do custom work, too.
190 Fifth Ave between Berkeley Pl and Union St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-623-8200, cogandpearl.com)

Also on the internet:

Amazon Diamonds Jewelry & Engagement rings

Etsy (etsy.com), the Amazon-like site for crafters, sells wares from virtual storefronts, so you can start your married life on a lazy note by never leaving the couch.

I Do Now I Don’t (idonowidont.com), on the other hand, is a celebration of failed engagements—but don’t let that dissuade you. With auctions of some impressive rings, this site can either blow your budget or yield a supreme deal.

 

Technorati Tags: diamonds, engagement rings, new york

60 years on… ex-mayor Willis gets the engagement ring she never had

Words and Picture: Mike McKenzie

Last updated 15:54, Wednesday, 22 October 2008

WILLIS Metherell got the shock of her life when she received the engagement ring she never had on her diamond wedding anniversary.

 

She Waited 60 years for here engagement ring. Photo CE Willis

DIAMOND SURPRISE: Stainton Metherell slips the diamond engagement ring onto his wife Willis’s finger

The former Copeland Mayor’s husband, Stainton, presented her with the ring on their special day last Thursday.

Because money was tight in the days after the war, and with rationing still in force, the couple agreed to wait a while before buying a ring. But with the trials and tribulations of starting married life and having children, they never got around to it.

Sixty years on, Stainton said: “I thought that, after all these years of married life, it was time to put that right.” And in front of a couple of close friends, including the couple’s original bridesmaid Beryl Hodgson (née Jackson), he produced the diamond ring.

Overcome with emotion, Willis wrapped her arms around him and gave him a big kiss.

The Copeland councillor had just returned home after a stay in hospital, so the couple’s planned anniversary party had to be cancelled. Instead they had a quiet family get-together to celebrate.

best engagement rings

Wednesday, 22 October 2008 found at pr-canada.net 

In the current scenario, the diamond engagement rings have gained a lot of popularity and it owes its roots to the Middle Ages.

All engagement rings come with diamonds from various sizes and no other stone can be replaced with it as such. It has been believed that the round and never ending shape of the ring symbolizes the never-ending love and devotion to a woman.

Diamonds were exceedingly valued by the Romans, who believed that they possess supernatural powers. They were assumed to fend off poisons, maintain sanity, and disperse apprehensions.

The Italians also maintained these values insinuating that diamonds facilitate eternal marital harmony.

Today the diamond engagement is perhaps the most popular type of engagement ring. It used to be tradition for the man to secretly purchase a beautiful engagement ring and present it to his beloved when he proposes her.

This phenomenon still persists however sometimes both the guy and the girl have a say in the kind of ring to be purchased. A movement was initiated in the 20th century to promote male engagement rings, but this never became popular at global scenario. There exists certain country, like Egypt and Brazil, where the male traditionally wears engagement rings, here the male’s engagement ring is commonly used as the wedding rings.

In general, Engagement rings are often used to signify commitment and devotion towards the prospective bride. They have a deep inheritance and are regular in many different societies, but are most popular in the United States and Canada. People here are highly influenced by celebrity behavior so when a celebrity shows off her diamond ring, it becomes a topic of discussion among the masses. And as a result of this demand for diamond ring rises in the market.

For most celebrities the diamond ring is especially designed for them by an expert jewelry designer. Such rings are tailor made according to the desire and preferences of the prospective celebrity. Nowadays individuals are also following the same fashion by getting their engagement rings custom made through the designer or the dealer.

Recently, a website www.myengagementrings.co.uk is launched which enables its prospective visitors/customers not only buy engagement rings but also allow them to customize their engagement rings only. They can use easy to understand tools and design their engagement ring according to their preferences, at the comfort of their home. Now you can choose the special ring for the special person in your life and even tailor it to suit it to your beloved’s needs.

Danny diamonds invites you to read more about the diamond engagement ring 

Modou is a nice Guy, he bought Marilyn Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

Women’s : 7 Reasons Why Diamonds Are Still A Girl’s Best Friend

(SkyNewswire.com)—Marilyn Monroe made that phrase famous. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. That still makes a lot of sense. Here’s why.

Reason #1 diamonds are a girls best friend because they are so beautiful.

Fiery, romantic diamonds light up her finger. White diamonds look beautiful with outfits in every color.

Reason #2 diamonds are forever.

There are lots of beautiful things around. Why diamonds? Roses are beautiful, but they fade. Dresses are gorgeous, but after childbirth, or as she ages, that beautiful dress would not look as beautiful on her anymore.

Reason #3 diamonds are precious.

 Sure, moissanite may be what a girl might buy for herself, because of its lower price, but moissanite is man made. Diamonds are rare, natural stones. The diamonds that girls love are of the highest quality. The lower grade diamonds may be used in tools, but women look at the quality of the diamond. See http://www.buy-diamonds.net/choosing_a_quality_diamond.htm for details on choosing a diamond. A large, high quality diamond would definitely impress.

You can also read much background informations at http://www.excellentdiamonds.com/

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More Than a Jewelry Store…

Hold on to your hats, sailors. A jewelry store like no other is about to make a huge splash in St. Clair, and the area’s economy is sure to see a revolutionary impact.

found October 14, 2008 at thetimesherald.com

American Diamond Importers, in its 20th year of business, plans to move to a brand new, spectacularly located and amazingly massive new store just before Thanksgiving. Owner Pat Coughlin is optimizing the beautiful view of the St. Clair River on the corner of Clinton Avenue and Riverside with an architectural design like none other. “There’s going to be shock and awe,” he promised.

The blue prints, dubbing the new ADI store a “Crystal Freighter,” ensure a stunned reaction from customers. One hundred feet from bow to stern and 25 feet wide, the new ADI will be as large as it is unique. In fact, the plans call for a total of 6,000 square feet.

Over two years in the making, Coughlin’s dream has been brought to life through the efforts and creativity of many local workers. Armstrong, Miller & Nichols – of nearby Marine City – handled the architecture, while Larry Builte Construction, based in Port Huron, was responsible for the development of the structure. Tim Horton’s, scheduled to open in the store’s large parking lot, will provide additional opportunities for employment.

3 stone engagement rings

The layout of ADI’s new location includes a glass façade with a rounded stern, where diamonds will glimmer in natural sunlight. Diagrams show the base of the “ship,” which will be metal, decorated in cultured stone. A future landscape option includes surrounding the store with a pond, giving the impression that ADI’s Crystal Freighter is traveling through water.

Special features within the store will include a children’s play area, fully stocked with activities and entertainment to keep the kids at bay while Mom and Dad shop. They’ll do so with ease, too, as a monitor on the sales floor will broadcast the playroom’s happenings.

Monitors also will carry live footage of each professional jeweler as they craft custom pieces or repair family heirlooms.

Children and parents alike will find themselves captivated by the large aquarium, separating the play area from the rest of the store. With over $100,000 worth of gemstones immersed and resting on the tank’s floor, perhaps it won’t be stocked with just any old fish. “We should use piranha,” joked Coughlin.

Men, who oftentimes find the jewelry a tedious task, will have a playroom, too. Furnished with large screen televisions, refrigerated beverages and luxurious recliners, they’ll be free to relax in a den-like atmosphere. Inspired by boaters with GPS systems and technical fishing gear, Coughlin implied the area simply provides the “toys for the boys.”

Wives or girlfriends will enjoy scouring the new store for popular and one of a kind jewelry. “Thank God young men still fall in love,” said Coughlin, declaring engagement rings to be the top selling product at ADI, which is currently located in downtown St. Clair’s Riverview Plaza. A close second on the sales roster are diamond earrings, a classic gift. Charm bracelets, specifically Pandora and Troll brands, also are very popular.

Other finds at ADI include diamonds, like the Journey collection; gemstones, presented in a variety of pieces; and precious gifts galore. Check out the Swarovski crystal, as well as Seiko clocks. Watch batteries are just $10, and all of the proceeds from their sale go directly to Kids in Distress.

Additionally, American Diamond Importers has nearly their complete line of high quality jewelry available for pre-purchase perusing, or actual sale, online. Customers can visit www.americandiamondimporters.com, and they’ll immediately find an impressive site linking them to everything from customer sales representatives to vendors’ Web sites. Due in large part to its extraordinary internet presence, America actually ranks third behind Great Britain and Australia as ADI’s largest online consumer base.

In addition to the international success of ADI, Coughlin continues to support the local community of St. Clair. Nearly every day he’s asked to support a cause, a school, or a project. Feeling blessed to be a part an industry he’s loved for a quarter of a century, he almost always obliges.

American Diamond Importers is a family-owned business. Coughlin’s wife, Marga, is on staff, along with his future daughter-in-law, Jill, and his sons, Tim and Sean. Even the family dog, Tungsten, sometimes comes along with them to work as the store mascot.

“I think of everyone on my staff as my kids,” beamed Coughlin. That’s a pretty big family–17 employees. Because of the new store’s extended hours, which keep the store open until 8 p.m., he plans to hire three or four more people, as well.

Each day, Coughlin’s motivation is clear – pleasing customers and going above and beyond for them. In return, customers have given him some great tales to tell. Among them is the story of an 88-year-old gentleman who proposed to his beloved at the ring counter of ADI, surprising her and delighting the staff. In another heartwarming account, Coughlin remembers a Charlottesville, Virginia man who flew to Michigan just to visit the store and design a custom platinum ring for his fiancée. These stories and countless others illustrate the skill and renowned reputation of ADI’s professional jewelers.

Become another satisfied customer today by taking advantage of the low prices at ADI’s Moving Sale, located at 201 Riverside Ave. Just to the north, at the corner of Clinton and Riverside Ave, Grand Opening events will begin around November 20th. Coughlin’s anticipating three to four million dollars worth of new merchandise from his vendors, promising products both beautiful and affordable.

Diamonds Pay Dividends
Nina P. West, Artfact.com 10.10.08, 11:35 AM ET

What:

Platinum, 18 Karat White Gold and Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring Approximately 5.44 carats with two smaller baguette diamonds

Where:

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Chicago Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Sept. 22, 2008

How Much:

Pre-Auction Estimate: $30,000 to $40,000 Final Selling Price: $144,400

As the economic picture continues to worsen, the results of a late-September auction of fine jewelry in Chicago begs the casual observer to conclude that collectors are turning to tangible goods as a store of wealth in these uncertain times.

The sale at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago, which attracted buyers from Singapore,
Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico, Hungary and Australia, saw multiple pieces of jewelry selling around the $100,000 mark. This yellow diamond ring and a blue sapphire ring were two of the glittering stars of the show. The yellow diamond ring was bought by a jewelry dealer from New York who had flown in especially for this auction and paid $144,400, four times the expected price.

The ring was sold by a Chicago-area family that had inherited the sparkler from their mother, who had worn it as her wedding ring. The 5.44-carat stone, described as an “intense yellow fancy diamond,” sits in an 18-karat white gold setting created in the 1960s. The family was aware of the ring’s value but didn’t expect the 12-person bidding war among buyers from Bulgaria, New York and Los Angeles.

Artfact Analysis:

Colored diamonds are becoming increasingly popular.

To fill the growing demand, several yellow diamond rings have recently been offered, but none have surpassed the price for the Leslie Hindman ring. Two comparable rings sold comfortably above their pre-auction prices recently at Sotheby’s .

The appeal of colored diamonds isn’t limited to their striking shades; colored diamonds are exponentially more rare than colorless diamonds and thus more desirable. For every 100,000 carats of white or colorless diamonds mined, just one carat of colored diamonds are found. Therefore, these gems tend to rise more quickly in value. Some jewelry experts claim that premium-quality colored diamonds double in value roughly every three to five years.

At Sotheby’s September jewelry auction, the top-selling lots were a sapphire-and-diamond ring, made by Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris, which sold for $656,500–more than double its pre-sale estimate of $250,000 to $350,000; and a colorless diamond ring from Harry Winston, which easily fetched twice its pre-sale estimate of $200,000 to $250,000, when it sold for $470,500.

The all-time high auction price for a stone or piece of jewelry is $16.5 million, a record held by the Sotheby’s in Geneva for a 100.1-carat diamond sold in 1995. For perspective, the average price for a diamond engagement ring sold in the U.S. is around $3,000.

Despite the economic downturn, quality will win out, and the robust prices these pieces continue to fetch are a sign that the highest end of the jewelry market will remain healthy for the foreseeable future.

For thousands of comparable sales for every imaginable collectible, check out Artfact.com, the world’s largest database of auction results.

If you want to stay informed about excellent diamonds you should visit this site. It has many gossips, and interesting news related on diamonds. I also enjoyed diamonds news

If you want to stay informed about excellent diamonds you should visit this site. It has many gossips, and interesting news related on diamonds.

I also enjoyed diamonds news

Researchers target diamond based lasers and apps

LONDON — Researchers at the Institute of Photonics, University of Strathclyde, have started work on a three and a half-year project to develop a solid-state laser design incorporating CVD (chemical vapour deposition) diamond manufactured by Element Six Ltd.

By John Walko found 10/13/2008 at eetimes.com

The project will be led by the Institute’s Dr. Alan Kemp, and is supported by a grant of more than £600,000 from the UK government-funded Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, EPSRC.

The researchers say the use of diamond as a solid-state laser material opens up new opportunities to design small, compact solid state lasers with greater power handling capabilities and operating at currently unavailable wavelengths so opening up new application areas.

This should have applications in numrous areas, for example, underwater imaging, medical imaging, ophthalmology, cancer therapy and multispectral imaging.

They add diamond has a special combination of optical and thermal properties that make it suitable for this application and these properties can be exploited through the latest single crystal CVD material produced by Element Six.

Raman lasers have already been developed using materials such as silicon, for example, and are used in telecommunications, but the use of diamond could move their capabilities to new power levels and wavelengths. The importance of this type of laser is that it can shift the wavelength.

According to Dr Kemp, the ability to shift the wavelengths “gives access to the applications-rich, but currently source-poor, yellow-orange region of the spectrum.”

Perhaps the most important challenge in modern solid-state laser engineering,”adds Kemp, “is to find ways to generate new wavelengths but in doing so to retain as much as possible of the convenience and performance of current lasers.”

Current generations of continuous wave solid state Raman lasers have been limited to powers of only a few watts due to thermal problems. Diamond has excellent thermal conductivity combined with a low thermal coefficient of expansion allowing greater power handling capability.

“The least glamorous but most pervasive problem in laser engineering, particularly when you want high performance in a small package, is how to deal with heat,” stresses Dr. Kemp. “This is particularly problematic in high power Raman lasers because crystals that are good Raman converters are typically rather poor conductors of heat.

However, with a thermal conductivity that is two to three orders of magnitude better than typical Raman active crystals, diamond should be an excellent Raman medium that will allow the researchers to generate much higher output power

A vital property of the diamond supplied by Element Six is that it exhibits ultra-low birefringence. Birefringence is when the speed of light in a medium varies if the polarization of the light changes and this has to be carefully controlled in a laser cavity in order to make the laser work well.

“The ultra-low birefringence single crystal CVD diamond that E6 produces is a real step forward for all photonics applications of diamond, particularly laser applications. It allows us to exploit the exceptional properties of diamond without compromising other aspects of the laser’s performance,” says Kemp.

The Institute of Photonics and Element Six have already worked together on UK Government supported MIDDI project which has led to the ability to carry out precision etching of single crystal diamond micro-optics.

Element Six Ltd. (E6) was formerly DeBeers Industrial Diamonds Ltd.

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celebrity diamond engagement ring

October 8th, 2008