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July 30th, 2009
Pink diamonds are rare and expensive and have an age-old reputation as one of the most sought after of all gemstones. The famed Darya-i-Nur diamond is the largest pink diamond in the world and weighs in at about 185 carats. The Steinmetz Pink diamond weighs 59.60 carats and is famed for the perfection of its color. The Steinmetz Pink has been rated in color as Fancy Vivid Pink by the Gemological Institute of America.

Pink diamonds have always been in demand but recent celebrity acquisitions have brought pink diamonds into the headlines. Actor Ben Affleck purchased a 6.1 carat pink diamond ring for his engagement to Jennifer Lopez and soccer star David Beckham gave his wife, Spice Girl Victoria ‘Posh’ Adams a $1.8 million pink diamond.

These purchases of pink diamonds by celebrity buyers, ignited public notice of pink and sparked interest and demand in the beautiful pink stones.Natural fancy pink diamonds come in all cuts, including princess, emerald, asscher, oval marquise, pear, radiant, and heart and cushion.While the interest in pink diamonds is high, over the years, they have proven to be rare purchases. There are two main reasons: cost and quality.The rarity of pink diamonds makes them extremely expensive.

Pink diamonds are much rarer than white diamonds, with only a small number of pink diamonds being mined each year. Natural pink diamonds, of good quality, are therefore significantly more expensive than white diamonds. The significantly higher price puts natural pink diamonds out of reach of most jewelry lovers.In addition, except for the highest quality natural stones, the lesser quality pink stones are not as beautiful and radiant.Fortunately, there is a good alternative for jewelry lovers.

Because of modern technology, it is possible to enhance the color of natural pink diamonds so that a lesser natural diamond looks like a much higher quality natural stone.The bottom line is that the price is much less but the visual beauty is exactly the same!The technology used by Gem Stone King to enhance pink diamonds is called “infusion.” This is an ion induction color treatment that results in applying a coating to the diamond that imparts the brilliant pink color.Because enhanced pink diamonds look so impressive and appealing, many customers want to know if the color is “permanent” or if it will fade away as the diamond is cleaned.In fact, the beautiful pink color of these infused stones will last forever provided you employ normal cleaning methods (steam cleaning, ultrasonic, mild detergents and bleaches, or mild acids). The color of enhanced diamonds cannot be guaranteed if you expose the stone to extreme conditions (For example: heat the stones to over 600F, recut the stone, grind with abrasives or expose to concentrated acid).

Under normal conditions and with normal cleaning, the appearance of infused pink diamonds will never fade or change in anyway. In addition, if you purchase your pink diamond from Gem Stone King, you never have to worry about your diamond losing its brilliance. If you believe that your stone has lost color or been damaged, just return it to us and we will re-treat the stone and return it to you.IMPORTANT: KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING!Natural pink diamonds must always be advertised as such. Diamonds that have been irradiated to create the enhanced pink color must also be so identified by jewelers as enhanced pink diamonds, or treated pink diamonds. If you are in the market for a pink diamond make sure that the certification you receive with the stone is clearly identified as either natural pink or enhanced. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission requires disclosure of gemstone treatments (enhancements) at every level of the trade.
Tags: Bracelet, diamond, Diamonds, Earrings, Gemstone, jewelry, Pendant, Pink, Pink Diamonds, Ring, Stud Earrings Posted in Diamonds | No Comments »
July 7th, 2009
Discovered in 1967, tanzanite is found only in a single area of Tanzania, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in the northern part of the country. The source is located on the traditional land of the Maasai, the indigenous African ethnic group of semi-nomadic people who live in Kenya and northern Tanzania.
As part of an effort to help these people the Tanzanite Foundation was established in 2003. According to its mandate, the organization is committed to “developing, maintaining and communicating confidence in tanzanite’s integrity and gaining stakeholder co-operation in the formalization of an ethical, dynamic tanzanite industry that all stakeholders are proud to be a part of…The Tanzanite Foundation strives to uphold an ethical route to market in accordance with the Tanzanite Tucson Protocols, and invests in meaningful and sustainable “upliftment” projects developed in harmony with indigenous communities in Tanzania.”

Says Gabriella Endlin, operational manager of the Tanzanite Foundation, the organization is “Committed to making a real difference to the lives of communities at tanzanite’s source by contributing to social and economic “upliftment” projects. Our organization empowers indigenous communities to improve their way of life. This principle is based on the belief that through stimulating demand for tanzanite, sustaining the industry’s economic viability and, most importantly, channeling revenues back up the value chain to the source, both Tanzanian communities and the country’s economy will derive significant benefit.”
To do so, Tanzanite Foundation members commit to operate in accordance with legal and ethical employment practices and adhere to strict safety standards across the board. In addition, the Foundation has developed the Small Mines Assistance Program (SMAP), which aims to build relations with small mines in the area by facilitating the transfer of geological, mining and safety guidance as well as providing crisis management assistance.
The Foundation offers a wide-range of programs to help the various communities in the mining area. “The Foundation has made significant investment into grassroots infrastructure programs, creating an environment in which communities can grow and develop in a self-sustaining manner,” says Endlin. “The Maasai people continue to practice their ancient rituals and ceremonies, even in the face of adversities such as drought and flood. For these tall, proud, nomadic people, cattle are sacred, and they work hard to protect them.” To assist them in this task, the Foundation has been providing water to approximately 2,000 villagers and 4,500 heads of cattle daily.
Furthermore, the Foundation has refurbished and expanded the Nasinyai Primary School, which is located in the village adjacent to the tanzanite mining area and educates 420 children. With the help of the Tanzanite Foundation, a secondary school and staff accommodation facilities have been constructed.
Another project in which the Foundation has been involved is the renovation and installation of electricity in a rural medi-clinic, which it continues to support. The organization has also constructed a community centre for the residents of Nasinyai, which is used for social gatherings, community congregations and church meetings for local inhabitants.
The Tanzanite Foundation is also active in environmental activities. It is “committed to the protection and rehabilitation of the mining area environment, initiating the clearing and recycling of scrap materials and debris discarded by previous miners, and encouraging wildlife and prolific birdlife back into the area,” says Endlin.
According to Endlin, the discovery of tanzanite has not really affected the lives of the Maasai people, nor will they be particularly affected when supply of the precious stone runs out – currently estimated to happen in the next 15 years. “The nomadic people focus primarily on the wellbeing of their livestock,” she says. “Tanzanite has in part enhanced their lives, but not necessarily changed [them]. In fact, they are not especially involved in the sourcing of tanzanite as Maasai men prefer not to go underground into the mines; rather they participate in the buying and selling of the stone.” Local Tanzanians though do not share this dislike of the underground and are very involved in the mining process. Tanzanian women, as well as some Maasai women, are involved in the support of the mining operations by making bags and ropes that are used to bring the rough material from the mine up to the surface.
Regarding future social projects, the Tanzanite Foundation already has a list of activities that they hope to initiate. “Our aim is to work with third parties to invest in different projects, such as the school,” says Endlin. “More recently, we are working with one of our manufacturer members on developing an eye-testing program for the locals in the mining region.
Another project involves the jeweler, Stephen Webster, who has worked extensively to produce one-of-a-kind tanzanite jewelry pieces, of which a percentage of proceeds goes towards various “upliftment” projects. Webster has also donated a sum of money to the secondary school, which will fund new beds for the students.
In addition, the Foundation is also researching the possibility of installing “Play Pumps” in the area in which they operate. These are water pumps that are attached to the children’s playgrounds equipment, which will serve to entertain the local children and at the same time pump water to the villages adjacent to the tanzanite mining area.
Source: IDEX Magazine SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2007, ISSUE NUMBER 2009
Tags: Gem Stone King, Gemstone, jewelry, Tanzanite Posted in Ask Stephanie | No Comments »
February 22nd, 2008
A mixture of titanium and stainless steel pieces inlaid with royal colored gemstones like gold , diamonds, rubies and sapphires sounds like a collection fit for a king. Yet by using titanium and stainless steel, the price tags are as low as you can go for jewelry this gorgeous. Nothing reaches the $300 marker.
Both stainless steel and titanium are highly resistant to rust and corrosion making them perfect for the working man. They are also classic metals that will stand the test of time. The choice of stone embedded in these lustrous gray metals is also very traditional so that each piece has a tasteful yet distinctive voice.
Whether you go with a titanium bracelet, ring, stainless steel dog tags, or titanium and diamond cuff links, the Titanium and Stainless Steel Collection will be masculine enough even for the most manly of men. This collection will surely make him feel like the King he is.

Posted in Men's Jewelry | No Comments »
January 17th, 2008
Ah, it’s that time of year again – your annual anniversary has rolled around and you’re clueless as to what to get your mate. Believe us, you aren’t the only inept ones among us.
Conversely, for those of us that are clue in, we know that each anniversary is accompanied by a specified stone and/or metal which tells us just what we should and what we should not buy (just yet anyway) for our significant other. The stones start off slow, with traditional gold jewelry for the 1st anniversary and pick up the pace the higher your numbers get. Following this simple guide year by year will allow you to seek out just what your mate deserves after all of these years and what may be a bit too over the top for your 1st anniversary together!
Please note the first listed is the accepted anniversary stone while the following styles are simply alternates.
1st Anniversary: Gold or Peridot

2nd Anniversary: Garnet

Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: anniversary, celebration, diamond, gift, jewelry, present Posted in Ask Stephanie, Diamonds | No Comments »
January 11th, 2008
Colored stones – pink, blue, canary, black and red among others – can certainly suit any gem lovers fancy. You can choose a stone that aligns with your personality. You might also seek its energy properties for good fortune or peace mind. You may simply want one that is your favorite hue.
Regardless of your reasons why, a Colorful Masterpiece can certainly do wonders in making our world a more beautiful, sparkling place.
  
Posted in Diamonds | 2 Comments »
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