With the return of The Great Gatsby, which is in theatres now, we’re reminded of the Roaring Twenties, a time of prosperity in the United States. Skyscrapers sprung up in major cities, jazz rang out from speakeasies and Charles Lindbergh made the first non-stop transatlantic flight. It was a decade known for automobiles, radios, telephones, skyscrapers, and flappers. (more…)
Part 1 – An Industry without Standards or Formal Education
Though diamonds and other gemstones have been collected and coveted for many centuries, it has taken almost as long for diamond cutters and jewelers to learn how to reveal a gemstone’s inner beauty.
As early as the 1300s, European stone cutters were changing crystals by polishing their faces so that no natural irregularities of the original crystal remained. While this type of polishing and cutting did allow light to reflect off the outer surface, the fire and brilliance remained hidden inside. Small changes introduced over the next few centuries made diamonds more interesting, but still hid the potential of diamonds to return light as we know it today. (more…)
Diamonds can be a symbol of wealth and power. While those purchased and worn by most consumers are more modest, many are sent to GIA to be graded on the 4Cs of diamond quality; Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat. Including a stunning 120ct blue diamond that was recently cut to improve the beauty and value of the stone.
Learn how GIA was involved with this remarkable diamond.
Synthetic diamonds are grown in a laboratory and have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds formed millions of years ago. In the last 30 years, gem quality synthetic diamonds have been grown in Japan, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Synthetic diamonds are generally produced using either High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). (more…)
The engagement ring’s romantic traditions resonate through time. The Romans first introduced the betrothal ring as a plain, iron hoop. Among the gentry, the iron ring was worn while indoors and replaced with the more valuable gold band when outdoors. As early as the 4th century AD, inscriptions, elaborate or as simple as “honey,” embellished the inside of the band. (more…)
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