A classic diamond solitaire

Trey wrote the following email to us:

As for how I asked Megan to marry me, I wanted to do something special.  A buddy of mine has a friend who works with the Caps and could get my proposal up on the jumbotron.  I was leaning towards this...however...a couple evenings after hearing this could be a possibility, Megan and I were at dinner and she told me that she did NOT want to be proposed to via jumbotron.  So that idea went down.

My next idea was to incorporate some of what we had experienced up to that point in our relationship.  I would tell Megan how she was my puzzle piece (which she is).  She and I both have some ability with languages.  And I asked her to marry me multiple times, leading up to the official asking.

The place that I asked her the first time and the third time was Rustico, a fun place with great beer and food.  The first time I asked her, I asked her really to see what her response would be...almost messing with her.  She came back at me with a defiant yes...almost as if she was ready for me to ask her and wanted to see how I would handle her yes.  I was surprised, to say the least.  And impressed.

The third time I asked her was at the OctoberFest that Rustico put on and again Megan was somewhat defiant.  She said that I had YET to ask her while on my knees.  Now while we were having this conversation, there were thousands of people around.  There was barely enough room to turn around, much less for me to get down on my knees.  However, when she made this pronouncement, providentially space behind me opened up, enough for me to get down on my knees and plead, "Megan, would you make me amazingly happy and agree to marry me?"  (Or something to that effect.)  Again she said yes and begged me to get up off the ground.

Because of the history we had with Rustico, I wanted to ask her for the final (I continued to ask her after that, and continue to do so) time.  The week I decided to ask Megan, I sent her flowers with a note asking her to be my puzzle piece.  I went online and printed out a jigsaw puzzle.  I wrote on it, "My Darling.  I love you.  Will you be my puzzle piece?" in Gaelic, French, and English.  I cut out the puzzle pieces, putting aside the pieces that had the English on them.

Megan and I were getting together for dinner, but she was held up and by the time we got together, the kitchen at Rustico was closed.  The bartender suggested that we go to Vermillion's, which we did.  As we drove there, we talked about how Megan would like me to ask her to be my bride.  (At this point I wasn't sure I was going to ask her on this night, even though I had the ring and the puzzle pieces.)

We sat at one of the bar tables.  As we talked, I tried to decide when would be the right time to ask her...when she said something (I don't remember what it was.  It may have even just been a look she gave me.) that touched me and I decided that now was the time!  I pulled out the envelope in which I had put the Gaelic and French puzzle pieces and handed it to Megan.  She opened it and we started to put the puzzle together.  I'm sure she knew where this was going.  I pulled out the last two pieces with the English on them, put them in their places, and then I put the ring box down on them.  I totally expected her to pick up the box, but she didn't.  So I opened it.  I then totally expected her to pick up the ring, but she didn't.  So I pulled it out of the box, took her hand, held the ring up to her and asked her to marry me.

I don't remember what I said or how I said it...and neither does Megan.  She said yes, I put it on her, and the bartender gave us a bottle of champagne to celebrate!

Rings are such a symbolic part of a marriage and we are thrilled that we play a small part in each of our customers' lives. We love hearing stories from our couples & hope to hear many more! Thank you again Trey & Megan for sharing your story, we can't wait for a first anniverary to see how you celebrate! 

127.01ct Portuguese Diamond has Very Strong Blue Fluorescence

The definition of fluorescence is emission of visible light by a material when it's exposed to ultraviolet radiation. This doesn't seem to mean much and at the same time makes you want to say "Well, duh..." but, what happens to a white tshirt under a black light is similar to what happens to a fluorescent diamond. Now do I have your attention? 

Many diamonds emit fluorescence when they're exposed to UV radiation, which is invisible to the naked eye though it's everywhere, in sunlight and fluorescent lights. Because of this UV radiation a diamond (if fluorescent) will react in those situations. About 35% of gem quality diamond exhibit fluorescence. Diamonds can fluoresce in almost any color but most commonly they do so in varying strengths of blue. A diamond with very strong fluorescence can tend to appear oily, even outside of UV radiation.

Historically, people thought fluorescence affected diamond color and therefore price; this still carries over into today's market. Fluorescent diamonds in the D-H color range may appear more blue, the opposite is true for fluorescent diamonds in the I-N range; their 'blueness' cancels out some of their yellow coloring and therefore they look 'more colorless'. This perception has an affect on the pricing and marketability of diamonds, both with and without fluorescence. 

Fluorescence Scale from GIA

As a retailer we do our best to keep fluorescence out of our loose diamonds. Though we don't want to hate on fluorescence, we do have to take into account our consumer and their best interests. If in the future you decide to sell or upgrade your diamond, the salability of your diamond may be hindered due to the blue glow it gives off in the bar or club. Most of the diamonds we sell will have None or Faint as their fluorescent grade. In some cases when the diamond is already discounted, or has other desirable factors (very large size being the main factor), and we don't feel that fluorescence negatively affects the diamond, we will sell it or keep it in our inventory.  

A last tidbit about fluorescence is that it goes away once the light source has been removed. There are rareFluorescence & Phosphorescence in the Hope Diamond diamonds that will continue to glow after the light source is removed, this is called phosphorescence, and doesn't affect the diamond color. A rather famous and local diamond will phosphoresce red, and the diamond itself is blue; the Hope Diamond is quite patriotic, who knew?!

Hopefully we haven't overwhelmed you with this diamond stuff, but we truly believe the more information you have as a consumer, the better shape you're in. Please don't hesitate to email or call us with any questions!  

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.  ~Washington Irving

More than 70 countries dedicate a day just to Mothers and we think that's fabulous. The celebration dates back many, many years to the Egyptians and their goddess Isis. Since then the reverence has changed from a spiritual polytheistic "holiday" to a secular one as we celebrate more literally, giving thanks for our own moms. 

We hope that you at least give her some flowers, maybe a bottle of wine, or even better some jewelry! Pearls are a great way to show Mom you love her!

All women become like their mothers.  That is their tragedy.  No man does.  That's his.  ~Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895

Again, we found our inspiration through Cynthia Sliwa from JCK Online & fell in love with the Harper's Bazaar image of Miranda Kerr. Her look is entirely inspired by the 1950's from her hair to her dainty Hamilton watch. Though the earrings in her photo don't steal the attention they convey the general sense that the ladylike fashions of a few decades past are back.

Below are our two favorite pairs of earrings from Kate Spade. We chose these for their whimsy (leopard print!) and feminine styling.

Putting On The Ritz

Classic styles like these stud earrings are always in fashion & always easy to wear. The cluster earrings will jazz up a dress for a night out on the town so you don't have to worry about losing your best diamond studs while you're out in Adams Morgan (sadly, it does happen now and again...). They are available in a white metal as well, in case you haven't jumped on the yellow gold bandwagon.

Show Your SpotsThe leopard studs are great as it can add a bit of flair to an otherwise ordinary outfit. There's no need to go out and buy a pair of animal printed pants when these cute studs will do the trick! 

Another go to place for these styles of earrings would be Stella & Dot or even Nordstrom (think Dogeared or Juicy Couture) for something trendy and on point but budget friendly. Maybe one day we'll have an excellent reason to create a gorgeous pair of diamond cluster studs!  

Gemologist is 3 years old & comes from a long line of strong horses with even better names. His mother is Crystal Shard & his grandfather was Mr. Prospector, and his great grandmother (Mr. Prospector's mom) was Gold Digger. We think he's been in the industry longer than some of the most famous jewelers out there! 

Gemologist with his Jockey Javier Castellano

Many members of the jewelry industry are rooting for Gemologist, an article from JCK quoted the following:

“A gemologist must know the difference between real and fake stones," says Benn B. Davis, owner of Seng Jewelers in Louisville, Ky. "If the horse is the real thing, he’ll win the race.”

Says Gemological Institute of America spokesman Stephen Morisseau: "We hope he makes his namesake proud and brings home the Derby title. And maybe next year, an extra-lucky horse will be named Graduate Gemologist."

Since we'll be busy showing diamonds we'll have to celebrate with mint juleps later but we wish Javier Castellano & Gemologist all the best luck! Be sure to check out the Derby Experience (the traditions too) so you can celebrate in style too! If you attend a Derby party please send us your pictures & be sure to showcase your best jewels too! 

We've pulled a page from Allure & a Valentino ad to showcase the long and sparkly styles for you (we have to thank Cynthia Sliwa and her keen eye for the magazine clippings!). The earrings in both clippings are a little extravagant and may not be suitable for every day wear, at least on Capitol Hill...

Both pages emphasize that dangly earrings are versatile for your cocktail gown or your sundress. The Allure article features a lady with a strapless satin looking dress and a bold lipstick, ready for an evening out. The earrings on that page feature lots of rhinestones & sparkle, adding to the glamorous effect. Valentino shows the dangles with trendy Ray-Banesque sunglasses to point out the day time wearability.

For our take on the trend we have two pairs of dangles to show you! Both are available in white, rose or yellow gold, in case you want to jump back on the gold bandwagon! Yellow gold is back in fashion and rose, or pink, gold is finding a niche in the fashion world too. Rose is an opportunist of a metal, it looks great on every skin tone & is often an unexpected accessory. It can be seen in many fashion watches, such as Michael Kors and even on hardware for wallets & purses. We chose a 'waterfall' pair and a 'threader' pair of earrings; they are a bit more D.C. friendly than some of the chunky rhinestones shown above, these earrings will keep you on trend, last you years to come, and are an affordable little luxury! Rose Gold Waterfall DanglesYellow Gold Threader EarringsWe'll talk about the button style earrings next week! We've also got a proposal story planned too. We hope everyone has a fantastic Derby weekend & Happy Cinco de Mayo! 

A brief history lesson:

Emeralds are fascinating gemstones, they are part of the Beryl family and are related to Aquamarine andChannel Set Emerald Eternity Band Morganite, though Emerald is the most commonly treasured member of the family. They have the most beautiful, most intense and most radiant green that can possibly be imagined: emerald green. Inclusions are tolerated. In top quality, fine emeralds are even more valuable than diamonds.

The name emerald comes from the Greek 'smaragdos' via the Old French 'esmeralde', and really just means 'green gemstone'. Innumerable fantastic stories have grown up around this magnificent gem.

The Incas and Aztecs of South America, where the best emeralds are still found today, regarded the emerald as a holy gemstone.

Probably the oldest known finds were once made near the Red Sea in Egypt. Having said that, these gemstone mines, already exploited by Egyptian pharaohs between 3000 and 1500 B.C. and later referred to as 'Cleopatra's Mines', had already been exhausted by the time they were rediscovered in the early 19th century.

Written many centuries ago, the Vedas, the holy scriptures of the Indians, say of the precious green gems and their healing properties: 'Emeralds promise good luck ...'; and 'The emerald enhances the well-being ...'. So it was no wonder that the treasure chests of Indian maharajas and maharanis contained wonderful emeralds.

The green of the emerald is the colour of life and of the springtime, which comes round again and again. But it has also, for centuries, been the colour of beauty and of constant love.

In ancient Rome, green was the colour of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. And today, this colour still occupies a special position in many cultures and religions. Green, for example, is the holy colour of Islam.

Many of the states of the Arab League have green in their flags as a symbol of the unity of their faith. Yet this colour has a high status in the Catholic Church too, where green is regarded as the most natural and the most elemental of the liturgical colours.

The magnificent green of the emerald is a colour which conveys harmony, love of Nature and elemental joie de vivre.

Emerald & Diamond PendantThe human eye can never see enough of this unique colour. Pliny commented that green gladdened the eye without tiring it. Green is perceived as fresh and vivid, never as monotonous. And in view of the fact that this colour always changes somewhat between the bright light of day and the artificial light of a lamp, emerald green retains its lively vigour in all its nuances.

Be sure to check out our Facebook page for a special present this month! We also have created an Pinterest board just for the month, though it includes other gorgeous green hues! For more information on Emerald check out GIA's Blog and brush on your gemological information. Hopefully you all have a wonderful month, keep an eye out for a post on neon trends and long earrings this week.

While searching for some pictures yesterday we found a William & Catherine Royal Wedding Gift set, this couple makes Barbie & Ken look a bit shabby! The detail on both of their wedding day attire is impeccable &truly is a keepsake. Fortunately they didn't make a Pippa Barbie to steal the show! The couple's likeness is no longer available, but there's probably an overpriced set on Ebay, if you need one for yourself.Will & Kate Barbie Dolls 

Below are our favorite pictures of the couple from their past year in the limelight. All three photos show a couple who's truly in love.Royal Wedding Portrait

The Duke & Duchess at a Wedding

Will & Kate with Lupo 

One of our favorite rings in the store is royally inspired, though it's been a staple since Princess Di received the famous sapphire & diamond ring more than 30 years ago! We have platinum and yellow gold versions to suit everyone's taste.

18kyg & Platinum Princess Di Ring     

Sapphire & Diamond Stud Earrings 

How To Avoid The Diamond Buying Blues

There are many ways that diamond jewelry can be misrepresented to consumers and we want to help you avoid a costly mistake.  Misrepresenting diamond quality, size, and value is a persistent problem in jewelry stores large and small, nationwide and locally.  So get educated and you won’t be fooled.

1.        BEWARE OF CARAT TOTAL WEIGHT:   Jewelry tags will usually list the carat total weight of a piece of jewelry.  The carat total weight is the sum of the weight of the center diamond as well as any additional side diamonds or accent diamonds in the ring or jewelry piece.  You want to know the carat weight of the center stone itself, as well as the carat total weight.  To be able to compare prices with other diamonds, you will need to know the weight of the center diamond, excluding all other side stones.  Don’t be tricked into believing the center diamond is as big as the listed total carat weight, unless it is the only diamond or gemstone in the jewelry item. 

How to solve this problem:  Ask the jeweler for the quality and weight of the center diamond.  Make sure to get this in writing or ask for a copy of the center diamond’s GIA or AGS certificate if it is a certified diamond.  If the jeweler will not give you this information, then find another store.

2.        BEWARE OF HUGE SALES:  Jewelry stores will often advertise huge sale prices up to 50% off the regular or suggested retail price.  Chances are the sale is too good to be true and these stores have significantly marked up the piece of jewelry beyond its market price, only to mark it back down at a rate that seems to the consumer to be significant savings.  You may believe you are being offered a great price, but don’t believe the hype.  Comparison shop, because it may very well turn out that other stores are offering similar or better prices without presenting a huge sale promotion.  Diamond sales promotions of this nature are quite common.

How to solve this problem:  Be very wary of huge sales promotions.  Not only are the prices likely to be overly inflated in the first place, but you may also fall victim to the buzz and excitement of the sale and make an impulsive purchase you may regret.  If you do shop at a store running a huge sales promotion, either comparison shop before making the final purchase, or make sure you have a return policy in writing.  Also, jewelry stores that are willing to mislead you with their pricing may also be willing to misrepresent other aspects of diamond quality and value.

3.       BEWARE OF DECEPTIVE LIGHTING IN JEWELRY STORES:  Some jewelry stores use lighting methods to make their diamonds appear to be of a higher quality.  For example, light bulbs that include some blue spectrum light can make low color diamonds with more yellow tones appear whiter, thus making their diamonds seem to be higher quality and more valuable.  Sometimes, a store that is too dark can make it hard to see flaws or distinguish between diamonds that are very well cut from those that are poorly cut.  Another lighting issue is too much light, or too many lights.  The more points of light shining on a diamond the more dazzling it will appear.  It is difficult to determine whether or not a store’s lighting is just right, or overkill.

How to solve this problem:  Ask to see a diamond in several different lighting conditions.  At our store we show diamonds to our customers in up to four lighting conditions, bright white light, diffused natural light, shadow, and multi-point light so that they can gauge how each diamond will perform in a range of lighting conditions.   Asking to see a diamond’s GIA or AGS laboratory certificate during the sales presentation can also help you verify the proper grade of color you are looking at.

4.        BEWARE OF ROUNDING AND APPROXIMATE CARAT WEIGHT:  It is actually legal for jewelers to round up carat weights from the thousandths place to the hundredths place: .675ct can round up to .68ct, but .674ct rounds down to .67ct.  It is not legal to round up more than that.  So a .70ct diamond should never be presented at a ¾ ct.  A ¾ ct should be at least .75ct or larger to be properly represented.  Some jewelers also use a prototype piece on their website that lists an approximate carat weight, but may vary slightly in total carat weight with each production of the piece.  Usually the variation is not that significant and they are required to list the minimum total carat weight for any given version of the item.  Still, to best compare prices between jewelry stores, it is important to know the exact total carat weight or the minimum total carat weight for a jewelry item.

How to solve this problem:  Ask the salesperson to give you the exact carat weight of the diamond or the exact total carat weight of the jewelry piece you are interested in.  If they don’t know, ask them to find out and put it in writing on the sales invoice.

5.        BEWARE OF ABSURD APPRAISED VALUES:  A jewelry appraisal is intended primarily to establish the quality aspects of an unknown jewelry item or to establish the replacement value of a known quality jewelry item.  Appraisals are needed to establish insurance coverage for most valuable diamond jewelry.  Your insurance company will likely require an appraisal and may require that it is created by a certified Graduate Gemologist or some comparable certification.  If the store you buy jewelry from offers to provide you with a free appraisal, then this can be a nice additional benefit, but be wary of absurd appraised values and never let the salesperson convince you that your diamond or diamond jewelry is worth far more than you paid for it just because he or she promises it will appraise at a certain amount.  The appraised value should not be overly inflated; otherwise you will be paying too much for your insurance premiums.  The appraised value should be modestly inflated above the retail replacement value to protect you against short term price inflation.  An appraisal should not be construed as the market value of the jewelry item or an amount that the item is worth.  Do not be convinced to buy any diamond or jewelry item, because of any promise about the appraised value of the jewelry.

How to solve this problem:  Get an independent appraisal by a certified graduate gemologist.
Tahitian Pearl Strand
6.        BEWARE OF BUYING MOUNTED DIAMONDS:   Some jewelers sell center diamonds loose while others sell them already in a ring or pendant setting.  If a diamond is already mounted it can be harder to gauge color, size relative to its carat weight, and also clarity.  It is much easier to compare loose diamonds.  Sometimes, if there are flaws near the edge or girdle of the diamond that are visible to the naked eye or only visible with a loupe, the jeweler may set the diamond with a prong or bezel covering the flaw.  This may make the diamond appear of a higher quality when inspected, even when using a loupe.  Also, if two diamonds have the same exact carat weight, it is still possible that one is cut deep making it look smaller for its respective weight.  It is harder to gauge this difference when the diamonds are not side by side on a diamond tray.  

How to solve this problem:  Shop for loose diamonds.  This is the proper way to examine a diamond.  It is fast and relatively easy for an experienced jeweler to set a loose diamond into the setting you desire.  Buying loose diamonds will not significantly delay your purchase of the ring or jewelry item, but it will ensure you have made an informed diamond selection.  

7.        BEWARE OF FAKE OR ALTERED LAB CERTIFICATES:  Tampering with laboratory certificates is a fraudulent practice.  The best laboratories use laminated certificates and other security features to ensure authenticity and tamper resistance.  Reputable gem labs such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and AGS (American Gemological Society) apply some of the most advanced security methods, including the ability to match a certificate number on a report with an electronic database to verify quality aspects and prevent jeweler tampering.  

How to solve this problem:  Check to make sure the lamination on your certificate has not been altered.  Also, ask to have the diamond weighed if it is a loose diamond and also ask to see the laser inscription, if the diamond has one.  You can also request a copy of the GIA or AGS laboratory certificate prior to purchasing the diamond and use the electronic databases to verify the authenticity of the information on the certificate using the certificate number. 

8.        BEWARE OF MAKING A DEPOSIT THAT IS NOT REFUNDABLE:  Some jewelry stores will encourage you to put down a deposit on a diamond so that you can take it for an appraisal or prevent the diamond from being sold to another customer while you consider finalizing your purchase.  This is fine, but make sure that your deposit is fully refundable.  Occasionally, disreputable jewelry stores have used this deceptive practice to keep your money or force you into finalizing your purchase or receiving a store credit for a future purchase.

How to solve this problem:  Do not put down a deposit on a diamond unless you know for a fact that deposit is refundable.  Ask for the terms of the deposit in writing and make sure the terms state that the deposit is fully refundable.  Also, ask for a copy of the GIA or AGS laboratory certificate before taking the diamond for an independent appraisal.

9.    BEWARE OF INFLATED LIST PRICES:  Overstating the list price of a diamond or jewelry item is a common practice among many retailers.  They will list a “compare to” price or “suggested retail price” next to their price.  Their price may seem significantly lower than the list price; however, the list price may have been grossly exaggerated or inflated.  You will want to know what that suggested retail price or compare to price is based upon.  Who is charging the price that they are comparing their price to?
 
How to solve this problem:   The best method of price comparison is to compare the final sales price with all fees and taxes included.  This will give you a more accurate view of market prices.  Plus, ignore the comparison information or ask the salesperson how they arrived at that suggested retail price or compare to price.  Find out who they claim is charging such a price and then go see if that is the case.Sapphire & Diamond Ring

10.    BEWARE OF MAKING AN IMPULSIVE DIAMOND PURCHASE:  It can be very tempting to purchase fine jewelry and diamonds on cruise ships, at tourist ports, or on any vacation.  Usually the romance of traveling, differences in currency value, and a tendency to go on a spending spree all put you at risk of making a hasty and regrettable diamond purchase.  Some countries do not have consumer protection laws to protect you, against fake simulant diamonds, or misrepresentation of diamond quality.  Even if they do, trying to return your purchase or suing over a fraudulent transaction is going to be costly and complicated in another country.

How to solve this problem:  Do not buy diamonds outside of the United States or while on a vacation!  Expensive and high quality jewelry and diamonds should be purchased with ample time for reflection and price comparison.  If you desperately want some jewelry item to commemorate your trip, then buy in a price range that is not a major purchase for your budget so that if something turns out too good to be true, then you can live with the mistake.

11.    BEWARE OF TREATED DIAMONDS:  Some jewelers will use treatments to enhance the apparent color or clarity of a natural diamond.  There are so many different treatments that have historically been used that it is too difficult to list and explain them all.  What you should beware of is any treatment, especially laser drilling to improve clarity by dissolving some inclusions in the diamond and color enhancement by either color coating or painting diamonds to reduce the yellowness of a lower color stone.  Some treatments are temporary and others are permanent.  Still, if you want true quality and value, then you want a natural diamond that has not been treated in any way.  Reputable laboratories will either refuse to certify diamonds that have certain treatments or will clearly describe the kind of treatment in the notes section of the laboratory report.

How to solve this problem:  First, buy only GIA or AGS laboratory certified diamonds.  Second ask the salesperson if the diamond has been treated and ask to see the laboratory certificate.

12.   BEWARE OF BAIT-AND-SWITCH TACTICS:    Bait-and-switch is a deceptive advertising tactic, in which a store advertises an amazing deal on a diamond or jewelry item (perhaps even at or below cost), but only stocks one or a small few so that when you get to the store the diamond or jewelry item is already sold.  Since you are there, they will attempt to sell you something else.  In essence, the store baits you into showing up with a deal that is perhaps too good to be true and then switches to selling you another item at a higher price or a lower value.  This is a practice that has been made illegal by the Federal Trade Commission, but it is a difficult practice to monitor and ones only recourse is to sue for damages.  Also, stocking a limited quantity that is legitimately sold at the advertised price and then runs out is not a violation of this consumer protection law.

How to solve this problem:  If the piece of jewelry that was advertised is sold out, do not settle for anything else, or at least don’t buy the alternative option until you have had a chance to comparison shop.  Also ask the salesperson about the promotion and find out how many they had in stock and how quickly they sold out.  Their answer to this question may tip you off to their methods and indicate if they are being deceptive of not.  If you suspect they are trying to manipulate you, then do not purchase from that jewelry store.

Lyria Leaves Wedding Band 

You've graduated from Diamond 101 College! Please don't hesitate to let us know if you have questions about something you've seen on the site or about the products we carry. We only carry natural untreated diamonds graded by GIA or AGS, so you can always be sure of what you're looking at. Our goal is that every diamond purchase is a happy one with for all the parties involved, which is why we want you to beware of what other stores may attempt.  For further information on jewelry guidelines you are able to look into the FTC regulations, which are available online.  Now go dazzle your significant other with all you've learned & give us a call!