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The 4Cs – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight – describe a diamond’s appearance, define its quality, and greatly influence a diamond’s value. But did you know that before GIA established the 4Cs in the 1940s, there was no agreed-upon system by which diamond quality could be communicated?
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The world eagerly awaits news of the arrival of the newest British Royal, due to be born any day. The royal couple’s child will officially be known as His or Her Royal Highness Prince or Princess of Cambridge, a title fitting for a child that will likely inherit the throne, and along with it, the right to wear the British Crown Jewels. GIA has highlighted a few of the spectacular jewels, which are mostly kept secured at the Tower of London.
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When the 57th President of the U.S. was sworn in on January 21st, many looked to First Lady Michelle Obama to set the stage for American fashion trends in 2013. The First Lady did not disappoint when she appeared at the inaugural ball in geode shaped diamond earrings and bangles by American designer Kimberly MacDonald.
Read More >>Some of the brightest stars in Hollywood will step onto the red carpet donning their most showstopping jewelry for the 85th Academy Awards. From Natalie Wood to Natalie Portman, movie stars have captivated audiences with their bling during awards season for decades. As we anticipate this Sunday’s glamour, join us for a look back at noteworthy jewelry pieces in Oscar history:
Read 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.
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