November 29th, 2007 by Playground Admin
From China.org - A senior official yesterday called for intensified efforts to further develop the diamond industry in China, the world’s fifth largest consumer of the precious stone. “Under the current favorable tax policy, it is time to take the diamond industry to a new level,” Ma Xiuhong, vice-minister of commerce, said at the 2007 […]
November 29th, 2007 by Playground Admin
From stuff.com - Diamonds are usually a girl’s best friend. But when they are worth $250,000 and have been illegally smuggled into the country, they become an art auctioneer’s best friend. The dazzling contents of a diamond-smuggling ring - busted by customs officers checking mail - will go under the hammer next Wednesday at Webb’s […]
November 28th, 2007 by Playground Admin
DJGA - This new called “diamond-tini” is garnished with a 1.06-carat sparkler and a registered price tag of $15,000, according to Reuters reports.
Guests at the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo can now order a cocktail that is made from this item. Bernard Viola, the hotel’s manager told the Reuters News service. “It’s a timeless drink and […]
November 28th, 2007 by Playground Admin
From AllAfrica - The United Nations General Assembly Monday in New York highlighted the role played by Angola as chair of the Work Team on Artisan Production of Alluvion Diamonds, under the Kimberly Process. This is contained in a resolution unanimously adopted as part of the analysis of the General Assembly’s agenda on the role […]
November 27th, 2007 by Playground Admin
Brian Gavin, executive vice president of whiteflash.com, a Houston-based boutique online jewelry store, said, ‘It’s crazy here today.’ There was a huge jump in sales on Monday, he said: ‘I’m guessing 26 to 30 percent increase compared to last week.’
From the Houston Chronicle - Contrary to myth, Cyber Monday is typically not the busiest day […]
November 27th, 2007 by Playground Admin
From Bloomberg - For today’s brides, diamonds are still forever; they’re just not always round anymore. In the $6 billion market for diamond engagement rings, square-cut designs, notably worn by actresses Ashley Judd, Brooke Shields and Reese Witherspoon, are booming in popularity. Witherspoon sported an Asscher square-cut stone, distinguished by long, slender facets and beveled […]
November 27th, 2007 by Playground Admin
This joins my list of iPods, dog mp3 players, hearing aids and other items that are not practically enhanced, but are certainly conversation starters… If you need this kind of conversation starter are you wonderfully boring or wonderfully wealthy? Both? :) Adding new meaning to million-dollar smile… Kiss me darling.
From Luxist.com - Finding the right […]
November 27th, 2007 by Playground Admin
Would you like a white Mercedes covered in Swarovski crystals for only $350,000? Or a set of diamond-studded hubcaps for $1,000,000 (you also get the $250,000 Bentley Coupe and round-the-clock security guard that goes with them!)? WOW.
Excerpt from the Moscow Times - …Standing in a beige ball gown, Lidia Pozdnyakova posed demurely next to a […]
November 26th, 2007 by Lesley
From News.com.au - THE DUCHESS of Cornwall has out-dazzled the Queen in one of the most opulent royal necklaces ever seen. Its five strands of diamonds covered her decolletage and made the Queen’s jewels look quite modest as they attended the Queen’s banquet for the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Kampala, Uganda, on Friday. But […]
November 26th, 2007 by Playground Admin
We offer the very best prices for the level of consumer protection we insist on. It is a question of products, services and support:
Products. Diamonds that share a certain class & category are not necessarily equal. Even those listed with identical specs may be dramatically different. For example, a store will sell two 1ct GIA-graded F SI1 EX […]
November 26th, 2007 by Playground Admin
From Rapaport - The Kimberley Process has given its website a makeover aimed at improving efficiencies and communication between participating countries. “The previous site had grown to be out dated and was not managed properly,” said a KP official. “We saw this as an important contribution the European Commission (EC) made to the KP during […]
November 23rd, 2007 by Playground Admin
My client Jaie was so sweet. He picked such a beautiful diamond and setting. Here is his story…
Wendy was sorta expecting a proposal soon, so I had to work fast. I decided that it would be best to do it just before my birthday or around it, so that I could use that as an excuse […]
November 23rd, 2007 by Bob
From AFP - The world’s biggest diamond company De Beers said Thursday it was selling its historic Cullinan Diamond Mine in South Africa, where the largest ever diamond was found. It said it was selling the mine for one billion rand (147 million US dollars, 99 million euros). The sale of the mine, based 40 […]
November 23rd, 2007 by Playground Admin
From JCK - Gitanjali Group Ltd. India’s largest integrated diamond and jewelry manufacturer and retailer, acquired Rogers Jewelers, one of the oldest family run jewelry chains in the U.S. Gitanjali Gems has acquired a 100 percent stake in the specialty retailer, which operates 46 stores spread across 11 states in the U.S. with current revenues […]
November 23rd, 2007 by James
James - My fiance Robert proposed to me last Thursday, presenting me with the most beautiful diamond ring from Whiteflash.com. I would like you to know just how thrilled I was with the ring as it is absolutely stunning and the perfect fit. Robby and I attended a friend’s wedding over the weekend where I […]
November 20th, 2007 by Judi
I scored 8 (not too good). How is your Turkey/History knowledge?
http://home.aristotle.net/Thanksgiving/trivia.asp
And for some funny Turkey Tales: “Every year, Butterball hosts a hotline that fields about 100,000 calls each Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some of those calls have been publicly disclosed because they’re just so funny. There have been documented calls from first-time turkey bakers who worried […]
November 20th, 2007 by Jamie
They featured this on Good Morning America today. If you’re an avid reader like me… it’s like HEAVEN! I know Celina can fully appreciate this new gadget also. It’s called the Amazon Kindle. The hand held can hold up to 200 books. You basically go and upload the book that you want. You can also […]
November 20th, 2007 by James
James, Just wanted to let you know that we are engaged and are in the full planning stages of the wedding. MJ loves the ring and neither of us can stop looking at it. We’re aiming for the end of March, so we have our work cut out for us. I’ve attached the story of […]
November 20th, 2007 by Sheerah
Sheerah, I love my new diamond pendant and ring! You were right - each piece is absolutely stunning and perfect. Who could’ve guessed that a search for a simple pendant would snowball into me getting an amazing pendant and a significant upgrade on my engagement ring. I really appreciate all you’ve done each time to […]
November 20th, 2007 by Bob
From JCK - Worldwide gold demand for jewelry increased 6 percent in tonnage terms and 16 percent in dollars in the third quarter, according to the World Gold Council. The rise in gold jewelry demand in Asia, the Middle East, and Russia offset declines in the United States and parts of Europe. U.S. gold jewelry […]
November 20th, 2007 by Sheerah
Sheerah - I wanted to mention again what an awesome experience buying from you guys was. Thank you very much for your relaxed and knowledgeable help with all my questions, and please thank David, and the others who helped too for their reliable and friendly service. The quality of the people I spoke with, combined […]
November 20th, 2007 by Playground Admin
From Bloomberg - A rare red diamond, the largest of its type ever to appear at auction, sold for a record at a Christie’s International sale in Geneva yesterday. The fancy purplish-red diamond, weighing 2.26 carats and mounted on a ring, fetched $2.7 million including the buyer’s premium, Christie’s said. That’s $1,180,340 per carat, the […]
November 20th, 2007 by Playground Admin
Here is a collection of thoughts called “The Paradox of our Time.” At first we thoughts these were written by George Carlin, since an email with that attribution came to us. We were corrected by a reader (thank you!) and now realize that our friend George has not actually softened. He has a slightly different take :) […]
November 16th, 2007 by Traci
Here are photos from Stephen and Kerri’s wedding. They are great clients from Canada who have also recommended us to some of their friends. Congratulations Stephen & Kerri.
November 16th, 2007 by Playground Admin
From JCK - Zale Corp. said Monday that it has completed the $200 million sale of its Bailey Banks & Biddle brand to Finlay Fine Jewelry Corp. The Dallas-Based company said it expects to earn $175 million from the sale—excluding taxes, transaction fees, outstanding payables. In addition, the company’s board of directors has approved a […]
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