Give Them Diamonds

Everyone Loves Diamonds…
When they said that diamonds are a girl's best friend, they weren't joking. Women love diamonds for their brilliance and for what they represent, and men like diamonds for the elegance and class associated with the gems. No matter whom you're shopping for, especially if it's yourself, you can't go wrong with diamonds. A diamond watch is a gift that anyone would love to own.

How to Decide Where to Buy and How Much to Spend
If you need to keep the time anyway, why not do it in style? But shopping for diamond watch is never easy. Every jewelry store is competing with all the others, and you hear so many horror stories about this jewelry store and that. You hardly know which store to go to when they all make each other out to be crooks. When every jewelry store advertises that the competition doesn't know what they're doing, who are you supposed to trust? And diamond watches are so expensive, many of the prices found in the jewelry stores are just too much to pay.

A little Internet shopping might be the first thing you'll want to check out, because even if you don't buy you can get some different prices to comparison shop with. In most locations, the Sunday edition of the newspaper is filled with ads for jewelry stores. It is always easier to buy something when it's on sale, and the Sunday sales ads offer great bargains. The colorful displays will give the casual shopper a good idea of what's being offered, also.

The Right Diamonds for You
Diamond lovers talk of clarity, carat, and cut, but in truth the best diamond to buy is the one that you absolutely love. If it sings to you, and you can afford it, then you should take the plunge. What's the point of having something attractive if you don't completely adore it? A quality diamond is the one that looks the best to you. After all, a beautiful diamond watch is an item that can be passed down through generations, and will always be treasured. The right diamond watch to pick is the one that you love, because either way you're going to be stuck with it for a long while yet.

The setting, the stones, the watch itself all must combine in just the right way. When all these different pieces come together to form the perfect whole, you will know it right away. The watch that strikes you the most is the one you'll want to buy. Worrying about the cut and shape of the stones, the perfection and size, is less important than the general appeal and effect of the whole piece.

If you're buying diamonds for someone else, try to put yourself in their shoes. Think about their taste and style in other jewelry that they're worn or purchased, and mimic this as much as possible. In any case, a diamond watch is a gift that anyone will cherish for a lifetime. A beautiful diamond watch will be cherished all the more, and buying someone a gift that they would have picked out for themselves, if they could have, is a gesture that will never be forgotten.

The Gift They'll Always Remember
Large or small, diamonds are always fashionable. A diamond watch is a great gift to give to yourself or someone close to you, and it should last you a lifetime. After all, doesn't everyone love diamonds? Some can afford to buy the very best, and that's always to be encouraged. Others must live on a budget, but that doesn't mean everyone doesn't want to buy elegant things or give precious gifts. Doing a little shopping around will help you determine what kind of watch you can afford to purchase, and at least you'll have done your homework before you venture inside your local jewelry store. Giving someone a beautiful piece that will last them a lifetime is a gesture that won't soon be forgotten, and if you're shopping for yourself then you'll have something you can always cherish. The best purchase you can make is an educated one, so be sure to do plenty of shopping around before you commit. In any case, diamonds are going to be an expensive purchase, but they are considered to be something of an investment. You'll want to spend your money wisely, and come away with something that best suits you. st

Diamond Earrings: Superiority and Endurance

"A diamond is forever," as the old saying goes. The late actress Marilyn Monroe said it best: "a diamond is a girl's best friend." So much tribute has been paid to the everlasting glory of the diamond, which is among the most valuable (and expensive!) precious stones in existence. Is it any wonder then that diamond jewelry is so fashionable? Diamond earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets – many of these are regarded as works of art.

The diamond is the most unadulterated of all the gemstones composed of a single pure element. It is also the hardest transparent substance that exists. It is for this that the diamond stands as a symbol of strength, purity of spirit, and even physical chastity.

Diamond earrings first reached the height of fashion in Europe in the 18th century, just before the Renaissance era. To this day many people, even men, wear diamond earrings as a classy adornment. George Michael and Prince are only two of the many male celebrities who have been known to use diamonds as ear decorations. From time to time, David Beckham of soccer fame sports the odd diamond earring worth around $12,300.

Diamonds emphasize superiority and endurance. Unlike pearls they do not trap light, but reflect them -- projecting not just a glow, but a finely subtle ray of light upon the bearer's features. The light reflected by a diamond earring is often caught in the wearer's eye, hence you might notice a crafty sparkle in the eyes of women who wear finely-cut genuine diamond earrings.

Primarily, a diamond is graded by its 4 C's: the cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. These characteristics are taken into consideration in the crafting of the finest diamond earrings. Take these factors into consideration when picking out diamond jewelry.

Diamond earrings make the best gifts for loved ones who have an eye for quality, and deserve only the best in life. These accessories speak of the wearer's high-class taste and love for things of beauty.

Diamond educations

Is it absolutely clear now?! Can you see it?! How could you possibly determine whether the diamond you are buying is worth for the cost and truly genuine?!
Below are some qualities of diamond which may be helpful for you.

In buying something there are things which you should consider. Whatever those things are of course the first thing you will check is the quality of a product.

How clean a diamond is reflects with its clarity. Whether if it has no blemishes or any insertions whenever it will be observe by the eye or by a magnifier.

To select a good quality when buying a diamond you should be familiar of some terms.

The blemishes which I have mentioned earlier are flaws on the surface of a diamond. If there's any missing piece that is what we call 'CHIP' and any scrape is what we can consider a 'SCRATCH.'

Any crack found is considered as a 'FRACTURE'. Sometimes during polishing stage there are fine lines being left which is called 'POLISHING LINES.' While the 'NATURAL' is the unpolished part.

In polishing a diamond you may encounter an 'EXTRA FACETS' which shouldn't be present. These are excess polished surfaces which messes up the symmetry of a diamond.

'BEARDING' on the other hand are tiny fractures that can be found on the edge of a diamond.

'INCLUSIONS/INSERTIONS' are some imperfection which may be found inside it.

If you happen to find black spots inside the gem it is 'CARBON', while a white spot i s called 'CRYSTAL'. An internal cracking is called 'FEATHER.' Tiny spots called 'PINPOINT' happened to be smaller than a crystal and a group of it is identified to as 'CLOUD' that gives large inclusion.

The instrument used to estimate a diamond is 'LOUPE.' Such instrument must be 10X magnification. The housing surrounding the lens must be black to avoid distorting the color.

Various types of diamonds cut and color

Blue Color Diamond - Blue diamonds are natural semiconductors, in contrast to most other diamonds, which are excellent electrical insulators.

Apple Green Color - Stunning Apple Green Color showcasing exquisite measurements and quality.

Green Color Diamond - Pure green diamonds are very rare since their natural green color comes from exposure to irradiated particles over eons of time.

Canary Yellow Color - The glow of a yellow stone illuminates a woman with an aura, no matter which shade she chooses.

Black Color Diamond - The depths of a natural black diamond are almost hypnotic as light absorption is almost complete and the play of light retained is most unique.

White Color Diamond - The name white was used for centuries to describe apparent color of colorless stones but true white diamonds do have a true milky white inherent color and a translucent milky white apparent color.

Pink Color Diamond - The hot favorites of connoisseurs, pink diamonds are considered the treasure of treasures. Pink has always been associated with femininity, love and grace.

Red Color Diamond - Red Diamonds are the rarest of the fancy color diamonds. In fact, they are so rare in nature that most jewelers have never even seen a natural red diamond.

Champagne Color Diamond - Imagine diamonds the color of champagne bubbles rising up in a crystal glass, or the shade of warm cognac, catching the light at every angle

Knowing how to buy an engagement ring makes the process far simpler.

Before proposing marriage, most men have an idea of how they plan to proceed: a romantic setting, a simple question, and hopefully, a positive response; most have no idea how to buy an engagement ring. They picture the engagement ring: a stunning piece of jewelry that lets her know how much they care and sweeps her off her feet. Where this idealistic fantasy breaks down, however, is that many men don't know that buying an engagement ring
is a far more involved process than going to a jeweler with a hefty wallet. Knowing how to buy an engagement ring makes the process far simpler.



The first step toward buying a qualiity engagement ring is education. All rings look lovely in the store, but by knowing basic quality standards as well as the bride's expectations, you guarantee that the ring you buy is a good deal Once you know how to buy an engagement ring, you can make your purchase with confidence.



Because an engagement ring is both a financial and emotional investment, it is important to know what makes a quality ring. Before visiting a jeweler to buy an engagement ring, learn about the four C's of diamond quality: cut, carat, clarity, and color. Know basic setting and metal choices, as well as different diamond shapes Understand the differences between treated, synthetic, and imitation diamonds
. While this may seem like a lot of information, it prepares you for a successful shopping trip: the jeweler will undoubtedly be showing you many rings in a short time, and they will describe each one with different diamond terminology. By learning that terminology beforehand, you can focus on the purchase without being lost in the mumbo-jumbo.



Even more important than knowing how to judge a quality ring is knowing what means quality to your prospective bride. Most women have definite preferences for diamond shape, metal choice, and general ring appearance. The best way to discover these preferences is to ask, but if you prefer a more subtle approach, spend several hours window shopping before venturing to the jeweler for a serious purchase. It is also possible to ask her close friends and family about her preferences if they can be trusted with the impending secret.



One essential piece of information is the bride's ring size, which can be discovered in several ways. Close friends may know her size – again, if they can keep the secret. If she already wears a variety of rings on her left hand, choose one she wears frequently (it is likely quite comfortable) and try it on your own fingers, usually your pinkie, for a fair approximation of her size. If possible, take the ring to the jeweler with you so they can properly measure it – this may not be feasible, however, because it would be exceedingly difficult to explain if she discovers the ruse.

Diamond Earrings

Diamonds are the most sought-after items by women. Their stunning beauty and the symbolism that accompanies for everyone. Diamond is a symbol of love and exchange diamond wedding jewelry is customary for and involvement in various cultural rituals.

Diamond necklace and diamond earrings the most desirable pieces of jewelry. It is basically a diamond quality diamond jewelry set value. Standard diamond is determined by four features, usually referred to as the four Cs. While carat weight and determine the density of diamond earrings 2 carat, color and clarity that determine attractiveness. Cut, which is solely in the hands of a diamond cutter, determine the form of a diamond. Correct and symmetrical diffuse light diamonds in various angles. before leaving to buy good jewelry, see the web store selling diamond jewelry at an attractive price.

How about Your Diamond ?Original or Immitation?

Anyone can be fooled by imitations, even diamond experts. However, by doing the following tests, you can reduce your chances of being fooled.

See-through Test Look at the stone face up. Can you see through it? If you can, it's probably an imitation (In some cases a poor cut or the presence of dirt or grease makes it possible to see through a diamond). The seat through test can also be done by placing a clean, round stone face down on newsprint. If you can see the letters through the stone, it probably is an imitation. For fancy shapes such as ovals and pears, it's best to limit this test to the face-up view because often, you can see through their pavilions.

If you plan to examine stones in antique jewelry, you should be aware that the diamonds may have a see-through effect due to the different cut and the large culet. Tilt Test Tilt the stone against a dark background. Can you see an obvious, dark, fan-shaped area If you can, it's doubtful that it is a diamond. This test is a variation of the see-through test, but it's easier to do on mounted stones. It also works best on round diamonds.

Rainbow Colors Test Move the stone under a light and note how strong the flashes of rainbow colors are in comparison to a diamond under the same light. If the rainbow colors (also called dispersion or fire) are a lot more obvious than your diamond, the stone may be synthetic retile or strontium titan ate. If they're less obvious, the stone may be an imitation or a diamond with a large table and a thin crown. This test is most useful for distinguishing diamond from synthetic retile and strontium titan ate, the two imitations which, like diamond, can be cut to have no see-through effect.

CZ (cubic zirconium) also displays more rainbow colors than diamond, but sometimes it's hard for the untrained eye to see the difference. It's particularly important to compare CZ and diamond under the same light. The rainbow colors are easier to see in sunlight and under incandescent light (from light bulbs) than under fluorescent light.

Grazy Huge African diamond sells for over $12 million..wow

ANTWERP, Belgium - The biggest diamond to be found in 13 years, the "Lesotho Promise," was sold on Monday at auction for more than $12 million and is expected to fetch in excess of $20 million once it is cut up.

The 603-carat (120 gram) diamond, named after the tiny African mountain kingdom where it was found, went under the hammer at the Antwerp Diamond Centre and was sold to the South African Diamond Corporation, owner of luxury jewellers Graff.

The 10th largest white diamond ever to be found, it will be cut into a large heart-shaped diamond and several smaller stones which will then be sold. The uncut diamond is a third bigger than a golf ball.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15195458/

Putri Malu|The giant Diamond From Kalimantan

"Putri Malu" The biggest Diamond From Kalimantan. it's 200 carat, fond at Antaroku village, state Pengaron, district Banjar in Januari 1, 2008.Indonesia
The diamond now owners by Mr.Lihan, businessman from Borneo, Indonesia.

Do you interested?

Diamond in AUSTRALIA

This MAP of Diamond deposit in Australia...

Diamond : GENERAL DIAMOND BUYING GUIDE

1. CARAT
2. COLOUR
3. CUT
4. CLARITY
   
5. FLUORESCENCE
6. HEARTS AND ARROWS
7. CONFLICT DIAMONDS
8. KIMBERLEY PROCESS

DIAMOND CARAT
A diamonds weight is represented in carats. Carat is a measurement of weight NOT size. Weight impacts the price most dramatically out of the various diamond characteristics. This is why some diamonds have poor cut to retain diamond rough and larger carat size equating to a higher selling price. Diamond size is dependant on your budget and needs to be considered equally with the other characteristics of colour, cut and clarity in order to purchase a quality diamond.

One diamond carat is divided into 100 points; a diamond that is ¾ of a carat is also 75 points. One carat is the equivalent of 0.2 grams. A large diamond with poor cut, colour and clarity will appear less eye catching than a smaller diamond with excellent cut, colour and clarity so a delicate balance is required. Speak to 247Diamonds.com about balance and how to achieve your desired diamond size whilst balancing the other characteristics in a harmonious mix around your budgetary requirements.

Diamond carat weight affects the price of diamonds more than any other determinant. A diamond that is double the size of another diamond can be up to four times the price. This significant movement in price is because the relative scarcity of larger diamonds. A combination of a large size (1 carat+) with the best colour (D), best clarity (IF) and excellent/ideal cut is so rare the price is multiplied several times when comparing a similar size with poorer features.

The popular carat sizes are 0.50ct, 0.75ct, 1.00ct, 1.50ct and 2.00ct. Often diamond cutters will leave more rough diamond in order to achieve a larger carat weight and achieve a higher selling price. There are often bargains to be found at just under these most popular sizes and many of these bargains can have superior cuts which equate to more diamond sparkle and life. Diamonds with thick to very thick girdles are often intentionally cut to increase weight and this doesn�t improve performance it just costs you more (something to watch for). In recent years, having a 1.00 carat+ diamond was the best and most desired with no regard to quality, but as consumers are educated, (mainly because of the internet), more emphasis is placed on cut and visual performance. In the coming years dinner table diamond talk will be around quality rather than size and this could be something to consider.

SUMMARY
In summary a carat is a weight and does not always relate to size/ measurement although the two are usually proportional. A diamond cutter will often retain as much diamond rough as possible and forego cut in order to increase weight and maintain a higher price. Often this carat increase can make the diamond a poorer cut and less visually performing than a smaller diamond. Carat and then clarity are the two key price drivers and often shopping for diamonds just under the popular sizes of 0.50ct, 0.75ct, 1.00ct, 1.50ct, and 2.00ct can yield a better cut and a cheaper price. As consumers understand more about diamonds less emphasis will be placed on size and more on diamond quality. It�s easy to have the biggest car but should a Cadillac cost more than a Lamborghini?

DIAMOND COLOUR
The diamond colour scale was devised by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in the mid 1950's to define and regulate the colour spectrum of diamonds. The GIA proposed starting at D as the best and most colourless diamond available. The colour D was chosen because diamond dealers were already using A, B and C and a break was required to regulate and harmonize the industry. The diamond colour scale progresses through the alphabet from D until Z. The graphic below illustrates the GIA colour scale.

GIA Colour Grading Scale

Diamonds that are colourless, D, E or F are very rare and with a very limited supply they demand premium prices. Less than 1% of all diamonds are colourless and so the market demands a premium because of the scarcity. The diamond colours D, E or F are regarded as the 'collection colours' because they are so scarce and fantastically white. For the untrained and unaided eye, it is very difficult to distinguish between D, E or F colours as they are all colourless with miniscule difference in colour.

Diamonds that are colours G, H, I, or J are classified near-colourless and represent very good value. G and H are the more sort after in this particular near-colourless group and also termed 'rare white diamonds' and very sought after. Diamonds in I and J colours are slightly warmer and do command a reduction in price. would recommend clients buy H and above and drop below this colour grade only if price or carat size is the principle criteria. In saying that there is occasions when slight to medium fluorescence can interact with natural ultra violet light and bring a warmer diamond up a colour grade so this combination is worthy of further investigation, [see our section on diamond fluorescence].

A white gold or platinum setting will show up a diamonds colour as these metals are very white. Because gold is naturally yellow, yellow gold will make a colourless diamond appear more yellow. The use of a yellow gold bezel style setting can help a �warmer� diamond appear a grade or two higher and can be consider if yellow gold is preferred.

Colour grades of K to Z show visible signs of yellow colour and are not in demand. These colours are viewed as being poorer quality and there is less demand by the industry and consumers which is a little hard on these natural diamonds. Colours K to Z are fantastic in dress rings, brooches and alternative jewellery but the single solitaire engagement ring demands a better, whiter coloured diamond. It is the generally agreed conception that they are not as beautiful as colourless diamonds until they reach a point where the colour becomes so evident they become beautiful �fancy colours� which have very high in values (Z+ or Fancy). Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and colour choice is ultimately personal preference with different cultures, socioeconomic groups and nationalities having different requirements. Even the light yellow diamonds from N to Z are still natures miracles that have taken millions of years to crystallise and will always be preferable and have more kudos than a man made synthetic gem stone.

In summary the colour spectrum of diamonds starts at D and ends at Z and then into the fancy colours. The most expensive 'white diamonds' are the colourless diamonds D, E or F and then the near-colourless G, H, I, or J with G and H being universally most popular. The spectrum then gets a visible yellow hue from K-Z and the price becomes cheaper as these diamonds are more readily available.

DIAMOND CUT

The cut of a diamond can be ambiguous as it refers to both the shape in a general sense and then the actual cut quality or make in a more detailed description. There are many diamond shapes; the most popular is the round brilliant diamond. The round brilliant is the classic diamond shape and contains 58 facets including the culet. The round brilliant shape is the most expensive as it is usually possible to retain more carat size by cutting to fancy shapes than cut to a round. The choice of shape is your personal preference, below are some pictures of different diamond shapes:

The term cut in a accurate sense defines the Diamonds �make�, symmetry and dimensions. The diamond's cut influences its ability to handle light refraction and create sparkle, scintillation and life. When a diamond is well cut the diamond's facets will be in alignment and allow light to refract within and then dispersed through the top of the diamond. With perfect light dispersion comes the beautiful diamond sparkle that every girl dreams of. At 247Diamonds.com we have created a sparkle factor to assist our shoppers click our link to shop.

DIAMOND SYMMETRY
Diamond symmetry is graded using what appear to be vague adjectives but are in fact precise qualitiy tags:
Ex = Excellent, ID = Ideal [Different terms use by different labs. they are the same quality]
VG = Very Good
G = Good
F = Fair
P = Poor
A symmetry that maximizes the optimal light return is known as Excellent or Ideal, illustrated as perfect below. Diamonds with Premium and Very Good symmetry are well cut diamonds and have an abundant sparkle and presence. Good symmetry represents value for money but will not capture all the potential light return but will have a nice sparkle. Fair and Poor cuts should be avoided as they may be too shallow or deep and have a less than satisfactory performance (as illustrated below, shallow/deep).

DIAMOND POLISH
Diamond Polish is also graded like symmetry with what appear to be vague adjectives but are in fact precise qualitiy tags:
Ex = Excellent, ID = Ideal [Different terms use by different labs. they are the same quality]
VG = Very Good
G = Good
F = Fair
P = Poor
These quality codes define the finished surface of the diamonds facets. A diamond can have different textures and direction of the carbon composition. This means that when polishing a diamonds facets different directional movement and various degrees of coarseness will give a better finish or polish. Diamond polish can be compared to sanding wood, cutting meat or painting; there is a general direction and texture to be observed for excellence. An excellent or very good polish will perform better than a good polish and a fair or poor polish could have noticeable blemish marks and should be avoided. General value and performance can be found with Good to Very Good polish with ExcellentIdeal Polish a premium for the best finish.

HEARTS AND ARROWS

Hearts and Arrows are a visual spectacle within certain diamonds. This pretty pattern was first recognised by the Japanese in the 1980�s using a viewing scope gadget. Viewing hearts and arrows (H & A) patterns in diamonds does not guarantee excellent or ideal symmetry. It is true that perfect hearts and arrows means that facets have been well aligned but there are many different shaped hearts and arrows, simply viewing this phenomenon isn�t proof of a well cut, well proportioned diamond. If the heart is split and not perfectly formed it fails and should the arrow shafts not align with the arrow heads then they too fail. Very precise analysis is required to ascertain the perfect shape of the hearts and arrows and this must be performed under near microscopic conditions using the novel toylike �Hearts and Arrows Scope�. There are 8 hearts and 8 arrows, if any one of these 16 patterns does not perfectly align it is not true H & A. Although nice to have there is a premium attached to the visual �bonus�; also note that once the diamond is set in a ring the hearts will no longer be visible for this reason if your not a collector, investor or a connoisseur focus should be on the reported symmetry ie: Excellent/Ideal, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor. It�s interesting to note that any cubic zirconia (CZ) which is an artificial synthetic diamond bought for a few cents will almost always show H & A in fact we have marketing paper weights the size of tennis balls that show Hearts and Arrows so don�t be too taken by this cleaver marketing visual.

SUMMARY
In summary it is important to have a quality cut diamond and more emphasis is now placed on excellent and ideal cuts to which there is a premium. Very good symmetry is still a quality diamond and these represent good value and performance. Good symmetry is suitable for shoppers on a tight budget with better carat size and clarity taking preference. A good cut will still sparkle and does represent value although a very good cut is a benchmark to achieve. Fair and Poor cuts should be avoided when possible as they will leak light and be visually unspectacular. Review the cut grades on a reputable diamond certificate; we list all the information on over 50,000 diamonds.

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What is a conflict diamond?
Where do they come from?
Public Awareness
Diamond Heaven and Conflict free Diamonds

What is a conflict diamond? Conflict diamonds are diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments. These diamonds are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments. The diamonds are sold on the black market and are used to propagate a bloody war which victimizes many children. The last thing anyone wants on their mind when making a diamond purchase is to know that their diamond possibly helped aid such a violent and brutal act of aggression. "Conflict diamonds" - sometimes referred to as "blood diamonds" - have received a great deal of publicity recently. The spotlight will fall even more greatly on this issue when Warner Bros release their Hollywood blockbuster "The Blood Diamond" in December 2006, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The lure of diamonds as an ideal repository of illicit wealth for the unscrupulous has lead to wars that have raged in many diamond-producing countries of the world, resulting in massive levels of human suffering.

While diamond mines themselves are fought over, it is the gems which often become the cause of - and the fuel for - wars because they are such high-value commodities which were, until now, easily smuggled and traded into the legitimate diamond market.

Where do they come from?
Whilst a country such as Botswana is blessed with kimberlite pipes that enable an efficient, well-organised diamond mining industry and the benefication of diamond revenue, Sierra Leone, Angola, the Congo and other countries have alluvial diamonds that are scattered throughout their region in ancient riverbeds. The random distribution of diamond wealth in an impoverished society creates incredible problems and, in the case of Sierra Leone, enabled a horrible war. The problem is that unprotected wealth is a curse. Imagine if you gave your wife a £1 million diamond necklace and you do not provide her with any security.

The inevitable will happen - she will be robbed, possibly mugged and the necklace will be stolen. Was that gift to your wife a blessing or a curse? Imagine a world where Sierra Leone's government is corrupted by diamond dealers. Liberia attacks the diamond areas that cannot be well protected because the diamonds are scattered all over the border region. Liberian soldiers and local rebel teenagers, powered by drugs and armed with AK-47s, turn the local population into slaves who dig for diamonds. The diamonds are then sold to raise money for more guns to enslave more people to dig for more diamonds. Welcome to Sierra Leone 1998 to 1999.

Public Awareness
In 1998, Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) Global Witness brought to the world's attention that UNITA, a rebel group in Angola, was funding its war against the legitimate government by the control and sale of rough diamonds. We also know that rebel groups in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo were also funding conflicts in this way. Although peace has since been restored in Angola and Sierra Leone, and a cease-fire in the DRC, the diamond industry is determined to work with governments through the United Nations to ensure that future conflicts cannot be funded in this way.

The Kimberley Process The Kimberley Process, created in 2000, is recognised as the spearhead effort by the diamond industry and the diamond-producing countries to crack down on the multi-billion dollar trade in gems which have been, and are being, mined in war zones. The ultimate aim of The Kimberley Process is to ensure that every rough diamond sold under the certification requirements imposed upon the Member States by The Kimberley Process, is guaranteed to be conflict-free. Currently, more than 60 diamond-producing countries and several high-profile independent charities concerned with human rights and welfare are party to the agreement. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme demands that each shipment of rough diamonds being exported and crossing an international border must be sealed in a tamper proof container accompanied by a government validated Kimberly Process certificate. This certificate is resistant to forgery, uniquely numbered and includes a description of the contents of the container. This shipment can be sent only to a country who is a Kimberly Process participant and rough diamonds which are re-exported must also have a Kimberly Process certificate and can only be sent to a participating country.

Approx 10 years, conflict diamonds accounted for around 4% of the world diamond supply. Today, due to the success to date of the Kimberley Process, this is more like 0.2%. However, we feel this is still 0.2% too much.

Diamond Heaven and Conflict free Diamonds
Diamond Heaven wholeheartedly endorses every legitimate initiative to eradicate the disgraceful trade in conflict diamonds. Being a member of British Jewellers Association, we have to follow their code of ethics and hence committed to use conflict free diamonds for our jewellery. We guarantee that our diamonds are "conflict-free" by purchasing our diamonds from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolution, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by our diamond suppliers.

After all, not only do conflict diamonds wreak untold misery upon innocent and defenceless people (and all ethical diamond jewellers need to make a stand against this) but we recognise that our customers need the assurance that the diamond they are buying - a symbol of their love for another person - is a legitimate, genuine, conflict-free gem.

Diamond : Marcel Tolkowsky

Marcel Tolkowsky was a Belgium diamond cutter, In 1919 he publicized his determinations for the most attractive and balanced cut for round brilliant diamonds, his proportions where based on experience, maximum beauty, collected opinion and mathematical calculation, this set the industry standard for many years, Marcel could be described as the father of the Modern Brilliant cut.

His proportions for cutting were followed and approximated for many years.

Diamonds are some times improperly called Tolkowsky cuts when their proportions range only approximates that of the exact proportions determined by Tolkowsky.

These proportions are

• 34.5° Crown Angle.
• 40.75° Pavilion Angles.
• 59.3% Total Depth (excluding girdle thickness) with 16.2% of the depth being comprised of the crown (top half of the diamond) and 43.1% representing the pavilion lower half of the diamond.
• 53% Table based on diamond's overall diameter.

Now with increased desire for perfection and with greater beauty the Hearts and Arrows Ideal Cut Diamond was created too even more exacting proportions of balance and beauty , remembering that only an exact small changeable ratio of proportions creates this Phenomenon of the Hearts and Arrows effect.

The American Gem Society or AGS has laid down their determination Ranges for Ideal Brilliant Cut Diamonds. The Tables are as follows:

Dimond : Below Average Cut corresponds to Below Average Cut

Corresponds to all the rest of round brilliant shaped diamonds that fall out side normal specific cutting ranges.

The proportions for Average Cut as defined by AGA Accredited Gem Appraisers are set out in the AGA table below. These diamonds are too deep, narrow, shallow or wide and lose most of their brilliance and Fire, the light passes through and leaks out the stone. Some of these stone may have an interest and beauty factor, price should be wellbelow superior diamonds.

Diamond : American Average Cut or Average Cut corresponds to Classic Cut

Corresponds to approximately 38% of the usual diamond quality based on cut. The proportions for Average Cut as defined by AGA Accredited Gem Appraisers are set out in the AGA table below. Average cut diamonds are more usual commercial cut trade heavily in the bulk of mass produced jewelry .These diamonds are usually cut for weight .An Average cut diamond will reflect light and is sparkly.

Diamond : International Fine Trade Cut corresponds to Super Fine Cut

Corresponds to approximately 24% of the top diamond quality based on cut. The proportions for International Fine Cut as defined by AGA Accredited Gem Appraisers are set out in the AGA table below. International Fine Trade cut or "Fine Cut "is still with in the range of a well cut diamond, it will reflect most light that enters it and has a healthy beauty. The benefit here starts to become noticeable with price.

Diamond : American Ideal Cut corresponds to Superb Ideal Cut

Corresponds to approximately 16% of the top diamond quality based on cut. The range for the proportions as defined by the American Gem society: Table Diameter: 52.4% to 57.5%, Crown Angle: 33.7 degrees to 35.8 degrees, Girdle Thickness: Thin to Slightly Thick (.51% to 2.95%), Pavilion depth percentage: 42.2 % to 43.8%, Culet: (Pointed) None, Very small to Medium, Total Depth: 58.7% to 62.3%.Noting good symmetry and polish. These percentage ranges justify the beauty and quality of the diamond. An Ideal American cut will reflect nearly all light and is truly a top quality, striking and highly prized cut.

Diamond : Hearts & Arrows Ideal Cut corresponds to Hearts & Arrows

Displays the visual phenomenon that appears in the Worlds finest Ideal round brilliant cut diamonds. A Hearts & Arrows Ideal Cut Diamond is the ultimate, supreme most magnificent cut diamond man can produce; it accounts for less than 1 % of all diamonds cut. . The highest grades of polish and symmetry allow it to reflect more light than the standard American ideal cut.

The phenomenon of the Hearts & Arrows Ideal Cut may be view easily by any body that possesses a proportion or fire scope. Top 1%