All about Rocks

Who needs movie stars when we’ve got diamonds? February 8th, 2010 From admin

Valentine’s Day is approaching and it appears that nothing can portray romance and love just quite like diamonds.
The act of giving diamonds is considered to be a symbolic act of love but the fact is that diamonds have become so largely important to our society that they are now referred to in many movies and not just as a symbol of love and romance.

Diamonds have been featured in the Hollywood cinematography as early as 1932, in the film “Night after night” when the hat-check girl remarked to the character portrayed by legendary actress Mae West “Goodness! What diamonds!” which Mae respond to by saying “Goodness have nothing to do with it, dear!”.
Ever since, the role of the diamonds began to consistently grow in Hollywood roles until the point where diamonds “grabbed’” the leading roles in several of them!
From a symbol of good wealth and romance, diamonds have also been a subject of heists and robberies in such classical movies like “To catch a thief” starring Grace Kelly and the “Pink panther”.

In the year 2000, diamonds played a leading role in the dark witty comedy by Guy Ritchie named “Snatch”. The comedy thriller told us the story of gangsters, followed by orthodox Jews, followed by Gypsies all on the pursuit for 80 carat diamonds.
Seven years later, in 2007, diamonds still had a leading role in the drama “The loss of a teardrop diamond” that revealed a story based on turmoil, romance and conflict followed by the lost of a precious diamond.

The most important movie ever made about diamonds was without a doubt the 2006 “Blood diamonds” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie is based on a true story that took place in Sierra Leone and reveals the life story of a man who made himself a key character in the conflict diamonds business.  The movie takes place during the Political unrest in Sierra Leone in 1999 and describes very accurately how conflict diamonds affected (and still affect to this day) the tense situations in Africa.
Besides playing a leading role in the awareness raising movie “blood diamonds”, DiCaprio is also a well known activist regarding the issue of conflict diamonds.

Although it’s nice and fun to have references to diamonds in comedies and thrillers as the embodiment of wealth or romance, we actually prefer the more elaborate witty thrillers and the important dramas that showcase what can happen when our lust for diamonds gets out of proportions.
Since diamonds have been following us in modern cinematography for nearly 100 years, it’s safe to presume that diamonds will continue to play leading and supporting roles in films for many years to come.
Why the Hollywood industry is so obsessed with diamonds is uncertain but what is certain is that we enjoy films with references to diamonds and we are curious towards which roles the diamonds will continue to portray in the future.

What is your favorite diamond movie?

Famous diamond rings January 19th, 2010 From admin

Celebrities and famous people not only have the power to define current trends in the world of fashion and décor but can also design and divert the public’s general taste and opinion.
The fascination of celebrities with diamond rings has been known for decades, especially since Merlyn Monroe described them as “a girl’s best friend” in her famous song.  There seem to be many similarities between celebrities and diamonds, which might explain the strong connection between the two: they both attempt to shine and stand out from the crowd, and they both need to be not only of a high quality but also attractive and aesthetically appealing in order to succeed.
It is no coincidence that some of the most famous diamond rings that have altered the face of the history, belong to famous celebrities:

Elizabeth Taylor- Taylor is well known for her many failed marriages, especially to her beloved Richard Burton with whom she married twice.
Despite having a string of marriages, Taylor’s most famous diamond ring is without a doubt the one she has received from Burton himself for her 40th birthday. The ring made headlines all over the world at the time, due to its massive size and shape. The diamond ring was found in South Africa, weighing 48 grams. It was a pear shaped diamond, cut by the famous diamond Diller Harry Winston.
It was the first time the whole world has shown a true obsession regarding diamond rings, and it appears than ever since- the interest and the fascination with diamonds keep growing as the time goes by.
Elizabeth Taylor’s ring may have caused a precedent in terms of our attitude towards jewelry and diamond rings, but ever since many celebrities became more famous for their choice of diamonds than for their work.

Elizabeth Taylor

(from gemstone-directory)

Similar diamond ring at diamonds-usa

Madonna-the famous pop singer received a three store antique Edwardian diamond ring with a platinum band from her ex- husband, the noted director, Guy Ritchie.

Madonna

(From weddingbee)

Similar diamond ring at diamonds-usa

(From diamonds-usa)

Paris Hilton- the famous  heiress to the Hilton wealth, was engaged to a fellow billionaire, Paris Latsis, with not one but two famous engagement rings: the first is a canary diamond ring of 24 carats and the second ring is a white emerald –cut diamond of 15 carats. The estimated worth of both rings is over 7 million dollars.

(from Thefrisky)

Similar diamond ring from diamonds-usa.com

(from diamonds-usa)

Jeniffer Lopez- the singer/actress got engaged to actor Ben Affleck with a beautiful pink diamond ring of 6 carats. It was Lopez’ exquisite taste that set a new trend of wearing rings with colorful diamonds.

Jennifer Lopez

(from Thefrisky)

Similar diamond ring from diamonds-usa.com

(from diamonds-usa)

Many celebrities get divorced just briefly after saying “I do” and many of them don’t even make it to the altar before breaking the relationship, however- The diamond rings that they receive accompany them even when the promises brake off and the love vanishes.
That’s the beauty of diamond rings – they escort you no matter what, even as boyfriends and husbands come and go- they are always there for you.

Some Christmas Diamond Gift Ideas November 27th, 2009 From admin

The time of year has come round again, time to plan the perfect gift for your loved one but your short of ideas on what to get.  It’s always hard to buy a gift especially when you may be on a budget or simply not sure what message you want to convey.

So we’re here on hand for those of you who know they want to scream love and comittment no matter the cost, for these people there’s nothing better than a gift of diamonds.

• Diamond pendants are timeless, stylish and make sumptuous Christmas gift
• Designer necklaces are a cute and look stunning with an evening dress
• Diamond studs are at the root of every jewellery collection.  Simple, stylish and elegant.
• Diamond rings are a pure joy to receive and always look simply stylish with any outfit.

Diamond Choices of the Rich and Famous November 2nd, 2009 From admin

Choices made by celebs on necklaces, bracelets, earrings and diamond rings are wide and varied, the price often reflecting the persons net worth. High society is intrigued with celebrity jewelry and nothing is more precious a story than celebrity engagement rings.

However, contrary to popular opinion, not all celebrities choose big rings with large diamonds.  Indeed many have selected fancy styles and settings over larger stones.

• Queen Elizabeth’s classic 3-carat diamond is set in platinum with five smaller stones.
• After Marilyn Monroe eloped with Joe DiMaggio, he presented her with a platinum eternity band set with thirty-six small baguette diamonds.
• Jackie Kennedy was given a modest 3-carat emerald stone set with nearly three additional carats
• Jessica Simpson’s 4-carat engagement ring was an pear-shape stone in platinum
• Katie Holmes’ 5-carat ring from Tom Cruise is a classic oval shape in a pave setting.
• Camilla Parker Bowles wed Prince Charles with an emerald ring accented by baguettes on each side, set delicately in platinum with an art deco style.
• Madonna’s 5-carat total weight ring is a three stone design with bezel setting

Diamond Tutorial: What is Dispersion? October 9th, 2009 From admin

No matter what you want when it comes to diamond rings there’s something out there that will certainly meet the needs that you have. Take the time and effort to learn about the gem your buying and you’ll be sure to find something that you’ll appreciate even more than it’s brilliance, today we discuss ‘Dispersion’.

Diamond Tutorial: What is Dispersion?

Dispersion: Arranged around the table facet on the crown of the diamond are a number of smaller facets which are often angled down at differing degrees. These facets, and the angles they’ve been cut have been likely been designed to break apart the brilliant white light as it meets and reflects from the surface. As the diamond is tilted, this stunning effect appears as a play of small twinkles and glimpses of color across the entire surface of the diamond. It’s this effect that’s referred to as the diamond’s dispersion.

Dispersion is also sometimes referred to “fire”.

They say a diamond is forever. Unfortunately, marriage is not. In today’s world, months, years, or even decades after a couple says “I do” a happy marriage can turn sour and come to a bitter end. Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen to you. There are the obvious ways to prevent this from happening – finding the right one, working at your relationship, staying faithful, etc. – but if you’re anything like me and a bit supersticious, perhaps your engagement ring may be helpful in keeping you and your significant other together forever.

Every engagement ring is symbollic, as it signifies to people deciding to get married. Whether it is a beautiful pear-cut diamond set on a simple white gold band, or your great-grandmother’s engagement ring, that has been a family heirlum for many generations, every engagement ring is special, unique, and meaningful. But, if you’re looking for something with even a bit more meaning, and a bit more of “foreverness”, consider a three-stone diamond engagement ring.

The three-stone ring, a design originated by De Beers Jewelry Company, is a classic engagement ring style, and more than just for its looks. The three stones have come to signify the past, present, and future of two people’s love. The smaller stones on the side represent that past and future, while the large stone in the middle represents the present. This statement ring will show your bride to be that you have been committed to her, and will be for the rest of your life.  If this kind of ring doesn’t signify loving each other forever, I don’t know what does.

Fifty years ago, if a Wall Street exec, a construction manager, or a college professor was sporting a diamond wedding band, heads would turn and jaws would drop. Even a plain, gold band was an innovative wedding piece for those times, a trend that only began around the turn of the century. A diamond ring worn by a man would have been considered odd, highly feminine, and therefore, completely unacceptable. Well, it seems that society has taken leaps and bounds, because in today’s world, the demand for men’s diamond rings is in high competition with its female counterpart.

Some say this trend started when the industry saw they had missed a great opportunity. If the popularity of diamond engagement and wedding rings had turned the diamond industry into a multi-billion dollar industry, why was the product limited to only 50% of the population? Creating a demand for men’s diamond rings, thereby allowing everyone to enjoy the feeling of a diamond on their hand, was definitely one successful way to expand the market and drive sales. Jewelers started selling diamond wedding rings as a set, one for the bride and one for the groom, to create an incentive and help the trend catch on. And, since no one could refuse a little piece of diamond flare, with its lack of masculinity ignored, the man diamond ring became a hit.

Just like with women’s diamond rings, there are many options for cut and style for men’s diamond wedding rings. White gold bands have been the most popular metal selection, usually encrusted with small diamonds around the entirety of the band. In other cases, a man will prefer to have a centerpiece diamond, more similar to the typical engagement ring style. Now, many jewelers are offering the option of customized men’s wedding rings, as preferences are constantly changing and everyone wants something unique.

One of our favorites this season is the 18K White Gold-Rhodium Dipped ring with 1/3 carat of diamonds. This piece is elegant and simple, and still retains its masculinity. With just the right amount of diamonds, it will be sure to catch eyes without being too flashy. The curved band also makes sure the band won’t turn, so the diamonds will always remain upright. This ring is practical and distinguished, making it wearable in any circumstance. If your man is in a meeting, cheering your son on at his baseball game, or taking you out for a fancy meal, this ring will compliment him wherever he goes and whatever he does.

What may have started as merely a sales strategy has turned into a practice that can have so much more meaning behind it. It’s 2009, and men and women have never been more equal. So, throw away that stigma of man buying his dream girl the perfect diamond. It’s a beautiful gesture that will never go out of style, but consider the practice expanded. All women who have received the ultimate gift, a diamond ring, know the feeling of putting that little piece of heaven on your finger. Why not extend the same opportunity to our prince charming? If there is one present that says “I love you” and “be mine forever,” more than anything else, it’s a diamond ring.

To say being a celebrity and living the Hollywood life is extravagant and luxurious is an understatement. Celebrities drop mega bucks on all sorts of toys, from gigantic Santa Monica mansions to private jets and multiple sports cars. Celebrities do love their things, and sometimes they go a bit overboard. But, there are some things that celebrities just can’t seem to have enough of – diamonds – and we couldn’t be happier. Diamonds define beauty, grace, and eternal divinity, and we agree – no celebrity can ever have enough diamonds. Check out this list of 5 of the most diamond-addicted celebrities in Hollywood, who, despite all they already own, are always looking for more diamonds.

5. Jennifer Aniston, although has hit many romantic ups and down, definitely struck gold with the engagement ring Brad Pitt designed for her before their wedding. A white gold band with 20 perfect diamonds decorated her hand for all the world to see. And she doesn’t stop there – she also sports a few other diamond pieces regularly. One of her favorites is a diamond crescent moon necklace.

4. Nicole Kidman, at the 2008 Oscars, wowed onlookers with a sautoir necklace, apparently made with over 7000 diamonds, all different types. This piece, estimated at 1400 carats, is one of the things people will remember from the Red Carpet that year forever. Nicole showed us exactly how to make a statement with diamonds.

3. Paris Hilton has surrounded herself in diamonds. For brief engagement to Paris Latsis, the Greek shipping heir, she received a 24 carat diamond and platinum engagement ring, which she apparently had to take off since it was too heavy for her to wear. Since she had to take it off, she of course, had to get more diamonds that were more suitable. Paris has been a model for over $3 million in diamonds, started her own collection of diamond necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, and has also been a diamond spokesmodel.

2. Marilyn Monroe may have taught us that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” but Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs is a seriously diamond-addicted celebrity, despite his gender. He is always sure to show off some serious bling everywhere he goes.  From diamond necklaces to earrings and watches, Combs has a collection that most celebrities try to rival, but will never surpass. A recent addition to his collection is a diamond-encrusted mp3 player, completely covered with over 120 diamonds.

1. Elizabeth Taylor is our number one diamond-addicted celebrity. She never went out without complementing her natural beauty with that of a diamond. She had a vast personal collection that included pieces such as an antique diamond tiara, a 69 carat pear-shaped diamond, a 29 carat diamond ring, and a 33 carat Krupp Diamond Ring. Just these pieces alone add up to over 130 carats of diamonds! Her life-long passion made its way to the literary world when she wrote the book, Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry, where you can read about and see her one-of-a-kind collection.

10 Fun Diamond Facts January 28th, 2009 From admin

Did you know ?

1. It is estimated that less than one percent of women will ever wear a diamond of one carat or more.
2. The word Carat is thought to be derived from the Carab Bean – an ancient unit of weight.
3. Diamonds were first mined in India over 2,800 years ago.
4. The largest diamond ever found weighed 3106 carats
5. The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to the earth.
6. A diamond has a melting point of approximately 4,000 degrees centigrade.
7. 25% of Israel`s total export earnings come from Diamonds.
8. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring comes from Archduke Maximilian of
9. Austria who gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
10. The reason an engagement ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand dates back to the early Egyptian belief that the vein of love (vena amoris) ran directly from the heart to the top of the third finger, left hand.

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