RingSpotters

The Golconda Diamond

We learned a new piece of diamond trivia after reading about Katy Perry's engagement ring:  a rare diamond called "the Golconda diamond".  India's most prized diamonds were known as the "diamonds of Golconda," and some of the most famous Golconda stones include the Hope Diamond.

The term "Golconda diamond" is still used today to indicate very high-quality stones. These diamonds must have a level of transparency and quality found only in rare, chemically/optically pure natural diamonds. The term "Golconda" is also used as a generic term to describe higher quality diamonds with an antique cut.

Cut: Round

Carat: 3

Setting: Vintage on yellow gold band from Cartier.

About this Ring: Estimated to cost $120,000 

Ringspotters: A Hawaiian Wedding

Today we feature the rings of a bride married on August 28, 2010 in Honolulu, Hawaii.  We featured her fabulous and unique Hearts on Fire engagement ring last May and even got to see a sneak peak of her delicate pave band before the big day. Today we have a few more photos of this fabulous ring pair!

Round Brilliant Engagement Ring with Vintage Setting

This morning we have an amazing art deco style engagement ring and wedding band from a New York bride who just celebrated her one month anniversary. People often ask her if the ring is an heirloom, but both the ring and the wedding band was made by the very talented Leigh Jay Nacht in New York to perfectly suit her vintage aesthetic.

Selecting a wedding band that matches your ring and style can be a challenging task, which is why we are especially thrilled to feature this set which is elegant yet completely unique and creative.

 

Cut: Round Brilliant (the triple prong setting gives the illusion of a square shaped stone, when it is, in fact, a round brilliant cut)

Setting: 1930s replica platinum mounting. The center stone is held in place by 4 triple claw prongs and the shoulders tulip-shaped "V"s with 7 bead set diamonds within each "V". An additional bead-set diamond is set below each "V" which flows into a knife-edge shank.

Wedding band: Replica art deco platinum band contains 24 round diamonds set in a pattern of marquise shapes with millegrained edges, with additional detailed design on the sides. 

Jeweler: Leigh Jay Nacht, New York
 
A jewelry story: "I am 1000% thrilled with the wedding band.  It took me a while to pick it out since I just wasnt sure what would go with my engagement ring - I had it narrowed down to this one and a more modern infinity band, but after sleeping on it, it became abundantly clear that this was the one, and now I cant get over how perfect they are together. Leigh is AMAZING!"

 

Celebrity Engagement Ring: Ashlee Simpson

Ring Details: Ashlee Simpson Wentz's 4 Carat Asscher Cut diamond by Neil Lane. Estimated cost: $150,000

 

Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring

This morning we have a fabulous oval cut amethyst and diamond cocktail ring for you.  Flanked with 3 round diamonds on both sides and set in gold, the ring makes such a fabulous Fall accessory.  

Here's a cool piece of Amethyst trivia for you. The name "Amethyst" comes from the Ancient Greek meaning "not intoxicated", a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. Romans wore amethysts and made drinking vessels out of it to prevent intoxication!  PS: I'll be wearing my amethyst to the party I have this Sat evening. 

Round Brilliant Engagement Ring + Infinity Wedding Band

We have a gorgeous round brilliant engagement ring for you this morning and are amazed at how clear the stone appears in the photo, especially against the bold floral hues that create such a stunning background. These photos are a wonderful reminder that you can never go wrong with a beautifully cut round brilliant stone with a simple platinum setting... and an infinity wedding band to perfectly match.

 

Images by Misti Layne

Round Brilliant Heirloom with Yellow Gold Setting

Today's ring is an heirloom passed on from mother to daughter. The ring was reset specifically for the pinky finger as the daughter wished to wear it everyday but did not want it to be too flashy.  Thus, she reset the ring so the diamond would not rise up above the setting, but instead was embedded within the gold halo.

Cut: Round Brilliant

Carats: 2.2

Setting: yellow gold

Jeweler: La Estrella del Norte, Manila

The Hope Diamond

The Hope diamond has become somewhat of an icon in today's culture.  Not only is it a must see at the Smithsonian, but Harry Winston devotes a page to it. The world also recognizes it as one of the most perfect and legendary diamonds in history. Yes, most of us know its a blue 45+ carat stunner.  But did you know that the diamond was cursed, stolen, and recut? It was not only a French, but a British Crown Jewel AND was possessed by a handful of wealthy American socialites. They say it brought misfortune to those who possessed it. We did a little research and here's our shortened version of the Life of the Hope Diamond:

http://mineralsciences.si.edu/hope.htm

-  On an Indian Statue: the diamond originated from a mine in India and was believed to have adorned the Forehead of an Idol in a statue of the Hindu goddess Sita. It was said to carry a deadly curse.

- Stolen by a French trader: In 1642, Tavernier, a French traveller supposedly stole the diamond. He made money from its sale, but was attacked by a pack of rabid dogs and killed

- French Crown Jewels: In 1668 the diamond was sold to King Louis XIV of France. It became known as the "French Blue". It remained a crown jewel for 120 years. Louis died by guillotine.

- Stolen! In 1792, the diamond was said to be stolen from in Paris from a repository called the Garde Meuble. 

-  Found again and sold to the King of England:  In 1812 the diamond was said to be in the hands of Mr. Daniel Eliason, a diamon mechant from London. That same year,  the King of England purchased diamond. When he died in 1830, the diamond was sold to pay off his debts. 

- Got its name: In 1839 a  blue diamond was entered in the gem collection catalog of the newly deceased Henry Philip Hope, the man from whom the diamond now takes its name.

- The Hope diamond moved from owner to owner: all of whom fell to misfortune whether it be suicde, murder, accidents, etc.

- Diamond Moved to the US: Ned McLean paid the bargain price of $154,000 for the diamond. Vincent, his son, died in a car crash, and a daughter died from a drug overdoes. McLean's wife became addicted to morphine, and Mclean himself died in an insane asylum. Mrs. McLean passed away in 1947, leaving the hazardous heritage to six grandchildren.

- Aquired by 1949 Harry Winston

- Dontated to the Smithsonian: On November 10, 1958 Harry Winston Inc. Donated the Hope diamond to the Smithsonian Institution which occasionally shows the Hope at exhibits and charitable events all over the world.

http://www.harrywinston.com/HopeDiamond.aspx?section=our-story

Carat: 45.52
Cut: Cushion antique brilliant with a faceted girdle and extra facets on the pavilion.
Clarity: VS1. Whitish graining is present.
Color: Deep grayish-blue

Fun Fact: Seen the movie Titanic?  The heart shaped blue diamond that  Cal gives to his fiance Rose is based on the Hope Diamond

Source: http://www.diamonds-are-forever.org.uk/hope-diamond.htm, http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/hope-diamond-curse.php

Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring

Happy Friday! October is here, fall is in full swing so why not show off a bold, gorgeous red ruby set in a halo of tiny diamonds, with earrings to match!