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How hard are jewelry stones?

Published on December 3, 2022

How resistant are the stones of your jewels? Can they be damaged easily?

The hardness of gems is measured by the Mohs scale. The name derives from the German scientist Friedrich Mohs, who conceived it in 1812. The Mohs scale assigns a grade from one to ten to the degree of hardness of the stones. In this way, you can know which ones are more delicate, for example, which scratch or break more often. It is an aspect that is best known to avoid nasty surprises: knowing how hard the stones of your jewels are is also useful for cleaning. For example, an opal is not as strong as a ruby and should be treated with greater delicacy.

In short, generally when someone buys a piece of jewelry they don’t ask you if it will be tough enough to withstand occasional bumps. Yet it is a question that is best to ask yourself, especially if the stone is mounted on a ring, a jewel that is more easily subject to contact with other materials. But the same goes for earrings or necklace if these jewels have stones.

Diamante taglio cuscino di Jack Reiss. Il diamante è l'elemento più duro in natura — Diamante taglio cuscino di Jack Reiss. Il diamante è l’elemento più duro in natura

Although we tend to believe that a stone is incredibly more solid than any common object of everyday life, this is not the case. The gems of your jewelry could be fragile stones, at risk of being scratched or even shattered in some unfortunate circumstance. Even the diamond is absolutely not safe from all danger. Fortunately, Mohs took the trouble, almost two centuries ago, to measure the hardness of different minerals, including precious stones. It is therefore possible to know the degree of hardness of the stones with some certainty.

Pietra	Durezza
Diamante	10
Rubino	9
Zaffiro	9
Alessandrite	8.5
Crisoberillo	8.5
Topazio	8
Spinello	8
Smeraldo	7,5-8
Andalusite	7.5
Hambergite	7.5
Acquamarina	7,5-8
Goshenite	7,5-8
Berillo	7,5-8
Morganite	7,5-8
Granato demantoide	7-7,5
Ametista	7
Tormalina	7-7,5
Quarzo	7
Kunzite	7
Citrino	7
Danburite	7-7,5
Iolite	7-7,5
Rubellite	7-7,5
Tanzanite	6,5-7
Peridoto	6,5-7
Granato	6,5 - 7,5
Diaspro	6,5-7
Axinite	6,5-7
Crisoprasio	6,5-7
Corallo fossile	6,5-7
Agata	6,5-7
Spessartite	6,5 - 7,5
Occhio di tigre	6,5-7
Zircone	6,5 - 7,5
Diasporo	6,5-7
Eliotropio	6,5-7
Tsavorite	6,5 - 7,5
Onice	6,5-7
Corniola	6,5-7
Calcedonio	6,5-7
Rhodolite	6,5 - 7,5
Sillimanite	6,5 - 7,5
Labradorite	6 - 6.5
Pietra Luna	6 - 6.5
Giadeite, giada nefrite	6 - 6.5
Amazzonite	6 - 6.5
Opale	5.5 - 6.5
Ematite	5.5 - 6.5
Lapislazzuli	05-giu
Turchese	05-giu
Ossidiana	5-5,5
Malachite	3,5-4
Corallo	03-apr
Perla	2,5-4,5
Chrysocolla	Di 2 - 4
Ambra	2-2,5

The Mohs scale was initially based on ten readily available minerals. This ranking was subsequently completed and is now an important indicator for those who buy a stone. But be careful: it is a special scale. For example, a corundum (such as ruby) is twice as hard as a topaz, but a diamond is nearly four times harder than a corundum. What you see on this page is a table that summarizes the hardness of the main stones. At the head is the diamond. Immediately after there are rubies and sapphires. Then … Federico Graglia

Set di spinelli di diverse sfumature di Paul Wild — Set con spinelli di diverse sfumature di Paul Wild

Blue diamonds and Evita’s jewels at Christie’s

Published on November 20, 2022

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Diamante taglio smeraldo Fancy Vivid Yellow, Internally Flawless di 13,75 carati di de Beers

It’s not just the 13.15-carat pink diamond estimated at up to $35 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction at Rockefeller Center on Dec. 6. Together with the ring with the diamond, the auction house will offer jewels signed by Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels and other Maisons. In addition to the aforementioned pink diamond, the largest fancy blue diamond ever to appear at auction, weighing 31.62 carats, set in a pendant surrounded by diamonds, will also be on sale. The diamond is estimated at between 10 and 15 million dollars. Another top jewel is the diamond necklace with an exceptional 86.64 carat (estimated 5-7 million) D-color pear-cut diamond as a pendant. The 1948 Cartier-mounted diamond Palm-Tree brooch (estimate 500,000-700,000) also stands out. The brooch was part of Margaret Thompson Biddle’s collection and features a 13.30-carat circular brilliant-cut diamond.

Ciondolo con diamante blu di 31,62 carati

Also among the magnificent jewels are a 2.21 carat (1,200,000-1,800,000) fancy deep blue brilliant cut oval colored diamond ring, a Diamond Torque bangle, set with an internally flawless heart-shaped diamond D color of 50.05 carats (3,700,000-4,500,000), and The De Beers Yellow, an exceptional Fancy Vivid Yellow, Internally Flawless emerald-cut diamond of 13.75 carats (1,100,000–1,800,000).

Collana di diamanti con un eccezionale diamante taglio pera di colore D da 86,64 carati

Alongside these six-figure pieces, the auction includes a selection of iconic jewels by Van Cleef and Arpels. An exceptional lot is the Bouquet brooch with retro sapphire, colored sapphire and ruby which was part of the collection of Argentine first lady Evita Perón (60,000-80,000). The use of materials and the overall scale of the brooch is an homage to the retro period. Since it was purchased at an auction from Evita’s personal collection in 1957, it has remained in private hands and has never been worn. Additional Van Cleef & Arpels highlights include the Hawaii Jewelery Suite with Rubies, Sapphires and Diamonds (100,000-150,000) and two examples of the house’s iconic setting technique, the Mystery-Set Flower Brooch with Rubies and Emeralds (400,000 -600,000) and Mystery-Set flower earrings with rubies and diamonds (120,000-180,000). Finally, noteworthy is the Panthère de Cartier bracelet with aquamarine, diamonds and multiple gems, set with a 71.45-carat (200,000-400,000 carat) cabochon aquamarine.
The sale will be on view in New York from December 2-5.

Bracciale Panthère di Cartier con con acquamarina cabochon da 71,45 carati

Spilla di diamanti Palm-Tree montata da Cartier del 1948

Bracciale rigido Diamond Torque, incastonato con un diamante a forma di cuore internamente impeccabile di colore D di 50,05 carati

Spilla Bouquet con zaffiro retrò, zaffiro colorato e rubino appartenuta a Evita Peron — Spilla Bouquet di Van Cleef & Arpels con zaffiro retrò, zaffiro colorato e rubino appartenuta a Evita Peron

A new record pink is coming from Christie’s

Published on November 16, 2022

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Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond di 13,15 carati

Year 2022 is the year of pink. Christie’s, in fact, is offering a new pink diamond at auction which, according to estimates, could be sold for up to 35 million dollars, with a minimum estimate of 25 million. The diamond is considered one of the finest fancy vivid pink emerald-cut diamonds ever offered at auction and will be part of the Magnificent Jewels sale December 6 at Rockefeller Center in New York during Luxury Week.

The Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond is prong set in a ring and has impressive VVS1 clarity, weighing 13.15 carats. A pink diamond of this size and quality is rare. In the fancy vivid pink range, a diamond over 6 carats is rarely encountered and less than 10% of pink diamonds weigh more than a fifth of a carat. The Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond is therefore considered one of the most important colored diamonds to appear on the market. The Winston Pink Legacy (18.936 carats) surpassed 50 million in 2018 and set a world record price per carat for a pink diamond sold at auction.

Rahul-Kadakia durante un'asta di Christie's — Rahul-Kadakia durante un’asta di Christie’s

Following the success of The Fortune Pink which fetched nearly $30 million in Geneva, we are proud to have been approached by a private collector to offer this incredible diamond for auction in December. This season has seen outstanding results for fancy color diamonds and this particular vivid fancy pink is top notch. With impressive saturation, stepped facets, and potentially flawless clarity internally, this 13.15-carat fancy vivid pink is beautifully rare.
Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Christie’s Jewellery

The Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond will be exhibited in New York from November 14th to November 15th, in Hong Kong from November 25th to November 28th and presented in New York from December 2nd to December 5th.

TOP VIVID PINK DIAMONDS OFFERED BY CHRISTIE’S

The Winston Pink Legacy
18.96 carat fancy vivid pink cut corner rectangular cut diamond
US$50,375,000 / Price per carat: US$2,650,000

The Pink Promise, diamante ovale fancy vivid pink diamond di 14.93 carati. Venduto per 32,163 milioni di dollari a Hong Kong

The Pink Promise
Oval-shaped bright pink fancy diamond of 14.93 carats
US$ 32,163,932 / Price per carat: US$ 2,150,000

Fortune Pink, diamante rosa vivido fantasia da 18,18 carat

The Fortune Pink
Pear-shaped vivid pink fantasy of 18.18 carats
US$ 28,816,336 / Price per carat: US$ 1,585,056

Christie’s sells The Fortune Pink for 28 million

Published on November 10, 2022

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Pink likes it, but it hasn’t hit a record. All as in the forecasts at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva. The most anticipated piece, The Fortune Pink, an 18.18-carat pear-shaped vivid pink diamond, sold for 28,438,500 Swiss francs. It is the largest pink diamond ever sold at auction, but it did not reach the highest price of the estimate, which reached 35 million. However, the sale remains a success. In total, Christie’s sold lots for 56.6 million francs. Another highlight was a 101.27-carat unmounted diamond, which sold for 2.9 million francs.

Geneva Luxury sales offered 572 lots, with collectors from 50 countries active during live sales. The second half of this memorable week will continue at New York’s Rockefeller Plaza, where 150 masterpieces from the Paul G Allen Collection will be offered Wednesday and Thursday, which are expected to make $ 1 billion (£ 880 million), all estate proceeds from the sale. it will be dedicated to philanthropy, according to the wishes of Mr. Allen.
Rahul Kadakia, international manager of Christie’s Jewelery

Other results from the Geneva auction: a Graff diamond ring weighing 41.36 carats was sold for 3.6 million, a rivière diamond necklace from the collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock found a buyer for 869,400 francs. It should be noted, according to Christie’s, that 50% of the active collectors at the four live auctions were new, mostly millennials. In total the auctions amounted to 113,482,763 francs, with a combined sales rate of 98%.

Anello con diamante di 41,36 carati di Graff

The personalized solitaires of Recarlo

Published on November 2, 2022

Showroom

Anello della linea Anniversary indossato

High-end rings, in white gold and diamonds, but personalized. Recarlo, a Valenza-based company (Italy) specializing in jewelery for anniversaries, weddings, engagements (but not only), has also decided to offer customers a solitaire personalization service. The service is called Atelier del Solitario. In addition to the round cut diamond, it will also be possible to choose other shapes for the gem, such as drop, marquise, cushion and emerald. The chosen stone is then set on a white gold setting embellished with taper cut diamonds (i.e. baguette with a trapezoidal shape, narrower on a short side) on the stem. In addition, the personalized rings are engraved with the carat weight on the stem and are provided with an international gemological certification.

Anelli in oro bianco e diamanti di Recarlo

The company led by Paolo Re is also planning the opening of single-brand stores, to be added to the multi-brand channel in the future. Recarlo will open other shop-in-shops within some multi-brand stores: at the moment there are ten in Italy to which one in Piedmont, one in Lombardy and one in Umbria are about to be added, in addition to one already present in Spain.

Anello in oro bianco con diamante taglio pera

A pink diamond guides Christie’s Magnificent Jewels

Published on October 28, 2022

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The auctions of the most precious jewels and gems are organized, not surprisingly, before the winter holidays. Like the Christie’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction on November 8 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. Among the many jewels and precious stones on sale, the Fortune Pink stands out, a vivid pink fantasy diamond of 18.18 carats (estimate 25-35 million Swiss francs). This is the largest pear-shaped bright pink diamond for sale through an auction. the number of carats, 18.18, is also considered a good omen in China, where the gems could find a buyer. Also among the gems for sale is an impressive 101.27 carat diamond (2,500,000-3,500,000), along with an exceptional 41.36-carat (3,000,000-5,000) emerald-cut Graff D color diamond ring. 000).

Il diamante The Fortune Pink, 18,18 carati

But the Magnificent Jewels auction also has a lot of other precious pieces in the catalog. Like the rivière necklace with a pear-shaped diamond of 10.33 carats (estimated at 550,000-750,000 Swiss francs), which is part of the Collection of Lord and Lady Weinstock. The necklace has a total of about 100 carats and is a typical example of the rivière style, that is, with stones with scaling size. There is no shortage of jewels with blue blood. Like those from the Bourbon families Parma and Thurn und Taxis, which include an Art Déco Chimera bracelet with natural pearls, rubies and diamonds (100,000-180,000) and an exceptional Bulgari pearl necklace (300,000-500,000).

An uncommon piece is the diamond band dated around 1920 (70,000-100,000). It is a fusion of a tiara and a headband. The simplicity of the headband was a perfect match for the modern style of the Art Deco period and also ideal for the new hairstyles of the era. However, the band can also be worn today, for example as if it were a bracelet.
Also up for auction are precious bracelet watches, such as those from Bulgari’s Serpenti line from the Sixties. Among the lots on sale there is also a pair of Art Deco earrings by Henri Picq, with diamonds of 15.39 and 14.85 carats (1,500,000-2,500,000) and a magnificent ring with a Kashmir sapphire of 14.84 carats by Cartier (1,000,000-1,450,000).

Bracciale-orologio Serpenti di Bulgari, in oro, diamanti, smeraldi

Bracciale con zaffiro ovale regalato dal duca Roberto di Parma alla moglie Maria Antonia di Braganza

5 questions before buying a vintage jewel

Published on October 27, 2022

Campus

Bracciale rigido Almasika Universum in oro 18 carati e tsavorite

Buying a ring, but also a necklace or a pair of earrings created many years ago, can be a bargain, and at the same time a pleasant research. There are many auctions that sell jewelry, often at an affordable price. But how to choose a vintage ring? Here are the six rules to follow ♦

Gioielli d'epoca a GenGèneve — Gioielli d’epoca a GenGèneve

There are a lot of people who love vintage jewelry, perhaps to give as an engagement ring. They have more charm, a story behind them and, sometimes, even a good price. But there is a problem: you have to know how to choose them. And it’s not easy. Here are five useful questions for those who want to hunt for vintage jewelry. If you can answer these questions, you will have important information for your choice.

Collier con ametiste e turchesi messo all'asta — Collier con ametiste e turchesi messo all’asta

1 How old is the ring? If you are not a super expert, it is difficult to determine the age of a ring, also because the most successful jewels have been reproduced with not always perfect imitations. In any case, it is important to ask the dealer (if it is reliable, that is, a renowned auction house or a jeweler who cannot afford to deceive anyone) the approximate age of the ring being considered. If you get an answer, look carefully at the ring: the style must be consistent with the year of manufacture. For example, if they tell you it is from the late nineteenth century, it cannot be Art Deco, a much more recent style. But how do you find out? Simple: before buying a ring from a specific era, compare jewels of the same age on the internet and compare them. On the online catalogs of the auction houses, for example, there are numerous examples of vintage jewelery that are certified.

Anello Art Deco di Boucheron con una grossa acquamarina. Venduto per 19mila euro — Anello Art Deco di Boucheron con una grossa acquamarina

2 Do you have any stones that have been replaced? There are rings that are more than 100 years old. It is not an infrequent case if in the meantime a stone has ruined, come loose or has been replaced. Then take a close look at the ring stone with a lens: if it is original, it is unlikely that it will not show scratches or small signs of wear. Even though diamonds are more resistant and more difficult to ruin, it is difficult for a vintage gem to not show any signs of wear.

Anello Art Déco in oro bianco e diamanti con rubino burmese, da Bentley & Skinner

3 What cut should the diamond of a vintage ring have? Ancient diamonds have a different cut than the current one. So, be careful: if the vendor offers you a ring from 1910 with a brilliant cut (round) diamond, it is likely that the stone was replaced, since that shape for diamonds did not spread until after 1919. Often the Vintage diamonds are less perfect in terms of color and transparency.

Anello del periodo Edoardiano con diamante da 2,5 carati taglio old-mine

4 Is the ring insured? Sometimes jewelers (especially abroad) ensure the most precious pieces. Of course, it must be worth it. An insurance contract, if it exists, is a reliable yardstick for the jewel, which has previously been subjected to an expert appraisal, who has assessed it and has priced it.

Asta di Christie's a Ginevra — Asta di Christie’s a Ginevra

5 Do you want to sell it in the future? Of course, it’s not nice to say, but it is good to think about it first: a ring in the future could be an object to be sold. In this case it is good to know if the jeweler offers guarantees on the quality of the ring you want to buy. A ring is not an indestructible object and it is good to make sure that it has no defects that could deform or depreciate it.

6 What style does jewelry have? It is important to establish not only the age of a jewel, but also if its shape is still current. Art Deco jewels, for example, have seen increasing popularity in recent years. The Victorian era jewels, on the other hand, were sought after only by fans of the genre. Different is the case of a vintage jewel that does not have a precise style, for example a simple diamond ring. In that case, the quality of the stone counts more than the style. Giulia Netrese

Anello Art Deco con platino, diamanti e zaffiri

Girocollo Glycines di Philippe Wolfers, Art Nouveau. Oro, tormalina intagliata, opale intagliato, rubini, granato

Anello Art Nouveau con lucertola e uccello, in oro e opale

Crieri makes wisteria bloom

Published on October 21, 2022

Showroom

Wisteria blooms early: Crieri doesn’t wait for spring to launch a new series of jewels. The Glicine (wisteria) collection. The plant, wisteria, was named after the botanist Thomas Nuttall in memory of the American physician and anatomist Caspar Wistar, it inspired rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, made around the drop motif. Indeed, the petals of the wisteria flower resemble drops gathered in clusters. Instead of the violet color, the Wisteria collection features the classic colors of 18K gold and diamonds.

Anello Glicine con gocce in oro e tre diamanti briolette

Alongside the shape reminiscent of the clusters of the wisteria flower, with the drops arranged in clusters interrupted by a diamond, the collection also presents an interpretation of the classic moi et toi, where a briolette-cut diamond contrasts with a drop in gold . Even the earrings follow the same stylistic key, with drops in gold together with diamonds with the same shape, both in the button model and in the pendant ones. The bracelets are also made up of gold drops alternating with small diamonds, as is the necklace, consisting of a thin chain and a central pendant made with pavé diamonds, or with small gold drops lined up and interspersed with a diamond. With a teardrop cut, of course.

Collana con pendente in oro e diamanti — Collana con pendente in oro e diamante a goccia

Orecchini a bottone con gocce in oro e diamanti

A 303-carat golden canary

Published on October 18, 2022

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Sotheby’s has put the turbo. The great auction house continues to present exceptional stones. This time the news comes from Dubai, where Sotheby’s showed one of the largest diamonds, called The Golden Canary. It is a 303.10 carat “monster”, and is the largest flawless or internally flawless diamond ever graded by the Gia. In short, an exceptional stone even if the price will probably remain lower than those of pink or blue diamonds. Estimates for The Golden Canary point to around $ 15 million. The stone will be auctioned at Sotheby’s New York in December. Curiously, it will be offered without reserve with bids starting at just one dollar.

The Golden Canary, diamante di 303.10 carati Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow, Courtesy: Sotheby's — The Golden Canary, diamante di 303.10 carati Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow, Courtesy: Sotheby’s

We have had a bumper year in which we have featured stunning colored diamonds at our global jewelry auctions, as the demand and appetite for these rarities continues to grow. Just two weeks after the record sale of the Williamson Pink Star for $ 57.7 million, we are honored to offer the largest polished diamond in existence to appear at auction. Steeped in history, The Golden Canary is one of the most exquisite diamonds ever discovered, not only for its size and intensity of color, but for its extraordinary beauty that is sure to fascinate collectors around the world. Sotheby’s has the privilege of helping write the next chapter of this incomparable and reborn gem.
Quig Bruning, Head of Jewelry for Sotheby’s America’s

Quig Bruning, Head of Jewelry per Sotheby's America's — Quig Bruning, Head of Jewelry per Sotheby’s America’s

However, The Golden Canary remains an exceptional stone: it has been classified as a Fancy Deep Brownish-Yellow Diamond. The gem also has a story to tell. It was cut from a giant 407-carat rough diamond with a shield shape. The Golden Canary was consequently cut into a pear shape. The diamond will be presented on a world tour. After Dubail, I will be in Taipei, Geneva and Hong Kong.

Il diamante è staro ricavato da una pietra grezza di 407 carati. Courtesy: Sotheby’s

The pink diamond challenge: Williamson Pink Star sold for 57 million

Published on October 11, 2022

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Williamson Pink Star è montato su un anello diamanti taglio trapezio e rosa taglio brillante

A pink diamond breaks all records. The sample is the Williamson Pink Star, an 11.15 carat vivid fancy pink diamond. The stone was sold in Hong Kong by Sotheby’s for over 57 million, exceeding the presale estimates, which had prudently stopped at 21 million dollars. However, it was not a Chinese tycoon who bought the precious diamond, but a billionaire from Florida. As is tradition, the new owner has changed the name of the gem, which is now called The Rosenberg Williamson Pink Star.

The diamond was extracted from the Williamson mine in Tanzania and then cut by Diacore. It was also the second largest vivid pink diamond ever to appear at auction, later, the CTF Pink Star, which weighs 59.6 carats and was bought in 2017 by Hong Kong group Chow Tai Fook for 71.2 million: it is the most expensive gem ever sold at auction. Soon after, however, is the Williamson Pink Star, with a price per carat of around 5.2 million, double the previous record of 2.7 million per carat of the 18.96-carat Winston Pink sold by Christie’s in 2018. .

Il diamante grezzo di 32 carati da cui è stato ricavato The Williamson Pink Star

How long will the new record last? On November 8th, in Geneva, Christie’s will sell another 18.18-carat pear-shaped fancy diamond, called The Fortune Pink: pre-sale estimates indicate a value between 25 million and 35 million dollars. The race is underway.

A record pink diamond is on sale at Sotheby’s

Published on September 5, 2022

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Williamson Pink Star, diamante rosa di 11 carati

An 11-carat pink diamond is a very rare gem. For this reason, the auction by Sotheby’s to be held in Hong Kong on 5 October is a special event also in terms of price: the diamond, which has been called Williamson Pink Star, is valued at over 20 million dollars. It will be sold at a single lot auction. Williamson Pink Star is the result, after cutting, of a diamond that was originally a 32-carat rough stone found in the Williamson mine in Mwadui, Tanzania. It is a mine that has already supplied diamonds with this rare color.

Diacore purchased the diamond for $ 13.8 million, approximately 427,000 per carat, from the mining company Petra Diamonds in December 2021. The diamond was subsequently cushion-cut and mounted on an 18-karat gold ring, flanked by trapezoid cut diamonds and brilliant cut rose. The gemstone is of impeccable quality and, according to Sotheby’s, is the second largest fancy vivid pink diamond ever to appear at auction, after the 59.60-carat CTF Pink Star, purchased by Chow Tai Fook of China for 71.2 million. dollars in April 2017.

The three oldest diamond cuts

Published on August 26, 2022

Campus

Il diamante Romanov a taglio rotondo, tradizionale, con 57 sfaccettature

Quick guide to the three cuts of the most used stones in the past and mounted on old jewels ♦ ︎

Do you have a jewel inherited from your grandmother at home? Or maybe even older? Then, probably, you might wonder what kind of cut used for these gemstones. Because once the stones were cut differently. Here is a quick guide to recognize old stone cuts, such as the cut rose-cut, old-mine cut, or Asscher.

Rose cut. It is a round cut used for diamonds. Compared to diamonds with the modern brilliant cut introduced at the beginning of 1900, with 58 facets, the rose cut has a flat base and 24 triangular facets that rise up to a point (a bit like a pyramid). The base of the stone, however, is flat. The rose cut was introduced in 1600 by the Dutch. The rose cut, which has less facets than the brilliant cut, can give the diamond a vitreous appearance, obviously less sparkling. To try to make it shine more, in some cases the diamond was mounted with a thin metal plate on the bottom, to try to reflect more light, before being set on the jewel. There are jewelers, however, that still today use this type of cut, which gives a vintage look to the jewel.

Anello con diamanti per 15 carati — Sutra, anello con diamanti per 15 carati, rose cut

Vak, Desert Rain Ring, rose cut diamonds, su oro rosa spazzolato

Rose cut diamonds can have single and double cuts facets. The single cuts have only one layer of facets. The two double facets. In more rare cases they are also found with three rows of facets (also referred to as Dutch). The ancient stones with these cuts almost never have a perfectly round circumference: the working of the stones, in fact, was done by hand, by hand, and not by machine as it happens now.
The rose cut was particularly used in jewels between the 1700s and the late 1800s. Although it is associated with the diamond, the rose cut was also used for semi-precious stones, such as garnets, to hide inclusions and a poor coloring.

Orecchini Floral con diamanti taglio rosa e brillante

Old-mine cut. It is one of the first types of diamond cuts, which enhances the reflection of light. The mine cut has 56 facets, with a small flat base and a small, equally flat surface. Seen from the side, the minera-cut stone is hexagonal in shape. Sometimes it is referred to as a triple cut. Although the number of facets is similar to that of the modern brilliant cut, the shape of the old-cut diamond mine is completely different. The circumference, in fact, is not round, but is more like a square with rounded corners: it resembles the cushion cut, cushion, with which it is sometimes confused. The name of this cut derives from the arrival, in the mid-nineteenth century, of the first diamonds of the new South African mines. To distinguish these diamonds from those of Indian and Brazilian mines, the name of the old mine was introduced. There is also a slight difference between cutting old American and European mines, with a more pointed rear part.

Asscher cut. The name derives from the inventor, in 1902, of this type of cut: from Joseph Asscher. If you have a diamond of the early twentieth century with this cut, know that it is very rare and, therefore, probably worth a lot ‘of money. It is a perfectly symmetrical diamond with 74 facets. The perimeter is squared (octagonal) and resembles the emerald cut, which instead has only 58 facets. Over time it has evolved slightly: the first Asscher cuts had a slightly smaller surface (the board).

Anello con grande diamante taglio Asscher firmato David Morris

Anello con diamante asscher giallo contornato da diamanti biancbi taglio a pera — Anello con diamante taglio Asscher giallo contornato da diamanti biancbi taglio a pera

Il diamante da 102 carati taglio brillante

The secrets of the princess cut

Published on August 19, 2022

Campus

Diamonds with princess cut, also chosen by Emily Ratajkowski, seems to have a lot of fans. That’s why ♦

Do you want feel as princesses? It’s easy, just choose a ring with a princess cut diamond, enjoyed even by Emily-Ratajkowski. The engagement rings princess cut diamonds, that is squared (square or rectangular), they have a recent history. This type of cut was introduced only in 1960, but encoded in 1981 by Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itskowitz. In return, it quickly became popular. The reason is simple: it seems so much. A princess cut diamond should have an average of 58 to 76 facets but, what is more important, it seems larger than the classic round brilliant cut (ie round). Even in the upside-down pyramid shape with rounded sides it has a very good performance in terms of light reflection. The right considered ratio between the sides to a square shape is between 1 and 1.05, while for the rectangular shape is 1 to 1.10 to 1.20.

Emily Ratajkowski con l'anello di fidanzamento: ha due diamanti taglio princess da 2 carati e un diamante a forma di pera a 3 carati su una fascia d'oro — Emily Ratajkowski con l’anello di fidanzamento: ha due diamanti taglio princess da 2 carati e un diamante a forma di pera a 3 carati su una fascia d’oro

Another advantage is that usually the stones cut in this way also have a lower cost in proportion, because it wastes less material from the rough stone. In particular, the princess shape keeps about 80% of the rough diamond, while the round brilliant retains only about 50%. If then around the diamond princess cut are joined other small stones, the effect is assured. No coincidence that many Maison offer from engagement rings with diamonds cut in this way.

Anello in oro e platino con diamante taglio princess

Buying Tips
Experts advise to choose at least one diamond with VS2 clarity, H color and, of course, a stone cut well. How? Try to draw an imaginary line that crosses the stone for the length, and observed whether the facets on the right and left halves have the same shape and size. Now, do the same operation in the horizontal direction and see if the opposite faces are the same size. Observe also the bottom and check that there are no cracks in the stone. And, last but not least, wear the ring.

Anello di Cartier, collezione 1895. Prezzo: da 3500 euro

Anello di Vuitton in oro rosa con piccolo diamante taglio princess. Prezzo: 1150 euro

Anello Tiffany con diamante taglio princess. A partire da 10.800 euro

Anello di De Beers. Prezzo: 4350 dollari

La proporzione dei diamanti taglio princess di diverse carature

Gems that look the same

Published on August 14, 2022

Campus

Beware of false friends in jewelry. Or, better, don’t buy stones that have different values, but a similar appearance. Similar, but not the same. Yet, not only authoritative gemologists have fallen into the misunderstanding, but also customers willing to pay figures with many zeros and even crowned heads. Do you want an example? Numerous precious stones belonging to the treasury of Tsar Peter I of Russia, long believed to be rubies, were later classified as rubellite. The same gem, the ruby, also fooled the London royals: the so-called Black Prince Ruby of about 170 carats mounted on the British imperial crown is actually not a ruby, but a spinel, placed next to the Cullinan II diamond, this authentic . In short, stones with the same color and quite similar. But one is worth more than the other.

Al centro della corona il Rubino del Principe Nero, che in realtà è uno spinello

Ruby and spinel. Both are red stones, although the spinel can also take on other shades, for example these stones can also be black. Many spinels used in jewelry have a color and clarity very similar to that of ruby and sapphire (two stones that are varieties of corundum). Not only that: spinel is often found in deposits adjacent to those of these two most precious stones. In addition to the deep red spinel, there is also a raspberry-colored variety that is mined in Tanzania.

Ruby and rubellite. Rubellite is another red stone, which can have an intense hue similar to that of certain rubies. However, it is a variety of tourmaline, a less rare gem than rubies. Rubellite was already known in ancient Roman times and the gem was often confused with garnets and spinels. The great diffusion in the West took place at the beginning of the seventeenth century after the Dutch importation of the rubellite from Sri Lanka. In 1998 a large tourmaline mine was discovered in Nigeria and rubellite invaded jewelers.

Anello con rubino birmano da 8,80 carati e diamanti

Anello in oro bianco, diamanti, rubellite

Spinel and taaffeite. Between these two stones it is taaffeite that is rarer and more expensive. Taaffeite is named after its discoverer, the Irish Richard Taaffe, who in 1945 identified it as confused with spinel. Sent to London for analysis, it was identified as a new precious stone, unfortunately very difficult to find. Unlike spinel, taaffeite exhibits the property of double refraction which allows the distinction between these two minerals. It can have different colors, including red, violet and red, which make it very similar to certain varieties of spinel.

Diamonds and zircons. Attention, let’s not talk about cubic zirconia, which are artificial stones with a very low price and used for pendants and bijoux that cost a few tens of euros or dollars. Real zircons are natural stones. They can have different colors, often found in the blue hue, but there are also colorless zircons like diamonds. Furthermore, zircon has a very high refractive index, lower only than that of diamond, and for this reason it has often been mistaken for the gem it resembles. From a chemical point of view, however, diamonds and zircons are different: the former are made of pure carbon, the latter are nesosilicates.

Emerald and demantoid garnet. They are both green stones. The demantoid garnet, just like the emerald, takes on the green hue due to the percentage of chromium and iron, which lead to bright green shades or more tending to green-yellow, even green tending to blue. Another variety of garnet, tsavorite, also has a green hue that can be mistaken for emerald. In fact, many jewelers combine the two stones on the same piece of jewelry to lower the cost.

Orecchini con granato demantoide, diamanti by Tenzo

Bracciale caratterizzato da un magnifico smeraldo cabochon ottagonale dello Zambia da 71,88 carati e da 41,06 carati di diamanti rotondi incolori taglio brillante incastonati in platino

Bracciale Serpente in titanio, tsavorite, onice, lacca

Topaz, quartz, aquamarine. Sometimes white topaz or topaz with faint yellow hues is mistaken for smoky or citrine quartz. Obviously a simple quartz costs less than topaz. In the blue hue, on the other hand, a pale-colored topaz can be mistaken for an aquamarine. The value of the two stones, however, is different.

Pezzo unico. Anello con citrino lemon e zaffiri — Vanessa Martinelli, pezzo unico. Anello con citrino lemon e zaffiri

Collezione Petra, collana in bronzo con topazio giallo by Gaia Caramazza

Anello in oro bianco con grande acquamarina

Who will buy the maxi pink diamond?

Published on July 29, 2022

news

How many pieces will the largest pink diamond in the world be divided into? And, above all, who will be buying it? These are the questions that expert gemologists ask themselves when faced with the announcement of the extraction of the 170-carat maxi pink diamond, an absolute record. The gem was found in Angola by Lucapa Diamond Company Limited, the state-owned Endiama EP and Rosas & Petalas, partner in the management of the Lulo mine. This is why the stone was called The Lulo Rose. It will be auctioned and the starting price, not yet determined, will be very high.

According to the company, it is the largest pink diamond unearthed in 300 years. The last largest pink diamond known would be the 242-carat Great Table Diamond. But a long time has passed: it was described by the French jeweler and traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in 1642. In any case, traces of that diamond have been lost. According to some, it would have been divided in two, one of which would be part of the crown jewels kept in Tehran. In any case, The Lulo Rose will be watched more carefully. Among other things, that mine seems miraculous: the pink gem is the 27th diamond of over 100 carats recovered on that site since January 2015, when the extraction activity began.

The Lulo Rose vicino a un diamante incolore di 80 carati

The legendary diamond of Van Cleef & Arpels

Published on July 15, 2022

COLLANE/alta gioielleria/bracciale/Showroom/Rings

Anello com diamante taglio ovale di 18,32 carati, assieme a rubini con tecnica Mystery Setting

Imagine buying a huge 910-carat diamond, the fifth largest in the world, for $ 40 million. And then, after admiring it, imagine making it into small pieces. Let’s say, 82 parts. This is what Van Cleef & Arpels chose. The great Parisian Maison in 2018 bought Lesotho Legend, big rough diamond. The stone, in addition to being gigantic in size, is also of the highest quality in color and clarity, aspects that further increase its value.

Lesotho Legend, grande diamante grezzo di 910 carati

But such a diamond can only be exhibited in a museum. Or transformed into a collection: Legend of Diamonds, which Van Cleef & Arpels presented during Couture Week in Paris. However, deciding to split such a large diamond is not easy. The subdivision work lasted for years, as did the composition of the large collection, which also houses other precious stones, such as rubies and emeralds. Van Cleef & Arpels is also famous for its incredible setting technique, which can make the metal that fixes the gems disappear. Technique that has been used extensively for the Legend of Diamonds collection.

Anello con diamante taglio pera, smeraldi e zaffiri incastonati con la tecnica mystery setting

The result is a series of jewels that manage to balance opulence and sobriety thanks to the Mystery Setting. There are earrings and necklaces in art deco style, with lots of diamonds (not only those obtained from Lesotho Legend) together with colored stones, which form precise geometries, where the imagination is at the service of an impeccable processing technique. Or rings that feature an oval diamond over 18 carats, such as Couture Mystérieuse. In addition, as it seems to be mandatory this year, some pieces, in particular the necklaces, can also be disassembled, with pendants that detach to turn into brooches.

Orecchini in oro bianco e diamanti ispirati a un motivo anni Venti

Collana Atours Mystérieux trasformabile con diamanti e rubini. La pietra centrale è di 79,35 carati

Bracciale Floraison de Diamants in stile art déco. Diamanti montati su platino

Collana Chevron Mysterieux con diamanti e smeraldi. Il pendente si può staccare

The extra large luxury of Chatila

Published on June 29, 2022

Rings/alta gioielleria/Showroom

One of the most exclusive jewelery brands in the world is Chatila. The Maison was founded in 1860 and has remained a family-run business, with the founder’s grandchildren actively involved in the day-to-day running of the company. Chatila works in between Geneva and London but, in reality, the jewels are designed in Italy and Paris, even if the gems are then mounted on the final jewel by the craftsmen of the house. If you are looking for a Chatila boutique, try the most luxury shopping streets: there are showrooms in the most prestigious streets, such as Rue du Rhône in Geneva, Old Bond Street in London and Madison Avenue in New York.

Collana di diamanti con sette smeraldi colombiani da 4 a 23 carati

The history of the Maison, however, does not begin in London, but in Birut, where the founder, George Chatila, opened his shop. It is now the third and fourth generation, Nicholas Chatila and his children, Marwan, Edward and Carlos, who own the business and continue in the footsteps of the founder. In 1983 the company moved to Switzerland. Today a flagship Chatila showroom on Rue du Rhône in Geneva, while the other main one is located in London’s Old Bond Street. A new showroom was opened in Riyadh in 2003 and another, in Doha in 2014.

Anello moi et toi in oro con diamanti fancy

Chatila’s specialty is super diamonds. It was among the first, among other things, to use large colored diamonds. Moreover, one of the few red diamonds in the world is by Chatila, The Flame of Argyle. All family members take part in the selection and evaluation process of unique and rare precious stones. An example of rarity is the ring with a 4.29 carat radiant cut chamaleon diamond. The definition of chamaleon refers to the fact that it is a very rare diamond with shades that change according to the intensity of the light that hits it. Also the person who will decides to buy it will probably change color when he will knows the price.

Collana con pendente composto da diamanti colorati di diverse tonalità: marrone-verde, marrone, arangio-giallo, arancio-marrone. Peso complessivo di 11,5 carati

Parure di diamanti e smeraldi colombiani

Anello con smeraldo colombiano di 17 carati e diamanti

Diamonds: rules to avoid scams

Published on June 16, 2022

Campus/Diamanti

Are you sure of the origin of the diamond on your ring? And if you have to buy a diamond ring (or another jewel), how do you know if what you buy is authentic? In other words: how do you avoid scams when buying a diamond? Here are four useful tips to avoid nasty surprises ♦

Unfortunately, scams or incorrect behavior are also present in the jewelry world. They are quite rare, fortunately. But to avoid falling into a trap you can follow these four rules.

Are you sure that your diamond is really a diamond? The doubt arises after reading a news story that comes from California, taken from Jck. According to the Chronicle, the owner of a jewelry store in Ventura, California town, he was arrested on charges of replacing the diamond of ring to a repair with moissanite. To discover the scam was a woman, who had given the jeweler wedding ring to repair. The damage was estimated at about 8 thousand dollars. Nothing dramatic, sure. But it makes an impression to read on the web a comment to the news: “Unfortunately, I have a great-uncle who is a jeweler in Florida, does the same thing, but uses cubic zirconia”. In short, two clues are not proof, but it raises suspicion: how widespread this type of fraud? Of course, there are cases in which diamonds (fake) are sold (or, rather, passed off) outside of official channels. In Italy, for example, it happened in Sicily and near Lake Garda: in both cases the false jewelers trying to sell fake jewelry to true elders, were arrested.

But how to behave, instead, when you buy a diamond? Here are the rules.
1 The best security is when the diamond is accompanied by a certificate from a gemological institute recognized. For example, Gia (Gemological Institute of America), which is the most credited, or AGS (American Gem Society), IGI (International Gemmological Institute). But it is also good to know that the assessment of a diamond is not the same for everyone. Of course, the authenticity comes first, but then comes into play also the quality and the type of stone (see also Short guide to diamonds). in fact it does not exist, an international standard the same for everyone. There are cases of a diamond with various assessments based on the analysis criterion: when the differences are shades, it is easy that a judgment is something personal.

Un esempio di certificato, quello dell'IGI, Istituto Gemmologico Italiano — Un esempio di certificato, quello dell’IGI, Istituto Gemmologico Italiano

2 Consider the manufacturers who add their own brand as a guarantee: these are laser engravings on the part of the diamond not visible to the naked eye, but which are readable with a microscope. Codes or trademarks are, in fact, a further guarantee, because they certify the origin of the stone. In other words: the traceability of a diamond is important and increases its value.

3 Ask for or take a photo of the diamond mounted on the jewel yourself. It can be a guarantee in case of future disputes. This, of course, can be useful in the case of diamonds of a certain weight: a photograph of tiny stones will hardly be of help, unless you resort to shooting with macro lenses (and you must have some experience). In any case, an image of your jewelry is always useful: for example, it can be provided to the police in case of theft.

4 A certificate (if is true) should reassure the buyer. But in any case the European standards assume direct responsibility and full of the seller, in this case the jeweler, to the customer. Anyone who buys a product, even a jewel, has a right of withdrawal, ie can return it if it does not respond to the features described at the time of sale.

The Light of Africa Diamond and Jar illuminate Christie’s

Published on June 9, 2022

news

Jar, spilla Parrot Tulip con più gemme, diamanti e lacca, venduta per 831.600 dollari

The Light of Africa Diamond, a D-color, Flawless, Type IIa, emerald-cut diamond of 103.49 carats, with excellent polishing and symmetry, was sold by Christie’s, New York, for 20 million dollars. The gem therefore ranks as the fifth most precious colorless diamond ever offered by Christie’s. The 299.3-inch rough stone was mined at the Cullinan diamond mine and then cut and polished by Stargems Group. Overall, the Magnificent Jewels auction reached a total of $ 48.8 million, with 95% sold by lot and 98% in value.

The jewels on sale also included Jar’s The Ann & Gordon Getty and Twelve Jewels collection. The sale totaled 5.9 million dollars and consisted of one of the largest and most important private collections of the master Joel Arthur Rosenthal. The result of the sale is considered exceptional by Christie’s: the Parrot Tulip brooch with more gems, diamonds and lacquer, was sold for 831,600 dollars, a set of three Fleur-Pompons brooches with diamonds, rubies and colored sapphires, for 579,600, and the Zebra brooch in agate, diamonds and sapphires, for 554,000. Part of the proceeds from the collection will be donated by Gordon Getty to a Ukrainian relief fund.

The Magnificent Jewels auction at Christie’s New York rounded off an incredible sale season with solid results worldwide. Ann Getty’s extraordinary JAR collection sold for a total of $5,065,000, over double the pre-sale estimate. The 103.49ct Light of Africa D Flawless diamond achieved an incredible $195,000 per carat demonstrating the strength of the diamond market at the highest levels. The stone was unearthed at the Cullinan Mine and polished by the Stargems Group. We look forward to the rest of our online jewelry sales in London, New York, and Paris, which run through the end of June.
Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Jewelry, Christie’s

Jar, spilla Zebra in agata, diamanti e zaffiri

The sale also achieved excellent results for jewels from important private collections, such as a selection of Bulgari jewels from the collection of the Italian actress Silvana Mangano, led by a Bulgari Fancy Intense Trombino ring with a 15.98-carat yellow diamond, sold for 693,000. dollars, a set of coral and gold jewelry Van Cleef & Arpels, formerly in the collection of Brooke Astor, who made 75,600 and a pair of emerald and diamond earrings of 13.79 and 12.14 carats from the property of a private collector , which reached $ 1,260,000.

Jar, set di tre spille Fleur Pompons con diamanti, rubini e zaffiri colorati

Anello Trombino con diamante giallo appartenuto a Silvana Mangano

Set di collana e orecchini in oro e corallo di Van Cleef & Arpels

Orecchini con smeraldi taglio pera e diamanti

Record diamond for Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

Published on June 1, 2022

news

Rossella Novarini, direttrice de Il Ponte Casa d'Aste, durante la battitura del top dell'asta di Gioielli del 26 e 27 maggio 2022, il diamante a goccia di 16,44 carati venduto a 12 milioni di euro. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d'Aste

The positive moment for the jewelry market, in particular for auction sales, is confirmed by the event at the end of May organized by Il Ponte Casa d’Aste, a Milanese company that sold for 1.2 million euro of a 16.44-carat teardrop diamond that sets a new record for the jewelry department in the sector.

Thanks to this important award, our international positioning is consolidated. Like the major majors, the department is now a point of reference also for the most important jewels that reach enviable figures, proving the continued trust on the part of the contributors in entrusting us with increasingly precious assets.
Luca Ghirondi, head of the Il Ponte Casa d’Aste jewelery department

Anello con diamante con taglio a goccia da 16,44 carati. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

The sale ended with a total of 2.6 million, 176% revaluation of estimates and 84% of lots sold, with international participations online and by telephone, New York, London, Tel Aviv, Mumbai, Paris, Hong Kong are some of the main origins of bidders. The confirmation, according to the company, of a catalog proposal capable of capturing the attention of an increasingly global audience.

Spilla in oro bianco con diamanti di 10,87 e 10,95 carati. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

In particular, among the lots awarded a brooch in white gold with two round brilliant-cut diamonds of 10.87 and 10.95 carats was sold for 237,500 euros, while two round brilliant-cut diamonds of 3.01 and 3 respectively, 31 carats were both sold for 50,000 euros. Among the top lots also the yellow gold ring with a cushion ruby of 4.98 carats at 225,000 and the white gold earrings with two large natural salt water pearls for 62,500 euros.

Anello con rubino birmano da 4,98 carati e diamanti. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

Orecchini in oro bianco con due grandi perle naturali d'acqua salata. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d'Aste — Orecchini in oro bianco con due grandi perle naturali d’acqua salata. Courtesy Il Ponte Casa d’Aste

Gioielli, Jewelry, Joaillerie, Joyas, Jewelen

diamante - Page 2

How hard are jewelry stones?

Blue diamonds and Evita’s jewels at Christie’s

A new record pink is coming from Christie’s

Christie’s sells The Fortune Pink for 28 million

The personalized solitaires of Recarlo

A pink diamond guides Christie’s Magnificent Jewels

5 questions before buying a vintage jewel

Crieri makes wisteria bloom

A 303-carat golden canary

The pink diamond challenge: Williamson Pink Star sold for 57 million

A record pink diamond is on sale at Sotheby’s

The three oldest diamond cuts

Quick guide to the three cuts of the most used stones in the past and mounted on old jewels ♦ ︎

The secrets of the princess cut

Diamonds with princess cut, also chosen by Emily Ratajkowski, seems to have a lot of fans. That’s why ♦

Gems that look the same

Who will buy the maxi pink diamond?

The legendary diamond of Van Cleef & Arpels

The extra large luxury of Chatila

Diamonds: rules to avoid scams

The Light of Africa Diamond and Jar illuminate Christie’s

Record diamond for Il Ponte Casa d’Aste