Archive for September, 2009

The IGI (International Gemological Institute) has expanded its operations by inaugurating a new gemological laboratory in the Diamond Exchange in Ramat Gan, Israel, the heart of the Israeli diamond industry.

Alongside the opening of the new lab, the IGI will also be launchig a new service for customers; “diamond laser inscription” IGI CEO Roland Lorié announced at the same time that the lab and new service needs meant that a necessary employment drive grew the operation from 10 to 15, with plans to grow further. Lorie announced that “Israel needs a major laboratory to support efficient and successful trades within the industry,”

In parallel, the RJC (The Responsible Jewellery Council) confirmed that the IGI lab has had its application approved to the Council. The RJC is an industry organization set on promoting a responsible supply chain end to end from mine to shop to customer.

Council members must apply the RJC System by upholding the RJC Code of Practices and undergoing third-party auditing to become certified. This unique system builds on recognized international initiatives like the Kimberley Process and ISO standards, such as SA8000 and ISO 14001.

Continuing our British football related diamond stories, former Thai premier and Manchester City Chairman Thaksin Shinawatra last week gave a radio interview, the first since his exile, from Thailand in which he confirmed his investment in a diamond mine was financed by profit from the sale of Manchester City Football Club.

Thanksin said that capital used for the purchase of the diamond mined were not impounded by the British because he simply had no bank accounts in England at the time. Regarding his freedom to travel, he said none of the countries he visited had any objection or embarrassment to grant him entry.

The story came about when it was alledged he used his wife’s ID card to purchase a plot of land marked as a Diamond Reserve.

In concluding his interview, he denied speculation about his illness with cancer. He said he was in good health.

British footballer Wayne Rooney has reportedly bought a custom designed 50,000-pound diamond encrusted watch to give as a celebration present to his wife when she gives birth to their first child next month.

The Manchester United striker said ‘Coleen is crazy about diamonds so that was key to the design of the watch. Wayne has spent weeks making sure it looks just right,’ News of the World quoted a source close to the pair as saying.

The famous tabloid couple; footballer and WAG (Wife and Girlfriend) are due to become first time parents on October 24, the same day Rooney celebrates his own birthday.

In India Hinduism rules the culture and none more than for devout believer Kanubhai Asodaria who is offering prayers directly to a Diamond Idol in the shape of Lord Ganesha.

Asodaria acquired this 182.53 carat rough cut loose diamond over 10 years ago from a dealer in Antwerp, Belgium.

‘‘I had purchased rough stones in bulk. When I was sorting them out at home, I could make out that the biggest stone resembled Lord Ganesha. I decided to preserve it and this is the only stone I have refused to part with all these years,’’ said Asodaria, who runs Karam Exports, a small diamond firm.

Like other diamond traders, he sources roughs from abroad and gets them polished in Surat, India. Though he refuses point blank to get this particular gem polished since he feels it would lose its divine shape and thus significance However the diamond is certified by the central government-run Indian Diamond Institute (IDI), Surat. The yellowish grey stone is 48 mm high, 32 mm wide and 20 mm thick and weighs in at 36.50 grams.

We are happy to announce a special offer for September on one of our most popular diamond rings. The Seven diamonds ring can be used elegantly for either a wedding or anniversary ring. The piece has the following characteristics:

Stone: Diamond
Carat: 0.37
Shape: Round
Color: Average F
Clarity: Average VS2

PRICE WAS:
$905

PRICE NOW:
$724

* FREE World-Wide Shipping on All Orders
* Receive your purchase Before you Pay
* Complimentary Jewelry Box and Bag Wrapping
* All Our Diamonds are Certified