A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
A few notes from the diamond conference
Due to a last-minute scheduling conflict, I was only able to sit in on two full sessions at last week's diamond conference, put together by New York-based Initiatives in Art and Culture. But it was worth it. The sessions were...
Due to a last-minute scheduling conflict, I was only able to sit in on two full sessions at last week's diamond conference, put together by New York-based Initiatives in Art and Culture.
But it was worth it.
The sessions were interesting and were a nice departure from the countless sessions on sales, inventory and social networking I've attended in the past, where I tend to hear the same things over and over again.
Both of the sessions, coincidentally, included extensive discussion on the Hope Diamond. Here are a few gems (ha, ha) I gleaned from Friday:
- Harry Winston was the first jeweler to loan pieces to celebrities for the Oscars. Who wore it and when? Actress Jennifer Jones (1919-2009) donned Harry Winston for the 1943 Academy Awards, the year she took home the best actress Oscar for her performance in "The Song of Bernadette."
- Many historic gems passed through Harry Winston's hands, including the Lesotho diamond in 1967. One of the diamonds cleaved from this monster piece of rough, the 40.42-carat Lesotho III, later came to belong to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It was her engagement ring when she married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
- For a while the famous 45.52-carat blue Hope Diamond wandered the country as part of a traveling exhibition of outstanding gemstones known as the "Court of Jewels," which toured the nation's major cities between 1949 and 1953. People paid admission to view the Court's jewels, with proceeds going to benefit children stricken with polio.
- Harry Winston gifted the Hope to the Washington, D.C.-based Smithsonian Institute in 1958. It's still there today, on display in the National Museum of Natural History.
- It's estimated that more than 150 million people have seen the Hope since it went on display at the museum in the late 1950s.
- Though it's known that the Hope originated in India, the "where" and "when" are two questions scientists have never been able to answer.
- Through the use of high-tech computer modeling, the Smithsonian put together a cutting history of the Hope. It is believed that the diamond we know as the Hope was originally a different shape and was part of the French crown jewels.
- Known as the "French Blue" and cut from a piece of rough called the "Tavernier Blue," the diamond disappeared during the French Revolution (1789-1799) when someone snatched the crown jewels. It resurfaced in England 20
- Owners of the Hope have included Henry Philip Hope, a banker, collector of gems and the stone's namesake, and U.S. socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean. Harry Winston acquired McLean's jewels in 1947.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.