by Maya Bornstein Photo by: Mike Beauregard | Flickr.com Most of the materials we are familiar with also have a number of other applications beyond their day-to-day uses. For instance, everyone is familiar with textiles for clothing, bedding, carpets, furniture, and other household items. However, textiles are also frequently utilized in the automotive, medical, industrial, [...]
In February of this year, Australian miners unearthed the world’s largest pink diamond. Discovered at the Argyle diamond mine in the East Kimberly region of Western Australia (the source of over 90% of the world’s pink diamonds), the 12.76 carat diamond was predicted to be worth at least $10 million. Mining industry giant and owner [...]
by Maya Bornstein Photo by: Steven Depolo | Flickr.com Diamonds may be shiny, but they often come at enormous costs – well beyond their hefty price tags. Just consider the diamond trade terrorizing the central and western regions of Africa, as well as the catastrophic environmental impact of mining these gems. In response, jewelers are [...]
People love their pets. In fact, some people love their pets so much, they design $37,500 worth collars for them. Well maybe not some people, but one person, designer Karl Lagerfeld, recently fashioned a one-of-a-kind collar made of 40 carats of black diamonds and a 22.3 carat hydrothermal emerald centerpiece for his precious kitten, Choupette. [...]
The Rubik’s cube has been a symbol of the quirkiness and eccentricity of the 1970s since its inception in 1974. It has never been seen as a symbol of status, opulence, or wealth at least until now. Diamond Cutters International is honoring the 40th anniversary of the Rubik’s cube with a $2.5 million masterpiece. The [...]
Whether you’re a professional jeweler or an average citizen, you’re aware of The Hope Diamond. You may not know its dimensions, history, or the story behind the myth that it’s cursed, but you’ve at least heard the name. That’s because it’s the most famous diamond in the world and is said to be the second [...]
On May 40, former Liberian President Charles Taylor was sentenced to 50 years in prison by a U.N.-backed court, which will more than likely turn into a life sentence for the 64-year-old political leader. Taylor was convicted of trading arms with the Revolutionary United Front rebels in Sierra Leone, who were responsible for the 1991-2002 [...]
A necklace bearing five Mughal empire pendant diamonds with emerald drops has recently been offered up at a private sale for a price tag of $20 million. The necklace, called the “Mirror Diamond,” is a prime example of the highly sought after colorless rough diamonds discovered in India during the height of the Mughal Empire. [...]
One of the world’s oldest and most storied diamonds is expected to sell for up to $4 million at a Sotheby’s auction next month. The 400-year-old “Beau Sancy” weighs in at 34.98 carats, and the rare pear cut diamond is currently on display in Paris. From Paris, it will move to London and Zurich, before [...]
