Fluorescence does not occur in most diamonds. In fact, about  65 percent of all diamonds exhibit no fluorescence at all, yet it is mentioned on most diamond lab certificates.  So what is it exactly?

Credits: Photos from Gems and Gemology, Winter 1997, Volume 33, Issue 4. Photos by Harold and Erica Van Pelt. Jewellery courtesy of Harry Winston, Inc.

Fluorescence is the glowing color (typically blue) that appears when some diamonds are exposed to  long-wave ultraviolet light. When the ultraviolet light source is removed, they stop fluorescing. This is a naturally-occurring optical phenomenon and is completely harmless, but for years it was thought that it was a  negative attribute in a diamond.

In fact, fluorescence can really be a good thing in diamonds of a lower color grade (I or lower).  Since daylight is a  source of ultra violet light, if you look at a diamond of this quality with strong fluorescence the blue color can cancel out the yellow body-color, making it appear more colorless (white).

The myth about fluorescence being a bad thing in diamonds of higher color grades was disproven by the  Gemological Institute of America (GIA) when they conducted a very extensive study of the affect of fluorescence in  diamonds.  They compared over 1000 stones, and the percentage of diamonds that it affected negatively was so minuscule it was nearly non-existent!  It is known that high color diamonds with very strong blue fluorescence can display a  cloudiness referred to as ‘overblue’ but it occurs so rarely that most jewelers will never encounter it in their  entire life.  The GIA study also showed that the difference between varying levels of fluorescence was indistinguishable to nearly all non-jewelry trade customers they asked, or put otherwise,  for most people buying jewelry, fluorescence had no visible  effect on a diamond’s color, appearance or transparency.

The diamond necklace and earrings in the pictures above might help depict how little difference there is between stones that fluoresce and those that don’t – In normal daylight (in the picture on the left) the diamonds  all appear to be perfectly matched in color; it’s impossible to guess which diamonds have no fluorescence and which  diamonds have medium or even very strong fluorescence.  The photo on the right shows the same necklace and earrings under ultraviolet light – just look at all the different colors!

An amazing blue diamond broke a world record last week, fetching a price of 6.2 million British pounds (about $9.6 million), or about $1.8 million per carat, according to auctioneer Bonhams.

The diamond is a brilliant blue and is set in a ring made by Italian jeweler Bulgari around 1965. The high price likely comes from the diamond’s unusual color as well as its posh setting: Bulgari is a company beloved by the Hollywood glitterati, and blue diamonds are rarely up for sale. This particular blue diamond also happens to be a large chunk of ice at 5.3 carats or about the size of a dime.

The diamond is a “fancy deep-blue” stone, terminology that describes its intensity of color. The blue sheen comes from boron atoms intermixed with the carbon that makes up the diamond’s structure. According to Bonhams, less than 1 percent of all diamonds mined are blue diamonds.

Skeleton jewelry has traditionally been relegated to holidays and bikers. When you see a skull ring it evokes certain emotions and thoughts, not least of which is that this is ‘real’ jewelry, its ‘fun’ jewelry. That thought has been changing over the years and we are proud to be a leader in this style of custom ring.

Skeleton Ring with Black Diamond

Skeletons no longer have many of the negative connotations that they once held in a more traditional time. Skeletons are celebrated and made more mainstream as new ideas of what is ‘proper’ evolve. 20 years ago it would have been unheard of to have a skeleton as part of a wedding ring. Today we are creating skeleton themed wedding jewelry where the skeletons are not only integral to the design, but they are celebrated and made the focal point.

This is the ring that started us down the path to creating multiple styles of skeleton and skull rings. Made in platinum, this ring featured a male and female skeleton lying on their backs, arms outstretched, grasping a stunning emerald cut diamond. Gone were the days of every skeleton ring having a black diamond as the only option, this ring showed that it is possible to create stunning wedding jewelry that combined both traditional ideals and modern fashion in ways most people wouldn’t have thought of.

This led is to creating dozens of variations on the skeleton wedding ring theme. Cathedral style rings, round diamonds, princess cut diamond, and even a few with black diamonds. The common theme is the skeletons joining together in support of a single stone. We’ve been asked many times what the meaning behind these rings is, and that is a personal thing for each customer. For some they represent their gothic style, but for others they represent a stripping away of everything and rebuilding new as a couple.

Along with skeleton engagement rings we have begun exploring new ways to create wedding bands and rings that feature skeletons and skulls. One of our first skull rings was an 18kt white gold take on the eternity band. The ring is scaled for a woman and features detailed skulls spaced around the ring with a textured background. From there we experimented with various size skulls, metals and textures.

We have always been proud of our desire and ability to push the boundaries of jewelry design, whether it is in the technical aspect of creating unique designs, or incorporating unusual ideas and themes, our goal is to bring the best of every design to life.

Rolex aficionados can generally identify a fake Rolex from authentic, but what about the general public?  The only 100%sure way is to take it to a Rolex service centre and have them examine it and give you the facts.  Next, taking it to an authorized Rolex dealer and have them give it the once over.  If they remove the caseback and examine the movement they will be able to tell at a glance if it is a genuine Rolex movement (no other movements are laid out the same way). From a casual external examination, some expensive fakes can fool even watch experts some of the time, $30 fakes fool no one after seeing the real thing.  If you want a Rolex and you want zero risk, buy it new from an authorized Rolex dealer. Anything else has some degree of risk. As the old saying goes; “buy the seller, not the watch”.

The Stuller March Bridal Madness Design Competition is upon us and our own Kelly Klose has entered one of his favorite designs. Just click this link: http://on.fb.me/10djnGd and like Kelly Klose’s design to cast your vote. Thank you so much for voting! The 18k diamond ring features a stunning 5.08 carat (GIA) diamond center.

We are pleased to announce we have just aquired the EnvisionTEC Aureus 3D printer. What does this mean for you? Simply put, this machine is the  number one choice for jewelry manufacturing due to the precision and castable materials offered straight from the machine. Highly detailed filigree and accurate settings are produced that a human jeweler just can not match.

The Aureus has already proven to be unparalleled in our industry, for instance a set of 15 rings can be produced in a castable material within 5 hours! The accuracy achievable is beyond laser or printing alternative technologies with 15 micron resolution.  (1 micron = one millionth of a meter) Because of this the Aureus makes the perfect choice for our micro pave or invisible setting designs.

Not to get too technical, but how the machine works is based on the principle of photopolymerization, that is the use of a liquid polymer that changes its properties to a hard resin when exposed to light, creating 3-D  models with the finest finish technologicaly possible today, which means the absolutue highest quality custom jewelry to our customers.

Today we experienced blistering cold tempatures in Elkhart, Indiana with the ever increasing lake-effect snow.  Another 3″ of snow today with more coming and a high of only 14.  The wind was up to 30mph with wind chills between -5 and -15.

2012 was the best year in our company’s history and our internet business has grown 5 fold this year. Most of those that shopped with us online were clients who wanted various pieces of custom jewelry created and we were pleased to make quite a few very unique and exciting pieces, from colored diamond rings to a sterling button for Flo, from Progressive Insurance that she wore to the Emmy Awards. We want 2013 to be even better, so expect upgrades to our site as well as an ever improving and unforgettable customer experience.

Black Sapphire and Ruby eyes make this John Hardy Naga Dragon Bracelet a statement piece. From the Naga Collection the dragon head bracelet is on on Large Rectangular Chain with black sapphire. All in Sterling Silver and cosmic dragon clasp.  Featuring the beautiful craftsmanship in Silver and a unique dragon motif, this bracelet has been handcrafted for a look as dramatic as it is unusual.

Come see John Hardy’s all new collection here in our online store: http://www.imagesjewelers.com/shopping/john-hardy-jewelry/john-hardy-bracelets

Or stop in and see it in person at our John