JUNE 2004 NEWSLETTER
NEW JEWEL: Square pendant with diamond.
“The sublime, elegant simplicity of architect Ludwig Meis van der Rohe’s German Pavilion. Built in 1929 Barcelona Spain for International Exhibition, the landmark has an extraordinary timelessness and refinement. ” -ce
This square pendant displays boldness and subtlety in the texture of a flat plane. Movement, from being worn on a person, brings it life as the light flows across its surface. The opening creates a window, and in it, the sparkle of an off-set diamond, engaging the viewer to take a closer look.
CLAUDIA ENDLER DESIGNS: EVENT NEWS
Now showing our works in the newly relocated space of Sculpture to Wear. Known for its unusual one-of-a-kind works, visionary proprietor, Lisa Berman has also expanded her concept to include retail collections. She has moved her gallery from Bergamot Station in Santa Monica to 808 11th Street (near Montana), Santa Monica, CA. www.sculpturetowear.com
JUNE’S FEATURE: HOW MUCH SHOULD ONE SPEND ON AN ENGAGEMENT RING?
The Engagement Ring Phenomenon (Part II)
Part II in this series of the Engagement Ring Phenomenon deals with, “How much?” I have not met any man who does not want to give his partner everything her heart desires. The world, if possible. Unfortunately for most mere mortals, rationality does play a part in romanticism. Therefore, cases of hyperventilation ensue.
Have you decided to purchase a diamond? Have you heard that one should spend 2-3 months salary on an engagement diamond? Many people have heard this, taken it as the law and do so, not knowing its origin. This is a guideline given by DeBeers to retailers to assist their customers on what they feel is appropriate. For some of you, this may be a bit of a sum to swallow. For others, it is no problem. Remember, DeBeers is a diamond-marketing machine that promotes the sale of diamonds. They are beautiful, no doubt. In truth, it will wear the longest.
First and foremost, everyone has his or her own unique situation and budgetary constraints, which need to be considered and possibly discussed in your engagement ring process. You do have options.
- Decide how important it is to you and the person with whom you are making the commitment, that you purchase a diamond engagement ring.
- Do not get caught up in the idea that this is the amount you “have to spend” or that you are somehow not fulfilling your duty. This is nothing more than a guideline and a marketing tool.
- If you do decide to purchase a diamond.set your limits. Decide what you are able to comfortably spend and stick to it.
- Upgrade to a larger stone, in the future, when your budget allows. It is not unheard of and is very acceptable. Proposing to her all over again is very romantic.
- Keep in mind that price per carat increase exponentially as the size increases for a similar quality of stone.
- Anything above .50pts will be graded more intensely on the 4C’s: Carat weight, color, clarity and cut. All should be taken into consideration.
- Biggest is not always best.
- Don’t forget to breathe!
WHAT IS A GREEN DIAMOND?
Since our last newsletter, many of you have asked this very question. Did you know diamonds come from the earth in a variety of shades and colors? You may be familiar with the range from perfectly colorless (white) to the yellow tinged or brown. Different color varieties are caused by minute traces of other minerals or exposure to radioactivity. Dark green color is due to exposure to radioactive radium. Opaque, black “bort” variety derives color from graphite inclusions. Other colors include yellows, yellow-brown, or predominantly brown, or very occasionally pink to reddish, blue, blue-gray, pale green or violet.
Some are more expensive than their colorless counterparts. The champagne or cognac colors have tended to be less expensive. Fashion trends are making them more desirable and prices are increasing.
Diamonds with a definite color, such as those natural shades of red, pinks and lavenders, are extremely rare and the prices are exponentially higher. Not unlike the infamous one given by basketball notoriety Kobe Bryant to his wife. A cool $4 million for one such 8-carat stone.
For those whose quest for color doesn’t quite fit their pocket book, there is the alternative of IRRADIATION. It is a form of heating white diamonds or not-so-white diamonds until it changes color. (Similar to the method used in processing meats and other foods) Though the outcome is unpredictable, these irradiated diamonds come in a variety of beautiful shades. In many cases much more intense teals and greens, pinks and lavenders. There are no side effects to wearing these stones and they keep their color. Prices are typical of what you would pay for a white diamond. These irradiated diamonds are widely used, especially with the color trends of fashion now effecting fine jewelry.
(In our last newsletter, our featured “New Jewel” contained green diamonds. These are irradiated stones, as well as the blue-green one shown in the band above.)
INDUSTRY NEWS:
Sotheby’s Auction House reports a new record total of 57 million US dollars for its latest spring auctions in Hong Kong. The most expensive item sold during the auctions was a 10.8 carat heart-shaped blue diamond ring, which sold for 4.24 million US dollars, the highest price for western jewelry sold in Asia.
THE WAY OF CHIC: Having style starts with recognition of one’s own unique qualities as well as others’.
STYLE RECOGNITION:
Pregnant and revealingly chic? If you don’t feel like you can be think again. If you are pregnant or know someone who is, don’t let the beauty of the moment go unrecognized or undocumented. For more information on stylish photographic images, visit www.bellyshots.com.
CONTACT INFO:
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