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Cross-posted from Whiteflash News: 10.5 Carat Engagement Ring is Top Seller at Madoff Auction
Last Saturday, hundreds of collectors gathered in New York for a unique opportunity: the chance to bid on disgraced financier’s personal belongings. Ruth Madoff’s engagement ring was only one of hundreds of items on the auction block. Everything from the Ponzi schemer’s Steinway piano to his socks was put up for auction to help repay only a fraction of the billions Madoff swindled from his victims.
Emerald cut diamond ring
The auction competition was fierce, as collectors competed to own a piece of economic history. One especially hot item—Madoff’s monogrammed bedroom slippers, which sold for $6,000. One man outbid the competition on a box of assorted menswear including socks and monogrammed boxers; he said he planned to give the socks out as novelty Christmas gifts.
Bernie Madoff, who pleaded guilty to a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme and is currently serving a 150-year sentence, was not allowed to keep even the most sentimental items, like photo albums and frames, which were emptied and put on the auction block.
10.5 carat emerald-cut diamond
A Rolex watch that Madoff had worn often sold for $67,500, while his wife’s engagement ring was sold to the highest bidder for $550,000. The platinum solitaire ring is set with a 10.5 carat emerald-cut diamond. The anonymous buyer did not comment on whether he planned to keep it or use it for a proposal. He told the New York Post, “This is all going to play out with the subtlety of a Dickens novel. This is just going to take time.”
This is the second auction of Madoff’s personal effects, bringing the total funds raised to $3 million. A sizable sum, to be sure, but nowhere near the estimated $18 billion Madoff swindled from his investors.
Classic tiffany style Knife-Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring
Dear Whiteflash.com Sales Team,
I gave her the Tiffany Style Knife Edge Engagement Ring and we are officially engaged. She loves it! I do too, seeing it out and being worn in a variety of different lights it really is a gorgeous ring, and 1.2 ct diamond is certainly not too small. It’s just so icy and sparkly, she has to hide it from my view while I’m driving or I’ll keep looking at it instead of the road.
So, thank you again for all your help. We will probably be in touch when it is time to pick out wedding bands. Thanks again.
Best,
James
Classic tiffany style Knife-Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring
Cross-posted form Whiteflash News: Determining the Value of Your Diamonds
Most of us have an old diamond jewelry—which it is family heritage or a gift that we never liked—hiding in the back of a jewelry box. What you may not realize is that diamond rings and other pieces of diamond jewelry can be completely valuable and easy to sell. Not every sparkly old stone is a jackpot, but, so before you take your loot to an appraiser, it’s a good idea to get some sense of how much the stone and setting are worth.
A Cut Above diamond in allegro ring with euro shank
Loose diamonds are, of course, the easiest to resell, which is why they are often the first choice of those buying diamonds as an investment. Without a setting, which can be dirty, damaged or simply outdated, the value of the stone stands completely on its own merit. However, antique jewelry can often be even more valuable if it is in good condition and is in a style that is considered desirable.
The most important element affecting the resale price of a loose diamond or diamond jewelry is its condition. Although some amount of wear is to be expected, and adds to the charm of antique pieces, it is important that it be in reasonable physical condition. Missing stones are a big problem, as are discolored or damaged stones. The metal itself should be relatively unscratched and untarnished. You may want to get a piece of diamond jewelry professionally cleaned and buffed before getting it appraised, although this is not always a good idea with delicate antique pieces.
Of course, the more valuable the piece was originally, the more it will be worth now. Solid, high-quality materials, excellent workmanship, and above all top-notch diamonds will all add to the value of your diamond ring or necklace. If your piece appears vintage in style and is slightly worn without any severe damage, it will sell easily at an antique shop. Brand names can help with the sale of your piece, but a top-quality piece will speak for itself without the brand name.
Many people get their loose diamonds and diamond jewelry appraised for insurance purposes. Keep in mind, however, that the price quoted by the appraiser is an industry estimate and is not the resale value you can expect to get for that piece. Your actual sale price will depend on many other factors like condition, sales environments, and the international diamond market.
The value of loose diamonds does not depend on their age, assuming that they are in good condition. The market value of any loose diamond will depend on the famous “4 C’s”—cut, color, carat and clarity. If you purchased the diamond, you probably know its ranking. If you don’t know the diamond’s rankings, you can get it appraised, but be very careful that you bring it to a certified appraiser. The findings of independent appraisers can often be contested by a buyer.
Of course, having a reliable diamond certificate like an AGS or GIA certification can increase the total value of your stone while avoiding any conflicts over its grading. A certified diamond is worth more than an uncertified diamond; plus, you save money on appraising. It helps if your diamond has an identification number laser-inscribed on the girdle, which your jeweler can help you find. Keep in mind that older loose diamonds may be ranked differently and by different certifying agencies; a trusted jeweler with a broad knowledge of diamond rankings can help you compare your stone to more modern ranking systems.
There is no one set price for any diamond of a specific ranking; diamond prices fluctuate constantly with the global market. However, a little online research will give you a reasonable estimate on the market price of your stone. Keep in mind that an appraiser or vendor may charge a commission on the sale of your loose diamond.
There are many ways to sell a loose diamond or a piece of jewelry. You may want to try antique shops, pawn shops, auction houses specialty jewelry stores, or Internet auction sites. You may also try to find a buyer on your own, cutting out the middle man and his commission. Selling a loose diamondcan be interesting, fun and most of all, lucrative!
After an eight-year courtship and much intense scrutiny from the press and the public alike, Prince William of England has finally popped the question to his girlfriend, Kate Middleton. And guess what? She said yes! More surprising than the engagement, which even the Queen said has been in the works for a while, is the ring that Prince William used to propose. Now sitting proudly on the future Princess Kate’s finger is the very same sapphire and diamond engagement ring once worn by William’s mother, Princess Diana.
There is no combination more elegant than that of sapphire and diamond.
Name of this ring is ‘The Catherine’. Thank you Catherine for allowing us to show off your ring.
Diana’s ring has a long and storied history. Princess Di received the ring from her husband, Prince Charles, when they got engaged in 1981. The ring consists of a spectacular 18-carat sapphire surrounded by 14 small diamonds. In the early 1980’s, fascination with all things relating to the elusive and fashionable Princess Diana created a sharp surge in the popularity of sapphire engagement rings. Jewelers today are already gearing up for a similar spike in demand. Sapphire and diamond three-stone rings have already been a rising trend; this recent development will only cement the sapphire’s place as a perfect accompaniment to a beautiful diamond.
This ring, a sapphire surrounded by round and pear-shaped stones, is inspired by Diana’s classic ring.
Princess Diana’s first appearance in public with this non-traditional engagement ring sparkled a trend for individuality in engagement rings. To this day, despite the popularity of classic styles like the tiffany setting, more and more brides are choosing unique styles, featuring colored gemstones and unusual settings, that reflect their unique personalities.
Prince William explained his choice of his mother’s famous ring, despite the strong association that it has with her tragic life. Giving Kate the ring “was my way of making sure that my mother didn’t miss out on today and the excitement and the fact that we’re going to spend the rest of our lives together,” he said in an official statement.
Interestingly, in the three decades that have passed since his mother began wearing the elegant engagement ring, decadent engagement rings have become so common among movie stars and other celebrities that this particular ring is no long unique in its size or value. However, the elegant and tasteful design of the ring is perfectly suited for royalty, and the sentimental value attached to the ring of the world’s princess is priceless.
We can expect diamond and sapphire engagement rings to become increasingly popular in the next year.
Debi Wexler, CEO of Whiteflash.com
Twitter, Blogs and Forums, Youtube, Facebook, Flickr can create a simple way of broadcasting your engagement and wedding day plans to the world.
Make sure you use these social media venues as great resources to ask questions about proposing, shopping and wedding day ideas. Try out the numerous resources available to you as a new bride or groom from wedding planning inquiries to groom speeches or great toasts during a dinner party. With social media you have a connection to world wide experts that can chime in with upcoming ideas to insuring a perfect engagement and wedding.
Below are 5 favorite ways that social media can help put together pieces of the puzzle on the biggest event of a bride or groom’s life.
Finding your unique wedding resources
Wedding Vendors and planners have gone social. Literally, there are millions of them. Have a question or need a basic consultation? You can start the process of locating and finding your favorite vendors online. Loads and loads of blogs are available to point out the best vendors out there. We recommend using ivouch or yelp to verify the service level of advertisers. You can even create a Twitter list to compile names of vendors you want to follow up with.
Try a basic Twitter search for the topic you’re researching. For example: “Save the Dates.” Doing this will show you everyone who is tweeting about this topic RIGHT NOW. Browse tweets and hash-tags to see the latest buzz and trending topics. Lots of vendors run Twitter of Facebook specific promotions like Whiteflash’s “11th Heaven” engagement ring setting discount! There’s no telling what kind of deals you might find.
Get advice from wedding experts and planners from around the world
OK, preferably ask the ones who are still married. Chances are you have many Facebook or Twitter friends that are married or engaged. If you’ve got a wedding question bogging you down or you need a vendor recommendation; post it on a status update. You’ll be surprised how many responses you get Brides (and grooms sometimes) love to share their wedding planning experiences.
Get on the band wagon for ‘Freebies’
When you see ‘free’ run to that website! Websites that cater to the wedding market like to find sponsors to give away free wedding day accessories or even honeymoon vacations. Check out the daily wedding tweeters for ideas and ‘give aways’. We are sure you can find at least one promotion or even multiple ‘give aways’ in a week. Just enter Facebook or twitter to get notified of upcoming sweepstakes. Here’s one from Whiteflash.com. This holiday season Whiteflash is showing off its branded hearts and arrows diamond, A CUT ABOVE, by having a promotion of 11% off on any setting by purchasing one of their world renowned diamonds. Whiteflash.com introduces “11th Heaven” this holiday season. As an online e-tailor we know that it is all about your peace of mind and your wallet. Right now if you order any Whiteflash conflict free diamond, A CUT ABOVE® or Expert Selection during the period of November 11th December 31st you will be able to take advantage of that that ring you need when you make your special proposal night plans. Ok, so it’s not free, but it is a big savings when you consider you would be spending about 40% more for the same branded diamond in a brick and mortar store. You even get a life time upgrade to boot.
Follow the yellow brick blog to your wedding day preparations
You want the wedding to be on a tropical island? A lot of friends won’t be able to afford the travel. However, don’t fret! You can stream your wedding day on your blog for all your friends and relatives to share. You can even be so creative that your video may be watched by millions of others who want ideas on how to plan their wedding. There’s your fifteen minutes to fame and having a great time too! From photographers, to jewelers to gown designers and cake makers – all these people are blogging about where to find the best in class services.
Look to the subject matter experts…
We asked one of our favorite wedding tweeters to share their #1 piece of advice to grooms and brides who want to use social media to help plan their wedding:
@WFDiamondDebi– Follow me on twitter. Or fan us on Facebook to get the newest update on the wedding buzz. Basically, as a diamond e-tailer, buying a diamond is an interactive experience. That’s why we focus on social marketing techniques to engage our past, present and future customers. Customers are closer than ever to the people who actual create they products they buy and use. With live chatting on our website as well social sharing of our articles, we have increased our market share by 12 percent, and we have been were featured in Entrepreneur magazine as well as DM news for our innovative social marketing tactics.
Education is also very important to WhiteFlash.com and to their visitors. The company offers a comprehensive education on diamond jewelry and a very large image library with commentary from gemologists, appraisers, former diamond graders and educators. Visitors can educate themselves about most anything related to jewelry in our “About Diamonds” section. We have even added better search features to enable our customers to find information on most anything related to precious gems, jewelry making, custom design pieces, and designer engagement ring settings. Unique videos and actual diamond images help visitors understand and clearly see the diamonds.
“Our most informed customer is our best customer,” says Debi Wexler, CEO. “Our clients gain the confidence to buy when they can leisurely view diamonds and our video tutorials. With confidence comes trust and repeat business.” Make sure to tweet with WF Diamond Debi and get the latest scoop on how to bling yourself out for your engagement party, your wedding day, and your honeymoon memories. Check us out on Facebook, Flicker and Youtube. We are always coming out with new and beautiful pieces to make your wedding blingtastic!
Cross-posted From Whiteflash News: Jessica Simpson Paid For Her Own Engagement Ring: Would You?
Jessica Simpson Engagement Ring
It was just reported that pop singer and one-time reality TV star Jessica Simpson is engaged to former NFL player Eric Johnson. Simpson even appeared in civic with an elegant, vintage-style engagement ring, a three-stone setting in yellow gold, set with a diamond and ruby accent stones.
Everyone oohed and aahed over the ring and Jessica’s happy face, although secretly wondering about the coincidence of her ex, Nick Lachey, having gotten engaged that very same week.
Now the blogosphere is muttering that Simpson probably paid for the ring herself, being that it appears to be a relatively pricey piece and presumably out of Johnson’s budget. Although Simpson has not produced new music in many years, she has created a brand out of her line of shoes, perfume, and other successful product collaborations.
Although at first glance, this news seems disconcerting, the truth is that having a man buy a ring for his girlfriend is itself a bit of a relic from a time gone by. These days, men and women can both have successful careers and enjoy comfortable salaries; there is no reason that the man should be solely responsible for the purchase of the ring. In the case of someone like Jessica Simpson, maybe it makes sense for her to choose, and pay for, a ring that suits her budget, rather than settling for the less glamorous ring Johnson may have chosen.
What would you do? Would you pay for or chip in for your engagement ring? Do you think it’s strange if Simpson did?
Hooray and just in time for the holidays, Whiteflash is PROUD to present: “Color By The Yard”.
A spectacular blend of beautiful blue, delectable pink or vivid yellow spphires combined with the stuperfying power of A Cut Above Diamonds to give your loved ones wrist or neck the bling it so despertly deserves.
Delightfully delicate Color by the Yard Bracelet sparkles and shines with alternating diamonds and colored Sapphires. Bracelet contains 4 A CUT ABOVE Hearts and Arrows Diamonds (0.25ctw F/G VS), 4 Sapphires (0.25gtw) and measures 7 inches in length.
Delightfully delicate Color by the Yard Necklace sparkles and shines with alternating diamonds and colored Sapphires. Necklace contacins 2 A Cut Above Hearts and Arrows Diamonds (0.20ctw F/G VS), 4 Sapphires (0.30gtw) and measures 16 inches in length.
"Color By The Yard" Diamond and Sapphire Necklace
"Color By The Yard" Diamond and Sapphire Necklace
Cross-posted from Whiteflash News: Solitaire, Not Solitary: Accessorizing a Solitaire Diamond Ring
Solitaire diamond rings are the most popular diamond setting for engagement rings, beloved by brides of all ages and tastes for generations. The simple design aesthetic of the solitaire diamond ring—the single stone highlighting a simple band—has influenced many other areas of jewelry design, from earrings to bracelets. Whether you are planning to buy a gift to accompany your proposal, or you are looking for an addition to your own jewelry collection, check out these solitaire-diamond inspired jewelry pieces. Like the solitaire diamond ring, these pieces can be worn every day, while still adding something special to a special-occasion ensemble.
Because of their resemblance to the classic solitaire diamond ring, all of these pieces make beautiful and symbolic anniversary presents. What better way is there to commemorate the beginning of your marriage than with a beautiful necklace that plays on the ring that started it all?
Earrings
Diamond earrings
These four-prong diamond studs are a close relative of the classic solitaire diamond ring, especially the Tiffany-style setting. Diamond studs can come in many settings, with features like pearl accents or diamond jackets, but these four-prong simple studs are a true classic. Diamond studs can be worn with any outfit, and are comfortable and easy to wear.
There are almost as many kinds of diamond stud setting as there are solitaire diamond ring settings. You can opt for a traditional prong setting, or an unusual three or even eight prong setting style. Bezel settings are also popular for diamond studs. You can buy a pair of diamond studs ready to go, or choose your setting and stones separately.
Pendants
Diamond pendant
There are many kinds of beautiful diamond necklaces, but the simple solitaire pendant, like the solitaire diamond ring, is a timeless addition to any wardrobe. A pendant can be a great way to re-set a solitaire diamond if you cannot wear a ring for some reason. The three-prong martini setting is a fun twist on the classic solitaire diamond ring setting, which more commonly has four or even six prongs.
Most diamond pendants come on simple gold chains, but there are many varieties available that can add a personal touch to your necklace. You can even opt for a Diamonds By The Yard chain, which includes small evenly-spaced stones along the length of the chain.
Bangles
Diamond Solitaire bangle
The diamond solitaire bangle is a visually stunning adaptation of the popular setting. Consisting of one show-stopping diamond set in a smooth white gold bangle, this bracelet would look fabulous paired with a more traditional solitaire diamond ring. The center stone, an Expert Selection diamond of approximately .5 carat weight, will coordinate with the center stone of any diamond solitaire ring. This bracelet can even be worn with other bangles, like the eternity style or a pavé set style.
Unlike the more common tennis bracelet, the solitaire diamond bangle is made of a single hinged unit of metal, not links. That means it is important that it fit properly. If you are buying a solitaire diamond bangle as a gift, make sure to measure one of the wearer’s own bracelets to ensure that it will fit her wrist.
Cross-posted from Whiteflash News: Frequently Asked Questions: How Do I Care For My Tiffany-style Engagement Ring?
A fine ring is built to last, but it is positively normal, specially for a high-profile tiffany-style engagement ring, to accumulate dirt and small scratches. If you wear your tiffany-style engagement ring each day, all the small things you do every day, from fishing around in your purse to eating a sandwich, can add small bits of dust and dirt that can drastically cut down the brilliance of your ring.
Unlike sunken settings like the bezel, the tiffany-style setting raises the diamond above the ring band, creating an empty space beneath the diamond’s pavilion. That empty space is crucial for maximizing the visibility. Over time a tiffany-style engagement ring can collect dust and debris in that space, giving the stone an unattractive dull look. Additionally, the tiffany setting, like any engagement ring, can get small scratches on the surface from repeated daily wear. Despite your best efforts to keep it in mint condition, over time, your ring will inevitably get a bit scuffed.
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The underside of the setting is a common place for dirt to build up.
But caring for a ring, even the delicate tiffany-style engagement ring, is easy, as long as you follow a few simple precautions. You don’t need to take your ring into the jewelers for polishing very often, and you don’t even need any fancy equipment like an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner. (If you have lots of jewelry that needs to be washed often, you may consider one of these gadgets, but for a simple engagement ring, it’s unnecessary.) Check out this simple, easy and affordable cleaning tip from the Whiteflash customer service department.
A clean ring helps the diamond truly sparkle!
Put a drop or two of Dawn dishwashing liquid and a little bit of warm water into a small, clean pill bottle or another small container. The Dawn will dislodge any dirt or grease on your diamond and ring without leaving a residue. Drop the ring into the bottle and give a light shake. Let it sit for a few minutes, shake it (gently) again, and then remove and rinse the ring in warm water. Touch it to a towel to dry and put it back on. This will remove any soap scum or residue that is clinging to your engagement ring. Once your ring is clean, try to avoid touching the stone with your bare hands, because the natural oils on your skin can dull their shine. This process needs to be done about once a week. If you go for a long period of time without cleaning your diamond it will cause buildup and they you will need to get it cleaned by a jeweler with an ultrasonic and steam cleaner.
Another way to clean any stubborn dirt hiding in the crevasses of a tiffany-style engagement ring is with a soft brush, like a soft-bristled toothbrush. Set the ring on something safe, like in a colander or bowl, and then spray on a tiny bit of jewelry cleaner, or if you don’t have any, a high-quality glass cleaner. Rub carefully, and then rinse the tiffany-style engagement ring under warm water. (If you are working over a sink, make sure the drain is covered and the ring is in a protective bowl!) To dry diamond rings, use a soft microfiber or flannel cloth, to avoid scratching the band.
A jewelry box with padded, separated sections will help prevent scratches.
Despite all your care and precautions, if you have been engaged for more than a few months, you may still would like to send your tiffany-style engagement ring back for cleaning a few weeks before your wedding. A specialized cleaning and shine will make sure your ring will stand up to inquiry on the big day!
Dear Whiteflash.com Sales Team,
I just got back yesterday, I won’t keep you in suspense - she said yes! =)
It was a like a covert mission, meeting with my cousin and secretly getting the Sleek Line Engagement Ring from him while my girlfriend was there with us! That diamond ring was burning a hole in my pocket, I couldn’t wait to give to her. I proposed a couple days into our trip on our anniversary on a lovely fall night just outside of the Museum of Modern art, in a quiet courtyard. It was very private and very similar to the type of place we were in many years ago when we went on our first date so that added to the nostalgia factor. She was very emotional and could barely see the ring with all the tears in her eyes!
Once things calmed down and she got to really take a good look she was completely blown away. It was exactly what she’s always wanted, the sleek line setting looked so classic with a modern twist, and the diamond just blew her away. Even I couldn’t believe how brilliant and sparkly it was! I snuck a few looks at the ring in the days before I proposed, but as good as the ring looked in the box, it looked 100 times better on her hand.
We met up with our families yesterday and everyone just loves the engagement ring. It just looks perfect in everyway!
I even told them my story of how I picked it on Whiteflash, and all the amazing customer service I received from you and the other members. They are quite impressed with everything that you offer from the images of the light tests (ideal scope, asset) and how you went out of your way to look at the 3 loose diamonds I had it narrowed down to.
This has been one of the most pleasant buying experiences I’ve ever had, especially when you consider how large of a purchase this is.
Thank you so very very much!
Patrick
Conflict Free Diamonds – DreamsofAfrica.org
AWEAR
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Bride's Choice Awards 2011
