Dear The Whiteflash Diamonds Team,
I want to let you guys know the Diamond Wedding Rings look fantastic! She loves it and I am very pleased in the way it turned out. Give thanks and praises to the production team and the jewelers who made the wedding rings they did great!
Thanks you for help,
Jonathan 
With the ending of July we look to the next month to see what is in store. So we ask what is the birthstone for August? Late summer, with its blazing heat and abundant greenery, is a time for cooling activities, light, summery clothing, and a laid-back lifestyle. An August party is no time to bring out the serious diamonds or elegant pearls—it’s a time to throw on a breezy sundress, a pair of wedges, and a pair of earrings in August’s birthstone color, olive green. August’s birthstone, the peridot, is one of the few gemstones that naturally occurs in olive green, and is in fact only ever found in that shade. That works out well for those with August birthdays or those who simply love the stone, because olive green is one of those colors that makes everyone look tanned and gorgeous.
Although birthstones for many of the months are often disputed, the birthstone for August is almost always listed as peridot. Peridot is a type of olivine known for the presence of iron—a mineral that gives a hue ranging from yellow-green to a deep green with hints of brown. Olivine is found in lava rock deposits, but true gem-quality peridot is rare and found only in select lava deposits and some meteorites. Although it is mined all over the world, most mines tend to be small and produce only a small quantity of the gem every year. Besides for the world-famous peridot deposit in Pakistan, the peridot is found in Myanmar, which is known for its silky texture and light inclusions that provide extra gold sparkle. Peridot from Arizona, with its deep brown-green hue, is especially valued in Native American jewelry.
Long before it was designated the official birthstone of August; peridot was used in ancient Egypt for jewelry used by priests. Peridot jewelry dating back to the second century BC has been found, and those stones have been traced to a deposit on a small island in the Red Sea. The ancient Romans treasured the peridot for its color—a deep green with flecks of gold—that did not change no matter the lighting. Unlike emeralds, which could look black in low light, peridots hold onto their green and gold vibrancy even in candlelight, giving them the nickname “emeralds of the evening.” In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, August-born people seeking peridot sometimes turned to ancient Egyptian artifacts to find the rare and valuable stones. Besides for being named the birthstone of August during the era, peridot was also valued during medieval times for use in churches and on church items like chalices. Even today, peridot deposits remain few and far between, preserving the mysterious aura of this spectacular stone.
The 1990’s saw an unprecedented surge in popularity for the August birthstone after an incredibly rich deposit of the stone was found in a high mountain pass in Pakistan. The craggy mountain peak could only be mined for a few months a year, during which time peridots of never-before-seen quality and size were carried down the mountain and entered the gemstone market. These stones were named the “Kashmir peridots” and have produced some of the finest gemstones of up to 100 carats, all gleaming with the peridot’s unique golden green.
If you enter the phrase, “what is the birthstone for August,” you may receive a confusing answer. Is it peridot, chrysolite, or olivine? The simple answer is that all three of these terms refer to the same stone, although the current favored term for gem-quality specimens is peridot, which is derived from the Greek word meaning to “give richness.”
Although peridot ranks only a 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, but nonetheless can be used very effectively in August birthstone jewelry. Peridots are usually cut in accordance with their natural crystal structure in faceted or table cuts, in either round or oval shapes. Especially large peridots are often cut into unique designs designed specifically for that crystal, because peridots are infamous for being difficult to cut and polish. Coarser inclusions must be carefully polished by a master gem cutter to avoid cracking the stone, but once the stone is cut and polished, it is extremely durable and wears well in a jewelry setting.
To say that green is a popular gemstone color is an understatement. Emeralds are more popular than ever, turquoise is having its moment in spotlight, and now peridots are becoming better known both by jewelry designers and consumers. The recent influx of raw peridot crystals onto the market has lowered the price and made peridot affordable and accessible for everyone without diminishing its unique beauty. Those looking for a birthstone for August can find many varieties of jewelry set with peridot, from earrings to rings to necklaces. Those looking for large, well-cut peridots are rare and expensive, but smaller stones of good quality are found easily. Even if you were not born in August, the peridot makes a gorgeous addition to a late-summer tan and wardrobe.
Dear Whiteflash,
We'll, I went on a cruise to the Bahamas and asked my longtime girlfriend to marry me. She said yes (of course) and was really happy with the Legato Sleek Line Pave Diamond Engagement Ring that I selected. She said it was "Perfect". That’s really good because I didn't want to buy a new diamond given the recent price increases. I was lucky enough to get my certified loose diamond right before the increase.
We received our wedding bands last week and it was perfect. We both like how classy both the rings look. We are both glad everything worked out for us and couldn't have made a better choice by going through Whiteflash.com.
Thank you,
Khiem 
Dear The Whiteflash Sales Team,
She loved the Coeur de Clara Ashley Diamond Engagement Ring Set. I had to hide it from her so she would stop trying it on! Overall good experience for the bridal set!
Thank you,
Bryan 
Dear The Whiteflash Sales Team,
She loved the Coeur de Clara Ashley Diamond Engagement Ring Set. I had to hide it from her so she would stop trying it on! Overall good experience for the bridal set!
Thank you,
Bryan
Dear The Whitefalsh Sales Team,
It was a surprise for our 10th anniversary. She was completely blown away and loves the Legato Micro Pave Diamond Engagement Ring. It was wonderful working with you guys.
Thank you,
Malhar 
Dear The Whiteflash Sales Team,
All we can say is WOW! It's exactly how she wants it. Fitment is perfect and the wedding band matches perfectly with the Diamond Engagement Ring. After almost a month without the ring, it is back where it belongs. I really appreciate your help and patience with our request and the final product really shows how dedicated WhiteFlash strides to satisfy its customers.
Thank you,
Joe 
Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,
I have made two purchases from Whiteflash and have been extremely happy both times. The first was a 5 Stone Diamond Ring in 2008, and the second was a 3 Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet a few weeks ago. Both pieces are amazing and well made...and sparkle like crazy with their A CUT ABOVE® diamonds! Whiteflash's customer service is wonderful. Everyone that I have worked with is friendly and they are prompt with their responses to emails. I highly recommend Whiteflash for jewelry purchases. If you have any hesitation about buying jewelry online, contact them and they will be wonderful! I will definitely buy from Whiteflash again!
Thank you again,
Amanda S. 
Known for being one of the most revered and toughest news sources to crack, The New York Times carries its own element of branding cachet and esteem that few brands have the honor of being affiliated with. So when Whiteflash, a Houston based fine jewelry retailer, is called out with a feature story in their publication, it’s hard not to sit up and take notice.
What Was the Buzz About ? Whiteflash has perfected connecting without the physical connection—to put it in short form. The June 15 article focused on five unrelated small businesses who have solved the dilemma of making customer service high tech, minus the high stress. Almost half of the article is devoted to dissecting Whiteflash’s superlative approach to meeting their, predominantly male, customer’s every service need in a convenient and efficient manner. The approach that specifically caught the publication’s attention was the brand’s advanced technology platform which utilizes many interactive zoom and personalized chat touch-points. These enhancements converge to make the virtual customer feel like they’re face-to-face with their jeweler and act as somewhat of a personal concierge for recommending other items that might be of interest to that customer. The ability to inspect every angle and aspect of an engagement ring, as if holding it in your hand, removes any apprehension of not knowing what you are buying. Powered by the software provider Bold Chat, visitors to the site are able to easily engage with extremely knowledgeable customer service specialists who are driven by personalizing the sale process as opposed to speeding it up. The real-time chat feature adds to the comfort and credibility of the entire online sales process. Let’s face it, making a sizable jewelry purchase is a process that shouldn’t be rushed and sometime requires an on the spot education in diamond buying for the client. Customizable search options interfaced with the build your own ring feature can activate a buyer’s desire for creating a personal one-of-a-kind design.
Additionally, if it’s an education the buyer needs, Whiteflash’s entire site is dedicated to educating the customer about the scientific properties, performance expectations and necessary attributes of diamonds. They also offer one of the most sought after premium diamonds, A CUT ABOVE®, in the marketplace today. By delivering first-rate diamond jewelry, coupled with the service friendly support infrastructure and tremendously loyal customer network that returns consistently, Whiteflash can’t help but be recognized for getting it right. “It’s important to recognize our suppliers as part of our success” said Debi Wexler, CEO for Whiteflash. “When it comes to Bold Chat, our service sparkles!”
About Whiteflash:
Whiteflash is a full scale manufacturing jeweler specializing in Ideal Diamonds and Fine Bridal Jewelry and stocks the largest inventory of AGS Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds in the world.
The award winning Whiteflash.com website, described by Kiplinger's Magazine as the "Lord of the Online Rings" enables shoppers the world over to view, compare and purchase top quality diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry in a convenient and secure environment. Whiteflash is the first jeweler in the world to attain ISO 9001 certification for total quality management.
For more information, log on to www.whiteflash.com or call 877.612.6770.
Maria Carlo
Greek goddess Selene is depicted as a beautiful winged goddess who wears a golden crown that radiates gentle light.
"From her immortal head radiance is shown from heaven and embraces earth; and great ...is the beauty that ariseth from her shining light. The air, unlit before, glows with the light of her golden crown, and her rays beam clear, whensoever bright Selene having bathed her lovely body in the waters of Ocean, and donned her far-gleaming raiment, and yoked her strong-necked, shining team, drives on her long-maned horses at full speed, at eventime in the mid-month: then her great orbit is full and then her beams shine brightest as she increases. So she is a sure token and a sign to mortal men." 
Dear The Whiteflash Sales Team,
Just wanted to let you know that I picked the Princess Cut Diamond Earrings up last week and gave them to Laura as a wedding / birthday present. When I gave her the box she was like, "wait a second" went into the other room, and got her engagement ring box. Then she was real confused and asked, "what is it?" I told her to open it, so she did and thought they were beautiful. She put them on right there and started saying how she wanted some earrings that wouldn't dangle around but were classy. She also really liked that they matched her engagement ring. All in all, I think we're both very pleased with them.
Thanks for all your help!
Daniel 
Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,
I was at first very unsure about buying my engagement ring online, and in fact I was a nervous up to the second I opened my package and saw the diamond ring. I cannot be happier though! I am so impressed by the ring and the whole package that came along with it. The ring, a Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® ideal cut, sparkles more then I could have imagined. If you are like me you are reading these reviews to see if you can trust Whiteflash and if you are going to get a great deal. I can tell you are going to get the diamond quality that you pick out, it is that simple. What you should know though is everything else that comes along with shopping at Whiteflash. The customer service was amazing. I had a direct number to ask every and any question I had along with pages of email correspondence. I felt like I was a VIP customer. Whiteflash also takes professional pictures of every ring so they were able to send what my desired combination would look like in different sizes (0.8K, 0.9K, 1.0K, etc.). While mentioning the pictures I would like to also add that I got a sealed certification, a third party appraisal (mine came in 60% higher than I paid), a beautiful mahogany box, a hearts and arrows viewing kit, and overnight shipping all included. I also would like to say that I look at the few other online diamond sites and even though the diamond prices were all in the same ballpark, but in my opinion none of the other sites fittings are as beautiful as Whiteflash's. For me, the Legato Sleek Line Pave Diamond Engagement Ring is probably the largest single purchase I have ever made so it was a little nerve racking doing it through photos online, but I am pleasantly surprised and can guarantee that you will be as well. A quick tip: the Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® stones sell quickly so don't hesitate too long.
Good luck!
Chris T. 
The recent engagement of reality TV diva Kim Kardashian to New Jersey Nets forward Kris Humphries (and maybe more importantly, the incredible 20.5 carat diamond engagement ring he gave her) has gotten the whole world buzzing about recent celebrity engagements. We want to know all the juicy details—where were they when he popped the question? What did she think of the ring? Where did they meet? And when can we expect pictures of a lavish celebrity wedding? Here is all the juicy celebrity engagement ring gossip you could want:
- Kris Humphries proposed to Kim Kardashian, his girlfriend of only six months, by writing, “Will you marry me?” in rose petals on her bed and waiting next to it on bended knee with the ring, a $2 million stunner that is one of the most expensive celebrity engagement rings of all time.
- Kim is having a high-quality cubic zirconia replica made of the incredible ring, with a radiant cut center stone and side stones that will look just like her genuine ring. That way, she doesn’t have to worry as much about losing such an important and valuable piece of jewelry!
- People magazine reports that Kim’s ring is so big, fiancé Kris Humphries was able to fit not one, but three separate inscriptions on the inside. Besides for two Bible verses alluding to love and the perfect woman, Kris had the phrase K hearts K engraved on the inside of her gigantic engagement ring.
- Twilight star Nikki Reed is another celebrity to announce her engagement recently. Reed has only been dating American Idol alum Paul McDonald since March, but they showed up at the MTV Movie Awards earlier this week arm in arm, and Reed proudly displayed a platinum and diamond eternity band she wore as a diamond engagement ring. Experts at Us Magazine estimated the ring to be worth about $30,000. When interviewed, Reed justified her whirlwind romance by saying, “He’s the one.”
- When most people get engaged, they can’t wait to share the news with all their friends. But when sunny blond actress Kate Hudson got engaged to Keane rocker Matt Bellamy earlier this month, she went in for a scheduled Today show interview without saying a word. Only when the show’s host noticed her sparkling engagement ring did she break the news that Bellamy had proposed. The ring, which Hudson proudly showed off on the show, is a platinum engagement ring with an emerald-cut center diamond and tapered baguettes on each side. The ring is said to weigh 9 carats and be worth $200,000. Hudson also revealed that she is pregnant—she and Bellamy expect their first child together this summer.
- Celebrity DJ Mark Ronson took his proposal to French model-actress Josephine De La Baume one step further than most guys do when he popped the question earlier this month. Ronson actually had the yellow diamond engagement ring custom designed to his own specifications, and then planned the perfect romantic proposal on a beach in France. Josephine was so overcome with excitement that she described herself to the local press as, “one of those annoying girls in a romantic comedy.” 
Want to read more? http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/news/famous-celebrity-engagement-rings-935.htm
Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,
I picked up the Legato Sleek Line Pave Diamond Engagement Ring today and it looks amazing! The whole package (from the engagement ring to the box to the paperwork) is great and I am so glad I went with Whiteflash. Thank you so much for all your help along the way. I could not be happier and I am so excited to give it to my future fiancée. I will be recommending your company to everyone.
Sincerely,
Chris T 
Dear The Whiteflash Sales Team,
We just picked up the Diamond Engagement Ring and Wedding Band tonight. It looks beautiful...we forgot how great it looked.
I also forgot how amazing Whiteflash is to work with.
Thanks for your help. George K 
July—the fiery summer month of backyard barbecues, crisp red watermelon, and of course, sparkling fireworks. It’s the patriotic month of the red, white, and blue, as well as the red-hot month of scorching temperatures. With all this red, is it any surprise that July’s birthstone color is red and that its stone is the world’s most famous and popular red stone—the ruby?
July birthstone - Ruby
What is the July birthstone? That question is answered simply enough, but what is a birthstone anyway, and why do we use a particular birthstone to commemorate your month of birth? Origin stories vary, but most historians trace the connection between gemstones and the twelve month of the year to the Bible itself. According to the Bible, the High Priest wore a gold breastplate adorned with twelve gemstones of different colors, corresponding to the twelve tribes that made up the Israelite nation. That breastplate and its twelve stones later become symbolic to people of many cultures, and the number twelve acquired special mystical significance. It didn’t take long for the twelve stones of the breastplate to become connected to the twelve months of the year.
In the Middle Ages, people collected all twelve traditional stones and wore each during a different month, changing the center stone in a necklace or bracelet according to the month. Medieval people believed each stone had a different magical power—some were said to ward off evil spirits, others to protect the wearer from danger, and others to prevent illness. Eventually, the tradition was simplified and people began wearing only the stone associated with their month of birth—creating the tradition of birthstones as we know it today.
But exactly which stones were paired with which month was never set in stone, so to speak. Of the many cultures and societies that treasured the practice, each one had its own list of the corresponding stones and the special powers associated with each. The traditional Polish list became internationally known, as the custom was stronger in Poland than perhaps anywhere else. The modern birthstone list strongly echoes its Polish ancestry. Tiffany & Co. published its first birthstone list in a series of anonymous poems published in 1870, but the list was not standardized until 1912, when the Jewelers of America officially adopted the list used today.
It is on this 1912 list that we find the ruby listed as the July birthstone. The deep summery tones of flora and fauna no doubt influenced this decision, as did the blood-red sun that precedes a summer storm. This red color reminds us of the summer heat as well as the gorgeous produce of summer—tomatoes, watermelon and summer-ripe berries. In fact, the wide spectrum of reds in summer produce is reminiscent of the many hues of red that a ruby can be. A ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum that displays a range of pink to blood-red tones caused by the presence of chromium in the mineral. The name comes from the Latin ruber, meaning red. In fact, the only chemical difference between a ruby and a sapphire is the presence of this mineral—both are made of the same corundum.
Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band
The birthstone for July, the ruby, is special because unlike most of the semi-precious stones that comprise many of the traditional birthstones, the ruby is one of the Big Four—the four stones that are considered precious stones. Like the other colored gemstones considered precious—emerald and sapphire—rubies are valued and judged according to their color—as opposed to the diamond, which is usually judged according to how colorless it is. The most valuable rubies are those with a deep blood-red color, called “pigeon blood red” and a high level of clarity with few or no milky inclusions. However, because many ruby treatments exist that artificially enhance the color or clarity of the stone, a complete lack of needle-like rutile inclusions can sometimes signal treatment by a gemologist. Those looking for a genuine untreated ruby need to be careful to avoid these signs of treatment. Like a diamond, cut quality and carat weight also determine the value of the ruby.
The story of the July birthstone
The story of the July birthstone traces all the way back to the ancient Silk Road of China. Notes about the transport of rubies can be found tracing all the way back to 200 BC, as Asian traders imported rubies back to their native cultures, where they were held in very high regard for their gem quality and red color, a good luck color in many Asian cultures. Rubies were used not just for jewelry, but to ornament armor, scabbards and harnesses for wealthy noblemen. Some wealthy people even laid rubies into the foundations of their homes as a good luck charm. The ancient Hindus called the ruby “Rajnpura”—or king of the gems, and believed that wearing a ruby could ward off evil and help warn the wearer of danger.
Although not every culture still has the same mystical association with the birthstone of July and its color, we still associate rubies and their deep hues with passion, vividness, and power. Glowing rubies connote love, warmth and vitality, making them a popular choice for engagement rings either used solo or paired with classic diamonds. Besides for being the July birthstone, ruby is considered the “king of the gemstones” for its unique color, outstanding hardness, and superior light performance.
When it comes to birthstones, July birthdays are lucky. They get one of the most rare, unique and valuable stones—with a gorgeous color that looks great in any kind of jewelry!
Dear The Whiteflash Sales Team,
Thank you for the amazing Engagement Ring pictures. We got engaged yesterday in rocky mountain national park Colorado. She loved your pictures when I showed her after giving her the Legato Sleek Line Pave Diamond Engagement Ring. Thank you!Shawn 
Dear The Whiteflash Sales Team,
I rented a cottage over the weekend and hiked to the summit of one of the highest mountains of the Blue Ridge, Old Rag. Proposed at the top with 360 degree views of the Shenandoah Valley. We hit up a winery on the way back to the cottage and had a great dinner at an award winning restaurant in the valley. The staff said they could see her Grace Diamond Engagement Ring from inside when she got out of the car. We enjoyed the rest of the weekend at the cottage, which was at the base of the mountain (pic attached). Kinda neat to sit back see what you accomplished while sipping wine and a cigar.
She LOVES the engagement ring and is already getting compliments from strangers. THANKS again! 
Trent 
Dear The Whiteflash Sales Team,
I was eagerly anticipating for the arrival of the Honey Channel Set Wedding Band. I couldn't go into work without picking it up first :) When I first laid eyes on it, I was blown away by how elegant and sleek the wedding band looked. The finish and polish of the metal were amazing. The diamonds were like little sparklers on such a fine piece of platinum. I quickly slipped it on next my ring and I liked how it complemented my engagement ring without taking away from the center diamond.
I am so glad Whiteflash offers this selection, because it is just amazing and a very unique wedding band. I was tempted to keep the band on for the rest of the day, but Ken reminded me we should wait till we are actually married. So what can I say, I am excited to be married because I can't wait to put that band on my finger!! I think Whiteflash never disappoints anyone. Have I already told you how beautiful it is?? I can’t stop smiling ear to ear when I look or think about the rings. So a big thank you for your time, patience and really understanding what your customers want. Ann
Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,
I picked up my Whiteflash By The Yard Diamond Bracelet on Friday, and I couldn't be happier with it! I love the daintiness of the design and the brilliance of the diamonds! Thank you both so much for everything that you did for me to receive the new diamond bracelet. You and the entire WF team really did everything that you could on your end for me to get my damaged bracelet replaced as quickly as possible. You all significantly reduced my stress level in the situation, and I really appreciate it. You guys are the best! I will continue to recommend you all to my family and friends, and contact you for future jewelry wishes!
Thank you,
Gwen P.S. Attached is a wrist shot! I also loved the glamour shots you all sent--thanks for those!
Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,
She absolutely loves the Sarah's Surprise engagement ring, all of her friends say that I knocked it out of the park, THANK YOU!!!!! We have set the date for Oct. 22nd of this year and are looking to Whiteflash first for the wedding bands. Given that the engagement ring has a very special look and we don't want to disrupt it too much, do you have any recommendations for something to complement it? As far as the wedding band for me, I'm just looking for something smooth and simple.
Thanks again for everything!!!!
Scott B 
Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,
Wanted to say a massive thank you to all of you for your great assistance pulling my Fiancés engagement ring together.
I picked up the tiffany style engagement ring at the Airport on Friday afternoon and couldn’t believe how stunning the ring looked when I first saw it!!
Due to the excitement I couldn’t wait for Saturday and decided to pop the question on Friday night...
I popped the question in the countryside of Berkhamstead (1 hour outside of Central London) in a little country pub we used to spend allot of time together when we first met.(The pub is directly next to the canal with swans and ducks swimming about.)
Fortunately for me Lisa said yes and I can assure you she LOVES the ring!!! She keeps looking at the princess cut diamond and commenting how much it sparkles and the colors you can see.
Everybody that has seen the ring keeps commenting about how stunning it looks and I have passed your details to a few people.You guys did a fantastic job and I want to thank you for putting so much time and care into producing an amazing ring.
Whiteflash did an AMAZING job. I am so so happy with the sparkler. I look forward to working with you guys soon (Lisa’s birthday coming up)
Kind Regards, a very satisfied customer
Garth 