Rockin' Awesome

Dear Whiteflash.com Sales Team,
 
I hope all is well. I don't know if I had thanked you enough then, but you are awesome. Thanks a million. She loves her diamond ring.

Best,
Moris

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Australia + Whiteflash.com = World Class Service

Dear Whiteflash.com Sales Team,

Anyone who hesitates in regard to buying diamonds or associated jewelry from Whiteflash is doing themselves a disservice.
The professionalism shown by all staff from customer services right through to the dispatch team was top class.
A big thanks from downunder.

Thank you,

Bryce

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Excellent Diamond Engagement Ring from Whiteflash

I had the most wonderful experience buying my engagement ring from Whiteflash. Definitely worth the late nights spent chatting with them since I'm based in Asia. I'll definitely be coming back for other future purchases!

Thank you,

Alex O.

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Win 5 Diamond Pendants from Whiteflash.com and PGI

See the full gallery on posterous

WhiteFlash.com is offering you the chance to win five beautiful platinum and diamond pendants – the perfect gift. Because the pendants are made of platinum, the most durable precious metal, they will maintain their beauty for generations. Your bridesmaids will even be able to wear their gifts to their weddings and to your 50th wedding anniversary celebration! What else could show your appreciation for the most important women in your life?

Visit Preciousplatinum.com to learn more about platinum jewelry and where to find a retailer in your area

Platinum pendant featuring
Whiteflash.com's "Expert Selection"
.25 carat bezel-set diamond.

Retail Price: $875

Sign up here for your chance to win one of these Diamond Pendants!

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Just Say Yes!

Dear Whiteflash.com Sales Team, 

She said YES! I would like to thank you for all the hard work you and your staff has gone through making this diamond engagement ring. Thank you all very much! 

Thank You,

Joe

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Diamonds: How to tell CZ from Diamond

Diamond stimulants like CZ may be suitable for costume jewelry, and the average person in casual circumstances may not know the difference between a CZ and a natural diamond. However, no professional will be fooled and laymen who would like to know the difference between diamond and CZ can try these fun and easy tests:

The Huff Test

Hold the stone in question next to a diamond and "huff" on them with your hot breath. Both stones will fog up. The diamond will clear up rapidly, while a CZ will take a little longer. This is due to diamond's greater thermal conductivity.

The Flash Test

When a CZ is upside down and backlit (light coming through the crown, viewed from the pavilion side) its pavilion facets will often "flash" orange.
The Weight TestCZ is 80% heavier than diamond. Hint: This will show up pretty fast when she's comparing items with her friends.

The RI Water Test

Put the CZ a glass of water, along with a diamond. A CZ (with a 2.2 refractive index versus diamond's 2.42) will appear more "transparent" than a diamond. It will look more "washed out", or "ghostlike" compared to a diamond.

The Dispersion Water Test

In a dark room, put the stone in question in the bottom of a glass alongside a diamond, face down. Lift the glass up a couple inches, and shine a flashlight down on them vertically from above. Diamond has a dispersion of 0.44, while CZ's is 0.66, 50% more. You will see a circular pattern of light images under the stones which has been "stretched out" into a rainbow spectrum. If one of the stones is a CZ, its rainbow spectrum will be 50% longer, more "stretched out" than a diamond. The difference in look is obvious.

The Give It As An Engagement Ring Test

Give the stone in question to your fiancée as an engagement ring. If she throws it back in your face within 24 hours, it is a CZ... This is the most decisive test of all of them.

Warren Sapp sports Whiteflash on Dancing With the Stars!

Warren Sapp was sporting his Whiteflash bling in his Hustle with his partner Kym on Dancing with the stars. Warren is wearing Whiteflas diamond cufflinks!

There is a long tradition of grid-iron champs succeeding on Dancing with the Stars. Warren Sapp, the former Buccaneer and Raider, boasts 96.5 career sacks, the second highest total sacks for a defensive lineman. This man is strong and is no stranger to hard work and long, intense practices. He's going to need a lot of discipline to learn how to dance, and professional athletes don't get to be where they are by lounging around. Football players have to have enormous dexterity and nimbleness. They've got to be strong and powerful, but also quick and nimble and they need to be able to change directions quickly. These are all key traits that go into making a great dancer as well. Plus, he looks like he's got some moves in these pictures.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive star Warren Sapp made a bit of a splash during ABC's hit reality competition Dancing With the Stars -- landing near the top of the competition with a spirited hustle that earned 25 points and brought the crowd to its feet.

"Big boys can dance," exclaimed excitable judge Bruno Tonioli after the performance by Sapp, who stepped confidently around partner Kym Johnson. "You showed us all." That big body was movin'! The Audience loved it, too. Hey, the judges agreed with me. Len said "That's what I'm talking about!" Bruno was so excited that I don't know what the heck he said and Carrie Ann told Warren that he did a great job. Scores: 8+8+9=25

Check out Sapp's moves here on YouTube!

BACKGROUND:Recently retired defensive tackle and Superbowl Champion Warren Sapp played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders during his 13 year career. His 96.5 career sacks are the second-highest career total sacks for a defensive tackle in the NFL. Warren was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1999, played in seven consecutive Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003. This Fall, Warren will co-host Showtime's Inside the NFL and will be a studio analyst and game commentator for the NFL Network.

The Million Dollar Ring

J Lo’s 6.1 carat pink diamond engagement ring from Ben Affleck was worth $1.2 million dollars. It made headlines, but didn’t make her his wife. Soon thereafter, she weds Marc Anthony whom doesn’t even give her a ring. Apparently, “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” A year later, he does get her a 14.5 carat, brilliant cut diamond ring on a platinum band, valued at more than $5 million dollars. So, I guess love does cost a Pink diamond? Good call Ben. How'd that work out for ya?
little…bit…more.

Don’t fret though fellas…even if you can’t drop down that million or two on a ring, here are a few tips on how to shop for the perfect engagement ring.

Set a budgetAccording to theweddingreport.com, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $4,322. So, throw that “three-month’s-salary-common-rule-of-thumb” out the window! Accept your limitations. Let quality and value be the basis for your decision making, not the dollar amount.

Consider the four C’s: clarity, color, carat, and cut.The 4 C’s are either a man’s best or worst friend. The best value in clarity is a diamond with no inclusions, other minerals stuck inside the stone visible to the naked eye. A colorless or near colorless diamond also adds value to your ring, unless of course you’re going for another gemstone (like a sapphire) or a colored diamond. The third “C” is for carat weight. Although a larger stone is nice, bigger doesn’t necessarily make it better. An inclusion-free, colorless, large carat stone loses its brilliance and sparkle depending on the cut. There are several cuts to choose from: princess, emerald, round, and pear to name a few. Every woman will have their preference.

Know your diamonds!

Once you’ve chosen a rock, you’ll have to do a bit of research.Study the current jewelry style she wears; classic, fancy, antique, modern? Does she prefer white or yellow gold or maybe platinum? She may need a cathedral or contour setting (which means the diamond is set into the band) if she’s more active with her hands. A raised setting, works well for women that don’t have to worry about snagging their clothing, etc. Ask her friends if she’s pointed out anything specific and make them promise not to spill the beans!

Or, you can also simply ask her. Today, many couples are looking for rings together, which is an enjoyable and error proof route for you! In any case, stay within your budget, use the four C’s, consider her personal style, and you will have a fabulous ring to propose with!

Let me just say, that with the candlelight low, a bottle of bubbly, gazing into each other’s eyes, as you get down on one knee - she’ll probably say “Yes” before you bring out that little box. And whether it’s a 1 carat or a 14.5-carat ring, I guarantee, she’ll wear it like it’s worth a million bucks.

10 things to know before buying an engagement ring

Blame it on all the family gatherings, the mistletoe, or even the champagne, but it's no secret that the holiday season is prime time for popping the question.

If you're one of the thousands planning (or hoping for) a proposal in the near future, don't head to the jeweler shopping without reading these top 10 engagement ring buying tips.

1. Skip the solitaire

There's more than one way to wear a carat of diamonds on your finger. A ring with a classic solitaire at this weight will generally cost thousands. But a band covered with tiny pavé diamonds that add up to just under 1 carat sparkles plenty and can cost up to 90 percent less than a ring with a big center stone.

2. Compare settings

The way a diamond is framed can have a major impact on how big it looks. For example, a bezel -- a thin band of metal that wraps around a gem -- gives the illusion of a larger stone.

3. Request certification
A diamond of a carat or more should come with a gem report -- a gemologist's evaluation of the stone's color by letter grade (good stones are ranked no lower than I) and clarity, ranging from "flawless" (FL) to "very slight inclusions" (either VS1 or VS2) for an acceptable diamond. The cut, carat weight and measurements are also listed.

The Gemological Institute of America issues most gem reports, but a few fine jewelry firms offer their own guaranteed certificates.

4. Know your metals

Platinum and gold are the top choices for engagement rings. The former will cost you -- a simple platinum band can cost nearly $600 more than a comparable one in gold -- but many brides feel the price is worth it. Platinum is a far more durable metal. It will show fewer nicks and scratches, and platinum prongs will hold a stone more securely.

As for color, some people believe that yellow gold casts an unflattering light on the diamond, while others prefer the hue's warmth and traditional look.

5. Invest in insurance

The cost of protecting yourself against loss or theft depends on several factors -- including the value of your ring, of course, as well as where you live (major city dwellers will pay more). According to Donna Syverson, a spokeswoman for the national insurance firm Jewelers Mutual, your annual premium will be about 1 to 2.7 percent of the jewelry's appraised value, even for rings that cost six figures.

6. Have your ring numbered

Your diamond's certificate number (or jeweler's designation) can be laser-inscribed on the side of the stone, allowing it to be positively identified in case of theft or after cleaning or repair.
Such inscriptions, which are visible under magnification (shown at right for the ring below) don't affect the gem's value. They cost from $40 to $200 and offer more than mere peace of mind: Some insurance carriers will give policy discounts on inscribed diamonds.

7. Save big with a smaller stone

Most couples look for diamonds in whole carat weights, but what you may not realize is that jewelers charge a premium for such stones. If you opt instead for a gem just under a carat (or under 2 or 3 carats, for that matter), the savings can add up to 30 percent. And the difference in size is so insignificant, you won't be able to tell.

8. Buy with an eye to trading up

For a big anniversary, couples often replace their engagement ring with a grander model. When shopping now, ask jewelers if they'll accept this purchase as partial payment on a later ring. Both Tiffany & Co. and Jeff Cooper will apply the full retail purchase price toward another ring (that's at least double the value) for as long as you own your original one.

9. Dream up a custom piece

Believe it or not, many reputable jewelers offer one-of-a-kind rings without charging exorbitant fees. Some companies require a minimum purchase or bill clients a small amount for preliminary work, such as drawings.

10. Check out online vendors

The center stone constitutes the most expensive part of a classic solitaire ring, accounting for as much as 85 percent of its price. One way to cut down on the cost is to buy a diamond online.

At a resource like Whiteflash.com or diamonds.com, it's possible to save up to 40 percent over prices at brick-and-mortar jewelry stores. Feeling nervous? Both e-tailers offer certified gem reports, as well as a full refund within 30 days on undamaged stones.

Engagement Bling Loses Some Sparkle

Could the big diamond solitaire engagement ring soon be a relic of the past?

Fall typically is the busiest time of year for sales of engagement rings – an estimated 28% of all engagements happen around the holidays in November and December, according to Fairchild Bridal Group. And this year, some jewelers say they’re noticing consumers cutting back on those purchases.

At Sterling Jewelers, Inc., which operates more than 1,400 Kay Jewelers, Jared The Galleria of Jewelry and other specialty stores in the U.S., some shoppers have been purchasing rings with a few small diamonds, which cost less, instead of the traditional showstopping solitaire in order to pop the question. While a 1-carat solitaire engagement ring could retail for about $5,000, a ring with a few small stones generally retails for less than $2,000, says David Bouffard, spokesman for Sterling. E-tailer Whiteflash.com says it has seen a recent uptick in sales of less expensive colored gemstone rings and diamond bands that are being purchased as engagement rings. At Whiteflash, a platinum ring set with a 2-carat equivalent sapphire could retail for $5,300 while a version with a similar-sized diamond could retail for $20,000, for example.

“People are still falling in love and getting engaged but the overall environment is more difficult – we’re seeing people get engaged with these rings and saying, perhaps later they’ll buy the solitaire ring,” says Diane Irvine. The Wedding Report, a wedding-industry market research firm, had forecasted in March that the average price of an engagement ring purchased in the U.S. would drop 6% this year to reach $4,332. After polling retailers and brides in recent months, however, the company now estimates that the average price of an engagement ring will plummet a further 20% to 30% in 2008.

To be sure, companies say conventional diamond engagement rings are still popular even if some consumers are trimming costs by buying smaller stones. But if lovebirds do indeed cut back, the jewelry industry could take a hit. U.S. sales of jewelry have suffered since the financial crisis exploded in September – sales through the year had been on the rise through August but were flat in September, according to industry analyst Ken Gassman, who is with the Jewelry Industry Research Institute. (August, for example, saw a 2.8% increase over the same month a year earlier.) While U.S. jewelry sales figures for October aren’t available yet, Mr. Gassman noted that publicly held jewelers Sterling, Birks & Mayors and Finlay have all reported sales decreases in the third quarter which ended in October.

Based on these September and early October numbers, Mr. Gassman recently revised his U.S. jewelry sales forecast for 2008 and now expects them to decline 0.3%. (He had previously expected U.S. jewelry sales to rise 2% in 2008.)

Jewelers also could take a hit due to the growing number of Americans who are suddenly seeking to sell their rings. IdonowIdont.com, a business that specializes in the resale of engagement and wedding rings, says it saw its sales listings double in October, rising to about 1,000 from 500 in September. The site saw sales rise 61% and Web traffic jump 261% in October, compared with September, said chief operating officer David Becker, who says he attributes the increase to “the three ‘Ds’ – Debt, Divorce and Death.”

Readers, has the recession made you scale back on your purchase of an engagement ring or inspired you to sell your diamond ring?

Would You Buy A Diamond Engagement Worn By A Celebrity?

Good Question. Would you be influenced?

While luxury brands are eager to get celebrities to show off their goods, the impact may be negligible, according to a new study. In fact, the survey found celebrity endorsements are twice as likely to backfire as they are to produce immediate sales results among wealthy consumers.

The Wealth Report, compiled by the Luxury Institute, finds only one percent of wealthy consumers (median income of $250,000 and net worth of $1.5 million) will buy a luxury product based on an endorsement from a celebrity. Only five percent say endorsements would increase their consideration of such purchases.

Of those surveyed, 13 percent would definitely not consider a celebrity-endorsed luxury product, and 63 percent said celebrity endorsements do not affect their decision-making at all.

But the report finds celebrity endorsements do raise awareness of luxury products and services. Of those surveyed, 18 percent said celebrity endorsements help them become aware of luxury offerings.

In terms of products, celebrities have the greatest power in promoting fashion designers, with 30 percent of those surveyed admitting celebrity influence in this category.

Diamond TV Is Here

Do you have some extra cash lying around and it's burning a hole in your pocket?

Try this.

An Italian design company called Keymat Industrie has brought bling into the home by introducing the $130,000 Yalos Diamond TV, which features a diamond studded white gold frame, holding at least 20 carats of the precious gems in its own "grill." Available in 26, 32, 37, 40 and 46 inch sizes, I doubt whether the fact that the screen maxes out at 1080i will concern potential customers like Jay-Z and Master P all that much.

A few years down the road when this technology becomes obsolete, just pull the diamonds and look for some other faddy doo-dad.

Huge Blue Diamond Sells for Record Price

A rare blue diamond handed down through generations of German royalty sold for a record-breaking $24.3 million at auction Wednesday in London, Christie’s said.

The Wittelsbach Diamond, a 35.56 carat cushion-shaped gem, has often had its color and clarity compared to the famed Hope Diamond, now on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

The rare gem was snapped up by billionaire diamond-dealer Laurence Graff for about $24.3 million, including buyer’s premium, Christie’s spokeswoman Alexandra Kindermann said.Kindermann said the price — nearly double its pre-sale estimate — was the most ever paid for a diamond at auction, beating the $16.5 million commanded by a 100-carat diamond at a Swiss auction in 1995.

Christie’s said the diamond was purchased by King Philip IV of Spain in 1664 and included in the dowry for his teenage daughter, the Infanta Margarita Teresa. Although she died relatively young, the diamond remained with her husband, Leopold I of Austria, and passed through a succession of heirs.

Rings Worth Committing To: A Groom’s Guide

It’s one of the ironies of love and marriage: Whether for romantic or other reasons, the onus for buying the rings often falls on the very person who knows the least about jewelry-the groom-to-be.

So maybe the best piece of advice for any male out there is this: Pretend you’re shopping for a new car and do as much homework as you would before entering the showroom.

Read on for some other useful tips:

Don’t Rush It-Most men take one to three months to find the right engagement ring. But you might be able to save yourself some time and stress by shopping for all three rings-the engagement ring and separate wedding bands for bride and groom-at once.”Finding three rings at the same time takes some of the pressure off the groom because it means a big part of the wedding to-do list will already be taken care of,” says jewelry and style expert Michael O’Connor. “Also, it’s easy to decide what will coordinate with the engagement ring if you see them all at the same time.” Web sites like http://www.white%20flash.com/ are terrific resources for visualizing what you need before buying, and that particular site’s policies are great when it comes to returns and lifetime trade-ups in case you decide to buy a larger stone with a different Platinum setting.

Know The Lingo-You already know that car dealers react differently to buyers who know what they’re talking about. So come armed with a few choice buzzwords technically known as “the four Cs”: “cut” (the proper proportions, whether a pear, oval or other shape, optimize a diamond’s natural radiance); “clarity” (the fewer a diamond’s flaws, the more valuable it is); “color” (whitest is best); and “carat” (although a higher carat weight may increase a diamond’s rarity and value, small stones can still be more expensive if the other three Cs rate highly). And remember: The center diamond generally accounts for most of the ring’s price, so it’s important to invest in a quality Platinum setting-which most brides prefer, according to the latest surveys-that will hold the diamond securely in place for a lifetime.

Know Her Style-The good news is that the three rings you buy don’t necessarily have to match. “The band and engagement ring just need to work well with one another and complement your bride’s personal style,” O’Connor explains. “Is she ‘girly’ or outdoorsy? Modern or traditional?” If you’re having trouble figuring out what she likes, talk to her friends or hit a few jewelry stores together.

Determine A Budget-Most men set aside two months’ salary for the engagement ring alone. So if you’re buying all three Platinum rings at once, figure on budgeting another month’s salary for the additional two rings.

For more information and tips visit http://www.whiteflash.com/.

Whiteflash.com "Outstanding Customer Service"

Dear Whiteflash.com Team,

I want to thank you for the helping picking out the ring setting and all the details that went into it. Your team was a pleasure to work with, please pass that along to all the other people involved that I missed.

As for the ring, in came out absolutely perfect, I couldn't have been more please with the results. As I mentioned I was a bit nervous doing it online but I would now recomend anyone I talk to at least explore what is out there, and especially with your company.

I did ask Maranda on Nov 2 up at the my parents beach house in New Hampshire, a bit cold but it was a beautiful day and things went perfect! Here are a few pics of us and the ring.

Thank you again,

Maranda and Sean

Orlando Bloom engaged to model Miranda Kerr?

Ladies, the Elf is off the market.

"Lord of the Rings" hottie Orlando Bloom is engaged to his Victoria’s Secret lingerie model Miranda Kerr.

According to reports, the Australian model will tie the knot with Bloom in the middle of 2009.
The "Pirates of the Caribbean" swashbuckler and Kerr, 25, who share a New York pad, celebrated their engagement with a romantic getaway in Venice last week. The trip was combined with her fashion shoot for designer David Jones’ fall/winter ad campaign.
The strange revelation comes only weeks after the Brisbane-born beauty denied wedding plans. However, she has mentioned wanting to have children.

She told Page Six: "I've always wanted kids, so someday, eventually, yes, it will happen,'' she said. "My ideal situation would be to live on a farm in a solar-powered house with a hammock and a vegetable patch. When this is all over, that's where I'll be.''
Sounds like a little love nest is in the works.

But here's the good news for Orlando fans. KERR'S PUBLICIST DENIES REPORTS!

Here is her statement: "The story published in the Australian Sunday Telegraph suggesting Miranda exclusively revealed she is getting married is completely false and misleading. Miranda herself has clearly stated she is not engaged. There is nothing else to be said."

However, Kerr may still be authoring a self-help book, "Treasure Yourself," aimed at young girls. That could help buy that solar-powered house, hammock and veggie patch. With or without Orly.

Your Guide To Choosing and Buying Diamonds

If you are in the market for loose diamonds, a diamond ring, diamond pendant or any other piece of jewelry containing diamonds, then selecting the right diamond will ensure that you are paying a reasonable price for your purchase. Before you buy a diamond, there are some things you need to keep in mind when doing your search:

The 4Cs – Carat, color, clarity and cut are what is known as the “4Cs” of diamonds. Decide which ones are most important to you and make your purchase decision based on that determination. A fifth “C” is cost, which will ultimately determine what you are willing to pay for any given diamond.

Certificate, Please – Low cost diamonds are available for purchase, but they aren’t worth considering if they don’t have an accompanying certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) or the American Gem Society (A.G.S.). A certificate acts a “grading report” for each diamond (as in the case of the G.I.A.) where 3-6 gemologists will review each diamond independently and assign a final grade to it. Diamonds sold without certification are considered suspect and should be avoided.

Shop Around – Whether purchasing your diamonds online or at your local Kay Jewelers or other mall retailer, compare diamonds, prices, service, and more from retailer to retailer. Of course, you cannot touch or wear an online jeweler’s diamond ring in advance of your purchase, but you should familiarize yourself with the market by visiting your Macy’s, Fortunoff or other fine jeweler first. Compare your mall retailer with a reputable online retailer’s diamonds and once you see the price differential, guess where you’ll be buying your jewelry from now on? Online!

Let’s Rap! – No I don’t mean urban music, rather familiarize yourself with the Rapaport Diamond Report, which lists wholesale diamond prices for New York. Why New York? Because, that city is the nerve center for diamond pricing world-wide. “The Rap” is the leading source of diamond pricing and market information developed for the diamond industry. It is accepted as the international standard used to establish prices in all the major cutting centers and dealer markets. The average consumer may not be all that interested in what Rapaport has to say, but if you are investing in diamonds you should definitely subscribe.

Returns, Shipping, Guaranty, Etc. – If you buy a diamond engagement ring what is the retailer’s return policy? 30 days is reasonable in this industry. If buying an engagement ring online, who pays shipping and is it insured? What other guaranty or warranty is offered? Of course, when buying online being able to pick up a phone and chat with a representative is reassuring as well as operating from a secured internet site that protects your personal financial information is essential.

The more you learn about diamonds before your purchase one, the better for your wallet. Then again, if you choose a diamond engagement ring without considering her personal tastes then everything I said is moot. In that case, start over again and find out what type of diamond she really wants and budget yourself accordingly.

Your $2 Million Diamond Handbag

Devotees of high fashion are getting a preview of what will be at the inaugural Coutts London Jewellery Week show when it launches this Wednesday.

Featuring some of the most exquisite designer pieces in the world, including a one million pound (US$1.972 million) diamond handbag created by Japanese designer Ginza Tanaka, the show was developed to allow up and coming as well as established talent to show their wares before the public.

The Tanaka handbag is bejeweled with more than 2000 diamonds and will be available for sale during the show week. The handbag comes with a diamond shoulder strap which can be detached and worn as either a necklace or a bracelet, while the 8-carat pear-shaped diamond centerpiece surrounded by a cluster of 81 smaller diamonds can be taken off and worn as a brooch.

Coutts London Jewellery Week begins on June 11th and runs through the 15th. A citywide event, visitors to London will be able to take in catwalk shows, satellite parties, educational seminars, sales, auctions, workshops, demonstrations, and more. In addition to Ginza Tanaka, other designers featured include Elizabeth Gage, Davril, Swarovski, Carolina Bucci, Studionorth, David M. Robinson, Guy & Max, and David Marshall London.

As for getting a glimpse at the Tanaka handbag, you’ll have to wait until the show starts to find out where you can view it. Show organizers are concerned about theft and are keeping that information under wraps for now.

Lost & Found: Expensive Diamond Rings Recovered!

If you’re searching for bad news, you’ll find plenty of it by visiting your favorite internet site, tuning in to broadcast news, or by scanning the radio waves. Just for a few moments we’ll leave the gloom and doom stories to CNN and share with you three heartwarming accounts of diamond rings lost, but later recovered. Like lost jewelry, even good news can be found again.

Owner Found for $40K Diamond Engagement Ring
Misplacing jewelry is a common occurrence, but losing a ring valued at more than $40,000 and having the finders go out of their way to reunite the ring with its owner is certainly a rare event. Especially when the clues to identifying ownership are somewhat limited.
Fortunately, this story has a happy ending as the couple who found the ring, Keith and Linda Stetzer, were able to reunite the 3.02 carat solitaire diamond ring with Susan Brahms, the ring’s rightful owner.

In a story that received national headlines, the Stetzers uncovered the engagement ring when they found it in dirt adjacent to a concrete barrier in a Tysons Corner, VA parking garage. The company contacted Mervis Diamond Importers when they noticed the “Mervis” inscription on the band, but Jonathan Mervis – the third generation of jewelers to operate the family business – wasn’t confident that the owner would be located even with that important piece of information.

Happily, news of the missing diamond ring got plenty of air time and it wasn’t long after that when Susan Brahm’s husband, Mark, called claiming he had a certificate in his possession identifying his wife as the owner. The Stetzers immediately brought the ring to Mervis who confirmed that it did, indeed, belong to Susan Brahms as the size and dimension of the ring matched and a rare inscription of “Mervis 2000” was found on the band.

Most encouraging was that neither the Stetzers nor Jonathan Mervis and his wife were comfortable with keeping the ring as both couples wanted to make sure that its owner was found. Mervis expected to sell the ring if the owner didn’t step forward, planning to donate the proceeds of that sale to charity, exactly what the Stetzers did with the reward money given to them by the Brahms.

Fake Ring Turns Out To Be Worth $9000!
In another story about a missing diamond ring recovered, an Arkansas women lost her 1.26 carat engagement ring while shopping at Wal-Mart only to have it found by a six year old girl who thought it was a fake.

Bryant Wal-Mart security cameras spotted the girl picking up the ring in the store’s parking lot and with police help managed to track down the family and reunite the ring with the woman who was wed just last month. When viewing the video, police saw the family’s vehicle and were able to determine which dealership sold their truck to them. The truck’s registration revealed the correct owner whose child’s newly found play thing was actually worth more than nine thousand dollars.

Boy Find Missing Rings In The Toilet
The thought of dropping a toothbrush in the toilet and fishing it out again sounds awful, but the action of a ten year old boy in Chatham, MA helped to reunite a pair of long lost diamond wedding rings with the daughter of the home’s former owner.

Cameron Delonde discovered a pair of rings in the toilet and, with his father’s help, contacted the real estate agent who sold the house to them for help locating the previous owner. The owner’s daughter was found who, along with her brother, realized that these family heirlooms were missing when their mother died fives years ago, never expecting them to be found.
Chris’ father recalled the feelings he had when a favorite ring of his was stolen and was determined to return the rings to its owner.

Inspiring news can be hard to come by, but the kindness of strangers bent on doing the right thing is certainly something to be celebrated.

Iced Diamonds, When You Can’t Afford To Give Her The Best!

Iced diamonds, the perfect gift for those times when you just cannot afford to give her your very best!

You’re in love and you want to seal your relationship with a diamond solitaire engagement ring. However, you have a huge problem — you’re flat broke. So, instead of getting her an expensive ring, you do the next best thing: you take a look at cubic zirconia jewelry and realize you cannot even afford the faux diamond either.

What is an impoverished guy to do?!

Well, if you have some imagination and she has a sense of humor, why not give her lots of diamonds — even a glass full — and win her heart that way?

Novelty retailer Fred and Friends has the exact item you need, a diamond making device that uses an important ingredient — water! That’s right, these diamonds are made of 100% H2O, the most abundant molecule on the face of the earth.

Just fill up the flexible tray with water (or your favorite liquid), stick the tray in the freezer, and hours later six three dimensional diamond shaped “cool jewels” are ready for sharing. Place them in a glass and serve them to her and she’ll have more diamonds from you than she can imagine.

The cost? About one dollar per diamond or $6 for the tray when purchased from Amazon or other online retailer. You won’t be able to turn the iced diamonds into an engagement ring with sidestones, but you can spread some cheer and perhaps buy enough time to save up your money to purchase the real thing.
Cheers!