Whiteflash’s Fashion Accessories & Jewelry Insight Blog

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Sure it's a great diamond engagement ring, but is that rock certified?

A groom not buying certified diamonds is like buying a car without a title make sure to always ask for a certificate.

What is a Certificate?
A diamond certificate, also called a diamond grading report or diamond quality document, is a report created by a team of gemologists. A completed certificate includes an analysis of the diamond’s dimensions, clarity, color, polish, symmetry, and other characteristics. Also many round diamonds, due to their popularity and brilliance, will also include a cut grade on the report.

A diamond certificate is an expert third party opinion. . The diamond is evaluated, measured, and scrutinized using trained eyes, a jeweler’s loupe, a microscope, and other industry tools.  It states the quality of the certified diamonds. Without the certificate you are left to trust the jeweler’s estimates. This can cause a potential conflict because the jeweler is the one trying to sell you the diamond.

Buying a certified diamond usually costs a little more because the stone had to go through a lab of certified gemologists that has graded every aspect of the diamond.

Whiteflash Diamonds are Certified
Every loose diamond sold by Whiteflash has been evaluated and assessed by either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS). These two laboratories are among the most respected laboratories in the diamond industry, and are known for their consistency and unbiased diamond grading systems. Diamonds that are accompanied by these types of grading reports and certificates are the most highly valued to consumers.

The advantages of buying a diamond with a diamond certificate are:

1.    You will know exactly what you are buying. Every important factor you need to know about the diamond is described in the certificate.

2.    The seller knows exactly what he/she is selling to you so as to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.

3.    If a diamond comes with a diamond certificate, you do not have to worry about the possibility that you might be purchasing a fracture-filled diamond. These are diamonds that have surface cracks that can be artificially filled to appear as much better diamonds than they actually are. These are in essence, very low quality diamonds that look great to naked eyes. GIA does not certificate these diamonds.

4.    If a diamond comes with a certificate, you will not become a victim of buying a synthetic diamond. Yes, there are real man-made diamonds that hit the market in 1977. Currently, average jewelers have no way of telling if a diamond is natural or man-made (These are not diamond stimulants as CZs, but real diamonds that are man made).

5.    Purchasing a GIA certified diamond will simply provide you with much more confidence and value.

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Bulgari has dedicated its 125th Anniversary to a worthy cause. The luxury jeweler announced on November 18 its plans to auction off a collection of 11 one-of-a-kind jewels and 7 limited edition timepieces at Christie’s in New York on December 8. The collection's proceeds, valued at approximately $4 million, will go to the Save the Children charity.

The offered jewels include a multi-colored sapphire and diamond necklace, consisting of 396.29 carats fancy colored sapphires and 66.45 carats of round cut diamonds, as well as a diamond "Lucea" choker necklace, a white gold necklace set with 33.82 carats of marquise cut diamonds, 7.16 carats of round cut diamonds and 38.67 carats pave set diamonds.

The proceeds of this auction will be in addition to a $14.85 million pledge that Bulgari made to the charity earlier this year, generated partially by the sales of a limited edition silver ring.

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More big diamonds and big prices were seen at the Christie's Geneva auction on November 18. A 62.30-carat, D flawless diamond sold for $8.051 million amid a sale which sold 82 percent by lot and 93 percent by value. Aleks Paul of Essex Global Trading in New York paid $130,000 per carat for the 62.3-carat, Type IIa flawless diamond. Paul was on a buying spree, he also submitted the top bids for two natural color diamonds, bidding $2.68 million for a diamond ring by Wolfers that paired a 3.30-carat, rectangular-cut, fancy intense blue diamond with a 3.90-carat E, VS2 diamond estimated at $580,000 to $740,000. He also spent nearly another $2.68 million on a fancy vivid, fancy intense and fancy blue diamond clasp, circa 1950, which had been estimated at $500,000 to $650,000. He has a history of buying or trying to buy important stones. Last year he was the underbidder against Laurence Graff for the Wittelsbach diamond.

In the same sale a 65.20-carat fancy intense yellow, cushion-shaped diamond pendant sold for nearly $1.04 million and a 4.42-carat fancy intense, square-cut green diamond ring sold for $783,000. The largest recorded fancy grayish-yellowish-green "chameleon" diamond in the world, cut into a 19.13 carat briolette and mounted as a pendant, sold for $987,000, setting a new world record price for a chameleon diamond.

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The world's most expensive cocktail shake has been dubbed the “Boston Shaker”.

The shaker itself is silver, 18 karat gold, and is encrusted with 480 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 19.05 carats. The price tag on this one-of-a-kind blinged-up barware is approximately $52,164.00.

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Every year, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is more blinged out than the last. This year, at the Lexington Avenue Armory in New York City, we saw an array of outfits that were by equal turns beautiful and baffling. We love how Victoria's Secret always manages to dress the Angels in elaborate designs that sit just next to their bodies -- giant wings and capes!

Pictured here is the most expensive item of the evening, the diamond-clad three million dollar bra, being caressed by Marisa Miller, who had the privilege of wearing it.

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The Miss California USA pageant is eager to put the Carrie Prejean story behind it and has unveiled the crown that will sit atop the new Miss California USA's head. INTA Gems & Diamonds, the official jeweler of Miss California USA, has designed the new crown which they say promotes unity, love and the beauty of California. The crown will be unveiled to the public at the Beauty of California dinner at the Rivera Resort in Palm Springs on November 21 at 8 pm. The stars that line the border of the crown represent the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The curves of the crown are mean to recall the waves that flow back and forth along the California coastline. The crown is made of silver, gold and a total of 768 stones including diamonds, diamond stimulants, natural sapphire, and pearl.

Peter Young, creative director of INTA Gems & Diamonds designed the crown with the idea that after the controversy over Carrie Prejean's opinion on gay marriage at the Miss USA pageant he wanted his design to present a positive view for the next 2010 Miss California USA titleholder. The wave design also represents the different perspectives in California. He says: "I felt a strong need for people to know that although we may have different opinions from opposite sides, the one universal idea that speaks true for all of us is that love unites. Therefore, at the center of the beautifully formed sparkling wave design is a heart. I hope that speaks true to the next Miss California USA."

The 2010 Miss California USA pageant that will be televised on Sunday, Nov 22 on the CW and on My Television television networks.

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Too much Swarovski is never enough, especially during the holidays, when we all want sparkle. And during the holidays in New York City, the most popular sparkle can be found at Rockefeller Center, where each year gaggles of locals as well as tourists stop by to view the Christmas tree, which has been topped by a Swarovski star, made to mimic thousands of blingy diamonds, each year since 2004.

This year's star is 9½ feet in diameter, 1½ feet in depth, weighs a whopping 550 pounds, and comprises 25,000 crystals with 1,000,000 facets.

Rockefeller Center officially began the Tree Lighting Ceremony in 1933, when a Christmas tree was erected in front of the then-RCA Building and covered with 700 lights. This is the first year, however, that the Swarovski star will feature dynamic light movement.

A replica of the Swarovski Star will be on display in Rockefeller Center to allow visitors to get a closer view of the detailing and craftsmanship.

The 77th Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, December 2, from 7-9 p.m. The ceremony will be televised live, locally on WNBC-TV from 7-8 p.m. and nationally on NBC from 8-9 p.m. Spectators can view the lighted tree each day from 5:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.; all day (24 hours) on Christmas Day; and from 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The last day to view the tree is January 7, 2010.

Sources: LuxuryLaunches.com and PR Newswire

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One American jeweler determined to address Africa’s continued suffering has introduced a conflict-free diamond pendant. Online diamond retailer whiteflash.com along with the World Centers of Compassion for Children International (WCCCI) launched an initiative in which 100 percent of proceeds from conflict-free diamond pendant go to WCCCI.

“Whiteflash.com has some of the finest ethically produced designer bridal jewelry available,” said Debi Wexler, president of Whiteflash.com and conflict free diamond activist. “The site offers the conscious consumer a means to connect directly to diamond beneficiation projects, such as Whiteflash’s Dreams of Africa collection in which 100% of proceeds go to help those children who have suffered under blood diamond conflicts.”

 “While other companies offer commercially produced ‘green rings’ and conflict free jewelry, what makes us different is that 100% of our profits go to those who really need out help,” said Whiteflash.

The $4,400 Dreams of Africa(TM) diamond pendant will only be available from whiteflash.com
“Our Dreams of Africa are not for partial peace. They are for total peace,” said Debi Wexler, CEO of whiteflash.com. Wexler along with WCCCI’s founder Betty Williams are jointly working towards building safe and nurturing environments for children “who need a second chance in life. If we start teaching peace at the beginning of these young children’s education, we will help these children to shine like brilliant diamonds for the world.”

Specifically, Whiteflash.com will focus on efforts to help children who have suffered from conflicts in Sierra Leone, Liberia and other African countries. Conflict or “blood” diamonds are illicitly smuggled diamonds, the sales of which are used to finance wars against countries’ legitimate governments.

Whiteflash is known for its pioneering efforts in conflict free jewelry and educating consumers with the most comprehensive trade and consumer resource on conflict free diamonds.

“We need consumers to understand that there is a huge difference between blood diamonds and conflict-free diamonds,” said Wexler. “Not all diamonds are ill-gotten. When diamond mining is undertaken in the correct manner, without child labor or government conflict, the profits build infrastructure and serve as a source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of people. As a socially responsible design company in the diamond industry, we believe it is our duty to support children who have suffered under blood diamond conflicts and to create awareness in order to combat such illicit diamond trade.”

Whiteflash.com and WCCCI will work to establish the first learning center, headquartered in Italy, which will provide scholarships for children from Sierra Leone and other locations across Africa, and to instill values of peace and understanding during these children’s early education. Italy’s government donated land to build the learning center.
Whiteflash began this endeavor to support the WCCCI’s commitment to providing safe havens and educational opportunities for children. Whiteflash hopes that their Dreams of Africa collection and education on conflict free diamonds will help in the creation and support to provide a second chance for these children to be educated about peace.

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Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,
Yes I am still enjoying the experience of observing the accuracy of the cut in this diamond. When everything is close the image resonates with a magic that satisfies..... The short-term savings of buying a lesser stone is soon forgotten while the permanence of skills displayed in this one will always be apparent.

Thank you,

Ron

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Whiteflash is proud to introduce the “Cameron” Solitaire Engagement Ring to the Whiteflash collection. This Diamond Bezel Ring shank tappers from approx. 2.5mm wide and is available in Platinum and Gold.

The simple design enhances the delicate thin bezel which slightly angles inward toward the “A Cut Above” Diamond. Make sure to put this dazzler on your short list this holiday!

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Unlike other retailers who stop at conflict-free, Whiteflash seeks to address the real problem, the people suffering in Africa. “These people are among the world’s poorest. Diamonds are vital to their economic stability. We must stop the exploitation by those in charge, not boycott innocent people into further poverty.”

Though dramatically reduced in recent years, hot spots of conflict and suffering remain in Africa. Whiteflash initiated the Dreams of Africa program as a way for shoppers to be proactive. You can visit the website at www.dreamsofafrica.org.

Whiteflash and Dreams of Africa have dedicated to publish the most recent news on Conflict Diamonds for the public. Here are DreamsofAfrica.org’s top stories:

IDMA and WFDB Presidents Support Ending Diamond-funded Conflict

Zimbabwe Withdraws Security Agents From Chiadzwa

JA Calls for Quick Implementation of KP Work Plan in Zimbabwe

IDMA, WFDB Reaffirm Commitment to Conflict Diamond Prevention

Passop Protests Old Mutual’s Zimbabwean Holdings

Zimbabwe Gov’t to Relocate Thousands from Controversial Diamond Field

Subdued Rough Diamond Trade in The U.S.

Diamond cartel bans dealing in Zimbabwe’s diamonds

Illegal Diamond Dealers Move into Mozambique

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Milan personifies distinctive style and fashion that sets ever new standards of opulence and class in each product category sans run of the mill bicycles. The super luxury model of mast production features a coating of gold leaf and leather trim python and 8000 Swarovsky crystals to mimic diamond bling.

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Watches in rings have been done before, but not quite like this. This is a new approach and quite interesting. The Digit Watch is design to appeal to both men and women, and given its high level of customization. The producer takes existing mechanical watch movements from major luxury watch brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Blancpain, and others (buyer can choose), and places them inside of an 18k white gold ring with an Aquamarine jewel face, decorated with 142 diamonds.

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A Very happy customer receives her Diamonds for and Eternity Engagement Ring and matching  Wedding Band from Whiteflash.com. One of my favorite diamond settings!

A little more about this spectacular piece: Diamonds that seem to go on for an eternity…our eternity diamond engagement ring features Whiteflash ACA diamond melee (approx. 0.90ctw as shown--total carat weight will vary dependant on ring size. Color: F/G, Clarity: VS). The beautifully sculpted eternity wedding band houses brilliant Whiteflash ACA diamond melee (approx. 0.90ctw; Color: F/G, Clarity: VS). Platinum Content: 95% Pl 5% Ir. Make the set complete with our matching 'Diamonds for an Eternity' engagement ring

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Natural colored diamonds and other colored stones did very well at the Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels" sale in Geneva this week. The Roxburghe Rubies, a parure of a ruby and diamond necklace and earrings brought $5.77 million, five times the set's estimated price. A rare 2.52 carat vivid green diamond sold for $3.08 million. It was the largest vivid-green diamond ever to appear at auction and the sale set a new world-record price per carat for a green diamond at auction. Swiss jeweler Chatila paid $2.52 million for a 3.17-carat fancy intense blue diamond which set a new world-record price per carat for an intense blue diamond sold at auction. Chatila also paid $3.13 million for a 74.8-carat fancy vivid-yellow diamond ring. The sale brought in $36.68 million putting it safely above the pre-sale low estimate of $29.5 million. A total of 79 percent of the lots up for sale sold.

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— Nov 17th 2009 2:02PM

We've written about Alicia Keys's charity work with Keep A Child Alive before so its no surprise that one of the core pieces in her new jewelry line is devoted to the cause. Keys is launching a new jewelry line, The Barber's Daughters, with jeweler Gisèle Theriault. The collection will be displayed at a pop-up shop at the Collette Blanchard Gallery in New York City on November 23 and 24. The inspirational jewelry line features precious metals inscribed with poetry, prayers and other words.

The special design for Keep A Child Alive is a sterling silver double tablet necklace on an oxidized rope chain features the Gandhi quote which says: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." The design is inspired by ancient Inukshuk rock sculptures used to alert others they were on the right path. The necklace sells for $295 and Keep A Child Alive receives $100 from each one.

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Nandini | 59 min ago

Hollywood Power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are well known for their relentless pursuit of charity, and the duo are now venturing into another new dimension, all for the sake of charity, with their jewelry line for Asprey titled “The Protector.” Angelina found her inspiration from a snake ring gifted to her in her pregnancy days and the couple then dedicated their jewelry line to the serpent. The collection features limited edition gold jewelry and silver accessories including rings, cuff links, bracelets, spoons and cups, all with the snake motif. Reportedly, Angelina even wore one of the bracelets to the BAFTA awards. The collection will go on sale at Asprey stores in London, New York, Beverly Hills, Tokyo and Dubai later this week, according to Asprey officials. And the proceeds will benefit one of Angelina’s charity organizations, the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict. The snake-motif pieces would go well with your Cobra Vertu, just in case you are contemplating buying one.

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A diamond necklace may be the key to a child's future in war-torn Afghanistan.

Indeed, McTeigue & McClelland, a New York-based jeweler with roots dating back to 1895, has designed a necklace, called "The Ariana Necklace," with all of the proceeds donated to the Rebuilding Afghanistan Foundation. The foundation is a U.S.-based 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to bringing education to Afghan children by building schools and developing educational programs in Afghanistan. The proceeds from each necklace will provide enough funds to educate three Afghan children for one year at the foundation's Mayor Elementary School in the province of Wardak, Afghanistan.

The butterfly design was inspired by the Micropsyche Ariana species, which is the smallest butterfly in the world. The butterfly is unique to Afghanistan while its name translates to "tiny souls of Afghanistan." The necklace measures 1.5" in length and 1" in width and comes with an 18" sterling silver chain.

McTeigue & McClelland handcrafted the necklace in sterling silver. It will retail for $250 and is available by placing an order at http://www.rebuildafghanistan.org. The necklace is available for a limited time only.

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