Design Contest entry EXTENDED to August 31!

IGI has called upon the world’s creatives to step forward, with resounding success. With notice of abundant entries pending, the deadline for submission has been reset to the end of August due to popular demand.

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Last call for international DESIGN CONTEST entries

Participation is free: IGI has called upon the world’s creatives to step forward and contribute. The 2020 IGI JEWEL Jewelry Design Contest invites jewelers, artists, teachers, students and fans alike to submit design-concepts in four categories.

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See video of this 15,858-diamond world record watch!

Last year, Hong Kong based Coronet, a division of Aaron Shum Jewelry, set the Guinness World Record for most diamonds set on a watch at Baselworld, with “Mudan,” adorned with an astonishing 15,858 diamonds weighing 50.01 carats.

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IGI Jewelry Design Contest in National Jeweler

“IGI Is Holding a Jewelry Design Contest And It’s Free to Enter,” declares the headline of National Jeweler’s coverage of IGI’s “Collision and Fusion” Jewelry Design Contest. Fashion Editor Ashley Davis provides a concise overview in her article and, importantly, reiterates the event’s fundamental premise.

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eBay India announces its association with IGI

Emphasizing their commitment toward buyers and sellers alike, eBay India has announced the Gems and Jewelry Certificate program (GJC) in cooperation with IGI. Under this program, Indian eBay sellers can have their products independently graded by IGI at competitive prices, empowering confidence for consumer-buyers.

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IGI invites world to ‘Collision & Fusion’ Jewelry Design contest

A chance to win awards, cash-prizes, education, recognition and exposure: The 2020 IGI JEWEL Jewelry Design Contest invites jewelers, artists, teachers, students and fans alike to submit design-concepts in four categories by August 20. Participation is free of charge and open to anyone, whether professional or not.

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Everybody loves the BLUES

Maynard Ferguson had a different blues in mind when composing his jazz masterpiece for the 1993 album “It’s My Time,” but blue diamonds have a special appeal and character all their own. Like the call and response motifs which characterize blues jazz, blue diamonds seem to call out to each other in their individual but harmonious combinations of hue, tone and saturation.

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IGI gives advice in World Bride Magazine

Stacey Marcus recently offered a number of Trends and Tips on the Modern Way to find your Dream Diamond for World Bride Magazine. One of the experts approached for advice was Scott Friedman, Master Gemologist Appraiser with IGI North America.

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A Heart-to-Heart about these auction items

The July Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction did not disappoint, in items offered or bids commanded. I thought I would share a few of my favorite jewelry items sold – and sprinkle in another genre or two, just for fun.

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Beautiful, creative 2020 proposal stories

The stories of beautiful, creative 2020 wedding proposals are ongoing. This is something to celebrate. Something to share and spread. Every time I hear of a new adaptive, creative spirited marriage proposals during these past months are uplifting. I thought it would be nice to “share and spread” some of that joy here.

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3 famous gemstone curses. Fate or fantasy?

Whether it’s imagination, disagreement or politics over rare and expensive objects, or planets aligning poorly – there are a number of gemstones rumored to curse those who own them. Of course, in at least one famous case below, the rumors may have been exaggerated to appeal to a buyer. But whatever the case there’s entertainment value in what I’m bringing below.

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Esperanza diamond

The Esperanza Diamond is still for sale

Did you ever wonder what happened to the incredible Esperanza Diamond? After a charmed journey, but a failed auction, this national treasure is still for sale. Let’s re-visit her unique story and see where things stand today.

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See video of a 7777-diamond world record ring!

The Guinness World Record for most diamonds set in one ring belongs to the IGI-graded Lotus Temple ring created by Mumbai’s Lakshikaa Jewels. Enjoy this wonderful video documenting the careful grading of each of its seven components.

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Pharrell Williams wearing pearls at the Oscars

Pearls and men and recent jewelry trends

Much of the 20th century passed by without much attention to men in pearls. Fortunately we have seen a notable uptick in red-carpet sightings of men sporting pearl bracelets, tie-clips, earrings and – with increasing frequency – pearl neckwear.

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Diamond music to ROCK you. Which is your favorite?

Join me, music lovers! Click the playlist below. Put your earbuds on. Connect your Bluetooth speaker. Stream it all through your supernova-sized speakers and share this earth-shattering collection of diamond studded songs around the block. Let’s share this musical journey together, and tell me your favorites.

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See a RAINBOW of 7 exceptional jewelry pieces

Some amazing, creative and vivid jewelry pieces from iconic designers at last year’s Couture show, presented to you in all the colors of the rainbow.

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Can you solve this heist online?

Living in our world’s new normal, is there a chance the thieves who shattered the Green Vault and plundered Dresden Castle would turn to e-Fencing or even outright anonymous sale?

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diamond simulant

Is it a diamond? Don’t get fooled.

Believe it or not, there are people who like to presume they’re wearing big money but don’t actually want that theory tested.  That’s harmless – until it leads to misunderstandings.

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Why are we talking jewelry right now?

It’s a fair question. Health, safety and shelter must be our priorities right now. So why are people continuing to discuss, debate, and obsess over jewelry? Katherine, an active enthusiast in an online jewelry community, provided a response for the ages. Literally.

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Why IGI? Why now?

The new normal is here. We are quarantined and the future is unclear. IGI is not involved in health or government. However, as the world’s largest organization of our kind we can speak with authority about the current situation.

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Frequent hand washing and jewelry care

In today’s climate my attention to my hands, what I touch and how often I clean them has reached new heights. And of course, each time I clean my hands, I’m aware of the rings I am wearing. Fortunately, there’s good news ahead for jewelry wearers as it relates to sanitizing frequently.

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Will a feather EXPLODE my diamond?

Crack! Fracture! Cleavage! Gletz! These words are used to describe one of mother nature’s most common clarity characteristics. The feather. The dreaded feather. That notorious, ticking-time-bomb that could cause your diamond to EXPLODE!

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Largest diamond EVER. Who has it? Who wins?

The three largest diamonds ever found on planet Earth are under the control of three notable icons. So, where did they come from? How much did they cost? Where are they now? Take a look at three of the most unique and spectacular diamond crystals ever unearthed.

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New York Magazine touts IGI grading reports

10 writers and editors from New York Magazine’s Strategist tested the eCommerce jewelry experience firsthand. The article’s mission involved more than product quality. It was an exercise in consumer confidence.

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