diamonds

As lab grown diamonds gain popularity consumers have questions about the “post-growth treatment” comment seen on many IGI grading reports. Post-growth treatments are commonly used to reduce, eliminate or change the diamond’s color-appearance. Logically, people want to know “are the treatments permanent?”

There are two sophisticated ways of producing lab-grown diamonds. One process assembles the diamond in vertical layers and the other uses a metal catalyst to dissolve carbon. These different approaches produce inclusions which differ from those seen in natural diamonds.

The IGI Expressions™ Jewelry Design Competition will accept submissions through this Saturday December 31, 2022. All entries must be uploaded by the end of this calendar year to be considered for one of nine grand prizes of $500, design fabrication, press coverage and more.

Natural diamond continue to command record breaking prices at auction. Looking back at 2022 we see a diverse set of exceptional diamonds, spanning a range of sizes, which the fall of the gavel transferred to new owners.

In the 1980s a young young girl in the DRC decided to explore a pile of rubble located near her uncle’s house. While playing she found a large golden-colored rock in the pile and took it home to her uncle…

If the emotional aspect of diamond engagement rings resonates with you, ‘Only Natural Diamonds’ has a beautiful pictorial essay – covering their history from Mary of Burgundy all the way through ‘Bennifer.’

Rio Tinto has introduced an 18.08 carat yellow diamond from their Diavik mine in Canada, flanked by 4.09 carats of pink diamonds from their retired Argyle mine in Australia.

IGI provided a ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour to attendees of last month’s NYC Jewelry Week in Manhattan, showcasing the institute’s grading and appraisal processes for diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry.

On November 17 IGI honored Leysen with a diamond craftsmanship award, recognizing the jewelry Maison’s ‘Blue Flame Diamond.’ The ceremony, attended by diplomats, industry principals and members of the press, took place at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Belgium in Shanghai.

The IGI Expressions™ Jewelry Design Competition is now accepting submissions through December 31, 2022. The organizers granted this extension, recognizing how busy the jewelry industry becomes during the holiday season.

Donna Hourani’s exquisite jewelry has a focus on minimal, feminine designs that easily transition from day to night. Her journey to jewelry design included earning a BA in Interior Architecture and experience in both art and dance, as well as formal training in gemology.

Laksh Pahuja is a name synonymous with unusual jewelry. An innovative designer from Mumbai, India, his creative designs are known for capturing the minds and hearts of professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Sheikha Dalia Zaal Al Maari is a Dubai based, Emirati artist and an alumni of the IGI School of Gemology, Middle East. Coming from a professional background in the Aviation & Tourism industries, Sheikha Dalia found her true calling in jewelry design.

It’s been over ten years since Varuna D Jani burst onto the Indian jewelry scene with a fresh, modern aesthetic. One thing hasn’t changed, though, and that is her quest to surprise and delight her customers from the moment they walk in through the door.

Kyle Roderick is a jewelry industry influencer and journalist for Forbes.com, Rapaport, NouvelleBox and other influential media outlets. Her Instagram account @bijouxreview has nearly 100,000 followers.

Chris Ploof specializes in unique, hand-forged pieces made with distinctive metals paired with the ancient art of Mokume Gane. Each of the rings he creates boasts its own unique pattern. His pendants, bracelets, earrings and other accessories represent an array of distinctive, sustainable choices for modern jewelry lovers.

Sarah François-Poncet is a US national who has lived half her life outside of the United States. For 11 years Sarah was the Global General Counsel for Chanel, after having been Secretary General of Chanel’s companies in France.

IGI is again calling upon the world’s creatives to step forward and contribute. Starting next week submissions will be accepted for the 2022  IGI Expressions™ Jewelry Excellence Awards. Provided free of charge, this opportunity to share and celebrate talent is open to jewelers, designers, students, teachers, and fans alike.

Storm Mountain Diamonds recently sold a 47.80 carat rough pink diamond. Extracted at the Kao mine in Lesotho, the largest […]

Last month IGI instructed a Polished Diamond Course in Antwerp attended by 15 students from 12 different countries; the most nationalities hosted in one class at IGI’s 14 worldwide schools since the pandemic.

A 20 minute bidding war for a pink diamond culminated in a final bid of $49.9 million, exceeding the pre-sale estimate by over 230%, and setting a record for the highest price per carat ever paid for a diamond at auction.

Diamond Standard’s coin, the world’s only market-traded diamond commodity, is up 30% in the two years since launch, outperforming gold by almost 40% and the S&P 500 by 20%. Last week that commodity’s first spot market was established, giving all investors in the product liquidity.

“The perfect ring when it’s love at first sip,” is how a U.K. Jeweler is promoting an $11,300 diamond engagement ring inspired by the Pumpkin Spice latte.

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