Diamond Facts

Tell Me More, Tell Me More!

Diamonds. Nothing is harder, nothing is sparklier and nothing -thanks to a nifty, mid-20th century advertising campaign - symbolizes love better. The ancient Greeks had a wordfor it, adamas - "invincible."

-via InStore Magazine

Jewelry News

What is a Backlace?

We've all heard of the necklace, but what is a backlace? Look no further than the red carpet! Celebrities are sporting a different style of jewelry. A necklace that drops in the back and not from the front of the neck. What do you think of the stars that have showcased this style?

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway, Oscars 2013

Claire Danes, Nicole Kidman, Jessica Biel all wearing a backlace

Jewelry News: Diamonds

Diamonds Setting World Records

The Mouawad Group has set a Guinness World Record for the most valuable necklace, Guinness confirmed to National Jeweler on Friday (March 2013).

Mouawad's L'Incomparable diamond necklace is 18-karat gold with 637 carats of diamonds and is valued at $55 million, making it the most valuable--not expensive, Guinness said--necklace existing today.

THe piece features the 407.48 carat natural fancy-deep yellow "Incomparable" diamond, first made public in 1984. It is the largest flawless or internally flawless diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America, GIA Director of Public Relations Stephen Morisseau said.

In addition the necklace has 35 round diamonds, 27 pear-shaped diamonds, nine heart-shaped diamonds, five emerald-cut diamonds, five cushion-cut diamonds, four oval-shaped diamonds, three Asscher-cut diamonds and two radiants.

The necklace set the Guinness World record on January 19. The necklace was unveiled atthe Doha Jewellery and Watch Exhibition, which too place February 25 to March 3 in the Middle Eastern state of Qatar.

-via The National Jeweler

Diamonds - What Do They Mean?

The Origin of the Word is Revealed

In the film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, time and time again the father points out the fact that all words come from Greek origins. In the case of the diamond, it's true.

Diamond comes from the Greek word adamas, which translates to unbreakable.

Engagement rings are often set with a diamond, signifying and unbreakable bond between the couple.

Family History Day

Jewelry, Family Heirlooms

On Family History Day it is important to set aside a bit of time to think about our family, even the family we didn't know. You know who I mean, great-great-grandma whose diamond ring you are still wearing. Why not learn more about her by coming in for an appraisal to learn more about the diamond, or setting. You will feel even closer to your family when you know more about the stones and family estate pieces. 

Diamonds & Cars

A Diamond Bentley Toy Car

What is a day without some astonishing use of jewelry among the hip-hop set? No worries - these stories just keep on coming. Jayceon Terrell Taylor, aka The Game, gifted his son with a remote-control miniature Bentley -- one hesitates to call it a toy -- and then covered it in $100,000 worth of diamonds. Why? Because he can. The game tweeted "props" to NYC jeweler Richie Nekatov, for managing to get 150 carats onto the car.

-via INSTORE magazine

Engagement Rings and Proposals

Make it a Proposal She Won't Forget

You've found the girl, you've saved up 2 months of your salary for her ring, now it's time to propose. First, see the experts at Measetique Jewels in Kansas City for the ultimate custom, diamond engagement ring. With April's birthstone being the diamond it's the perfect time diamond shopping!

Now how do you do it? With so much pressure placed on marriage proposals how do you imagine proposing marriage to the most important woman in your life? Well, first of all, being in the business of love it is important for us to remind you that it's still about the marriage and forever. After the theatrics of the proposal and the craziness of wedding planning and even after saying "I do" there is still the rest of your life ahead. Just make sure the proposal fits the two of you as a couple. She'll be even happier if she sees the thought you put into the proposal based on your couple's behavior.

Below are a few ideas for a magical proposal in Kansas City. Comment to us and let us know how you were proposed to or how you proposed.

1. Take in the sites and a bird's eye view and pop the question from the top of the War Memorial.

2. Holiday carriage rides are what every little girl dreams about, make her fairy tale come true and propose while you are riding around the Plaza in the Cinderella  carriage.

3. Kansas City is full of romantic restaurants, why not ask for her hand at a favorite, local restaurant.

4. Are you both into the music scene? Late spring and summer concerts are popping up all over the city, make it a show she'll never forget.

5. Baseball season is gearing up in Kansas City, head to Kauffman Stadium and take in a game, you might even end up on the Kiss Cam.

Christie's Auction Sets Records

The Princie Diamond

The Princie Diamond - sold at auction by Christie's

A pink diamond owned for nearly three centuries by Indian royalty has set a new auction record at Christies. The so-called Princie Diamond brought a top bid of $39.3 million Wednesday in New York City - roughly $1.1million per carat - greatly surpassing the previous house record of $24.3 million set in December 2008 with the sale of the Wittelsbach Diamond. The stone was not the only record-setter at the auction. The sale itself realized a combined total of more than $81.35 million, "marking the highest various owner jewelry sale total in the United States," according to Christie's.

-via INSTORE magazine

Diamonds and Cancer Treatment

Diamonds Show Promise as Cancer Treatment

UCLA doctors are touting a new treatment for one of the most virulent and difficult to treat forms of breast cancer -- injecting patients with tiny diamond particles that bind together and serve as a dispersal agent for chemotherapy drugs. Tested so far in mice, the diamond mass somehow reduces the toxicity of chemical agents used to treat "triple negative" breast cancer. Said one researcher: "The agent we've developed reduces the toxic side effects that are associated with treatment and mediates significant reductions in tumor size."

-via INSTORE magazine

Diamond Dress Anyone?

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend, So Why Not Add Dresses to the Mix?

This Little Black Dress has been designed with one hundred 3 carat diamonds and has the small price of 15 million dollars! Would you be in trouble for coming home with this custom, one-of-a-kind design? If your guy thinks it's a bit too pricey why not talk him into a custom diamond necklace or diamond ring? One 3 carat diamond is definitely still an amazing stone for a ring. Stop by Kansas City's jewelry store, Measetique Jewels for a custom, one-of-a-kind diamond piece!

See Forbes.com for full article

Diamonds are Forever

A Brief History of Diamonds

With April on it's way we are ready to sparkle for all of our April birthdays! How many of you are lucky enough to have diamond as your birthstone? Take a peek at a bit of history as to why April's birthstone is among the most sought after stone.

"The path by which diamonds became perceived as an investment is traced in a magazine article that notes the Greek origin of the stone's name -- "adamo," meaning "overcome." Diamonds first srarted appearing as ornamentation in the Middle Ages, despite efforts by French King Louis IX to restrict ownership to royalty. The discovery of large diamond deposits in South Africa in the 1870s gave diamonds mass-market accessibility. The spike in commodity prices over the past decade has investors looking more and more at gemstones, especially diamonds, especially pink ones."

via InStore Magazine

Yellow Diamonds

Engagement Rings: What's New

Ring designed by Marty Mease, Measetique Jewels
Yellow diamond, surrounded by white diamonds on a yellow gold band

As a jeweler it's always exciting to see the newest trends in wedding jewelry. This year L.A.'s wedding experts reported the top styles they are seeing and it sounds like a breath of fresh air for the Midwest! The vintage inspired looks are on their way out the door and being replaced with timeless solitaires and yellow golds. One LA jeweler, Nelson Holdo, remarked, "Also, for the first time in I don't know how long, we've seen yellow gold. For the longest time platinum was the thing. Yellow diamonds are the most accessible colored diamond, so they are gaining popularity too." With the rise in colored diamonds in engagement rings we will also see a rise in gemstones used in engagement rings. Be sure to work with a gemologist (Marty is a great one!) if you decide on the colored gemstone route. Not all gemstones are as solid and 'tough' as diamonds for withstanding everyday wear.

Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry Box

Diamonds and Emeralds!

Was Julianne Moore just getting in the spirit of Saint Patrick's day with the necklace she chose to wear? Nope, she was lucky enough to borrow the piece on loan from Bulgari, who created the piece for actress Elizabeth Taylor. Read more about the private event below!

It’s common for a star like Julianne Moore to spend an evening in borrowed jewels, but Tuesday saw the actress don dramatic pieces from the private collection of none other than Elizabeth Taylor.
Luxury jeweler Bulgari has acquired eight of its own creations back from the estate of the late actress, and marked the occasion with a seated dinner and afterparty at its Beverly Hills flagship.
Two armed guards tailed Moore while she was in possession of the goods – an insane step-cut emerald brooch from Taylor’s engagement setting (given to her by Richard Burton) with a necklace to match.
Moore rocked the brooch, described by one partygoer as "worth millions," surrounded in 12 pearl-shaped diamonds. The piece attached to the necklace by hook.
“It’s like getting two for the price of one,” Taylor was quoted as saying when she received it in 1964, according to Bulgari.
Other ladies enjoying the merchandise were Drew Barrymore, Kate Walsh, and Kirsten Dunst, who was sans beau Garrett Hedlund but enjoying a date night with her mom.
An Italian garden theme was in place – a nod to the Rome set of “Cleopatra” where Taylor and Burton fell in love – and featured ornate shrubs, columns, and lacquered outdoor dining furniture.
Thankfully the scene wasn’t actually al fresco since it was pouring rain in Beverly Hills. The Bulgari team had a first class solution, however.
Dozens of valets with umbrellas escorted guests to the storefront then across the street, where dinner was staged atop a parking garage.

Via Yahoo.com by Matt Donnelly

Celebrity Engagement Rings

Jennifer Aniston &Justin Theroux

The worth of Aniston’s ring, presented by actor Justin Theroux, has been put in the same range, though it’s been tough to call because Aniston wasn’t quick to show it off (she even kept it covered on the set of We Are The Millers in New Mexico). It wasn’t until two months post-engagement that the paparazzi finally got a shot of the stunner as Aniston caressed her boyfriend’s face. The diamond—which might be emerald cut, might be oval or radiant—looks to be about eight or nine carats, which is certainly larger than Jolie’s. But with both rings being priced in the same ballpark, which bedazzled bride-to-be came out ahead is a matter of preference.

via Howard Cohen, http://www.instoremag.com/shine-blog/item/516-the-jeweler-blog-shines-a-light-on-six-celebrity-engagements

Celebrity Engagement Rings

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie

Even though they’ve both moved on, exes Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston will never be far apart in the headlines. They both got engaged in 2012—Brad in April, and Jen in August—and inevitably, the betrothal rocks were the subject of comparison. If you’re counting carats, Brad’s seven-year partner, Angelina Jolie, has 16—one seven-carat, emerald-cut center stone, and nine carats worth of tapered diamonds covering the platinum band. The ring, designed by Beverly Hills jeweler Robert Procop, has been estimated at half a million, though reports say that Pitt paid twice that.

via Howard Cohen, http://www.instoremag.com/shine-blog/item/516-the-jeweler-blog-shines-a-light-on-six-celebrity-engagements

Celebrity Engagement Rings

Hugh Hefner & Crystal Harris

If at first you don’t succeed, try again and keep both rings. That’s the way Crystal Harris, new wife of Playboy icon Hugh Hefner, played it. Hefner first proposed to her on Christmas Eve 2010 with a 3-carat round diamond set in platinum; the couple set a June date, but the 24-year-old bride bailed five days before the big event. A year and a half later, the tenacious octogenarian tried again, presenting Harris with another impressive diamond set in six prongs with a diamond-covered band. “My beautiful ring from Hugh Hefner,” Harris tweeted—with photos. This ring did the trick; the couple exchanged vows, as planned, on New Year’s Eve. We hope Harris likes the rings: an ironclad prenup says she’ll get none of Hef’s estimated $43 million fortune.

via Howard Cohen, http://www.instoremag.com/shine-blog/item/516-the-jeweler-blog-shines-a-light-on-six-celebrity-engagements

Celebrity Engagement Rings

Deadmau5 & Kat Von D

Canadian DJ and music producer Deadmau5 (aka Joel Zimmerman) may have spared 61 characters when he tweeted his impromptu proposal to tattoo artist Kat Von D, but he spared no creative inspiration in designing her one-of-a-kind ring. Unfortunately, the unplanned proposal—which was supposed to have occurred 10 days later on Christmas, completed ring in hand—meant that his surprised girlfriend got a jpeg instead of a jewel.

The Twitpic featured a ring with a white diamond flanked by two skulls, and was accompanied by a note: “Changing the diamond to a black diamond. FYI. Sorry for the jpg… they’ll finish the actual ring soon I hope. I love you :D” The final product was well worth the wait, changed as it was to a double-band design with four skulls and small black accent diamonds. The tweeted response from the overwhelmed bride-to-be: “Tonight, Joel put a ring on my finger—too taken aback by its beauty and its meaning to post a pic right now.”

via Howard Cohen, http://www.instoremag.com/shine-blog/item/516-the-jeweler-blog-shines-a-light-on-six-celebrity-engagements

Golden Globe Fashion 2013

Golden Globe Fashion - Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain in Harry Winston earrings

A lot can be said of the jewelry worn by celebrities at the Golden Globes. The first major award show to kick off the season also brings hope to many a fashion fan. What will the 2013 red carpet fashions have in store for fashionistas? Earrings! Quite a few starlets even opted to include colored gemstone's in their jewelry settings. Our gemologist Marty is certainly happy to see this look hit the world's most famous red carpet! Styles may differ based upon dress necklines, however, the overall look brings attention upwards and accents the face beautifully.

Follow along with us this month as we bring you a few of our favorite pieces from this year's Golden Globe's Red Carpet!



photo via InStore Magazine

Golden Globe Fashion 2013

Golden Globe Fashion - Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore’s Bulgari earrings

A lot can be said of the jewelry worn by celebrities at the Golden Globes. The first major award show to kick off the season also brings hope to many a fashion fan. What will the 2013 red carpet fashions have in store for fashionistas? Earrings! Quite a few starlets even opted to include colored gemstone's in their jewelry settings. Our gemologist Marty is certainly happy to see this look hit the world's most famous red carpet! Styles may differ based upon dress necklines, however, the overall look brings attention upwards and accents the face beautifully.

Follow along with us this month as we bring you a few of our favorite pieces from this year's Golden Globe's Red Carpet!


photo via InStore Magazine

Golden Globe Fashion 2013

Golden Globe Fashion - Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence’s linear Chopard earrings

A lot can be said of the jewelry worn by celebrities at the Golden Globes. The first major award show to kick off the season also brings hope to many a fashion fan. What will the 2013 red carpet fashions have in store for fashionistas? Earrings! Quite a few starlets even opted to include colored gemstone's in their jewelry settings. Our gemologist Marty is certainly happy to see this look hit the world's most famous red carpet! Styles may differ based upon dress necklines, however, the overall look brings attention upwards and accents the face beautifully.

Follow along with us this month as we bring you a few of our favorite pieces from this year's Golden Globe's Red Carpet!


photo via InStore Magazine