diamond Archives - Knox Jewelers

April’s Custom Engagement Ring Spotlight

Spotlight-April-1024x768 Unique Engagement Rings — Knox Jewelers Custom Design 3234

One of our new favorite custom created engagement ring is built around the mesmerizing step cut facets of a 1.00 carat asscher cut diamond held in a low four prong setting. Marquise shapes set with micro pavé diamonds and square carre cut diamonds are placed together in this design to create a rhythmic pattern of ovals and arches. Bezel set side diamonds and milgrain edges add lavish antique detailing to this wide band engagement ring. This mosaic inspired design can be recreated to accommodate any type, shape, or size center stones. Contact Knox Jewelers today to custom tailor this design to your preferred precious metal and central gemstone selection to create your own one-of-a-kind engagement ring!

Where is Diamond Found?

Diamond-Map-1024x700 Unique Engagement Rings — GIA Diamond Map

Diamond has been recognized as the gemstone coupled to the month of April on many dated and modern birthstone lists. But the allure of diamond was treasured and collected long before it was crowned the birthstone of April. Diamond is found in many fascinating and differing locations from Siberia to remote parts of Africa.

Before the twentieth century there was little scientific knowledge known about diamond, though its beauty and oneness had been prized for centuries. Diamond knowledge has grown since then with research in chemistry, physical gemology, mineralogy and oceanography. Scientists have discovered that diamonds form under conditions that are only possible 100 miles underneath the earth’s surface. Once they are transported closer to the surface, tons of soil and hours of labor are still required to discover a few diamond crystals. The conditions for diamond growth are only found in certain parts of the world and listed below are the most important diamond deposits.

Canada – Locating the diamonds that lay under the frozen soil in Canada took many decades. But after finally finding deposits in the 1980s, diamonds are being mined from several important sites. Canadian diamonds are known for their high quality.
Venezuela
Guyana – Guyana’s diamond production is mostly small scale operations through alluvial sources.
Brazil – Large, fine quality, sometimes fancy colored diamonds are mined in Brazil, though their operations are mostly small scale. Brazil was a leading supplier of diamonds before larger deposits were found in South Africa.
Sierra Leone
Guinea
Ghana
Congo – Diamonds mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo come from both alluvial and underground deposits. Most diamond unearthing is done in small operations with shovels.
Tanzania – The Williamson mine in Tanzania is currently the most sophisticated and largest mining operation in the region.
Angola
Namibia – Diamonds are currently being mined in Namibia through a joint operation with De Beers.
Botswana – Botswana is a leading source of gem-quality diamonds in the world. Not only are diamonds mined in Botswana, but the country has created a diamond headquarters, Debswana, that also sorts and values gemstones mined there. This collaboration with De Beers benefits the people by creating many jobs for the middle class.
South Africa – The diamond rush of 1869 was kick-started with the discovery of sources in South Africa. The country has become the birthplace of modern diamond manufacturing and is the world’s leading producer of the gemstone. The world’s largest rough diamond to date was unearthed in South Africa in 1903. The Cullinan weighed 3,106 carats rough and was cut into 9 larger finished pieces and 96 smaller brilliant cut diamonds.
India – Until 1730 the only known source of diamonds was the Golconda region in south India. These mines are long since depleted and India’s current sources of diamonds are small deposits.
China
Australia – The Argyle mine in Australia has been the world’s largest producer of diamond to date by volume. The mine is also known of its fancy colored pink, red and brown diamonds.
Russia – A significant source of Russian diamonds comes from the Yakutia region of Siberia. Russia is a leading supplier of diamonds though most of their gemstones are smaller in sizes than their African counterparts.

If you are lucky enough to hold diamond as your April birthstone, let Knox Jewelers help you custom create a one-of-a-kind piece to showcase this queen of gemstones. The possibility are endless with such a versatile mineral. Diamond can be found in a wide range of colors, carat sizes and cuts. A Knox Jewelers custom created piece, featuring a beautiful diamond or diamonds is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion falling within the month. Contact us today and let’s get started. We have the perfect diamond just waiting to be transformed!

On Trend for 2016

If you are currently on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring to propose in the upcoming year, then Knox Jewelers has a few suggests of current designs being sought after in our showrooms. With our custom created rings, the possibilities are endless, but there are a few styles that are gaining trend status. We are always ready to help you create the ring of her dreams, maybe one of these listed styles was made just for her.

Nature Inspired

Floral and foliage themes have a long history of symbolizing romantic love when stylized into a piece of jewelry. This tradition has now emerged as a popular motif among engagement rings. Selecting a nature inspired engagement ring can show her how your love has grown into something beautiful.

Vibrant Centers

A bright, white, scintillating diamond has taken center stage in many dream rings, and we are sure it will continue to. However, those who dream in color have recently been selecting vibrant hues of diamond and sapphire to complete their perfect engagement ring. Both sapphire and diamond naturally occur in every shade of the rainbow, and with a little searching, we are sure we can unite you with your perfect gemstone.

Stack-able

Flip through any fashion magazine and you are sure to spot a hand or two piled high with slim, stacked rings. This style has now found its way into bridal jewelry. We have seen customers opting for solitaire engagement rings and mixing them with several of our custom wedding bands to create their own unique grouping. This trend is ideal for the bride who likes to mix and match.

Antique Inspired

Engagement rings are currently taking a cue from past decades. Vintage inspired details add something of the extraordinary to any custom created piece. All of Knox Jewelers antique detailing like engraving, milgrain and filigree is hand fashioned by our talented goldsmiths. Micro details like these can make all the difference in an heirloom quality ring.

Split Shanks

What is better than one diamond band? Two, of course. Split band engagement rings have been the recent selection of many Knox Jewelers’ patrons. The style mixes well with a variety of center stone shapes and setting styles. Allowing it to be the final touch to any custom engagement ring.

Oval Cut Center

More and more women are stopping in-store and asking if we have oval shaped diamonds to see in person. A close runner up to the round brilliant, oval shapes are definitely on trend. The shape flatters the finger and has an overall elegant vibe. Any of our custom created engagement rings can be crafted around an oval shape center.

Mixed Metal

Several Knox customers have recently undertaken a bold endeavor by creating their custom engagement rings in two or three tone metals. The warmth of yellow gold and skin flattering rose gold are being paired with the ever popular white metals. These daring combination can highlight the fine details included into your ring and give you a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Now that you’ve been inspired by our current trends, stop in-store or livechat and let us answer any questions you may have on starting your very own custom engagement ring. The ring of her dreams is waiting to be created!

Diamond’s Rare Hues

Colored diamonds are among the rarest and most coveted gemstones on the planet today. Their legendary nature dates back to ancient times, and they continue to remain some of the most awe-inspiring stones in the world. In fact, only one in 10,000 diamonds has a vibrant color, and the most expensive gemstone ever auctioned – the Graff Pink Diamond – sold for a staggering $46,000,000. These diamonds are rare, beautiful, and superbly valuable, and they would make a great addition to your very own custom engagement ring. At Knox Jewelers, we have extensive experience in working with all kinds of gemstones, including colored diamonds, and we would love to have the opportunity to design a work of art just for you and your loved one. Let’s take a closer look now at the history and background of colored diamonds to see just why they’re so special and valued.

The History and Legacy of Colored Diamonds

Ancient India is the origin of the world’s first color-grading system for diamond stones, wherein they served as a mark of honor and reputation in the caste structure of the country. Depending upon an individual’s specific role in society, they were permitted by the ruling castes to wear one of many different known colored stones of that era.

Since then, the jewelry industry has adopted a number of more modern grading systems for these diamonds, and these systems continue to evolve as the years march forward. Sources of colored diamonds include Southeast Asia and South America in a variety of different countries, including Brazil and Indonesia. From Australia, the Argyle mine produces stunning pink diamonds – among the most coveted of this class of gemstone.

The Rarity and Splendor of Colored Diamonds

Although many of our clients are familiar with the classic gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, many of them are not so familiar with colored diamonds. Nonetheless, these diamonds can easily match the beauty of the former gemstones, and they are bound to make a great addition to any piece of jewelry. After all, there is nothing quite like having a stunning colored diamond center stone to adorn your engagement ring or other jewelry.

Colored diamonds are certainly making a comeback in the industry today, and “fancy colored diamonds” – that is, diamonds which have rich hues and intense colors – are among the most prized by both designers and customers. Colored diamonds are achieving this new found popularity by combining those qualities which make more traditional gemstones like ruby and sapphire so renowned with the durable and enduring properties of diamond. Without a doubt, these rare gems will continue to gain market share and repute.

Design Your Very Own Unique Engagement Ring at Knox Jewelers

At Knox Jewelers, we are experts in designing heirloom jewelry that will last for countless generations and stand the test of time. We want to help you design a custom engagement ring with a colored diamond center stone that truly evokes feelings of love, loyalty, and family – all the necessary ingredients in the creation of a true heirloom. We are proud to help our valued clients to physically manifest these eternal bonds and relationships, and we look forward to helping you create your very own design.

We start with a consultation to determine what your goals are for the piece. Then, we help you select the perfect center stone. Finally, we will make final adjustments to the design and select a metal for the base. As our talented jewelers bring your creation to life, we’ll send you photos of its progress along the way. This process is truly intimate and one-of-a-kind, and you’re sure to remember it fondly well into the future.

Have Any Questions? Let Us Know: We’re Always Happy to Help!

If you happen to have any questions at all about colored diamond stones or the jewelry creation process at Knox Jewelers, please be sure to let us know. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to working together with you to design a work of art that will last and be passed down throughout the ages. Get in touch with our friendly and professional staff today, and we’ll get started on the journey to creating your very own, one-of-a-kind piece of custom jewelry.

Diamonds – April’s Renowned Birthstone

For those lucky enough to be born in the month of April, we have good news for you: Your birthstone is the illustrious, famous, and sparkling diamond. As the saying goes, “Diamonds are forever” – and in more ways than one. Diamonds are extraordinarily durable in both physical strength and historical staying power – in fact, it’s quite possible that diamonds have been a part of human civilization for many millennia – and for good reason, too. Let’s take a look now at how diamonds came to achieve their lofty status, and how you might incorporate one or more of them into a stunning work of art right here at Knox Jewelers.

The History and Mythology of Diamonds

Diamonds have a rich and complex past. Countless cultures and civilizations throughout history and around the world have coveted and revered diamonds for their stunning and unique properties. From India to Italy to Brazil, diamonds have captivated countless generations. Although the sources of diamonds and the major players in the market have changed dramatically over the past few hundred years, one aspect of them has remained constant: They have been prized for their splendor and beauty, and as the remnants of aristocracy made way for the middle class of the modern era, they have only grown in popularity.

From the sultans to the kings and queens to the middle class, diamonds have forever remained a staple of human culture, and we have no doubt that they will continue on this path for countless millennia to come. Why are we so sure about this? Let’s take a look now at just how alluring and special diamonds truly are. After all, they have been brewing beneath the surface for millions – if not billions – of years.

Just What Exactly Makes Diamonds So Unique?

But just what makes diamonds so unique and beautiful? Indeed, the answer to this question is more nuanced than you may have assumed. We all know that diamonds are rare, but what makes them different? To answer this question, we need to take a close look at the properties of these stunning stones.

Firstly, diamonds – without exception – are all composed of the same chemical components. In fact, they’re the only stones that are made of one element – carbon. Each and every diamond shares the same internal structure that gives it its superb strength. These stones are so strong that they are 58 times harder than anything else that you’ll find in nature, and they were formed billions of years ago during the creation of the earth by interstellar forces and bodies.

Incorporating Diamonds into Jewelry

At Knox Jewelers, we have been designing stunning engagement rings, earrings, pendants, and more for our happy customers for decades, and many of these pieces have utilized a diamond center stone or in a micro pave arrangement. Among engagement rings, diamonds are very popular. Whatever your plans may be, we’re here to help you pick the right design for your special someone.

Diamonds are extremely versatile, and can be used in any number of pieces. They blend well with all metal types, including white, yellow, and rose golds, platinum, and more. Additionally, they can even work well with other center stones, such as in our micro pave configuration. Whether you’re looking to use a diamond in an engagement ring, or just in a special gift for that special someone (who happens to have a fortuitous birthday in April), you’re bound to find exactly what you need at Knox Jewelers.

See More Diamond Jewelry Today at Knox Jewelers!

If you or a loved one has an April birthday, then the diamond is the right stone for you. We would be honored to have the opportunity to show you some of our stunning diamond designs up close, and we think that you will agree with the praise we have heaped upon them here. If you would like to learn more about using a diamond center stone or micro pave design in an engagement ring for your special someone, we encourage you to get in touch with us today to begin the conversation. Our friendly, veteran staff are here to work together with you to design a work of art that will stand the test of time. Don’t be shy – get in touch with us today!