Tag Archives: Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

19 Jun

Diamond Color – Four C’s

G.I.A Diamond Color Scale - Schwanke-Kasten Jewlers - Four C's

Generally, when we think of diamonds we do not associate color to them. However, one of the four major “C’s” is diamond color or lack thereof. According to GIA, the foremost authority on diamond grading which Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers uses for their engagement rings, “a chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of clear water, and consequently, a higher value” (GIA).

Diamond Color

So EXACTLY how does a diamond not have color and how can a diamond inherit color? The most common occurrence with clear diamonds is the varying degrees of yellow/brown hues. This is graded on the universally accepted GIA scale from D – Z under very controlled lighting and viewing conditions. In fact, some of the color distinctions are “so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price” (GIA).

Colored Diamonds

However, jewelry auction house will place a premium on diamond color because they know they add value, just look at these incredibly expensive diamonds that have been sold lately! And while color can take away from the value of a normal clear diamond, it can also add tremendous value when the color is outside of the normal range of D – Z (delete color) grading. These colors can exist in the shades and hues of: red, blue, green, pink, yellow and even white and grey diamonds. As we mentioned before, these tend to occur because of one of two conditions.

  • Scientists know that chemical imperfections found in the diamond can cause color. Chemist believe high levels of hydrogen cause grey diamonds. They also know that a presence of boron can create blue diamonds, which are some of the rarest and often the most expensive.
  • Structural imperfections to the normal diamond lattice arrangement of carbon atoms can also lead to inclusions of color. Scientists believe green diamonds get their color from “radiation displacing carbon atoms from their normal positions in the crystal structure” (GIA).

In some cases, scientists are not even sure what causes the hue of a diamond. Pink diamonds are so rare that scientists can’t make a conclusion on the hue’s causation. However, it will likely be a matter of time before they discover a similarity among them.

Interestingly enough, GIA uses a separate scale to grade colored diamonds. The scale takes into consideration 27 hue varieties and saturation hue of 9 descriptors ranging from faint to fancy vivid.

Read more on Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers regarding the 4Cs and how to pick the perfect diamond for an engagement ring.

05 Jun

Diamond Cutting | Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

couple with a diamond engagement ring

As we have looked at the incredible scarcity of diamonds, we decided to dive deeper, beyond the 4 C’s and into the process of diamond cutting. Diamonds,  are one of the hardest objects found on earth. In fact, Diamonds top the Moh’s scale of hardness at a 10. There are entire industries dedicated to making industrial tools that use diamonds for cutting through other materials. In fact, when cutting a diamond, diamond cutters will either use other diamonds or specialized lasers.

That being said, this presents diamond cutters an enormous challenge and tedious effort to bring it from a rare rough stone to the beautiful, valuable finished diamond! In this process, there is no room for error; every step must be meticulously scrutinized because one mishap and the profitability of the diamond will be affected. diamond necklace jewelry

The Process:

Determining Cut, Proportions and Size:

Being the most important C of the 4 C’s, the diamond cut refers to the diamonds proportions, symmetry and polish. This, according to Lumera, is the most important factor when determining the “beauty of a diamond”. The balance between the optimal cut (a combination of brilliance, fire and scintillation*) and carat weight, is crucial. Cuts too deep or too shallow will lose light entering the diamond. This light tends to escape through the bottom of the diamond.

This is where proportions come into play; the size, shape and angle of each facet of a diamond. Light entering the diamond in the forms of refraction and dispersion, will bounce within the diamond and then exit. The result, is white light separating into the visible color spectrum. Combining the shapes, angles, culet size, polish, symmetry and facet effects determines the cut grade. Please note, that this only refers to round diamonds which the GIA attributes a cut grade.

Cleaving or Sawing:

Once the diamond cutter has planned and mapped out the cut of the diamond (usually mapped with 3D imaging), the rough diamond must be cut into smaller, more manageable sizes. Cleaving, generally refers to cutting the diamond into smaller pieces along the diamond’s tetrahedral plane, the point where the diamond is the weakest. When no plane is present, due to odd shaped rough diamonds, cutters will use either a laser or a phosphor-bronze blade rotating at roughly 15,000 rotations per minute (How Stuff Works). It is at this point, where the diamond begins to take on its initial appearance.

Bruiting or Cutting:

This step is when the diamond truly takes form into its final product. This refers to the meticulous cutting (either by hand, bruiting, or mechanically with a lathe). As we mentioned before, it takes another diamond to cut a diamond. The first step, known as girdling, uses two diamonds spinning in opposite directions to create rough round stones.

Polishing:

The process of blocking and brillianteering will form the facets of the diamond (Beyond 4 C’s). During the blocking stage, diamond cutters add 8 pavilion mains, 8 corns, 1 cutlet and 1 table facet. They will add the remaining 57 facets during the brillianteering stage. By placing the diamond on a rotating arm and using a spinning wheel coated with an abrasive material made up of diamond dust, the diamond cutter determines the diamond’s fire and brilliance during this stage.

Inspecting:

Next, the diamond is inspected and graded. At Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, we use G.I.A. certified diamonds for our diamond engagement rings.

For a deeper insight into the diamond cutting process, we recommending checking out the video below. Call Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers at one of our locations to schedule a consultation with one of our G.I.A.-certified gemologists. Check our the diamond cutting video below. Diamond cutting is the most important part of the pricing a diamond. Poor diamond cutting can damage the structure of a diamond.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDFKRySInVs

Notes

  • Brilliance refers to the brightness created by the combination of all the white light reflections from the surface and the inside of a polished diamond (Lumera)
  • Fire is the dispersion of light into the colors of the visible spectrum, seen as flashes of color (Lumera)
  • Scintillation are the flashes of light and dark, or sparkle when a diamond or light source is moved (Lumera)
20 Apr

Making of a Diamond |Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

pink-star-diamond

With the DIAMOND being April’s birthstone and used is almost every engagement ring mounting, we thought it would be only fitting to share with you, “The Making of a Diamond”.

In fact, this past month, we witnessed the largest internally flawless diamond the GIA has ever graded sold for $71.2 Million (USD)! The Pink Star was cut from a 132.50 carat rough diamond back in 1999 and then polished by master diamond cutters for over two years. The end product produced a 59.60 carat diamond that was fancy vivid pink color.

The Making of a Diamond

Despite popular opinion, most natural diamonds are, in fact, not made of compressed coal. We will call that the Superman Theory.

superman-coal-into-diamond

In fact, “Almost every diamond that has been dated was formed during the Precambrian Eon – the span of time between Earth’s formation (about 4,600 million years ago) and the start of the Cambrian Period (about 542 million years ago). In contrast, the earliest land plants did not appear on Earth until about 450 million years ago. Moreover, this is nearly 100 million years after the formation of virtually all of Earth’s natural diamonds.” – Geology.com

How do diamonds form?

In fact, the formation of natural diamond requires very specific conditions. According to Live Science, nature’s recipe for diamonds is the following:

  1. Bury carbon dioxide 100 miles into the Earth
  2. Heat to about 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit
  3. Apply pressure of 725,000 pounds per square inch (hence Superman)
  4. Quickly rush towards Earth’s surface to cool.

There are two places on earth that meet those conditions; in the lithospheric mantle (right below the continental plates) and at the site of a meteorite strike.

the making of a diamond

Deep Source Eruptions

The most common way diamonds are formed are from “Deep Source Eruptions” – a process that can take upwards to 1 billion years!

  • The mantle produces immense pressure and heat to form diamonds. After forming, deep volcanic-like eruptions violently thrust the diamonds towards the crust. These produce kimberlite and lamproite pipes.
    • Kimberlite pipes (named after the city where the Star of South Africa was discovered) are the most important carrier of diamonds and garnets, forming in a carrot shape between 93 and 280 miles beneath the surface. These pipes allow exotic minerals from the mantle to surface (Science Daily).
    • Lamproite pipes are a far more common occurrence yet rarely prove to be a reliable source for diamonds. Scientists say the difference between Lamproite pipes and Kimberlite pipes are that Lamproite are shaped like champagne flutes and shallower than Kimberlite pipes.
  • There are three other ways that scientists have discovered diamond creations but are far rarer than Deep Source Eruptions.
    • Subduction Zones:
      • Scientists believe that minerals, previously subducted by an oceanic plate going under a continental plate due to plate tectonics are another form that may actually involve coal as a source of carbon! However, this is also incredibly rare.
    • The other two deal with extraterrestrial objects entering the Earth’s atmosphere and the rarest!
      • Asteroid Impacts
      • Meteorite Fall

Next time you are looking at diamonds remember the amount of time and extraordinary circumstances needed to create them. Explore some of our extraordinary diamond jewelry, and stay tuned as we look into the history of diamonds in the modern world!

24 May

Wedding Rings and Bands for Women

In addition to a beautiful engagement ring, you will have to choose from a wide variety of wedding rings for your finance. Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers has provided you some ideas for wedding rings.

Wedding Rings - White Gold Half Round Milgrain Band, 5mm

Source: Schwanke Kasten Jewelers

This 2.5mm, comfort-fit, milgrain wedding ring is made with 14K white gold, but can also be created with platinum or yellow gold – as well as in other widths.  While this stunning band can be worn alone, its beauty really shines when banded with one of our eternity bands such as:

Non-Diamond Wedding Rings

Pink Sapphire Eternity Band

Created by Spark Creations, this eternity band includes a .65 ctw pink sapphire and is set in 18 karat yellow gold.

Ruby Eternity Band

In addition, Spark Creations made this .65 ctw ruby set eternity band set in 18k yellow gold.

Sapphire Eternity Band

This gorgeous eternity band has a .65 ctw sapphire set in 18 karat white gold

Tsavorite Eternity Band

Also created by Spark Creations, this eternity band includes a 1.30 ctw channel tsavorite set in 18 karat yellow.

Black Diamond Eternity Band

Furthermore, Spark Creations created this .59 ctw black diamond band set in 18 karat white gold.

Schwanke Kasten Jewelers invites you to explore more about this gorgeous white gold wedding band on our Schwanke Kasten website.

 

 

 

04 May

Naledi Engagement Rings

Naledi has been designing diamond jewelry for over a century. The Naledi Engagement Rings current collection features styles that are specifically tailored to the tastes and sensibilities of the modern bride.  They are classically feminine and perfectly timeless.

Naledi Engagement Rings at Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

The Naledi Collection appointed Belgium designer, Laurence Bruyninckx, as head designer in July 2013. I.G.C. Brand Services distributes the Naledi Collection. In addition,  I.G.C. Brand Services is a certified member of the Responsible Jewelry Council (R.J.C.). Furthermore, this international council brings together over 270 member companies from around the globe. The committee promotes ethical, responsible, social, and environmental practices within the diamond and jewelry supply chain.

Global Giving receives a donated portion of every Naledi item purchased.  This is an organization that funds high-impact environmental and social programs throughout developing countries.

Naledi Engagement Rings are exquisite, high-quality, stunning, and have uncompromising sustainability.  Schwanke Kasten Jewelers invites you to learn more about Naledi on the Schwanke Kasten website and by watching the video below:

13 Apr

Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers Wedding Bands

Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers presents the Dura Cobalt wedding band. It is completely hypo-allergic. Out of all of the contemporary wedding ring metals, cobalt chrome looks the most like white gold.  This makes it the perfect alternative to those who can’t wear gold.

Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers Dura Cobalt Domed Band

Source: Schwanke Kasten

Cobalt wedding rings are available in comfort fit wedding band styles and have a pleasing weight.  Another plus for using Cobalt wedding bands, is that they have an extremely high resistance to scratching and will maintain their original condition even under intense wear.

In addition, Cobalt is a pure element which – like platinum, tungsten, silver, palladium, and titanium. Goldsmiths will add Chromium to increase wear properties of Cobalt wedding bands.  Furthermore, Cobalt is a naturally magnetic material. Also, goldsmiths use chrome alloys to strip the magnetic property of cobalt wedding bands.

The Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers Dura Cobalt Band is 6 mm wide. This ring has a slight dome with a ridge and a polished finish. Moreover, it’s extremely durable and it will stay white without re-plating; it is sizable to 1/4 size.

Explore the Dura Cobalt Domed Band, 6 mm from Schwanke Kasten on the Schwanke Kasten Jewelers website today for more information.

 

05 Apr

Eternity Band with Black Diamonds

The Black Diamond Eternity Band is a beautiful masterpiece from Spark Creations.  It has a .59 ctw black diamond and is set in 18 karat white gold.  This wedding band looks fantastic with a white gold band, a band with diamonds, or with other colored stones.

Schwanke Kasten Black Diamond Eternity Band for weddings

Source: Schwanke Kasten

Spark Creations is a leader in the creation of beautiful, precious diamond jewelry and they have been industry leaders for over forty years.  The unique selling point of all Spark Creations designs is the cut of the diamonds and stones.  Spark Creations has its stones especially faceted for all of its designs.  (Read more about Spark Creations).

Furthermore, diamonds can come in different colors and, like with most colored diamonds, natural black diamonds are extremely rare. They appear opaque because of their “polycrystalline” structure which prevents them from reflecting light. In fact, the diamonds are real and are filled with dark inclusions (namely graphite) to give them the blackened look.

Black diamonds are extremely popular these days and are often paired with white diamonds.  While the price of black diamonds was fairly low in years past, they are now seen as more valuable.

Explore the Black Diamond Eternity Band from Schwanke Kasten on the Schwanke Kasten Jewelers website today for more information.

29 Mar

Mémoire Engagement Rings

In 1986 the French company Orest, expanded its distribution to the United States, and Mémoire Engagement Rings was born. Additionally, Orest named J. Douglas McDowell as CEO and Douglas’s mission was to cultivate a new level of quality in the US market.

Mémoire Engagement Rings at Schwanke-Kasten

In the 1980s, many jewelry manufacturers were promoting cast mountings and 14K gold. Douglas was a visionary who pushed platinum and extruded 18K gold. In fact, the quality of the fine French bands was so exquisite that a new standard of luxury emerged, and Mémoire Engagement Rings quickly became one of the most sought after fine jewelry brands in the United States.

Mémoire creates timeless and elegant pieces in a classic tradition.  Mémoire uses state-of-the-art laser engraving techniques which allow them to create personalized pieces that express the wearer’s personality. In fact, every gem in each Mémoire jewelry piece is inspected and certified by the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.)!

Schwanke Kasten Jewelers invites you to explore our full collection of engagement rings on our Schwanke Kasten website.

21 Mar

Introducing A. Link Engagement Rings

A. Link and Schwanke Kasten

Source: A. Link

A. Link is known for creating timeless, beautiful and elegant diamond jewelry since 1904. The jewelry manufacturer began, when Adolph Link, son of a goldsmith, apprenticed with New York’s preeminent jewelry manufacturers, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels in 1894. They celebrated their 110th anniversary in 2014. Adolph’s sons, Seymour and Marvin continued his passion for jewelry. One son studied the fabrication of diamonds and the other, the craftsmanship of platinum jewelry. The unique combination of these two skills would become the benchmark of A. Link.

The family still owns and operates the company today. A. Link takes classical European designs and marries it with remarkable diamonds to create unparalleled pieces. They create jewelry that is both timeless and fashionable, and A. Link continues to be viewed as a master in the diamond jewelry world. The world’s most gifted artisans cut their diamonds. Moreover, A. Link diamond jewelry incorporates consistency and spectacular beauty that give their pieces their remarkable brilliance.

They achieve their excellence by utilizing diamonds of a consistent size and quality. Known as the “60/60” because the depth and table percentages are almost exactly the same, these diamonds maximize weight and diameter, emitting optimal brilliance. A. Link diamond jewelry is a testament to longevity, quality, and craftsmanship for the woman who adorns each unique piece. In fact, experts say their jewelry’s brilliance gives it its beauty. In addition, they work with Forevermark.

Schwanke Kasten Jewelers invites you to explore our full collection of engagement rings on our Schwanke Kasten website.

15 Mar

Spark Creations – Wedding Bands

Diamond Band by Spark Creations on Schwanke Kasten

Source: Schwanke-Kasten.com

Spark Creations has been a leading creator of beautiful, precious jewelry for over forty years, including wedding bands.

Spark Creations began with in New York, NY with two brothers (Eli and Beny Aviram). The brothers focused on colored gemstones and fashion jewelry. With its unique collection of jewelry and  versatile designs, Spark has emerged as one of leaders in the fashion industry.  While every season their innovative new collections take signature jewelry icons into a modern dimension, they continuing to offer classic, timeless, pieces for the sophisticated woman.

Moreover, Spark Creations’ unique selling point is how they cut their diamonds and stones. They facet their stones solely for their unique designs, unlike many others who use stones off the shelf.

Schwanke-Kasten invites you to learn more their wedding bands on Schwanke-Kasten.com. In addition, Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers is a proud to retail this impressive brand.