Category Archives: History of Jewelry

20 Nov

Green Diamonds | Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

Gemologists rank green diamonds as among the most rare of the naturally colored diamonds. These marvelously beautiful and unique diamonds have been exposed to cosmic radiation over its million year formation. Other colored diamonds tend to have an additional element such as hydrogen as an inclusion. Please note, holding a green diamond will not make your finger fall off as the radioactive half-life has long since passed by the time it has been found. Diamonds with the natural colors of green, blue or red account for less that 0.07% of all diamonds examined by the GIA.

Green Diamond Formation

As we mentioned before, green diamonds form due to radioactive materials being present during its formation. Moreover, these materials could be uranium or thorium. Geologist have concluded that radiation penetrates the diamond crystal and can knock electrons or carbon atoms out of the specific crystal lattice. This often appears as a shallow “green” skin on the outside of the diamond, but uniform green throughout the diamond can exist although it is much rarer.

Furthermore, because electrons and carbon atoms are displaced in the crystal lattice, the way light enters and is refracted is affected. Hence the green portion of the visible color spectrum is reflected while the rest are absorbed and gives the diamond that appearance.

Additionally, diamonds can also have structural defects due to the presence of nitrogen, hydrogen or nickel atoms that may give the diamond its green appearance. However, natural irradiation is much more common.

green diamonds colors

Fancy Color Scale:  

As for all natural colored diamonds, they follow a similar color grading scale: faint green, very light green, light green, fancy light green, fancy green and fancy intense, vivid and deep. For green diamonds, the more intense, vivid or deep the natural color is, the more expensive the stone is.

Diamond cutting:

As we mentioned before, often times green diamond color is very shallow, so this presents diamond cutters with a problem. How to maximize the natural green color in an exceptionally rare diamond.

Famous Green Diamonds

In fact, Christie’s Auction sold the Aurora Green diamond in 2016 for $16.2 million. The sale made it the most expensive green diamond as well as the largest Fancy Vivid Natural Green Diamond.

At Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, we pride ourselves on being South Eastern Wisconsin’s go-to jewelry store for all natural diamond jewelry. Stop by our beautiful Whitefish Bay location just north of Milwaukee to see our beautiful selection of diamond necklaces, rings, and bracelets! Additionally, Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers also carries GIA certified diamond engagement rings.

09 Aug

Colored Diamonds – Natural Blue

Hope Diamond - National Jeweler

It is a well-known fact that diamonds are among the rarest gemstones on Earth, naturally colored diamonds are even more so. So much so, that gemologists and geologists are still learning about how diamonds obtain color. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) just published a report on blue diamonds. The study, conducted by GIA, took place over two-years using 46 blue diamonds submitted to the GIA.

Colored Diamonds – Blue Diamonds, A GIA Study

Evan Smith, a Lead Researcher at GIA, estimates that 0.02% of mined diamonds containing the trace element boron. Scientists largely conclude boron is responsible for natural blue diamonds color. This explains why in recent auctions, blue diamonds are fetching record prices. Moreover, finding these diamonds with natural, solid inclusions is even harder.

The Process

Gemologists concluded in this article that blue diamonds form an estimated 4 times deeper in the Earth’s mantle (most form between 93 – 124 miles below in continental plates brought up by Kimberlite eruptions). Researchers hypothesize diamonds fuse with boron in the sublithospheric mantle (superdeep) from oceanic rock. Furthermore, they state oceanic rocks are subducted 410 miles or deeper over a billion years by plate techtonics!

Blue Colored Diamonds Formation

In addition, geologists make inferences from inclusions in these diamonds. This information tells gemologist about the surrounding minerals and known locations of said minerals.

19 Apr

Bridal Shower Jewelry Gifts

Jewelry Gifts for Bridal Shower

Bridal shower jewelry gifts have changed quite a bit from their origin. Although they still remain a commonality in American weddings, we believe they have changed for the better. Historically these parties, “socialized women into the hyper-feminized traditional wife role”, according to sociologist Beth Montemurro. Nowadays, more women remain in the workforce so the “traditional” wife role and the associated gifts have changed.

At Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, we came with several bridal shower jewelry gifts that the bride-to-be would actually use every day.

Bridal Shower Jewelry Gifts

We are firm believers of owning a solid pair of pearl earrings or a necklace. Dress them down into a casual chic look or wear them when presenting a trial, pearls are one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry you can own. Plus, they look great when she walks down the aisle!

Bridal Shower Jewelry Gifts | Pearl Drop Pendant Necklace set in 14k yellow gold

Pearl Pendant Necklace

The Pearl Pendant Necklace is a beautiful 9mm freshwater pearl pendant (17mm total) necklace set in either 14k white or yellow gold affixed to a 18” cable chain necklace. It is simple, elegant and affordable, retailing at $245.

Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings

Fresh Water Pearl Studs

Like the pearl pendant necklace, these fresh water pearl studs are another piece of absolutely fabulous jewelry. Set in 14k white gold, the 5mm fresh water pearl studs retail at $150.

Saint Christopher Medal

St. Christopher Medal

As you can tell, we thoroughly enjoy bridal jewelry that is functional and can be worn all the time.  You can engrave a St. Christopher medals to add a personal touch for the recipient. The medals are said to protect the wearer as they journey through life because he is the patron saint of safe travels. As she begins another major journey, that is marriage, a St. Christopher medal can be a perfect companion for this exciting trip. The medals are available at Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers in an array of sizes and colors.

Stop by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers today to pick up the perfect, unique, bridal shower gift! Both locations have a great selection of bridal jewelry.

18 Sep

Bridal Jewelry – Wedding Tips

Schwanke Kasten - How to choose wedding ring

In addition to diamonds being the center stone of the engagement ring and typically in the wedding band, they are also a popular choice for bridal jewelry! With the tagline, “Diamonds are Forever”, diamonds in bridal jewelry have quickly became associated with the strength and rarity of the beauty of your true love. Common examples of diamond bridal jewelry are diamond “tennis” bracelets, diamond-by-the-yard, pendant necklaces and stud earrings.

If you are looking for simplicity, the Roberto Coin 3, 5 or 7 Necklaces are great versatile choices. We love this Italian Jewelry Designer at Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers because every piece produced is adorned with their signature “hidden ruby”. This tradition stems from the “ancient belief of wearing a ruby close to the skin will promote long life, health and happiness and even…the extraordinary ability to give peace.Bridal Jewelry | Roberto Coin 7 DiamondAnother common accessory for bridal jewelry is pearls. These lustrous, organic gemstones are rare and beautiful in their own unique way. Often associated with new beginnings, it is no wonder why pearls became a popular accessory for bridal jewelry. We typically find brides wearing pearls in the form of drop earrings or necklaces. One of our favorites, however, are these diamond and pearl drop earrings – beautiful and standout yet simple in itself.

diamond-pearl-drop-earrings-schwanke-kasten-jewelers

Furthermore, other bridal jewelry trends we have seen are picking out a gemstone associated with the bride’s birthday.

The Knot offers 5 practical tips to picking wedding jewelry, two tips include considering the color and neckline of your wedding dress. We highly recommend stopping by our Whitefish Bay store to see our extensive selection. We’re certain that you’ll find something perfect for your special day!

09 May

Diamonds Throughout History | Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

Two monumental diamond sales already slated in 2017, so we decided to take an in-depth look into diamond history.  We are going a step further and examining stories behind some of the more famous stones as well.

The Origins – Diamond History

The G.I.A., the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones and pearls, states diamond history can be set as early as the 4th century BC in India, when diamonds were given value. (G.I.A. – “Diamond History Lore”). Various trade routes, helped diamond appear in countries like France and Italy. By the 14th century, diamonds had become the fashion norm across Europe, and the importance of diamond cutting emerged in Venice (CBS – “Diamond History”). The supply source in India declined, due to demand, which caused the value to increase.  This demand obviously led explorers and entrepreneurs to venture elsewhere. And in the 1700’s, Brazil became a powerhouse in the diamond industry. They dominated the market place for over 150 years (G.I.A.)!

The Modern Diamond Industry

In 1866 miners discovered a large deposit of diamonds in Kimberly, South Africa. This began the modern diamond industry. Hence the name Kimberlite tunnels. One of the most famous diamonds, Star of South Africa, was unearthed three years later. Originally an 83.5 carat rough diamond, was cut to a 47.69 carat pear-shaped diamond, and traded for “500 hundred sheep, ten oxen and a horse” (Famous Diamonds – “Star of South Africa Diamond”). Then, in 1888, a young entrepreneur named Cecil Rhodes established the De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited, which at one point “controlled up to 90% of rough diamond production in the world”.

De Beers

“In the 1870’s, annual production of rough diamond was well under a million carats. By the 1920’s, the figure was around three million carats. Fifty years later, annual production approached 50 million carats, and in the 1990’s it surpassed 100 million carats per year”, (G.I.A.). Prior to 1947, engagement rings rarely used diamonds. It wasn’t until the De Beers hired N.W. Ayer (an advertising agency) to come-up with the world-famous slogan, “A Diamond is Forever”, that the diamond marketplace changed forever. This slogan was so effective that Ad Age deemed it the slogan of the century. According to The Atlantic, in the proceeding 40 years, “De Beers’ wholesale diamond sales in the United States increased from $23 million to $2.1 billion (U.S.D.)”.

Current Market

Australia, Botswana, Russia, Congo Republic, Canada, South Africa and India produce the majority of natural diamonds. For more incredible stories behind many famous diamonds, we recommend checking out this site. In the meantime, we invite you to take a look at Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers’ expansive diamond jewelry selection and G.I.A. certified diamond engagement rings. Rings that reflect the beauty of your true love.

This link is a brief timeline of the history of some very famous diamonds.

Hope you enjoyed!

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!

29 Jul

Diamond Jewelry – Rahaminov Engagement Rings

Moshe Rahaminov left Russia for Israel as a young man and soon found himself cutting diamonds to make diamond jewelry and to help support his family.  He soon discovered his natural talent for cutting diamonds. Moshe – and his older brother – then decided to move to Italy were they thought they’d have a chance to succeed using their diamond cutting skills. They were correct in their thinking!  It was here Rahaminov Diamonds was born. The brothers found their talents in demand and soon developed a stellar reputation for superior customer service and the highest quality cut stones.  For over 70 years, Rahaminov Diamonds has continued that reputation worldwide.

Tamara, Moshe’s daughter, continues the Rahaminov Diamonds tradition.  With her husband, Amir, she opened the Los Angeles office of Rahaminov Diamonds in 1989.  Amir’s personal relationships with customers and Tamara’s remarkable designs have skyrocketed their brand to new levels of success.  In fact, Rahaminov Diamonds has evolved from purveyors of loose diamonds to a jewelry design house. Tamara’s passion for jewelry design has made Rahaminov Diamond Jewelry known for its chic and highly collectible jewelry that today’s women want to wear.

This fantastic Rahaminov engagement ring shown below is one of their superior rings.  It has .55 ctw diamonds on the split shank surrounding a 1 carat Forevermark round brilliant diamond, G/VS2. This engagement ring has a total carat weight of 1.55 and a platinum mounting.

Rahaminov Diamond Jewelry - Engagement Ring

Learn more about Rahaminov engagement rings on our Schwanke-Kasten website.

04 Feb

Unique Wedding Rings

Unique Wedding Rings

In the age of the computer, unique wedding rings have become a commonplace. However it wasn’t always like this. The very first wedding bands were made of braided plant material, ceremoniously given and worn, and most frequently from the same type of materials. The symbolism of the rings took preference over appearance and style.

Unique Wedding Rings - Schwanke-Kasten JewelersThroughout the ages, wedding rings had their moments of being lavish, most notably among royalty and the elite.  Other periods focused on humble and muted looks, such as during the 1700’s in America.

Until recent decades, there has been a certain continuity of this humble approach to wedding rings in America. The only real decisions to be made were about the metal used to construct, and if there were a particular desire to have matching bands, bands which reflect the other’s taste, and the ring size.

In the computer age of big dreams, strong visions, and unlimited creativity people aspire for uniqueness. Today we are now seeing some absolutely incredibly original ideas.

Here are some of the unique wedding rings we have found out in the wild:

The Decoder Ring

The CEO of website BoingBoing has fashioned an unique wedding ring inspired perhaps by both the Lord of the Rings series and the comic book favorite – the decoder ring.

Built of three or more segments, wearers can rotate the ring to reveal a secret message. There’s nothing in the rule book that says that a decoder ring can’t be a wedding ring!

The USB Ring

Crystal masters Swarovski have been commissioned to produce a one-off ring for a couple of tech enthusiasts with an incredible and timeless utility. In fact, these rings feature a tiny USB drive surrounded by Swarovski crystal and, although they don’t conform to the traditional circular band, they allow the wearers to exchange data, photos, poems, etc. with each other through the very rings with brought them into the unity of marriage.

Couples can populate the USB drive with wedding photos or videos, photos of the kids, to share and cherished by the other.

The Gamer’s Ring

That’s right!  Internet/game themed rings!  Some of these rings stay close to the traditional circular ring. However, other rings will inlay jewels to represent the different buttons on a PlayStation or Xbox controller. There are rings which represent aspects of Super Mario Brothers, Portal, or even simple keyboard emoticons such as “ <3 <3 <3” (these are “hearts” as written in keyboard-speak).  There’s even a Lord of the Rings band of platinum, complete with Elvish writing.

Furthermore, Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers understands that these rings are unique and quite personalized.  They’re not for the average couple!   Visit our Schwanke-Kasten website to see a wide selection of beautiful, traditional wedding bands. Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers has a number of non-diamond engagement rings too.

29 Jan

History of Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

Schwanke-Kasten explores some history of engagement rings and wedding bands.

The tradition of placing a wedding band on the fourth finger of the left hand has origins dating back to Ancient Egypt.  The history of engagement rings represents a sacred bond between a man and a woman, monogamy, and the strength of Love.

The history of engagement rings began in Egypt, and the nearby North-African lands. Lovers would express one’s undying love through braiding plants. The plants fibers were placed on their lover’s ring finger to signify immortal love. Furthermore, the choice of this finger on the left hand was due to the belief of a vein that connected this finger directly to the heart.

history of engagement rings - Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

In Ancient Rome, engagement rings were used by suitors to tell others that a person was spoken for. The widespread art and use of decorative metallurgy meant that these rings became similar to ring styles we see today.

Middle Ages

However, one and a half millennia later, in Middle-age Europe onward through the religious wars from 1400-1600, the puritanical and American colonial days leaned toward a less gaudy and pretentious styles, the ring was outlawed by the religious powers for being obscene and worthless. Until the late 16th century, suitors gave a simple and more utilitarian thimbles to their lovers.  Once the bride married, she removed the bottom of the thimble and wore it as a wedding band.

In the 1700’s, as the style became more in-line with the notion of commoner jewelry. Both women and men began to wear modern circular wedding bands at all times. They would never remove the bands as a statement of the eternal bond.  The exchange of rings between bride and groom became the standard after World War II.

Whereas the only type of pre-marriage ring in the times leading up to the actual marriage was a thimble, the engagement ring became a part of the marriage rituals in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austro-Hungaria as he proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a ring set with diamonds in the shape of an “M”.

To show off status, wealth and desire, men would use engagement rings to persuade women. In 1217, the Bishop of Salisbury declared that these rings of seduction be legally binding. When a suitor gave a women a ring she became a fiancee.

Modern Day

Later on into the 20th century, an ad campaign by De Beers cemented the diamond as “the” choice of stone for engagement rings. This brings us up to the modern wedding bands and engagement rings of our time.