GSI Opens Botswana Lab

Mark Gershburg CEO of GSI said that after decades of just mining rough diamonds. Botswana capital Gaborone now cuts, polishes and sells diamonds.

This has created demand for gemmological laboratories. Therefore Gemological Science International has now opened a laboratory in Botswana’s trading centre.

Where’s the best place to buy loose diamonds?

General consensus is to definitely buy online.

Simple reason is online sales don’t have the expense of retail location, security and personnel.

All of these add to the cost of the diamond, but not the value.

But before you do buy, ask these questions.

Do all online diamond sellers ship free of charge?

Can you view before buying, if you wish? 

Is the diamond certified by an IDC or equally highly recognised Laboratory?

Is the diamonds quality guaranteed?  

Only at the DCLA Diamond Exchange the answer is yes to all these questions.

The Diamonds are certified by the best laboratories in the world and are Fully Guaranteed.

The shipping is Free across Australia.

And most important, a trained diamond grader will personally show you all the diamonds attributes, as well as explain all the details so that you understand and make an educated decision before you buy.

This is all done as a free service complements of the DCLA laboratory which is the only qualified and state of the art IDC Laboratory in Australia.

29.6 carat blue diamond found in South Africa

Petra Diamonds has recovered a 29.6 ct blue diamond, possibly the rarest and most coveted in the world.

Cailey Barker at brokers Numis said the diamond could fetch between $15 million and $20 million at auction.

Chief Executive Johan Dippenaar said “this is probably the most significant stone we’ve ever, in terms of blue stones, recovered”. At the mine is located in South Africa.

DMIA calls for all-industry, international meeting on misrepresentation of synthetics as natural diamonds

New York, November 12, 2013

Dear Colleagues,

Much has been written in the past month concerning synthetic diamonds being represented as natural diamonds. We at the DMIA believe that it is imperative that the industry respond immediately and forcefully.

DMIA issued a formal call to action 18 months ago in May of 2012 (reprinted below in its entirety) and do so again now. In our view, one of the major problems in attacking this issue is the lack of cohesion from stakeholders all of whom are rightfully very concerned.

As an industry leader DMIA is indeed making progress as we are in constant contact with local as well as Federal law enforcement agencies, the United States Department of State, and our domestic industry leaders; among them GIA, JA, AGS, MJSA, JVC, to mention just a few.

We once again call on the international and domestic leaders from industry, law enforcement, and laboratories to physically gather together as soon as possible and for as long as is necessary to finalize the best approach.

To that end, we reiterate today that we are ready to host a conclave in New York City and will work immediately with our colleagues to make it a reality.

Ronnie VanderLinden, President

Diamond Manufacturers & Importers Association of America

Blue Nile’s 3Q Sales +20%

Blue Nile’s sales rose 20 % year on year for the third quarter of 2012. Turn over for the third quarter was $89.8 million.

4 quarter sales are expected between $140 million and $153 million, compared with $112 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.  

We are excited to report solid results in the third quarter, with accelerating revenue growth and expanding earnings per share, Said Blue Nile.

With continued steady execution of our strategy coupled with exciting product offerings for the holiday season, we believe we are well positioned to achieve our goals for 2012.

HRD Opens new Lab in Mumbai

HRD Antwerp lab is located in the heart of the new diamond district

The new HRD Antwerp lab is located in the heart of the new diamond district.

HRD offers quality certification services in accordance with the IDC that reflect its pledge to ensure compliance with the same stringent quality standards applied in Antwerp, where its parent lab is located. The new facility is staffed with both local and Antwerp expert gemmologists.

AGS launches Diamond Search platform

AGS Laboratory
AGS Laboratory

The American Gem Society, in partnership with Verichannel, announced today the launch of a specialized search engine for diamonds graded by AGS Lab, available from AGS suppliers.

The online service is integrated into the members only section of the AGS website, and is also accessible to AGS members from the Verichannel platform itself. “AGS Diamond Search” consists of a database of stones uploaded by AGS suppliers, and also stones uploaded directly from the AGS Lab, immediately after being graded, based on permissions set by the supplier. They are searchable using standard criteria of color, clarity, shape, etc.  AGS retailers contact suppliers directly to initiate a purchase.

 
“We’re very pleased to be able to make this resource available as a member benefit for AGS retailers and suppliers,” said Ruth Batson, AGS Chief Executive Officer. It makes sense to give our retail store buyers the most convenient means possible of finding AGS stones from AGS suppliers, essentially all in one place, and right there at our website.”
“We have already uploaded hundreds of stones into the AGS Diamond Search,” said Charles Rosario, Senior Vice President of Lazare Kaplan International Inc., an AGS supplier. “Given that this is a very targeted and exclusive environment, it provides a means of reaching out to AGS stores directly and efficiently.”
 
Verichannel created the concept of labs uploading diamonds online, immediately after being graded, when it launched its Daily Diamond Report service in January. “The same technology is being used for AGS Diamond Search,” noted Jacques Voorhees, president of Verichannel. “In today’s diamond  market, buyers and sellers need to be able to communicate with each other as efficiently as possible, especially when it comes to finding  the right diamond, and finding it quickly.”
 
“At the AGS Lab, we provide a direct feed of freshly graded diamonds to Verichannel’s database, with authorization from suppliers,” explained Peter Yantzer, Executive Director of Gemological Services for the AGS Lab. “These then instantly become part of the AGS Diamond Search system on the AGS website. It’s the fastest way imaginable to get a stone to market.”
 
“AGS Diamond Search will be a big time saver,” noted AGS retailer Tom Wright, of Wright’s Jewelers, Lincoln, Nebraska. “We’ll begin using this resource as soon as we’re back from Conclave.”
 
More information on AGS Diamond Search is available at www.ags.org and also at www.Verichannel.com.

BlueNile diamonds

BlueNile diamonds

BlueNile is widely consider to be the world’s best place to buy GIA certified diamonds at the lowest prices, but is it a good deal?

Buying diamonds online is risky, ensure you take measures to protect your purchase.

The DCLA offers this advice:

     •  Use the two week return policy wisely by sending the stone and report into the DCLA Laboratory to be verified.

     •  Check the proportion grade, it is more important to the quality of the diamond and more scientific overall than a cut grade.

     •  Check the comments on the Diamond Certificate: clouds, graining and other structures or inclusions may affect the transparency of the diamond.

     •  Make sure the diamond is laser inscribed, with the Diamond Report number. This will help provide security and is a permanent identification.

     •  Don’t buy the cheapest stone available, it is cheap for a reason!
 

BlueNile is a Forbes 500 listed company and has a great reputation, but buying on the internet is dangerous if you are uninformed.

Make an informed decision and verify your purchase. The DCLA Laboratory will confirm the diamond is the diamond matching the report.

If you are one of the many people buying a diamond with a GIA certificate online from BlueNile or other sites, call the DCLA for advice… it’s free, and could save you thousands.
 

Learn About Diamonds & Diamond Buying on Sat May 30th 9:00am

Learn About Diamonds & Diamond Buying

DCLA teaches about diamond grading and diamond buying at a hands-on Diamond Workshop; register now for a 2-3 hour course before buying your diamond.

DCLA diamond experts will walk participants through the steps of grading a diamond for quality, and how to buy a diamond, during a 2-3 hour in-house workshop located at the actual DCLA Laboratory.

Call DCLA on 1300 66 3252(DCLA) to reserve your place. Spacing is very limited.

Diamond Buying workshop topics include:
•Detailed explanation and hands-on evaluation of the 4C’s of diamond grading. Participants will take part in the grading process to learn how the quality and value of a diamond are established.
•Choosing the diamond shape, size, and quality right for you
•How to shop for a diamond and questions to ask jewellers
•How to read, understand, and compare Diamond Grading Certificates when shopping
•Explanation and identification of diamond treatments, and how they affect value
•Explanation and identification of synthetic diamonds, and how they affect value

Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions throughout the workshop.
Again, contact DCLA on 1300 66 3252(DCLA) to register and reserve your place.

Buying a Diamond? Introducing the DCLA Diamond Exchange

DCLA diamond Exchange

It is with great pleasure that the DCLA announces the launch of the DCLA Diamond Exchange, a new company and diamond trading floor that gives all diamond buyers direct access to DCLA certified and guaranteed diamonds.

The mission of the DCLA has always been to protect diamond buyers and maintain consumer confidence in diamonds. In the continuing pursuit of this mission, the DCLA has had overwhelming demand to provide the public with access to DCLA certified and guaranteed diamonds. If you cannot find a DCLA diamond at your jeweller, DCLA Diamond Exchange is happy to assist.

The DCLA Diamond Exchange is the first and only diamond exchange where consumers buy diamonds with the greatest confidence that all diamonds are guaranteed to be correctly graded, providing you with the right diamond at the right price. Every diamond listed on the DCLA Diamond Exchange is backed by the DCLA Laboratory Consumer Grading Guarantee. This guarantee assures buyers that every diamond listed on the site is independently graded and verified, and is protected by a full-replacement guarantee.

Through the DCLA Diamond Exchange, leading Australian diamond merchants list their DCLA certified diamonds directly to you on the Diamond Exchange trading floor, while DCLA diamond experts guide you through the buying process from beginning to end.

Consumers view and compare diamonds with the personal assistance of a diamond expert in a professional laboratory setting. DCLA Diamond Buying Workshops offer consumers succinct and comprehensive diamond knowledge. Select diamond advisors provide full analyses and explanation of the diamonds being viewed, for complete confidence, understanding, and peace of mind.

This means that the DCLA now provides the first ‘one-stop-shop’ for all diamond consumer needs. Consumers can depend on reliable expert advice and diamond buying information to ensure they make a smart purchase, regardless of where they decide to buy.

Buy your diamond from the diamond experts, and select a jeweller whose designs and work you like. For more information, or to find a diamond, go to the DCLA Diamond Exchange.

Why buy from the DCLA Diamond Exchange?

• DCLA are experts in diamonds and determining diamond quality, with vast knowledge and experience in diamonds.
• DCLA Diamond Exchange draws on the thousands of DCLA diamonds available right here in Australia, which guarantees you the right diamond at the right price.
• DCLA gives you all the information you need to make a smart purchase, even if you buy elsewhere.
• DCLA certifies, guarantees and cold laser inscribes every diamond for your protection.
• The DCLA Diamond Exchange will have the largest selected variety of DCLA Laboratory certified, approved, and quality guaranteed diamonds available in Australia.

THE DCLA DIAMOND EXCHANGE