May 27, 2009
Synthetic Gemstones
Every now and then someone asks about synthetic gemstones and wonders if they are real or fake.
Synthetic gemstones are real gemstones that are created in a laboratory. There are synthetic rubies, emeralds, sapphires, alexandrites, and several others. All are real just man-made. As such these are produces in a relatively short time and in indefinite amounts that the value is much lower than the limited amounts of the rare natural gemstones that are found in the earth.
You should not be confused with stimulant gemstones that are mostly colored glass or other materials that may look like a ruby, sapphire, emerald or one of the real gemstones.
Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists, Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
May 26, 2009
Intricate Custom Ring Designs Possible
Custom Design
Carolyn had wanted a very personal, uniquely designed diamond ring made, one that was intricate and delicate. She had not yet found anyone that could do it when she walked into our store.
The modern usage of the computer and accompanying equipment makes possible producing very intricate and fragile mountings. Almost anything is possible.
With a picture, sketch or idea a computer rendering can be made of the jewelry piece. With the customers approval a wax model of the jewelry piece can be made and viewed in a 3-D form in its actual size. If the customer accepts the wax model, it is cast, stones are set and the ring is polished. Done!
Carolyn’s anniversary band commemorated her wedding date July 7, 2007.
Russell, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
May 19, 2009
Thank Goodness for Ring Guards
Agnes came into our store to have her diamond ring cut off her finger. It was not that it was tight but she had developed arthritis and her knuckle became larger where the ring would not come off. She was concerned that after we re-sized her ring to go over her knuckle it will be too loose and spin a lot.
We suggested several alternatives. Fortunately the size difference between her knuckle and the inside of her finger was not a great deal of difference, just about a 3/4 size difference. For her we suggested using a ring guard. It is a clip-like piece of metal that acts as a spring inside the ring and will take up the looseness once it passes the knuckle.
In extreme cases we recommend a special hinged band that opens up to go past the knuckle and locks to the proper size with no looseness.
Ring guards make for a more comfortable fit and works very well for the people that really need it. Agnes was happy that there was a solution for her problem because she still enjoys wearing her diamond ring.
Russell Oshita, the diamonddude 
The Diamond Specialists, Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
May 13, 2009
Diamonds Can Chip
Helen called today to ask if diamonds can chip. She was under the impression that diamonds were the hardest substance so how can it chip.
We told her that a diamond is indeed the hardest substance in the world. Meaning that as the hardest it can scratch any other substance, unfortunately it is not the toughest. It can chip. It is sometimes chipped when the diamond is being set in a mounting. Other times it is chipped when it is worn.
Due to its hardness a diamond is fairly durable. If you took care of your diamond it can have the same beautiful look for generations.
Russell Oshita the diamonddude 
The Diamond Specialists, Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
May 12, 2009
Valuing Tahitian Pearls
Yesterday June came into our store to ask us if the strand of Tahitian pearls she bought was a good value. She did not bring it with her but proceeded to describe it as 9 to 11 mm and 17″ long.
We told her that with pearls we would have to see it to determine the quality and in turn that will determine its value.
Tahitian Pearl value is determined by the size, shape, roundness, smoothness, luster and the thickness of the nacre. Color will vary from silver to jet black but color does not affect its value as much.
Cultured Tahitian pearls are usually left in the oyster for three years. Within these three years the nacre is built up to 4 mm. Because of the length of time it allows for deformations and blemishes to form. If a smooth, round, lusterous pearl is found in the oyster it will have a very high value.
There are pearls that are taken out of the oyster sooner than three years. They are left in the oyster only 6 months to a year and then removed. These will not have a very thick nacre, and the luster is usually not as good. Since the seed for the pearl is not left in it very long the pearl will not have many blemishes or deformations. It may look like a high quality pearl because of the lack of blemishes and is round but its value will not be high. They are sometimes referred to as “young pearls”.
For June we cannot determine whether she got a good price or not until we have a chance to physically inspect her necklace.
Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists, Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
May 9, 2009
Japanese Family Crest
Donna called yesterday asking if we could help her research and find her mon (Japanese Family Crest), so that she can make a gold pendant for her family.
The short answer is no we cannot research it for her.
The long answer is that reaseach has to be done within the family. She is to ask all her older relatives if they know what the design is. Some have kept a kimono that may have the mon printed on it. Gravestones in Hawaii may sometime have it engraved. In Japan if you know where your family cemetery is more than likely it is on the headstone.
The Japanese family crest is a passed-on heritage. Fathers pass theirs to their sons. Mothers have a personal women’s mon that would be passed on to the daughters.
Unfortunately it does not necessarily go by last names although there are books that would have it listed as such. The women’s one is just passed from mother to daughter and is not associated with any last name. Any last name is connected to a male side of the family.
As the older generation passes the family crest may be lost. If there is interest in preserving this heritage you should find it now before it is too late.
We wish you luck in your reasearch.
Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists, Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
May 7, 2009
HAVE YOUR RING INSPECTED
Michele came in today to resize her diamond ring. As standard take-in procedure we started to document the details of the ring on a receipt. A plotting was made for diamond for identification. Its size was recorded. The side diamonds were also counted and listed on the receipt.
Upon further inspection with a magnifier we noticed that the base of the prongs that was holding the one carat diamond had a crack running all around it. It was not visible to the naked eye. If this was left as it was it would have been just a matter of time before the prongs broke off and diamond would have been lost.
It is essential to have your ring professionally inspected periodically to prevent these types of disastrous consequences.
Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists, Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
May 6, 2009
Hawaiian Jewelry Enamel
Cindy wrote: “I have had to re-enamel my Hawaiian bracelet three times in two years with another company. Did they just do a poor job of enameling or is there something I can do that will make it stay longer?”
Hi Cindy,
There may be several reasons why the enamel did not stay in very long.
If your bracelet is very thin and flexes a lot then the enamel will not stay in it very long. There is not much you can do except be more conscious of not bending the bracelet.
If the bracelet is thick enough and does not bend readily then it may be the letters are not cut deep enough to hold the enamel very well. The letters should then be recut to solve the problem.
There are also two types of enamel that is in current use. One is epoxy resin which is easier to apply, is not as hard, does not adhere as well and will not last as long as glass enamel. Epoxy is used more commonly. Glass enamel is a more lengthy process of melting glass powder into the cut letters. It must be applied in layers before the whole letter is filled. It will last longer than the epoxy.
The length of time the enamel stays in a bracelet will vary depending on the activity of the wearer and the flexibility of the bracelet.
Epoxy enamel cost less to apply about and will cost about $2-$5 a letter depending on who does it. Glass enamel is a labor intensive method and will cost between $5 -$10 a letter.
I hope this helps to answer your question.
Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists, Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
Re-enameling A Hawaiian Bracelet
Cindy wrote: “I have had to re-enamel my Hawaiian bracelet three times in two years with another company. Did they just do a poor job of enameling or is there something I can do that will make it stay longer?”
May 5, 2009
Jewelry Store Employee Steals $12 Million In Gold
Hi All!
I thought you might find this article interesting. Jeanne, Sweet Moments
Queens, New York:
Teresa Tambunting pilfered $12 million in fine gold jewelry and bullion over the past six years from her employer, Jacmel Jewelry.
The fifty year old vault manager cut a slit in the lining of her purse and took the pieces out one by one over the six years. The day by day pilfering resulted in her stealing over 500 pounds of gold.
Teresa confessed to her crime, when in January 2009, the company underwent an audit and found that their inventory came up $12 million short. In February, she returned 80 pounds of the stolen property. The other 450 pounds were found stashed at her home.
Why would someone with an annual salary of $165,000 do such a crime? Teresa’s attorney is planning to use obsessive compulsive disorder as her defense.
If convicted Tambunting faces up to 25 years in prison.
May 4, 2009
Should You Insure Your Jewelry?
We occasionally have our customers ask about jewelry insurance. Some are devastated when they have lost their diamond ring and find out that it was not covered by their homeowners policy.
Insuring your jewelry is a personal choice and not everyone will feel it is necessary. Some have paid for insurance for years and never lost anything and then felt it was a waste. Others had insurance when it was lost and were able to get a replacement. They were extremely happy that they had it.
We had written an article in Time Warner Oceanic Around Hawaii website that explains the process of getting insurance, what it covers and alternatives if you choose not to get insurance.
Follow this link if you wish to read the whole article.
Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists, Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
May 3, 2009
Concerns About Jewelry Left for Repair
About once a week we get questions about jewelry left in a store for repair. People have great concerns about getting back the same diamond that they have had for many years.
It is a very legitimate concern. Everyone would like to be sure that they keep what they always have had, but when it is left in a store they do not know how they can get those assurances. They have heard enough horror stories to be very cautious about their jewelry. For many people years have passed without having their jewelry repaired for fear that it may be lost.
We have published an article on the Time Warner Oceanic Cable Around Hawaii website which details the process and procedures to ensure that you get back what you leave for repair. Follow this link for the details.
We hope that for those that have a need to repair their precious jewelry, we have helped disperse some of the fear and allow you to be able to enjoy wearing your jewelry again.
Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists, Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
