August 8, 2009
President Obama Renews Ban on Myanmar Imports
President Obama signed the bill passed by the U.S. Congress to renew the ban on imports of jade and ruby from Myanmar.
In 2003, human rights groups pushed for this ban to stop financing the military junta in Myanmar. They claimed that the military were mistreating the miners, underpaying them, and using the funds to build their weaponry supply.
In 2008, this ban was extended to Myanmar goods that were cut and polished in third world countries such as Thailand.
A group of jewelers, including the American Gem Trade Society requested a release on the ban claiming that the miners were the only ones being hurt by it. Artisianal miners, already poor, were losing their jobs and were not able to care for their families.
Apparently, the U.S. Congress and President Obama disagreed.
July 28, 2009
Do Princess Cuts sparkle more?
I was thinking that your advice would be very helpful. I know you must be
very busy so any pointers would be very much appreciated. Any help would be
appreciated.
Thank you in advance. Warmest Regards,
Leanne
June 25, 2009
Pittsburgh Steeler’s Super Bowl XLIII Ring
Have you see the cool ring that the Pittsburgh Steelers received as winners of Super Bowl XLIII?
The players were honored with their rings on June 9, 2009 in a special ceremony.
Each ring has 63 diamonds with a total weight of 3.61 cts.
The (6) larger diamonds represent the number of Super Bowl games that the team has won.
The (14) other diamonds represents (7) conference championships and (7) other division titles.
The red, blue and yellow stones resemble the team’s logo.
One side of the ring has (6) Lombardi trophies with and the final score of 27-23. The other side of the ring has the name of the player, his number, the Steeler’s helmet with logo and the NFL logo.
The league allotted $5000 per ring, however, it has been estimated that the actual production ran over that allotment. The manufacturing company absorbed the extra cost for the bragging rights and future production of related jewelry.
June 19, 2009
De Beers sees early signs of recovery
Ramat Gan, Israel-The Israel Diamond Institute and De Beers participated in Israel’s first “Diamond Town Hall Meeting.” At the meeting Gareth Penny, the De Beers Group Managing Director spoke on the industry and its outlook.
He explained that for the past 120 years the diamond industry has been extremely resilient and noted that after every recession the industry has enjoyed an immediate resurgence.
Penny also said that there have been early signs of a recovery with an increase in demand for rough. He believed that the 2009 holiday season would be stronger than it was last year. However, he did not believe that holiday sales would reach former levels until 2010.
June 18, 2009
Diamond Mining to Restart in Namibia in July
Namdeb is a joint-venture diamond mining operation shared by DeBeers and the government of Namibia. Namdeb halted production at all six of its mines on April 1st, 2009 as part of a DeBeers’ plan to reduce the production of rough diamonds by 40%.
DeBeers has now confirmed that mining will begin again on July 1st.
June 12, 2009
Pendant Enhancers Offers Flexibility
Susie wanted to wear her ruby pendant with her pearl necklace and as a standard pendant on a chain without making either one looking out of place.
Fortunately there is a pendant enhancer that opens up to fit between pearls when mounted on the necklace. It will also fit on a regular chain to wear as a normal pendant.
The pendant enhancers are wonderful accessories that allows the flexiblity of being used for different purposes and looks. They help bridge the best of both worlds.
Russell Oshita
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
June 4, 2009
What the Heck is Palladium?
Thank you to our friend, Stacey, of Emi Ink who wrote about us in Emi’s Blog.
“I just browsed through Jewelry 411 and zoomed in on two questions right away: “How do I clean my ring?” and “What the heck is palladium?” (I’m paraphrasing, of course). I don’t habitually clean my rings and I’ve been thinking of switching the band on my e-ring to palladium. Bingo, questions answered.”
So Stacey, I sent you an email with the quote to change your ring from white gold to palladium- same style. You will be very happy with the beautiful white color of palladium.
For all of you who need wedding or birthday inviations, place cards, thank-you cards go to Emi Ink and see Stacey’s creative designs. I especially love the Gallery which shows what she has done for her customers.
Very nice, Stacey!
J
June 3, 2009
Inspecting Your Tennis Bracelet
Monika had almost lost her 4 ct diamond tennis bracelet when it slipped off her wrist. She was lucky that it had hit her foot and she had noticed it.
We took a look at her bracelet and found that her clasp was not working properly. It was an easy adjustment to make it secure again. Both the clasp and the safety attachment had to be adjusted.
Most diamond tennis bracelets are constructed the same way in the clasp department and should be checked periodically to make sure it is working properly. With constant use it will become loose.
You should gently pull the bracelet at the clasp area. If it comes out without resistance it should definitely be adjusted. The safety latch should also be checked and adjusted if necessary.
Periodic inspection will insure that you have a long time to enjoy your tennis bracelet.
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 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
April 24, 2009
De Beers cuts rough diamond production by 40%
De Beers, the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds has cut production by 40% because of a decline in global consumer demand. The company expects a 5-10% drop in consumer demand tor 2009.
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