April Birthstone: Diamond

The name Diamond is derived from the Latin word diamas meaning the unconquerable and this dazzling stone has proven it's right to the name time and time again.

In addition to being April's birthstone, Diamonds are also the favored gift of the 10th and 60th wedding anniversary (ladies you deserve another diamond if you have been married to him for 60 years...very impressive)! Throughout history it has maintained its position as the icon of marriage. It symbolizes lasting love and friendship in a way that few other things can. Diamonds were believed to inspire loyalty, arouse romance and encourage a joyful life. As the gem of character and spirit, diamonds radiate the dazzling personality of those who wear it.

Unique in the world of gemstones, diamond is the hardest of all materials (10 on the Mohs scale), which is one of the reasons they are treasured as a symbol of lasting devotion. This also makes them a practical choice for engagement rings and bridal sets because they are safe for everyday wear.

Diamonds are mined in over 20 countries around the world, however, main production comes from Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Canada and Australia. In general terms, only about 20% of the volumes of all diamonds mined are good enough quality to be used in jewelry. Every pipe in the world produces different qualities and quantities but generally even a profitable mine removes over a tonne of host rock to produce one carat of gem quality diamond.

Diamond values are based on 4 C's: Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut.

Carat:
Diamonds and other gemstones are weighed using metric carats with one carat weighing 0.2 grams (about the weight of a paperclip). Just as a dollar is divided into 100 pennies, a carat is divided into 100 points which means a diamond of 50 points weighs 0.50 carats. A 0.50ct diamond would be called a "fifty pointer". Diamond weights greater than one carat are expressed in carats and decimals. For instance, a 1.08ct diamond would be described as "one point oh eight carats" or "one oh eight". Carat is the most intuitive of the 4C's - you expect a larger diamond to be worth more when assigning diamond values. But two different diamonds of equal weight can have very different values depending on the other three characteristic (clarity, color and cut).

Cool fact about carats:
The modern carat system started with the carob seed. Early gem traders used the small, uniform seeds as counterweights in their balance scales. The carat is the same gram weight in every corner of the world.

Color:
This may surprise you, but the color of the diamond is all about what you can't see. Diamonds are valued by how closely they approach colorlessness - the less color the higher value. Most diamonds found in jewelry stores run from colorless to near-colorless with slight hints of yellow or brown. The only exceptions are the fancy-color diamonds that lie outside of this range. GIA's (Gemological Institute of America) diamond color grading scale is the most widely accepted grading system in the industry. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues with increasing presence of color, to the letter Z. Many of these color distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye. But these slight color differences make a very big difference in diamond quality and price.

Why does the GIA color grading system start with a D?
Before GIA universalized the D-Z Color Grading Scale, a variety of other systems were used loosely, from A, B and C (used without clear definition), to Arabic (0, 1, 2, 3) and Roman (I, II, III) numbers, to descriptive terms like "gem blue" or "blue white," which are notorious for misinterpretations. So the creators of the GIA color scale wanted to start fresh, without any association to earlier systems. Thus the GIA scale starts with D. Very few people cling to the other grading systems and no other system has the clarity and universal acceptance of the GIA scale.

A note about fancy-color diamonds:
Although colorless Diamonds are the most common, diamonds actually come in a variety of colorful hues. Some Diamonds are heated and/or irradiated to induce fancy colors. Others may undergo high-pressure, high-temperature, enhancement to improve color and brilliance. Fancy yellow and pink diamonds have become popular choices for bridal rings commanding high prices for vivid hues in fine quality. Naturally occurring fancy colored diamonds are typically more rare than colorless varieties, with red being the most uncommon, and therefore most expensive, followed by blue and then green. Value is not only based on the availability but on all 4 C's.

Clarity:
Diamond clarity refers to the absence of internal inclusions or external blemishes. Diamonds are celebrated for their purity of brilliance. Yet because diamonds are created deep within the earth most diamonds contain imperfections called inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). These imperfections deflect light, distracting our eye from the radiance we so value. Every diamond is unique. Diamonds with very few birthmarks are rare and, of course, rarity affects a diamond's value. The diamonds that come close to perfect under 10x magnification, known as flawless diamonds, are exceptionally rare, most jewelers have never even seen one. Using the International Diamond Grading System, created by GIA, diamonds are given a clarity grade that ranges from flawless (FL) to diamonds with more prominent inclusions (I3). There are 11 grades on the GIA clarity scale. Most readily available diamonds fall into the VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included) categories.

Cut:
Cut fuels the diamond's fire, sparkle and brilliance. Without a doubt, the allure of a particular diamond depends more on cut than anything else. Diamonds traditionally have 58 tiny facets, each is precisely cut and sharply defined. Although they are extremely difficult to analyze, the cut of a diamond has three attributes: brightness (the total light reflected from the diamond), fire (the dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum), and scintillation (the light flashes - or sparkle - when a diamond moves). An understanding of diamond cut begins with the shape of a diamond, with the standard brilliant dominating the majority of diamond jewelry. All other diamond shapes are known as fancy shapes or fancy cuts and include marquise, pearl, oval and emerald cuts. Hearts, cushions, triangles and a variety of other new shapes are also gaining popularity. As a value factor, cut refers to a diamonds proportions, symmetry and polish.

In case you didn't know, because we are members of the IJO (Independent Jewelers Organization) Spectrum gets exclusive access to diamond buying trips to Antwerp, the diamond cutting capital of the world. Star goes to Antwerp where she handpicks diamonds from the cutters themselves! This ensures that we get the highest quality diamonds at the best price. We can take care of all of your Diamond and colored stone needs!

We have a wide range of diamond jewelry including colored diamonds along with loose diamonds.

Check out the diamond jewelry from a few of our artists:


Michael Sugarman
Barbara Heinrich
Conni Mainne
Susan Barlow
Spectrum



-Taylor

"Taylor's Take" on Boho Chic

If you liked the bohemian influences that we saw in 2011, you're in luck because their popularity has continued into 2012 fashion. Boho-chic draws on various Bohemian and "hippie" influences.
One of the most important elements of the boho-chic look? Accessorizing! Layered pieces, lots of bracelets, bold tribal-like necklaces...

This carnelian Starsong necklace and matching earrings are a perfect fit for Spring fashion. The carnelians are a vibrant tangerine color, which is the color of the year. Pairing the orange with it's complementary color blue makes the necklace pop. It's also a nice complement to an analogous color like yellow. To read more about pairing colors read last weeks post. The style and color of this necklace would be a perfect blend with the African and Native American prints that are in fashion this spring too.

This Starsong piece has the feel of the bib necklace and evokes the feeling of tribal plates and knife edges that are so popular in the boho-chic/ethnic styles.

It is bold, fun and eye-catching, yet surprisingly comfortable. I love the earrings because they actually show up against my long hair but they are so light weight I forgot that I was wearing earrings!

There are so many reasons why we love this Starsong set. Come in and try this one-of-a-kind piece for yourself.



-Taylor

A Spectrum of Color: Kristin Gibson

Last Friday was featured artist Kristin Gibson's painting demo and open house!

It was my first time to watch Kristin at work and I was just one of a captive audience gathered to witness her artistic genius. I own one of Kristin's paintings and it is one of my most cherished pieces of art! Her unique and vibrant paintings can bring everyday objects to life and make an onion an object of inspiration and awe. Now I truly understand what she means when she says "Truth is, I paint the way I cook - not afraid to mix a little of this, with a little of that."

I am truly sorry if you missed her demo but luckily I do have a few pictures to share with you!






































The finished painting "Spectrum of Vegetables" at Spectrum!












Nancy Noel May, our resident scarf tying expert, also did a scarf tying demo with the gorgeous new silk scarves Kristin brought in. Come in anytime and we will show you endless ways to transform any outfit with one of Kristin's stunning silk scarves (which by the way are hand-washable, perfect for all year round, fit easily in any purse and are absolute necessities for all vacations!)
They were all so beautiful, I couldn't make up my mind, so I just decided to wear all of them!


Come in this month to see the special collection of her new work in all sizes and price ranges. You can check out her work on our website.

At Spectrum it is our mission to make life more beautiful, and Kristin is a major contributor in achieving our goal. We are so lucky to have Kristin as a friend and fellow artist.

Thanks Kristin!

-Taylor

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"Taylor's Take" on Tangerine Tango and Spessartite Garnets

So what is "Taylor's Take" exactly you may ask?

"Taylor's Take" is a weekly post devoted to Art and Jewelry at Spectrum that I am tempted to take home with me! It's a chance for me to tell you why I love certain pieces and to share some knowledge about gemstones, fashion, art and more. I'm sharing my "take" on items with you in hope that we can take a few moments each week to drool over art together and learn a few things along the way!

This week I am focusing on a new Starsong necklace that Nancy just made! It's a vibrant mix of colored Sapphires and Spessartite Garnets. You can see me wearing it to the right with a hand-painted silk scarf by Kristin Gibson!

I chose this necklace because of it's color. The 2012 color of the year is Tangerine Tango, a beautiful orange hue that marries the vivaciousness of red with the friendliness of yellow. Spessartite Garnets are a perfect gemstone to achieve a look incorporating Tangerine Tango. There is a Spessartite found in Nambia that produces a rich and tangy orange color that has come to be known as "mandarin" garnet (we have some stunning ones at Spectrum). Not all garnets are found in this warm, glowing, orangy hue. Garnets are found in variations of almost every color. To read more about Garnets you can check out my blog post January Birthstone: Garnet. There are many other gemstones that can be used to achieve this tangerine look: Carnelian, Citrine, Tourmaline, Sapphire, Fire Opal and more.

This mix of fancy pink, orange and yellow sapphires adds dazzling sparkle to the Spessartite Garnet stations. The faceted vermeil accent beads tie the vermeil coin pendant into the design.

This dainty but dazzling necklace is perfect for spring and summer because of it's comfortable, lightweight feel and bright, sunny color. It can be dressed up to accent your lovely summer dresses or dressed down for everyday shorts and a tank.

So what colors should you pair with it? There is no one right answer but when considering pairing colors there are a few things to consider.

You can create a vibrant look by pairing complementary colors, especially when the colors are at their full saturation. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel (red and green, blue and orange, purple and yellow). At first glance these colors may seem like they don't go together at all, but combined well they can create a stunning outfit. But these colors schemes must be managed well so that they are not too jarring. It's best to use one as a pop of color. For example adding this necklace to a blue blouse and white pants could add a nice pop of color to a summery outfit (making the orange "pop" verses wearing blue jewelry that just blends in). With the invention of jeans, blue has become almost a neutral color making it one of the easiest colors to pair. When first trying to couple complementary colors it is easier to start with blue and orange until you get comfortable (verses say red and green because of it's automatic association to Christmas). (Notice I paired the necklace with a blue silk scarf in my picture.)

Another way of pairing colors is to use an analogous color scheme. These are colors that are beside each other on the color wheel. For example orange, yellow-orange and yellow. These colors are often found together in nature, they are harmonious, comfortable, serene and pleasing to the eye. Be careful to have enough contrast when pairing analogous colors or your ensemble will be too plain. Choose one of the colors as the dominant hue, the second to support and the third as an accent. Pairing this necklace and a few other orange accents with a pink dress making a yellowy-orange and pink mix would be beautiful!

So are you ready to go to your closet and start pairing new outfits for spring? I am! I look forward to helping you find the perfect accents and pops of color for your bright and beautiful new outfits!

-Taylor

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

I should have been born in March. It's only logical, other than the fact that I was born in December of course. I have many reasons to support my argument ranging from my love for the month of March (especially because I get so say goodbye to February which is easily my least favorite month) to my natural draw to Aquamarines.

Aquamarine is the birthstone for all of those lucky March babies out there. It is also recognized as the gift for the 18th wedding anniversary (it is thought to have a soothing influence on married couples, making it a good anniversary gift).

When I began to research Aquamarine the first thing that I learned is that its name is derived from the Latin word aqua marina, meaning seawater. Aqua is known for it's range of serene, oceanic shades. Understandably it is known as the gem of the sea. Considering that salt water runs in my veins it makes complete since that I would feel such a deep connection to Aquamarines. As Wilmington natives, beach dwellers and boat lovers you may be able to relate to my deep love for Aqua.

Legend says that it was Neptune's gift to the mermaids and it was originally found in a mermaids treasure chest. It holds the power to keep sailors safe at sea and guard against storms.

Hooked yet? Just wait...Aquamarines are also believed to reawaken love, kindle friendships and elevate the spirit. It is the gem of youthful outlook and glints the fresh, young-at-heart qualities of those who wear it. It is believed to bring hope, health, harmony and happiness.

As a Beryl, Aqua is a sister to Emerald and Morganite. The color of Aqua can range from pastel blues, to blue-greens to deep sea blues. It is routinely heated to remove yellow components. Unlike Emerald, Aquamarine is almost entirely free of inclusions. It is a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes it good for all types of jewelry and everyday wear. It has wonderful shine and brilliant color. Iron is what gives it it's lovely color.

Aquamarine is a stunning gemstone for many reasons. It is absolutely my favorite gemstone! I hope that what you learned today will help you fall in love with Aquamarine as well.

We have an absolutely stunning collection of Aquamarines from loose stones to Starsong jewelry and fine designer jewelry.

Here is a sampling of what we have at Spectrum:














Symmetry SS and 18ky Ring
with rough cut Aqua













Barbara Heinrich Aqua and
Peridot Earrings in 18ky

Aqua and Tourmaline Ring in
yellow gold made at Spectrum



-Taylor

Susan Drake 2012 Vision Award Winner!

We are proud to announce that Susan Drake

has won her second jewelry design award for Spectrum Art & Jewelry!

Susan is the 2nd place winner for Palladium Distinction in the 2012
MJSA Vision Design Competition. (Susan recently won a 2012 AGTA Spectrum Award for the category of business/day wear for platinum innovation.)


MJSA, the association for Jewelry Makers, Designers and Related Suppliers, stands for Manufacturers, Jewelers, Suppliers and Artisans. Each year they hold the Vision Awards competition to recognize and celebrate outstanding talent in the field of jewelry design.

"The winning designers represent the future of the jewelry manufacturing industry, and the Vision Awards competition showcases their creativity and boosts their careers." -MJSA


Press:

National Jeweler
Accessories: The Voice of the Industry
INSTORE Magazine

-Taylor

Gems, Gems and More Gems! (The Spectrum adventures at the 2012 Tuscon gem show)

Hello from the Tucson Gem Show,

For the past five days Nancy, Susan and I have been walking miles of aisles through the many shows that comprise the annual Tucson Gem Show, the biggest gem show in the world. Every year the population of Tucson about doubles as people come from around the globe to buy, sell and trade gems, jewelry, minerals, fossils, artifacts, antiques, collectibles and every imaginable thing. There are miners, cutters, manufacturers, retailers, designers and more all converging on this sunny city. This is one of the few places where you can see people in business suits mixing with folks in fringed buckskin boots or colorful velvet dresses or saris.

Some of the highlights of our trip have been meeting with other folks in the biz that I only see here to trade stories, ideas, referrals and more. One of those referrals was to an amazing pearl supplier from Japan. This guy is an ethnic Indian, born in Tokyo, and he is the one that the other pearl vendors buy their goods from. I was able to get some incredible Acoya, Tahitian and South Sea Pearls from him at outstanding prices. I look forward to many years of sourcing top quality salt water pearls from this man.

Because everyone is concentrated at these various shows it is a golden opportunity to shop and compare and learn. Susan and I will be returning with so many design ideas and gem inspirations! For the first time, I purchased onyx carvings from Steve Walters, a very talented gem carver. These black drusy sculptures just cry out to be included in unique jewelry. I have admired his work for years and I can't wait to show them to you.

Every year there are new exotic materials introduced by the various bead manufacturers. Many stones I can identify and then there are some that are so obscure that I can't place them, even after 25 years experience in this field. Obscure or not, they are gorgeous! There were lots of banded and figured agates, jaspers and onyx out there made into dramatic and stylish beads and pendants. On the high-end side, we purchased stunning faceted beads in aquamarine, all colors of sapphire, emerald, pink morganite, lapis, kyanite and more.

Most of these items will only be revealed when we include them into a finished piece of jewelry. However, for a very limited time, since we are so excited about this trip and want to show off our goodies, a selection will be on display. This will be your opportunity to pick out your favorites and work with us to design something special. Or you can pick up exquisite materials and make something for yourself. These gems, beads and pearls will only be on display for two weeks so come early for the best stories and selections.

We also purchased some small collections of unique jewelry. Special treasures from around the world that include hand-made silver and ebony links, ancient roman coins set with gems and labradorite pendants from a Dutch designer. Soon to come will be new designs from Barbara Heinrich and Michael Sugarman.

That sums up some of the highlights. Feel free to drop by the gallery and ask any of us about our trip. We'll be happy to share our many stories. Be sure to ask about our coyote encounter or the Gem-Jam at The Hut or the Spectrum Award Dinner where Susan received her design award from the American Gem Trade Association!

-Star Sosa