World’s biggest blue star sapphire discovered in Sri Lanka

The precious gemstone, named The Star of Adam, weighs an exceptional 1404.49 carats.

According to the BBC, the amazing new blue star sapphire was evaluated by gemologists in Colombo, at least, at 100$ million, but its owner estimates that it could sell for over $175 million.

The finding was made in Ratnapura, the “City of Gems,” in southern Sri Lanka, last August. “The moment I saw it, I decided to buy. When the stone was brought to me, I suspected that it might be the world’s largest blue star sapphire. So I took a risk and bought it,” the owner of the gemstone, who refused to be identified, explained to the BBC.

Ring size chart: get the right size ring for your finger | Photo: Shutterstock

The ultimate official ring size chart

The perfect ring is the one that fits comfortably on your finger. The international ring size conversion chart allows you to determine and compare ring parameters across six different regions of the world.

If you’re an American citizen, and you’re traveling abroad, you can often get confused by the multiple standards available in contemporary jewelry. Rings sizes are a frequent issue.

There are two fundamental variables when it comes to choosing the perfect ring for your fingers – the inside circumference, and the inside diameter. With six different scales (British & Australian, US & Canada, French & Russian, German, Japanese, and Swiss), confusion reigns.

The jewelry schools and gemstone courses of the world

The best jewelry craftsmen and craftswoman learnt the science of jewels and gems through books, experience and by attending the finest educational programs.

There are plenty of courses and programs for both jewelry enthusiasts and professional goldsmiths.

Jewelry owners have often felt they have something unique in hands. Diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and all other gemstones are a gift of Nature and take thousands of years to form and to get to us.

Jennifer Lopez shines in Le Vian diamonds on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”

Jennifer Lopez looked glamorous in a golden Michael Kors Cruise Collection jumpsuit and Le Vian jewels as she attended the show last Monday, January 4th.

According to Eddie Vian, CEO of Le Vian, the star chose “Le Vian Chocolate Diamonds and Vanilla Diamonds bangles and Link’ing earrings” to finish her sexy, metallic look.

The golden jewels flattered her warm skin tone and provided extra glamour to the flared, skin tight outfit.

Four Cs of Diamonds: cut, clarity, color, and carat | Photo: Shutterstock

The Four Cs of diamonds

Diamonds have been blessed by their cut, clarity, color, and carat. If you’re buying or selling diamond jewelry, it is very important to know and understand the main characteristics of diamonds.

Cullinan Diamond Mine: the world's largest rough gem-quality diamond has been open since 1903 | Photo: Petra Diamonds

Everything you need to know about the Cullinan Diamond Mine

The Cullinan Diamond Mine, previously known as Premier Mine, is a famous diamond mine located in Cullinan, 40 kilometers east of Pretoria, in South Africa.

The facility was established in 1903 and, since then, it has delivered more than 750 stones greater than 100 carats, and a quarter of the planet’s diamonds weighing more than 400 carats.

The world’s largest rough gem-quality diamond – the Cullinan Diamond – was mined here on the 26th January 1905. Its original weight was of 3,106.75 carats.

Jewelry books: the best way to learn more about jewels and gemstones | Photo: Shutterstock

The best jewelry books of all time

Whether you’re a jeweler, a gemstone collector, or simply a passionate jewelry lover, you need to surround yourself with the ultimate jewelry books. Take a look at the best jewelry publications in the market.

Books have the power to open our horizons, and to teach us almost everything. And there’s a lot of data behind jewelry: science, design, art, techniques, business, and emotions. Jewels and gems hide secrets and amazing untold mysteries.

The market offers basically three types of jewelry printed works: general knowledge books (gemstone identification), guides to jewelry techniques and design (how to’s, soldering, jewelry making courses), as well as jewelry art and history books (jewelry houses, jewelers, and jewelry trends through time).

The best jewels of the 2016 People’s Choice Awards

Jewelry doesn’t always need to be a bold statement. The stars who graced the red carpet of the PCAs opted for sophisticated and elegant pieces to embellish their looks.

The 42nd People’s Choice Awards took place at the Microsoft Theatre, in Los Angeles. The ceremony, hosted by Jane Lynch, honored the general public’s favorite work and people of pop culture in 2015.

Melissa McCarthy, The Big Bang Theory, Grey’s Anatomy, Ellen Degeneres and Taylor Swift were the big winners of the night.

Diamonds: the Kimberley Process sets rules for mining the transparent gem and putting an end to blood diamonds | Photo: Shutterstock

What is the Kimberley Process?

In the past, rebel movements used “conflict diamonds” to finance wars against legitimate governments. The Kimberley Process is the most significant step ever taken towards changing the world of rough diamonds.

The Kimberley Process (KP) is a global initiative to halt exploration and trade of “conflict diamonds,” the rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments, in countries such as Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone.

The Kimberley Process was born in May 2000 when Southern African diamond-producing nations met in Kimberley, South Africa, to discuss the battle against diamonds that were used to fund violence and anarchy.

Jewelry and fashion: Chanel knows how to blend both worlds | Photo: Chanel

The irresistible relationship between jewelry and fashion

Classic jewels are eternal, but there’s a new generation of contemporary statement jewelry gaining ground in the art of creating objects of desire.

A jewelry piece changes the way we perceive an outfit. Luxurious, simple or extravagant rings, watches, earrings, necklaces, pendants, and bracelets transform and elevate the whole look into a different concept.

High-end fashion houses have been exploring the jewelry opportunities to sparkle their exclusive custom-fitted clothing. Fashion designers and jewelers have been working together to build the modern look. Jewels are no longer adornments. Gemstones are fashionable pieces of art.

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