Pink Diamonds

Pink Diamonds Facts:

The Argyle Diamond Mine is located in a remote corner of North West Australia and it produces over 90 percent of the world supply of pink diamonds and yet less that 1/10 of 1 percent is classified as Pink in color.

Pink Diamonds comes in shades ranging from a pastel rose, such as the Pink Orchid to intense purple-reds of the Moussaieff Red, and the price is determined by the intensity of the color. Pink diamonds have sold for up to $1,000,000 a carat. Unlike the Type I diamonds that derived their color from impurities imbedded in the diamond, Pink diamonds are considered a Type II and get their color from a process known as Plastic Deformation.

Pink Diamonds (Type II) have very few if any nitrogen impurities in them. They get their coloration due to structural anomalies caused by Plastic Deformation during the crystal growth. The intense pressure changes the lattice structure of diamonds and has led to the formation of Pink, Red, and Brown colored diamonds.

Pink Diamonds account for a ratio of only 1 out of the top 66 largest diamonds in the world.. When Ben Affleck gave Jennifer Lopez a pink diamond solitaire engagement ring, traffic to web sites that had pink diamonds increased from 300 to 400 percent. Although not normally large in size they have become very popular and over the years many have become world famous.

Pink Diamond: Pink Panther

Probably the most famous pink diamond in the world was the Pink Panther Diamond that was made famous by the 1964 file release of The Pink Panther. Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau was on the trail of the jewel thief also known as The Pink Panther.

Pink Diamond: Darya-I-Nur

Darya-I-Nur diamond is believed to be the largest pink diamond in the world. The stone is estimated to weigh somewhere between 175 and 195 carats, and it is a light pink color. Its exact weight isn't known because its been mounted in its brooch setting for over 130 years. This stone is one of the most celebrated diamonds in the Iranian Crown Jewels and it is also one of the oldest stones known to man.

Pink Diamond: Steinmetz Pink

The Steinmetz Pink Diamond is classified as a vivid pink and is 59.60 carats in weight. This diamond was discovered in South Africa and is the largest Fancy Vivid Pink diamond in the world. This fantastic diamond was first shown to the public in 2003 in Monaco. A team of eight jewelers took 20 months to create this Internally Flawless diamond. They created over 50 models before cutting on the real diamond began.

With the new techniques in creating laboratory diamonds it will only be a matter of time before quality pink diamonds are available to the general public at an affordable price.

The facts about pink diamonds

Pink diamonds are amongst the rarest of diamonds. Only a few mines produce the pink diamonds. These include mines in India (where the majority of pink diamonds come from) South Africa, Brazil, and the Argyle mine in northwestern Australia. The Argyle mine is famous for its hot-pink diamonds, which are found along side its champagne and brown diamonds.

Pink diamonds are large clear diamonds in shades of pastel pink, ranging from coral (a pinkish-orangish brown) to a pure bubblegum pink, or dark pink ranging from a sherry color to an cedar (brown pink) color. While some pink diamonds contain nitrogen impurities that give the stone the pink color (Type 1a), the Type 2a (rarest and hardest to find) color comes from the plastic deformation of the lattice structure while the diamond is formed from heat and pressure.

The Argyle mine also produces pink champagne diamonds, which are champagne diamonds (yellow-brown) with a secondary pink color. The stones contain slight to bold flashes of pink in their shine. The pink champagne diamonds are found in three ranges of colors: light-pink champagne, medium pink champagne, and dark pink champagne.

Diamonds are graded using a rating scale of color, clarity, carat (size), and cut, also known as the 4 Cs. Since this diamond scale does not grade fancy colored diamonds properly, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has created a 9 level scale. The GIA grading scale ranges from "faint" and "very light" (which can be actually graded on the normal 4 C scale) to "fancy deep" and "fancy vivid" where the color is intense and saturates the diamond. The three aspects of color that are used in grading are hue, tone, and saturation.

Hue is the dominant color of the diamond, although secondary colors or tints can change the hue. Tone is the amount of lightness or darkness in the diamond, ranging from light to dark. Saturation is the intensity of the color of the diamond, from pastels to intense vivid colors. The more intense and vivid the color, the rarer and more valuable the diamond.

Colored diamonds are cut differently than white diamonds. White diamonds are cut to accentuate the brilliance of the stone and reflect the light most brilliantly. Colored diamonds are cut to accentuate the color and clarity of the stone, and are cut so that the color saturation is emphasized, and the size and brilliance is secondary.

Pink diamonds are rarer than normal colorless diamonds, and thus have been treasured

What is it about pink diamond engagement rings that make women of all ages, backgrounds and social backgrounds go gaga?? Could it be that pink is a ladies color & all things pink attract ladies like honeybees to nectar; or could there be other reasons why pink engagement rings stand out among all the other diamond rings out there?

Why do they stand out you ask?

According to statistics, out of every 10,000 carats of diamonds mined (and that's a lot of diamonds), only one carat would be a fancy colored diamond. This doesn't even guarantee that you will get a pink colored diamond. So are pink diamonds a fluke of nature? Well not quite. They are rare but nature just doesn't spit things out of the earth.

These diamonds acquire their color from the mineral manganese. As nature would have it, this precise mixing of carbon (which is what diamonds are formed from) and manganese is concentrated over one part of the world which is Australia.

The Argyle mines in Australia produce the highest amount of pink fancies anywhere in the world. They were sorely responsible for removing pink colored diamonds from the realm of collectors to that of Jack & John next door who can now afford to buy pink diamond rings for their fiancés.

Having said that, if you compare a white diamond vs. a pink diamond like for like in terms of the 4C's which are diamond carat, color, clarity and cost, the pink diamond will be more expensive due to its scarcity.

This scarcity has meant that top quality pink stones have become a favorite item at diamond auction houses and their prices have increased over time.

Sterling Silver Lockets

Sterling Silver Locket: Meaning and uses for lockets

Ah yes, the locket, one of humanity's most timeless fashion accessories. Did you know that lockets can be used to hold something other than a photograph? What about the symbolism behind giving someone a certain kind of locket, is there any? Follow me as I help you to better understand the meanings and uses of lockets.The first thing I wonder about a piece of jewelry given to me is, what is it made of? The fun thing about a locket is that it can be made from almost anything. You can get a plastic one at a costume jewelry store, or even a hand carved wooden one at a renaissance festival or craft fair. By far the most popular material for making a locket is some sort of metal. When Lockets were used to depict status a gold locket was preferred to a bronze one. The shapes in which lockets are fashioned are unlimited; among the most popular is the heart, much like the Key to Her Heart lockets given to young women by their parents accompanying a discussion about abstinence.

In Ancient Egypt pharoahs would wear tube shaped lockets containing tiny rolls of papyrus paper with spells written on them said to influence the fortune of the wearer. During the rein of Queen Victoria lockets were made with tiny pillows in them to hold a drop of perfume. Back then hygiene was not a daily ritual, so this was a courtesy to the public.By far the most common use of lockets is to hold a photograph of a lover, friend or family member, typically deceased, but sometimes still living. The point is that it's hidden and can be kept close to your heart. Personally, my locket holds a photo of my favorite childhood pet. During the British Industrial Revolution, lockets could hold up to eight photos in a page like format. This was mainly helpful to the soldiers who were longing to return to their families.To pick out the perfect locket you first need to decide what it is you want this locket to say to the recipient. Gold verses silver plated could be the difference between I love you and I'm in love with you. If you are giving to your better half heart shaped locket symbolizes love stronger than a circular shaped one. An oval shape would be better for family, such as a deceased parent, as it can frame a better portrait than a heart shaped one. A circle symbolizes friendship and how it is a never ending connection. Gold may be reserved for a longer more permanent relationship than sterling silver. If you are giving to a friend you might want to go with something more decorated, maybe with colored gemstones or pearls.If you want to give a locket as a gift to that someone special in your life, don't stress out. Just go find the one that says what you want to say. Good luck now, and happy locket hunting!

 

Sterling Silver Locket: Meaning and uses for lockets

If you love jewelry and history, then you should consider the purchase of a locket. These ornamental cases that hang from necklaces, charm bracelets or pins are very personal expressions for jewelry wearers, as well as celebrations of nostalgia. They come in all shapes and sizes, with the most popular being the heart shape, and can contain anything from a lock of hair to a photograph to a tooth!

Lockets first became popular during the Victorian era. The locket was meant to be worn next to the heart of its owner, either via a long chain or clipped to one's bodice with a pin. Queen Elizabeth I of England commissioned two lockets to commemorate the defeat of the Spanish Armada, which expanded lockets' popularity. During the U.S. Civil War, soldiers often left a lock of hair at home, which was placed into a locket by their sweethearts upon news of their death. In the 1890s, personal hygiene was not as stringently observed as it is today, so ladies often wore a Vinaigrette locket containing a cotton ball soaked with their favorite perfume.

Lockets are fascinating because they tell a story. When one opens the hinges of an old locket for the first time, a mystery is waiting to be discovered! Will it hold the photograph of a long-lost first love or the lock of hair from someone who perished long ago? Regardless of its contents, the locket was undoubtedly a very special piece of jewelry to its wearer.

Today, lockets are purchased and worn for many reasons. They are frequently given for a holiday, such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, or to commemorate a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary or christening. Mothers often wear lockets containing their children's pictures. Funerary lockets may hold the lock of hair of a deceased loved one.

Lockets are also made in a variety of styles. They can be shaped like a circle, a book, or a heart. They might be made of gold, silver, or pewter. Some lockets are set with precious stones, such as a birthstone, or monogrammed with initials. Traditionally, lockets have held only two photos, but specially made lockets can hold up to eight!

If you're looking for a special gift for the woman in your life, you can't go wrong with a locket that will remind her of the love in her life!

Sterling Silver Locket: Meaning and uses for lockets

Lockets have played all kinds of roles over the ages. They have been used just as pieces of jewelry, or to keep a photograph of a loved one near, or even to mask out odors and other foul smells. Lockets are generally presented to loved ones on occasions like Valentine's Day, weddings and christenings. They were very popular during the Victorian age and were noticed especially at funerals. Today, lockets make endearing gifts that are sure to be cherished. Let us look at some of the options of lockets that you can choose from. Vinaigrette lockets in Sterling silver The Vinaigrette locket is probably the one locket that is packed with history. You will find that this locket dates back to the Victorian era where they had a very specific use. To understand this use however, you must first understand the locket. The vinaigrette locket is a silver filigree locket with open work on the top and a solid back. You might even find a variation of this locket where both the front and the back are made of filigree work. During the Victorian era, silver lockets of this kind were used by ladies to hold a piece of small cloth or sponge that was soaked in their perfume. You could even put a tiny block of solid perfume inside. The locket would be worn and it would be held up to the lady's nose when she passed through an area that did not smell so good. You will still find these vinaigrette lockets in the market today. Besides being pretty, they make a perfect piece of jewelry to be handed down the generations. Hand engraved lockets in Silver Over the generations lockets have been modified to suit changing trends while keeping the basic concept the same. If you are looking for a gift for a young lady or even a baby, you might want to consider silver lockets that are engraved by hand. These lockets come with pretty floral designs that are generally colored. If you are considering lockets of this kind, you will find that your choices are plenty. Classic lockets If you are looking for a gift that is timeless, then you should consider the classic locket made of silver. This classic piece of silver jewelry is probably the first thing that will come to your mind when someone mentions a silver locket. Today you can buy these lockets in silver of the highest quality that will not tarnish. You will even find ones with the centre area in the front made with a finish of fine satin. Because of its excellent quality, this locket also makes a great heirloom item. Personalized photo lockets in silver Photo lockets are the most common kinds. You can get silver lockets of this kind in various and sizes. You can even get silver photo lockets personalized, making your gift to that special someone truly exceptional. Personalized lockets in silver are gifts that any one will treasure. They also make the perfect gift choice for any occasion. If you look around, you will find photo lockets that can hold up to 6 pictures.

Forklift Certification

Forklift Certification: Why Get It?

An independent study revealed that forklift operators with a certification earn almost $8/hour more than their untrained counterparts. That means you have the potential to increase your hourly rate up to 45%.

Many people are interested in operating a forklift, which is a good thing. But, it takes more than just ambition to operate one. For you to legally operate a forklift you must have the appropriate license to do so. If you have experience operating a forklift, you need your forklift certification to get a job. Here at the Forklift Academy, we educate people and provide them with all the information needed to obtain their forklift certificate. We believe all individuals who operate a forklift or are seeking to do so must be trained to remain efficient and compliant with OSHA law. We have helped many individuals to get their forklift licenses, and we hope to help you as well.

Forklift Certification: Who Should Get It?

If you don't have your forklift certification or you are seeking to renew your forklift license, then you have come to the right place. Completing the 1-2 hour online forklift certification training will allow you to become a certified forklift operator and earn a better living. For more information click here.

Forklift Certification: So, How Does This Work?

The entire training is completed online. The online test contains 20 questions, and upon completion we will provide you with all documentation needed for your (future) employer to be in compliance with OSHA.