White Ice Advice

New Web site offers free jewelry

MARCH 16, 2005 - Los Angeles- --

Jewelry manufacturer D.G.P.J. Inc., is offering pieces from its newest collection of silver gemstone jewelry for free, in conjunction with the launch of its new Web site.

"For more than 2 decades, we have been selling diamonds, gemstones and jewelry to other retailers and wholesalers throughout the United States," said Amit Vora, Marketing Manager of D.G.P.J., Inc. in a company release issued Monday. "Now, with SilverJewelryClub.com, we're hoping to open a direct window to consumers, and offer them the same competitively priced quality jewelry that our retail and wholesale clients have enjoyed. By giving away our exclusive pieces for free to site visitors, we're hoping to develop a relationship with consumers and give them the opportunity to experience the value, quality and craftsmanship of our collections first hand."

Giveaways rotate at regular intervals, and include round-cut Swiss blue topaz earrings set in sterling silver, emerald earrings and a princess cut amethyst ring with a V-prong sterling silver setting. All giveaway items include a gift pouch and, to receive the free jewelry, site visitors pay only $5.99 in shipping and handling charges. Site visitors can sign up to be notified of new giveaway items via e-mail.

Also available on the site, free of charge, are educational guides on gemstones, precious metals, and "Diamonds 101," offering tips to help consumers choose stones.

"This is our way of introducing our company and getting the word out," Vora said in the statement. "We're confident that if people come and visit our site, take advantage of the jewelry giveaways and experience our quality firsthand, they'll be back for more. And our giveaways change all the time, so we encourage people to visit often. After all, where else can you get exclusive sterling silver jewelry pieces with genuine gemstones for free?"

For more information, visit: www.SilverJewelryClub.com

Take care who you are buying that diamond from

Darling, you shouldn't have!

28-Feb-2005

Bought an engagement ring over the internet, that is.

Fake diamonds are becoming increasingly common, according to diamond appraisers. Most have been bought overseas, either in person or over the internet, by people who think they're getting real, high-quality diamonds at bargain prices.

Others have been bought from travelling traders who set up in a hotel for a few days then skip town.

The diamonds might be completely fake - synthetic cubic zirconia or synthetic moissanite - or they may be real diamonds that are poor-grade or "fracture filled". Fracture filling uses polymer to hide cracks; the diamonds appear to be intact, but the filling can seep out over time, leaving a weaker, obviously flawed diamond.

The one thing they have in common is that they are generally over-valued. Several Wellington jewellers told Consumer that they each see an over-valued ring about once a week. Many are engagement rings, so the victim suffers emotional embarrassment as well as losing hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Wellington jewellery appraiser Dennis Blacklaws recommends buying locally and getting an appraisal from a member of the Jewellery Appraisers Society of New Zealand.

"That way you are covered by their codes of ethics and conduct, and by the Fair Trading Act and Consumer Guarantees Act." Blacklaws says any overseas purchases should come with an appraisal that meets the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) standard. But he warns that some fake diamonds might come with fake GIA certificates too.

Our view

Selecting a diamond is an expensive, complicated and emotional decision. The differences between an expensive diamond and a cheapie or a fake are subtle. You can't pick them with an untrained eye, and you certainly can't pick them over the internet.

You are extremely unlikely to buy a "bargain" diamond. There is an international market so diamonds are no more expensive in here than overseas.

If you buy over the internet, be sure the company is widely known, and has a reputable track record. Buying from a "brick and mortar" store's web site is one of the best options.

Shopping Advice for Loose Diamonds and Diamond Rings

Link: Shopping Advice for Loose Diamonds and Diamond Rings.

Shopping Advice for Loose Diamonds and Diamond Rings  

Diamond Source of Virginia, Inc., a premier online diamond retailer, launches new web site to assist diamond shoppers nationwide who are searching for the best values in loose diamonds and diamond rings.

(PRWEB) February 17, 2005 -- Diamond Source of Virginia, established in 1989 and a nationwide leader in online discounted loose diamond sales, has launched a new web site with extensive shopping advice and diamond education for diamond shoppers nationwide. Discover the secrets for a safe, easy way to purchase diamonds at www.DiamondSourceVA.com

Knowledgeable diamond shoppers, who are educated about diamonds and how to best shop for diamonds, make better decisions and are happier with their diamonds for years to come. Explore a wide variety of diamond shapes. Gather valuable information on color, clarity, cut, carat weight, certifications, fluorescence and taking care of your diamond. Learn about the diamond industry, artificial diamonds and how diamonds are formed. Enjoy stories and pictures of famous diamonds in history and contemporary celebrity diamonds.

“Most online diamond retailers simply put a list of diamonds on their website and expect the shopper to do all the work of picking the best diamond based on the few specifications listed,” said Anne Reinke, President of Diamond Source of Virginia. “We take a very different approach by doing a personalized search for every client who contacts us.”

Diamond Source of Virginia has access to the inventories of hundreds of diamond cutters and wholesalers nationwide and searches for the best diamonds in the country based on their client’s shopping requirements. After reviewing a list of recommended diamonds with the client, diamond consultants assist the client in determining which diamond is going to be the best choice to bring in for inspection.

Every diamond is carefully inspected, re-graded and evaluated to ensure it not only matches the specifications in the GIA or AGS certification, but also that it is the quality and beauty the client is expecting. Most online diamond retailers never even see the diamonds they sell. They simply list someone else’s inventory and have the diamond shipped to their customer without seeing it, let alone inspecting it. Diamond Source of Virginia believes diamond shoppers deserve better and works hard to ensure the diamond ordered is the best value for the client.

Unlike many online companies who do not allow customers to come to their office, Diamond Source of Virginia encourages clients to come to their office in Richmond, Virginia. Clients are able to examine the diamond in one of the private diamond viewing rooms where a diamond consultant explains the details of the diamond and answers any questions.

Whether you are just buying a loose diamond or shopping for a world class designer ring, the company’s diamond consultants will help you find the best options available on the wholesale market. Diamond Source of Virginia specializes in hard-to-find diamonds including large carat weights seldom found in stores, ideal cuts like Hearts & Arrows, and fancy shapes like Cushions, Radiants, and Asschers. Shoppers online or in person get the benefits of expert customer service, the largest selection of diamonds, and prices that are among the lowest in the country.

Diamond Source of Virginia is a family owned business that believes in honest, personalized and responsive service. They do not own inventory so they can provide low prices and unbiased advice. When you call or email, chances are you are in touch with one of the owners. This personal attention to clients has resulted in a large percentage of business generated from referrals and repeat clients. Diamond Source of Virginia is a member of the Better Business Bureau, Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Jewelers Vigilance Committee and TRUST-e Privacy Seal Program.

For more information, visit http://www.DiamondSourceVA.com or call toll free 888-477-8385.

Prince Charles pops question with royal ring

FEBRUARY 11, 2005 - London --

For his first marriage, Prince Charles presented Princess Diana with a blue sapphire engagement ring, but for his second trip down the aisle, he is going with diamonds.

The prince, who announced Thursday that he will wed longtime companion Camilla Parker Bowles on April 8 at Windsor Castle, presented his bride-to-be with a diamond engagement ring that is a royal family heirloom.

The ring features a square-cut diamond with three diamond baguettes on either side, and is mounted within a platinum band, reports the Associated Press (AP). Bowles wore the ring on Thursday evening in the couple's first public appearance together following the prince's announcement.

The engagement ring Prince Charles gave his first wife, the late Princess Diana, who died in 1997 car crash, was an 18-carat, oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

A poll published in the Friday edition of London's Daily Telegraph reports that 65 percent of Britons are in favor of the prince's marriage to Bowles. Yet 41 percent of those polled would prefer that Prince Charles' son William be England's next king, over the 37 percent who would like to see Prince Charles succeed Queen Elizabeth II when she steps down or dies, reports the AP.

Friedman's to close 165 outlets

- Friedman's Inc. will close up to 165 jewelry stores in 17 states and sell more than $25 million in stock as part of its Chapter 11 reorganization.

The closings would leave Friedman's with 481 stores in 20 states.

Friedman's filed for Chapter 11 protection on Jan. 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Savannah.

Friedman's, which trails only industry leaders Zale Corp. and Signet Group in size, was started in 1920 and was family owned until 1990, when it was bought by Morgan Schiff, which also owns Crescent Jewelers of Oakland, Calif.

On the Net:

Friedman's Inc.: http://www.friedmans.com