Most expensive bridal gown in Vietnam valued at $117,000

 

We have already seen some very expensive wedding wear, including the $1.5 million Peacock dress, Swarovski-encrusted wedding gown collection, $250K platinum wedding dress and the $12 million wedding gown designed by Martin Katz Jewelers and Renee Strauss. Pictured above is a white silk and satin bridal gown from Vietnam, which is decked out with 222 diamonds and 100 red rubies. Valued at equivalent to US $117,000, the “Bach ngoc xiem y” is the most expensive bridal gown in Vietnam. Showcased at the Ruby Plaza trading centre in Hanoi on June 28, this shimmering gown is a creation of young fashion designer Huy Vo. The gemstone-made flower on the gown has 22 big rubies and 8 big diamonds. A big water drop-shaped ruby that symbolizes love has been used for the pistil. It took 40 days to complete this unique gown.

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Perfectly Pink: 2009 Summer Has it all

 

Pink is really great for any time of year but there's just something about the warmth and opulence of summer that really makes it sizzle and somehow more flirty and enjoyable to sport. 2009 summer designers really have come up with completely new kinds of fashion fun using all of the pink palette choices along with some sparkling diamond accessories. Of course we don't advise all at once (you do not want to be a Barbie look alike) but we have assembled a mix of pink fashionista items below to keep your girly side trendy this summer in something spectacularly pink.

 

spanspan

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

A Dazzeling Custom Pendant by Whiteflash.com

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

After receiving the stone, I received a quote from Whiteflash that I could live with and worked with Vera Wages. The designer Joe Druhot was great - very receptive to ideas and really wonderful at translating those into reality.

 

I LOVE the completed custom pendant.  I get so many compliments on it, too! 

 

Thank you for your help & I hope there will be many more WF projects in my future (when the economy picks up!!!)  

 

Best,

 

Rosa

Gem Type: Spinel
Variety: Red
Weight: 1.68 carats
Cut/Shape: Oval
Measurements: 7.5 x 6.4 x 4.6 mm
Description: Fiery red.

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

How to Obtain a Fabulous Green Wedding!

Why “go green” on your special day?

Green weddings are believed to influence the bride and groom's future lifestyle. The trend of going green is on the rise although statistics are hard to find. Of the 2.5 million weddings that take occur each year a small percentage have considered going green by purchasing conflict free diamonds for their wedding and engagement rings.

Jewelers can now provide Kimberly certificates as proof of a “clean” diamond which they can declare as conflict free, The Kimberly process – created in 2003 – is a voluntary, self-regulated system that established standards for certifying diamonds. A diamond with a Kimberly certificate guarantees that sales of that diamond did not go to finance the civil war.

You can also feel good knowing that 100% of Whiteflash Dreams of Africa collection profits go to communities impacted by jewelry trade (WCCCI).

Some initial questions to ask a jeweler regarding conflict diamonds are…

-What is your company’s definition of conflict jewelry?

-What are you company’s conflict diamond policies?

-Can you provide official certification from an established grading lab?

-Where do you source your diamonds from?

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Invest in Engagement Ring Insurance

If you’ve recently ponied up for an engagement ring, then you know the stress that goes along with making such a high dollar investment. Whether you went with the traditional “two months” salary or something more in a realistic price range, you’ve made a substantial investment and you should take the steps to protect her new finger candy.

Most jewelers or engagement ring websites offer insurance through their store or can point you in the right direction. For example, our friends at WhiteFlash.com offer tips right on their website.

Here are five quick tips!

1. Research cost - Just like you compared pricing for rings, do the same for insurance. There are deals to be had.

2. Appraise – Either get an appraisal from a jeweler. Oftentimes, the ring insurance company can provide one as well.

3. Coverage – Determine if your ring is being covered for the purchase cost or replacement cost.

4. Traveling? – Check with your insurance company if you’re going to be liable for damage or loss that occurs while on vacation. You may have to purchase separate traveler’s insurance in some cases.

5. Review details – Make yourself as familiar as possible with the policy info. Things to think about are who repairs the ring in case of damage, how much is paid upfront if you have to repair or replace, and who specifically will do the repairs.

Cheers!

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Me-Mo targets the fairer sex with crystal-studded in-car accessories

 

Me-Mo, an online car accessory store aimed primarily at girls, is now offering a range of Swarovski-studded in-car accessories. Me-Mo has lately added the brand Isotta Fraschini, and is selling their Urban Glow Swarovski crystal embedded in-car accessories. The new sparkling range includes leather, chrome and crystal drinks holders, leather and crystal gear knobs and leather gear boots. All these items are available in a range of colors that mimic the brilliance of super ideal cut diamonds. The ‘Moon Unit’ handbrake from the line comes embossed with 304 Swarovski crystals and costs £170 ($275). A crystal-studded pink leather and chromed aluminum steering wheel is selling for £400 ($650). These blinged items will appeal to those who think that their car’s leather upholstery is not just enough to make a dazzling statement.

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

David Webb Files Chapter 11

Another iconic jewelry company has filed Chapter 11. It has been announced that David Webb filed Chapter 11 yesterday reporting assets of $10.3 million and liabilities of $6.9 million. Diamonds, net had a look at the documents which show that while gross sales for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, were $13.2 million, total sales for the coming fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 were not expected to top $5 million. The company estimated operating expenses for the next 30 days at $377,927 with expected sales of approximately $400,000. The "Silberstein Family Partnership" is listed as sole owner of the company. The company has been in business over sixty years and has provided jewelry for some of the most legendary jewel connoisseurs in the world including Elizabeth Taylor, The Duchess of Windsor and Princess Grace. David Webb pieces which often feature animals and naturalistic themes remain some of the most collectible pieces in the jewelry world.

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Afghani Treasures at the Met: Gold, Gold, Gold

On June 23, a new exhibit opened at the Met: Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul. History and fascinating story of the treasures' discovery aside I was wowed by the gold. Much of what's on display was discovered either in archeological digs or in a vault in the presidential palace, where citizens with foresight hid the treasures to protect them from war: jewelry, a belt, an amazing crown (shown here; it breaks down into six pieces for easy transport), a dagger sheath, clasps, anklets, diamond rings, pendants, bowls ... the list goes on.

My favorite item, just for the sheer excess of it all -- and proving that showing your status via footwear is not a new thing -- was the pair of gold shoe soles designed to be placed with a body when buried. I guess mere sandals wouldn't do in the afterlife.

My friend and I really enjoyed the exhibit, which features many more items, gold and non-gold, such as glass, ivory and gemstones. But the gold alone is worth seeing if you are in NYC or planning a visit this summer. The exhibit will be at the Met until September 20 and is included in the price of admission to the museum.

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Online Diamond Buying Perfected: WhiteFlash.com Grows Leaps and Bounds Over Competition

 

Already known for carrying the largest in-stock inventory of the highest quality branded WhiteFlash ACA ideal and "superideal" Hearts and Arrows diamonds on the internet, WhiteFlash (www.WhiteFlash.com) announces their acquisition of online diamond e-tailer GemDiamond.com. Along with this groundbreaking acquisition, the appointment of Bryan Boyne as their newest Vice President further increases the unquestionable strength and ever-evolving multiplicity behind the WhiteFlash.com brand.

www.WhiteFlash.com) announces their acquisition of online diamond e-tailer GemDiamond.com. Along with this groundbreaking acquisition, the appointment of Bryan Boyne as their newest Vice President further increases the unquestionable strength and ever-evolving multiplicity behind the WhiteFlash.com brand.

The decision to acquire GemDiamond.com was one that owner and president of WhiteFlash.com, Debi Wexler, did not take lightly. "It's always a little nerve-racking when you are considering altering an established and flourishing brand like that of WhiteFlash.com. What solidified this decision was when we tapped into the natural synergy and even more importantly that we had the same commitment to providing a brilliant and unmatched buying experience for our customers", confides Wexler.

As a unified force, customers will benefit from the huge array of certified conflict-free diamond designs and craftsmanship to meet any of their needs or fit any occasion under the sun. Always at the forefront of every transaction, the brand's unsurpassed attention to detail, quality and trustworthiness continues to be its hallmark. The unbeatable value and brand integrity that can be found and expected when purchasing from the WhiteFlash.com site has never been as important as it is now in such trying economic times. The enhancement of all of these areas through this merger is a testament of the ongoing drive that WhiteFlash.com has for creating the perfect product alongside the necessary customer support tools for every step of the transaction and beyond.

As part of the integration, Bryan Boyne accepted the new position of vice president of WhiteFlash.com. With an impressive thirty year history in the jewelry industry under his belt, Bryan has been involved in literally every phase of the gem and jewelry industry on both the wholesale and retail side of the business. Formerly of Ashford.com, the first publicly traded company selling luxury goods exclusively on the internet, Bryan helped build and run their diamond division. In his exciting new post at WhiteFlash.com, he will head up vendor relations, education and local sales support.

Under his tutelage, Bryan will continue to strengthen and expand vendor relationships for the brand. This pivotal role will allow WhiteFlash.com to continue to harness a variety of unique and cutting edge merchandise and design expertise while delivering cost savings and remarkable quality to its customers.

Customers already flock to the WhiteFlash.com website often for the knowledge and community feel provided as a service to their loyal patrons. Bryan's role is to continue to develop the best customer by building infrastructure to educate them about what they are buying. He will also provide consistent updates and education for internal teams as well so that the most current and comprehensive customer service can be attained with each and every transaction. Carrying a stock of over 1,000 items, WhiteFlash.com has over 50,000 stones available for purchase at any one time and every diamond sold is guaranteed inspected and approved by a team of quality controllers. Each WhiteFlash ACA diamond is microscopically inscribed in its girdle with the WhiteFlash ACA logo to assure authenticity.

The steady growth of the brand is indicative of the success that they always put their customer's needs first. WhiteFlash.com's popularity has also been fueled by an aggressive marketing and public relations push that has positioned them throughout the years at choice celebrity laden and red carpet events. The continued combination of building desire for the brand coupled with providing one-of-a-kind service and craftsmanship is a proven recipe for long term growth.

About WhiteFlash

WhiteFlash.com is the first company in the U.S. to offer an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamond and bring the sheer beauty of "super ideal cut" to the Internet. Debi Wexler, founded WhiteFlash.com in 2000 bringing an expansive selection of loose diamonds to the Internet, including an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds. WhiteFlash (ACA(TM)) is unmatched in its brilliance, fire and sparkle and remains the only Hearts & Arrows diamond sold online with advertised standards and a "true patterning" guarantee. Hailed as Lord of the Rings on Line, by Kiplinger's Magazine, WhiteFlash.com also offers original, handcrafted platinum and gold settings, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, custom designs and specialty jewelry.

For more information, log on to www.WhiteFlash.com or call 877.612.6770.

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

A Ritz-y Wedding

Want the kind of wedding that your friends and family will always remember? A destination wedding can feel like a risky option in this economy, but you'll be surprised -- a vacation may be just what everyone needs. The Ritz-Carlton is making destination weddings even more enticing this summer by offering the Reconnect Package at many of their hotels, including their sunny Caribbean & Mexico locations!

The package is more than just a high-priced luxury wedding tied up in a bow. Actually, a lot of the services are free! The Reconnect package includes:

• Ceremony Location (such as the above)
• Wedding Specialist
• Wedding Concierge
• Minister
• Signature Bouquet
• Signature Boutonniere
• Signature Location Décor

Also, expect a $100 daily resort credit and a free three-night stay on your first anniversary! Sound to good to be true? It's not, you just need 25 friends and family members to book rooms.

What's more, your wedding guests will enjoy a $100 daily resort credit for use at restaurants, the spa, and for recreation activities such as the Culinary Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, where guests can explore cooking, wine, and Mexican tequilas, the award-winning White Witch Golf Course at The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica, Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, BLT Steak at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino, and sailing on the Lady Lynsey at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Now if the only included that diamond ring…..not everything is perfect!

 

Read the full posting here!

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend!

WhiteFlash Diamonds sent me their absolutely gorgeous Diamond by the Yard bracelet in white gold.

I had been trying to upload a picture of me wearing it as I type - which I am! - but of course, technical difficulties always find me. So, here’s the image from the site of the same bracelet as they sent me!

Its super delicate, made of 8 ACA diamonds and set in White Gold - how hot will I look in it on my getaway? (Just not anyplace I can lose it, of course.)

 

Read the full posting here!

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Henry Dunay Designs Files Chapter 11

http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;213859296;33114320;b?http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/template/catB6.jhtml?itemId=cat252300&parentId=cat203700&masterId=cat203018&navAction=index&ecid=BGSGDIHenry_Dunay">http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;213859296;33114320;b?http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/template/catB6.jhtml?itemId=cat252300&parentId=cat203700&masterId=cat203018&navAction=index&ecid=BGSGDIHenry_Dunay"> http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;213859296;33114320;b?http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/template/catB6.jhtml?itemId=cat252300&parentId=cat203700&masterId=cat203018&navAction=index&ecid=BGSGDIHenry_Dunay">High-end jewelry has been taking it on the chin lately. We've seen several top tier jewelry design companies file for bankruptcy and now one of my favorites has gone Chapter 11. National Jeweler reports that Henry Dunay Designs filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York in Manhattan citing that it has 100 and 199 creditors with assets between $1 million and $10 million and liabilities between $1 million and $10 million.

I had a chance to view Henry Dunay's designs at the JCK show in Las Vegas in 2008 and meet Mr. Dunay personally. He's no newcomer to the jewelry world, He started as an apprentice at the age of 14 in New York and has spent over 50 years in the jewelry business, launching Henry Dunay Designs back in 1965. Since then he was won dozens of awards for his designs (including being named the world's best jewelry designer by the Robb Report in 2000 and 2001) and his pieces have appeared in countless magazine spreads and in his coffee table book, "Henry Dunay A Precious Life."

For jewelers dealing in couture design, this economy has been particularly brutal. Materials including gold and gemstones continue to be expensive, production costs are rising but sales are falling. Dunay sells in stores which have been experiencing decreased business including Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Hopefully Henry Dunay Designs will be able to survive this rough patch and get back to the business of making beautiful jewelry.

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Stunning Diamond Studs for the Perfect Anniversary

 

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

I just wanted to thank you for helping my husband purchase those wonderful 8-prong diamond studs for me! He gave them to me for our anniversary last week and they are stunning :) I have had many compliments on them already!

Thanks again :)

Kathy

 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

On Display in Rome, Elizabeth Taylor's Bulgari Bling

Richard Burton once said of Elizabeth Taylor, whom he married (and divorced) twice, “The only word Elizabeth knows in Italian is Bulgari.” And, indeed, while Taylor’s husbands came and went, her passion for Bulgari never faded.

Through Sept. 13, the actress’s fantastic collection, part of a historical exhibit of over 500 Bulgari jewels, will be on display in Rome’s Palazzo delle Esposizioni in celebration of the 125th anniversary of Bulgari’s first store in Rome. Though most of us cannot afford a diamond and emerald brooch like the one Burton gave Taylor on the occasion of their first engagement, at least we can admire it in all its sparkling splendor.

“Between Eternity and History, 125 Years of Italian Style” emphasizes the cultural relevance and Italian influence of Bulgari’s ever-changing designs, which will hypnotize even the most seasoned collector. The exhibit flows through cool, darkened rooms, offering refuge from Rome’s burning summer sun and highlighting both the ageless beauty and the historical specificity of the stones. From the Art Deco-inspired, diamond-encrusted jewels of the ’20s to the 1970s’ experimental “Star Spangled Banner” pieces made of diamonds set in polychrome enamel, Bulgari’s jewels have always remained unapologetically current.

Brought to worldwide fame through an ongoing flirtation with the cinema and its stars –- from Ingrid Bergman and Sofia Loren to Chloe Sevigny and Jennifer Aniston –- Bulgari’s innovative designs have long surpassed the world of luxury goods. As Andy Warhol once remarked, “I always visit Bulgari because it is the most important museum of contemporary art.”

 “Between Eternity and History. Bulgari. 1884-2009.125 Years of Italian Style,” Palazzo delle Espozioni; via Nazionale, 194; 06-39-96-75-00. May 22 through Sept. 13. Gours: Sun. to Thur., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (closed Mondays). Tickets (also available online): 10 euro; reduced price (under 25, over 65, or disabled): 7.50 euro. (After July 3, ticket prices will increase by 2 euro and will include admission to the Scuderie del Quirinale.) On the first Wednesday of each month, admission is free between 2 and 7 p.m. for persons under 30.http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/global/word_reference/ref_bubble.png", sizingMethod="image");" style="DXImageTransform.Microsoft.AlphaImageLoader(src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/global/word_reference/ref_bubble.png", sizingMethod="image"); cursor:pointer;background-attachment:scroll;background-position-x:0%; background-position-y:0%">

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Gold plated cars in gold rush of luxury

 

No matter how much equipment is shoehorned into a cabin, or how much power an engine offers, there is always room for more. Festooning your vehicle with gold, diamonds and precious stones is a great way to exhibit your excess wealth on the roads. We are great lovers of the gilded cars and here is a treat for your eyes – photos of the most beautiful gold plated cars. Hit the jump to see some of the most celebrated glitzy cars that bring together affluence and excess in a unique way.

Read the Full Posting here!

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Even in rough economy, diamonds still are a girl's best friend

What Marilyn Monroe sang years ago in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" still remains true.

 Diamonds are indeed a girl's best friend, even during these rough economic times, according to experts.

With the average price of an engagement ring (including both the stones and setting) runs at about $3,200, it's no wonder that people are taking advantage of financing plans! They also noted that forty-four percent of all diamond rings sold are less than $1,000, although the average cost of a ring is around $2,000-$3,000. The average size of a diamond engagement ring is between 0.75-1 carat.

 

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

A Princess Engagement!

 

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

 

I wanted to wait until my Fiancé (she said yes!) saw the diamond engagement ring for herself!!  She absolutely loves it, just like me!  It's perfect in every way and I can't say how grateful I am that you guys were a dream to deal with.  I will be going back on to some of the forums I looked at while I was researching where to buy from and post some amazing feedback.  It's so important people overseas, like me, should be able to trust an online diamond jeweler and I hope I can ease some fears out there for others!

 

Thank you so much for your help in all of this, best regards

 

James

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Jewelry for every budget

 

Brides are always looking for ways to save money on their wedding. But there are also times when we really want to splurge! It's a matter of finding the right balance and determining what is most imperative to you. Is it the reception? The bouquet? Here are a few tools to send you in the right direction!.
 

Budget Overload: Personalize your bridal set to fit your personal tastes and style!  Make finding your perfect wedding band a whole adventure!  Pick out your diamond and be sure to look at it under a microscope.  Then look through numerous types of settings to find the one that compliments your style the best.  Be sure to research the 4 C's by reading this article before choosing any diamond jewelry.  For that extra special attention, work with a gemologist.  You'll be sure that by designing your own ring and bridal jewelry you will have a unique set like no one else.

Budget Beauty: Consider skipping a center diamond stone in your wedding band and opt for a less expensive colored stone; they are becoming more trendy these days.  Consider a colored stone that matches the decor of your wedding or that has a special meaning to you and your fiancé.

Budget Bargain: Shop online at a site that creates their own custom designed pieces.  You get the advantage of a personal touch at a fraction of the price.  Whiteflash is a site that I personally ordered my bridal jewelry from, and I would recommend them highly to anyone.  If you don't see something you like on their site, they encourage you to contact them to work personally on a look that you will love!

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Justice dept blocks return of jewels to Imelda Marcos

Acting Philippine justice secretary Agnes Devanadera sees a legal obstacle to returning to the dictator’s widow, Imelda Marcos, pieces of diamond jewelry that the Aquino administration seized shortly after the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship.

Chief presidential legal counsel Raul Gonzalez, who formally turned over the reins of the department of justice to Devanadera Monday (June 15), ordered on June 4 the Presidential Commission on Good Government to return the diamond jewelry “(if the PCGG finds) no legal impediment".

Formed in 1986 right after Corazon Aquino was sworn in as President, the PCGG is tasked with recovering ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses estimated then to be in billions of dollars.

“There is that Supreme Court ruling saying that all properties, the values of which are beyond the legitimate income, are considered ill-gotten…. Anything beyond that, they are considered ill-gotten wealth,” Devanadera said.

Beyond legitimate income

The acting justice secretary said the purchase of the jewelry, estimated to be worth 15 billion pesos (US$310 millon), was not within the legitimate income of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos as a government official.

Demand letter

The PCGG referred the matter to the OSG for its legal opinion after receiving Imelda’s letter last month demanding the return of the jewelry collection, which has been kept in a vault at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (central bank) since 1990.

Devanadera said the OSG had already started looking into the matter but the final determination would be done with inputs from the PCGG.

In one of his last communications as justice secretary, Gonzalez said the PCGG should consider the legal basis of returning the jewelry since there was neither a sequestration nor a freeze order on the jewelry.

Three collections

The PCGG divided the entire jewelry collection into three: The Malacañang collection, which includes pieces confiscated in the Palace after the Marcos family fled from the people power revolt; the Hawaii collection seized by US customs officials; and the Roumeliotes collection seized by the Philippine Bureau of Customs from a Greek national.

Gonzalez said Imelda, through her counsel, wrote a letter dated May 25, 2009 demanding the return of the pieces of jewelry taken by the PCGG from Malacañang during the EDSA Revolution in 1986 and those turned over by the US government to the commission.

“Per arguments and legal basis of Mrs. Marcos, it must be emphasized that your office has not initiated any civil or criminal proceeding in any court, tribunal or agency for the forfeiture of the subject jewelry,” he told Sabio.

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Steelers Super Bowl Rings Prove Bling Never Goes Out Of Style For Champions

 

 

Think bling is over? Don't tell that to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The rings celebrating their record-setting sixth Super Bowl title are covered in diamonds. The rings created by Jostens have 63 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 3.61 carats. The six round brilliant-cut diamonds on the top of the ring celebrate the six victories; the previous year's Steelers Super Bowl rings featured five oval diamonds. The Super Bowl XLIII logo is done on a field of green enamel and six Lombardi Trophies are shown on the side of the ring. Each ring is cast in 14K gold and personalized for the owner. The cost of the rings and the appraisal value haven't been released.

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Dr. Zalman M. Shapiro, 89, Granted Patent for Innovative Method of Synthesizing Diamonds

Finances have a new reason to celebrate. Large diamonds are poised to become more affordable with the issue of a new patent granted to Dr. Zalman M. Shapiro for creating gem-quality stones. At age 89, he is one of the oldest, living inventors currently active in the United State s.

Dr. Shapiro will be personally presented with his new patent by John J. Doll, Acting United States Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property at the USPTO Headquarters, Madison Building, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, on June 16th at 1pm.

Dr. Shapiro's invention harnesses a novel "float" method to mass-produce sizeable, gem-quality diamonds quickly and at relatively low temperature and pressure. His approach is faster, less expensive, and more energy efficient than existing methods which mimic the high temperature and pressure found deep in the earth's crust or alternatively spray high temperature carbon plasma onto a substrate.

Diamonds are exceptionally hard, dense, stiff, thermally conductive, chemically inert, hydrophobic, refractive, and transparent. By lowering the cost of production of large diamond crystals, Dr. Shapiro's approach permits new, practical, industrial applications of adamantine properties. Better diamond-enabled solar cells, microprocessors, lasers, LEDs, and mobile communication devices are all possibilities. Manufacturing gem diamonds in the United States will reduce the current nearly $40 billion import bill for cut and uncut gem diamonds.

Dr. Shapiro, who was recently nominated for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, demonstrates that it is never too late to be a contributing member of our society. Many Americans view the elderly as a drain on society and tend to marginalize the group. The elderly often face a grim future of decline -- decline of health, social network, wealth, relevance, and respect.

This near nonagenarian earning his 15th patent counters common association of old age with diminished productivity, and validates President Obama's belief in American achievement at any stage of life, when appropriately driven by education, hard work, ingenuity, and perseverance.

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

'Diamond Dash' hunt scheduled

HeartStar diamond ring is the big prize in the David Fairclough Diamond Dash, a “high-tech” treasure hunt in which clues are delivered as text messages to the participants’ cell phone. The event begins on Saturday, June 13, at 9:30 a.m. at the Fifth Third Center, One SeaGate.

Sponsored by David Fairclough Fine Jewelers, the Diamond Dash is a free event open to couples or two-person teams who must traverse downtown Toledo to find a hidden HeartStar diamond ring valued at $12,000. Individuals must be 18 or older to participate.

Clues and riddles will be delivered to the participants’ cell phone during the treasure hunt. Any cell phone model or carrier can play, according to a statement.

Participation is limited, and online registration is required for a chance to win one of the available spots. An after-party will be held at The Blarney Irish Pub & Grill, 601 Monroe Street, Downtown.

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Harry Winston Avenue Traffic Lady's Watch

Delicate and sophisticated is what I want to think about when I think of Harry Winston women's watches. This Avenue Traffic watch fits the bill and is based on the architecture of New York City - mostly the classic architecture that is. The long and narrow case is meant to allude to the many tall buildings of the great city while the dial is meant to remind you of looking down Fifth Avenue at night in conjunction with the 58 diamonds all over the dial to serve as the "sparking lights." The overall case has 97 diamonds, while the dial itself is mother of pearl. Total stone weight for the movement is 3.18 carats and the case is in white gold.

Inside the Harry Winston Avenue Traffic is a Swiss quartz movement. The style of the watch is elegant with a sense of industrial modernism in the quasi art deco charm that does have that city feel. While the small hands might be on the hard side to read, this is an almost pure jewelry watch that is meant to communicate the sophistication of the wearer as opposed to being a trusty timepiece, though it functions for that need when called upon to do so.

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

A Stunning Diamond Band is LOVED by Customer!

 

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

 

I am so sorry I have not responded sooner..  I love the diamond ring!!  It looks amazing and turned out way better than I expected..  I get so many compliments on how "sparkly" it is..  I goes perfect with my other ring and both of them together are just the best match..  You did such a great job and even when I had it appraised they commented on how well it was done.. 

 

Thanks again for being so patient and working with us, I will treasure my ring for many years to come, definitely worth the wait!!

 

Kristen

spanspan 

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

A Special Diamond Pendant for a Special Birthday!

 

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

Your conscientious attention during the ordering process, which couldn't have gone more smoothly, was greatly appreciated. As promised, the diamond pendant was truly beautiful, a special gift for a very special person. She was absolutely speechless when she saw it; it certainly got the reaction I was hoping for. She has a similarly sized diamond from Tiffany, but she feels the diamond in her pendant looks even nicer. Thank you very much for the lovely gem. She couldn't have had a more perfect birthday gift.

Thank you,

Terry

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Whiteflash Jewelry really WOW's Customers!

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

I absolutely LOVE the diamond bangles and Dreams of Africa Pendant that I have purchased from your company. They are absolutely STUNNING! Everyone that sees these pieces are really blown away. The craftsmanship and quality of your products are outstanding. Your pictures really do not do you jewelry or Whiteflash ACA Diamonds justice…they are magnificent in person! Thank you for all of your help during my purchase. This really was a brilliant diamond buying experience. I will be coming back with a new project soon!

Thank you,

Jane

 

spanspan

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Chocouture Diamond Collection

 

They aren't diamonds but the 24k gold and diamond chocolates in the Chocouture Diamond Collection do feature edible gold leaf. The candy diamond is made out of sugar and set in a chocolate that is made with a single-malt Scotch ganache. Each gemlike candy is set in glassine paper inside the faux leather box. These candies sell for $105 for 16 pieces.

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Did Lindsay Lohan Steal Diamonds?

Lindsay Lohan has lost her own belongings before but now she's being questioned over nearly $500,000 in diamonds that have gone missing. The jewels were used in a photo shoot at London's Big Sky Studios with Lohan and are believed to have disappeared right around the same time she left the shoot. Gossip columns are reporting that insiders say that she had been asking if she could keep the beautiful diamond necklace and earrings. Scotland Yard is on the case. Entertainment Tonight has a quote from Lindsay Lohan's representative who says that no one has contacted them yet but that "Lindsay is happy to cooperate. She wants them to find the missing items."

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Engagement Ring Shopping By iPhone

 

The other day I mentioned a company working on virtual shopping technology that lets you try on watches via computer. But how about engagement ring shopping by iPhone? Stuller has partnered with Gemvision Corp. on an app that lets you try on a ring no matter where you are using the iPhone camera. The app is called "Live Diamond Try-On (brought to you by Red Box Diamonds)" and will be available for free this summer from the App store. Users can select a diamond engagement ring, choosing metal, carat size, style and more then try it out for size on their own hand. To get the full effect you can put the iPhone on your hand and tilt it to get a sense of the ring's sparkle as it shifts. The image can be saved and e-mailed and posted on Facebook or Twitter. The user can then get the real thing using the app's "find a jeweler" function. Will this lead to virtual proposals with no real ring required?

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

Jaquet Droz L'Heure Céleste Gold And Diamonds Ladies Watch

The latest Jaquet Droz watches have been a real departure from the tradition line. Bubbles of gold and diamonds inhabit the the dial of this Jaquet Droz L'Heure Celeste Gold and Diamonds watch as part of its Hommage Paris 1785 collection. I would say that the actual watch dial is a bit dull, but the rest of the watch is really not. Perhaps that is intentional so that there is a contrast between the functional and decorative parts of the timepiece.

You'll notice a lot of interesting angles and curves on this watch, with the theme of gold being well done, even taking over the diamonds that usually hold spotlight well. The timepiece apparently has some special crystal to help light play off the edges and enter the dial of the watch. I believe that the watch has a mechanical movement as well, and the strap appears to be brown satin.

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous

A La Vie Minaudiere, Handbag of the Day

 

Cross artist Damien Hirst with Judith Leiber and you might end up with Sylvia Toledano and artist whose chosen medium is the Swarovski-encrusted minaudière. Her pieces range from cute pandas to the tree of life clutch we covered previously to today's vibrant offering. Her A La Vie collection features skulls done in various color combinations. This one has a bit of a space alien vibe with piercing aqua eyes. The purse comes with a glittering pen and a detachable silvertone chain with a 47" drop. It sells for $1,400. Could you imagine how blingalicious this would be in diamonds and rubies….gasp!

Posted via email from Whiteflash Diamonds posterous