Why A Diamond is Forever

In 1947, a marketing staff for DeBeers coined the phrase  “A Diamond is Forever” and it went on to become the best advertising slogan of the 20th century.  The message it conveyed could not have been as effective if it referred to something less deserving of the title; the phrase flourished and made its mark because everyone knew, nothing could be more true.

The earliest mention of  diamonds in history was between the 3rd and 4th century BC, in a Sanskrit text that related to the diamond trade. The most prized gem in the world, the diamond, came from the Greek word “Adamas” which means indestructible or invincible, and adamantly so. Only another piece of diamond can scratch and cut another diamond.   In fact, it has registered a “10″ on Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, a quality that made this gemstone a worthy possession indeed. Ancient Chinese even utilized this particular characteristic to cut another prized gemstone, the Jade. But in those days, the Diamond was only available in India, and even then, it was popular both as jewelry as well as a kind of cutting and engraving tool for practical applications.

Diamonds are basically made of carbon compressed under extremely high pressure, about hundreds of kilometers deep into the Earth’s surface, with temperatures not lower than 1,000 Degrees Celcius, and most importantly, it had to be molded for millions of years!  These conditions need to be present to achieve a gem like the Diamond. Otherwise, it would just be another piece of charcoal.

The depletion of India’s diamond resource circa the Middle Ages prompted entrepreneurs and bounty hunters alike to look for alternative deposits; which they found in Brazil (1725) and Kimberley in South Africa (1867). The latter proved to be a goldmine for diamond deposits where the business and geopolitical implications of this gem are very much alive.

Meanwhile, the aesthetic value of the Diamond lies in the absence of any color in its crystal. While other gemstones are valued for the amount and quality of color they possess, the Diamond is measured otherwise.  But still, diamonds can be found in a wide variety of colors and in great range of shades.

To date, the gem’s popularity will always go back to the year 1477 when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as a symbol of his engagement, offered Mary of Burgundy a diamond engagement ring. Over the centuries, the gem has symbolized a few more significant events. It is proudly the April birth stone, as well as the perfect gift to celebrate Jubilee and sixty-year anniversaries.

Engagement Rings under $1,000

The Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring, $575

A delectable lotus flower opens up to hold a 1/4 carat white diamond of H-I Color, SI1-SI2 Clarity in 14k two-tone gold. Beautiful flower and petal paisley motif. Also available in as 1/2 Carat Art Deco Ring for just over $1,000–or try a colored diamond version in either black diamond or blue diamond.

Victorian 0.74 Carat Diamond Floret Ring, $925

Our best selling three stone diamond ring, set with 3 princess cut stones and 6 round side stones for a total of 0.60 Carats of Diamonds in high quality, H Color, SI1-SI2 clarity stones. Also available in platinum for just over $1,000 or also available as a full 1 Carat Three Stone Diamond Ring. Would you like this ring set with gemstones or custom stones? Simply contact us!

Three Stone Princess Cut Diamond Ring, $875

Three stones represent a life of the  past, present, and future together, with a total of 0.50 Carats of diamonds set in 14k white gold. Diamonds are H-I Color, SI1-SI2 Clarity. Also available as a 1/4 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut Ring and a full 1 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut Diamond Ring. Also available in platinum by request.

0.65  Carat Art Deco Diamond Wedding Ring Set, $825

Stylish and modern, this square set 0.65 carat diamond engagement ring has beauty and flair in 14k white gold. This two ring set has a 0.28 carat center stone with sides stones totaling 0.37 carats. Set with quality H-I Color, SI1-SI2 Clarity stones. For under $1,000 she will languish in your arms!

1/2 Carat Blue Diamond Solitaire Ring, $675

Blue diamonds are this year’s hottest fashion and will never go out of style because of their rarity and unique beauty. Your proposal will be breathtaking with this blue diamond engagement ring set in 14k white gold. Also available as a 1 Carat Blue Diamond Ring or as a black diamond solitaire ring in 1 Carat or 2 Carats.

1/2 Carat Diamond Bridal Set, $575

An exceptional value–this diamond engagement ring is set with 0.55 carats of diamonds total in H-I Color, SI1-SI2 Clarity. Set in 14k white gold, ring and band can be worn together or separately. A classic style that can be cherished forever without giving up your sense of style.

1/2 Carat Three Stone Diamond Ring in 14K Two-Tone, $899

The contrast of yellow and white gold on this riveting 14k gold diamond engagement ring is truly beautiful. Set with 3 diamonds for a total of 0.50 Carats (0.25 carat center stone, and two 0.125 carat side stones) in H-I Color, SI1-SI2 Clarity stones. Three stones symbolize your relationship as past, present, and future and will be cherished forever.

1/4 Carat Diamond Heart Engagement Ring, $725

A truly unique and delectable diamond engagement ring crafted in polished 14k white gold set with a single solitaire 0.25 Carat diamond in G-H Color, SI1-SI2 Clarity. Wow her with this heart ring in 1/4 Carat, 1/3 Carat, or 1/2 Carat–or choose this stylish piece as a 14k two-tone gold heart engagement ring. A substantial and memorable diamond engagement ring.

1/3 Carat Cathedral Princess Cut Diamond Ring, $625

One of our most beautiful and stylish pieces–set with a single 0.33 Carat diamond solitaire in 14k white gold, the cathedral style ring has a wider shank for a more unique and bold solitaire ring look. Also available as a 1/4 Carat Cathedral Princess Cut Diamond Ring and a 1/2 Carat Cathedral Princess Cut Diamond Ring.

View Apples of Gold Jewelry’s Diamond Engagement Rings for a unique and affordable selection of diamond rings!

Bling in the New Year

New Year’s Eve is a fun, festive holiday filled with sparkle and shine. From glittered hats and twinkling lights to party confetti and crystal décor, it’s impossible to ignore New Year’s inherent bling. Don’t try to fight it – embrace the sparkle and light up your own New Year’s ensemble with beautiful accessories. When choosing jewelry for a big night out, remember that it is a delicate balance between just right and overdone. Here are a few guidelines for putting on the ritz this New Year’s Eve:

Bring Out the Big Guns

For most women it’s a rare day when we get to doll ourselves up from head to toe. Take advantage of the fact that it is New Year’s – pull out your favorite fancy cocktail dress that you never get to wear, or use it as an excuse to buy a new fabulous ensemble. Once you have the perfect outfit, the real fun begins: it’s time to accessorize.

‘Tis not the season to hold back the bling; those who have it should flaunt it. Pull out your favorite and most fabulous pieces of jewelry. Pay special attention to items that can make an outfit like gorgeous dangle earrings, beautiful diamond bracelets, and sparkly cocktail rings. Any piece that is large or sparkly will do just the trick.

If you do not have any statement jewelry, consider investing in a few good pieces that you can keep and wear for decades. As long as the jewelry you buy is real gold, there is no reason that it can’t be worn for the rest of your life. Here are a few great options that would suit a New Year’s or other formal party perfectly:

• Round Diamond Dangle Earrings (above)

• White Gold and Diamond Twist Earrings (below)

• A Whopping 7 Carat Emerald Cut Pink Topaz Cocktail Ring (above)

Choose Wisely

Once you have your jewelry out, you have to make some tough decisions. It might be the season for bling, but it’s never appropriate to look gaudy. A good rule of thumb is to choose two pieces max. This means that if you are wearing a great pair of dangly earrings, skip the necklace and go for another piece of jewelry on your hand; a bracelet or cocktail ring would be a lovely compliment.

Generally, choose one piece of statement jewelry above the waist (earrings or a necklace) and one below (on the wrist or hand). Of course, if your jewelry is dainty or diminutive in size, it looks perfectly fine to wear earrings and a necklace. Big, sparkly pieces should definitely only be worn one at a time.

Now that you are perfectly accessorized in your best bling, enjoy looking like a million bucks while you ring in the New Year! Enjoy yourselves, be safe, and as always, be fabulous.

Black Diamond Jewelry

Black Diamonds are genuine, natural diamonds that have been heat and pressure treated to obtain their black color. This makes them not only unique, but also high affordable! You can get a full 1.00 Carat or 2.00 Carat Black Diamond Solitaire Ring in the hundreds of dollars, not thousands.

Then there’s the ever-popular, but now slightly over-saturated three stone diamond ring. How about a Black Diamond Three Stone Ring instead to bring a new twist to a favored classic?

But our most popular black diamond piece? By far, it is the 1/2 Carat Art Deco Black Diamond Ring, available only at Apples of Gold Jewelry. It makes a perfect gift for that unique individual in you’ve been thinking about.

View our entire selection: Black Diamond Rings and Black Diamond Pendants.

View black diamond jewelry from Apples of Gold Jewelry.