Shh...

[surfgirl]

Hi Harriet!

Hi Tourmaline, I see you''re over here continuing your anti-DeBeers campaign But since you''ve brought up the issue with diamonds and colored stones, I would like to say the following:

1. I dont think really fine, gorgeous diamonds are easy to come by at all. In fact I rarely see diamonds that make me go "wow!" inside my head. Rarely. And I see a lot where I live.

2. Yes they are hard and durable, but so are sapphires, and I adore sapphires, particularly this one antique sugarloaf sapphire I saw the other day. My god, the hue. The clarity (yes, it''s important in colored stones too...it''s what gave this sugarloaf it''s other-wordly glow and quality)...Harriet, you''d love this one!

3. Yes diamonds do give off amazing fire, but only if they are really well cut and again, I think a certain level of clarity helps that as well.

4. I think you must have had some unfortunate experience with DeBeers to be so obsessed with them. Have you been to a DeBeers store lately? I have. Had a wonderful conversation with the salesman who noticed I had an antique stone on, and we had a great chat about old cuts, new cuts, and I went into this little back gallery and saw some wonderful, extraordinary stones there. Some were even sapphires! And rubies! Shhhh, dont tell anyone. They were fabulous. Very expensive I''m sure. But the finest quality, and I do appreciate quality.

So to sum up, I think fine diamonds are not a dime a dozen. I love colored stones as well, but they have to stand up to the same standards I hold my antique diamonds to. Well cut, the best clarity I can get, and the best color I can find for my budget. So far, that criteria has served me well. Though I''m still dreaming about that sugarloaf. It was like a fabulous little bonbon...Mmmm!

 

[T L]

Date: 1/5/2009 12:08:42 AM
Author: surfgirl
Hi Harriet!

Hi Tourmaline, I see you''re over here continuing your anti-DeBeers campaign But since you''ve brought up the issue with diamonds and colored stones, I would like to say the following:

1. I dont think really fine, gorgeous diamonds are easy to come by at all. In fact I rarely see diamonds that make me go ''wow!'' inside my head. Rarely. And I see a lot where I live.

2. Yes they are hard and durable, but so are sapphires, and I adore sapphires, particularly this one antique sugarloaf sapphire I saw the other day. My god, the hue. The clarity (yes, it''s important in colored stones too...it''s what gave this sugarloaf it''s other-wordly glow and quality)...Harriet, you''d love this one!

3. Yes diamonds do give off amazing fire, but only if they are really well cut and again, I think a certain level of clarity helps that as well.

4. I think you must have had some unfortunate experience with DeBeers to be so obsessed with them. Have you been to a DeBeers store lately? I have. Had a wonderful conversation with the salesman who noticed I had an antique stone on, and we had a great chat about old cuts, new cuts, and I went into this little back gallery and saw some wonderful, extraordinary stones there. Some were even sapphires! And rubies! Shhhh, dont tell anyone. They were fabulous. Very expensive I''m sure. But the finest quality, and I do appreciate quality.

So to sum up, I think fine diamonds are not a dime a dozen. I love colored stones as well, but they have to stand up to the same standards I hold my antique diamonds to. Well cut, the best clarity I can get, and the best color I can find for my budget. So far, that criteria has served me well. Though I''m still dreaming about that sugarloaf. It was like a fabulous little bonbon...Mmmm!

Nope, just a person who sees the world of marketing and jewelery a little differently than you I guess

 

[loriken214]

Date: 1/4/2009 10:51:19 PM
Author: coatimundi

Date: 1/4/2009 10:45:08 PM
Author: Brown.Eyed.Girl
Does that make me a bad colored stoner??

Nah..

I love diamonds too and have a few--I''m just more interested in colored stones.

Me, too! I love color and my original engagement ring has a heart shaped blue sapphire in the center of it. I don''t wear it now because it is in 18kt yellow gold and is too small. Sizing will mess up the special engraving inside. DH and I found my Daniel K wedding ring, that I wear now, and I adore it because it is all EC diamonds in platinum....one that we couldn''t afford in the beginning.

I''ve been collecting quite a few colored stones lately and still need to figure out what to do with them. In the meantime, they are amazing to look at in their little boxes. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE COLORS OF ALL KINDS!

Still learning how to use my new camera and will post photos soon.

Lori

 

[platinumrock]

Colored stones, no. Diamonds hold a fascination for me unlike any other gemstone. It''s just that standard white diamonds don''t do anything for me anymore. But colored diamonds??? OH MY!!!

The best of both worlds!

 

[movie zombie]

i find diamonds....except for color.....boring. but most knew that already!

movie zombie

 

[sparkles]

Harriet,

I do hope you haven''t told hubby about your switch to the "dark side". Where is that massive diamond boulder you own,,,,,,rolling around in your jewellery box? Do you think diamonds have lost a certain allure because you have gotten to a certain size and now feel that the next step to get a WOW out of yourself would be at least a 9ct carat in an interesting cut - an emerald cut maybe. Then you have a conversation with yourself that the $$$$ outlay needed to impress yourself is absurd. Then the absurdity makes you think, hey maybe I really don''t like diamonds if thats what is takes for me to be constantly mesmerized. Does any of what I said make sense?

Tourmaline Lover....excuse my ignorance, is that a headdress on your avatar...thinking it needs a large green stone in between her eyes.....niiicce...

 

[oldmancoyote]

Back to the original question: in many cases, yes. But always is a very long word.

 

[sparkles]

oops I did deviate a little, what was the original question......I am such an airhead....!

Harriet I know your love for all things colored started awhile back and your passion, desire for knowledge and your collection has gathered momentum.
But I also remember the excitement you and everyone on this board felt for you when you purchased your diamond and put it into a..... "Leon"...no less.

Rambling aside .....I''m just interested in finding out if there where a chain of events or a defining moment where you said...I prefer gemstones over diamonds.

Myself....having seen very few gems personally....the verdict is still out.

 

[simplysplendid]

I love diamonds and coloured gems equallly, but I tend to buy more coloured gems. I just saw the certificates and pictures of an approx 0.60ct intense purplish red diamond and an approx 0.60ct intense blue diamond at my jeweler's this afternoon. I can't recall whether they were USD1mil together or USD1mil each or perhaps I got the numbers wrong (too many zeros). It was purchased by a rich bachelor to complement a huge imperial jade cabochon. He wanted to set a huge diamond, the intense purplish red and intense blue diamond and the jade cabochon into a pendant for himself.

 

[AGBF]

"Stoner"? I never heard that term before. Was it coined just for this forum, from the name, "Colored Stones" or am I missing something?

I never liked diamonds until I was well into my 40's. A friend and I went into a jewelry store together. (Isn't that always how it starts?). Somehow there was a confluence of my having some cash of my own and the first urge for a "real" diamond.... My engagement ring (bought when I was 26) had two 1-point stones set inside an 18 karat gold oval. My other diamond ring, bought after a huge amount of nagging my husband, was a semi-eternity band with some 6-point or 8-point or 10-point diamonds in it. A few of them in a row. I cannot go check it now, since it is in the safety deposit box with everything else!

At any rate, I bought a diamond. I had not yet discovered my first on-line diamond forum. I don't even think I had a computer yet. I know that I had never cared about diamonds, but had always loved rubies and emeralds, especially rubies. I also loved pearls. And blue stones (not purple or orange). And red stones besides rubies!

As a child I loved pictures of pirates' chests spilling over with jewels and pieces of eight. I think I started to lust after colored gems while looking at pictures in children's books! I remember liking to color those pictures in coloring books, too!


There is no question that someone who colored in the jewels in a coloring book, would prefer colored gems to diamonds!


Pass the red crayon!



Deborah

 

[geckodani]

Date: 1/4/2009 9:43:13 PM
Author: coatimundi

Date: 1/4/2009 9:20:26 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
You mean to tell me that you''re not sick of looking at carbon copies (literally because they are made of carbon) of 10,000 RBC ACA stones? Ha!! I hope no diamond mavens are reading this, I''ll get whomped on the head. I did have a large white diamond once, I sold it. It bored me to tears.

We''ll fight them off!

What about those of us that love both diamonds and colored stones. Hmmmm.

 

[Ellen]

This has got to be THE most blasphemous thread I've ever read. Honestly, I am SHOCKED. Shocked I tell ya.

To answer your question, no, I don't. But I'm not a diamond nut either.

Don't get me wrong, I love them, and I love looking at all the projects on here, but that's as far as it goes. I never even liked diamonds that much until I saw a halfway decent cut (large) one up close and personal. Then I got my upgrade, and earrings, and I'm content. Someday I'd like to finish things off with a nice pendant, but I can live without it. And I have no burning desire to own anything else diamond.

And I have my Aqua, which I adore, for sentimental reasons as much as anything. But I'd never go buy another colored piece, I don't think. I'm a pretty simple gal.

And Deb, I always referred to these people as "stoners". ------- >

 

[Upgradable]

May I request provisional admission to the club?

My love for gemstones is undeniable! But I have a love for diamonds to, diamonds that are unique and have character! My diamond love is for vintage stones that each have their own personality.

In fact, when I examine my gemstone love, I realize that I am by far more attracted to good native cut stones or stones cut by some of our own master faceters. So, I guess it is the artisanship that has gone into making a gem a personal work of art that I admire.

That doesn''t make me a stoner, more of a .........?? Can anyone think of an appropriate nomer?

 

[oldmancoyote]

We can always claim neutrality and move to Switzerland (minus the nasty jewellers there)

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I am certainly a coloured stone girl. Although I like a nice diamond, a beautiful cuprian tourmaline, a fab spinel or a velvety sapphire will make my heart beat faster. Mind you, I love my diamond studs and I may just buy a diamond pendant (bargain champagne stone). My rings, though, are almost always coloured stones. I always check the coloured stone forum first. I guess I like to discuss colour, saturation and cut (as in different cuts) more than table angles and clarity.

 

[mochi]

When I was searching for a diamond, I learned alot from PSer''s. I love my diamond ring(engagement), earrings(when I got my BS in nursing) and necklace. But after getting them, I was done with the search. I would like a OEC or a Miner cut, but it could be the search/hunt for them that makes my heart rush. Now, colored diamonds, I would love to get my fingers on a few of those. When I was at my jewellers last week, he brought out trays and trays of colored diamonds for me to look at. It was beautiful(yellow/pink/red/blue/tan/chartreuse/green) and amazing!

When I look at rings thats posted on "show me the ring", I pass over the stats on the diamond and fucus more on the setting. The stats doesn''t really do any thing for me, but looking at the ring and imagining a colored gemstone, WOW!

I love looking at colored gems. I never get tired of them. I love the color, the sparkle...everything! It''s such a enjoyable hobby and If I want, I can take my stones with me to work and just gaze at it when I have a few moments to myself. It takes my breath away!

 

[Pandora II]

Coloured stones all the way for me.

But... I do think that fine yellow diamonds are the finest of all yellow stones and blow any yellow sapphire out of the water. I also like brown diamonds - I''ve only seen one that I really coveted though and I still think about that stone.

I''ve seen a fine red diamond in person and didn''t feel it compared to a fine ruby. I''ve also seen the Aurora Collection a number of times, and although it''s very interesting to see, I felt no inclination to own it.

As far as white diamonds are concerned I only really like old cuts - but finding a really good one of them is very hard. Even on PS I''ve only seen 2 or 3 I''d like to give a home to. Diamonds are mainly useful as accent stones in my book.

I could happily live y life without owning a diamond, I can''t say the same about coloured stones.


TL, I have to disagree with you about coloured stones performing well in all lights - some species, no matter how good the cut or the colour will not look great in certain lighting conditions.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Hmm...I think I''m pretty equal-opportunity. I love both diamonds and colored stones, but like Surfgirl, its all about quality for me. And even beyond that, its about having pieces that hold a fascination for me, that will give me joy and pleasure to look at and to wear day after day, year after year. I think when it comes down to it, that''s the bottom line for any decorative art piece, but especially for jewelry.

 

[MustangGal]

I''m a colored stoner too

When we were upgrading my ering I tried to get blue sapphire, but hubby insisted on all white stones. Other than my wedding set, small studs and a pendant, all my other jewelry has colored stones.

What I love most about colored stones is how much more accessable they can be than diamonds. A nice amethyst, topaz, citrine and others can be lovely and big and affordable, a combo you''ll never get in a diamond!

 

[T L]

Date: 1/5/2009 10:33:02 AM
Author: Pandora II
Coloured stones all the way for me.

But... I do think that fine yellow diamonds are the finest of all yellow stones and blow any yellow sapphire out of the water. I also like brown diamonds - I''ve only seen one that I really coveted though and I still think about that stone.

I''ve seen a fine red diamond in person and didn''t feel it compared to a fine ruby. I''ve also seen the Aurora Collection a number of times, and although it''s very interesting to see, I felt no inclination to own it.

As far as white diamonds are concerned I only really like old cuts - but finding a really good one of them is very hard. Even on PS I''ve only seen 2 or 3 I''d like to give a home to. Diamonds are mainly useful as accent stones in my book.

I could happily live y life without owning a diamond, I can''t say the same about coloured stones.


TL, I have to disagree with you about coloured stones performing well in all lights - some species, no matter how good the cut or the colour will not look great in certain lighting conditions.

Pandora,
I found this post very informative from your perspective, which I always enjoy. You''re correct, some species of colored stones do not perform well in all lighting situations.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 1/4/2009 11:07:41 PM
Author: elmo
Come on, diamonds are great...as accents for your colored stones

.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 1/4/2009 11:28:20 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
I think colorless diamonds do well because of the following reasons:

1) They''re very easy to come by
2) They''re very durable - hardest stuff on earth
3) They break up the light like no other gemstone
4) DeBeers, the greatest marketers in the history of the world, have devised a way to make everyone think they have to have one for an e-ring or it''s not worthy of being an e-ring.

A fine colored stone will do well in any light source. To me that''s the true testament of fine color in any gemstone. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford superfine colored gems.

I beg to differ. Some stones are ''night'' stones and some are ''day'' stones. Even the extrafine ones.

SG,
Hiya!

 

[Linda W]

Date: 1/5/2009 9:02:08 AM
Author: Ellen

This has got to be THE most blasphemous thread I''ve ever read. Honestly, I am SHOCKED. Shocked I tell ya.

To answer your question, no, I don''t. But I''m not a diamond nut either.

Don''t get me wrong, I love them, and I love looking at all the projects on here, but that''s as far as it goes. I never even liked diamonds that much until I saw a halfway decent cut (large) one up close and personal. Then I got my upgrade, and earrings, and I''m content. Someday I''d like to finish things off with a nice pendant, but I can live without it. And I have no burning desire to own anything else diamond.


And I have my Aqua, which I adore, for sentimental reasons as much as anything. But I''d never go buy another colored piece, I don''t think. I''m a pretty simple gal.

And Deb, I always referred to these people as ''stoners''. ------- >

ha ha ha ha ha ha Ellen!!!! I was thinking the same thing. To me, that is what a stoner is. Someone who is smoking that certain "something"

 

[Harriet]

Hi Sparkles,
No, no, no. I haven't gone off diamonds. In fact, I recently bought a few. All I'm saying is that I prefer coloured stones to diamonds, not that I don't like the latter. I'd still pick a diamond for an engagement ring. A solitaire is simply classic. I continue to be mesmerised by my diamond ring and wear it daily. As for my transition, I started looking at coloured stones after we bought my diamond. The hubs thought it would be a cheaper hobby. Then, I became really intrigued by them, both aesthetically and scientifically.
P.S. I'm confused. Who is the Aussie that lives in Singapore? You or Simplysplendid or both?

Deb,
"Stoner" is Coati. Right, Stoner?

OMC,
What "nasty jewellers?"

 

[tessari]

harriet---your avatar looks a lot like my engagement ring, but mine has a blue sapphire. i have the same leafy look going up to the stone!

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 1/5/2009 12:09:03 PM
Author: Harriet

Deb,

''Stoner'' is Coati. Right, Stoner?

yah...I''m a colored stoner, Stoner.

Later

 

[Harriet]

''Morning, Stoner.

Tessari,
I just saw your ring. It''s beautiful. Congratulations on your engagement!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/5/2009 12:03:13 PM
Author: Linda W

Date: 1/5/2009 9:02:08 AM
Author: Ellen
And Deb, I always referred to these people as 'stoners'. ------- >

ha ha ha ha ha ha Ellen!!!! I was thinking the same thing. To me, that is what a stoner is. Someone who is smoking that certain 'something'

How are you miss?

 

[brendaman]

The moment I saw Princess Diana''s e-ring, I was hooked on blue sapphires. I think colored stones surrounded or flanked by diamonds just make their colors pop! So, I do like both, but prefer the center stone to be a colored stone.

With regard to diamonds and DeBeers, well, DeBeers is a very well run compnay, and going into one of their stores really is a great experience. But the fundamental fact is that a long, long time ago, diamonds were made into a controled commodity by the conglomorate later to be called DeBeers (named after the two South African brothers who sold their land so diamond-enriched cheaply). There is a geographic phenomena known as the Kimberley pipe which readily produces rough diamonds, so there is a steady supply, but this steady supply is controled by DeBeers. They dictate the price of the market. If you are a diamond supplier/wholesaler, you either take DeBeers'' prices or you don''t get your supply of diamonds. And don''t get me started with DeBeers responsibility in the "blood" diamonds market. Sure, they did try to change their processes (i.e., they no longer buy from the open market), but if it were not for the great outcry, DeBeers would have continued to purchase "blood diamonds", albeit indirectly (e.g. it was well known that diamonds sold by Liberia -- a country with modest diamond supplies -- were really from Sierra Leone, a country financing its civil war through diamonds).

Sorry, the above is just maybe too heavy-handed and hard to fathom when you walk into a jewelry store. There must also be some stories for sapphires, especially when Sri Lanka had their troubles some years back.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 1/5/2009 1:32:10 PM
Author: Harriet
''Morning, Stoner.

Mornin''