The Plight of the Last Minute Shopper

Last minute holiday shoppers often have the trouble of sifting through jewelry stores only to find all the good gifts are gone.  All that's left are out of style items that are probably leftover from Christmases come and gone.  All that trendy fashion jewelry your jeweler ordered for the holiday...? Snatched up by prudent shoppers who came in before they were finished eating leftover turkey and stuffing.  

Well don't fret!  Hope is not lost.  

Most jewelry designers/manufacturers keep extra stock in their salesman's inventory that can be delivered on "memo" to their most trusted retail jewelers.  This usually happens the last week of the shopping season once the sales staff has returned from delivering goods to their various other retail store accounts.  Below you will find our 2013 selection of "last minute" gems.  Gorgeous gemstone and diamond rings and earrings that have become available today!  THIS IS THE LAST JEWELRY WE ARE GETTING IN FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON! GET IT BEFORE IT'S GONE! 

Visit us online at SydneyRosen.com to view our hours and location!  We are open everyday between now and Christmas Eve! 

Rare Color Diamonds

For those of you who follow my posts on Facebook, you are aware of my fascination with fine jewelry auctions.  Nowhere else are we able to see such rare and exquisite diamonds from around the world on display.  While the only buyers for these gems are billion dollar diamond companies and  the mega-rich, it is still interesting to see the unbelievable prices these one of kind stones sell for at auction.

Large D color, Flawless or Internally Flawless diamonds always fetch the highest prices at auction, however, recently a new category has captured headlines for the highest prices paid at auction.  RARE COLOR FANCY DIAMONDS.  Below are some pictures of the most expensive fancy color diamonds sold recently:

    Pink Dream

    Pumpkin Diamond

    Premier Blue


While the size of these diamonds is a big factor in their high prices, another huge factor in their value is the SATURATION of their color.  Fancy color diamonds, while rare, are not impossible to find in less saturated tones.  Pink and Blue diamonds that are "Fancy Light" color are not nearly as rare and thus less desirable.  "Fancy Vivid" or "Fancy Intense" color designations make these diamonds truly one of a kind.  Even fancy yellow diamonds that are far more common can be sold for triple the price if their saturation of color is deemed "vivid" or "intense" instead of "light".

What makes a diamond exhibit such astounding color?  Nature of course!  While sapphire and ruby and many varieties of quartz and topaz can be "heated" to increase the color intensity.  It is far more difficult to do in diamond.  Therefore, these rare vivid color diamonds came out of the earth with this color. Which tends to drive collectors to spend millions of dollars per carat on them!  Unfortunately, these stones are usually up for auction in places like New York, Hong Kong, Geneva and London...not Philadelphia.

You can search our inventory of fine fancy yellow diamonds online here:
Fancy Yellow Diamonds 



  

Sydney Rosen Company Video!

The talented folks over at Yelp! were nice enough to help us make a short video profiling our business for our website!  It features Steven Rosen's soothing voice, and talks about the cherished history of our store.  Here it is without further ado:



You can read more about our history on the "About Us" link on our website located here:

Learn More About Sydney Rosen Company

What's In A Name Anyway?

People unfamiliar with the world of gemology have still probably heard of a few of the most famous gemstones ever cut.  The Hope Diamond, Cullinan Diamond, and Logan Sapphire are just a few of the discoveries significant and exquisite enough to garner a title all their own.  This year's significant gemstone find came in the form of a rare color of Tourmaline called Paraiba Tourmaline.  Tourmaline is most commonly a dark brownish green gem, however it comes in almost any color of the rainbow.

Paraiba Tourmaline, is an electric blue color and is named after the Paraiba region of Brazil where it was first discovered.  It is the rarest of the fancy color of Tourmaline.  

The significant Paraiba find recently yielded at 191.87 carat oval shaped stone that was mounted in this incredible necklace and given its own name:  Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba. 

While not quite as catchy a name as some of the other significant named gems of the century, I think the whimsical design of the necklace fits the stone it was created for.

Shoppers wishing to adorn themselves in this gemstone will have to pay a pretty penny, however, the much more common gemstone Blue Topaz is a good substitute.  

You can read more about this beautiful and significant gem by clicking the link below, and as usual visit us at www.sydneyrosen.com.

Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba Tourmaline

Provenance In Jewelry

The recent sale of Kim Kardashian's former engagement ring got me thinking about how "provenance" affects the value of jewelry.  Provenance is used to explain how an piece of jewelry, art, clothing, etc becomes increasingly more valuable because of who the previous owner of the item was.  For example a strand of pearls could be valued at a certain price, but a nearly identical strand of pearls could be worth a considerable amount more had they belong Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Kennedy.  Similarly, an item of jewelry can become much more valuable based on who the designer is.  An antique ring signed by Tiffany's or Cartier is far more valuable than an identical ring that is simply a reproduction.     

  

Kris Humphries reportedly sold Kim Kardashian's former ring at a Christie's auction for close to $750,000.00, however, that value is nearly double the $300,000-$400,000 price it was expected to sell for.  Auctions do tend to be the best place to sell exceptional jewelry, due to the likelihood rival bidders will drive up the price of one of a kind items.  Kim's ring may have sold for more because multiple buyers simply "had to" have it and thus created a bidding war.  More likely though, the Kardashian name itself was enough to convince the buyer that it was worth more than its estimate.  Both her former and current ring (given to her by Kanye West) are from designer Lorraine Schwartz.  Lorraine Schwartz herself is a famous name in celebrity jewelry, so that could have driven the value up as well. 

This is just a modern day example that got me thinking.  Most of the time provenance has to do with signed jewelry from famous design houses like Tiffany's, Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Mikimoto etc, or from famous monarchs or celebrities.  These items are more likely to be found at auction than at a brick and mortar jewelry store like ourselves.  

Nevertheless, feel free to shop our online store to add to your own collection of jewelry.  Who knows, maybe the fact that YOU owned will someday make it more valuable.  

SydneyRosen.com

 

Opal: October's Colorful Birthstone

The birthstone for the month of October is Opal.  Opal is a beautiful mineral that displays the phenomenon known as "play of color", which looks like broad flashes of a rainbow of color across the some or all of the gemstone.  This phenomenon occurs when rainwater seeps into arid ground (mostly in the deserts of Australia) where dissolved silica crystalize in a series of layers that forms Opal.  These layers are oriented in a way that acts like a prism to scatter light so we can see flashes of the spectral colors.  Opal has long been a favorite gemstone of people with unique taste, or those who simply can't pick a favorite color.  Recent Opal discoveries in the African nations of Ethiopia and Namibia have brought this gemstone back into the limelight.  Below are some examples of contemporary Opal jewelry that is very popular today.  

Compliments of JCK Online: 

You can find more Opal jewelry on our website www.sydneyrosen.com under the tab Mother's Ring.  Or simply click the link below....

Birthstone Rings

 

Emmy Awards Jewelry 2013

The jewelry from the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards truly dazzled this year.  From Sophia Vergara dazzling in Emeralds from her native Colombia to Carrie Underwood needing a security detail to protect yet another multi-million dollar necklace, the stars went above and beyond to impress this time around.  Below is an excerpt from another jewelry blog I follow that details some of the more impressive jewels from this years show.  Courtesy of JCK:

While colored stones and yellow gold took top jewelry honors on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the 65th annual Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, here’s a closer look at the names who helped the stars shine just a little brighter with some well-placed jewels:

A. Jaffe

Lauren Parsekian, wife of Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul, in the $108,018 Magnolia flower diamond necklace with 10 cts. t.w. diamonds (pictured above)

Sofia Vergara (photo: Star Traks/Platinum Guild)

Sofia Vergara in $7 million of platinum jewelry, including earrings with unheated rubies, sapphires, and Columbian emeralds; a 21 ct. t.w. Asscher-cut diamond ring; and a ring with a 40 ct. t.w. Columbian emerald and rose-cut diamonds 

Claire Danes (photo: Star Traks/Platinum Guild International)

Best Actress winner Claire Danes (Homeland) in $150,000 diamond and platinum stud earrings, a $1 million baguette-cut diamond and platinum bracelet, and a $350,000 elongated emerald-cut diamond and platinum ring

Check out the full article here: Who Wore What at the 2013 Emmy's

And as always visit us online at SydneyRosen.com

Who Gets The Ring

When I heard this morning that Kris Humphries (NBA player and former future Mr. Kardashian) is planning to auction off the 20 carat diamond engagement ring gifted to ex-fiance Kim, it brought me back the old debate of who lays claim to the ring when engagements are called off?

One side of the argument would claim that regardless of whether the couple was ever married, the ring is still considered a gift, and therefore should remain the possession of the person to whom it was given. Others would argue that without a binding contract of some kind the ring could still be considered property of the purchaser, and should be returned so that this person can attempt to reconcile the value of his/her purchase.

The case of Kris and Kim is obviously a unique one.  They were only married for 72 days and the relationship was ripe with controversy, mainly the reported tens of millions of dollars the couple made selling the rights to cover their extravagant wedding ceremony and party.  More pedestrian couples usually do not have such controversy surrounding their separation.  

Unfortunately there is not established "rule of thumb" as to who gets to keep the ring in broken engagements, and matters such as this need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.    Some breakups are civil and the purchaser of the ring is happy to let their significant other keep the ring or vice versa.  Others are messier and cause serious drama at the end of a relationship, both monetary and emotional.

Either way, it is important to keep situations like this in perspective.  Broken engagements are not a happy time for any parties involved, and the best course of action is generally the one that will lead to both parties leaving the relationship on good terms.  They say love conquers all, but when it doesn't we hope that cooler heads will prevail.

That being said...Visit us online if you are looking for an engagement ring!  

Sydney Rosen Company

Cushion Cuts: Antique versus Modern

Hello Again.  I took a little break from the blog for Labor Day/Rosh Hashanah, but now i'm back with a new topic to discuss...Cushion Cuts!

The Cushion Cut is one of the most popular fancy cuts of diamond in todays engagement market.  I attribute it mainly to the trend of "vintage" style rings made popular by the likes of Tiffany's, Tacori, and Cartier.  

However, some girls today truly want an "antique" engagement ring, which typically contain old mine and old european cut diamonds that lack the precision, symmetry and light performance of modern diamonds, but have an appeal all their own.  Older cushion cuts have a bulkier more "artisanal" appearance that show off the fact that they were almost all cut by hand.  Girls with these rings are typically attracted to the more understated appearance of these stones, and want a ring because of the way it makes them feel, as opposed to something more brilliant to show off.  

On the other hand (pun intended) some girls like the look of older cut diamonds, but still want the sparkle of a modern brilliant cut diamond to show off their engagement.  Modern cushion cuts are faceted using laser technology, so they can obtain the perfect symmetry and light performance desired by the modern bride.  These diamonds, when set in antique style mountings with engraving and filigree, satisfy the desire for something old AND something new in an engagement ring.  

There are plenty of gorgeous antique cushion cuts still in the marketplace today, and thousands of carats of modern cushions are being produced every year.  This trend is certainly here to stay, so search our inventory to see a selection of cushion cuts today!

Diamond Search

Check the box marked "Cushion" to limit the search to only cushion cuts

3 Things To Keep In Mind When Looking At Diamond Grading Reports

If you have shopped for a diamond in the past decade, you have probably realized that there is a big difference between "Certified" diamonds and "Uncertified" diamonds.  Pretty much every diamond for sale in a typical retail store will have some form of laboratory report or certification with detailed information regarding the stones quality.  Only older diamonds or diamonds purchased from estates tend to be uncertified, and this is mainly because they are not cut to meet modern industry standards. This does not mean that these older diamonds are not valuable, they simply would be given low "cut" grades by today's standards and are therefore more marketable as authentic "antique" diamonds than poorly cut modern stones.  

This being said, diamonds that ARE certified by a gemological laboratory still need to be judged with an educated eye to avoid misrepresentation.  Here are 3 areas to keep in mind when looking at diamond certificates to avoid being misled: 

1.  What laboratory is the certification from?

There are many different laboratories that issue Diamond Grading Reports.  The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society Lab (AGSL) are generally the most accurate reports. These organizations are the originators of the color, clarity, and cut scales that the entire industry uses and therefore grade to the highest standards.  Other laboratories such as the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) and International Gemological Institute (IGI) use the same nomenclature as the GIA but do not grade to the same standards.  Therefore, diamonds given grades by the EGL and IGI will typically given lower grades if graded by the GIA.  This confuses many shoppers who see two diamonds with similar weight/color/clarity that are significantly different prices because one is GIA and the other is EGL.  In reality, the EGL graded diamond is much lower quality than stated, which explains the difference in price.  

2.  Plots 

Most diamond grading reports (especially those for diamonds 1 carat or larger) will be accompanied by a plot of the inclusions in the diamond.  Regardless of who issued the report, these plots ALWAYS look a lot worse than the inclusions in the actual diamond.  Some websites list their diamonds with a PDF file of the grading report, and many shoppers will eliminate certain diamonds simply because the plot lends them to believe the diamond is more imperfect than it probably is.  As a rule of thumb, plots do not do many diamonds justice and I would recommend that anyone looking for a diamond see the diamond in person if possible, because plots often do not tell the whole story.  

3.  Polish/Symmetry/Fluorescence

The most important aspects to pay attention to on a diamond grading report are the 4 C's.  Carat Weight, Color, Clarity and Cut.  Cut grades often requires a little extra attention since different labs grade cut differently, but in general anything called "Excellent" or "Ideal" should be a nicely cut diamond.  However, there is a fifth category called "finish" which details a diamonds polish (how perfectly each facet is polished) and symmetry (how perfectly the facets are arranged).  These qualities of a diamond are usually invisible to the naked eye, and should NOT affect a purchase decision if they are do not meet excellent or ideal standards.  A diamonds proportions (cut) are far more telling of a diamonds overall brilliance than it's finish. 

 Also, fluorescence gets a bad reputation in the diamond industry, mainly because it is not disclosed.  Many diamonds (especially yellower diamonds) have blue fluorescence under UV light.  From my experience, 99% of diamonds with faint to medium blue fluorescence do not look noticeably different in most lighting environments.  Only diamonds with "Strong" or "Intense" blue fluorescence would ever have a noticeable blue tint in direct sunlight, so do not poo poo any diamond with some degree of fluorescence if everything else about the diamond meets your expectations.  

I hope this helps anyone shopping for a diamond to keep their head in the right places.  We currently have GIA and EGL graded diamonds listed on our website for anyone interested in seeing the comparison.  Click the link below to visit our Diamond Search.  

Diamond Search

Myanmar Gem Trade

If you have followed the news this past spring/summer you probably heard something about Myanmar (formerly Burma) slowly opening its borders to western media and culture.  The country has long had trade sanctions and other penalties imposed upon it from the west due to human rights concerns stemming from the nations long standing military government.  The past year has seen a weakening of this government, and rapid growth in the civil rights movement leading to strong hope that the country to soon rejoin international trade with the rest of the world.   Myanmar's gem trade is a particular area of interest since this is one of the industries most associated with human rights issues.  The country is a historical hotbed for rare gemstones like Sapphire, Ruby and Jade, much of which has been unable to be exported due to United Nations imposed trade sanctions.  Thousands of carats a year still make it out of the maligned nation through illegal smuggling but this does not benefit the country's economy and thus is inhibiting their growth.  This past week president Obama extended these trade sanctions on gem imports from Myanmar, further putting pressure on the country to either meet international expectations about their social and political issues, or risk another setback in the country's reintroduction into the international community.

You can read more about this week's news here....

U.S. updates Myanmar sanctions to maintain gem import ban

Shop for Ruby and Sapphire three stone rings on our website here...

Design Your Own Three-Stone Ring

What's in a shape?

Everyday I am constantly struggling with the problem of  what shape diamond to show specific shoppers.  It is easy when a customer comes in with a particular shape in mind, but if they are clueless, the natural tendency is just show them round diamonds.  This is fine for someone who is looking for a classic style such a solitaire, but sometimes you need to ask the customer "what type of girl is is your girlfriend?".  If he responds with anything other than "simple" it might be more beneficial to lead him in the direction of a fancy shape diamond.  Some girls, even the "simple" ones might prefer something with a little unique flare.  Recommend an off the beaten path shape like a Radiant or Asscher cut.  You might even want to show him some shapes that today's shoppers perceive as old such as Pears and Marquise.  This is a great way to unload some older merchandise on a consumer who hasn't made up their minds yet.  For you all you know he/she could see the beauty in something that isn't necessarily "IN" right now.  It is true that the round diamond is the safest bet, but you should not just assume that every girl who hasn't made up her mind about the cut of diamond she likes is just looking for something classic.  She might just be waiting for the right salesperson to show her something unique that really wows her!  You can visit our website www.sydneyrosen.com to learn more about the different shapes of diamonds.

Diamond Search

Jewelry News Stories

Check out our Facebook.com page to keep updated on the latest news and trends in diamonds and jewelry!

www.facebook.com/sydneyrosencompany
Sydney Rosen Company

Bling of the Week

I've started a new weekly post!....just not here.  From now on I will be posting "Bling of the Week" on our Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram pages.  Every week I will pick one of the gorgeous pieces available for purchase here at the store and feature it online.  You can call the store for information about pricing and availability.   Anyway...here are some pictures of what I've posted so far:

Check back weekly on Facebook, Instagram @sydneyrosencompany and Pinterest to see more!  As always, you can see our usual online merchandise on www.sydneyrosen.com

The Enduring Solitaire

Buying jewelry can be a worrisome experience for some shoppers because it is an item that is often times given as a surprise.  Once a shopper decides on the "category" of jewelry they are looking for (ring, bracelet, necklace earrings, etc) they can then be completely dumbfounded by the incredible variety of different styles available.  This is why the "solitaire" style is still one of the most enduring styles of jewelry year after year.  Solitaire generally means any item of jewelry containing a single stone whether it be diamond, sapphire, ruby or any variety of birthstone.  Solitaire jewelry is a no brainer because it can be worn with any other jewelry or with any outfit.  Engagement ring shoppers who wish to surprise their future fiance will often buy a solitaire ring with the intention of letting her choose the style of band after he proposes.  The setting will be a small fraction of the purchase price and he/she will not have to worry about choosing the wrong style.  Solitaire pendants are also a popular item because they can typically be worn everyday, or for any occasion.  On SydneyRosen.com we have a portal to design your own diamond solitaire pendants, to surprise the loved ones in your life. 

Design Your Own Solitaire Pendant  

   

Diamond Bracelets

Today's young fashion jewelry shopper is probably looking for something funky and unique in a bracelet to give to his significant other.  Inexpensive materials like lucite, rutilated quartz, and various synthetic materials are being used to create chunky bangles and cuffs to give that extra degree of POP to an outfit.  However, the more mature ladies of our lives (young and old) are probably looking for something more simple and classic to wear with a variety of outfits for any occasion.  This is where the diamond "tennis bracelet" comes in.  Although pretty much any "straight row" diamond bracelet can be considered a tennis bracelet, the most traditional ones are just simply individual diamonds set side by side all the way around your wrist.  Typically they come in 2 or 4 prong varieties depending on the shapes and sizes of the diamonds in the bracelet.  Women love their tennis bracelets almost as much as their wedding sets or their diamond studs.  It is simply put, a "go to" piece that can be paired with any other jewelry in your collection such as a diamond bezel watch.

On sydneyrosen.com we have a wide variety of styles of diamond bracelets to suite any occasion.  Click the link below to browse our selection

Diamond Bracelets

Selling Your Diamond

One of the many redeeming qualities of diamonds are their lasting value.  Diamonds are extremely durable, so a diamond that was purchased decades ago may still be in pristine condition and therefore still valuable in the re-sale market.  Diamonds with laboratory reports are the most desirable to a jeweler since they are not guessing the on the weight and quality of the stone, especially since most diamonds offered for re-sale are already mounted.  However, most jewelers are still interested in buying uncertified diamonds from their customers if the stone fits in with the jewelers typical inventory.  

The motivation for a jewelry to purchase diamonds from the public is highest if they can pay less than their usual wholesale cost.  For this reason some jewelers will offer two prices for a diamond, a liquidation price and a consignment price.  The liquidation price is usually lower than the wholesale value of the item, for which the jeweler is willing to pay immediately to purchase the diamond outright. A consignment price is an average wholesale price that the jeweler agrees to pay you for an item left with them for resale.  This is the best way to get the most value for your diamonds, assuming you don't need the money right away or you are not in any hurry to sell them.  A jeweler will pay more on consignment since he is not outlaying any of his/her own money for the diamond.  It may take some time before the item sells, however, the customer can always accept the lower liquidation price, or take it back from the jeweler and try their luck elsewhere.  

Sydney Rosen Company is ALWAYS interested in partnering with our customers to sell their diamonds.  We offer both consignment and liquidation prices, and we will do whatever we can to get you the most value for your stones.  There is never an appraisal charge to examine stones you are interested in selling.  Click on the link below for more information or to inquire with us about selling your diamond.

Sell Your Diamond   

Internet Shopping

In todays "Information Age" diamond shoppers are doing a lot of research before actually walking into a jewelry store.  Aside from brushing up on the 4 C's they are also researching prices for items similar to what they are hoping to eventually buy.  While many different websites offer to sell diamonds and engagements directly online, it is a blind item that not many consumers are comfortable purchasing sight unseen.  Prices for internet diamonds are often significantly lower than at traditional retail stores because their is no added benefit of actually seeing the merchandise before making a purchase decision.  Furthermore, the majority of these websites do not actually own the diamonds they are selling!  They are simply a marketing source for diamond dealers around the world to list their diamonds so they can sell them at very small profit margins without having to lift a finger.

Here at Sydney Rosen, we offer the same price advantage as internet stores with the added customer service to go along with it.  Our Diamond Search allows you to choose diamonds that are available to be viewed "in-store" before making a final purchase.  You are still able to purchase direct online from our website, however, we offer you the option to see the merchandise before hand and pick our brains at the same time.

Click on the link below to begin searching our database of over 40,000 diamonds to pick the perfect stone for you bride to be.  Diamonds with a "dot" in the far right column are available to be viewed in-store.

Diamond Search

Our History

It has been a while since I discussed the over 65 year history and philosophy of the Sydney Rosen Company.  So here's a little reminder written by his sons Steven and David...

THE SYDNEY ROSEN COMPANY: The Family Business

Our father, Sydney Rosen, started his jewelry business in a tiny second floor office on Jeweler’s Row in Philadelphia. Just a desk and a safe. It was 1947. Peacetime in the nation’s first diamond district.

Our father was not formally educated. But he had a "Masters Degree" in life. It was said that our father was as polished as a finely cut diamond, a true gentleman. And a pioneer. People would walk up to his tiny store and get a fascinating lesson in diamonds — a rare experience in 1947. His philosophy, “If it’s not a good diamond, it’s not a good deal” established The Sydney Rosen Company, and in 1955, he opened his first storefront.

Back then, I don’t think our father could ever have imagined selling engagement rings and fine diamond jewelry via the Internet. Too impersonal. Our father was a people person. He bought and sold millions of dollars in diamonds by
looking someone straight in the eye and listening to the sound of his voice. No contracts. Just a firm handshake. A man was only as good as his word. Our father's word was as good as gold.

In the 1950’s and 60’s, our father developed close ties with diamond cutting houses in Antwerp, Belgium, renowned
for producing the world’s most brilliant gemstones. Sydney bought direct.

About this time, our father said to my brother Steven and I, “I think you boys need a little responsibility. Why don’t you come down to the store?” And so our education began. We learned at his side, observing the consummate teacher, and worked hand in hand with diamond cutters, polishers, jewelry designers — the whole vibrant community of Jeweler’s Row craftsmen.

Thirty years later, Steve and I are Graduate Gemologists. And like our father, we’re still on the showroom floor with our customers every day. The diamond cutters in Belgium, Israel and New York are not only suppliers, but friends. Generations of families have come to The Sydney Rosen Company to say “I do.” and “I’d do it again.” It’s a family business in the truest sense, built on special relationships. That's how we want our venture into e-business to continue.

We've designed SydneyRosen.com to build trust and confidence. Every diamond in this site has been carefully chosen by my brother and I, and all are independently certified. All the information you need to make an educated purchase online is right here — satisfaction guaranteed.

And yet...when you’re ready to make that once-in-a-lifetime purchase, we'd like you to call us. If possible, come to our showroom — the largest and most beautiful on Jeweler’s Row. We may be old fashioned, but we like to meet our customers, and know that the diamond ring you’ve chosen is right for you. And we think you might like to know the folks you’re buying from.  We’re always happy to answer questions, and welcome your suggestions about how our site could serve you better.

Because like our father, Steve and I know that our business is built on trust.

Thanks for your confidence.

David Rosen, G.G., GIA, ASA
Steven Rosen, G.G.,GIA, ISA
Proprietors, The Sydney Rosen Company
Proud Members of the American Gem Society

The Sydney Rosen Company: The Family Business

Color in Diamonds

Let's begin the first true summer month with a brief discussion of color in "white" diamonds.  Most people think of diamonds as being colorless, but the vast majority of them actually have a slight tint of yellow or brown.  This comes from minute impurities in the diamonds carbon crystal structure.  Due to this characteristic, gemological laboratories classify the "whiteness" of a diamond on a alphabetic scale from D to Z.  True "colorless" diamonds are classified as D, E, or F color and are rarer in the marketplace and thus the most expensive.  Diamonds classified as G, H, I, or J color have a slight tint of yellow that is difficult for the untrained eye to see, and thus are classified as "near colorless".  These diamonds are still white enough to satisfy the majority of diamond shoppers, and their prices are much more reasonable.  Many "faint color" diamonds labeled K, L or M can appear white under certain lighting conditions, however, shoppers often can see a noticeable tint of color, and thus prefer whiter stones for engagement rings and wedding bands.  Advances in gemological grading have made these lower color stones less desirable and thus they are mostly used in lower quality jewelry.  Older family diamonds often fall in this lower color range, since the technology for grading color was more lenient earlier in the 20th century, and thus resulted in larger slightly off color diamonds.   Diamonds below this range are often used to cut "melee" or very small diamonds used in fashion jewelry like pendants and earrings where the quality of the stones is less scrutinized.   

You can read more about color in diamonds by clicking on the link below.  

Color In Diamonds

Types of Settings

An engagement ring today is not all about the diamond anymore.  Sure most ladies out there, want a diamond to show off their engagement, but more and more couples are spending the majority of their time shopping for settings.  After all, a diamond is only as beautiful as the piece of jewelry you create for it.  A perfect diamond in an poor quality setting just looks like a bad  engagement ring, while an average diamond in a gorgeous setting can often look spectacular!

Aside from the traditional solitaire (single stone) or three stone ring, settings today often contain a number of tiny diamonds either surrounding the center stone (halo) or that extend down the shank of the engagement ring.  These diamonds are set in a variety of ways to create the endless array of engagement ring settings we see today.

Prong settings are often times the sturdiest way to set small side diamonds, as each diamond has four points of contact on the ring to keep it secure.  Many rings today are what is known as "common prong" where adjacent diamonds share two of the same prongs.  This makes the diamonds appear to all connect and makes for a more complete looking ring.

Channel settings contain small diamonds that are arranged in a channel with metal on either side.  This style of setting is also very secure, however, you often see less of the diamonds because the edges of the stones are covered by the setting.  Alos their is usually a visible space between the diamonds, except for princess cuts that will appear flush.

Bar settings have the same appeal as common prong settings, since the diamonds share the "bar" that holds them on either side.  However, their is a clear separation between the stones that is not seen in other common prong bands.

The newest form of setting side stones is known as "pave".  This is where small holes are drilled throughout the ring where smal diamonds can be set with extremely tiny bits of metal holding them into the ring.  This makes for a ring that appears encrusted in diamonds.  A look that many women cherish.
However, due to the very delicate nature of the metal holding these diamonds in place, a great amount of care needs to be exercised when wearing these types of rings.  Even so much as an over zealous polishing can loosen stones and cause them to fall out.

Whatever style you covet in an engagement ring, just be aware of the risks and rewards are each to determine what setting is right for you.

Click the link below for a more detailed presentation about settings...

Styles of Settings

www.sydneyrosen.com

A Few Words About Cut

When shopping for a diamond many consumers are introduced to the 4 "C's" of diamonds to determine what sort of diamond they will ultimately purchase.  These of course are Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, and Cut.  The first three C's are fairly straightforward.  Color is the whiteness of diamond, Clarity is how free of inclusions and imperfections a diamond is, and carat weight is how much a diamond weighs on a diamond scale.  The fourth C however, is a little more complicated.  What exactly makes certain diamonds better cut than others?  A lot of it has to do with the what shape the diamond is, but other than that, many customers are unsure how to compare a diamonds based on cut.

Diamonds with laboratory reports will usually have some information pertaining to how diamond is cut.  The two characteristics most easily recognized are a diamonds depth percentage and table percentage.  Depth percentage refers to the "height" of a diamond top to bottom, and table percentage refers to the size of the topmost and largest facet on a diamond.  Both of these percentages are relative to the millimeter diameter of a diamond.  The ideal proportions of these characteristics vary depending on the shape the diamond, however,  for round diamonds 60% is generally accepted as a benchmark for both of these variables.  The GIA and AGS are currently the only laboratories that give cut "grades", and these are only given to round diamonds.

How these proportions determine how a diamond actually LOOKS is what is most important when shopping for a diamond.  Generally, diamonds with higher depth percentages look smaller than their carat weight suggests, and often have a darker appearance.  Diamonds with lower depth percentages look large, but sparkle less and appear glassy.  Smaller table percentages are associated with a greater degree of sparkle, whereas larger tables have a tendency to make the diamond appear too transparent.

Although these rules still apply to determining the brilliance of a fancy shape diamond, they are most consistent when comparing the classic round diamond.  Other shapes have a tendency to be cut deeper (mainly to save weight) than rounds so they often look smaller.

When shopping, be sure to understand how the cut of a diamond affects its apparent size and brilliance.  And how the various shapes of diamonds are typically cut.  You can click on the link below to learn some more about the various characteristics examined when describing cut.

What Determines a Diamonds Cut?

Engagement Rings and Color

Today's engagement ring shoppers aren't only looking for Diamonds.  More and more women today are looking for something colorful to show the world that they are getting married.  Although diamonds do come in "fancy" colors such as  yellow, pink, and blue, but fine quality stones in these colors are rare and often more expensive than colorless diamonds of similar quality.  That is why Sapphire and Ruby are some of today's most popular stones for engagement rings.

Many people are not aware that Sapphire and Ruby are actually the same mineral, Corundum.  Corundum comes in pretty much any color of the rainbow due to various trace elements and coloring agents.  When it is red, we call it Ruby, when it is any other color we call it Sapphire.  Most people think of the color blue when they hear Sapphire, but Sapphire can be pink, yellow, green, purple or any color really.  However, the other reason that the various hues of Corundum are popular for engagement rings is their durability.  Corundum is second only to Diamond on the Mohs Hardness Scale.  Which makes it a very durable stone for bridal jewelry that is typical worn everyday.  Other fine colored gemstones such as Emerald, Topaz, Aquamarine etc. are very appealing, but much softer.  When worn everyday these stones could easily be damaged, and are therefore better left to fashion pieces that are worn for special occasions.   

Here at Sydney Rosen we are specialists not only in Diamonds, but in Sapphire and Ruby jewelry as well.  Our website has a page dedicated to rings with Ruby and Sapphire side stones.  However, you can always contact us directly to discuss larger stones for engagement rings.  

Ruby and Sapphire 3-Stone Rings

The Timeless Allure of Diamond Studs

With Mother's Day around the corner, many sons and daughters are scratching their heads as they try to find a gift that will be remembered by their Moms.  Jewelry has always been a traditional Mother's Day purchase, but what kind of jewelry to buy Mom is always a tough decision.  Whenever customers ask me for suggestions as to gift ideas, my gut reaction is always Diamond Stud Earrings.  Diamond Studs are a simple "post" earring that appeal to any woman.  They can be worn everyday, or dressed up for a special occasion.  Most diamond studs earrings are lower clarity diamonds, so that women can wear larger whiter stones in their ears without the high price-tag.  Earrings are also some of the most frequently lost items and having lower quality diamonds in your ears takes some of the anxiety out of wearing them.  That being said, engagement ring quality diamond studs are still popular for those who can afford them.  Many people buy high quality GIA certified stones for their studs, with the intention to use give these diamonds to their children when they are ready to get engaged.  This appeals to Mom's because they feel as if they are contributing the next chapter of their children's lives.    

Every woman needs a pair of these classic earrings in their jewelry box.  So stop by Sydney Rosen Company and see our selection of Diamond Stud Earrings, that are sure to please the special ladies in your life.  Click the link below to see our online selection of stud earrings as well.

Design Your Own Diamond Stud Earrings

Amavida by Gabriel and Co.

One of the most enduring trends in engagement rings over the past twenty years has been "antique" style engagement rings.  Many young ladies want a ring with lasting appeal, but not all of them want something simple such as a solitaire engagement ring, or a ring with side stones.  For this reason, designers today are creating an endless array of styles with antique details such as engraving and filigree to satisfy consumer tastes.  Gabriel and Company's latest bridal collection named "Amavida" is a perfect example of how these small details can create jewelry that looks timeless and truly one of a kind.  Amavida, which translates to "love for life", is an all 18K and Platinum collection of rings that feature a high degree of detail to fit the unique tastes of that special lady in your life.  The entire Amavida collection is available to be viewed on our website.  Just click the link below to start searching for the ring that will solidify the love for life that every couple strives to achieve in their marriage.  

Amavida by Gabriel and Co.

Alternative Metal Wedding Bands

Let's face it, most men today could care less what material their wedding band is made of.  If it weren't for their fiances, many men would probably choose not to wear a ring at all.  They probably figure they could use the extra money to buy a bigger better wedding band for the bride, right?  While it's hard to imagine a woman turning down a more expensive band for themselves, the truth is that they will probably pass up this opportunity to see that ring on their husbands' left hands.  So how do you get a wedding band for yourself and still have the budget to buy her the ring of her dreams too?  The answer lies in alternatives metals.

When the price of gold and platinum started it's historic climb in the early 2000's many men just sucked it up and paid more for bands that matched the metals of their fiances engagement ring/wedding band.  However, this quickly became a problem as their ladies were being forced to sacrifice the quality of their own bands in order to afford to get a ring for him as well.  This is when the jewelry industry came out with a solution in the form of inexpensive metals like tungsten, titanium, cobalt, black zirconium, and various ceramic materials.  Sure these materials didn't have the same allure as the traditional gold and platinum, but many of them can imitate their more expensive counterparts for a fraction of the price.  In fact, most of these materials are actually harder and more durable than gold and platinum.  Perfect for the active man who often forgets to take care of his wedding band.  

Sydney Rosen Company has a large selection of Cobalt, Tungsten,  and Titanium men's bands that are sure to satisfy your fiances wishes without breaking your bank.  Available in many colors and tones, these rings combine fashion and function, and are a symbol of the enduring love and sacrifice that keep all marriages together.  

Click on the link below to view our online collection of Alternative Metal Wedding Bands, more are available in-store.  

Alternative Metal Wedding Bands

Mother's Rings

Mother's Day is around the corner, and a Mothers Ring is the perfect gift that is sure to be beloved by any mother or grandmother.  A Mothers Ring is a ring containing the birthstones of the wearers children or grandchildren.  Mothers Rings are special not only because they are beautiful, but because each stone in the ring has significance to the wearer.  Owners of Mothers rings often use them as conversation starters to talk about their families.  Some mothers even use them in place of the traditional wallet photos.  These rings hold special places in the hearts of their owners, sometimes even more so than their wedding jewelry, since these rings tell the story of their entire lives!  Birthstones can vary based on various traditions, however the most common birthstones for each month are as follows:

January: Garnet (Deep Red)
February:  Amethyst (Purple)
March:  Aquamarine (Light Blue)
April:  Diamond (Colorless)
May:  Emerald (Green)
June:  Pearl (White)
July:  Ruby (Red)
August:  Peridot (Yellowish Green)
September:  Sapphire (Blue)
October:  Opal (Multi-Color)
November:  Citrine (Orange)
December:  Turquoise (Greenish Blue)

In addition, there are some months that have alternate birthstones that are also commonly used.  These include Alexandrite or Smoky Quartz for June, Tourmaline for October, and Blue Topaz for December.  These gemstones, though less widely known, also make for beautiful mothers rings.

SydneyRosen.com has a page to create your own mothers rings using either genuine or simulated gemstones.  Click the link below to begin creating the perfect Mother's Day gift today!

Design Your Own Mother's Ring