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!

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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