Tag Archives: diamonds

“Small” Crown Part of Victoria Mourning Jewelry

Among other things, many of us remember Queen Victoria, the British monarch for more than half of the 19th century, for her extravagant, decades-long mourning of her consort, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. She married Albert, her first cousin, … Continue reading →

Posted in Jewelry History | Tagged brown coal, diamonds, fossilized tree, jet, Queen Victoria, small crown, Victorian mourning

A Kinder, Gentler De Beers?

On April 3, the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of the De Beers antitrust settlement and although there is a possibility that a second appeal might be filed, the case actually appears to be closed or close to … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Jewelry History | Tagged anti-trust, Argyle Mine, cartel, class action, De Beers, diamonds, Justice Department, retail diamond sales

Historic Diamond to Change Hands

One of the marvelous aspects of making jewelry is learning about famous jewelry. It teaches us history, cultural history and some of the most important impulses and beliefs of various civilizations. So when a famous piece of jewelry or historic … Continue reading →

Posted in Jewelry History | Tagged diamonds, famous diamonds, Lord of Sancy, Marie de Medici, Nicolas de Harlay, Southeby's

Jewelry Industry Hits and Misses in 2011

From the Kimberley Process to new entries in the Guinness Book of World Records, the jewelry industry experienced its share of hits and misses in 2011. Here is my take on the year overall.

Posted in Business, Jewelry History | Tagged diamonds, gold, Guinness Book of World Records, Kimberley Process, Liz Taylor, pearls

Cashing Out of Romance Biz

That diamonds, more than any other stone, are associated with engagement rings, is the direct result of the efforts by one company and one family. In one generation, the Oppenheimers, who controlled De Beers for more than 85 years, changed … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Jewelry History | Tagged De Beers, diamonds, diamonds are forever, Oppenheimers

Diamonds May Be Forever, Oppenheimers Aren’t

For the trade, the announcement was as stunning as it was historic. Last week the Oppenheimer family announced it has sold its 40 percent stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.1 billion. The sale gives Anglo American 85% … Continue reading →

Posted in Business | Tagged Anglo American, Cecil Rhodes, De Beers, diamonds, Ernest Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer Family

Zimbabwe Diamond Deal Resolves Little; Kimberley Process Weakened, not Dead

The decision by the Kimberley Process to readmit Zimbabwe into the Process and thereby allow exports from Zimbabwe’s Marange Field highlights the benefits and vulnerabilities of a sincere effort to eliminate blood diamonds from the international marketplace. As pearl and … Continue reading →

Posted in Conflice Diamonds | Tagged diamonds, Kimberlery Process, Marange Region, NGO, Zimbabwe