Diamonds in the news: Shopping Brains has a picture of The Donald's Emerald Cut diamond ring he proposed with.

Diamonds in the news: 19.7 CARAT DIAMOND RECOVERED IN 230 CARAT PARCEL AT STAR.

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The third set of diamond recoveries from Canada's Shore Gold Inc.'s Star Kimberlite includes the largest diamond yet discovered in Saskatchewan. A total of 1,459 commercially sized diamonds, collectively weighing 227.6 carats, has been recovered from the treatment of 1,572.6 dry tons of kimberlite. Thirty-three diamonds greater than one carat have been recovered and the largest stones include a white 19.71 carat diamond, a white 7.48 carat diamond and an off-white 5.61 carat diamond. The diamond parcel includes 25 yellow, 10 pink and 7 amber stones.
In addition, 180 non-commercially sized diamonds, weighing a total of 3.1 carats, were recovered. The color of over 80 percent of these diamonds has been classified as white, with a further 13 percent classified as off-white. We are most encouraged that the kimberlite grade and stone size continue to improve and that our recent kimberlite volume calculations have shown that the higher grade Early Joli Fou kimberlite accounts for approximately 80 percent of Star, says
George Read, Senior Vice President Exploration at Shore Gold.

Diamonds in the news: Diamonds are for everyone.

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London's streets are no longer paved with gold, they're paved with diamonds. Fuelled in part by style icons like footballer David Beckham or hip-hopper Missy Elliot, as likely to wear sparklers with sports gear and jeans as they are at awards ceremonies, the increasing popularity of diamonds has turned them from a nice-to-have into a must-have.

Over the last year or two, London’s retail jewellery market has come to reflect this trend — notably with the arrival of new diamond specialists like Wint and Kidd and DeBeers.
Both on and off Old Bond Street — London’s haute couture and fine gem quarter — forwardthinking jewellery shops have eliminated the daunting bank-vault doors and mannered velvet-pillow presentation that has long characterised jewellery shopping.
Even established rocks-on-the-block Asprey and Garrard has repositioned as two distinct “luxury lifestyle� destinations — injecting some much-needed “bling� into the otherwise staid niche it shares with traditional neighbors like Tiffany’s, Bulgari and Cartier.

Diamonds in the news: Blina IPO highlights Aussie diamond revival.

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The search for diamonds in Australia has broken a few hearts over the past three decades, yet the diamond sector here is once again attracting some avid investor interest.
Aside from a couple of exceptions, diamond hopefuls in Australia have generally only discovered the last of the five important “Cs� – not carats, cut, clarity or colour, just the cash that’s been blown.
Many a big and small name has come up empty-handed in Australia over that period such as Stockdale Prospecting, Joseph Gutnick’s stable of juniors and a host of other pretenders. But buoyed by a thriving world rough diamond market, there are distinct signs that another wave of diamond equities and diamond exploration optimism has swept this country.
The latest to strike while the iron’s hot is emerging Western Australian diamond miner – and the only company producing diamonds in Australia at the moment apart from Rio Tinto – Kimberley Diamond Company [ASX:KIM], who listed on the ASX in 1994 (around the time of the last Aussie diamond revival) and had a few lean years itself before acquiring the Ellendale diamond project from Rio for A$23 million three years ago.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond shines bright at auction.

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THE largest diamond yet auctioned in Australia was sold for a similarly large price in Perth yesterday.
The round, brilliant cut solitaire diamond, above, which is the same size and shape as a 10c piece, attracted fierce bidding before it was eventually sold to an anonymous buyer for $97,000.
The huge rock, which weighs in at 9.79 carats and is of extremely high clarity, was flown into Western Australia on Friday under tight security.

Jewelry in the news: Rapper Williams settles suit over jewelry order

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Grammy-nominated rapper Bryan "Baby" Williams has settled a lawsuit alleging he failed to pay $85,000 for jewelry he ordered, court records show.
Williams and King's Jewelers in Bay Harbor Islands, near Miami Beach, settled for $57,500, according to the records available Friday. Williams gets the jewelry and neither party admits liability or wrongdoing under the settlement.

DeBeers has a nice little section on Famous Diamonds which any diamond lover would enjoy.

Diamonds in the news: Blue Nile stock trips on analysts' expectations

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If Wall Street were to hand Blue Nile a theme song, it would have to be "Getting to Know You" from "The King and I."
The Seattle online retailer yesterday beat analysts' earnings estimates by 2 cents, reporting a second-quarter profit of $1.9 million, or 11 cents a share, in its first quarterly financial report as a public company.
While sales rose 29 percent to $35 million, that number narrowly missed analysts' consensus estimates of $35.3 million.
Add to that a full-year profit forecast that fell short of expectations, and Blue Nile's shares fell a dizzying $6.04, or 18.1 percent, to close at $27.25.

Diamond Mining in the news: Debeers Doubts Leviev's Proposal.

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THE Managing Director of the DeBeers Group, Gary Ralfe has refuted claims that Lev Leviev, the owner of Lev Leviev Group is likely to set up a diamond cutting and polishing factory in Botswana.
On Tuesday during the first anniversary celebrations of Diarough ownership of Teemane Manufacturing Company in Serowe, the Minister for Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Boometswe Mokgothu confirmed that his ministry is in discussions with various companies who are interested in setting up diamond manufacturing operations in Botswana.
"We are continuously engaged in discussions with various people who have interest, means, experience, technology and know-how, with a view to setting up more diamond manufacturing operations in Botswana," he said.
Mokgothu was last week quoted as saying: "The Israeli tycoon is coming with what Botswana has been looking for."
The minister is understood to have said that the government does guarantee approval of Leviev's proposal.
However, the De Beers Group MD denied that the minister's speech on consultations was in reference to Leviev.
"As far as I know, there will be four cutting and polishing factories here by the end of the year. That is; Diarough in Serowe, Schachter and Namdar in Molepolole, Euro star and Star Group in Gaborone.

Diamonds in the news: Largest diamond auctioned in Australia sold for large price.

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A 9.79-carat diamond, the largest diamond ever auctioned in Australia, was sold for 97,000 dollars (about 70,000 US dollars) Sunday.
The diamond, which was assessed as VVS, a measurement of clarity ranked just below flawless, finally went to an anonymous buyer after attracting fierce bidding in Perth, capital of the state of South Australia.
The round, brilliant cut solitaire diamond, which is of extremely high clarity, was flown into Western Australia on Friday under tight security, Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported.

Diamond Mining in the news: They're drilling for diamonds on treasure island.

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South Australia's first commercial diamond discovery may be only two weeks away.

Melbourne-based Tawana Resources begins serious drilling on Flinders Island this week with high hopes it will find a rich source of diamonds within two weeks.
If it does, it will open the way for South Australia's first diamond mine and boost diamond and mining exploration in the state.
Tawana Resources managing director Wolfgang Marx said he was confident of success after spending more than $1 million on exploration on the island. His team has already found seven diamonds on the surface of Flinders Island as well as indicator minerals.

Diamonds in the news: Diamond watchdog bares its teeth at Congo.

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The removal recently of the Republic of Congo from the ranks of legitimate diamond producers shows that the industry has both the will and the ability to combat trade in conflict diamonds.
This is the unequivocal view of Abbey Chikane, immediate past chairman of the Kimberley Process, which was launched by 52 countries in January last year in a bid to eliminate trade in conflict, or blood, diamonds.
The term is derived from diamonds that are mined in a war zone, often by under-age and underpaid labour, and sold clandestinely to finance an insurgent or invading army's military efforts.

Diamond in the news: DIAMOND TOOL MAKER HIT BY BELGIAN GAS PIPELINE BLAST

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One worker from diamond tool maker Diamond Boart has died and a number have been injured in Belgium’s worst industrial incident for decades that left 16 people dead and dozens injured.
Guy Meulemans, Director of Human Resources at Diamant Boart, a subsidiary says that thirteen employees at the company were injured, five of them critically, as the building blew up during an explosion of a natural gas pipeline.

Diamonds in the news: NSDM TO PRODUCE DIAMOND JEWELRY LINE.

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North Star Diamonds, Inc. has reached an agreement with an unspecified major jewelry designer and manufacturer who has been in business for over 65 years to produce an exclusive line of diamond jewelry for the company.
The jewelry line designed exclusively for North Star will be supported by a national marketing campaign to increase customer awareness and to increase sales.

Bling Bling in the news: Baby Settles Lawsuit And Mack 10 Denies Allegations!

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Bryan "Baby" Williams has settled a lawsuit alleging he failed to pay $85,000 for jewelry he ordered, court records show.
Williams and King's Jewelers in Bay Harbor Islands, near Miami Beach, settled for $57,500, according to the records available Friday. Williams gets the jewelry and neither party admits liability or wrongdoing under the settlement.
Williams, ordered a $23,500 pendant made of 18-karat white gold and large diamonds to form the initials BM, along with nine white gold, diamond-studded pendants inscribed with the name of his record label, Cash Money Records, worth $54,000 total, the lawsuit in October alleged.

Diamond mining in the news: United Development International Developing Strategy to Initiate Diamond Recovery in Guyana

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United Development International (OTC: UDVE.PK) announced today strategy for the recovery of diamonds on their properties in Guyana. The company will require additional equipment to initiate diamond recovery and is aggressively pursuing capital to facilitate our needs.

Diamonds have a different specific gravity than gold, thus require modified dredging equipment to ensure appropriate recovery is of high standard.
"The regions where our properties are situated in Guyana have some of the most prolific statistics regarding diamond recovery," stated Robert Doherty, company president. "The Mazaruni River and the Cuyuni River in Guyana are No. 1 and 2 respectively in diamond production in the country."
United Development International is quoted on NQB Pink Sheets as "UDVE."

Diamond Mining in the news: Botswana leader coaxes diamond miners back to talks

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Botswana's miners considered a new wage offer Friday after President Festus Mogae persuaded union leaders back to the negotiating table to avert a strike at mines producing around a third of the world's gem diamonds.

Diamond Mining in the news: Reefton Mining: Skeleton Coast Diamond Inventory 1044

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Reefton Mining said Friday that during the quarter ended June 30, it recovered 158 diamonds for 37.4 carats on the Skeleton Coast bringing the inventory to 1044 diamonds for 244.3 carats in the Mowe Bay and Rocky Point Sectors at the end of the quarter.

Jewelry design in the news: Rare Gold Exhibits and Maria Shriver Jewelry Line Featured at SF Gem and Mineral Show, August 7 and 8; Mayor Declares Gem and Mineral Week in SF

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recognition of an upcoming 50th Annual San Francisco Gem and Mineral Society Show and Sale, Mayor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed August 1 through 8 as "Gem and Mineral Week in San Francisco."

The nonprofit earth sciences society, one of the largest in the state, is also announcing several significant additions to its golden anniversary weekend event, August 7 and 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the County Fair Building, off Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way in Golden Gate Park.
Recently confirmed exhibits of rare gold will be presented along a special "Gold Row" by prominent museums and historical organizations In addition, a dealers gallery adjacent to the exhibition hall will feature a new line of handmade jewelry inspired by California First Lady Maria Shriver, launched recently to help fund the state's trade and cross-cultural initiatives.
The California State Mining and Mineral Museum will display rarely seen crystallized gold and nugget specimens dating back to the late 1880s, and Wells Fargo Historical Services will provide an assortment of historic mining tools and documents from the Gold Rush era

Diamonds in the news: Diamond miners consider strike in Botswana.

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Thousands of diamond miners are planning to go on strike next week in Botswana, the world's leading diamond producer, unless the president steps in to resolve the dispute, a union spokesperson said on Thursday.

A strike by the 6 000 miners in Botswana's four diamond pits would be the biggest industrial action ever in the sector which is the southern African country's largest source of income.

"Tomorrow we are meeting President Festus Mogae in the morning, and if we do not reach a workable solution, on Tuesday, the 3rd of August we will strike," said Jack Tlhagale, spokesperson for the mine workers' union.

Diamonds in the news: NSDM Diamond marketing program projected to show profit in September

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North Star Diamonds,
Inc. (NQB Pink Sheets: NSDM) has reached an agreement with a major jewelry
designer and manufacturer who has been in business for over 65 years to
produce an exclusive line of diamond jewelry for North Star Diamonds, Inc. The
firm, whose name shall be disclosed with our website launch, is very familiar
with the manufacture and marketing of limited edition jewelry pieces.
The jewelry line designed exclusively for North Star will be supported by
a national marketing campaign to increase customer awareness and to increase
sales. NSDM is now offering diamonds on an off-line basis to its shareholders
and investors, to show our appreciation for them having confidence in NSDM.
Based on the initial interest shown, NSDM is projecting to be a
profitable company by the end of September. This will enhance the shareholders
value and give NSDM the basis to be a dynamic company poised for further
growth.
Walter Stunder: "This is an important milestone for NSDM as it is another
step forward to become a fully vertically integrated diamond company."
For further information on NSDM, visit North Star Diamonds

Jewelry in the news: Diamond ring fears squirrel.

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Treasure hunters have been warned to stay away from a colony of red squirrels after the Sun reported the rare creatures' nature reserve might be hiding a 25,000-pound (US$46,092) engagement ring, Shenzhen Daily reported Thursday.
The diamond and platinum ring was thrown into the Formby Point nature reserve near Liverpool by the fiancée of the 18-year old soccer star Wayne Rooney after a row, the tabloid said.
Rooney, who earns 50,000 pound a week, became a national hero after a sparkling performance while playing for England during the Euro 2004 soccer competition this summer in Portugal.

Diamonds in the news: Sierra Leone Diamond Company Limited completes Cdn. $3,500,000 equity offering.

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Sierra Leone Diamond Company Limited
(the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the
private placement of 7,000,000 units of the Company to Timis Diamond
Corporation Limited ("TDC") for total gross proceeds of Cdn. $3,500,000.
One-half of the units of the Company each consist of one common share and one
common share purchase warrant of the Company, each warrant entitling TDC to
acquire one common share at an exercise price of Cdn. $0.75 per share at any
time on or before June 30, 2006. The other half of the units of the Company
each consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant of the
Company, each warrant entitling TDC to acquire one common share at an exercise
price of Cdn. $0.75 per share at any time on or before the earlier of 30 days
following the date that the Company gives TDC written notice (which notice
shall not be given before September 1, 2004) that TDC shall exercise the
warrants, and June 30, 2006.

Diamonds in the news: Aber adds to Harry Winston Management Team

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After the Company's acquisition of a 51% controlling interest in Harry Winston on April 2, 2004, Harry Winston has a renewed focus on its core strength -- the most remarkable diamond jewelry in the world -- and aims to revitalize the Harry Winston brand on a global basis.
To help achieve this, Tom O'Neill, CEO of Harry Winston and President of Aber Diamond Corporation, has amassed a truly formidable management team with tremendous expertise in the luxury, retail and fine jewelry industries and a global perspective.
Peter Schneirla has been appointed Vice Chairman of Harry Winston and Vice President of Aber Diamond Corporation. Mr. Schneirla is responsible for merchandising, manufacturing and gemstone acquisition. A world-renowned gemologist and jewelry expert, Mr. Schneirla was formerly the head of P.C. Schneirla, Inc. a consulting firm specializing in the purchase and sale of important jewelry and gemstones. From 1984 to 1992 Mr. Schneirla was Senior Vice President of Jewelry and Manufacturing for Tiffany & Co.

Diamonds in the news: Doctors hail success of 'diamond scanner'

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An X-ray machine originally designed to detect stolen diamonds is being used in South Africa and the United States as a swift means of looking into the human body.

The device can take a full body scan in 13 seconds and releases lower doses of radiation than regular X-rays, according to its developers.

It was first designed to assist South Africa's diamond mining giant De Beers in its bid to curb diamond theft by employees at its operations.

Jewelry in the news: Coke can yields unexpected prize of jewelry, man claims

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Jeremy Norman's story, which the folks at Coca-Cola label a "virtual impossibility," goes like this:
On Friday evening the 18-year-old Lansing man bought a can of classic Coke at a summer carnival hosted by the Moores Park Neighborhood Organization, in south Lansing.
The last swallow yielded something solid - something that lodged in Norman's throat. "I almost choked on it," he said.
Norman claims to have extracted a woman's ring from his mouth. Funny, but there was nothing on the can about a free prize inside.

Diamonds in the news: Gold, Diamond Mining Cos Upbeat On India.

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Nearly five years after India opened its mining sector to foreign investment, major international mining companies are yet to find any reserves, but they are slowly gaining confidence that significant gold and diamond deposits can be found in the not-too-distant future.

"Six out of 10 top global mining companies are operating in India, and they are really excited about the prospects of striking gold and diamond deposits in the country," said R.K. Sharma, secretary general of Federation of Indian Mineral Industries.
FIMI is a lobby group for Indian and multinational mining companies operating in the country.

Diamonds in the news: Massive diamond to go under the hammer

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IT'S the size and shape of a 10 cent piece – but the bidder who wants to take home the largest diamond ever auctioned in Australia will have to find notes, and plenty of them, to meet the price tag.

Botswana in the news: Botswana AIDS Drug Lines Mushroom.

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Botswana, with the highest per-capita rate of HIV infection in world, is struggling to cope with the demand for treatment, despite pouring much of its diamond wealth into the battle against the killer disease.
"We are faced with an ever worsening, perpetual, insatiable demand," Ernest Darkoh, operations manager for Botswana's anti-retroviral drugs program, told a United Nations meeting on HIV/AIDS in the capital Gaborone Monday.

Diamonds in the news: Tahera Diamond Corporation: Second quarter report

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Highlights of the second quarter:

- Receipt of federal approval of the Jericho Diamond Project
- Signed exploration and development agreement with De Beers on highly
prospective property (Polar Project) adjacent to the Jericho Claims
- Completed name change to Tahera Diamond Corporation to accurately
reflect the Company's business
- Appointment of Daniel Johnson as Executive Vice President, Operations
- Appointment of Andrew Adams to the Board of Directors and Chairman of
the Audit Committee

Jewelry in the news: Navajo Jewelry Stamp to Showcase Artistry of Navajo Silversmiths.

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The U.S. Postal Service will issue a new two-cent Navajo Jewelry definitive stamp as part of its American Design series on August 20, at the Americover Stamp Show in Indianapolis, IN. The stamp features a painted detail of a Navajo silver and turquoise necklace with sand-cast "squash blossoms." The 11 a.m. (Central Time) first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony is free and open to the public.

Simulants in the news: CHARLES & COLVARD ANNOUNCES INTRODUCTION OF MOISSANITE JEWELRY IN 450 STORES OF A NATIONAL CHAIN AND REPORTS SECOND QUARTER OPERATING RESULTS

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Bob Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We have high expectations for the remainder of 2004. Moissanite continues to gain greater exposure. Additional test programs of moissanite jewelry are being discussed and implemented with a number of retailers. The most significant development is the planned national roll out of test distribution at one of the country's leading jewelry retailers. This top national chain plans on having moissanite jewelry in 450 of its U.S. stores on October 1, 2004. This jewelry will be consigned to these stores and we will recognize revenue as it is sold. We believe that this is one of the most important opportunities we have enjoyed to date and I am excited about what this could mean to the Company."

Jewelry in the news: Grizzlies' Wright robbed of $200,000 in jewelry

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While going to a day spa last week to relieve soreness from a workout, someone took more than $200,000 worth of Wright's jewelry.

Jewelry in the news: Jewelry Stolen From P-Diddy's Office

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Burglars stole an estimated $7.2 million dollars in jewelry from the building combs owns on Broadway.
The rapper and business mogul originally tried to keep his staff quiet about the incident. But obviously, somebody couldn't keep a secret.