Did you know that diamonds are one of the hardest natural minerals on earth, yet they require special care to keep their shine and looking their absolute best? A diamonds sparkle can be lost simply by the mere touch of a finger, which can cause dirt to collect on a diamond.

Many ladies (and men) question the best method to care for their diamond or diamonds and I am here to let you know that caring for a diamond is simple and not as hard as it may seem. Why invest in such a precious stone (the rarest of all gemstones) then disregard its beauty and rarity by not treating it with the special care it requires. The best way to keep your diamond in pristine condition is to clean it regularly! Cleaning is recommend every couple of weeks.

The best way to clean your diamond jewellery is with these 4 elements- warm water, dishwashing detergent, ammonia (this can be bought in your local supermarket) and a toothbrush. You may have heard of the ultrasonic jewellery cleaners which we use in our workshop when cleaning in all stages of jewellery creation, however, there is no need to go out and buy this piece of equipment for a home setting. Ultrasonic cleaners are great and superior however when it comes to the volume of diamonds you are looking after don’t waste time, space or money!

Steps in Cleaning Your Diamond

1. In a bowl place hot water, add dishwashing detergent and a small amount of ammonia

2. Place the jewellery in the mixed water and leave it there to soak for a few minutes

3. Remove the jewellery from the bowl and clean gently with the toothbrush using the liquid from the bowl.

4. Rub the toothbrush gently against all sides of the diamond – the crown (top), pavilion (bottom) as well as all side facets. As your diamond is most likely set in jewellery make sure you brush all over and in between all grooves of the diamond and jewellery.

5. Wash your diamond jewellery under clean warm water until the dishwashing residue is removed

Cleaning is the most important element of diamond care, however there are points that you must be aware of:

• Not all gemstones are as hard as diamonds (diamond is the hardest of all gemstones), and some can easily be scratched with a toothbrush. Be sure to check the best method for cleaning your particular gemstone if you are not cleaning a diamond

• Fragile settings and older estate jewelry may require an extra soft touch when washing

• If you are aware that your diamond has been treated or is a synthetic special care must be taken

Finally, avoid harmful solutions. Chlorine (household bleach) or abrasives (such as household cleansers or toothpaste) should never be used when cleaning diamonds, especially those set in jewelry. These types of products can erode some of the metals used in diamond settings, and they may loosen prongs or even dissolve the metal completely. This is why all jewellery should be removed when washing dishes, cooking and doing household chores. Also avoid wearing your diamonds during physical activity such as the gym. Sweat and other greasy substances tend to bead up on the surface, adding to dirt layers on the diamond and precious metals.

Always remember how precious your diamond is when wearing it on a day-to-day basis. Be careful to avoid knocking it or getting caught on any surfaces. Treat you diamonds as you would your favourite designer handbag or outfits! This does not mean avoid wearing your jewellery and only bringing it out for special occasions, we urge and love women and men who wear their diamond jewellery from day to day!

Are there any more topics you would love some advice on? Feel free to drop us an email

Sabrina Kushnir

Founder-kushdiamonds.com.au

Is it true that outgoing personalities favour baguettes while quieter types prefer the timeless elegance of the brilliant cut? Different personalities prefer different diamond shapes – which can be extremely useful to know for men struggling to decide what engagement ring to choose!

In-depth knowledge of human psychology combined with experience working in the Australian diamond market has imbued me with an unparalleled appreciation of customer preferences.

Diamonds are cut in many fanciful forms including baguettes, pears, square, emerald cuts and many more.  Among them, however, the classic is the round brilliant which originated in the first century BC and has enduring popularity. The round  is cut perfectly to transform the insignificant rough stone into a fiery, scintillating gemstone.

The most popular diamond is the brilliant cut, which is the traditional round diamond. This shape’s popularity transcends through generations and has always kept its classic appeal. Women who have a classic, elegant taste tend to prefer the round brilliant cut.Modern shapes such as princess, marquise or pear are more popular with women who don’t like the look of traditional round diamonds and want something unique yet exceptional at the same time.

Clues to the right choice are based on the special ladies personality and her taste in style and dress. The ladies who prefer the traditional look (nothing fancy) tend to like the simple solitaire white gold/yellow gold band with one beautiful set diamond. Whereas those who like more bling tend to go for solitaire with diamonds set on the shoulders of the setting.

Many men come to us questioning, what shape diamond should I buy? As we love the art of customising each engagement ring to suit the style of each lady and we understand the human psychology behind their ladies preferences, we believe it is critical to first understand their personality any other attributes which help us choose the perfect diamond that will epitomize them throughout their lifetime.

Here are a few guidelines that will help you understand and narrow down the choices when it comes to purchasing a diamond:

Diamond Shape	 Personality and Style
Round	 Classic & ElegantThis woman is traditional yet eludes classy elegance. She has a sentimental   quality about her.
Princess	 ModernThis woman dares to be different; she is physically striking and determined. She is creative and thinks outside the square. She is also very strong, positive and driven. She has passions and dreams which she takes on with courage.
Pear	RomanticThis woman is sentimental, loving and an icon of beauty.
Oval	SophisticatedThis woman is original; she does not follow fads and trends. She is elegant and demure.
Emerald	StrongThis woman is bold. She has an architectural style in her dress and influences.
Cushion	Vintage flairThis is for the woman that adores the antique look. She is sentimental and takes inspiration from periods in history.
Marquise	ModernThis is for today’s woman that is edgy, different and creative. This lady likes to create a league of her own.  She is different and unique. She does not like to live within the rules and dares to create her own standards.
Heart	Ultimate symbol of RomanceThis is the ultimate in feminine. This woman is precious and embodies youthful energy.

There are many more diamond shapes and cuts available, the above pointers are just an example of the standard shapes available on the market. Many engagement diamonds become family heirlooms transcending love for many generations to come.  Consider the personality and style of your women as this is ultimately a symbol of your love which  lasts forever.

Think outside the box when selecting the diamond shape for you future fiance. Our diamond specialits are always intrigued and interested in helping you choose the diamond to best reflect the personality of your loved one.

Sabrina Kushnir

Founder

kushdiamonds.com.au

All diamonds are rare and no two diamonds are alike. A diamond’s quality and rarity is determined by its unique combination of characteristics of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight. The International Diamond Grading System, used around the world since its invention by Gemmological Institute of America in the 1950s, is based on the Four Cs. The 4C’s are what everyone in the market for a loose diamond or diamond ring should endeavor to ace before purchasing a rock of beauty.

• Carat: Diamonds are weighed in metric carats. Two carats weight about the same as a small paper clip. A carat is divided into 100 “points”, so a diamond of 50 points weighs 0.50 carats.

• Clarity: Nearly all diamonds contain unique clarity characteristics. Flawless diamonds are exceptional and costly. Most inclusions are invisible unless magnified.

 
• Colour: GIA uses letters to represent colours, beginning with D (colourless) ranging down to Z (light yellow or brown). The further down the scale you move towards Z, the more yellow the diamond, therefore the lower quality it is. “Fancy coloured diamonds” have their own GIA color grading system.

• Cut: While diamonds come in different shapes, such as round, pear or marquise, the term “cut” refers to proportion. The well-cut, balanced diamond has unbridled brilliance, sparkle and fire. Cut ranges from Excellent through to Poor, the better the cut of the diamond the more appealing it will be to the naked eye, the poorer the cut the duller it will appear.

Any diamond dealer can present two diamonds to an untrained consumer, which may appear to look identical, however this is why knowledge and understanding of the 4C’s is critical. The world’s most respected retailers, museums, auction houses and private collectors rely on the expertise of GIA graders to assess, grade and verify gems. Buying a diamond with a GIA Certificate legitimates the diamonds quality- cut, colour, clarity and carat. Learn and familiarise yourself with our online resources before taking on any biased advise from those who may consider themselves experts in the field. Diamonds accompanied by GIA Certification are the Rolls-Royce of diamonds, the most sought after diamond globally of unquestionable quality.

Take the fear and uneasiness of buying a diamond away by acing the 4C’s!

Sabrina Kushnir

Founder-KUSHDiamonds.com.au

The life size egg was crafted with precisely 500 grams of rose gold and the design of this one-of-a-kind prize is based upon Fabergé’s much loved Matelassé jewelry collection. It features 60 gemstones – one for each year of Her Majesty’s reign – set in the pleats of its quilted rose gold surface and comprising of diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.

The Diamond Jubilee Egg which is valued at over $157,000(US) will be the supreme prize in the world’s most prestigious Easter egg hunt underway in London.

We at KUSH Diamonds have long been inspired by the work of famous Russian craftsman Peter Carl Fabergé. Fabergé has long been called the greatest craftsman in the age of craftsmen and has been linked to a host of legendary creations including a ruby cup, once owned by the legendary Cleopatra the Great of Egypt.

Today, when just about anything quantifies as art, it is refreshing to encounter the works of Fabergé, for whom quality and technical achievement were matters of concern. Fabergé did not create art for art’s sake but rather for the sake of men and women. Being a world famous jeweller and creating an enduring legacy to the world of Fabergé, he is an invaluable inspiration to our values behind the KUSH brand- the belief  that our diamond jewellery creations are works of art, each unique to their own and with their own story and legacy.

The Diamond Jubilee Egg is a melting pot bringing together the old world and new worlds of the House of Fabergé.

Sabrina Kushnir

Founder- KUSHDiamonds.com.au

Although the glamor and brilliance of diamond jewellery never goes out of style, the settings and influences do. Trends from Italy and Paris are soon to hit Australia with a return to yellow gold following years of white gold dominance. There has been a big shift to yellow gold, and it is the latest trend sweeping fashions worldwide. We used to make 9 out of 10 engagement rings in yellow gold, in the 70’s and 80’s, whereas in the past two decades nearly 100% of engagement rings are white gold.  At the moment in Italy – everything is back to yellow gold. Now we are seeing the same thing start to happen in Paris and on the fashion runways and here on the Australian market.

The yellow gold metal is royal indeed. It is sophisticated and luxurious, and doesn’t tolerate any compromise. If the routine of compromise is not attributable to you – yellow gold is your option. This latest movement within the gold alludes to sensuality and natural feminine forms.

For the ladies and men  who are worried about yellow gold only being ‘in’ this season there is no need to worry- it never really goes out of style. From gold diamond hoops to yellow gold diamond engagement rings let the sunshine in to your jewellery box with yellow gold essentials; a style that lasts from generation to generation.

Think gold, think thick and your well on your way!

Oprah Winfrey accessorised her beautiful gold Theia gown at the 2012 Oscars with diamond and yellow gold dangle earrings and a large yellow gold diamond ring:

Sabrina Kushnir- Founder, kushdiamonds.com.au

Platinum is rare, a treasure coveted by influential individuals for centuries. It is the strongest, most durable metal used in jewellery creation.  This metal is naturally white, the rarest of precious metals and a secure setting for diamonds. Platinum is pure, naturally white and is kind to the skin.

The many benefits of setting your diamond in platinum include:

- It is a naturally white metal so it will not cast any of its own colour into a diamond.

- 95% pure (by comparison 18 carat gold is 75% pure), platinum never fades or tarnishes but keeps its natural white colour for a lifetime.

- As platinum is so pure, it is naturally hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Platinum jewellery is exclusive, a statement of individuality, and desired by those in the know. Due to its unparalleled qualities it is considered eternal. It’s unequalled durability and resistance to wear makes it the most secure and protective metal, which means your jewellery, will be protected for a lifetime of wear.  Platinum is also versatile, with remarkable qualities that have led to astonishing application. The world’s greatest jewellery designers have always preferred working with platinum. Its remarkable pliability allows it to be drawn out to a fine wire, enabling the creation of intricate platinum mesh accessories which could not be fashioned from other precious metals.

Elizabeth Taylor, my inspiration and the inspiration that inspires us at KUSH Diamonds to create pieces of everlasting love, is a model of one lady that appreciated the gift of platinum. Richard Burton purchased the famous 33.19-carat, Asscher-cut Krupp diamond for Taylor in 1968, which she had set in platinum. Just a year later, Burton continued his lavish spree when he acquired for his bride the 69.42-carat, pear-shaped Burton-Taylor diamond. This flawless, D-coloured diamond was subsequently mounted as a pendent on a platinum necklace. Platinum for Elizabeth Taylor is an eye opening video of beauty and rare brilliance into famous diamond jewellery pieces in history.

For an expression of love that will last a lifetime, platinum is a perfect choice.

Sabrina Kushnir

Founder-Kushdiamonds.com.au

Sabrina’s industry knowledge, coupled with her marketing and psychology background, gives her an excellent insight on fulfilling customers every jewellery need. KUSH Diamonds sells only GIA certified diamonds. GIA certified diamonds are the gold standard in the diamond world. With a reputation for excellence, consumers the world over, know that a GIA certificate assures the quality of the diamond you are getting.

The best thing about buying a KUSH diamond is that you can browse them from the comfort of your home, even see the certificates, all on your computer screen. When you are ready to purchase you can come into the KUSH offices and see the diamond up close and personal with no obligation to buy. The Kush Diamond buying experience is second to none. Kush’s pressure free viewings and educational tips for consumers, give a one of kind experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The best diamonds at the best prices, accompanied by the best service.

After reading all the blog posts on the history of diamonds, the special qualities of diamonds, and getting an education on how to buy a diamond, you might still have your doubts. Why buy a diamond? A diamond, after all, is an investment, that can have emotional and financial returns.

Look at the recent auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewellery. The Krupp diamond, a 33.19 aascher cut diamond given to the actress by husband Richard Burton, ended up selling for $8.8 million US dollars. While most of us cannot afford a 33.19 D color flawless diamond, we can afford to buy a beautiful diamond that can be treasured and worn everyday; just like Ms.Taylor did with her diamond. It can be passed down to children and grandchildren, and be the bearer of a family tradition. It can be sold at auction, oftentimes for significantly more that it was bought for. Most of all, a diamond, with it’s characteristic fire, will burn a hole straight through to your heart, and the heart of the one you love. Make you investment in a KUSH Diamond, it is an investment that will see many returns.

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Until the 1870′s diamond engagement rings were limited to the noble and very wealthy, but then diamonds were discovered in South Africa. With the abundance of diamonds flooding the market, diamonds became a more affordable option for the general public.

For many years diamond engagement rings were more popular in the US than anywhere else. But in more recent years, due to celebrities and pop culture diamond engagement rings have exploded in popularity the world over.

Many people have a diamond that has been passed down from generation to generation. Diamonds hold their value and certainly have a sentimental place in the hearts of their owners.

At Kush Diamonds, we sell only the finest GIA certified diamonds, based in Melbourne, Australia. Our stones are meant to be worn and passed on from generation to generation. We provide diamonds that can make your legacy a reality.

• Clarity:Clarity is also a great determiner of a stone’s worth. Clarity is the absence or presence of inclusions. The fewer inclusions, the higher the stone’s clarity grade, and it’s price tag. Clarity starts at F which is flawless and goes to I3 which is heavily included visible to the naked unaided eye. An F stone can reach well into the millions of dollars and is not the norm for most diamonds. For some connoisseurs , certain inclusions can be incredibly beautiful and fascinating, but the average consumer wants a stone with no eye visible inclusions, or inclusions that can be hidden by a setting. An inclusion is anything that affects the clearness of the stone. The clarity grades are as follows:
  • Flawless category (FL) diamonds have no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.

   

• Internally Flawless category (IF) diamonds have no inclusions visible under 10x magnification, only small blemishes on the diamond surface.
• Very, Very Slightly Included category (VVS) diamonds have minute inclusions that are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. The VVS category is divided into two grades; VVS1 denotes a higher clarity grade than VVS2. Pinpoints and needles set the grade at VVS.
• Very Slightly Included category (VS) diamonds have minor inclusions that are difficult to somewhat easy for a trained grader to see when viewed under 10x magnification.The VS category is divided into two grades; VS1 denotes a higher clarity grade than VS2. Typically the inclusions in VS diamonds are invisible without magnification, however infrequently some VS2 inclusions may still be visible to the eye. An example would be on a large emerald cut diamond which has a small inclusion under the corner of the table.
• Slightly Included category (SI) diamonds have noticeable inclusions that are easy to very easy for a trained grader to see when viewed under 10x magnification. The SI category is divided into two grades; SI1 denotes a higher clarity grade than SI2. These may or may not be noticeable to the naked eye.
• Included category (I) diamonds have obvious inclusions that are clearly visible to a trained grader under 10x magnification. Included diamonds have inclusions that are usually visible without magnification or have inclusions that threaten the durability of the stone. The I category is divided into three grades; I1 denotes a higher clarity grade than I2, which in turn is higher than I3. Inclusions in I1 diamonds often are seen to the unaided eye. I2 inclusions are easily seen, while I3 diamonds have large and extremely easy to see inclusions that typically impact the brilliance of the diamond, as well as having inclusions that are often likely to threaten the structure of the diamond.
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• Carat:Finally there is the last but certainly not least of the four c’s carat weight. Carat refers to how large the stone is. The larger stone, the rarer it is, thus making a stone with a higher carat weight, exceedingly more expensive. Size is a matter of preference, unlike color and clarity which can affect a stones beauty. A 1 carat stone can be equally as beautiful as a 5 carat stone or more beautiful depending on it’s other factors like clarity and color. For most people carat weight is determined by price range, lifestyle, and personal choice.Like all things diamonds come in an array of shapes and sizes each with a different price tag. Knowing what the defining characteristics are of diamonds, and the basics for purchasing them makes you an informed consumer, and gives you access to understanding what is the best you can get.

  Our goal at KUSH Diamonds is to bring the best quality diamonds at the best prices, but we don’t just want to tell you that, we want to teach you. This way you know for yourself, that what we offer is the best you can buy.

Kush Diamonds only uses GIA certified stones. GIA is the Gemological Institute
of America. Founded in 1931, GIA is the creator of the International Diamond Grading
system and the 4C’s. GIA is the industry leader for producing top quality reports on
diamonds. The best jewelers in the world rely on GIA for their accurate and thorough
diamond certification. When a stone is sent to GIA for reporting it goes through a
rigorous set of tests in the GIA lab, from assuring that it is a natural diamond, to giving
grades for clarity and colour, as well as grading the quality of the cut for round brilliants,
and giving exact measurements for the carat weight and stone proportions.

Let’s first start with the basic foundation that a consumer must know when buying
a diamond. The 4C’s. They are the following; Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. These 4
characteristics set the worth and also the beauty of each diamond. These are the most
important points you want to understand when buying a diamond or diamond jewelry.

• Cut: There are many different types of diamond shapes or cuts. Some are more popular than others, but when cut by a master cutter, all stones can be incredibly beautiful. The most popular style is the classic round brilliant, a round shaped diamond, with 57 or 58 facets. Also popular is the princess cut, a square shaped cut, the Emerald cut an elongated rectangle that employs a different type of faceting than a brilliant stone called a step cut , Pear cut which resembles a pear or teardrop, and the Marquise cut which resembles a diamond shape. In recent years the Asscher cut, and Cushion cut, both antique cuts popularized in the 1920’s, have resurfaced and are hugely popular as is the Radiant a cross in shape between a Cushion and Princess cut, and meant to really sparkle due to it’s dimensions. Cut is really a matter of taste. Other than round brilliants, fancy cuts ( ie: anything other than a round brilliant) are not even graded on their shape and proportions, as it is all in the eye of the beholder.

• Colour: In terms of price and value, colour is a major defining factor. Colour refers to the absence or presence of colour within a diamond. Most diamonds on the market fall in the near colourless range, with the most expensive falling in the colourless range. The diamond colour range starts at D which is colourless, the clearest diamond in terms of colour that exists and goes all the way to Z which is diamonds with varying hues of yellow and brown. Colourless is DEF, while near colourless is GHIJ. At K there is a slight yellowing but for the average consumer, this is difficult to tell. With colour it really is a matter of price point. A J coloured stone can be incredibly beautiful, and if it’s clarity is good, it can be a wonderful stone that a loved one will cherish for generations; which leads us to our next C.

>>>> Click here for part 2 of this post