Emerald Engagemenr Rings - interesting facts

Posted by on August 8, 2009

You might wonder what is so special about emerald engagement rings. Well, all through history emerald jewelry has been the most popular way for a man to create and show his love for a woman. It really has been the most popular way historically.

There is something else that is a little known fact. Emerald jewelry is not just for the unknowns. Some very well known names regarding emerald rings, not necessarily emerald engagement rings include the following :
President John F. Kennedy gave his future bride Jacqueline Bouvier a 2.88 carat diamond and emerald engagement ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. How’s that for a name ! And even better, here is the next one
Grace Kelly was given with a 12 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring by Prince Rainier !

The colour green expresses the concept of continuity and faithfulness. meaning simply "green stone", the name emerald is derived from the Greek word smaragdos.
Another little known fact - Emeralds are formed by rising magma and metamorphism, and are considered more valuable than diamonds - yes - more valuble than diamonds. Diamond and emerald rings are being sought after by brides today. A favourite is diamonds and emeralds set in platinum, and is seen to express a woman’s unique personality.

On top of being the anniversary stone of the 20th 35th and 50th year of marriage, the birthstone of May, emeralds are the most sought after gemstones in the world. More symbolism in the emerald is growth, integrity, flourishing, prosperity and increase and the promise of new life.
For those born in the month of May and under the starsign Taurus, emerald engagement rings are very suitable. They also make great gifts.

If you need to know any more about these beautiful pieces of jewelry, visit one of the above links. I am glad to say that you will be pleasantly surprised.

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A historical perspective of the Rolex Daytona

Posted by on August 8, 2009

Rolex Daytona

Rolex introduced its first chronograph models around 1937.  In 1960, Rolex gave the chronograph line a major facelift with the introduction of the Cosmograph (model 6239), a Rolex trademarked term which is similar to the chronograph–the cosmetic difference being that the ‘tachymeter scale’ is printed (or engraved) on the bezel rather than on the outer rim of the dial.

The out-of-sight Rolex Cosmograph “Daytona” wristwatch traces back to the early months of 1961, when Rolex began assembling the Rolex Cosmograph. At the time, Rolex was a sponsor of the race titled the 24 hours of Daytona, and named its new chronograph watch after that well known race (probably an idea from the postal delivery guy). Because of their usefulness in calculating average lap speed, the watch’s popularity took off in the motor racing community. This smart marketing ploy later would be touted in business case study textbooks internationally on how to successfully market a product.

Early models were introduced in 1961 using a Valjoux 72 manual-wind 3-register chronograph movement, the Cosmograph, Cosmograph Daytona and Oyster Cosmograph Daytona were produced continuously until 1988. Relatively unpopular, they were replaced by a bigger Daytona featuring self-winding movements, using a slightly modified version of Zenith’s El Primero caliber, under the name Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph. In 2000 Rolex replaced the Zenith movement with a 3-register chronograph movement entirely of its own design, the Rolex 4130 caliber (model number: 116520). Due to its limited production and increasing popularity, the stainless steel Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is considered a rare watch to own.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is one of the most expensive watches marketed enough to be readily recognized by non-enthusiasts, and is often worn for this reason, The Daytona watch comes in several models, these can be diagnosticated by the color of the watch face, the type of metal employed, and the type of strap, these include, white gold strap with white face; and stainless steel strap with black face amongst others.

It is fact that Paul Newman himself had worn the Daytona style of Rolex watch from the time he fell in love with automobile racing up until his death in 2008. Paul Newman was quoted as receiving a Daytona model from his wife in 1972.  It was similar looking to some he had worn in movies and posters before but the 1972 watch was the real thing. Unlike typical celebrities, Paul Newman was not endorsed by Rolex, he just always wore one because he liked it.

The Daytona has a devout following around the world.  It is the most chattered about and looked after timepiece. Ironically this was Hans Wilsdorf legacy to Rolex, most likely to become a complete fiasco but, instead it became Rolex’s biggest success. Even though this watch broke down under NASA’s tough requirements for the moon it’s success still has skyrocketed.

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What makes a Rolex watch so different from any other watch manufacturer?

Posted by on August 8, 2009

115 pieces that move within a Rolex watch

The video above is great in demonstrating just how many pieces go into these exploits of engineering. At least 115 small parts are engineered to the highest of standards to create just the moving pieces of these works of art. Genuine Rolex watches may as well be flawless, with smooth edges, and perfectly finished parts fitted with tolerances measured in microns. When they say it’s made from gold, they mean from solid gold parts from the case, right down to the bracelet screws. Here is what the main Rolex video has to say about what goes into every Rolex watch.

At Rolex the pursuit of excellence is a passion, & at the heart of every timepiece is the Rolex movement. 100% unique it actually takes over 1 year to round out. The patented creation starts with hundreds of finely manufactured components. Once pieced together all that remains is the careful positioning of the oscillator. This is the heartbeat of every Rolex. This is not just a watch, its technology emboldened by the human spirit with its entirely Swiss made jewel. They consider this piece likened to the pearl in every oyster.

Rolex Blue PARACHROM hairspring - This parachrom hairspring’s registered name comes from the fact that the alloy is paramagnetic and that it is colored (CHROM in Greek). It is made from niobium, zirconium and an oxygen alloy.

This hairspring development required 5 years of research by physicists and materials engineers and called for the most advanced observation and analysis techniques. It resulted in the submission of applications for 2 patents, one for the protection of the chemical composition of the alloy, the other the way of doctoring the surface of the hairspring to stabilize its properties (blue coloring). The blue color of the hairspring reinforces the stature of the timepiece. As a matter of fact, in the history of watch making, bluing a hairspring was an operation done only for the most accurate and sophisticated watches. This is exclusive to Rolex and only Rolex. 100% conceived, patented and produced by Rolex. They have set a new standard for watch movement that is precise enough to be on a Rolex.

Everose Gold – Some may call it an obsession. At Rolex it’s just a passion. Finding a pink gold that wouldn’t fade over time was another challenge. Scientists discovered by adding a touch of platinum, the most noble of metals Rolex created a new allow, title Everose gold. It will remain pink forever. Only Rolex could have created something as ingenious as this.

Ceramic Bezel – The most durable bezel in the world. The bezel is superheated to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit & then bombarded by gold, atom by atom. It is then polished until only the numerals remain, permanently. Impervious to scratches now it actually takes more than 40 hours to create these Superman bezels.

904L Steel – So difficult to machine, special equipment had to be built to work it & only one watchmaker would even consider using it. Rolex needed a metal that achieved maximum resistance to corrosion. This 904L steel effortlessly met those demands, it’s virtually indestructible, and highly polishable. Rolex almost treats steel as if it were a prized jewel.

This is what makes a Rolex watch unique since 2007. Rolex continues to invest heavily into research & development to find the next big thing to improve upon the perfection that is known worldwide as, Rolex.  Looking to save money on a Rolex? Check out Gray & Sons, selling premium used Rolex watches for over 30 years in Miami, FL.

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Diamonds and Jewelry are Forever

Posted by on August 8, 2009

Diamonds are probably the best known and most loved gemstones. They are known for their brilliance, their beauty and of course their color. They have other lesser known properties too such as their high tolerance to chemicals and electrical resistance.

Got expensive tastes? Check out some record breaking expensive diamonds or see what I believe is the most expensive jewelry available for online purchase

Diamonds are in fact just another form of carbon as is the lead in that pencil on your desk. Most natural diamonds are billions of years old. Skilled diamond cutters work painstakingly to craft the finished diamonds from the rough stones they start with. You may be familiar with the four c’s when it comes to describing diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat. The cut refers to the shape the diamond has been cut in. The color tells us how how the jeweler rates the color, whether blue or pink for example. The clarity refers to whether the diamond is free of internal faults that dull its brilliance and lastly the carat refers to the weight of the diamond where one carat equals 200 grams.

Good diamond jewelry is expensive. The ongoing demand for diamond engagement rings helps to keep their value higher than other forms of jewelry. Diamond necklaces and earrings are also popular jewelry items and diamonds set in platinum or gold pieces will never go out of style. Of course these days we sometimes see other uses for diamonds too with everything from sandals to swimsuits ‘blinged up’ for specialty designer pieces.

While they are extremly tough, diamonds can be chipped by sharp enough knocks so they should not be worn if there is any chance of rough treatment. They can be cleaned with a detergent or jewelry cleaning solution and a soft brush an old toothbrush will do nicely and dried with a lint free cloth.

These days diamonds are perhaps a little more commonplace than previously but they are still considered to be a beautiful, everlasting and special gift for special occasions.

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Inspirational Jewlry Is A Gift That Keeps Giving

Posted by on August 8, 2009

Inspirational jewelry makes wonderful gifts, the fact that it is personalized makes it even more special. A gift that shows you know them as an individual can require more effort, but it’s worth it. There are a variety of inspirational messages that can be personalized onto rings, charms, bracelets, and pendants, just to name a few. With the diversity of the messages, these gifts are not limited to just that special someone but can be purchased for friends and family as well.

Personalized and inspirational jewelry are great for occasions such as a birthday, graduation, anniversary, or as a wedding gift. Inspirational rings may be the perfect gift to give the bride to be or the new graduate. Inspirational jewelry is a way to keep a little piece of a precious moment alive for years to come.

Personalized jewelry is not just for special occasions though, it is the gift that you can give anytime to show someone how much you care. Inspirational jewelry might be the most heart felt item that you can get for a friend or loved one going through a hard time. With inspirational messages such as Hope, Courage, and Dare to Dream, among many others, you are sure to find something that will convey a powerful message.

Inspirational jewelry makes wonderful gifts because it is from the heart. Your loved one will think of you and ultimately remember that they have your love and support. Nothing says I love you and am here for you the way personalized and inspirational jewelry can.

The jewelry can be bought in a variety of styles. This makes it possible to find the perfect piece. Teenagers, children, and adults alike will love having their favorite piece of jewelry personalized. There is no more worrying about whether or not they will like the gift. Inspirational jewelry is sure to please even the most finicky person to buy for and the sentiment behind it will be greatly appreciated.

When choosing a gift, it should be meaningful and tailored for the individual receiving it. Like the individual, you want the present to be unique. What could be more unique or personal than inspirational jewelry? It is as uplifting as it is unique. Your loved one will cherish the piece for a lifetime. Easy gift giving starts with thinking simply. If you want something that will last forever, give the gift of inspirational jewelry.

 

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