Did you know that both the modern and traditional birthstone for the month of April is the diamond?  “April-ers” are the only ones that have the lucky privilege of receiving the “King of Gems” as a birthstone.  Additionally, diamonds are valued extremely high and its demand is ongoing.  Today, the diamond is viewed as a symbol of love, courtship, and marriage, and is the most widely purchased engagement ring.

Faceted diamond prices vary, and are valued according to four main determining factors (known as the 4 c’s): color, clarity, cut, and carat.  Diamonds can be found in many colors, although the white or colorless is most popular.  Other natural colors include yellow, orange, brown/cognac, pink, light green, lavender, deep blue, and dark green.  The deep blue and green are the rarest and most expensive of the colors.

Over half of all the world’s diamond production and distribution is controlled by a cartel known as “De Beers.”  Although white diamonds unquestionably remain as the most notable gemstone in the jewelry industry, they are not in actuality “rare”.  Diamonds are mined on a massive scale, but the distribution by the cartel is controlled in a limited manner in order to keep the price of the diamond high. Because of the high cost and appeal of diamonds, many imitations are available on the market.  The cubic Zirconia, Zircon, YAG, Moissanite, and Fabulie are commonly used as such imitations.

The diamond is a 10, according to the Moh’s hardness scale, and is the hardest mineral on Earth.  Major sources can be found in South Africa, Zaire, Russia, Canada, Nambia, Botswana, Australia, and Angola.

The more famous diamonds include the Dresden, Hope, Cullinan I (or Star of Africa), Cullinan IV, Nassak, Tiffany, Sancy, Florentine, and the Shah diamond.

Interesting facts:
•    Over 250 tons of rock is blasted for every finished diamond carat

•    Folklore/Metaphysical properties:  The diamond is considered a stone of innocence and promotes purity.  The diamond is also known to enhance trust and loyalty in relationships.  In ancient times, it was used to guard against cowardice.

Click Here to learn other interesting facts about common jewelry making gemstones!

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Finally – some brand new, unique jewelry making patterns! And the best thing is that they are available to EVERYONE for FREE!

We are pleased to announce that the winning designs of the jewelry making contest are now available for your use! You can access the free jewelry pendant patterns by clicking on the link “2009 Pendant Contest Winners” and then by selecting which piece you would like to view.

This year’s challenge was themed on pendant making for the amateur, intermediate, and professional wire-sculptor.  All entries were based on four criteria:  Originality, Skill-Level, Creativity, and Detailed Instructions.  There was a tremendous response and we received a great deal of skilled, stunning, and artistic entries.  Thank you all who entered!

Again, allow us to mention our grand-prize winner, Joe Rushing, who won $500 for his pendant entry!  Joe created a lovely piece, using gold-filled wire that was wrapped around a mahogany obsidian ladder pendant.  He also used the coiling gizmo for this project and, as a result, created a unique wire- dangling look that compliments the pendant.  These “danglers” can also be used to construct a matching pair of earrings.

Indeed, you will be impressed with the end-product of the award-winning designs and you can obtain ALL of these patterns for free by clicking on the Contest Winners link.  Each pattern consists of a materials list, step-by-step instructions, and detailed pictures, complete for your utilization.  Enjoy!

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