INTA Gems & Diamonds - Friends, Family, Love, Happiness Blog - Los Angeles Jewelry District

A Winter Proposal Gift

2011-12-22T15:40:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Richard and his now fiance on their engagement!

This lovely couple came all the way from London! They bought a gorgeous oval shaped diamond solitaire ring. Prior to returning to their homeland, the couple decided to make a pit stop at INTA Gems. We wish this sweet couple the best of luck and a happy holiday! Hope you both enjoyed your stay in California!

Survivor Star Jerri and Fiance Rob @ INTA Gems

2011-12-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to 2001 Survivor: Australian Outback reality show star, Jerri Manthey and her fiance Rob, who came in today to purchase a gorgeous Ceylon Blue Sapphire and diamond ring.

Jerri was also featured in the Survivor: All Stars and Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.

We wish this lovely couple the best and a happy holidays!

Some photos of Jerri during her Survivor seasons

Best Wishes to Adelina & Stephen

2011-10-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations to Stephen and Adelina who came in today and found a stunning natural fine-quality unheated Pigeon's Blood Ruby! It was set into an 18K white gold ring with diamonds and I'm sure it will make Adelina extremely happy every day. Thank you Mark and Elba for sending Stephen and Adelina our way!

What is the Most Important Four C's to Consider?

2011-09-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

When shopping for a diamond, most people know about the important characteristics to look for—the infamous four C's (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight). But do you know what is the most important of the four to consider? Many debate over which of the four is the most

However, based on years of experience in the jewelry industry, I have seen that a majority of consumers prefer size as their first choice when shopping for a loose diamond. If size is the most vital to you, then the most important of the four C’s would be carat weight. The carat is the unit of measurement for the size and weight of a diamond. Since the rarity of a diamond increases substantially with increasing carat weight, the value and therefore price of the diamond also tend to increase exponentially with increasing weight. For instance, a 0.90 carat round GIA certified diamond with moderately high quality (G color, SI2 clarity) would cost around $5,900 retail. And to get a stone with the same specifications, but in a larger carat weight at just a little over 1.00 carat would cost around $7,500 retail (Please Note: Prices are subject to change with the market). That's quite the big monetary difference for about 0.10 carat of an increase isn't it? Diamond prices increase drastically through carat weight increments. For example, prices can fluctuate from a 0.50 carat to a 1.00 carat. Or from a 1.00 carat to a 1.25 carat. But by just choosing a diamond that is a 1.06 carat would not have as much of a significant price difference from a 1.00 carat.

At INTA Gems, we contain an extensive selection of diamonds ranging in different carat weights as well as color, clarity, and cut. For more information or to make an appointment to look at diamonds, please contact us at 213-689-9650. essential attribute to consider, but it mainly comes down to one’s own personal preference. Some prefer a larger size versus the diamond color/clarity. And all four factors are taken into account for the overall pricing of a diamond. With each increase in size and quality, there is an increase in pricing. It is best to stay balanced with each of the four traits and tailor them in accordance to your budget.

Furthermore, you must keep in mind, that the larger the surface area/size, the more apparent the internal characteristics are to the naked eye (i.e. clarity, color, or cut). This is why I highly recommend finding the right balance among the four.

INTA Gems & Diamonds carries a wide selection of GIA Diamonds and EGL Diamonds for you to choose from.

All the way from Finland!

2011-09-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

We are so happy for Jussi and his fiancee! On their visit to the US, they made a stop at Inta Gems! They picked a beautiful hand-engraved three-stone ring in platinum that she got to wear on her return flight to Finland later that day. Congratulations to both of you!!

2011-08-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Christie and Ryan!

Ryan's grandfather's ring supplied the beautiful and meaningful family diamond for Christie's gorgeous new engagement ring from INTA. We are so happy for both of them!

Dennis & Cynthia @ INTA Gems

2011-08-03T15:57:00.001-07:00

Couple Dennis and Cynthia came in today to pick up their yellow gold diamond ring. We wish you both the best and look forward to seeing you again soon! :D

Josh and Madoka @ INTA Gems

2011-07-22T16:57:00.001-07:00

A sweet and lovely couple came in today to pick out matching wedding bands for their upcoming wedding. They had purchased their engagement ring from us as well. We loved helping Josh and Madoka find the perfect band to match their engagement ring. Congrats on the engagement and we wish you all the best!!!

CONGRATULATIONS ALYSSA CAMPANELLA!

2011-06-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Last night Miss California USA, Alyssa Campanella, won the title of Miss USA. The pageant was held at the Planet Hollywood resort in Las Vegas. It has been a pleasure for us to have worked as the Official Crown Jeweler of Miss California USA. We wish her all the best in New York as she pursues her next title as Miss Universe.

We would also congratulate Keith Lewis and Shanna Moakler, Co-Executive Directors of the Miss California USA Organization for all their hard work with Alyssa's win. They are the absolute best directors in the Miss Universe/Miss USA/ Miss Teen USA system.

Alyssa crowned Miss California USA earlier this year; Alyssa with Inta Gems owner, Jerry Young.

Alyssa crowned Miss USA June 19, 2011.

Ferry & Miki @ INTA

2011-06-07T16:33:00.001-07:00

Today a lovely couple came to see us all the way from Holland, Netherlands! This great couple have been going on a road trip here in the states. We are so happy they chose INTA Gems for their diamond engagement ring. They chose a beautiful diamond solitaire engagement ring crafted from 14K white gold. We are so happy for them and wish them the best of luck!

JCK Las Vegas

2011-05-31T13:24:00.001-07:00

Come check out the upcoming JCK Las Vegas Jewelry Show that will take place June 3-6 2011 at Mandalay Bay! Our company, INTA Gems & Diamonds will be attending and checking out all the latest new jewelry styles!

JCK Las Vegas is the biggest jewelry show for those in the jewelry industry. Where all jewelry vendors in the US come together to showcase and check out jewelry and gemstones.

Francia Raisa Shines in INTA Gems

2011-05-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Francia Raisa, actress in The Secret Life of the American Teenager, glows in a stunning custom designed INTA Gems ruby and diamond chandelier earrings along with a diamond fashion cocktail ring and matching bracelet. The gorgeous jewelry designs were made by our very own Peter Young of INTA Gems & Diamonds. Complimenting her ruby and diamond jewelry was a red gown designed by Tadashi Shoji.

Francia Raisa wore these gorgeous one of a kind pieces to the 2011 Gracie Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 in Beverly Hills, CA. The 22-year-old actress didn't leave empty-handed, nabbing an award for Outstanding Female Rising Star in a Drama Series or Special for her dramatic role in the upcoming episode. Congrats Francia! You looked stunning and we wish you all the best!!!

The Rarest Diamonds- Golconda

2011-05-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Golconda is a ruined city located south-central India and the capital of ancient Kingdom of Golconda. Today this area is known as Hyderabad. The area was once known for their diamonds found in the Southeast area in a mine called the Kollur Mine.

In the past, these mines were the only known rough diamond mines in the world during 4th Century B.C. up until 1730. Only the finest diamonds were found and traded there. In fact, gemologists classified these diamonds in the "2A" range meaning they have practically no trace of nitrogen (diamonds are comprised mostly of carbon). And the defining characteristics of Golconda diamonds are their incredible transparency, "whiteness", and overall purity. Golconda diamonds are so special and unique, it is highly prized, valuable, and extremely rare today. In fact, these diamonds are probably just archived at museums, Christie's Auction House, or Sotheby's Auction. Moreover, Golconda is believed to be the mine that has produced many famous diamonds such as:

These gorgeous diamonds were created due to the enormous forces of plate tectonics as the Tethys Oceanic Crust converged with the Asian Continental plate, forcing this place to be subducted underneath the other. The convergent fault contributed to creating volcanic activity of magma, where diamonds are originated from.

Today, Golconda diamonds are incorrectly used as high quality diamonds. However, only diamonds that have a high level of transparency and quality found only in rare, chemically and optically pure type-IIa natural diamonds can be labelled a Golconda diamond. Additionally, "Golconda" is also used as a broad term to describe higher quality diamonds with an antique cut.

2011-05-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today we had the pleasure of seeing long-time valued customer, Roger, and meeting for the first time his beautiful wife Arleen for whom he has bought many stunning pieces of jewelry from INTA.

They had just returned from a trip to Egypt and Israel and wanted our help turning a very rare and special souvenir- a 2,000 year-old coin- into a wearable piece of jewelry. We are so happy that they thought of us! Thank you Roger and Arleen!

A Royal Wedding of a Prince

2011-05-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton on their gorgeous wedding from the INTA Gems family!

During the royal wedding, Keylee Sanders of Style Studio was able to rock out in INTA Gems & Diamonds jewelry. She wore a blue sapphire and diamond fashion cocktail ring along with a gorgeous diamond line bracelet.

Diamond- The Hardest Substance Around

2011-05-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

The diamond is the hardest substance known to man. In fact, its name derives from the Greek word adamas, which means invincible. And hardness measures the resistance to scratching. It is graded from a scale of 1 ( being the softest) to 10 (the hardest) on the Moh's Hardness Scale. And diamond, being the hardest substance, has a rating of 10. Therefore, the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. In fact, diamond cutters use specially diamond tipped drills to polish a diamond rough. The hardness of diamonds contributes to its suitability as a gemstone.

However, a diamond's hardness depends on its purity, therefore a flawless diamond would have a higher hardness. A diamond that was more pure could scratch one of a lower purity content.

And the benefit of owning diamond jewelry is the fact that it maintains its polish extremely well; keeping it's lovely luster over long periods of time because nothing else can scratch it other than another diamond. This makes diamond jewelry the perfect accessory to be worn daily due to its strong resistance to scratching—especially for engagement/wedding rings (since engagement rings and wedding bands are jewelry that is commonly worn everyday). At INTA Gems & Diamonds, we specialize in creating customized diamond jewelry to satisfy every customer's needs. And have a huge selection of loose diamonds, engagement rings, and wedding bands so that every individual finds the perfect diamond ring of their dreams!

Another factor that is related to hardness (but not to be mistaken for the same thing) is toughness. Toughness is a material's ability to resist breakage from forceful impact. The toughness of a natural diamond measures out to 7.5–10 MPa·m^1/2. And in comparison to other gemstones, this is a high value. However, when measuring with more tough materials such as some engineering instruments, this is considered low.

And many people often believe that because a diamond is the hardest substance known to man, it cannot be chipped or broken. However, this belief is false. A diamond can actually chip because they naturally grow and crystallize with cleavage lines. And if these lines were struck at the right angle and with the right amount of impact, the diamond can actually be broken into two. The same goes for a tree. If you struck a tree at a certain angle and with enough force, the tree can split all the way down the line. And to diamonds, cleavage lines are the diamond's "kryptonite" or weak spots. Furthermore, when a diamond cutter cuts a diamond rough into a polished diamond the diamonds are cut and shaped following these various cleavage lines.

But other than that, diamonds are still considered very durable and make the perfect jewelry! If you would like to see and learn more about diamonds, please feel free to contact us at 213-689-9659. We are located in the heart of the Downtown Los Angeles Diamond and Jewelry District.

A Fairytale Dream Come True

2011-04-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

This lovely couple know a thing or two about magic! Corey and his lovely fiance to be have been waiting for the right moment to get engaged. And just like any fairytale dream, it was a dream come true to get engaged. Speaking of fairy tales, magic, and dreams....the couple spend a lot of their weekends at the happiest place on earth....Disneyland/California Adventure! The couple enjoys all the beauty, magic, and fun that the theme park has to offer!

And what better way to represent the gorgeous and adventurous California state, than with a diamond engagement ring that contains gorgeous deep ocean blue colored sapphires! The cute couple purchased their antique styled diamond and sapphire engagement ring here at INTA Gems. And they couldn't be happier!

April Birthstone: The "Unbreakable" Diamond

2011-04-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

April has finally arrived and we couldn't be happier! Warmer days are finally approaching to help us kick start our mornings!

The new month of April also brings in the lovely spring season with a welcoming of birds chirping, flowers blooming, and romance in the air. And what better way to celebrate that budding or everlasting romance than with the birthstone of April-the diamond! Diamonds are a gorgeous gemstone that have been prized for their durability, long-lasting presence, brilliance, and overall natural beauty. In fact, it takes millions of years to create a diamond in the earth's mantle under extremely high pressures. And the diamond is largely composed of carbon atoms that create an overall crystal lattice structure.

Throughout history, diamonds were prized for their strength and hardness. In fact, on the Moh's Hardness Scale that is used to measure the hardness of minerals, a diamond has a rating of 10 out of 10 (being the hardest substance known to man). Additionally, the name diamond is derived from the Ancient Greek word adamas, which means "unbreakable." So what better way to represent an unbreakable bond than with a diamond! Diamonds make the perfect statement for any outfit by adding a little sparkle to it. So show her you care with gorgeous diamond jewelry. They're not only perfect for those born on the month of April, but also great gift options for anniversaries, engagements, and just to say "I Love You."
Please click here for more information on diamond education, loose diamonds, diamond jewelry, and how to properly choose the right diamond for you. And if you're interested in seeing diamonds, please feel free to contact us at 213-689-9650.

Tribute to a Legend

2011-03-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

Few have had the courage to pull off magnificent jewels like Elizabeth Taylor. She died today, Wednesday March 23 at age 79 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center here in Los Angeles.

In her wake she leaves a legacy of films she helped to make extraordinary including Cleopatra, A Place in the Sun, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf, and National Velvet.

In addition to her films, she leaves a legacy of jewels, thanks in large part to Richard Burton who was twice her husband and showered her with important gems. These include most notably, the Taylor-Burton diamond, a 69.42 carat D flawless (!) pear-shape diamond. When she wore it to Princess Grace’s birthday party, she and Mr. Burton had to be accompanied by armed guards. In 1978, she sold the diamond for 5 million and used proceeds to build a hospital in Botswana.

Richard Burton also bought for her a 33.19 carat Asscher cut diamond, known as the Krupp Diamond. It was set into a ring with tapered baguettes and can be seen on her finger in many of her later films.

Elizabeth also received from Richard a heart shaped diamond known as the Taj Mahal (so named because he could not buy her the actual Taj Mahal).

According to Richard, “Diamonds are an investment.” Elizabeth, who named her fragrance line White Diamonds famously said in her ads “These have always brought me luck.”

INTA Gems and Diamonds is located in the LA Diamond District in Downtown Los Angeles. We carry a large selection of Loose Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands and Gemstones.

www.intagems.com
Ph: (213) 689-9650

A Shamrock for Faith and a Clover for Good Luck

2011-03-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone from the INTA Gems family!! Hope you're all sporting different shades of green. :)

A little fact about the green shamrock is it is the symbol of Ireland and a three-leafed old white clover. It is symbolic for the Irish Christian's because it represents the Holy Trinity. Not to be confused with the four-leaf clover, which is very uncommon and is symbolic of good luck.
Legend has it, the four-leaf clover brings those who find it good luck. According to legend, each leaf represents something different: the first stands for hope, the second is for faith, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck.Although it is extremely rare to find a four-leaf clover, a better alternative for St. Patrick's Day is to wear various gorgeous shades of green (After all, you wouldn't want to get pinched ;P). A perfect option without going green overboard is wearing a magnificent green colored gemstone piece of jewelry. Whether it be earrings, a necklace, a pendant, a bracelet, or even a ring. You can truly express hope, faith, love, and luck with green gemstone jewelry. And at INTA Gems, we offer some of the best green colored gemstone options for every shade of green. Some great options are:

1. Green Sapphires- which offer great durability because of it's high hardness scale rating.
2. Alexandrites- which change color under different lighting to various shades of greens, browns, reddish violets, and other wine colors.
3. Peridots- which is a gorgeous green yellow colored gemstone that reminds us of the springtime.
4. Emeralds- which is a largely popular shade of green that many people seek. And in the true St. Patty's Day theme Ireland is often referred to as the "Emerald Isle" by mainly Americans.

Hope this gives you some ideas in wearing green. And again, have a great St. Patrick's Holiday! Have fun and stay safe everyone! :)

INTA Gems and Diamonds is located in the LA Diamond District in Downtown Los Angeles. We carry a large selection of Loose Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands and Gemstones.

www.intagems.com
Ph: (213) 689-9650

A Stone of Destiny

2011-03-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

For centuries, sapphires have been worn by royalty. In fact, today Kate Middleton is wearing the legendary Princess Diana Sapphire Ring as Prince Harry proposed to her. But before Kate, another celebrity rocked the blue sapphire engagement ring - the Academy Award winning actress, Penelope Cruz.
The famous actress married her longtime boyfriend Javier Bardem after he proposed a 3-carat sapphire engagement ring worth about $30,000. The two had originally met on set during the filming of the movie Jamon, Jamon back in 1992.
Sapphires, a part of the corundum family, make a great alternative to diamond engagement rings because of their strong hardness rating of a 9 out of 10 (diamond being the hardest with a 10 rating). And they come in a wide range of colors (blue being the most common). Sapphires are also symbolic as being a stone of destiny. And what better way to show your special someone you two are destined to be together than with a "stone of destiny." At INTA Gems & Diamonds, we offer the widest range of Ceylon Blue Sapphires in various color shades. For additional information on blue sapphires, please feel free to contact us at 213-689-9650.

INTA Gems and Diamonds is located in the LA Diamond District in Downtown Los Angeles. We carry a large selection of Loose Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands and Gemstones.

www.intagems.com
Ph: (213) 689-9650

Sarah Hyland in INTA Gems on the Red Carpet

2011-02-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Sara Hyland, best known for her role as Haley Dunphey on ABC's hilarious hit Modern Family, graced the red carpet at the Costume Designers Guild Awards wearing a a fab INTA Gems Aquamarine pendant with a gorgeous white silk floral dress.

The pendant was designed by INTA Gems' designer Peter Young. It features a stunning 4.30 carat pear-shape aquamarine encircled by 1/4 carat of pave set diamonds. The setting is 18 karat white gold with rose gold filigree visible from the profile.

She and other CDG Awards participants can be seen at InStyle.

Pretty in Pink

2011-02-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air this upcoming February as Valentine's Day approaches. And what better way to express your love and affection than with a gorgeous pink sapphire and diamond jewelry!

While many people associate sapphires with the color blue, pink sapphires have been gaining popularity in recent years. Due to their lovely color and generally excellent clarity, pink sapphires are now on par with blue sapphires in terms of their popular demand. They range in a wide variety of tones from baby pink to hot pink, all of which are equally attractive and hugely popular. Nonetheless, the ones with a more intense tone of color (i.e. hot pink) are rarer and thus command a higher price. What gives pink sapphires their lovely color are trace amounts of chromium. And if their is an extremely high content of chromium, then the stone would be red in color and considered a ruby.

Besides the qualities of hue, tone, saturation, and clarity, the size of a pink sapphire also bears a major impact on its price. Pink sapphires below and around one carat weight are quite common whereas larger pieces over 4 carats are very rare.

Like their blue counterparts, pink sapphires also make great alternatives to diamond because of their hardness rating of a 9 out of 10 on the Moh's Hardness Scale (10 being the hardest substance-a diamond). And pink sapphires are natural stones a part of the corundum mineral family. And although it is a natural colored gemstone, like almost all gemstones, it is heat-treated (a commonly safe practice done to 90% of gemstones to enhance the color).

So for this Valentine's Day, make pink sapphires the number one choice for the perfect romantic and sweet gift to give your loved one. It will definitely be a Valentine's Day that she'll always remember. For more information on pink sapphires or to see a selection, please contact INTA Gems & Diamonds at 213-689-9650.

Vist our website at: www.intagems.com

Trip to Sri Lanka

2011-02-01T11:09:00.001-08:00

Recently Jerry Pheng Young went to Ratnapura, Sri Lanka to get a handful of new colored gemstones. This wonderful journey inspired Jerry share this amazing trip experience with you.

Throughout history Sri Lanka has been known as the "Gem Island" because of their vast array of colored gemstones. In fact, Marco Polo once wrote that the area contains the best selection of natural sapphires, topazes, amethysts, and other colored gemstones. Additionally, the unique color, clarity, and luster of blue sapphires from Sri Lanka have made this region widely popular. These gorgeous stones have a hardness of 9 (on the Moh's hardness scale), making them a perfect alternative to a diamond (10 on the Moh's hardness scale). The sapphires from Sri Lanka are so distinct in color and brilliance that they even have their own name-Ceylon Blue Sapphires.

Today, Ceylon blue sapphires have been in high demand on the colored gemstone market. They make the perfect alternative to a diamond for engagement rings. However, during Jerry's trip to Sri Lanka, he realized that the supply of Ceylon blue sapphires are at a scarcity this year due to heavy rains that have flooded the gemstone mines. As a result, Ceylon blue sapphires are becoming more rare. At INTA Gems, we carry a selection of Ceylon blue sapphires that have been hand-picked by Jerry.

To learn more about blue sapphires, click here.

If you have any additional questions or would like to purchase Ceylon blue sapphires, please feel free to contact at: (213) 689-9650

Robert & Joi @ INTA

2011-01-06T17:05:00.001-08:00

Robert and Joi, a funny and easy-going couple from the OC just purchased a gorgeous princess solitaire diamond ring today at our store. Congrats again guys!

Enjoying the New Year with a Lovely Couple

2011-01-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Carlos and Johana, an adorable couple purchased their wedding bands at our store. This couple is relaxing during the start of the new year and getting a head start with early wedding preparations. Congrats guys!

How To Test Gold

2010-12-28T15:23:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered how we test our gold? Wonder no more. In this video, Christina explains just how we do that.

How To Size, Set, & Rhodium A Ring

2010-12-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondering how we size, set, and rhodium our rings? Wonder no more. In this video, Christina takes you to one of our bench jewelers to show just how we make that happen.

George and Shelly @ INTA Gems

2010-12-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to George and Shelly, they just got a nice pair of 1.43 ct. diamond stud earrings from Inta Gems and Diamonds. Wishing you a great New Year!

Hope's New Ring!

2010-12-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

Hope and her loving husband, Ruben, visited us at INTA Gems this week to upgrade her setting. She fell in love with a knockout of a ring which really accentuated her center stone. It has tapered baguettes on either side, a diamond halo, and pave diamonds all around. Congratulations on your new ring, Hope!

INTA Gems and Diamonds is located in the LA Diamond District in Downtown Los Angeles. We carry a large selection of Loose Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands and Gemstones.

www.intagems.com
Ph: (213) 689-9650

Prince Charming Weds His Long-time Love

2010-11-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

Prince William, 28, proposed to long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton, also 28, with Princess Diana's original engagement ring last month while the two were vacationing in Kenya.

In 1981, Lady Diana Spencer chose that same sapphire ring for her engagement to Prince Charles from a selection presented to her by the then Crown jewelers Garrard of Mayfair. The ring retailed at £28,500 but was an unusual choice for a member of the Royal Family, because it was such a common ring that anyone could publicly buy from the Garrard catalog.

The ring features a large 12.00 carat oval shaped Ceylon sapphire center and 14 round cut diamonds surrounding the sapphire in a diamond halo. The ring is elegantly crafted from 18K white gold. Diana's choice of a blue sapphire sparked a real trend among sapphire and diamond engagement rings that are still popular today among celebrities such as Penelope Cruz!

When asked about why Prince William gave his mother's ring to Kate, he said: "It’s very special to me. As Kate’s very special to me now, it was right to put the two together...It was my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today and the excitement, and the fact that we’re going to spend the rest of our lives together."

Talk about a truly romantic and sentimental prince charming! Congrats to the lovely couple!

Love All Tennis Ace Maria Sharpova Wins the Heart of Lakers Sasha Vujacic!

2010-11-16T23:01:00.000-08:00

L.A. Lakers player Sasha Vujacic proposed to his girlfriend, tennis player Maria Sharapova with a diamond engagement ring worth about $250,000, according to sources. The beautiful engagement ring is an estimated 9-carat cushion-cut diamond with smaller diamonds along the sides and is set in platinum.

After a year of dating during their one year anniversary, Vujacic proposed to her at his house in Manhattan Beach, California. The two began dating in 2009 after meeting at a barbecue gathering through mutual friends.

Sasha confirmed the big news before the Lakers' exhibition game against Golden State saying, "We are both engaged and both really happy. It's good and now we can focus on other things." Another win for the tennis ace, Maria Sharpova and her basketball Lakers champion player, Sasha. ;)

Jessica Simpson's Engagement to former NFL Player Eric Johnson!

2010-11-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

When it came to finding the perfect engagement ring for singer, Jessica Simpson, former NFL player, Eric Johnson made sure the ring was truly symbolic of their love. He wanted to give Jessica something truly romantic and special. Eric proposed with a beautifully stunning three-stone yellow gold ruby and diamond ring. Three-stone rings are the perfect engagement rings that represent your past, present, and future together. The ring features one large rare ruby that weighs over 5.00 carats to represent not only Jessica's birthstone, but is also symbolic of representing love. The ruby has a romantic red color hue that symbolizes the beauty and passion that is found in love. Accompanying the gorgeous ruby are two pear-shaped diamonds that weigh more than 5.00 carats total weight and are flanked along the ruby. The whole ring is crafted from yellow gold. Talk about a massive declaration of love!

Love is Louder - The new Miss California Teen USA Crown Dedication

2010-11-15T11:16:00.000-08:00

The Miss California USA organization and INTA Gems & Diamonds dedicating the newly designed Miss California Teen USA crown designed by Peter Young to the Love is Louder movement founded by Brittany Snow, MTV and the Jed Foundation to support kids being bullied and harassed.

The Miss California Teen USA Crown Takes Shape

2010-10-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

We just finished assembling the pieces for the Miss California Teen USA crown. And we are starting to set the diamonds. There are about 800 stones that need to be set and each one set by hand by our master setter.

The Making of the Miss California Teen USA Crown Preview

2010-10-19T15:10:00.001-07:00

INTA Gems & Diamonds and the Miss California USA organization is dedicating the new Miss California Teen USA Crown to the Love is Louder Campaign. Here are previews of the crown.

The Love is Louder was started by actress Brittany Snow, The Jed Foundation and MTV to build on the outpouring of support online after the lives of multiple teenagers were lost to suicide in September 2010.

This movement strives to amplify the momentum of other inspiring online campaigns and invite anyone who has felt mistreated, misunderstood or isolated into the conversation. We are here to raise the volume around a critical message -- that love and support is more powerful than the external and internal voices that bring us down, cause us pain and make us feel hopeless.

Emma Baker, Miss California Teen USA 2010, and Peter Young will be filming a video in two weeks for the Love is Louder campaign.

Miss California Teen USA Crown Design Preview

2010-10-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

I'm currently working on the new Miss California Teen USA Crown and wanted to share the preview of the drawing to everybody. The Teen Crown has a similar feel to the Miss California USA Crown that I designed last year. The main difference that you'll see in the Teen Crown is that it incorporates a large sun in the center. Part of my inspiration came from Katy Perry's California Gurls song, "There's nothing that comes close to the Golden Coast!" lyrics and I wanted to have that as a prominent part of the design.

There are also waves that form along a California coastline border and you'll also see sun rays which will be made of yellow diamonds in the center of the crown.

In addition to my design team at INTA Gems & Diamonds, Nicole Johnson, Miss California USA, and Emma Baker, Miss California Teen USA, have helped in the design concept. Special thanks to them.

Romantic Rose Gold

2010-10-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

Rose gold is a gold and copper alloy commonly used for specialized jewelry because of its reddish color. Rose gold gets its beautiful rosy pink color from a larger portion of copper in the metal alloy. It is also interchangeably referred to as red gold or pink gold. Despite the various names, the difference between red, rose, and pink gold is the copper content. Simply put, the higher the copper content, the more pronounced the red coloration in the gold is. Just like how pure gold is yellow, pure copper is reddish. And due to its popularity in Russia in the early 19th century, it is also sometimes rarely referred to as Russian gold.

A common alloy for rose gold is 75% gold and 25% copper by mass (18K). And because rose gold is an alloy (bonds with other elements), there is no such thing as “pure rose gold.” For red gold, a common formulation is generally 50% gold and 50% copper. And up to 15% zing can be added to copper-rich alloys to change their color to reddish yellow or dark yellow, depending on one’s preference.

For those that want the highest karat possible in rose gold would look to get crown gold, which contains 22K. And 18K red gold consists of 25% copper and 75% gold. For 18K rose gold, there is typically about 4% of silver added to the 75% gold and 21% copper alloys. While 14K red gold (which is commonly found in the Middle East) contains 41.67% of copper alloy.

The price of rose/red gold jewelry is dependent upon the purity of the gold used or karat weight, as well as the design, and craftsmanship of the piece of jewelry.

Rose gold jewelry goes perfectly with warmer toned colored gemstones such as pink, red, yellow, orange, etc. At INTA Gems, we specialize in custom jewelry design work and are happy to assist you in creating gorgeous one of a kind rose gold jewelry.

Gold Care
Proper care for your gold jewelry is important to maintain its lifelong beauty and value. At INTA Gems, we always suggest to place your jewelry safely in a fabric-lined jewelry box during rugged activities such as housekeeping or sports. The protected box will also prevent any scratches on the jewelry. And to keep your gold jewelry clean and lustrous, soak it in a mild solution of soap and warm water. Then gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush (i.e. toothbrush). And if your gold jewelry contains diamonds or other colored gemstones, be sure to check the settings periodically for possible damage. If you see a loose prong, or if the setting looks out of line, immediately bring it back to us at INTA Gems for inspection. At INTA, we offer free lifetime prong checking and tightening on any jewelry purchased from our store.

Daniel and Marisa @ INTA Gems

2010-10-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

A lovely and charming young couple, Daniel and Marisa purchased a gorgeous diamond halo engagement ring at INTA Gems. We're glad to help such a sweet and fun couple and we wish you guys the best of luck in all the wedding preparations. We look forward to seeing you guys soon! Come visit our INTA Gems family anytime!

Daniel had originally proposed with Marisa's mother's ring and then got an additional engagement ring from our store. For more info on their amazing proposal, check out Marisa's blog! Congrats again guys!

Kimberly & Kevin

2010-10-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kevin and Kimberly on their upcoming wedding! They came to see us for a wedding band to match the engagement ring Kevin previously purchased from INTA. They decided on a stunning 18 karat white gold band with round brilliant diamonds. We are so happy we were able to help them find a set they will cherish for years to come!

Cobalt Chrome Wedding Bands

2010-09-27T14:26:00.001-07:00

It is very important to us at Inta Gems to make sure we offer the latest styles and newest materials to our customers. In that spirit, we are pleased to announce that we now offer Benchmark brand Cobalt Chrome wedding bands. Cobalt Chrome is a new metal choice which has been engineered for premium performance.

You may already be familiar with Tungsten and Titanium as alternatives to traditional gold or platinum bands. Cobalt Chrome has similar strength and scratch resistance to these metals, but it has some additional features that make it a standout in the alternative metals category.

The first thing one notices is the color. Cobalt Chrome has a bright white color that is almost indistinguishable from white gold and platinum. What this means is that for a fraction of the price of precious metals, one can enjoy the same appearance. And Cobalt Chrome will never loose its bright white finish.

Though a bit less scratch resistant than Titanium and Tungsten, Cobalt Chrome is far more scratch resistant than look-a-like precious metals. It is four times harder than platinum and five times harder than gold! Unlike Tungsten, Cobalt Chrome is also shatterproof.

These new bands are also a pleasure to wear. Having had uses in medical supplies for years, Cobalt Chrome is a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin. It is naturally hypoallergenic because it does not contain any alloys that cause negative reactions. Cobalt Chrome also has a comfortable weight, similar to the weight of gold and is available in a wide selection of comfort-fit styles.

If you are deciding which metal is best for your wedding band, consider how Cobalt Chrome would work for you. If you enjoy playing sports or working with your hands, you will appreciate its strength and scratch-resistance. Like many men for whom a wedding band is the first piece of jewelry, you may want a wedding band that is comfortable and low-maintenance in which case you will appreciate the weight, comfort-fit style, and lasting finish and color of Cobalt Chrome. And with the look of white gold at a fraction of the price, Cobalt Chrome could be the perfect alternative for you!

Luc A. @ INTA

2010-09-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Luc just bought a gorgeous one of a kind diamond engagement ring here at INTA Gems.

Congrats again Luc! We were happy to help you find the perfect ring for the perfect girl. We look forward to seeing you and your fiance soon!

Yellow Sapphires

2010-08-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

Sapphires are remarkable stones that are an excellent alternative gemstone to a diamond for engagement ring and other gemstone jewelry. But many jewelry consumers often associate sapphires with the color blue. But these amazing colored gemstones come in a variety of magnificent colors and hues. Some of these colors include: pink, green, and yellow. In fact, yellow sapphires are a great sapphire color that represents the warm and bright sunshine of a beautiful summer’s day. Yellow sapphires come in a huge array of different color hues such as light yellow (that can resemble fancy yellow diamonds) or deeper intense shades that can appear orange-like. Furthermore, yellow sapphire range from very light canary to an ultra golden color tone. And the most in-demand color tone is a medium vibrant canary yellow that will show good color and light reflection in all lighting conditions. This tone is comparable to yellow diamonds.

The scientific name for the sapphire is corundum, which is an aluminum oxide mineral. And gemstones in the corundum mineral family are very hard stones with a rating of 9 out of 10 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale. The only gemstone harder than corundum are diamonds, making sapphires a perfect alternative for an engagement ring.

90% of colored gemstones are the market has been heat treated to enhance the natural color of the stone. Heat treatment is an acceptable enhancement for colored gemstones, but for colored gemstone purest, unheated sapphires are also sold. However, these natural unheated stones are very rare and fetch a much higher price on the market.

Raquel Beezley Miss CA USA 2008

Sapphires can be mined from all over the world. However, Sri Lanka (formally called “Ceylon”) is the only location where fine quality yellow sapphires are mined. In fact, at INTA Gems & Diamonds, our owner Jerry Young travels to the mines in Sri Lanka to hand-pick each sapphire. Therefore, we guarantee, that are Ceylon sapphires are of the finest quality.

Unfortunately, unlike blue and pink sapphires, yellow sapphires are not as valued because people generally think of blue and pink for sapphires. However, these stones are actually very rare, yet lower in price than the more common colors. In actual fact, yellow sapphires are starting to show a steady increase in popularity. Soon, they will be just as popular as their blue and pink counterparts. At INTA Gems, we sell a gorgeous selection of fine quality Ceylon yellow sapphires in a variety of shapes and sizes.

August Birthstone: Peridot

2010-08-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

August marks the middle of summertime and what better way to celebrate than with the birthstone of the month—Peridot! Before purchasing a Peridot, here are a few facts every colored gemstone buyer should know:

Geology/History:
Peridot is a stone that belongs in the olivine mineral group based on its color composition. And the stone’s name is derived from the Greek word Peridona which literally means “giving plenty.” In fact, the stone is said to bring good luck, fortune, and peace. It is also believed to attract love, calm anger, and protect against negative emotions. Furthermore, peridot is said to bring protection, health, and peaceful sleep to the wearer. Today, peridots can be mined from locations such as China, Pakistan, and the United States. In addition, they are also found in Africa, Australia, Germany, Italy, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, and Sri Lanka (Ceylon).

Color:
Not to be confused with the deep green color of emeralds, peridot has a distinct coloration that ranges from yellowish green, olive, and brownish green. Peridot is a stone comprised of iron magnesium silicate. The traces of iron plays a huge part in shaping the stone’s beautiful and unique green coloration. In fact, the more iron the stone contains, the more intense the color of the stone is. And the more intensely green the stone is, the higher the price.

Moh's Hardness Scale:
Peridots have a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness (which rates from 1-10; 10 being the hardest stone). Therefore, we recommend wearing peridot as only fashion jewelry, rather than everyday wear which could result in the chipping or scratching of the stone. In fact, peridots make excellent fashion earrings or pendants. These colored gemstones can also be used for rings, but due to the constant usage of working on things with our hands, it is not recommended. But if you do crave a gorgeous peridot ring, we suggest placing the ring in a safe jewelry box when doing household chores because it could damage the stone.

Enhancements:
In terms of gemstone enhancements, peridots are usually enhanced with colorless oils or resins to reduce the visibility of the inclusions, resulting in the improvement of the stone’s overall clarity. These acceptable enhancements (along with heat treating) are also commonly used to improve color.

How to Clean Peridot Jewelry:
To clean peridots, soak in warm water with a mild detergent/soap. Then use a soft brush (i.e. toothbrush) to gently scrub. Lastly, rinse with warm water and pat dry. Never clean peridot with ultrasonic cleaners or household chemicals (i.e. alcohol) because it could potentially ruin the color or damage the stone. In addition, peridots should be kept away from excessive amounts of heat because it can damage the stone over time.

At INTA Gems & Diamonds, we have a magnificent collection of peridot gemstones that can be set into any gemstone jewelry. In addition, we carry a few fashion peridot earrings, pendants, and rings. For more information or directions to our store, feel free to contact us via email or phone.

Custom Orders

2010-08-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

INTA Gems has a wide variety of engagement rings and an array of other diamond, gemstone and pearl jewelry. Sometimes though, there may be a piece of jewelry you desire that we do not carry. These occasions call for a customized piece of jewelry.

Ideas for custom jewelry can come from an heirloom, an existing piece of jewelry, or your wildest imagination. INTA Gems specializes in high quality gemstones and diamonds collected from around the world. Many such as this radiant cut 6.88 carat natural yellow sapphire may inspire you to create a customized gift for yourself or someone you love.

If you are thinking of creating a customized piece of jewelry, taking a look at our selection of gemstones is a good place to start.

Or, there may be an aspect of a friend's or relative's jewelry that has grabbed your attention and you want to incorporate that design aspect into a piece of jewelry for yourself. For example, you love your grandmother's engagement ring but would prefer a cushion cut center stone. This too would be an occasion to let us create a custom design for you.

You also may have jewelry handed to you from parents and grandparents that is not wearable. Perhaps the gold has worn thin, the size is not right, or the style doesn't suit you. Rather than let it sit unworn in a drawer, we can help you turn it into jewelry you will cherish as much as the previous owner.

Making Your Custom Design

Getting started creating your custom jewelry is simple. Simply make an appointment with one of our consultants by calling INTA Gems at 213 689 9650.

Because building a piece of jewelry requires a team of skilled artisans a custom order may take up to four to six weeks for completion.

Once it is complete, you will have a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry to cherish for generations to come. Plus you will have the added bonus of being able to say "I designed it!"

These 6 simple steps explain each part of the process.

1. Consultation

During your consultation, we will discuss what is important to you in creating your ideal jewelry. Our team will help you choose the appropriate gemstones and design elements to suit you and your budget.

If you have any materials such as pictures or samples, bring these to your appointment. At your appointment we will also give you a price estimate and will require a deposit to begin designing.

2. Drawing & Design

Based on the criteria specified during consultation, we will create a drawing for you. The drawing is a fully rendered depiction of your custom jewelry from multiple angles. It is drawn by hand by a GIA Certified jewelry designer. When the drawing is complete, we will confirm with you that you are pleased. This can be done by email.

3. CAD

The drawing is brought to a specialist in Computer Aided Drafting, who will turn the two-dimensional drawing into a 3-dimensional file using state-of-the-art computer software.

The 3D file is then printed in wax.

4. Wax

The 3D CAD file is sent to a printer which prints the jewelry in wax. This is called “growing” as the jewelry literally grows with each deposit from the printer.

5. Metal

The wax is then cast in the metal of your choice. A mold is made of the wax and the metal is injected into the mold. Popular metals for use with precious gems and diamonds include 14 or 18 karat gold and platinum. You can read more about choosing the right metal for your custom design here.

6. Setting & Polishing

The cast ring is sent to a skilled bench jeweler who will set the gemstones. The ring will be polished, finished and ready to wear and enjoy.

Penelope Cruz's Engagement Ring!

2010-07-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

Penelope Cruz hasn't announced her engagement or even admitted to dating beau Javier Bardem, but the huge sapphire ring on her finger says different!

The huge stone is a vintage 3-carat estimated to be worth $30,000

Penelope has famously dated many of the hottest male stars in Hollywood today, including Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey.

Saphhire engagement rings are much more rare and special. In fact, not many female celebrities have rocked a sapphire. But one other sapphire engagement ring holder was the late Princess Diana.

Shoot for the Moon Emma Baker!

2010-07-13T17:51:00.001-07:00

Everybody at INTA Gems and the Young family would like to send our full support to this amazingly beautiful young woman, Emma Baker, Miss California Teen USA. We've all had a great time getting to know you and your family this year.

And personally, it was great to spend time with both Nicole Johnson, Miss California USA, and you and family at Disneyland before your trip began.

We love you! Shoot for the moon Emma! ;-)

Emma Baker, Miss California Teen USA 2010, is flying to the Bahamas to competed for the Miss Teen USA title on July 24th.

We'll be watching the live telecast at www.missteeenusa.com.

Alexandrites

2010-05-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

Alexandrites, more rare than diamonds, are perhaps some of the rarest gemstones on the planet. First discovered in 1834 in Russian emerald mines, they were named after the Russian tsar, Alexander II. It is hardly used in modern jewelry because of the extreme rarity. While Russia used to be the sole-source for these precious gemstones, they are now found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Burma, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Unknown to many, alexandrite shares the month of June as its birthstone with pearl. It is also a popular gift for the fifty-fifth wedding anniversary.

What To Consider When Purchasing An Alexandrite:

1. There are many simulants and synthetic alexandrites on the market; therefore, choose a jeweler you can trust that will guarantee it is a natural alexandrite.

2. Purchase an alexandrite with an independent report that states its nature of origin. The best alexandrites now come from Sri Lanka, Brazil and Russia.

3. Pay close attention to the color. These stones should be green in fluorescent lighting and reddish-purple in incandescent lighting. The more distinct the change of color, the more valuable the stone. 4. Because it rates an 8.5 on the Mohs' scale of hardness, it can easily be worn in many different types of jewelry.

5. Clarity is always important when choosing a gemstone. A slight amount of inclusions is normal; however, the less the inclusions, the more expensive the stone can be.

6. Make sure the alexandrite has not had any heat treatment. This process disables the stone from changing color, which is its most unique feature.

7. Examine the cutting quality. If the stone is cut well, it will have excellent proportions that will enhance its attractiveness.

8. Like diamonds, it is extremely rare for alexandrites to come in large sizes; therefore, higher premiums are paid for large stones.

9. The two most common shapes for alexandrite are cushion and oval. To find a shape other than these two is a rarity.

10. Choose a stone that you love. Regardless of what the gemological world says, it is most important for you to like the stone; otherwise, there is little point in the purchase at all.

Please visit http://www.intagems.com/catalog/?page=gemstones&action=list&type=Alexandrite&shape=any to see our wide selection of loose alexandrites.

Mother of Pearl

2010-05-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Summer is approaching and what better way to show her you care than to surprise her with her birthstone for the month of June-the pearl! Even if June isn't her birth month, pearls still make a beautiful gift, whether it is a pearl necklace, bracelet, or earrings. And in contrast to popular belief, pearls do not just come in white. They actually come in a variety of exotic colors that range from blackish, silver green, blue, pink, eggplant, and other colors. Pearls are also prized for their amazing mirror-like luster. At INTA Gems & Diamonds we have a tremendous selection of gorgeous Tahitian and fresh water pearls. But before you decide to purchase pearls, here are ten useful facts and advice that you should know:

1. Tahitian South Sea Pearls are also referred to as Black South Sea Pearls tend to be larger than any other pearl. But unlike the name, they come in a huge variety of colors and are known for their gorgeous mirror-like luster. These pearls come from the Pinctada Margaritifera Oyster that is found only in Tahiti and a few parts of the French Polynesian Islands.
2. Freshwater Pearls are pearls that are typically found in lakes and rivers in China and Japan. They are found within mollusks known as mussels. Freshwater Pearls tend to be naturally white or pink in color.
3. There is no industry standard pearl grading system yet, but the two major pearl grading systems are AAA-A system and the A-D system. In the AAA-A system, AAA is the highest rating given to pearls that are considered virtually flawless with very high luster, and at least 95% of a clean surface that is free from defects. AA is the second highest grading in which the pearls still contains very high luster, but is at least 75% free of defects. The last grading is A, in which the pearl contains a lower amount of luster and at least no more than 25% defects shown on the surface.
4. For the A-D system, A has the highest rating in which the pearl has a very high luster and only minor imperfections of over less than 10% of its surface. The next grade is B, which has high or medium luster, and the surface may have some visible imperfections but no more than 30% of its area. C graded pearls have medium luster, with surface imperfections over not more than 60%. The last grading, D, may have many slight defects (but no deep ones) that spread over 60% of its surface. And in terms of luster, a D graded pearl is irrelevant because the surface blemishes are taken more into account. Anything below the standard grading of D cannot be used in jewelry.
5. Another factor to consider for picking pearls is the thickness of the nacre (the crystalline substance that creates the iridescence in pearls), which generally determines pearl durability over time. For instance, thicker nacre would be stronger and longer-lasting than one that is thinner.
6. Pearl luster is the measurement of quality and quantity of light that reflects from the surface and just under the surface of the pearls. Luster is basically the reflective quality or brilliance of the surface of the pearl nacre. Saltwater pearls tend to reflect more than freshwater. And pearls that contain low luster appear to have a chalky and white look.
7. Pearls come in a variety of shapes because they are a natural organic substance. Every pearl has a slightly different shape. The most commonly known are the rounded shaped pearls, but the perfectly rounded pearls are actually quite rare. Pearls shapes are divided into three main categories: Spherical (perfectly or nearly round), Symmetrical (balanced and regular), and Baroque (irregular or abstract). More specifically, the second basic pearl shapes are: Round, Near-Round (extremely rare), Oval, Button (slightly flattened into a disk-like button), Drop (teardrop-shaped), Semi-Baroque, and Baroque.
8. In terms of color, pearls range from an entire selection of black to white. Other natural colors are silver, cream, champagne, gold, green, and blue. However, although two pearls can contain the same color, they may still have different overtones, giving it a much different look.
9. Another thing to consider with pearls is the size. The size has a direct connection to the price of the pearl and its quality. For instance, larger pearls command higher prices (but also considering all the other factors). The size of the pearl is measured by its diameter in millimeters. Most pearls today tend to be sold within the range of 6.5-7.5mm.
10. Lastly, taking all these factors into consideration, when choosing pearls, one must select one based on their own personal preference whether it is the shape, color, size, etc.

Hope these essential basic tips are helpful! To find out more information on pearls or where to purchase some pearl jewelry, feel free to contact or drop by the INTA Gems store.

Miss California USA, Nicole Johnson's Send Off Party

2010-05-12T13:53:00.001-07:00

The INTA Gems & Diamonds crew all went to Nicole Johnson, Miss California USA, send off party. In the photo is Shanna Moakler and Raquel Beezley, Miss California USA 2008. We'll be going to Vegas to watch Nicole compete for the Miss USA title. Watch it this Sunday on NBC!

For more information about Diamond Jewelry please see our website at www.intagems.com

Scrabble - Triple Letter Score! Will You Marry Me?

2010-04-28T16:06:00.001-07:00

Nathan and Allison just got engaged! And they sent these great photos of their INTA Gems & Diamonds engagement ring. It's always so nice to hear from our customers. Here are photos and an excerpt of an email that we got about Nathan's proposal.

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"As a favorite past time of Allison and I, a Scrabble photo was a natural way to propose. However the timing and perfect moment never came around for me to use this photo and the ring stayed locked in my cabinet for a month before I could get something better planned out. So finally, on Feb. 1st, Allison and I were up in Lake Tahoe on a ski trip getaway. I had planned out the day and was more nervous then I'd ever been. Little did Allison know, 3 days before our trip, I had called her mom and asked permission to ask her daughter to marry me. I wanted to start things off right, so this was a very important step for us. We skied all day, took a dip in our hot tub, had a casual walk near the lake, and then a romantic dinner at Cafe Fiore. As we were leaving the restaurant, Allison had mentioned that this was a perfect day. She was about to be even more surprised. Fidgeting to put on her gloves, I asked her to wait. I told her how happy these past 2 years had been. Being with her was more amazing then I could have ever imagined and I never wanted it to end. Photography was the thing that brought us together, so I thanked fate for this change in careers. I knew she could feel it coming, so I got on one knee and asked her to marry me. I didn't need the Scrabble photo after all as she burst into tears with a passionate yes. We hugged and embraced for what it felt like was 5 minutes when I finally mentioned we should probably get out of the cold before our teardrops freeze to our face. She instantly called her mother and was very happy to know her mom had already been informed of the surprise and had given her full approval. It was a memorable trip and I couldn't have done it without the amazing ring from Inta Gems. Thank you to everyone there for helping me pick out the perfect ring as well as making it the easiest process I ever imagined."

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Nathan is also a wedding photographer. If anybody needs photos, just tell them that INTA Gems & Diamonds sent you and his said that he would give you a discount or extra free prints.

About Nathan Nowack Photography:
Nathan Nowack is a photojournalistic wedding photographer that covers all of California. He strives for a simplistic beauty in my photos while also being artistic and fun. Nowack captures all those candid emotional moments at a wedding as well and have a full line of options including photo booths and albums. Please check out additional examples of his work at http://www.weddingsbynathan.com.

Photoshoot With Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA

2010-03-23T14:22:00.001-07:00

Peter, Miss California USA, Connie, and Jerry

Peter with his beautifully designed crown!

Nicole Johnson-Miss California USA 2010
and Emma Baker-Miss California Teen USA 2010

Nicole Johnson-Miss California USA 2010
wearing the crown designed by Inta Gems

Nicole Johnson-Miss California USA 2010

wearing the crown designed by Inta Gems

Nicole Johnson-Miss California USA 2010
wearing Inta Gems jewelry

Jerry, Peter, and Connie

Connie modeling Inta Gems jewelry

Aura Engraving-Inta Gems Hand Engraver

2010-03-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Want to know how we make our engravings look so beautiful? Watch this video to see our hand engraver hard at work as he explains the art of hand engraving.

Miss California USA 2010 Photoshoot Behind the Scenes

2010-03-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

We just finished the photoshoot with Nicole Johnson, Miss California USA 2010 and Emma Baker, Miss California Teen USA 2010. The photoshoot went really great. Both modeled some spectacular diamond jewelry from INTA Gems & Diamonds.

The shoot was at Beachwood Studios in Hollywood, CA. Our celebrity photographer, Jurgen Reisch, did an amazing job with the assistance of Christine, Jay and Prisca!

http://jurgenreisch.com

Here's a few behind the scenes shots of Nicole, and more to come of Emma!

How to Pick an Engagement Ring

2010-02-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

You want to pop the question, and you need to get an engagement ring. How do you do that? Watch this video to find out the best way to choose an engagement ring.

View some Engagement Rings

How to Buy A Princess Cut Diamond

2010-01-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

The princess cut shape diamond is one of the most popular fancy shaped diamonds. It's a square or rectuangular modified brilliant cut stone and it has a lot of brilliance.

For tips on how to buy the best princess cut diamond ring, watch the video featuring Stephanie, Steve and Peter.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's already 2010?! We can't either! It's a brand new year and we are more excited than ever. We look forward to seeing our customers both old and new and hope that the new year brings you health and good fortune. We would also like to remind you that Garnet is the birthstone of January and is a great stone for earrings and pendants. Once again, Happy New Year from Inta Gems!

Meet Miss California USA 2010

2009-12-21T14:35:00.001-08:00

Nicole Johnson, Miss California USA 2010, and Emma Baker, Miss California Teen USA 2010, will be at INTA Gems & Diamonds at 3 to 5 pm tomorrow! The public is welcome to come see the two beautiful state titleholder. And Nicole will be wearing the new Miss California USA Crown designed by INTA Gems & Diamonds.

Special Everlon Diamond Knot Collection

2009-12-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

You've probably seen the Everlon Diamond Knot Collection on television and in print ads. It's a beautiful design sympolizing the strength of love forged in a knot. At INTA Gems, we are offering genuine Everlon jewelry. For example:

A 14k white gold Everlon diamond ring with a 0.75 ct tw. is being sold at Ben Bridge for $2,450. However, we are selling the same ring for only $1,939. And in the spirit of the holidays, we are selling this ring for $1,550 for Christmas. You'll save a total of $900 if you purchase the ring from us.

http://www.benbridge.com/bb_store/product.php?productid=11115&cat=265&page=1

Everlon diamond rings, pendants, and earrings, start at $200. So, if you would like to purchase one, please stop by our store or give us a call.

The Miss California USA Crown on the Big Screen

2009-12-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

It was so amazing to see the pageant with the Crown projected on 4 huge screen at The Show Theatre for the Miss California USA Pageant. The crown was used as a backdrop for most of the telecast.

A Big Thank You to Barbara & Mike!

2009-11-23T17:38:00.000-08:00

Designing the Miss California USA Crown was such an honor for me. It was so amazing to have the Crown so prominently displayed on stage and on television. I really wanted to say a really big thank you to everybody that help me work on the design and production, especially Mike Gunulian and Barbara Lunger. They are the king and queen in my book! Oh... how I wish both of you could have been there at the pageant to see our hard work on display! Next year you must come!! And special thank you to Eriko, Emilio, Ko. I couldn't have done this without all of you. Where ever we go, we know that all of our hard work paid off. And it's because of a lot of talented people that this happened on-time and ready for the new Miss California USA.

The Miss California USA Crown is the biggest project that we have worked on it's really an honor to make it, and also an honor to also work with such great people. You always want work with reliable, talented people you know can do good work, but to work with people that you love, that's even better. Definitely... Love unites and with the new Miss California USA Crown, it shows.

INTA Gems and Diamonds is located in the LA Diamond District in Downtown Los Angeles. We carry a large selection of Loose Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands and Gemstones.

www.intagems.com
Ph: (213) 689-9650

Unveiling the Miss California USA Crown Video

2009-11-22T00:33:00.000-08:00

It was an honor to show the world the new Miss California USA Crown that I designed that represents so much about the beauty of California. The design elements incorporates waves, starts and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but it's really about love being at the center of it all.

My parents, Connie and Jerry, were with me as was Tami Farell, Miss California USA, Chelsea Gilligan, Miss California Teen USA, and Kristen Dalton, Miss USA.

The Miss California USA Crown is valued at $100,000.

Red Carpet Crown Unveiling

2009-11-22T00:25:00.001-08:00

That would be unveiling the new Miss California USA Crown with Miss California USA, Miss California Teen USA, and Miss USA, Keith Lewis, and parents Jerry and Connie

Watch the Miss California USA Pageant on TV or Online

2009-11-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

Jerry, Connie and I just arrived in Palm Springs and we just delivered the Miss California USA Crown to Keith Lewis. We're now heading to the Beauty of California dinner at Rivera Hotel for the Unveiling of the Crown tonight at 8 pm.

We got a glimpse of preliminaries and the show looks amazing! And what are they using as the backdrop for the stage! The Miss California USA Crown that I desigend! It's so exciting. If you aren't in Los Angeles and want to see the show, you can watch it live on UStream!

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/miss-california-usa

Unveiling the Miss California USA Crown Promotes Unity, Love and the Beauty of California

2009-11-21T18:14:00.001-08:00

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

Nov. 16, 2009 - Los Angeles- After a controversial year in part over Carrie Prejean’s (former Miss California USA) opinion at the 2009 Miss USA® pageant earlier this year, INTA Gems & Diamonds, the Official Jeweler of Miss California USA®, is proud to have designed and crafted the new 2010 Miss California USA® Crown which promotes unity, love and the Beauty of California. The Crown will be unveiled to the public at the Beauty of California dinner at the Rivera Resort in Palm Springs on Saturday, November 21 at 8 pm.

Designed by Peter Young, Creative Director of INTA Gems & Diamonds, the Miss California USA® Crown incorporates many elements of California to symbolize the beauty of the state. Sparkling stars line the border of the crown to represent the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition, the curves of the crown bring out the natural beauty of strong glistening waves that flow back and forth, just like the beautiful California coastline.

Peter Young says, "I based the design elements for the Miss California USA® Crown from the natural beauty of California. Also, with the controversy over Carrie Prejean’s opinion regarding gay marriage at the Miss USA® pageant, I wanted my design to present an open view for the next 2010 Miss California USA® titleholder. My wave design represents the different perspectives everybody has because of our diversity in California. I felt a strong need for people to know that although we may have different opinions from opposite sides, the one universal idea that speaks true for all of us is that love unites. Therefore, at the center of the beautifully formed sparkling wave design is a heart. I hope that speaks true to the next Miss California USA"

Keith Lewis, Executive Director of K2 says, "INTA Gems has once again shown it is a leader in vision, design, craftsmanship, and quality with the creation of the 2010 Miss California USA®Crown symbolizing love, unity, and the beauty of California. As the preeminent leader for jewelry and gemstones in California, we are honored to adorn our new Miss California USA with this symbolic and beautifully jeweled masterpiece."

Handcrafted of silver and gold, the 2010 Miss California USA®Crown will glisten with precious gems including diamonds, diamond simulants, natural sapphire, and pearl. There are a total of 768 stones with a total carat weight of over 50 carats. It will be featured at the 2010 Miss California USA pageant that will be televised on Sunday, Nov 22 on the CW and on My Television television networks. Please check local listing for scheduled program time.

The Making of the Miss California USA 2010 crown

2009-11-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

INTA Gems & Diamonds is very busy working on the Miss California USA crown. It just came out of casting and we're hand polishing and working the beautiful design. Here are a few more photos of the making of the crown. Next up, setting the diamonds, sapphires and pearls...

The Miss California USA Crown Design by INTA Gems!

2009-11-09T12:42:00.000-08:00

I got a call from Keith Lewis, Co-Executive Director of K2 Productions, the producers of the Miss California USA Pageant. And he asked me to work on the new Miss California USA crown this year! What an honor it is for me to be working on it. We've been working on it for the past 2 weeks on the design and I'm really pleased with the results.

If you look at the design, it may just look like a pretty crown, but if you look at it more closely, you'll understand that there is a lot of meaning behind my crown design.

The Miss California USA Diamond Crown incorporates many various elements of California to symbolize the beauty of the state. The sparkling stars that line the border of the crown represent the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And the curves of the crown brings out the natural beauty of the strong glistening waves that flow back and forth, just like the beautiful California coastline.

I based the design elements from the natural beauty of California. Also, with the controversy with Carrie Prejean, former Miss California USA, I wanted my design to present a positive view for the next titleholder.

I wanted the wave design to represent the different perspective every individual has. I felt a strong need for people to know that although we may come from different backgrounds and opposite sides, the one universal idea that is ever sure, ever lasting and ever strong is that love unites. Therefore, at the center of the beautifully formed sparkling wave crown design is a heart. Love is at the center of it all.

It's a work in progress and with the pageant in about 2 weeks, we've got a lot of work on our hands. But, I'm super excited about this! Peter

Forged by Love...The Everlon Diamond Knot Collection

2009-11-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

True love is ever-sure, ever-lasting, and ever-strong. And what better way to represent one's love than with the Everlon Diamond Knot. The Everlon Diamond Knot is a tribute to the unfailing strength and bond of love. A constant reminder that love is the steadfast center of your universe and the foundation on which all things rest.

For centuries, the knot has been a symbol of strength. For countless cultures, it embodies the unbreakable bond of love between a man and a woman. It is often used in marriage ceremonies to symbolically unite the couple. In the past, when more valuable jewelry was not possible, knotted pieces of string was commonly used as a substitute for wedding bands.

Held fast with these traditions, the Everlon Diamond Knot is the strength of love forged in an endless, unfailing knot. It is a symbol that even in the toughest of times-especially in the toughest of times, the strength of your love will never waver. The Everlon represents a tie that will never be broken. However, the only thing stronger than a diamond is love.

Now at INTA Gems & Diamonds, we are proud to offer the Everlon Diamond Knot in silver, 14k white gold, 18K white gold, and platinum starting at just $200. We offer the best prices on the authentic Everlon Diamond Jewelry Collection in Los Angeles.

Please call for more information on in-stock Everlon Diamond Jewelry.

Black Diamonds

2009-10-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

Unknown to many, diamonds do not only come colorless, yellow, and pink but all colors of the spectrum. More highly unknown is the existence of black diamonds. These precious stones, also known as carbonado, are found in Central African Republic and Brazil. Sadly, not much is written about black diamonds, nor what causes their color.

Early research describes the stones having no visible inclusions and being deeply colored throughout. In addition, it attributes the color to small changes in the crystal structure containing small graphite particles evenly dispersed. However, new research declares the color is caused by numerous black inclusions that line the cleavage and fractures in the stone. In other words, in the graphitization process, the cleavages and fractures become lined with graphite when the surface layer of the diamond breaks into converted graphite.

How is this possible?

Diamonds and graphite are conceived of the exact same element, carbon. The difference between the two in their atomic structure which makes graphite extremely soft and diamonds the hardest known substance to man. Not only are black diamonds extremely difficult to cut and polish, but they require the utmost care when setting. In fact, black diamonds have been known to cause damage to polishing laps. Gemologists contribute the high luster to the dark body color and lack of transparency. The facets are extremely sharp, which is uncommon for dark gemstones.

One of the most famous diamonds is The Black Star of Africa, an exquisite 202 carat diamond, being the largest known stone of this color. Another notable black diamond is the Black Orloff, a 67.50 carat cushion shaped stone.

How can you tell if a black diamond is fake?

Artificial black diamonds show a very dark green color at thin edges and are quite transparent under an intense tungsten-halogen light. In addition, 8 out of 9 types of simulants are very soft an do not rate a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness like diamond do.

Black diamonds are becoming increasingly popular in all types of jewelry. At the MTV Video Music awards, Fergie was spotted with a black diamond ring that features a 1/4 center stone with uniform stones around the white gold band.

For more information on our black diamond inventory, feel free to email us at intainfo@intagems.com or give us a call at (213) 689-9650.

Megan Fox & Ivanka Trump

2009-10-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

Any excuse is a good excuse to post photos of Megan Fox. Guys everywhere rejoiced when they heard that Fox had split from Brian Austin Green (How the heck did "David Silver" rap superstar, land the hottest girl in the world?). Back when they were newly engaged, she was wearing a huge rock, but nowadays even though she has reunited with Green, she is no longer wearing the ring...

From Intagems customers, Caitlin and Jose just returned from their honeymoon in the Dominican and sent us this engagement photo!

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner wed this past Sunday and you can imagine, being the Trump family, they spared no expenses. The ceremony entertained 500 guests. Trump wore a Vera Wang designer dress, iced with jewelry totaling over $200,000 in value, including designs from her own jewelry line.

Trump's engagement ring was a 5.22 carat cushion-cut diamond with a platinum and diamond mounting. Trump converted to Judaism, Kushner's faith, before her wedding ceremony

One of Our Very Own...Married!!

2009-10-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

One of our very own INTA Gems family member, Stephanie Brink just married her long time boyfriend Kyle B. this summer. The lovely couple married at the Rosewood Christian Reformed Church. It was a very emmotional and magical day for the couple as they kept the day pretty intimate with Stephanie's father and Kyle's mentor as the pastors for the event. The day was filled with a lot of love, happiness, and laughs.
Stephanie looked stunning in her white bridal gown. And INTA Gems was there to help with complimenting diamond jewelry. Stephanie wore a dazzling platinum diamond necklace with stock # 80696 that contained 50 round brilliant cut diamonds that are 11.27 carats, 50 pear shaped diamonds that weigh 15.32 carats, and 50 marquise diamonds that weigh 14.45 carats. Along with the necklace was a matching bracelet that also contained pear shaped diamonds, marquise, and rounds. The total diamond weight was 12.83 carats. Accompanying the set was an 18K white gold diamond earring that had 6 pear shaped diamonds weighing 1.62 carats, 4 marquise weighing 1.14 carats, and 2 round diamonds weighing 0.50 carats.

Our INTA family was glad to help Stephanie in any way to make her wedding day just a bit more special.

Black Eyed Peas Wedding Recap

2009-10-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

Catering is an essential part of the wedding experience for your guests. I know that I always look forward to weddings especially of the amazing food spreads that are usually laid out. I had the pleasure of attending a beautiful wedding catered by the charismatic Daniel Villanueva. Here are some photos of his food, a sample wedding coming soon!

Find out more information at Flavors with Love

I shouldnt admit to watching "My Antonio" but it is my guilty pleasure! For those who have never seen the show, its basically like The Bachelor, on this show, a bunch of women competing for the affections of Antonio Sabato Jr. Last week they held a mock wedding with three of the contenders. My least favorite pick for Antonio is Brooke (I think shes fake) happened to be wearing the most beautiful wedding dress. (BTW my pick for Antonio is Tully, his ex-wife, also a contender on the show)

Antonio has aged well, hasn't he? Why do men often age so much better than women?!

Just wanted to recap the beautiful wedding of The Black Eyed Peas Member rapper Taboo to Jaymie Dizon. On Valentine's Day, Taboo surprised Dizon with a trip to a Beverly Hills jeweler where they co-designed her 3-carat cushion-cut engagement ring

Celebrity guests included the other members of The Black Eyed Peas and Fergie and Transformers star Josh Duhamel

The reception was a festive event, decked out in red and white

The happy couple wore his and hers diamond and platinum bands, and she had a platinum and diamond engagement sparkler

The 4th C: GIA's Cut Grading

2009-10-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

Often when people discuss diamonds they talk about the 4 C's, which are Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut. However, the 4th C is not often a priority for many buyers in the market. Sadly, without an adequate cut, a diamond of the best carat, color, and clarity can still look dull.

The GIA Cut Scale ranges from Excellent to Poor. The cut of a diamond gives that allure that people love. It is what draws people to the diamond. The cut of every diamond has three characteristics: brilliance, fire, and scintillation. The total amount of white light a diamond reflects is the brilliance. The colors of the spectrum the light disperses is called fire. Finally, the flashes of light, or sparkle you see when a diamond is moved is called scintillation.

To first understand how diamonds are cut, it is important to know how they are categorized. A round brilliant diamond traditionally has 58 facets and is used most commonly in all types of jewelry. All other shapes are considered fancy shapes.

When determining the value of a diamond's cut, three factors are taken into account. These include a diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish. When looking at a round brilliant cut diamond from the side, it is divided into three sections: the crown, girdle, and pavilion. Sometimes a fourth section is included which is a tiny flat facet on the bottom called a culet. The flat facet on the top of the diamond is called the table. A diamonds proportions are based on the relationship between the table size, crown angle, and pavilion depth, all of which affect how light interacts with the diamond. If a diamond is cut too deep or shallow, light escapes through the side or bottom and does not reflect back through the crown. For more information on the GIA's 4 C's, visit http://www.gia.edu/lab-reports-services/about-the-4cs/index.html.

Overall, there are two types of diamond cuts: brilliant and step. On its side, a brilliant cut diamond extends from the center in a triangular shape. Round and princess cut diamonds are excellent examples of this. A step cut looks somewhat like a staircase when viewed through the crown.

Between each category of grading, there is a slight difference; however between an excellent and a poor cut diamond, there is a significant difference. When comparing diamond cuts, it is also to important to note the difference in price. If a diamond has an excellent cut, excellent polish, and excellent symmetry (also known as a Triple X in the jewelry industry), it will cost more than a diamond with excellent cut, very good polish, and very good symmetry and much more than a good cut, polish, and symmetry. Here at Inta Gems, we typically recommend purchasing a very good cut or above.

Many customers ask, "What is more important?" Out of the three factors that determine cut, we consider cut to be the most important. If you have a diamond that has an excellent cut with good polish and symmetry, that is a nice diamond. If you are on a tight budget and need to sacrifice color and clarity, we recommend that you attempt for a higher cut quality. Although the diamond may have a lower color and clarity, it will still have excellent brilliance, fire, and scintillation. In other words, it will still have a lot of sparkle, which is usually most important to many women, aside from carat size. For more information on our diamond inventory, visit http://www.intagems.com/diamonds/search/.

Fancy Yellow Diamonds

2009-10-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

Canary Diamonds are considered one of the most rare, beautiful diamonds. While the GIA diamond scale ranges from D-Z, further down the scale a diamond will reach the color area of fancy yellow or Canary diamond.

The color of a diamond is composed from the combination of hue, tone, and saturation. Hue is the basic shade that identifies the color. The tone is the amount of lightness or darkness, while the saturation is the intensity of the color.

While the GIA recognizes 27 hues for fancy-colored diamonds, each hue represents a range. To clasify each range, each hue is accompanied with specific grades. These grade levels are extremely important for colored diamonds because they determine the value. If a diamond has a stronger hue, it becomes more valuable.

How do yellow diamonds get their color?

Diamonds are conceived of 99.95% of carbon, while the other 0.05% consists of traces of other elements. For fancy yellow diamonds, traces of Nitrogen give them their natural yellow color. The more Nitrogen that exists in the atomic structure, the strength of color will increase. In other words, the more Nitrogen, the stronger yellow a diamond will be.

What is makes a yellow diamond considered Canary?

A diamond is considered a natural Canary when its hue is a pure yellow in color. This diamond group is divided into categories: Fancy Light Yellow, Fancy Yellow, Fancy Intense Yellow, and Fancy Vivid Yellow. These classifications can affect price dramatically. While a 1.00 carat fancy light yellow can cost from $4,000-$6000, a 1.00carat fancy vivid yellow diamond can cost from $20,000-$30,000. As you can tell, color is critical in determining rarity and overall value.

How does fluorescence affect a fancy yellow diamond?

Fluorescence in white diamonds is typically viewed negatively; however, in colored diamonds, especially yellow, it can increase the intensity, which adds value to the diamond. While many people think that fluorescence only comes in blue, it can also come in colors such as green, white, orange, and yellow.

How does the clarity of a yellow diamond compare to other types of diamonds?

While there are many different types of colored diamonds, with fancy yellow diamonds, you have a much better chance of finding a clean stone. According to the GIA, in 2003, 80% if yellow diamonds graded were a VS clarity or better.

What shapes are most popular for yellow diamonds?

While round brilliant cuts are popular for white diamonds, this type of cut reduces the appearance of color due to the amount of light that reflects through the stone. Therefore, it is more popular for yellow diamonds to be cut in squarish shapes such as radiant or princess. It is also common for yellow diamonds to be oval cut.

Tips for Mounting

To enhance the color, several techniques are often used when setting yellow diamonds. One technique is to contrast the yellow diamonds by setting other colored diamonds around or beside it. Sometimes, a bezel style is better than a prong style depending on the diamond. Additionally, setters will use higher karat prongs to amplify to color of the lighter yellows. Lastly, if a ring is white gold or platinum, a yellow gold basket is used to to reflect a more intense yellow color. The diamond itself will often determine which type of setting is best. To see some of the setting styles we offer visit http://www.intagems.com/settings/.

Celebrity Yellow Diamonds

Singer Seal gave international supermodel Heidi Klum a 10 carat oval cut light, fancy yellow diamond. This beautiful stone was prong set tightly surrounded by yellow canary pave set diamonds on a 2.5mm band. The singer, Usher is also a big fan of yellow diamonds. He currently owns a watch with 1,000 tiny yellow diamonds that create his face. Legend Elton John also wears a 25 carat yellow diamond ring.

To see some of our yellow diamond inventory visit http://www.intagems.com/colored_diamonds/.

Yanna and Yang Get Married!

2009-10-13T12:05:00.001-07:00

My very own sister, Yanna, just got married this weekend at the Merritt Mansion in Pasadena. She met her now husband, Yang at UCLA Law School. The couple carried out very multi-cultural wedding with a Chinese Tea Ceremony, Korean Ceremony, and an American wedding. Steve's daughter, Kailee was the flower girl. My sister wore a beautiful matching INTA Gems diamond necklace and earring set. The couple also bought their wedding bands and her engagement ring at INTA Gems. My sister looked beautiful in her wedding gown and the added sparkle from INTA Gem's jewelry helped to make her wedding day more unique and unforgettable.

She wore an exquisite 18K white gold diamond necklace with 257 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 5.52 carats and 69 marquise diamonds weighing 5.28 carats. The stock #80698. In addition, she wore 18K white gold diamonds earrings to compliment the necklace. The earrings had 6 pear shaped diamonds weighing 1.62 carats, 4 marquise weighing 1.14 carats, and 2 round diamonds weighing 0.50 carats. Our mother sported an 18K white gold INTA Gems diamond necklace with 267 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 17.90 carats. The stock #80939.

Pictured on the left is a photo of my sister and me, her Maid of Honor.

The day was definitely a very memorable moment for our family. It was also a very intimate event wedding with their friend Andrew acting as the pastor and my brother Anthony as the MC for the night.

2009-10-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

My Name Is Earl actress, Jaime Pressly, 32, married entertainment lawyer, Simran Singh, 30, on a Saturday in Malibu after only two months of getting engaged. We are seeing a pattern of quickie weddings in Hollywood lately!

Singh proposed with a 5-carat round brilliant cut ring, worth about $75,000

The bride wore a Jenny Packham ivory custom gown encrusted with over 800,000 Swarovski crystals, and hand sewn beads and sequins along with a crystal head dress.
Her ten bridesmaids wore shiny platinum dresses with a one-shoulder design.

Pressley changed again to a glamorous Packham design for her reception.

A Deeper Look at Diamonds

2009-10-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

What are diamonds made of?

Unlike every other precious stone, a diamond is the only mineral made of a single element. Diamonds are composed 99.95% of carbon. The other 0.05% includes traces of other elements that are not the part of the primary chemical composition. These traces can affect both the color and shape of a diamond.

How are diamonds made?

Natural diamonds are formed under high temperature and pressure conditions approximately 90 miles beneath the earth's surface. Without these conditions, the carbon will not pressurize. The structure of a diamond's atoms contribute to its hardness. While graphite and diamonds are both composed of carbon, the pattern in which the atoms are arranged give a diamond its level of hardness. On the Mohs Scale of hardness, a diamond is given the highest rating at a 10. To view the Mohs scale of hardness, visit http://www.allaboutgemstones.com/mohs_hardness_scale.html.

Where do diamonds come from?

While diamonds come from all over the world, the most common sources are from Central and South Africa, Canada, Brazil, Russia, Australia, and India. Each year, approximatey 130 million carats of diamonds are mined throughout the world. Because diamonds are formed in such deep surfaces below the earth, they have to be brought to shallower surfaces in order to be mined. Naturally, this process is accomplished by deep volcanic eruptions that force magma through volcanic pipes. To learn more about this process visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamonds.

Why are diamonds so expensive?

As a general answer, diamonds are expensive beacuse of supply and demand. However, it is much more complicated than that. Throughout the years, diamonds have been found in large quantities. Unfortunately, many of these diamonds are not high in quality; therefore, the ones that do possess valued characteristics, based on the 4 C's, are much more rare. This rarity is what gives diamonds their hefty price. This same concept applies with the price of larger diamonds. Many people think that a 2.0 carat diamond will be twice as expensive as a 1.0 carat diamonds; however, if they are of the same quality, the price exponentially increases. Another reason diamonds are expensive is because they are extremely difficult to cut. This is caused not only by the nature of the stones but because cut grading has evolved to such high standards.

To learn more about the 4 C's of a diamonds visit http://www.gia.edu/lab-reports-services/about-the-4cs/index.html.

To learn more about the diamond inventory we offer visit http://www.intagems.com/diamonds/search/.

Project Wedding 5 Star Rating!

2009-10-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

See more reviews of http://www.projectwedding.com/vendor/show/inta-gems-diamonds">INTA Gems & Diamonds on http://www.projectwedding.com">Project Wedding.

Khloe Kardashian's Engagement Ring Look Alike

2009-10-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here at INTA Gems & Diamonds, we have rings just like Khloe Kardashian's.

Here you see a micro pave platinum setting with 134 round brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of 0.54 carats.

The center stone is a Radiant Cut Diamonds that has E Color, SI2 Clarity, and weighs a total of 0.90 carats.

In addition, this stone has a very good cut, very good polish, and very good symmetry, according to its certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

This is just one example of the hundreds of settings and diamonds we offer.

The total retail price for this set is $6,350. If you would like a ring just like Khloe Kardashian, INTA Gems is the place to go. Not only do we have a wide variety of rings but we do many custom designs as well.

Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom-- Wedded Bliss?

2009-09-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Reality star from the hit E! reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashian's, Khloe Kardashian's whirlwind romance wedding took place this past weekend on Sunday September 28th.

Kardashian wedded new beau Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers after only dating for a month. The Kardashian sisters have a penchant for athletes as her sister Kim is dating NFL running back Reggie Bush.

Odom proposed with a 9-carat diamond ring.

Was he trying to outdo the 4 million dollar 8-carat diamond ring that fellow Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant gave his wife Vanessa reportedly as an apology for his infidelities?

The wedding took place at the Bel-Air residence of a family friend with 250 invited guests, including Ryan Seacrest, Joe Francis, Alan Thicke, Kathie Lee Gifford and many other reality stars and NBA players with Babyface singing at the reception. Ok Magazine bought exclusive wedding photo rights for a whopping $270K and the wedding was also filmed for Karadashian's hit reality show on E! Kourtney and Khloe take Miami

The Blue Hope Diamond

2009-09-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

The Blue Hope Diamond is the most infamous diamond in the world. In 1988 it was graded by GIA (Gemological Institute of America). The laboratory stated that the diamond is a fancy dark grayish-blue hue, but in 1996 it was revised to be a fancy deep grayish-blue hue. The diamond weights 45.52 carats. The stone also exhibits an intense luminescence (which means that after being exposed to ultraviolet light, a brilliant red 'glow-in-the-dark' effect known as phosphorescence is produced). The color remains for some time even after the light source has disappeared. The cut of the magnificent diamond is a cushion antique brilliant with a faceted girdle and extra facets at the pavilion. The clarity given to the stone is VS1, with slight whitish graining. The Hope Diamond along with other blue diamonds get their blue color from having some amounts of boron. And because of the element boron, blue diamonds are great conductors of electricity.

The Hope Diamond was once owned by Louis XIV and was officially given the title as “the blue diamond of the crown.” During the French Revolution the diamond was stolen and ended up in London in 1830. Then, Henry Philip Hope (whom the diamond is named after) bought the stone. In contradiction to the diamond’s name, it acquired a reputation for bringing bad luck to its bearer. In fact, the Hope family who had possession of the diamond had died in poverty. Later, the diamond was taken into possession by Edward McLean. Unfortunately, he also befell a similar misfortune as the Hope family. After the unfortunate event that befell McLean estate, Harry Winston, Inc. bought the Hope Diamond and donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. For more information on the diamond check out: http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_Si/nmnh/hope.htm

Currently the Hope Diamond has been unmasked from its setting in a bare state on display at the Smithsonian Institution for the first time. Find out more information on the naked Hope Diamond at:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090923/ap_on_go_ot/us_naked_hope

And to browse through our collection of colored diamond jewelry go to:
http://www.intagems.com/colored_diamonds/

For more information regarding colored diamonds or loose diamonds please give us a call (213) 689-9650.

Sell Your Gold at the Height of the Market

2009-09-19T10:39:00.001-07:00

Do you have old gold jewelry that you don't wear? Or did your aunt give you a gold ring that you just don't wear anymore? Gold is at over $1,000 per ounce. Why not sell it? We're buying gold right now. And if you're interested in trading in your gold for cash or credit at INTA Gems, we can do that. Just contact us and we can give you the estimated value of what your gold costs now. Send us an email at intainfo@intagems.com or call us at 213-689-9650 to make an appointment.

The Official Miss California USA "I Believe" Pendant

2009-09-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

Inta Gems & Diamonds just released the official Miss California USA "I Believe" pendant.

To find out more, watch when Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss California USA, and Miss Teen California USA stopped by our store to promote the introduction of the pendant.

For more information on the the "I Believe" Theme watch this PSA.

If you would like to order an "I Believe" pendant, please click on the image below, print out the form and mail us back it back with payment.

10 Popular Restaurants in the Los Angeles Jewelry District

2009-09-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

Picture this scenario: you have been walking around the Los Angeles Diamond or Jewelry District for a couple of hours shopping for an engagement ring. Things just got a little overwhelming with all the different jewelry venders and selection to choose from. Hunger strikes and you think to yourself, where is a good place to eat? Well, things just got a tad easier. Below are the 10 popular restaurants in the Los Angeles Jewelry District that we at INTA Gems & Diamonds highly recommend. Most of the locations listed below are within walking distance. We understand that finding the perfect engagement ring can be tough, but deciding what to eat shouldn’t be.

California Fresh: is a great place for the health conscious shopper. California Fresh serves fresh and healthy foods.
609 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 489-9555
For driving directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=631+S+Hill+St,+Los+Angeles,+California+90014&daddr=609+S.+Spring+St.+Los+Angeles,+CA+90014&hl=en&geocode=FW-DBwIdUpXz-Cn1s0cYtcfCgDHc8WZv86Bb7A%3B&mra=pe&mrcr=0&sll=32.311387,-101.259171&sspn=17.151371,39.418945&ie=UTF8&z=18

Arda’s Café: has a great selection of healthy and fresh sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Arda’s also has a delicious breakfast menu that serves until 11am.
418 W. 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 689-4438
For driving directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=631+S+Hill+St,+Los+Angeles,+California+90014&daddr=418+W.+6th+St.+&geocode=FW-DBwIdUpXz-A%3B&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=34.046505,-118.252395&sspn=0.002058,0.004812&ie=UTF8&z=17

Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express: is perfect for fine Italian dining as well as casual lunches.
630 W 6th St # 116
Los Angeles, CA 90017(213) 614-1900
For driving directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=631+S+Hill+St,+Los+Angeles,+California+90014&daddr=630+W+6th+St+%23+116&geocode=FW-DBwIdUpXz-A%3B&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=34.046995,-118.25458&sspn=0.004116,0.009624&ie=UTF8&ll=34.047708,-118.255763&spn=0.004116,0.009624&z=17

St. Vincent’s Deli: is a hidden treasure that serves Mediterranean food with friendly service.
650 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 629-3345
Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=631+S+Hill+St,+Los+Angeles,+California+90014&daddr=650+S+Hill+St&geocode=FW-DBwIdUpXz-A%3B&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=34.048455,-118.254529&sspn=0.004116,0.009624&ie=UTF8&z=19

Rama: Want something ethnic and spicy? Try a delectable fusion of Thai-American cuisine that is located right next door from our store.
625 S. Hill St. # B68-B69
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 624-9997

Blossom Restaurant: serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
426 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 623-1973
Driving directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&cid=0,0,8029329456938913990&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&dq=blossoms+restaurant+los+angeles&daddr=426+S+Main+St,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90013-1320&geocode=6949093493387720144,34.047283,-118.247954&ei=QkmxSseFNo_6sgOenJC9Cw&z=16

Wood Spoon: serves Brazilian or Latin American home-style cooking.
107 E. 9th St
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 629-1765
For driving directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=631+s.+hill+st.+90014&daddr=107+E+9th+St,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90014+(Wood+Spoon)&hl=en&geocode=%3BFRBuBwIdMZTz-A&mra=ls&sll=34.04136,-118.254543&sspn=0.008232,0.019248&ie=UTF8&ll=34.04393,-118.255484&spn=0.008232,0.019248&z=16

Farmer’s Market: is available only on Wednesdays at Pershing Square and is open from 11am to 2pm.
532 S. Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 847-4970
Driving directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=631+S+Hill+St,+Los+Angeles,+California+90014&daddr=532+South+Olive+Street,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90013+(Pershing+Square)&geocode=FW-DBwIdUpXz-A%3BCdxmsk_-B9-cFdeKBwIdKpjz-CH40s0BUXb84A&hl=en&mra=pe&mrcr=0&sll=34.047844,-118.252798&sspn=0.016464,0.038495&ie=UTF8&z=17

Bottega Louie: has great ambiance and is perfect for fine Italian dining. Also featured inside the restaurant is a gourmet market.
700 S. Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 802-1470
Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=631+s.+hill+st.+90014&daddr=700+S.+Grand+Avenue,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90017&hl=en&geocode=%3BFSaFBwIdOozz-A&gl=us&mra=ls&sll=34.04727,-118.256582&sspn=0.008232,0.019248&ie=UTF8&z=18

Sushi Gen: is wonderful choice for adventurous sushi lovers.
422 E 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 617-0552
Get directions at:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=631+s.+hill+st.+90014&daddr=422+E+2nd+St,+Los+Angeles,+CA+90012-4209+(Sushi-Gen)&hl=en&geocode=%3BFR6GBwIdm9Dz-A&mra=ls&sll=34.047518,-118.239077&sspn=0.008232,0.019248&ie=UTF8&ll=34.048126,-118.24645&spn=0.008232,0.019248&z=16

Reading a Diamond Certification: The Easy Way

2009-09-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Reading a certification can be overwhelming if you do not know what you are reading. Fortunately, it is much easier than you think.

So what is a diamond certification?

A diamond certification is written proof a diamond's unique characterisitics. The three primary institutions that grade diamonds are the American Gem Society (AGS), the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and European Gemological Laboratory (EGL). Each laboratory has a different guidelines and practices for the way in which it grades stones. Here at Inta Gems, we believe that the AGS is currently the most meticulous in their grading procedures. Next in line is the GIA, followed by the EGL. The most renowned laboratories are the AGS and GIA. Because of their strict guidelines, we carry a significant amount of GIA graded stones. In fact, we have two graduate gemologists from the GIA right in our store, Steve Pheng and Peter Young.

Does a certification affect value?

Absolutely! Diamonds without a certification are much less expensive; however, you do run the risk of purchasing a stone that does not possess the same characteristics as the jeweler tells you.

The Anatomy of a Diamond Certification from the GIA

One of the first things you should see, aside from the GIA logo at the top is the date the stone was graded. Below the date is the laser inscription registry, if applicable. It is common for many stones to have a small number laser inscribed on the girdle that corresponds with the report number, which is located on the far left side of every certificate. A laser inscription is a great way to protect your stone during maintance of a piece of jewelry. If your stone has a laser inscription, make sure the jeweler allows you to see the number before and after and the maintance is completed. Below the inscription registry is the shape and cutting style as well as the measurements of the stone. The shape and cutting style reveal the outline of the diamond, while the measurements include dimensions in millimeters.

The next section of the certificate includes the grading results based on the GIA's 4C's of a diamond. The 4C's are comprised of the carat weight, color grade, clarity grade, and cut grade. Carat weight is the overall weight of the diamonds. One carat is equal to 1/5 of a gram. A color grade represents the amount of color absent in a diamond from colorless to light yellow or brown. Clarity grade rates the absence of inclusions from Flawless to Included based on location, color and size of the inclusions. Lastly, cut grade assesses the overall rating of proportions for round brilliant diamonds. Here the GIA goes more in depth about the Four C's it famously created http://www.gia.edu/lab-reports-services/about-the-4cs/index.html.

The third section includes any additional information obtained during the grading process. The first item you should see is the finish, which identifies both the polish and symmetry. Following the finish is the status of any fluorescence as well as any comments that grader might have included. Finish includes the surface condition, or polish, and the evenness of outline, or symmetry. Fluorescence is a color a diamond emits under long lave UV rays.

At the bottom of the certificate, you should see reference diagrams that include a key to symbols reflected on the diagrams. These images are representations of the inclusions in the diamond as well as their placement and visibility from the crown and pavilion of the diamond (from face-up and face-down). Next to the reference diagrams is a profile image of the diamond that reveals all of exact proportions of the diamond. This is a profile to actual proportions.

On the right side of the page, the GIA kindly placed reference scales for which is bases its grading on. These convenient scales include the GIA color, clarity, and cut scale, so that you can see where your diamond lays on the scale.

Lastly, you will see security labels at the bottom right hand corner that safeguard the integrity of the certification as well as prove it is an authentic document.

What is a Dossier Certificate and how is it different?

The GIA also offers a smaller, less expensive certificate that still includes all of the same components as the full certificate but does not include reference diagrams. The physical size of these certificates are significantly smaller but do not decrease the value of the stone in anyway. For many jewelers, it is a great way to certify smaller stones without paying a hefty certification price.

How are GIA certificates different from other laboratories?

While certificates from the AGS or EGL can vary on their placement of items, the main components should remain the same.

For interactive certification display visit http://www.gia.edu/image_resources/flash/Diamond-Grading-Reports.swf.

Introduction to INTA Gems & Diamonds in the Los Angeles Jewelry District

2009-09-14T21:01:00.001-07:00

For those who are new to INTA Gems & Diamonds, here's a short video introducing our company to you.

Shape Up: The Five Most Popular Diamond Shapes

2009-09-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

For centuries, diamonds have held their status as the most highly prized stone throughout the world.

The five most common diamond shapes are as follows:

1. Round Brilliant

2. Princess

3. Cushion

4. Emerald

5. Pear

Each shape has its own unique characteristics that give it its beauty and brilliance.

The Round Brilliant

This cut is the most widely embraced of all diamond cuts. This shape has 58 facets, or small, polished planes.

This includes 33 facets on the crown, which is above the girdle, or rim of the diamond, and 25 facets on the pavilion, which is the lower half below the girdle. The 58th facet is called the culet, which is the bottom tip of the diamond where the pavilion facets meet. Unlike any other diamond shape, round brilliant cut diamonds are given an overall cut grade.

Because the relationship of angles between the crown and pavilion has the greatest affect on a diamond's appearance, the cut grade is based upon this.

If a diamond is cut too deep or too shallow, it allows for light to escape; therefore, the diamond is not as reflective and does not possess a high quality of brilliance.

Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brilliant_(diamond_cut).

The Princess Cut

Sometimes referred to as square modified brilliant, the princess cut is has completely square edges and can be square or rectangular in shape.

Its uniqueness lays in its ability to possess a high quality of brilliance with a step-modified cut crown and a chevron shaped facets in the pavilion creating a cross-shaped reflection when viewed from the top.

This cut includes either 50 or 58 facets, depending on the way it is cut. Princess cut diamonds are usually slightly cheaper in price compared to round brilliant because they retain 80% of the diamond rough instead of 50%.

Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_cut.

The Cushion Cut

Similar to the princess cut, the cushion cut has a square or rectangular shape with rounded edges. This cut has 58 brilliant style facets that cause it to resemble a pillow, hence the

name cushion cut.

Many of the older cushion cuts are referred to as Old Mine Cuts, where the diamond has steep crown and pavilion facets and an extremely thin girdle. Because of this, older cushion cuts are often chipped.

There is no right or wrong ratio for a cushion cut; therefore, you should choose which ever one you like best.

To the left are examples of the three basic facet patterns for cushion cut diamonds. The first two are considered Cushion Brilliant and the third is a Modified Cushion Brilliant because it has an extra row of facets just below the girdle. For more information visit http://www.diamondsourceva.com/Education/Shape/diamonds-shape-cushion-cut.asp.

The Emerald Cut

Emerald cut diamonds are special because of the classic beauty they possess without a lot of brilliance. This cut includes 58 facets that are step-cut, which means there are rows of facets that resemble a staircase when viewed directly through the table.

Historically, rectangular emerald cuts are more popular; however, in the last decade, square emerald cuts have increased in demand and are often referred to as asscher cut diamonds. Because of the large facets emerald cut diamonds possess, we often recommend purchasing a diamond with a higher quality of color and clarity.

Visit http://www.intagems.com/diamonds/emerald/.

Pear Cut

The pear cut, or "Pear Modified Brilliant", is a combination of round and marquise brilliant cuts, which typically includes 58 facets depending on the way it is cut.

This teardrop shape resembles an oval on the top and a marquise on the bottom. Perhaps the most famous pear shaped diamond is De Beers' Millennium Star. Weighing 203 carats, it is the world's only internally and externally flawless diamond, that took three years to cut.

Another famous pear shaped diamond was given to Elizabeth Taylor that weighed 69 carats.

Regardless of size, color, or clarity, when choosing a diamond shape, it should most significantly reflect the personality of the receiver. While these shapes currently own the Top 5 spots, the future can determine otherwise.

For more information on our diamond inventory, visit http://www.intagems.com/diamonds/search/.

What Metal is Right for You?

2009-09-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

There are various types of metals to use for an engagement ring or other form of jewelry. And finding the right one for you can be quite an arduous task. One of the best ways to choose between which type of metal is best for a person is to learn some fundamental facts about each one.

Platinum
Platinum is regarded as the finest quality metal for fine jewelry. It is more rare than gold, contains a natural white luster, is 90-95% pure, and timeless. The white luster of platinum is unique. It is also the strongest precious metal used in jewelry, and is almost twice as heavy as 14k gold. And unlike white gold, its natural luster is permanent.

Platinum is so rare that each year only 88 tons are used to craft jewelry versus 2,700 tons of gold. So much labor goes into producing platinum. In fact, it takes 8 weeks and 10 tons of ore to produce a single ounce of platinum and there are more gold mines than platinum mines. Therefore, platinum is one of the most uncommon precious metals found on earth. Platinum jewelry is also highly desired because it is at least 90-95% pure, unlike 18k and 14k white gold. And because of platinum’s high purity content, it tends to scratch more easily. Although it is still one of the strongest metals found in jewelry. Over time, platinum develops a natural patina that many people prefer over the high polished appearance. However, for those who prefer the high polished look, platinum jewelry can simply be re-polished. And polishing will not cause platinum to wear away or decrease in volume. Platinum is also a naturally white metal that requires no additives or rhodium plating. The natural brilliant white luster found in platinum makes it an ideal choice for fine jewelry because it brings out the true beauty of diamonds or gemstone set within it. Also, the high purity level of platinum makes the metal hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin. Although platinum scratches easily, it is still a great choice for everyday wear. Its incredible density and weight make it more durable than other metals and provides assurance in value. Platinum holds precious stones firmly and securely.
http://www.intagems.com/about/repairs/
Caring for Platinum Jewelry: To maintain platinum’s life-long beauty and value, proper care must be taken. Although platinum is strong and durable, it is still subject to damage. Therefore, we highly suggest that you remove your platinum jewelry during any rough activity. To clean platinum, soak it in mild soap and water. Then gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush such as a toothbrush. To shop for platinum rings, check out our websites at:
http://www.intagems.com/settings/
http://www.intagems.com/wedding_bands/

Palladium
Palladium is a lustrous white or silver-colored metal that is commonly used in electronics. However, palladium is beginning to show an increase in popularity in the jewelry market and the precious metal is extremely rare. In 1803, William Hyde Wollaston discovered the metal and named it palladium after the asteroid Pallas. In 1939, palladium made its first appearance in jewelry.

Palladium contains many if the same traits as platinum because it resists tarnish, won’t corrode, is extremely ductile (malleable), can be 95% pure, and has a natural white luster that makes it perfect for fine jewelry. Palladium is 30 times more rare than gold and is mined together with platinum in less than half a dozen regions throughout the world. Palladium provides many of the same features of platinum at a notably lighter weight and cost. Palladium, like platinum, is naturally strong and durable when used in a higher purity alloy than other metals such as silver and gold. And because of the high purity content, palladium is also hypoallergenic and does not suffer from prong failure (that is common among many white gold settings). Palladium is also ideal for delicate designs, unlike white gold. Therefore, palladium’s natural beauty, strength, and durability, make it a great choice for fine jewelry. However, keep in mind that not all jewelers carry this type of metal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palladium

White Gold
Technically there is no such thing as actual “white gold.” Because white gold is commonly 14k (58.3%) or 18k (75%), it actually contains a natural yellowish tinge of color even though it has already been alloyed with some other white metals such as nickel, zinc, copper, silver, and palladium. And in order to give “white gold” its brilliant white lustrous color, it is plated with the chemical element known as rhodium in the final process of manufacturing. Rhodium is a shiny, white metal that is extremely hard and durable. Rhodium also belongs in the platinum family and is one of the whitest precious metals next to silver. And because rhodium is such an expensive metal, it is only used to give a white coating for gold. However, over time the rhodium plating may wear-off, revealing the slightly yellowish tint of the underlying metal. To keep white gold looking its best, it requires rhodium re-plating every 1-2 years, depending on the condition of the jewelry.
http://www.intagems.com/about/repairs/

White gold is highly reflective and will not tarnish, rust, or corrode. And as I mentioned earlier, gold still is malleable. In ancient times, the term for white gold was called electrum and its use predates that of palladium and platinum. 18k yellow gold In 18k white gold (also referred to as nickel white gold), 75% is gold and 25% white metals (nickel, copper, zinc and/or palladium). The positive of 18k white gold is it is less workable and less ductile. However, some of the negatives are that it may cause skin irritation for those with nickel allergies and it will wear down over time. Another form of white gold is 18k palladium white gold. In this type of white gold, 75% is gold and 25% is palladium. In addition, palladium white gold is workable and rarely, if ever, causes skin irritation. Overtime, however, it will wear down and is slightly more expensive than the common 18k nickel white gold.Check out our ring settings at: http://www.intagems.com/settings/
To browse our different white gold bands go to: http://www.intagems.com/wedding_bands/

Yellow Gold
Pure gold is yellow in color and is a timeless metal that will not rust, corrode, or tarnish. Jewelers throughout the ages have preferred gold to all other metals for its beauty and ease of workmanship. Gold can be melted and shaped to create any design because of its malleability (softness and flexibility). It can be alloyed with a number of other metals to increase its strength and produce a variety of colors. In fact, the most common colors, other than yellow, are rose and white gold (usually 18k or 14k). 18k is composed of 75% gold, which is alloyed with other metals to make it strong enough to withstand every-day wear. And 14k gold, in contrast, is composed of only 58.3% gold and 41.7% of other metals to give it more added strength. In addition, the color in 18k gold is richer in color than 14k because it contains more gold content. 14k gold is commonly used for its strength and durability. Therefore, 14k is usually found in earring backings and bracelet clasps. Gold content is measured in a unit known as karats, which should not be confused with the term carat (used to measure diamond weight). The higher the karat, the greater its gold content and price. The ‘K’ number specifies how many parts (by weight) of pure gold is contained within 24 parts of the alloy.

Therefore, the content of 100% pure gold is 24 karats (24k). 24k gold is too soft for jewelry, but some prefer it for its strong yellow color. Because of the purity, 24k is usually more expensive and less durable than gold that has been alloyed with other metals. 22k gold is 91.7% gold and is usually not recommended for the usage of jewelry because it is still too soft. 18k consists of 75% gold and recommended for fine jewelry. In Europe 18k is usually marked with the stamp of ‘750’ to symbolize the gold percentage. 18k yellow gold rarely causes skin irritation, but will wear down over a long period time of heavy wear. 14k is comprised of 58.3% gold and is commonly used for white gold jewelry. 12k only contains 50% gold, making it unacceptable for jewelry. And lastly, 10k (41.7% gold) is considered the legal karat limit for what is considered real gold in the U.S. Any karat that falls below the 10k amount cannot claim to be gold. The higher the number of karat, the greater the value of the gold is.

The decision between 14k and 18k is a matter of a person’s personal taste and preference. 14k has the advantages of added strength, but lacks higher gold content and beauty of the rich yellow color found in 18k. Different alloys are used to bond with gold in jewelry for greater strength, durability, and color range. Yellow gold is usually alloyed with other metals such as silver, copper, nickel, and zinc for added strength. And some traits of gold is it is malleable, ductile, generally non-corrosive, has a high melting point, and is not susceptible to compression. The positive of gold is that it will not tarnish, rust, or corrode. And although it is strong, it is still the most malleable of all metals. The color of gold is determined by the type of metal alloys included in it and the percentage of each metal alloy.
Check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_gold

Rose Gold
Rose gold gets its color from a larger proportion of copper in the metal alloy. This gives the gold a beautiful pink coloration. It is also known as pink gold or red gold. In the beginning of the nineteenth century rose gold was popular. Thus, giving it the nickname ‘Russian gold.’ However, today this term is rarely used.

Although the names are often used interchangeably, the general difference between red, rose, and pink gold is the copper content. Those with higher copper content have stronger red coloration. Similar to the purity of gold being yellow, pure copper is red. A common alloy for 18k rose gold is 75% gold and 25% copper. Since rose gold is alloyed, there is no such thing as "pure rose gold". The highest gold content that can be found in rose gold is known as crown gold (22k). However, crown gold is extremely rare. Typically, rose gold is 18k. For 18k rose gold, typically about 4% silver is added to the 75% gold and 21% copper to give a rose color. 14k red gold in contrast, contains 41.67% copper and is often found in the Middle East.

The price of rose gold jewelry is dependent upon the purity of the gold used or karat weight, as well as the design and construction of the piece of jewelry.

Tungsten
Tungsten is known as the only metal that has the ability to be permanently polished. Therefore, the positive of tungsten is that you will rarely, if ever, find varying degrees of scratching, denting and surface mars. In fact, it is so durable that it is about 10 times harder than 18k white gold, 5 times harder than steel, and 4 times harder than titanium. If measured on the Moh’s Hardness Scale, tungsten has a rating between 8 and 9 (close to the highest rating of 10 found in a diamond). Tungsten rings are so hard that it will not bend and cannot be resized. Therefore, a person interested in purchasing a tungsten ring must get the exact size that fits them. Tungsten rings has a surface that will maintain its original beautiful shiny finish and shape for a longer period of time than any other ring metal on the market. Therefore, tungsten rings are considered the most wear resistant rings available. Additionally, many people prefer tungsten rings for the heavy weight and darker color. Tungsten is usually comprised of carbon and other elements that are grounded into a powder and then compressed with high pressure to form a ring. The ring is then cut and shaped using diamond tools.
What’s the difference between tungsten rings and tungsten carbide rings?
Make sure you know the distinction between the two because some jewelers sell tungsten rings they claim contains carbide. The difference is that tungsten only rings are steel rings. Although regular tungsten rings are very hard, they are not scratch resistant. A Tungsten Carbide ring, in contrast, can only be scratched by a diamond or a product containing the mineral corundum. Additionally, many tungsten rings are comprised of the element cobalt, which some people may have an allergic reaction to. Additionally, the cobalt causes oxidation spots to develop overtime that cannot be removed or polished out. This is due to the cobalt’s reaction to the human body. In order to solve this problem, some jewelers sell tungsten rings that are cobalt-free, but alloyed with nickel as a substitute.
For more information on tungsten carbide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungsten_carbide
Advice on Maintaining a Tungsten Ring: Do not drop your ring on a hard surface or clean your ring with any chemicals because it can cause spotting. Instead, clean your tungsten ring with mild soap and water to remove dirt, grime, and lotions. However, we still recommend that you take off your ring during cleaning, cooking, showering, and putting on lotions.
Emergency Removal of Tungsten Rings: In the event of an emergency, tungsten rings can be removed by a medical professional. Another method of removing tungsten carbide rings is by cracking them into pieces with vice grip–style locking pliers. Using the locking pliers, place over ring and adjust the jaws to clamp lightly. Release and adjust the tightener to a 1/3 turn and then clamp again. Carefully continue the same process until you hear a crack, and then continue clamping in different positions until the hard material slowly breaks away.
For more information, check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungsten

Titanium
Titanium is an incredibly hard, lightweight, metal that is also resistant to corrosion. Traditionally, titanium was used specifically for engineering, aeronautics, and medical industries. However, titanium is currently making a trend of being used for jewelry. The strength of pure titanium requires that rings be forged out of a solid block of metal. For this reason, titanium rings cannot be resized. Titanium is sometimes alloyed with other metals for even greater strength. However, in jewelry, the alloying of titanium for added strength is undesired. For jewelry, pure titanium is highly recommended.

Many people choose titanium for its incredibly light weight (roughly 1/3 the weight of gold). In fact, the light weight of titanium rings makes it easy for customers to adjust to wearing a ring because it is so lightweight and comfortable that they forget it is even on. Some people are concerned over titanium rings being unable to cut off a person’s finger. Some customers have expressed concern that in the case of a medical emergency, a titanium ring might be impossible to cut off. However, if the ring is made of pure titanium, with no other metals alloyed for increased strength, then the titanium ring can be cut off. Because of the strength of titanium metal, it makes an excellent option for those who are rough on their jewelry. While titanium may show slight scratches, it can be easily re-polished to look brand new again.

Hopefully these facts were helpful in deciding the right metal for you. At INTA Gems we select only the finest quality metals and help each customer pick out the right metal for them to make the perfect engagement ring or other fine jewelry.

How to Buy A Great Pink Sapphire

2009-09-08T15:39:00.001-07:00

Pink Sapphires are among the most sought after stones because they are much different than traditional diamonds, blue sapphires, and rubies.

Color
Like all gemstones, the first thing to look for is the color. In pink sapphires, you want a pink hue, medium to medium-dark tone, and strong to vivid saturation. While darker stones will increase in cost, choose the color you prefer the most. Some people would rather have an extremely light pink sapphire because it resembles a pink diamond and others desire a dark pink. It all depends on the personality of the receiver.

Clarity
The next characteristic to examine is the clarity. Pink sapphires are a type 2 stone, like diamonds; therefore inclusions should be difficult to see from the naked eye, unless they are extremely large and/or dark. The more inclusions the sapphire has, the more fragile it becomes making it vulnerable to damage.

Country of Origin
Another quality to explore is the country of origin. While pink sapphires come from all over the world, they are most commonly from Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Shape
The next thing to consider is shape. Pink sapphires are most popular in oval and cushion cuts but can be found in other various shapes; some of which include heart-shaped, princess, and pear-shaped.

Hardness
The hardness of a pink sapphire is very strong compared to many other gemstones. On the most scale of hardness, it is a 9, just like a ruby. This is because it is also in the corrundum family; therefore, it is more resistant to extreme heat and fracture. For more information on corrumdum, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrundum
Other things to avoid are pink sapphires that are off cut. When a stone is too deep or shallow, it allows for a lot of light leakage. In addition, be careful of sapphires that have been diffused. In this process, a corundum powder has coated the surface of the stone in the heating process, giving it an appearance of a pink sapphire.

These beautiful stones are not only used in bracelets, earrings, and pendants, but in engagement rings as well. In fact, they are the third most favored stone aside from diamonds and blue sapphires.

In this video, Christina, Steve, and Erica explore the many characteristics of pink sapphires. For more information on pink sapphires or to check out our inventory, visit our website: http://www.intagems.com/gemstones/search

Tips To Buying A Great Emerald

2009-09-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

Emeralds are perhaps one of the most beautiful and captivating gemstones. The magnificent color has given the emerald its highly sought after value compared to other green gemstones such as paridot and alexandrite. In the beryl family of gemstones, emeralds are considered the "jewel in the crown" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl).

For over 2,000 years, the captivation of emeralds has only grown. Kings and queens throughout the world, such as Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, and the builder of the Taj Mahal created intrigue surrounding emeralds because of the their beauty.

Country of Origin

While Emeralds can come from Russia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, Zambia and Columbia, Brazil has the the highest production of emeralds. Second in production is Zambia. Unfortunately, due to political tension over terrorist involvement, there is a proposed ban on Pakistan emeralds, which is similar to the on Burmese rubies and jade (http://www.jckonline.com/article/294265-Burmese_Ruby_Ban_Begins.php). The most highly prized are Colombian emeralds.

Color

The first step to buying an emerald is to observe the color. Great color in an emerald is a vibrant green. Gemologically, this includes, a medium to medium-dark tone, a green hue, and strong to vivid saturation. Emeralds that are lighter or darker in color will generally cost less.

Clarity

The next step is to examine the clarity. Because emeralds are Type 3 stone, they tend to be highly included; therefore, the less inclusions the more valued, as well as more costly the stone becomes. In addition, a highly included stone produces fragility. The number one treatment for emeralds is clarity enhancement. The most traditional methods are the use of oils, waxes, and resins. One of the newer methods is the use of polymers. While standard cedar oils or polymers are highly accepted, green oil treatments are not. About 99% of emeralds are oil treated and it is extremely rare to find one that has not been treated.

Hardness

The hardness of emerald stones is much softer than many other stones. While diamonds are a ten and rubies and sapphires are a nine, emeralds are a 6.5-7 on the most scale of hardness. In other words, emeralds cannot take extreme heat or impact and therefore can be damaged more easily if not taken care of properly.

Other Special Characteristics

Another unique characteristic of emeralds is that they are the birthstone of May. In addition, they not only make great rings, but earrings, pendants, and other types of jewelry. Here at Inta Gems, we offer a wide selection of emerald jewelry as well as loose emerald stones (http://www.intagems.com/gemstones/search/ ).

In this video, Christina, Peter, and Steve discuss the unique qualities of Emeralds and how to pick a good one.

Educational Video on Tanzanites

2009-09-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

In this video, Christina, Peter, and Stephanie discuss the unique qualities of Tanzanite stones. For more information on our loose stone and jewelry inventory, please visit our website http://www.intagems.com/gemstones/search.

Shopping for the Perfect Ring Made Easy

2009-09-02T13:25:00.001-07:00

Shopping for an engagement ring can be a daunting task, especially if you know absolutely nothing about diamonds. Before you even begin looking at the stones themselves, you need to decide a few key items. The first order of business is to decide on a budget. This is extremely important because it limits what you can or cannot purchase. Typically, the budget is about two months salary.

Second, you need to decide on the type of metal. There are many different types of metal; however, the two most common are now white gold and platinum. Many people ask "Which one is better?" I'm here to tell you that the correct answer is that there is no correct answer.

Both metals have positives and negatives and it is ultimately up to the customer to decipher what he or she values more. The most obvious differences between white gold and platinum are the weight and price. Platinum is a much heavier metal and typically costs about twice as much. In addition, it is hypo-allergenic and, because of its strength, can be made into smaller, durable structures, which is great for extremely thin bands. While platinum is strong, it is not hard. This means that it scratches very easily, which causes it to look dull over time. The reason platinum scratches more easily is because the platinum settings are usually comprised of 90-95% pure platinum. Pure platinum tends to be softer than 14k white gold that has bonded with other metals. Polishing is required to maintain its shine, which can cost from $50-75 per ring.

Unlike platinum, whose color never fades, white gold fades in color overtime to its natural yellowish color. In order to keep white gold looking the silver color that is loved by many, it requires rhodium plating every year or two. This typically costs about $50 per ring. White gold is often preferred not only because of its price but because of its stronger resistance to scratching. It does not scratch as easily as platinum; therefore, it keeps its shine for a prolonged period of time. This is because white gold is composed of an alloy of gold and white metal, which is usually silver, nickel, or palladium making it more durable. Rhodium plating white gold makes supplies a surface that resists scratching and tarnish as well as give a white appearance. (www.essortment.com/lifestyle/rhodiumplating_skvm.htm). Pure gold (24 karat) and platinum do not possess the same strength on their own. There is also a difference between 14k and 18k white gold. While 18k is more hypo-allergenic, it is slightly softer (because of more gold content) and more expensive than 14k.

If you do not have the budget for platinum, a nice alternative is palladium. The cost is only slightly higher than white gold, and its color does not fade. Unfortunately, it is uncommon for jewelers to keep palladium in stock; hence, customization is often required.

After deciding on a metal, the next step is the style of the ring setting. Most significantly, the style should reflect the personality and lifestyle of the receiver. This determines the number and size of diamonds, the thickness of band, as well as the simplicity or complexity of detail. In addition, make sure to consider the number of prongs. Four or six prong settings are both traditional, safe styles but have different effects on a diamond's appearance. While a four prong setting can make a diamond look bigger, it tends to give a round diamond a more square appearance. With a six prong setting, it is slightly safer and enhances the round shape.

The most common setting is the solitaire (www.intagems.com/engagement_rings/solitaire_rings/ ). Proceeding the solitaire in popularity is the classic three-stone ring. In this ring, the three stones represent the past, present, and future (www.intagems.com/engagement_rings/classic/ ). Two styles with rising popularity are the vintage and modern style rings. It is common for vintage style rings to have pave set diamonds, filagrie, and engravings(www.intagems.com/engagement_rings/vintage/ ). Modern style settings often have bezel or channel set diamonds and a high polish (www.intagems.com/engagement_rings/modern/ ).

After you have made your decisions of budget, metal, and setting, the next and final step is choosing the diamond itself.

First, you want to consider the shape of the diamond. Do you want a Round? Princess? Cushion? Radiant? Emerald? Asscher? Marquis?

Oval? Heart-shaped? Trillion? Or do you want a colored gemstone for your center stone? (www.intagems.com/diamonds/search/ )

Next, consider the four C's: Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut.

Carat is the weight of the stone. Do you want 0.50 ct.? 0.75? 1.16 ct? In other words, how big do you want the stone to be?

Color is the depth of color the stone possesses. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) scale ranges from D-Z, with D being colorless. Throughout the scale, the color grades are divided into different categories. While Tiffany & Co. does not sell anything lower than I color, if you are pickier, we suggest you choose a G color and above. The two greatest price differences are between D and E color and between F and G color.

Clarity rates the absence of inclusions and blemishes. The GIA scale of clarity ranges from flawless to included. Here at Inta Gems, we typically sell diamonds with clarity ranging from VVS1 to SI2. Just like color, clarity is divided into categories. In addition, the greatest price differences occur between these categories. If a clean stone is not as important to you, we usually recommend an SI1 or SI2 clarity. This is because the inclusions are only visible under the loop and not to the naked eye. Because diamonds come from the earth, no diamond is completely flawless under 10x magnification; therefore, no two diamonds are alike.

Cut is the last of the four C's to consider but not of the least importance. A diamond's cut has the greatest affect on its allure and brilliance. A poorly cut diamond does not possess the same draw as an excellent cut diamond. The GIA scale ranges from Excellent to Poor. Here at Inta Gems, we only sell Excellent to Very Good Cut diamonds. The difference between them is slight but ultimately depends on the sensitivity of your eye and preference.

Overall, it depends which C's you value more than the others, especially with a budget. After you've chosen a diamond, its off to the setter.

Just when you thought you were done, there are a couple post purchase things to consider. Just like diamonds, humans are perfect and a stone can be chipped, or worse, lost. Insurance is always the best way to safe-gaurd your investment. This will require an appraisal, which we complete for free upon your purchase (www.intagems.blogspot.com/search/label/appraisals ).

The last step in the entire process is to congratulate yourself! Shopping for an engagement ring can be an extremely stressful process and you have made it through. The fret is over and you can begin to think about that special way you are going to pop the big question.

Darla and Jack Come Back

2009-09-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

Jack and Darla along with their lovely baby girl graced us with their visit at INTA Gems today. The lovely family stopped by to purchase 1.07ct diamond GIA certified D color and SI1 clarity stud earrings and have some simple ring maintenance done on their rings. We hope to see them again soon!

Certified vs. Non-Certified

2009-09-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

No two stones are exactly alike, which can make shopping for one somewhat difficult. One of the most significant attributes of the selection process is whether or not the stone is certified. Certification is the written proof of a stone's unique characteristics.

The greatest benefit of purchasing a certified stone is that you have written documentation that the stone has the exact specifications that the jeweler claims the stone to be. Purchasing a non-certified stone for this reason alone can be quite alarming, especially if your knowledge is limited on diamonds and gemstones. In addition, this helps with acquiring an appraisal.

For diamonds, the certification lists not only the date the stone was certified but whether or not it has an inscription, the shape and cutting style, measurements, carat weight, color grade, clarity grade, cut grade, the polish and symmetry, and the fluorescence. In addition, many certifications include a diagram indiciating the exact locations of inclusions as well as the type of inclusion. It also provides you with the diamonds proportions and, perhaps one of the most significant qualities to look for, whether or not the stone is damaged or color treated.

Types of Certifications

The type of certification is something to be considered as well. The three major certifications that exist are from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), and American Gem Society (AGS). Here at Inta Gems we consider the AGS to have the most strict guidelines and to be extremely credible; however, the GIA is probably the most well-renowned insitution. In fact, most of our stones have certifications from the GIA.

Guidelines from the AGS and GIA are much more strict than the EGL. In some cases, we have noticed EGL certified stones color to vary in a half or full grade in difference when compared to GIA or AGS.

Because of this reason, it is suggested that when purchasing an EGL certified stone, that you strive for a higher quality diamond.

Purchasing certified can have a great impact on the price of the stone, which can be as much as $100-$125 per carat. The type of certification can also create a difference in price. Because EGL certified stones tend to be a little lower in quality in comparison to AGS or GIA certified stones, the price can be a little lower.

One of the greatest benefits to purchasing non-certified is, beyond any doubt, the affect it has on price. Non-certified stones are significantly less in price. The most identifiable negative to purchasing non-certified; however, is the stone having qualities that you are not aware of. A diamond, for example may not be the same color, clarity, cut, and carat that you expect, or worse, it could be chipped or cosmetically treated to improve its appearance. Laser drilling is a great example of a cosmetic procedure. In this process, gemologists drill into the stone and vacuum out an inclusion leaving a needle-like hole, which significantly devalues the diamond compared to a natural, untreated diamond.

While their is a difference in price between certified and non-certified stones, this does not mean all certified stones are expensive. There are plenty of stones that are very inexpensive, but also have the guarantee that your purchase has validity.

Gemstone Certification

Regarding gemstones, about 90% are actually not certified. Unless the stone is extremely rare, it is not worth the investment to certify. For example, amethyst stones cost about $10 a carat. Because certifications cost about $100 per carat, for a 5 carat amethyst, the certification would cost $500 while the stone itself only costs $50. Here at Inta Gems, we sell both certified and non-certified gemstones, but carry mostly non-certified.

We also carry some small non-certified diamonds that are extremely low in quality; however, we always recommend buying a certified diamond unless you are extremely qualified gemologist.

This decision now rests wherever your priorities lay. Good luck and happy shopping!

Featured in this blog are examples of certifications for diamond certification from AGS, GIA, and EGL. Following those is a fancy colored diamond certification and a gemstone certification both from GIA.

GIA Diamond Certificate

GIA Fancy Colored Certificate

GIA Gemstone Certificate