The Jeweler's Bench

All-Diamond Ring Cut From Single Lab-Grown Diamond:

Produced by Dutch Diamond Technologies in collaboration with Belgian jewelry store Heursel, the 4.04-carat ring was cut from an 8.54-carat lab-grown diamond.

“As technology continues to evolve with man-made diamond growth, we expect to see more creative ways for this product to be used. New achievements will advance the bounds of what is possible with laboratory-grown diamond, both in new applications in jewelry and technology.”

image from nationaljeweler.com

Happy Pioneer Day! (a few days early)

One of the most prominent traditions of Pioneer Day is the "Days of '47 Parade." This iconic parade has been held annually in Salt Lake City, Utah, since 1849, making it one of the oldest continuously celebrated parades in the United States. The parade commemorates the arrival of the Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847.

The Days of '47 Parade is a grand spectacle, featuring marching bands, floats, equestrian groups, historical re-enactments, community organizations, and more. Thousands of participants and spectators come together to celebrate Utah's pioneer heritage and pay tribute to the early settlers' resilience and contributions to the state's development.

Over the years, the parade has grown in size and significance, attracting visitors from all over the world. It has become a symbol of unity, pride, and cultural heritage for Utahans, fostering a sense of community and patriotism. The parade route winds through downtown Salt Lake City, and the festivities also include other events, such as rodeos, concerts, and fireworks.

The Days of '47 Parade is a cherished tradition that brings people of all ages together to remember and honor the pioneering spirit of those who paved the way for future generations in Utah and the American West.

The largest diamond in history is the Cullinan Diamond, also known as the Star of Africa. It was discovered in the Premier Mine in South Africa on January 26, 1905. The Cullinan Diamond is a massive gemstone weighing an astonishing 3,106.75 carats (about 621.35 grams) in its rough form.

The Cullinan Diamond was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the Premier Mine, who then sold it to the Transvaal Colony government. King Edward VII received the rough diamond as a gift in 1907 and entrusted Joseph Asscher, a Dutch diamond cutter, to cut the gem.

The rough Cullinan Diamond was split into 9 polished diamonds, with the two largest being named the Great Star of Africa (Cullinan I) and the Second Star of Africa (Cullinan II). Cullinan I is a 530.2-carat pear-shaped diamond, and Cullinan II is a 317.4-carat cushion-shaped diamond. Both diamonds are now part of the British Crown Jewels and are on display in the Tower of London.

✨ Revealing the Fiery Allure of Rubies! ❤️💎

Prepare to be dazzled by the mesmerizing world of rubies, where passion meets elegance! Are you ready for a sparkling fact about these precious gemstones? Let's uncover the secrets of rubies! 💫✨

🌟 King of Gemstones: Rubies have long been regarded as the "King of Gemstones" for their captivating red hue and exceptional beauty. Symbolizing love, passion, and vitality, rubies have captured the hearts of jewelry enthusiasts throughout history. Wear a ruby and embrace its regal charm! 👑💍

💫 Inner Flame: Rubies possess a remarkable property known as "asterism." When cut en cabochon, some rubies exhibit a captivating star-like phenomenon called "ruby star," with six rays shimmering across the surface. It's a testament to the magical allure that lies within these fiery gemstones. ✨🌟

Fun Fact: Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral as sapphires. What distinguishes rubies is their deep red color, which captivates with its intensity and radiance. ❤️💎

Tag a fellow gemstone enthusiast and let's celebrate the enchanting world of rubies together! Share your favorite ruby jewelry piece or the fiery energy that rubies ignite within you. Let's immerse ourselves in the passionate allure of rubies! 💍❤️💫

✨ Illuminating the Beauty of iolite! 💜💎

Get ready to discover the hidden gem of the jewelry world: iolite! Did you know that iolite is more than just a mesmerizing blue-violet gemstone? Let's unravel its captivating secrets! 💫✨

🌟 The Viking Compass Stone: Iolite has a remarkable historical connection. It's believed that the Vikings used iolite as a polarizing filter to navigate their voyages across the vast oceans. With its ability to reveal the hidden direction of the sun on cloudy days, iolite earned the nickname "Viking Compass Stone." Tap into its ancient wisdom and embark on your own adventures! ⚓🧭

💫 Pleochroic Marvel: Iolite boasts a unique optical trait known as pleochroism. When viewed from different angles, this gemstone can display various colors, ranging from violet-blue to grayish-blue or even yellowish-brown. Its ever-changing hues create an enchanting play of colors, ensuring that iolite jewelry always keeps you captivated. 🌈💜

Fun Fact: Iolite is also known as "water sapphire" due to its resemblance to sapphires. While they share a similar blue-violet hue, iolite possesses a charm and character all its own. 💜💎

Tag a fellow gemstone enthusiast and let's celebrate the extraordinary qualities of iolite together! Share your favorite iolite jewelry piece or your personal connection to this mystical gem. Let's immerse ourselves in the captivating world of iolite! 💫💜