How World-Class Jewelry Thief Was Caught October 9, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry , add a comment
Since the Middle Ages, Antwerp has stood as the capital of the world’s diamond trade with specialists perfecting the art of cutting and polishing the precious stones. And due to the huge trade that flowed through the city, Antwerp was largely regarded as a pipe dream, the criminal version of the hitting the lottery and with about the same odds of success. Buried in the heart of the city, the Antwerp Diamond Center is locked down in all the right ways. Armed guards control who gets in and out. Movements are constantly covered by electronic surveillance. Keys are monitored. Goods are compartmentalized. Barricades control vehicle access. By all means, the Diamond Centre was the last place anyone wanted to steal diamonds, the stakes were too high.
The School of Turin
A group of largely Italian professional thieves, known as the School of Turin, decided that hitting the Diamond Centre was not only feasible, it was their goal. The group knew that with heightened security and the reputation that the Diamond Centre had, that security at the Centre was likely to have a major vulnerability - complacency. The extreme level of security also meant that the Antwerp Diamond Centre would be no simple smash and grab. No, it would take planning, a great deal of planning. Member Leonardo Notarbatol took an inside job as a diamond merchant, giving the School of Turin unprecedented access to the inside of the Antwerp Diamond Centre and the 160 security boxes of diamonds, jewels, and other riches that it contained. The rest of the team split themselves up and organized by specialties - safe crackers, alarm experts, getaway drivers. The plan started to shape up in a way that would make most Hollywood screenwriters jealous - the School of Turin was turning a job on the Antwerp Diamond Centre into Oceans 11 without the banter.
Breaking In
At approximately 7:00 pm local time, on Friday the 14th of February, 2003, the group known as the School of Turin was beginning the active phase of the largest diamond heist the world has ever seen. Notarbartolo reportedly had remained in the vault that Friday night when the security doors closed automatically at 7:00 pm. Several hours later, the elevator leading down to vault was purportedly used by three other members of the School. The motion detector at the foot of the elevator has already been disabled by an application of spray silicone, and the vault’s light detector had been rendered useless with a simple piece of tape. With all of the prep work done, the School of Turin found themselves alone with the vault of the Antwerp Diamond Center.
Read the rest of this article about this amazing jewelry heist. Provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts.
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
How a Diamond Ring is Made at Danforth Diamond September 16, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry , 2commentsAt Danforth Diamond, all of our engagement rings are made to order. A skilled jeweler crafts each and every engagement ring and you will see the difference in our product. Because of this, most of our engagement rings take seven to ten business days to produce. Watch the video below to see the Birth of Your Ring!
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
A Danforth Diamond Engagement Tale September 4, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Destination Proposals, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Proposing Marriage , add a commentEvery so often, Danforth Diamond recieves letters from customers who desire to share their engagement experience. When we checked the Danforth mailbag in August, we came across this intriguing tale about a couple who became engaged on the Great Wall of China. The contents of the letter have been reprinted below for your enjoyment. A close up of the ring is below, click the image to view the ring on our site.
Mert and I are now officially engaged! After many pretend proposals, Mert this time pulled out a real ring and proposed to me on my 30th birthday on the Great Wall of China and OF COURSE I said YES! What an amazing day. Mert arranged a private tour of the Summer Palace and the Great Wall, both magnificent places in Beijing! I didn’t suspect a thing, figured it was all for my birthday! He played it cool the whole time.Â
Along our journey of the Great Wall, we reached the 18th tower (out of 20) and I didn’t want to go any further b/c it was hard already, & getting to the last 2 towers was going to be crazy, it was already hard to breathe as it was and we had a LONG way back. Mert and I climbed to the top of the tower, he gave me a hug and I felt his heart pounding like crazy and I said, “why is your heart pounding so hard…we’re definitely not going any further…” then he said “for a good reason”, then said some wonderful things that I will cherish forever and asked me to marry him and pulled out a GI-NORMOUS diamond that he’d been carrying around all day. We shed some tears out of shear bliss and excitement…there was barely anyone on the wall, the first sighting after the proposal was a group of people who turned out to be from NBC Utah…I screamed out “we just got engaged” and they congratulated us and asked if they could interview us for Utah tv…It seemed like all a blur, we told our story while they filmed. After she gave us a business card and we will be able to view it online!Â
I said, “why is your heart pounding so hard…we’re definitely not going any further…” then he said “for a good reason”
We then started our big hike back to the cable cars…they were closed…then we climbed down to the 6th tower, where the chair lift and slide (yes I did say a slide down the hill from the Great Wall, obviously which wasn’t there in the 5th century BC?) were also closed.Â
We were beside ourselves…we would have to walk all the way down the hill down a trail…It had been such a long, exciting, and cardio-filled day and we couldn’t imagine going any further…did I also mention, we hadn’t seen a soul on the Wall for a hour or so…we sat down for awhile, caught our breathe and finally decided to tackle the hike down, then all of a sudden a sweet Chinese man popped his head out and said Ne Ho (Hello)..he worked at the chair lift/slide…we begged (with sign language since they didn’t speak english) and money to let us on either ride down, he asked this other guy..they said no…then long story short Mert showed his Olympic ID (which has gotten him and sometimes me in for free everywhere) and they did some convincing to the people at the bottom and finally they let us take the chair down! they didn’t accept our money…we were pretty thankful and what a beautiful ride down.
What a day, what a birthday, what an amazing life! We both feel so blessed to have met each other and thank God for each other every day!Â
Thank-you for sharing in our happiness!
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Is your diamond cursed? August 19, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry , add a commentIs your jewelry trying to kill you? Read on to find out, but don’t worry. Unless you are spending millions for your next diamond you are probably safe.Man has always had a fascination with bright shiny objects from the heat of fire to the malleable metals that fire can make into beautiful jewelry. And with that fascination is the urge to find the biggest and best – such as these six gems and precious stones.
Unfortunately, some believe these famous prizes may carry their own price for ownership. Looking back at the first appearance and their subsequent journeys has put a question in the minds of the superstitious as to whether they are cursed or not. There is some debate to this day. While myth may be debunked by history, the legend, for many of these gems, lives on. (more…)
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Conflict-Free Diamonds, Recycled Rings & Green Jewelry Advice June 23, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Diamonds, Green Weddings, Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry, Q&A from Jill , 1 comment so farI received an interesting set of questions from a concerned gentlemen. I felt sharing my answers would help others who have similar questions about conflict-free diamonds, recycling and other green issues.
Hello, I feel a bit guilty writing to a Diamond jeweler for advice on this subject, but please honor me with a sincere response. I found your contact information on a “Green” wedding site and read a bit about materials and stones.
I absolutely do not want to ruin a proposal with a ring which even remotely represents “conflict” in her life. I read a bit about palladium?
Is it manufactured? Mined?
Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
Dear Earth Wise Friend,
Your dilemma is not so unusual and I have been wondering what I can do to be a responsible member of our fragile planet in regards to jewelry and diamonds.
Recently, one new option has been brought to my attention. Some jewelry manufacture companies have been using recycled precious metals to make their jewelry. This metal was previously mined and made into jewelry and then remelted and turned back into pure metals to once again be alloyed and used. The challenge here is to choose a responsible refiner who only uses earthwise methods for refining. In the past harmful chemicals were used in this process but now new methods have allowed the refining process to be clean and environmentally friendly.
Palladium is a metal that is also mined from the earth but the company that mines the Palladium that we use is right here in the USA and they are earth friendly. We can also purchase recycled Palladium.
I am making a decision to offer a line of rings that are made from recycled metals only. These rings will require no mining to get the metal. The metal will be totally recycled. I think your girlfriend could feel proud and good about wearing one of these rings.
As far as diamonds go. I am committed to sell only conflict free diamonds from responsible vendors who comply with the Kimberley Process and all of their guidelines.
Another option would be to purchase a synthetic diamond. Charles and Colvard is a company that sells moissanite which is man made silicon carbide that closely resembles a diamond. You can easily research this online. Of course there are other man made options that you could also use.
If you would like to purchase a recycled ring let me know and I can help you with the setting. I only sell conflict free diamonds so I cannot help you with the synthetic stones. Hope this helps you with your decision.
Thank you and Best Wishes, Jill Renee
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Stylistic key rings take off in popularity April 7, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry , add a commentHave you noticed that more and more people are placing their keys on sterling silver keychains than ever before? The popularity of unique keychains seems to be in an upswing right now, as an increased number of people are sporting keychains that fit their personality. Many are seizing the opportunity to celebrate their individuality by picking keychains that match their hobbies and interests.
Some of the more popular keychains resemble animals. Dog lovers these days are quite fond of sterling silver dog keyrings with easy open safety latches. Danforth has a stunning dog keyring available that was manufactured in Italy by a talented keyring artist. The intricate detail of the ring is sure to turn heads. The dog’s head winds around the latch in spectacular fashion, and its eyes, ears, and nose have such exquisite detail that it almost looks like it could come alive and begin asking for pets. The floppiness of the dog’s ears also seems to have been captured well by the artist. The dog’s neck even has a little collar with a metal latch on it.
Maybe you’re more of a duck fan than a dog fan. Danforth has duck keyrings with easy open safety latches too. Not to be outdone by the dog keyrings, the duck keyrings were also designed with lavishing detail. Its eyes and cheeks glisten when light is shined on them, and its beak has the markings of perfection. Most people who place their keys on this keyring are quite satisfied. They find it a simple and effective way to demonstrate their love for the duck population.
Keyrings celebrating sports also make excellent gift items. If you’re like me, you know at least one person who has taken their love for a sport to a near-obsessive level. Let’s say that sport is golf, and that person’s birthday is around the corner. You’ve already gotten them every book on golf worth its salt, they already have enough golf balls, and they don’t need any more clubs. What golf related item can you get them that they don’t already own? How about a sterling silver and heavy rubber golf keychain, which is always a favorite amongst golf fans. Another item manufactured in Italy, this golf keychain is attractive and sturdy. A golf ball screws onto the heavy rubber loop threaded though the golf club to hold your keys firmly in place. It’s the perfect item to accompany you everywhere, especially on the golf course.
True fishing enthusiasts enjoy anything fish related, and fishing keychains are no expection. Danforth has a unique sterling silver and leather fish keyring that should delight any fishing fan if they receive it as a gift. Also handcrafted in Italy, this keyring resembles bait and is extraordinarily detailed. If someone opens a box and finds this in it, the first thing they will likely notice is the extreme attention to detail that the artist put in, and that’s what truly puts this gift over the top in comparison to other fishing related gift ideas. I doubt someone could go wrong if they present this item to a fisherman or fisherwoman.
Finding a keyring that fits a person’s unique personality is the ultimate goal when selecting gifts, and Danforth is happy to aid in this quest. I think you’ll find that it has an outstanding selection of stylistic keyrings, as a well as a wide variety of engagement rings, bracelets and many other jewelry items.
–Jill Renee
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Spring Jewelry Fashions for 2008 March 18, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Diamond Jewelry, Jewelry , add a commentSpring is right around the corner and new spring jewelry fashions are starting to hit the scene. What will be popular this year? Well, spring means spring break for many college students, and there is a wide variety of beach jewelry perfect for lounging on the sand or swimming in the sea. Shell jewelry is extremely versatile. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other items made from puka shells, white clams, tiger and white shells come in different colors and designs. And these colors can withstand the wear and tear of the ocean without losing their coloration.
When the sun goes down, vacationers start to get ready for a long spring break tradition: hopping spring break parties. Hoop earrings, charm bracelets, and briolette necklaces are the perfect party accessories, and the beauty of these jewelry pieces is that they can be as understated as possible or as flamboyant as one would like. The men have a huge selection to choose from as well; they can go the route of soft leather necklaces embellished with beads to titanium bracelets to diamond stud earrings.
But what type of jewelry trends are likely to be the most popular as we enter the new season? Fortunately, I have some ideas. Topping the list of popular jewelry is the classic pendant. Jewelry may very well take on a more classic look for spring 2008 since the classic heart motif worn as a simple pendant appears to be making a comeback. Even though this look was in strong demand on Valentine’s Day, we predict that its popularity will continue to flourish through the spring and the summer. You’ll probably also witness a wide variety of pendants worn on simple cords and chains with motifs that reflect the unique personality of the person wearing them. The classic pendant is indeed a very unassuming look that meshes well with the normally flamboyant clothing people tend to wear in the spring.
The hoop earring should also be among the favorite fashion statements of the spring season. Hoop sizes truly run the gamut. Sizes range from huge, oversized single hoops to popular interlocking triple hoop earrings. Be on the lookout for hoops lined with gemstones in popular shades of green and blue, such as aquamarine and peridot. Also expect to see people wearing the more traditional shades of color.
We’re also predicting that sterling silver key rings will be popular in the spring. Since these key rings are ideal gifts for important events such as graduation, many people may be walking around sporting them, given the large amount of students who graduate college in the spring. Spring is also prime tennis season, and Danforth has a marvelous Sterling Silver Tennis Raquet and Monogram Disc Keychain that many tend to enjoy using in the spring. Bringing it to the court may even help your game. A little Danforth good luck charm, if you will.
Even though the fashion world is constantly changing, people still have the tendency to put their own unique spin on the current styles. I hope we at Danforth can help you achieve whatever unique look you are searching for. Happy Shopping!
- Jill Renee
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Easy Steps to Survive the Holidays November 13, 2007
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Holiday Proposals, Jewelry , add a commentAlthough the holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of year, it can also be one of the most stressful as we scurry to “get it all done.†It’s important that we do not allow the hectic holiday pace to overwhelm us. We must take the time to do something special for ourselves: dine with those long lost friends whom you have been meaning to call, laugh through the tacky light tour with friends and family, or simply sit in a warm bath for peace and solitude.
We must remember to recharge our batteries because if we are not well charged those around us will notice our dwindling light! Let your light shine by exhibiting patience and practicing random acts of kindness such as becoming an angel by buying a toy for a child in need. Be positive in your mind, and in your interactions with others. You will find that your attitude will spread like the flu! It is the little things that make a big difference in life.
Here are a few ideas to help you through the holidays:
Shop online! Shopping online is a good way to get a head start on your holiday gift giving plans. Web shopping has never been more secure or convenient and many online retailers are even offering free shipping. Easy returns and great bargains can also be found. Most of your favorite stores have easily navigable sites to lead you to the perfect gift. Buying online allows you to stroll though the mall and enjoy the decorations without having to deal with hectic crowds, long lines, or the burden of carrying heavy packages.
Classic gifts! Jewelry and electronics will always be popular. No one can have enough jewelry, and companies are constantly updating electronics. These gifts are always appreciated and there is no worrying about getting the right size, unless of course you are purchasing a diamond engagement ring. Some websites offer free ring sizers and have tips to determine that special someone’s ring size, so if you have your heart set on a diamond ring, finding the right size is easy. Most women love jewelry and men always want the latest electronic gadget.
Make memories! Movie tickets, concert tickets, and game tickets are fun and memorable gifts. If the receiver has a favorite musician or team, hop online and see when the next show or game is.
Crafty ideas! If you would rather put your talent and time into crafting a present, here are some good ideas. Create a box full of love. Cut out hearts, write something special on each heart, and fill a shoe box with reasons for loving the receiver. Or you could create a memory book. When creating this type of book it is important to pick a specific time in one’s life to cover, for example a college career or a trip oversees. Fill a book with pictures, brochures, ticket stubs, and cards to remind someone of a special time in their life. A third idea is to print T-shirts. If you and a group of friends have recently done something fun together, grab a picture, think of a funny catchphrase, and put it onto a T-shirt.
Remember the best gift you can give your friends, family and community is the gift of caring. Continue to give your best, even if it is just picking up some litter along the street, sharing a smile with a stranger or letting someone cut ahead of you in traffic. It matters, it’s contagious, and it will make you feel great! Happy Holidays!
7 Easy Steps to Survive the Holidays
- Be Patient.
- Plan ahead and make lists.
- Do more shopping online. Gifts such as jewelry, electronics and event tickets are especially appreciated.
- Have lunch with an old friend.
- Shop with friends who are looking for similar presents.
- Give to the needy.
- SMILE!
Happy Holidays
-Jill Renee
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Danforth Diamond adds 18k Palladium White Gold to Diamond Engagement Rings November 1, 2007
Posted by Jill Renee in : 18k White Gold Palladium, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry, Press Releases, Wedding Jewelry, White gold , add a commentHypoallergenic palladium perfect for those with nickel allergies
Midlothian, VA - November 1, 2007 - Danforth Diamond, the engagement rings experts, released today their new line of 18k palladium white gold diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, and earrings. Danforth makes this announcement in the face of growing demand for quality white gold rings at affordable prices, adding another option to their extensive line of top quality jewelry available at: http://www.danforthdiamond.com
By replacing the nickel or silver traditionally used to make 18K white gold with palladium, Danforth can now offer superior quality without the fear of the common nickel allergy that drives many customers away from white gold, creating another option for their valued customers.
Long used by jewelers as a substitute for Platinum, Palladium jewelry came to prominence during World War II when Platinum was reserved for military uses. As it bears many of the same properties, but not the price-tag, usually associated with Platinum, Palladium was an excellent option for top quality jewelry instead of Platinum. By adding Palladium to yellow gold, jewelers are able to produce white gold that holds the white coloring better and longer than that made with nickel or silver, and helps avoid metal allergies usually associated with nickel.
The addition of Palladium to select wedding bands and diamond engagement rings is why Danforth Diamond continues to be the jeweler more people prefer. This announcement is another in Danforth’s long line of meeting their customers’ demand for high-quality jewelry. Danforth Diamond plans to continue offering the high-quality products their customers appreciate through their site at: http://www.danforthdiamond.com/ .
About Danforth Diamond:
Danforth Diamond has over 50 years of experience offering quality jewelry for the best value. As experts they provide guidance and advice to help you enjoy the diamond purchasing process, and are known for their wedding jewelry, including platinum, palladium, yellow gold, and white gold engagement rings and matching sets. They are committed to your continued satisfaction.
Company Contact:
Jill Renee
http://www.danforthdiamond.com
Phone: 1-877-404-7464
Press Contact:
George R. Perry
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
Picking the Right Diamond…and Setting October 11, 2007
Posted by in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry, Proposing Marriage , add a commentDeciding to propose to the special somebody in your life is a huge decision, one that will lead you down a path of even more decisions. Of course, the first thing that needs to be decided after you’ve decided to propose is what type of engagement ring to get. Between diamonds and settings there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming. Hopefully this can be cleared up.
The Diamond
While you’re probably more than familiar with the 4 C’s of diamonds, there are other things to consider when choosing a diamond, chief amongst them, the shape. Here we’ll focus on the shape and two of the C’s; cut and carat. Clarity and color can be saved for another day.
The Shape
With so many shapes out there it can be confusing as to the actual differences, so let’s simply talk about each of them and their individual merits.
• Round – the most basic of diamonds, and the only shape not considered “fancy,” this shape is very much how it sounds – a rounded diamond in the shape of a circle.
• Princess – arguably the most popular shape, this squared diamond has only grown in popularity while still being a relatively new shape. The princess diamond tends to find its way into solitaire engagement rings more than any of the other shapes.
• Emerald – a rectangular shaped diamond, this shape is reflective of a classic and aristocratic elegance. Unlike other diamonds, the emerald shaped diamond is not a brilliant cut but rather a step cut, being comprised of larger, planar facets that resemble stair steps and act like mirrors.
• Marquise – long and slender, this shape, originally commissioned by Louis XIV of France, is wonderful for maximizing the carat within the setting. The marquise shape will accentuate the length of the fingers and works well on a person with longer fingers.
• Oval – as the name implies, this diamond shape is a very simple oval. This shape works very well with smaller hands and shorter fingers, giving them the illusion of added length.
• Pear – a hybrid shape combining the best elements of the oval and marquise shapes, it resembles nothing so much as a teardrop. Typically used in pendants and earrings, this shape compliments short to average length fingers, helping to give the illusion of longer fingers much like the oval shaped diamond does.
• Heart – essentially a pear shaped diamond with a cleft at the top, the heart shaped diamond is the ultimate symbol of romance. This shaped diamond is frequently seen in pendants but is more than acceptable as a choice in a ring.
• Radiant – this square or rectangular shaped diamond does an excellent job of combining the elegant and classic appeal of the emerald shape with the brilliance of the round shape.
• Trillion – a wedge of brilliant fire, the trillion shaped diamond was first developed in Amsterdam. Traditionally a triangle shaped diamond, the amount of point at the corners is often open for interpretation, but these diamonds work well as both a compliment to a center stone, a unique center stone in themselves, or as a pair of earrings.
• Baguette – very reminiscent of the emerald shaped diamond, this shape of diamond is frequently used as side stones to a larger center stone. Much like the emerald shaped diamond, the baguette shape doesn’t feature nearly the sparkle of brilliant shaped diamonds, but does offer a classic beauty that is hard to match.
The shape is only the first part of what to look for, at least initially, when considering a diamond for an engagement ring.
The Carat
Carats are essentially a way to measure the weight of diamonds. While the use of the carat measuring system may date back to ancient Oriental bazaars and the carob seed, in the present we know that the more carats in the diamond, the bigger it is.
While the size of the diamond that you get can be determinate on a number of factors, not the least of which is cost, the Setting and Mounting that you choose can also have an influence on the size of the diamond that you get for your ring. (more…)
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
