Anatomy of a Diamond

Moving on to the second of the big C's: Clarity. No argument here, we all want a crystal clear, sparkling diamond. They don't call it 'ice' for nothing. Do they still call it that? Regardless, clarity is probably the most well known and most obvious of the four C's.  Here's a little bit more about it.

Diamonds are found in nature, so its no wonder they may have natural blemishes and inclusions. Some of those, however, aren't even visible to the naked eye. Blemishes are surface flaws such as scratches, while inclusions are entities such as air bubbles and other minerals trapped within the diamond. Diamonds, like people, are unique. And therefore have individual qualities. Make sure you ask your jeweler to point out any flaws in your diamond before purchasing. They may not be noticeable at all.

And in case you were wondering, The Krupp Diamond (pictured above) also known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, is 33.19 carat Asscher cut diamond, gifted to her by then-husband, Richard Burton, in 1968. It sold at auction last year for $8,818,500 and is said to be internally flawless.

Snapshots at Astrein's

The Fabulous Finds Sale is still going on! Get a beautiful piece right now at 1/2 off.

This gorgeous art deco inspired 14k rose and white gold necklace is made up of 139 diamonds at 1.85 carats. It retails for $4035 and is on sale for $2018. We think you'd find an excuse to wear it daily.

 

 The same goes for this black and white diamond and 14k white gold pendant. 118 black and white diamonds and 1.30 carats. Retail $1885 on sale for $942

If dainty jewelry is more your thing (or you can't realistically go to work dripping in diamonds) scoop up the sweet and petite 14kt yellow gold flower earrings with a tiny diamond bud center! Retail price $379, Astrein's 1/2 off price $189!

*All sale prices shown before sales tax

Anatomy of a Diamond

Planning to invest? Get more bang for your buck by reading up on the 4C's of diamonds.

Ever wonder what makes a good diamond? We've all heard about carats, but there is a lot more to a diamond's value than its size. The 4C's of diamonds: Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Color, all make up the identity, and the total value of each stone. Have you ever seen a large diamond that appears a foggy, grey, or even spotted up close? It could be that gem is in serious need of a good cleaning, or because some people will give a little in the color or clarity area in order to afford a larger diamond - while others, prefer a smaller size, but a flawless stone.

To start off, here's a closer look at the first big C: Cut.

Here is another side-by-side comparison of an ideal cut diamond vs. one cut too deep or too shallow.

Read a little about diamond quality and familiarize yourself with the terms. You don't need to be an expert; a good jeweler will point out diamond differences and flaws to you in person. But a little light reading beforehand will get you way ahead of the game.

Astrein's Fabulous Finds!

The holidays may still be a few months off but you won't need an excuse to shop this sale!

It's Astrein's Fabulous Finds sale: We have a HUGE selection of gorgeous pieces at 50% off! Check out just a few of the pieces here. We have an incredible selection of fine jewelry: beautiful gold and diamond pieces, beautiful bracelets, and delicate drop earrings.

Treat yourself now, and get gorgeous - without the guilt!

The Best in Birmingham!

Birmingham Patch is a website devoted to, you guessed it, all things Birmingham. Community news, events, and happenings can all be found in one place. The Patch is taking votes for the Best Jewelry Store in Birmingham. Now through July 9 you can place your vote (for us, please!) by leaving a it in the comments section.

Check out Birmingham Patch, and all its local knowledge and don't forget to vote for us here!

The Ruth Ellis Center

Gary & Jody attended a fundraiser for the Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park.  The event took place at the David Whitney Building downtown (isn't it gorgeous?). Chefs from around the city served an amazing dinner with wine matching while funds were raised for this much-needed organization.

The Ruth Ellis Center provides long and short-term safe space and support services for runaway, homeless, and at-risk LGBTQ youth in Detroit and surrounding southeastern Michigan. 

Laura Hughes (center) is the executive director of the Ruth Ellis Center. 

According to the Ruth Ellis Center website, up to an estimated 800 homeless LGBT youth are on the streets every day, in Detroit alone. Visit the website to read more about this incredible organization and find out how you can get involved. Also, visit their Facebook page.

A little thank you

GIVEAWAY TIME

As promised, here is the gorgeous bracelet we're giving away this month! It's a sterling silver cuff with an intricate pattern, and as you know, diamonds throughout.  Maybe you've seen it on the site? Year round gorgeousness that will look good with everything. Wear it alone or stack it with other wrist bits and pieces. And for the gentlemen: what special someone wouldn't love being gifted this? 

All you have to do is:

Like us on Facebook 

-- You'll gain access to an exclusive coupon code just for liking us. Go to the "Your Gift" tab under our cover photo.

Join our mailing list (we promise, no spam!) 

-- You'll know of sales events and exclusive deals before everyone else. In addition, you'll receive a $25 gift card to Astrein's towards a purchase of $250, just for signing up.

Leave a comment

-- Leave a comment under this post and let us know what you think of the giveaway!

(If you've already liked us or joined our mailing list, just skip that step!)

That's it! One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Sunday, July 1st!

*no purchase necessary*