Colors of Diamonds

Once upon a time, it was rare to see anything but a white diamond. There were few other colors known to the general public. Occassionally one might hear somethig about a Canary (yellow) diamond or such. Most often this was just a stone with poor color. Today there are hundreds of known colors of diamonds. It's very fashionable to wear diamonds of almost any color.


Diamonds are often mixed in color to create a stunning piece of jewelry. Other pieces of jewelry are created with other gemstones using a diamond as part of the design, or an accent stone.

A diamond, no matter the color, is a good investment aside from a fabulous piece of jewelry. These pieces often become heirlooms.

A quick word about buying diamonds: Always go to a jeweler you trust. Get an professional appraisal from someone not recommended by the place you make the purchase. Learn about buying diamonds, it's not simple.

Shapes of Diamonds

Diamonds are cut in many shapes. How the stone is cut is determined by the cutter - how will the stone look the best? Often this is due to the shape of the uncut diamond.

The brilliant cut (round) is classic. Other shapes are popular also, and seem to go in and out of fashion. You will see pear shape, emerald (rectangle) diamond, and heart. These are not the only cuts. At times, stones are set together to create another shape.

Here are a few of the shapes:



The size of the stone is by weight, using carats. You may hear someone say 'this stone is 3 carats'. That is the weight of the stone.

Other times you will hear the term 'total weight'. This is used for multiple stones, usually of a smaller size.

The shape of the stone also determines the depth. You can't always decide the size from seeing only one view.

Often, the only diamond owned is an engagement ring. This is a classic ring from Tiffany's. You can see how the stone is set to show the beauty. It's usually set in platinum for a better color match.

Fashion Jewelry

What exactly is fashion jewelry? I have no clue.


What jewelry to wear? That's another story. I like real gold, silver, gemstones. This jewelry is always in style.

Do you remember Marilyn Monroe? Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend? It's true. Forget man's best friend is a dog - the men can have their dogs. Give a girl diamonds, saphires, rubies, pearls, emeralds.
Diamonds are in many shapes and sizes. The image above is called a brilliant cut. It's classic. This cut shows off the stone's color best. It's the traditional engagement ring cut. It's great for stud earrings.

This is the shape for 'tennis' bracelets, or any other jewelry. Beads may come and go, but diamonds are forever.

Fashion Show Participants

Maggies Organics
www.organicclothes.com

Most of the clothing is
made by the Nueva Vida
Cooperative in Nicaragua
see pic at right)

No Sweat
www.nosweatapparel.com

Union made clothing, men's
and women's office and casual clothes

MarketPlace
www.marketplaceindia.com
Clothes for women made by women in India

Marigold
www.marigoldfairtrade.com

Clothes from Creative Handicrafts Cooperative in India

Fair Industry
www.fairindustry.com

Clothes made in Bangladesh (FI is based in NJ) small
line of clothing for women

Kusikuy
www.kusikuy.com

Alpaca sweaters from Bolivia

More on the Fashion Show 17 Sept

Details about the fashion show!

Location: First Congregational Church
40 South Fullerton Ave.
Montclair NJ 07042

http://www.firstchurchmontclair.org.

Date:Sunday Sept 17th
Time: 4 - 6pm

This event is part of our It's Only Fair program

Support Fair Trade.

Stop by and have a great time.