NYC DIAMOND BLOG

Shopping convenience has become a necessity in our busy lives. The ability to purchase anything from anywhere has proven to be one of the key benefits that the Internet provides. That said, there are some extremely important items that should never be purchased online. Number one on that list is Diamonds.

You can’t sell a feeling on the Internet. Buying a loose diamond is not just about price and the 4 C’s.  The feelings that this stone will elicit when it is given and the feeling it should elicit when bought are forever. The simple fact is you just can’t truly experience the romance, brilliance, fire, sparkle, shine and the uniqueness of a diamond from a picture online. Every diamond is unique, as is every person in the world. Finding the perfect Diamond Engagement Ring when shopping online isn’t likely to be successful, and is not as convenient and user friendly as we’re led to believe.

Would you buy a house without taking a tour first? You shouldn’t buy loose diamonds without seeing them first either. A true wholesaler lets you see a complete diamond selection, touch them, examine them and make direct comparisons. IMPORTANT NOTE: You should always request to do this is differing degrees of lighting. The strong, intense lights of retail jewelry stores can be deceptive in determining the brilliance of a diamond. It is best to view color and brilliance in normal lighting conditions. There is one benefit of the intense light though. That is in viewing clarity. First loop the diamond under 10x magnification. Then knowing where the inclusion(s) are located, see if you can detect them with the naked eye. You are now doing this with the specific knowledge of where the imperfections are located. Here is a helpful hint. Think of the diamond as a clock for this purpose. Knowing at what time the inclusion is located, for example the bottom center of the diamond would be 6:00, makes it easy for you to conclude if the diamond is indeed Eye Clean.

Diamonds are forever, and internet sites come and go. Have you asked the key questions about the websites you are browsing?

1. How long have they been in business?

2. Do they even have a real store?

3. Is the price too good to be true? If so, it almost definitely isn’t real!

4. Can you actually see the diamond before completing the purchase?

5. Is there certification?

In conclusion, it is best to save time with smaller purchases. The significance, romance, value, and beauty of a diamond choice deserves much more care. The effort will be rewarded many, many times over. Check around for an established diamond wholesaler. Your friends, family, and associates might have a wonderful recommendation. There is also a way for the internet to be useful. You can find the most highly recommended Diamondsources in your area by going to Yelp.com, and looking under Wholesale Diamonds.

Good luck, and don’t forget the importance of the romance in a magnificent proposal!

Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 26 years. He is the founder and president of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWholesaleDiamonds.com and he authors a blog www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has a full service store located across the street from his private office, and a San Diego factory showroom. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds, and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, CNN reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot’ http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/a-preppy-upstate-wedding-in-aurora-ny-144122

In a continuing effort to best accommodate the busy schedules of our treasured clients, NYC Wholesale Diamonds will offer our most extended summer hours ever!

This will be our last week before closing from June 28 to July 6 for the annual wholesale jewelry industry vacation. Now for the wonderful news:

Our private office WILL BE RE-OPEN JULY 7TH

and

Our extended summer hours will be MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

These developments represent the first time we will be open the second week in July when most other businesses in this industry remained closed, AND that our early morning and late day hours remain fully extended during the summer months!

Our New York Pico store will also be open all this week, but will be closed from June 28 – July 13. There will also not be any more Saturday hours until after Labor Day.

San Diego Factory Showroom hours remain Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout the summer

Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 26 years. He is the founder and president of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWholesaleDiamonds.com and he authors a blog www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has a full service store located across the street from his private office, and a San Diego factory showroom. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds, and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, CNN reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot’ http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/a-preppy-upstate-wedding-in-aurora-ny-144122

Historically, pearls have been used as an adornment for centuries.  They were one of the favorite gem materials of the Roman Empire; later in Tudor England, the 1500s were known as the pearl age.  Pearls are unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. In the early 1900s, the first successful commercial culturing of round saltwater pearls began. Since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls in the market. Pearl is the wonderful birthstone for June

Pearls are the perfect gift idea for so many occasions including anniversary, birthday, graduation, and as a ‘push gift’ (more on push gifts in our next blog entry). A strand of pearls as a necklace is elegant and sexy all at once. NYC Wholesale Diamonds carries a wide selection of Pearl Necklaces, as well as Pearl and Diamond Bracelets, Earrings and Rings in stock at all times.

Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 26 years. He is the founder and president of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWholesaleDiamonds.com and he authors a blog www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has a full service store located across the street from his private office, and a San Diego factory showroom. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds, and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, CNN reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot’ http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/a-preppy-upstate-wedding-in-aurora-ny-144122

Photographer Heather Swanner had just shot her last session on a beach in Seaside, Florida, when she noticed something sweet was happening: A man had just dropped to one knee and was proposing to his girlfriend.

Writing about the May 30 incident on her Facebook page, Swanner of Birmingham, Alabama, said she shot a few photos of what was unfolding, then noticed the couple’s family was hiding in the bushes with their own cameras, so she stopped shooting and moved on.

“Now, as I am going through the proofs, I wish I’d gotten their contact info so that I could send them the pictures. If you happen to know this couple (they got engaged in Seaside, FL last Friday night), please pass my info along to them so that I can send them their pictures!” she wrote.

It’s a good thing she did that. It appears that, in their desire to not ruin the surprise, the couple’s family members were hiding too far away and, therefore, weren’t able to get very good photos.

Swanner’s June 2 post was just what they needed – and it quickly spread, receiving 589 likes and 386 shares – as of late Sunday night.

With that kind of interest, word soon got to the family of the newly engaged couple, Lindsey Crouch and Tae Cho of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Crouch, 23, was ecstatic.

In a Wednesday post to Swanner on Facebook, she wrote: “I can’t believe you captured this!! My family was hiding but was too far away to get good pictures!!!!!! I am literally in tears seeing the most beautiful and special moment of my life caught so beautifully on camera!!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!! I am so blessed!!!!!!!”

Crouch’s mother, Kay, also chimed in on Facebook with her thanks to Swanner.

“Heather, I am the mom of the bride, the one hiding in the sand dunes! I had thought to get your contact info as I saw you shooting the proposal, but in the excitement forgot to ask you. . . YAY! for social media and kind-hearted photographers who are always prepared! These are the best pictures of their special moment as we were too far away, trying to be inconspicuous! So thankful for you!” she wrote.

In an interview with AL.cm, Crouch said she was shocked when she learned about the existence of the photos.

“I started crying and immediately emailed Heather who sent me all the pictures she captured,” she said.

Swanner was able to post good news to her Facebook page.

“I found my mystery couple!” she wrote Wednesday. “Thank you all so, so much for your help with this! The power of social media never ceases to amaze me.”

This article surfaced Monday in Business Vancouver. More confirmation from a  financial expert in a daily periodical predicting the rapid rise in value of Natural Fancy Colored Diamonds.

NYC Diamond Blog has been recommending this area as a magnificent way to diversify your financial holdings, and continue to believe staying ahead of the curve here might be a window that is starting to close. Here is the brief, but well written article by Emma Crawford Hampel.

Diamonds are no longer just a girl’s best friend, according to one Vancouver rare gem broker.

Natural fancy coloured diamonds are the most concentrated form of wealth on earth, said Colin Ferguson, CEO of Rare Investment. And with demand growing while supply shrinks, they are on the verge of appreciating at a rate never seen before.

Most of the increasing demand is coming from Asia, particularly China and India, with the most popular gem being pink diamonds.

“The robust Chinese economy getting into the diamond world has been an absolute boon, and has put so much pressure on the price that they are starting to do what we refer to economies of rarity,” Ferguson told Business in Vancouver. “There’s high demand, low supply.

“Very soon it’s going to be high demand, no supply. Prices will skyrocket.”

Ferguson said the diminishing supply of diamonds has led to an “amazing increase” in investment potential for coloured diamonds.

“The big diamond mines in the world are starting to wind down. Mining companies have not found a tier 1 diamond mine since the early 90s that they can mine,” he said. “BHP Billiton, the biggest mining company  in the world, just got out. They just can’t find any more diamond mines.

“Rio Tinto, the second-biggest mining company in the world, has spent billions trying to find more mines and couldn’t.”

Rare Investment displayed the 40-carat, $2.8 million Heart of Gold diamond at the Canadian Investor Conference in Vancouver June 1 and 2.

Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 26 years. He is the founder and president of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWholesaleDiamonds.com and he authors a blog www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has a full service store located across the street from his private office, and a San Diego factory showroom. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds, and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, CNN reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot’ http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/a-preppy-upstate-wedding-in-aurora-ny-144122

We are thrilled to be named the recipient of CushionCutDiamond.EXPERT here at NYC Wholesale Diamonds. More details to follow soon

Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 26 years. He is the founder and president of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWholesaleDiamonds.com and he authors a blog www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has a full service store located across the street from his private office, and a San Diego factory showroom. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds, and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, CNN reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot’ http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/a-preppy-upstate-wedding-in-aurora-ny-144122

NYC Diamond Blog has been informing our followers for close to a year now that Exchange Traded Funds consisting exclusively of Brilliant Cut Round Diamonds are close to becoming a reality. That information has been confirmed by our industry contacts, and now here is the latest from an internal trade publication confirming that this innovation will in fact be more widespread than original foretasted.

Indications are that by the end of calendar year, there will be a number of traded portfolios on the investment market that are based on diamond commodities, according to the Economic Times.  Among the firms intending to turn precious gems into trading commodities are Swatch’s Canadian retail chain Harry Winston.

IndexQ, a firm that has already brought over a dozen exchange-traded funds, or ETF’s, to market in recent years, is close to actualizing its plan to do the same for diamonds, first reported here two years ago. The Securities and Exchange Commission is now considering its proposal, to be based on 1-carat gems that would be stored in an Antwerp vault.

Harry Winston is collaborating with a Swiss asset manager to establish a quarter-billion dollar fund which would funnel hedge fund and pension cash into purchases of its own diamonds ranging from half a carat to six carats.

Diamond industry expert Martin Rapaport has also hinted that he intends to release investor-friendly diamond products by year’s end, but gave no details.

Diamond industry players hope to repeat the success of the gold market, where investment has driven growth to great heights. According to the Economic Times, commodification of diamonds was tried in the past but it didn’t take, in part because it made little sense when the diamond industry was dominated by a single company, De Beers.

Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 26 years. He is the founder and president of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWholesaleDiamonds.com and he authors a blog www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has a full service store located across the street from his private office, and a San Diego factory showroom. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds, and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, CNN reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot’ http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/a-preppy-upstate-wedding-in-aurora-ny-144122

NYC Wholesale Diamonds now has over 40 reviews appearing on various internet websites including Yelp..All with the highest Five Star Rating!

Thank you all so very much! It has been an honor and pleasure helping these wonderful couples. Their happiness is my greatest reward, and has been for 26 years!

Here are our most recent reviews:

***** I came to Keith through a recommendation (I’d always wanted one. Now I have “a guy”!) and I could not have been happier. I had a very sentimental but not terribly valuable piece of jewelry that needed repair and stone replacement and I’d been worried about finding someone who would do great work and still take it seriously despite the lower price tag.

Keith was incredibly patient, generous with his time and knowledge and connections and got me exactly what I wanted.  I would return in a heartbeat and recommend him to everyone I know.

Simon F, Brooklyn, N.Y. 5/21/14

***** I found Keith online and I am so happy I did.  This was my first major jewelry purchase, which was an engagement ring, so it is an understatement to say it was an important one.  Keith was a true pleasure to work with.  I gave him a price range and when we met, he had choices of diamonds and rings for me to select which exceeded my expectations but not my budget.  He was transparent with me on pricing, and in the end, I purchased a spectacular engagement ring for my fiancé (that’s right she accepted!).  What amazes me still is the value for the money for such a beautiful piece.  My fiancé still cannot take her eyes off the ring, and nor can I.  Throughout the process, it was clear to me that Keith truly enjoyed his work and was committed to making the moment to come a special one.  He even advised me to make sure my fiancé had a place to sit down after I proposed, because she would be overcome with emotion.  His recommendation was spot on!  Thank you, Keith, for your expert professionalism and your warm and caring attitude.  I will buy jewelry from no one else.

John V, Trenton, N.J. 5/17/14

***** For three years I worked at a boutique jewelry store and became quite familiar with diamonds.  Therefore my daughter’s soon to be fiance enlisted my help in picking out her engagement ring.  A fun yet stressful request.  I was in FL and had to rely on the honesty and integrity of a diamond specialist.  The FIVE stars aligned and I connected with Mr. Keith Saxe.
Knowledge
Integrity
Honesty
Communication
Promptness
Attentiveness

The bottom line is that the bride to be is blown away by her perfect ring produced by Mr. Keith Saxe!

Katherine L , Hampton, NH  5/14/14

****** Keith came highly recommended through Yelp users so I came into the process with extremely high expectations. And even still, my expectations were exceeded. This is my first review, so I will keep it short and simple.
Use Keith Saxe. One of the most genuine and engaging professionals I have ever come across. Will never use another jeweler in the NYC area again because Keith is my guy.

Michael M , Manhattan, N.Y. 5/14/14

***** I just love my new diamond eternity wedding band that I bought from NYC Wholesale Diamonds! Keith was very knowledgeable and very helpful without being pushy at all.
He truly takes pride in making his customers happy and getting them the best of what he has for the right price .I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to purchase jewelry.
P.s. I just can not stop looking at my finger ….it is like when I first got engaged my ring is just so beautiful and sparkly!
Thank-you Keith

Susan M , Ardsley, N.Y.  5/11/14

***** Keith could not have done a better job on creating a custom setting and sourcing the diamond that I bought for my fiance. My fiance has not stopped getting compliments on her ring since the day I proposed. Keith was extremely professional and helpful during every step of the process. He was patient and knowledgeable in answering the numerous questions I had about the diamond buying process. He always responded quickly to my emails and calls as well. Keith listened to what I wanted and help me chose the perfect setting and diamond. He did not just try to make the sale, he truly cared about me and wanted to make sure I was happy throughout the process. He even offered to help me brainstorm ideas for my proposal. I will 100% recommend Keith to anyone and I will use Keith from now on for every diamond purchase I make.

***** My family has been using Keith for years, and finally, it is my turn to utilize his expertise! When I knew a proposal was approaching, I encouraged Davis to talk to Keith about diamonds and a ring setting, knowing he was a beyond trustworthy expert in this field and would be able to make something wonderful. On the day of our engagement last Thursday, I could not have been more excited-not only about marrying my best friend, but also about how beautiful my ring was! It was custom made by Keith to exactly the specifications Davis and I wanted. I highly encourage anyone to visit or talk to Keith for any of their jewelry needs. He is wonderful!!

Caitlin F , Winston-Salem, NC 4/20/14

***** We wanted to wait and get our surprise engagement pictures before writing to you, which we are sending one to you.

Pam & I are so excited to be engaged (I surprised her on the beach on October 11th) and she absolutely LOVE’s the ring!!!

When I saw the ring for the first time (in person) It was just perfect! Keith, you have been there from the beginning of my search of the right diamond, the choice of the band and through countless exchange of emails, phone calls and lots of my worries and concerns but you always took the time and made time for me. Pamela has been getting so many compliments about her rings!

I am so grateful for all your help! You are a true gentleman and I consider you a friend.

We both would like to say THANK YOU for being part of this memorable event!

We will definitely contact you for our wedding bands!

Stephan K , Gatineau, Canada 4/4/14

***** Keith came highly recommended by several friends I served with during my time in the military.  Being that I am a woman who was in search of an engagement ring for my partner, another woman, I was a little nervous and hesitant about the entire process to begin with.  I was extremely comfortable with Keith.  He was fantastic-he explained everything to me from beginning to end, was extremely responsive via email, text, phone, etc, throughout the process, and even took the time to explain the ins and outs of engagement rings and diamonds to my mother when she came with me to finalize the ring.  I will continue to refer Keith, and will visit him again in the future for other purchases.  Thanks Keith!

Lindsey M , Brooklyn, N.Y. 4/1/14

Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 26 years. He is the founder and president of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWholesaleDiamonds.com and he authors a blog www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has a full service store located across the street from his private office, and a San Diego factory showroom. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds, and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, CNN reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot’ http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/a-preppy-upstate-wedding-in-aurora-ny-144122

This extremely rare Natural Purplish Pink 1.65 Carat Intense, VS Clarity, GIA Certified, Emerald Cut Diamond is available today at NYC Wholesale Diamonds.

This magnificently rare find is available today at $285,000 per carat to our private clients here at our NYC Wholesale Diamonds location in the New York Diamond District location. The soon to be auctioned Natural Intense Purplish Pink Diamond will be priced at $350,000 per carat at auction in June. Pricing represents more than a $100,000 discount to auction.

Sotheby’s announced today that it sold a record $141.5 million in jewelry at its spring auction, including the highest amount ever paid for a yellow diamond — $16.3 million for the 100.09-carat “Graff Vivid Yellow” diamond ring. Our Purplish Pink, VS Clarity, GIA graded Intense, Emerald Cut Diamond is a unique rare bend of color, clarity and shape.

The Associated Press reported intense bidding from around the globe Tuesday night.

Contact Keith J. Saxe, NYC Wholesale Diamonds President for more information including copies of GIA certification and an appointment to view this magnificent rare natural color diamond.

Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 26 years. He is the founder and president of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWholesaleDiamonds.com and he authors a blog www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has a full service store located across the street from his private office,and a San Diego factory showroom. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds, and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, CNN reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot’ http://www.theknot.com/weddings/album/a-preppy-upstate-wedding-in-aurora-ny-144122