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Handmade Ring Seal Designed by Rebus Studio

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A specially-commissioned seal gave light to the idea of a signet ring (ring seal): a classic liturgical jewel. This beautiful ring seal was based on work by illustrator Kam Tang and graphic designer Darren Wall’s seal design of 2011. A traditional goldsmiths’ studio called Rebus which employs a master engraver named Emmet Smith as well as a London-based ring seal specialist were approached to accomplish the making of this seal.

The process of creating the ring seal is delicate and takes time. The design process begins with detail and is reverse engineered into a profiled silhouette in order to focus on defined elements that make the ring seal easier to read and easy to recognize. Then, the design is scaled to the ring size to see how it may look, and adjusts from there until satisfied with the design.

The engraver then begins metalwork, where the ring is clamped so the engraver may score the outline of the design into the ring using a scriber, then engraves the design, creating a 3D impression.

Smith believes that the ‘Holy Handmade’ ring seal is one of the largest pieces he has ever designed, calling the process a challenge as well as a privilege.

J Thomson Custom Jewelers enjoys exploring all kinds of jewelry designs and interpretations. They aim to be able to offer unique kinds of jewelry work to customers for custom requests.

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Photographs by Aylin Bayhan

126-Carat Rough Diamond Recovered by Letšeng

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A “high-quality” rough diamond that weighed in at 126 carats was recovered by Gem Diamonds at Letšeng mine after mining focus shifted from one section of the mine to what is considered a more lucrative area of the project.

The stone has been classified as D-color, type-IIa and is the most recent find in a string of large diamond discoveries at this particular mine. The mine in which the large diamond was excavated is known for producing high-value rough diamonds.

Just last month, the Gem company recovered a diamond pronounced 104.73-carats of D-color and type IIa as well as a 151.52-carat diamond of yellow color. Moreover, Gem Diamonds excavated three D-color, type IIa rough diamonds that weighed in at 80.58 carats, 98.42 carats and 114 carats respectively in April and May.

In Gem Diamonds’ second quarter, they refocused recovery efforts on the higher-grade K6 portion of Letšeng’s main pipe, which enables them to excavate larger diamonds at a higher rate, picking up effectivity from the company’s 2016 slowdown (revenues decreased by 22%), according to an explanation by the company back in May.

J Thomson Custom Jewelers watches for trends and fluctuations regarding diamond recovery efforts around the globe in order to provide their customers with the latest information on diamond discoveries. This allows customers to request custom pieces made with specially-chosen diamonds.

Photograph by Rapaport News

Rough and Polished Diamond Sales Worth $365 Million in June 2017, ALROSA Reports

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The ALROSA Group, one of the world’s leaders in the production of diamonds, sold $365 million worth of rough and polished diamonds in July 2017 alone. Their sales of rough diamond totaled about $354.4 million, while sales of polished diamonds totaled about $10.6 million.

Between January and July of 2017, ALROSA’s sales of rough and polished diamonds reached an astounding $2.497 billion. Sales of rough diamonds totaled about 2.442 billion, while sales of polished diamonds totaled about 54.9 million.

In that time, ALROSA decided to adjust their stock by cutting down on polished and finished diamonds as the diamond market began trending toward rough diamonds of a predominantly smaller size than their usual stock of larger, polished diamonds.

The difference between rough and polished diamonds is that rough diamonds are diamonds that have not been processed and cut – they remain in their natural state – whereas polished diamonds are processed and cut, allowing light to be refracted in and through the diamond.

J Thomson Custom Jewelers consistently observes the market fluctuations and trends of rough and polished diamonds in order to ensure that their customers have a wide range of modern and current choices when diamond shopping.

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The Most Desired Object is April’s Birthstone

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The phrase “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” truly fits those men and women celebrating birthdays this month. Formed over one hundred miles beneath the surface of the Earth, diamonds are considered the hardest gem of all. Their strength is so powerful that they are 58 times harder than anything else found in nature. The only way to scratch or cut a diamond is by using another diamond. A fun fact that not many people know about diamonds is that they can come in a variety of colors.  Diamonds colors can be found in shades of yellow, red, pink, blue, and green. The intensity ranges from light and soft to strong and colorful. Color diamonds are so rare that in most cases they can cost more than bigger clear diamonds. To see what I mean, look at beyond-the-limits-cleaning.

For centuries diamonds have been admired around the globe. However, it wasn’t until the twentieth century that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created the standards that are globally used today.  To people and experts in the industry, this standard is known as the 4 C’s. The level and place on the scale for Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight help businesses and customers select and purchase the best diamonds.

Aside from being beautiful and strong, diamonds are also a symbol of everlasting love. They are also thought of providing people who proudly wear them better relationships, balance, clarity, abundance, and increase in inner strength. Those born in the fourth month of the year are very lucky. To get the perfect diamond, we encourage you to seek out J. Thomson Custom Jewelers in Oklahoma City. Whether you are in Oklahoma City or any other city in the world, do your research and go to your custom jeweler if you have any questions.

Add December Birthstones to Your Jewels

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December is the only month of the year that claims three gemstones Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. Each of these stones has a unique tone of blue making them an outstanding piece to add to your winter jewelry collection. These gems vary in price and in preference. It all depends on what you request your custom jeweler to create. Here is a small description of each stone.

ZIRCON-  Zircon is the oldest mineral on earth, containing important clues about the formation of the earth. The colors for zircon range between red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and brown. Some Zircon found in Australia dates back 4.4 billion years, and today Australia produces 37 percent of the world’s Zircon supply. It’s important to highlight that Zircon follows the same value factor as diamonds. If you are in Oklahoma City visit J. Thomson Jewelers, a custom jeweler can help you choose the best zircon gem.

TANZANITE- From the oldest gem to the most recent discovery. Tanzanite was discovered in 1967 and is limited to a specific geographic zone in Tanzania. Most of the blue tanzanite sold today gets this color from heat treatment. This process deemphasizes the natural brown tones it contains and consequently enhances its blue and violet shades. This gem is an affordable substitution for sapphire. For a December birthday, a 24th wedding anniversary or a gift, this stone adds the right amount blue to any kind of jewelry.

TURQUOISE- Turquoise is the first mined stone used in jewelry. Though it was discovered in Turkey and spread throughout Europe in the 13th century, today the U.S. is the world’s largest turquoise supplier. You can also find turquoise stones in Native American jewelry. To get the perfect turquoise, we encourage you to seek out a J. Thomson Custom Jewelers in Oklahoma City.

Any of these stones are perfect for December birthdays or as a touch of color for holiday gifts. Whether you are in Oklahoma City or any other city in the world, do you research and go to your custom jeweler if you have any questions. Whichever gemstone you select, it will make a great gift for that special person in your life.

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