Maybe it's time to keep our diamonds under the floorboards - an Indian diamond merchant and his family, who were staying in Belgium, were held hostage by robbers for 18 hours and freed them only after taking millions of dollars worth of gemstones. The heist took place Saturday in Antwerp, the world's biggest diamond center, which is considered a crime-free zone.>>>

GIA launches virtual gemstone museum    

Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has launched the Gem Project, an online resource for colored gemstone information that is free and open to both the trade and the public. Comprised of data collected from gemstones in the Edward J. Gübelin collection, which GIA acquired in 2005, the virtual resource includes a photo, description and gemological properties for each sample, according to a press release. >>>

By Carly Wickell,                                          About.com Guide                  

Hilary Swank's intricate diamond necklace ushered in a new century at the Academy Awards ceremonies. The next year, most celebrities a
rrived wearing the standard fare of large diamonds and platinum, but two, Juliette Binoche and Ashley Judd, pulled off a successful flapper look. >>>

Just Say No to Discounting 

6 Small Business Sales Trends for 2010
Business.com                                    

Many business owners and entrepreneurs are bruised and confused about what it really takes these days to achieve sales breakthroughs. In fact, the art of selling may be changing faster now that at any point in the last half century. For one thing, the skyrocketing importance of social media has transformed the selling landscape forever. >>>

Prices for ruby, sapphire and emerald in "commercial" and "good" quality ranges are down, and demand is fairly soft, says Stuart Robertson, research director of Glenview, Ill.-based Gemworld International, which publishes The GemGuide. >>>

Provide Service to Customers of Closed Jewelry Stores
Jewelers Of America                   Tips to Thrive                      March 05,2010 

Jewelers of America recently took a call from a consumer who had diligently held on to the lifetime warranty on her 16-year-old diamond engagement ring. Unfortunately, in these tough times, the jewelry business that issued the warranty had gone bankrupt. With no one available to honor her warranty going forward, this customer -- like many others -- needs to find a new jeweler who she can trust with her jewelry service needs. >>>