What is a “Certified Diamond”?

Buying a certified diamond gives you the confidence to know your diamond has been analyzed and graded by a trusted, independent gem laboratory to ensure its authenticity and quality.  Certification is a formal evaluation of a diamond and includes a grading report that details the quality characteristics of the stone.  However, keep in mind that certification just reports on the quality of the diamond and is not necessarily saying it is a “quality diamond”.  This is why it is important to buy from a reputable jeweler, and why as a consumer you need to educate yourself on how to buy a diamond.   

A certified diamond may cost a little bit more, but the protection to your investment is well worth it, especially if you intend to buy a larger carat weight diamond.  GIA, AGS, Forevermark, and EGL USA are some of the most respected labs and their grading reports provide scientifically accurate evaluations on a diamond’s shape and the 4Cs - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.  

The documentation also gives information on the proportions, which affects how well the diamond refracts the light to create the sparkle, brilliance and scintillation of the stone.  In addition, the report states the finish of the diamond and if there is any known treatment on the diamond.  Laboratories such as GIA, one of the most respected grading institutions, offer optional laser inscriptions that inscribe the diamond’s report number on the diamond’s girdle or other customized messages for easy identification.

At Padis Jewelry, we have at least 10,000 diamonds in stock at any one time. Our exquisite diamonds come with an independent grading report from US-based labs such as the GIA, AGS, Forevermark and EGL USA.  We also have two GIA Graduate Gemologists on staff at all times, and are a proud, accredited member of the American Gem Society (AGS).

Since 1974, Padis Jewelry has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  If you are a lover of beautiful jewels, please schedule at visit to San Francisco’s finest jewelry showrooms.

Source:4cs.gia.edu/EN-US/gr-diamond-grading-reports.htm?gclid=CjwKEAiAvs7CBRC24rao6bGCoiASJABaCt5DpTVpIoLqpc1EMQn-yfetFzJKCErGMmuqw2jRA61JlRoCs8Lw_wcB

Shop Our Huge Inventory of Loose Diamonds

If you want to create a unique engagement ring, it is a good idea to shop at a jewelry store that offers loose diamonds.  By starting with a loose diamond, it gives you the opportunity to select your diamond independently from the style and metal used in the ring.  Once you find a stone that meets your quality standards and personal preference, you can work with your jeweler to customize a ring or pick from a large selection of pre-designed ring settings.     

Another advantage is that it is easier to assess its quality than a set diamond as the prongs of the setting can obscure flaws and make it harder to judge the color. When assessing a loose diamond, your eye is not distracted by the metal or design of the ring and allows you to just focus on the beauty of the stone.  Also if you know you are interested in a particular diamond shape such as round brilliant, princess, cushion, oval, emerald, etc., you can easily select that shape in the carat weight and quality of cut, color and clarity you want. 

At Padis Jewelry, we own one of the largest inventories of loose diamonds in California and always have at least 10,000 diamonds in stock at any one time.   All of our loose stones .40 carats and over are certified by the most trusted labs in the industry such as Forevermark, AGS, GIA and EGL USA for overall quality and authenticity.   

When shopping at our online Diamond Store, you can use our chart to select your diamond shape, carat weight, cut, color and clarity to bring up an inventory of stones that meet your criteria.  We also let you compare a couple of diamonds to ensure you get the best stone for you. 

Padis Jewelry has three showrooms in San Francisco and a store in St. Helena where we proudly offer the world's finest certified diamonds along with expert, friendly customer service.  Visit our website to learn more about our selection of jewelry or contact us to schedule a visit to one of our showrooms.     

As a family-owned business, Padis Jewelry has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  If you are a lover of beautiful jewels, schedule at visit to San Francisco’s best jewelry store.

San Francisco’s Historic GiftCenter & Jewelry Mart

Padis Jewelry has three showrooms in San Francisco as well as one in Napa Valley, Padis Romance in St. Helena.  Our Designer Galleria and one of our showrooms are located at the GiftCenter & JewelryMart in San Francisco’s renowned jewelry district, which is a hub for the biggest names in jewelry and fashion accessories - all offered at the best prices.   

Conveniently located to serve the Bay Area, the five-story GiftCenter is on the National Register of Historical Places and the California Register of Historic Places.  The building was constructed in 1912 by the National Carbon Company, and later became a paper warehouse for Blake, Moffitt, and Towner.  It went through a major exterior and interior renovation when it was converted into the gift and jewelry showrooms in 1983.  The renovation added more usable space and light with the addition of a glass atrium.           

The GiftCenter is the leading wholesale jewelry emporium for Northern California and offers jewelry shoppers a truly unique experience.  For convenience you will find that all of the jewelry-related businesses are consolidated in the lower and street levels of the building.  Furthermore, customers can feel confident shopping at the friendly GiftCenter as most of the stores are locally-owned, family businesses.   

So not only are prices typically better than at corporate-owned jewelry chain stores, but like Padis Jewelry, most offer a personal touch to make you feel welcome from the moment you walk through the door.  At our Padis showrooms, you will find our entire inventory on display where we proudly offer pieces from the most sought-after jewelry designers and watchmakers with prices clearly marked.  In addition you will find one of the largest collections of rings and certified loose diamonds in California.  We encourage you to set up an appointment to experience firsthand our beautiful collection of jewelry. 

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For the opportunity to view one of San Francisco and the Napa Valley’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

Some of the World’s Most Expensive Gemstones

Gemstones are defined as minerals created inside the earth; however, pearls and amber are notable exceptions as they are organic.  Minerals are classified as gemstones based on their chemical composition, refraction, crystal structure, and optical characteristics.  Both the classification and degree of imperfections determine the value and rarity of the stone. 

Throughout the world, gemstones lovers have always been on the lookout for beautiful and unique stones.  One such example is Jeremejevite, an extremely rare and very valuable gemstone first discovered in the Adun-Chilon Mountains in Siberia in 1883.  An aluminum borate mineral with variable fluoride and hydroxide ions, it is similar to quartz in hardness with a 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.  Due to its rareness, it is not often used in jewelry, but jewelry cutters say Jeremejevite can be cut and polished without any problem and shows no reaction to heat. 

Another spectacular gemstone is Black Opal, which is the rarest type of Opal.  It is composed of silicon, hydrogen, and oxygen and most of the supply comes from the Lightning Ridge Mine in New South Wales.   The brilliant “fire” found in Black Opals and the scarcity make them extremely valuable.  Black Opals are believed to have lots of energy and in early times people wore the stone as an amulet against black magic.  

Taaffeite is one of the rarest and most valuable gems in the world.  It was named for the Australian gemologist, Richard Taaffe, who bought a cut and polished stone in 1945 in Dublin, Ireland.  Originally mistaken for spinel, Taaffeite is the first mineral to contain both beryllium and magnesium as major components.  The gem is found in Sri Lanka and Tanzania and hues range from nearly colorless to lavender, mauve and violet. 

Musgravite, which is in the same family as Taaffeite, is another very rare and valuable gem.  This very hard gemstone was first discovered in 1967 in the Musgrave Ranges in Australia and ranges from a brilliant green to violet color.  Musgravite is an aluminum oxide with various proportions of magnesium, iron, and zinc.  Today the gemstone is also found in Madagascar and Tanzania.   

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For the opportunity to view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

Sources:

forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2015/11/02/12-most-expensive-gemstones-world/#5c0a94d25342 

discovery.com/tv-shows/game-of-stones/black-opal/

Buy Responsibly Sourced Diamonds

Conflict-free is another important focus of family-owned Padis Jewelry, and are fully dedicated to supporting socially and environmentally responsible sourcing. We only buy and sell diamonds from carefully selected suppliers who adhere to strict labor and environmental standards and are able to demonstrate a complete chain of custody for their gemstones.  

For example, one of our collections of loose diamonds and diamond jewelry is from an industry leader in responsible sourcing.  Forevermark™, part of the De Beers Group of Companies, not only sells some of the world’s most exquisite diamonds but is committed to selling diamonds that have been responsibly sourced throughout their entire journey.  

In fact Forevermark sourcing standards go beyond the international certification established in 2003 by the Kimberley Process.  This certification process was designed to “stop the trade in ‘conflict diamonds' and ensure that diamond purchases were not financing violence by rebel movements and their allies seeking to undermine legitimate governments.”  Forevermark’s stricter standards include looking at the individual mines and mining companies along with the country of origin in terms of human rights, the political climate and the socio-economic situation. 

Another significant outreach by Forevermark has been to give back to the women and children of each community they do business in.  These activities include supporting women in small businesses as well as providing education, training, and healthcare.  The De Beers Group of Companies has also set aside 444,490 acres around their mines for conservation which includes a Game Park and a Rhino sanctuary.We are proud to offer our customers diamonds from a company that is committed to not only supplying the world with the most beautiful diamonds, but doing it with integrity.  Please visit our showrooms to see our large selection of certified loose diamonds and diamond jewelry and wear your jewelry with pride!

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For an opportunity to view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

Source: kimberleyprocess.com/en/about

 

Let Our Experts Help You Make an Informed Jewelry Decision

At Padis Jewelry our job is to make jewelry shopping an enjoyable experience.  By owning one of the largest inventories of certified loose diamonds in California, we can help you buy a diamond you love at a price you can afford.  Furthermore, it is easy as all you need to do is set up a diamond consultation with one of our expert GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Graduate Gemologists.   

Before you even start the process of buying an engagement ring or another piece of diamond jewelry, you should educate yourself on how a diamond is graded.  Also while you initially may want to buy the largest size diamond you can afford, it may be better to consider a higher quality, smaller stone.  A larger diamond typically has more inclusions than smaller diamonds, and since it is larger, the inclusions will be more visible.  In addition cut and proportions determine a diamond’s brilliance and must be done correctly to allow the maximum amount of light through the top of the diamond.   

The GIA uses a D-to-Z scale to measure the colorlessness of a diamond, comparing it to masterstones under controlled viewing conditions.  Stones range from colorless to yellowish-brown with a grade of D to F as colorless, G to J as near colorless, K to M as faint, N to R as very light and S to Z as light.  One tip to consider is that in some cases when you mount a non-colorless diamond in yellow gold, it can help a diamond appear to be colorless. 

A diamond’s clarity is graded on the number, size, relief, and positions of inclusions as seen by 10x magnification.  Please contact the experienced jewelers at Padis Jewelry for more suggestions on how to shop smart when it comes to buying a diamond.  

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For an opportunity to view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

Emeralds – One of the World’s Most Sought-after Gemstones

Emeralds are alleged to offer wearers a quicker wit and a higher IQ and one of the most famous collections was owned by Cleopatra.  The gemstone is a variety of the mineral beryl and the color of the stone is determined by trace amounts of chromium, vanadium, or iron.  The emerald name is derived from the Greek word smaragdos and means green gem.  Even though it has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, the stone is classified as generally poor in terms of hardness due to its many inclusions.    

The most desirable emeralds are highly transparent and in colors that range from a bluish green to pure green with vivid color saturation but not too dark.  Since transparency and clarity is closely linked to the value of colored stones such as emeralds, the Gemological Institute of America explains that gemologists typically accept “eye-visible inclusions in higher-quality emeralds. But when the inclusions have a negative effect on transparency and clarity, they also dramatically reduce value.”  Eye-clean emeralds are very rare and thus the most valuable.  

Originally mined in Egypt as early as 3500 BC, emeralds are now mined in Africa, South America, and Central Asia.  Colombia’s La Pita and Muzo mining areas produce some of the world’s most valuable emeralds and the La Pita Mine is believed to be one of the largest emerald deposits in Colombia.   Renowned for their dark color and three-phase inclusions, Colombian emeralds contain tiny crystals of rock salt, liquid, and a bubble of gas and account for 30 to 55 percent of the country’s annual production. 

Emeralds are often carved into a rectangular step cut also known as the emerald cut while smaller stones are carved into round, oval or marquise shapes.  We invite you to take a look at Padis Jewelry’s impressive collection of exquisite loose sapphire, emerald and diamond stones. 

Since 1974, Padis Jewelry has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  If you are a lover of beautiful jewels, please visit our Napa Valley or San Francisco jewelry showrooms.

Sources: gia.edu/emerald, lapitaemeralds.com/About_lapita_mine.html

Most Popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings

The shape of your diamond engagement ring may reflect your personal style, be it classic, modern or your own unique statement.  From a round solitaire to princess, emerald, cushion, oval, pear shaped, to name a few, the shape of an engagement ring can say something about the woman wearing it.   

A classic, timeless choice and the most popular shaped diamond is a round solitaire.  It looks as beautiful today as it did on our grandmother’s hands and most likely will never go out of style.  When buying a round brilliant cut stone, experts recommend selecting a higher grade diamond to bring out the most brilliance.  Oval diamonds are a modified brilliant cut and offer much of the same brilliance and fire; while a brilliant-cut pear shaped diamond is a combination of a round and marquise shape with a tapered point on one end.  

Step cuts include emerald and Asscher shaped diamonds.  These square or rectangular diamonds are made up of rectilinear facets that are arranged parallel to the girdle, which produces a mirror effect that plays with the light and dark planes of the cut.  A cushion cut shaped diamond is a square cut with rounded corners much like a pillow and generally produces better fire but less brilliance than a round brilliant cut diamond. 

A princess shaped diamond is a close second in popularity to the round brilliant cut and almost matches its fire and brilliance.  Created in 1980, the square or rectangular shaped stone is a mix of diamond cuts and is the most common type of fancy cut diamonds.  The princess cut combines techniques used to create modified brilliant cuts and step cuts and has a profile similar to an inverted pyramid with four beveled sides.  It can have anywhere between 53 and 144 facets.  

As a family-owned business, Padis Jewelry has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  If you are a lover of beautiful jewels, schedule at visit to San Francisco and the Napa Valley’s best jewelry stores.

Sources: everything-wedding-rings.com/princess-cut-engagement-rings.html

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_cut 

A Short History of Engagement Rings

As early as 2800 BC, Egyptians wore a single silver or gold wire ring on the third finger of their left hand, which they believed was directly connected to the heart.  During the 2^nd century BC, Pliny the Elder described the custom of grooms presenting their bride with a gold ring to wear at the wedding ceremony and on special events.  The woman was given a ring made from iron to wear at home to signify a husband’s ownership of his wife.   

Archduke Maximillian of Austria is credited with commissioning the first ever diamond engagement ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy in 1477.  The ring was designed in the shape of an “M,” fashioned from a series of thin, flat diamonds.  Wealthy European aristocracy and nobility quickly followed suit by bestowing diamond rings as a token of love. 

During the 1700 and 1800s, engagement rings were often a mix of diamonds and other gemstones, enamel and metals.  The American Gem Society states that many of these rings were designed in the shape of flowers and called “posey rings.”  In Victorian times, rings using diamonds and gemstones to spell out words of endearment were common as well as rings made from the hair of their loved one. 

Diamond engagement rings really gained widespread popularity when in 1938; the DeBeers diamond company hired N.W. Ayer, a New York–based ad agency, to create an ad campaign to boost diamond sales.  The successful campaign featured famous movie stars adorned with beautiful diamond rings and was responsible for increasing diamond sales by 50 percent in just three years.  By the late 1940s, the ad agency introduced the slogan still used by DeBeers today - "A Diamond Is Forever."

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite engagement rings, fine jewelry and certified loose diamonds since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area to exclusively offer some of the top names in the industry as well as stock such a large inventory.  We invite you to visit to our showrooms to see the finest jewelry San Francisco and the Napa Valley has to offer.

Source:  americangemsociety.org/en/the-history-of-the-diamond-as-an-engagement-ring

 

A Proud Member of the AGS

When you decide to invest in a piece of jewelry, you want to know you are buying from a reputable jeweler.  At family-owned Padis Jewelry, we understand that concern and it is one of the reasons why we are proud to be a member of the American Gem Society (AGS). 

So what is the AGS and why should you care if your jeweler is a member?  According to their website, the American Gem Society is the country’s preeminent jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protection.  Founded in 1934, it is a nonprofit organization that puts people before profit and is designed to help educate people to safely and easily buy jewelry.  Along with consumer protection, they are committed to ethical business practices and to the development and maintenance of superior gemological skills and knowledge. The organization holds their members to the highest standards.  They also help customers to find a jeweler that is a member of AGS.

Becoming a member of AGS is not easy, and in fact, only 5% of jewelers in the United States are able to meet the exacting necessary requirements.  A jeweler needs to obtain references from industry professionals as well as be approved by a panel of peers.  In addition to the initial exam, members must submit to an annual re-certification exam.  AGS members are also offered hands-on training.  

Furthermore, AGS Laboratories were founded as a way to support the AGS mission and is a nonprofit diamond grading laboratory whose primary purpose is to provide consumers protection.  The laboratory adheres to the AGS Diamond Grading Standards and offers consumers diamond grading reports “that provide consistency and accuracy based on science.”  Please see our website to learn more about Padis Jewelry’s high standards and our extensive collection of top luxury brands and the finest quality of loose diamonds.

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For the opportunity to view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

Source: americangemsociety.org/en/

The World Famous Hope Diamond

The 45.52 carat Hope Diamond is widely considered to be one of the most famous diamonds in the world.  The unique deep-indigo colored stone was discovered centuries ago and is probably from the Kollur mine in Golconda, India.   While in the later years, it earned a reputation for bringing bad luck to its owners, early-on it was considered to have great mystical powers because of its unusual size and color and was believed to have adorned a Hindu statue. 

One of the first accounts of the 112 3/16-carat, crudely-cut stone is when a French trader by the name of Jean Baptiste Tavernier sold it to King Louis XIV of France in 1668.  A few years later, the king had the somewhat triangular-shaped diamond recut by the court jeweler, Sieur Pitau, into a 67 1/8-carat stone.  During the French Revolution, the diamond was stolen and its location unknown for several years until it resurfaced in 1812.  It was then purchased by England’s King George IV.  When he died deeply in debt in 1830, it is believed the diamond was privately sold.    

In 1839, it was referenced in a gem collection catalogue after the death of a well-known collector, Henry Philip Hope, and for whom the stone is named.  After that the diamond changed hands several times until it was purchased by the famous jeweler, Harry Winston in 1949.  In 1958, the company donated the diamond to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. where it became an immediate star attraction.    

The curse stems from a story that claims Jean-Baptiste Tavernier stole the 112.16 carat blue diamond from the eye of a Hindu statue.  According to the legend, once the priest discovered the loss, they put a curse on whoever possesses the gem.   

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For an opportunity to view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

Source: si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmnh/hope.htm

Offering Some of the World’s Finest Timepieces

Along with being San Francisco’s exclusive authorized retailer for top luxury brands such as Tacori, Ritani, Verragio, Endless, Jeff Cooper Designs, Forevermark, Henri Daussi, Michael M., Sylvie, Demarco, Simon G., and Scott Kay, we also carry some of the world’s most sought-after timepieces.  At Padis Jewelry, we proudly offer our customers a collection of watches that includes Bulova, Michele, Stuhrling, TAG Heuer, and Breitling. 

One of the Breitling models you will find in our showrooms or on our website is the Chronoliner, inspired by watches from the 1950s-1960s.  The Chronoliner’s signature feature is a broad bezel in scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic (an ultra-hard synthetic material), and has the original star-shaped cut-out.  Breitling’s website states the company was founded in 1884 and is one of the last remaining independent Swiss watch brands.  Their specialty includes technical watches and they have played a crucial role in developing the wrist chronograph.  In addition Breitling is one of the world’s only major watch brands that equips all of their models with chronometer-certified movement as well as produce their own, exclusive mechanical chronograph movements. 

Another luxury brand we carry is Bulova, which has long been known for its innovation, craftsmanship and advanced technology.  Padis currently offers the following Bulova models: Gemini, Stratford, Massella, Mirado, Bellecombe and more.  Founded in 1875, the company’s slogan is “A Bulova watch is not only a timepiece; it is a piece of history.”  The line includes watches designed for dress, sport and casual wear in a wide price range.

We also are pleased to offer our customers beautiful timepieces from Michelle that feature hand-set diamonds and mother-of-pearl dials in stainless steel to gold cases.  Our collection includes Deco, Serein, Urban, and CSX models as well as others and a beautiful assortment of watch bands.  

You will also discover we carry a selection of watches from the luxury brand, TAG Heuer.   Founded in 1860, TAG Heuer “has successfully embraced a number of contrasting elements; heritage and innovation, prestige and performance, sport and glamour.”  Our TAG Heuer collection includes models from the Formula 1, Aquaracer, and Carrera lines to name a few.  Please visit our website to see our full selection of timepieces along with the rest of our exquisite collection.

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For an opportunity to view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

The Cullinan Diamonds

Some diamonds have achieved worldwide fame for their exquisite beauty and size of the stone as well as for the people who have owned them.  One of the most famous examples is the 3106 carat Cullinan, which is the largest rough, gem-quality diamond ever found.  It weighed approximately 1⅓ pounds and was slightly less than 4 inches long, over 2 inches wide and more than 2.5 inches high. 

The Cullinan was discovered in Transvaal, South Africa in 1905 at the Premier Mine and named for the owner of the mine, Thomas Cullinan.  Initially it was believed that it may be part of a larger diamond because of the flat surface on one side, although another piece has never been found.      

The huge, uncut diamond was sold to the Transvaal government for $1 million, who then gave it to England’s King Edward VII in thanks for granting Transvaal their independence.  The king sent the stone to the Asscher’s Diamond Company in Amsterdam where it was cut into 9 major gemstones, 96 smaller stones and approximately 19.5cts of unpolished pieces. 

The largest diamond cut from the Cullinan was the pear-shaped, 530.2 carat Cullinan I (also known as the Great Star of Africa).  The 74 faceted stone is the largest fine-quality, colorless diamond in the world and is set into the British Royal Scepter.  The 317.4 carat cushion cut Cullinan II (Lesser Star of Africa) is the second largest stone cut from the Cullinan and is mounted on the band of the Imperial State Crown.  

The pear-shaped 94.40 carat Cullinan III is the third largest stone cut from the Cullinan and was used as the finial of Queen Mary's Crown.  The cushion shaped, 63.60-carat Cullinan IV was set into the band of the crown.  Both stones can be worn together as a pendent-brooch and are seen worn that way in paintings of Queen Mary as well as on Elizabeth II.  The Cullinan diamonds are part of the renowned British Crown Jewels and are on display in the Tower of London. 

Since 1974, Padis Jewelry has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  If you are a lover of beautiful jewels, please schedule at visit to San Francisco’s finest jewelry showrooms.

Sources: capetowndiamondmuseum.org/about-diamonds/famous-diamonds/

famousdiamonds.tripod.com/cullinandiamonds.html

The History of Diamonds

Diamonds have been coveted for their exquisite beauty and value for centuries.  As indicated in an article by the GIA that quotes the 1^st Century AD naturalist, Pliny, who wrote, “Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world”.

The stone’s name is derived from the Greek word adamao, which is why it was used in ancient times to describe the hardest substance known to man.  Translated, adamao means “unconquerable,” which may one of the reasons why diamonds are associated with eternal love and commitment.

Diamonds were first discovered in riverbeds and creeks in India as early as the 4^th century BC, and because they were so rare, were originally only owned by the wealthiest Indians.  Once they were more actively mined, diamonds were traded through the Silk Road, which were early trade routes connecting India to China. 

Diamonds were valued for several reasons including their beauty and used as adornments, as cutting tools to engrave metals, and also as talismans to ward off evil.  By medieval times, diamonds were a popular gemstone for elite Europeans.   

By the 1700’s, Brazil was a large producer of diamonds, while India’s supplies were mostly gone.  However, the diamond industry’s most significant and unexpected discovery occurred between 1866 and 1867 and forever changed the way the world thinks about diamonds.   Erasmus Stephanus Jacobs found a 21.25 carat diamond on the banks of the Orange River near Hopetown, South Africa.  Initially what he thought was a transparent rock lead to the area mining more diamonds over the next few years than India had over 2,000 years. 

According to the Cape Town Diamond Museum, “as the world diamond production increased more than tenfold in the following 10 years, a once extremely rare material became accessible to Western society with its growing wealth.”  South Africa is still the major producer of diamonds.   

As a family-owned business, Padis Jewelry has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  If you are a lover of beautiful jewels, schedule at visit to San Francisco’s best jewelry store.

Sources: gia.edu/diamond-history-lore 

capetowndiamondmuseum.org/about-diamonds/south-african-diamond-history/

Our St. Helena Store Highlights the Romance and Lifestyle of the Area

A couple of years ago, Padis Jewelry opened our fourth showroom in St. Helena, CA, and we have been delighted to be a part of such as vibrant and engaging community.  St. Helena is situated in the center of Napa Valley wine country and is renowned for its boutique wineries, world-class cuisine, luxury lodgings, spas, and galleries.  As home to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), St. Helena is a leader in food and wine trends not only in the valley but beyond.  In addition the town offers an exclusive shopping experience with an array of unique treasures and specialty items. 

Family-owned Padis Romance is a full-service jewelry, watch and gift store located in the heart of downtown St Helena at 1269 Main Street.  Just like our three San Francisco showrooms, our friendly, non-commissioned staff is very knowledgeable about diamonds and gemstones.  The store is managed by Alexis Padis, who also serves as the Director of Operations for Padis Jewelry and is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and an American Gem Society Registered Jeweler. 

As St. Helena’s exclusive authorized retailer for many of the top luxury brands, our exquisite collections include the most sought-after jewelry designers and watchmakers in the industry. Our welcoming showroom features names like Breitling, Tacori, Forevermark, TAG Heuer, Ritani, Verragio, LeVian and many more.  We also showcase finely crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces, a large collection of engagement and wedding rings, and fashion jewelry.   In addition we do custom designs for our customers.  

Next time you are visiting the Napa Valley area, we invite you to come in to Padis Romance and see our incredible selection of loose diamonds and beautiful jewelry that is all priced at a great value. Our unique gift items include wine-focused goods, sparkling fine crystal, and specialty housewares. 

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For the opportunity to view one of San Francisco and the Napa Valley’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.