Trust Padis for the Best Selection & Value

There is a reason why our customers are so loyal to Padis Jewelry and continue to trust us for all of their jewelry purchases.  Along with our expert and friendly jewelry consultants, Padis offers customers a huge selection of premium jewelry at a great price.  In addition our company is committed to consumer protection, ethical business practices, and the enhancement of our gemological skills and knowledge. 

Unlike most other online retailers that source “lists” of diamonds to feature on their sites, Padis Jewelry owns our entire stock of high-quality, certified and responsibly-sourced diamonds. Our stunning collection of loose diamonds and gemstones is the largest in northern California and at any one time our inventory includes approximately 10,000 loose diamonds.  Also as we buy directly from the source, we are able to offer customers a terrific value. 

Moreover our diamonds are hand-selected by owner and expert gemologist, Steve Padis, and come from select suppliers who can demonstrate a complete chain of custody for their gemstones as well as follow strict labor and environmental standards.  If you buy a diamond over 0.40 carats, it will come with an independent grading report from the most trusted diamond grading laboratories in the industry including Forevermark, GIA, the U.S divisions of AGS, and EGL USA. 

As a family-owned business, Padis Jewelry understands our name and reputation are on the line every time we sell a piece of jewelry or one of our certified loose diamonds.  This is why our entire team is dedicated to making your jewelry buying experience enjoyable and stress-free.  Please visit our website to browse through our inventory and to learn more about Padis Jewelry.  If you like what you see, please set up an appointment to come in and shop the Bay Area’s finest jewelry collection in person.        

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.

Our Staff is Not Only Friendly but Extremely Knowledgeable

As a family-owned business, it is important to us that our customers are treated to a first-class shopping experience every time they walk into a Padis Jewelry showroom.  This is why we are committed to offering our customers the world’s finest jewelry along with the expertise of some of the industry’s most knowledgeable jewelry consultants.   

In fact, any time you walk into our friendly, welcoming showrooms, we have at least two GIA (Gemological Institute of America Inc.) Graduate Gemologists on staff at all times.  The GIA Graduate Gemologist program is the most prestigious credential in the industry, and all participants receive comprehensive information regarding diamonds and colored stones.  During the coursework, our staff was introduced to both technical and practical skills including the 4Cs, the International Diamond Grading System, and the Colored Stone Grading System.   

Padis’ Graduate Gemologists were trained on how to use the latest gemological equipment and procedures in order to identify and grade different types of gemstones.  Their hands-on experience with how the GIA grading system and the 4Cs are used to accurately rate the value of diamonds allow them to help you make smart decisions and get the best value.   

According to the GIA, they are “world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls.”  The organization was established in 1931 and operates as a nonprofit institute recognized as a leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry.  The GIA established the “4Cs” (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) as well as the International Diamond Grading System™ in the 1940s that are the standards we still used today.    

At Padis, we feel that by having such knowledgeable consultants as a part of our non-commissioned sales staff guarantees customers receive more reliable, educated information about the diamonds and gemstones they are buying.  We encourages you to set up an appointment with one of our experts and let them teach you about the four Cs of diamonds, the colorful world of gemstones, and more.  

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: gia.edu/gem-education/program-graduate-gemologist

Engagement Ring Trends for 2018

If you plan to shop for an engagement ring sometime this year, you will want to know the latest trends for 2018.   According to WeddingWire, an online marketplace for vendors and engaged couples, the number one trend this year will be a center stone in the shape of an oval.  The oval has been steadily gaining popularity due to a unique and clean look that adds a vintage feel to any setting.  

Exuding femininity, rose gold is also still a strong trend for the upcoming year.  If you love the look, you will be pleased to find more and more jewelers are offering engagement and wedding rings in a rose gold option.  A recent Bride Magazine articles quotes jeweler Selin Kent as saying the rose gold trend is here to stay, but adds that she recommends a slightly different take.  She explains a fresh, new look is to have the center stone in platinum or white gold, and the rest of the ring in a colored metal. Selin says, “Diamonds can take on the color of the metal they’re set in, so mixing metals within the ring will show a diamond in its best light.”  

Additionally Bride Magazine notes that Jenny Klatt of Jemma Wynne suggests open ring styles are likely to be popular this coming engagement season.  Her Jemma Wynne partner, Stephanie Wynne Lalin, says, “It’s an alternative, but still feels timeless. It gives brides a real opportunity for personalization and—bonus!!—she can have two stones.”   Furthermore, the two stones provide the option of choosing two diamonds, a diamond and colored gemstone or other possibilities.    

We invite you to look at the gorgeous collection of engagement rings from Padis Jewelry.  We proudly offer a broad range of luxury brand designers and have one of the best collections of loose diamonds in California.  Please see our website to learn more.   

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 our most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.Source: weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/engagement-ring-trends-you-need-to-know

Don’t Just Believe Us – Read What Customers Say about their Experience

While we think Padis Jewelry offers one of the most exquisite collections of jewelry, the most competitive prices in the area, and an enjoyable, relaxed shopping experience, we feel our customers say it best.  We encourage you to take the time to visit our facebook page and read what some of our actual customers have said about their Padis Jewelry experience.    

As one recent customer explains, her Padis jewelry consultant was not only very patient but made it a “lovely experience.”  She adds that the consultant, Laurel, helped them to find the perfect wedding bands and to stay within budget.  Another customer relates how she saw styles she had not seen anywhere else and appreciated the huge selection of loose diamonds.  She writes, “Alexis was so sweet and fun to work with! We loved the champagne and the no-pressure atmosphere, and can't wait to go back for our wedding bands!” 

We also love the story of a man’s future in-laws who encouraged him to go to Padis Jewelry and to meet with jewelry consultant, Kim.  His fiancée’s grandparents shopped at Padis over thirty years ago and her parents worked with Kim to buy their engagement and wedding rings.  He explains that after meeting with Kim, they found the PERFECT ring.  As he says, “just ask my fiancée. who says she wouldn't have been able to find a better ring. It was exactly what she was looking for and she wasn't even there!”  Oh and did we mention that he flew in from Denver just to shop at Padis?    

If you want to read more about comments from real Padis Jewelry customers, please visit our facebook page.  Also visit our website to set up an appointment to come in a view our huge collection up close and in person.  We have been a trusted jewelry source in the Bay Area for more than forty years! 

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 our most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

Before You Shop for Diamonds – Educate Yourself!

Since Padis Jewelry is a family-owned business, our reputation is extremely important to us.  This means we want each and every one of our customers to be satisfied with their jewelry purchase and to only buy something they will love and cherish for many years to come.  To accomplish this goal, we find it is advantageous for our customers to know as much about the quality of the jewelry they are considering buying to make an informed decision.   

This is why our website offers a lot of tools to help potential jewelry buyers become educated before they make a purchase from our inventory of more than 10,000 loose diamonds.  On our site under the Diamond tab, you will lots of useful information on the “Find Your Diamond,” “Conflict Free Diamonds” and “Forevermark Diamonds” pages.   

On our Find Your Diamond page, you will discover our easy tool that allows you to search for a diamond by a number of criteria including the following shapes: round, princess, emerald, asscher, marquise, oval, radiant, pear, cushion and heart.  Simply click on the shape of the diamond you are interested in and our search will bring up all of the diamonds in that shape.   

To further refine the search, you can put in the carat weight.  For example if you would like a diamond somewhere around 1 to 1.5 carat weight, add that, and then further refine your choice by Color, Clarity, Cut, Polish, etc.   

Also Padis Jewelry is committed to only selling conflict free diamonds.  You have our word that all of our diamonds are socially and environmentally responsibly sourced throughout their journey starting from the mining, to cutting and polishing, right through to distribution.  We only deal with suppliers who adhere to the strict guidelines set forth to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the marketplace.  

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 have one of the area’s largest inventories as well as an impressive selection of top name luxury brands.  So if you are a lover of beautiful jewelry, we encourage you to schedule a visit to San Francisco and the Napa Valley’s best jewelry stores.

Padis is Proud to Offer Forevermark Diamonds

Among our large collection of radiant loose diamonds and diamond jewelry, Padis Jewelry also sells the renowned Forevermark diamonds.  With over 125 years of diamond expertise, the De Beers Group of Companies guarantees that each Forevermark diamond is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced. 

Of the entire world’s diamonds, less than one percent is eligible to become a Forevermark.  Each Forevermark diamond is responsibly sourced, and then meticulously cut, polished and evaluated. Only then is it eligible to receive the Forevermark icon and a unique identification number that is as small as 1/5000th the width of a human hair and only visible under 50X magnification.  Your diamond is registered under your name by this number making it uniquely yours. 

In addition, you can wear your Forevermark diamond with pride as it comes from a company that is committed to not only supplying the world with the most stunning diamonds, but doing it with honor. They come from mines that not only comply with strict social, political, financial, and environmental requirements, but also benefit the communities in which they have operations. 

Please see our website or schedule a visit to learn more about Forevermark diamonds and our other fine jewelry.  Padis Jewelry customers have the assurance that they will see all the top luxury brands in the industry. In addition to Forevermark we are the exclusive retailer for Ritani, Verragio, Endless, Tacori, Jeff Cooper Designs, Henri Daussi, Michael M., Sylvie, Demarco, Simon G., Scott Kay, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Michele Watch, and Bulova AccuSwiss among others. 

With three locations in San Francisco and a store in beautiful St. Helena, customers have choices of where to shop with us.       

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 our most impressive collection, please contact us to schedule a visit.

We Carry a Large Collection of Scott Kay Bridal Jewelry

With Padis Jewelry’s extensive collection of engagement rings and wedding bands, we make it easy to find the perfect rings.  We are also proud to be San Francisco’s exclusive authorized retailer for luxury name brands such as Forevermark, Verragio, Jeff Cooper Designs, Ritani, Gabriel NY, Henri Daussi, Sylvie, Simon G., and Tacori as well as Scott Kay and more.  

Scott Kay has been acclaimed as the leading authority in bridal and fine fashion jewelry for more than 25 years and is the top-selling bridal brand.  In order to truly appreciate a Scott Kay design, you must see it to fully experience the intricate features that are within every hand-forged piece.     

The Padis Scott Kay collection is quite large and includes a selection of classic, solitaire, halo and three stone designs.  If you love the “new ribbon design that represents the tie that binds us together in love,” Luminaire collection, you will find it at Padis.  One beautiful example is a 14K white gold setting with round and marquise diamond accents designed for a 2 CT. center. 

You will also find rings from the Scott Kay “Crown Setting” that are a regal expression of romantic love and a Scott Kay classic.  The signature three-stone design is symbolic of a couple’s past, present and future and one exquisite example from our Padis inventory is a 14K white gold, three stone diamond setting designed for a round 1 Ct. center.   

Another popular collection from Scott Kay is Heaven's Gates, “a modern salute to the Gothic archways of European cathedrals.”  The design artfully incorporates a succession of Guardian Angel wings on each ring and is a testament to faith and commitment.    Our selection also includes engagement rings from the Parisi, Trellis, and the "Embrace" Collection and more.  Please contact us to set up an appointment to view our exquisite Scott Kay collection along with our other top luxury brands.   

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 a visit to San Francisco and the Napa Valley’s finest jewelry showrooms. 

Source: ajaffe.com/about-us

Trust the Experts When You Invest in Jewelry

We understand you want to make smart decisions when buying jewelry.  This is why it is important to shop with a jeweler who has not only been in business for a number of years but has an excellent reputation.  Family-owned Padis Jewelry has both.  Steve Padis started the business in 1974 and it is considered to be the place to go to in the Bay Area for excellent values and an outstanding inventory.  

We are also proud to be one of only 5% of jewelers in the country who are accredited members of the American Gem Society (AGS).  The AIG is the country's preeminent jewelry trade organization and is dedicated to consumer protection.  The membership guarantees that AIG accredited jewelers strictly adhere to the highest standards of measurement and quality.  

Furthermore, several of our non-commission sales consultants are GIA Graduate Gemologists and our showrooms have two of them available at all times.  This means you receive reliable, educated information about the stones you are buying as our Gemologists are trained in the GIA grading system and the 4Cs used to accurately rate the value of diamonds.  The GIA established the “4Cs” (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) as well as the International Diamond Grading System™ in the 1940s and are still the standards used today. 

In addition all of our certified loose diamonds over 0.40 carats come with an independent grading report that assesses the stone’s overall quality and authenticity.  We invite you to browse our online inventory and then set up an appointment to come in to one of our showrooms in downtown San Francisco.  Also we have a store in St. Helena in Napa Valley.    

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 a visit.

Shop Our Beautiful Collection of September’s Birthstone Jewelry

Padis Jewelry store has a great selection of sapphires, which is September’s birthstone.  The word sapphire comes from the Greek word “sappheiros” and means blue stone.  However while blue may be the most well-known color of sapphires, the gemstones are made from any color of corundum except for red, which are rubies.  

Blue sapphires got a lot of attention after the famous blue sapphire engagement ring that Princess Diana received from Prince Charles in 1981 but the stone has been around for centuries.  It was believed to protect its owners from envy and harm by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and in the Middle Ages, the stones were worn by the clergy and thought to symbolize Heaven. 

In addition to blue, fancy sapphires range in color from green, violet-blue, yellow, orange, pink and purple hued stones.  Sapphires are mainly mined in Sri Lanka, Ceylon, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, Tanzania, Australia, and the U.S. (Montana). 

The most famous blue sapphires were from the Kashmir region of India/Pakistan and mined over a hundred years ago.  Very few examples of Kashmir sapphires exist today and then mainly in museums or in photographs.  The stones have a beautiful cornflower blue color.  One 22.66 carat cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire set in a pendant surrounded by diamonds was sold in 2007 at auction for a record $3,064,000. While that breaks down to $135,000 per carat, and was a new record for a sapphire, some gemologists said it was far from the best example of a Kashmir sapphire but rather indicated the stone’s rarity.   

While we may not carry Kashmir sapphires, we do have a stunning selection of sapphires that are a part of the Padis Signature Collection.  Visit our website to view our jewelry and for contact information.   

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 and the Napa Valley’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule a visit.

Educate Yourself on Common Jewelry Terms

At Padis Jewelry customer satisfaction is important to us, and we want to make sure each piece of jewelry purchased from us not only fulfills your needs but is something you will love and cherish for years.  To help customers become more knowledgeable on what they are buying, our website offers a glossary of commonly used jewelry terms.   

If you are shopping for diamond or gemstone jewelry, you may want to start with terms used to describe the anatomy of the stones.  One word you are sure to hear is facet, which describes the flat surface on a diamond or color gemstone.  The arrangement of a gemstone's facets determines its cut and return of light.  The diamond’s table is the largest polished facet on the surface of the stone.  A diamond’s crown is the top part of the stone, beneath the table and above the girdle.  The girdle describes the middle section of the stone and is typically polished or faceted on a diamond and unpolished on a color gemstone. 

A diamond’s pavilion is the term used to describe the bottom part of the stone and extends from the girdle to the culet, which is the small or pointed facet at the very bottom of the diamond.  Not all diamonds have a culet.  The total height of a diamond is called the depth and is measured from the table to the culet.  

Fire is the term used to describe the flashes of color that are seen when the diamond or gemstone is moved or rotated.  Flawless is the highest grading on the diamond clarity scale and describes a stone without any visible inclusions or blemishes under 10 x magnifications. Symmetry is the precision of the alignment of the diamond’s facets, and the more symmetrical, the better the return of light.   

While Padis Jewelry wants customers to be informed, satisfied buyers, we also want to assure you that all of our non-commissioned jewelry consultants are here to help guide you through the process.  In addition, our staff includes GIA Graduate Gemologists, and any diamond over 0.40 carats comes with a grading report from the most trusted independent laboratories in the U.S. 

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 have one of the area’s largest inventories as well as an impressive selection of top name luxury brands.  So if you are a lover of beautiful jewelry, we encourage you to schedule a visit to San Francisco and the Napa Valley’s best jewelry stores.

The Different Types of Jewelry Settings

When we buy a new piece of jewelry, it is generally an item we intend to wear and enjoy for many years.  This is why Padis Jewelry wants our customers to be satisfied with their purchases and believe that the more you know about the jewelry; the better the chance that you will love what you buy.  One of things that consumers can find confusing is the many different types of jewelry settings.    

The term bead setting describes the process of evenly setting diamonds or color gemstones with the surface of the metal.  Bead-like prongs between each of the stones secure them to the metal.  A bezel setting is the method of wrapping a diamond or gemstone with the metal so only the crown and table can be seen.  Another type of setting is called a cathedral and consists of cathedral-like arches on each side of the diamond or gemstone. 

Channel settings are very common.  It is the method used to arrange diamonds or color gemstones adjacent to one another in a channel with no metal showing between each stone.  A cluster setting is the term used to describe stones that are grouped together and arranged to look like one large stone.  In a flush setting, a hole is created in the metal surface and the diamond or gemstone is placed inside.  The table of the stone is set evenly with the metal’s surface.

With an inlaid setting, a part of the metal setting is cut away and the stones are set flush with the surface of the metal.  In an invisible setting, it appears as if there is no setting behind the stone due to the way the stones are set in the arrangement.  Prong settings are another very common type of setting, and in this case, the diamond or gemstone is mounted to the metal with prongs that wrap around its girdle and usually secured to the crown of the stone.  With a pave setting, small stones are held in place by very small handcrafted prongs and the tables of the stones are evenly set with the metal surface. 

If you have a question about a jewelry setting or want to know more about a particular piece of jewelry, please contact us.  In addition to our online store, we have three showrooms in San Francisco and a store in St. Helena, CA.

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.  We invite you to visit our showrooms to see our beautiful collection of fine jewelry.

Gemstones Meanings and Lore

Along with our extensive collection of diamond jewelry and certified loose diamonds, Padis Jewelry also has an incredible selection of gemstone jewelry and loose gems.  Our inventory includes high-quality sapphires and color-saturated emeralds preset in jewelry or available as loose stones ready to be used in your own designs.  We also have an array of fine jewelry set with amethyst, turquoise, topaz and other semi-precious stones.   

Throughout time people have associated gemstones with various characteristics and folklore such as having healing properties or the ability to ward off evil spells.  For example, the Romans believed emeralds had soothing qualities and Nero even wore a pair of crystal emerald glasses to calm his eyes.  They were also Cleopatra’s favorite gemstone.  The most sought-after emeralds are a deep green, and often carved into rectangular step cuts, known as the emerald cut.   

Sapphires have long been associated with romance and royal leanings, and in ancient times, people believed sapphires could predict the future.  The gem is available in a variety of colors including blue, yellow, green, orange, pink, and purple.  One of the most famous blue sapphires is the engagement ring Princess Di received from Prince Charles in 1981.

February’s birthstone, amethyst, ranges in color from pale lilac to a royal purple with reddish overtones that some experts consider to be the finest example of the gem.  The stone is believed to have a calming influence and is associated with intellect and wisdom.  Linked with Bacchus the god of wine, amethyst is a member of the quartz family.  

Another popular gemstone, Topaz is November’s birthstone and ranges in color from blues to green, yellow, orange, red, pink and purple as well as colorless stones.  Imperial, red, purple and pink topaz is rarer and more expensive.  The ancient Greeks believed that topaz bestowed strength to the wearer and thought it could ward off evil spells.

Treasured since ancient times by people in Egypt, Mesoamerica and China, turquoise is a rare phosphate of copper that forms in dry, barren regions in only a few places in the world.  Ancient people believed that turquoise offered protection from evil and bestowed good fortune and good health to the wearer. 

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.  We invite you to visit our showrooms to see our beautiful collection of fine jewelry.

Shop with Us for the Top Luxury Brands

Padis Jewelry is the name to remember when you are looking for the world’s top luxury brands in the jewelry industry.  We are honored to be San Francisco’s exclusive retailer for sought-after brand names such as: Forevermark, Ritani, Verragio, Jeff Cooper Designs, Tacori, Henri Daussi, Endless, Michael M., Sylvie, Demarco, Simon G., and Scott Kay.  Furthermore, our timepiece collection is comprised of high-performance, quality names like Breitling, Bulova AccuSwiss, Tag Heuer, Stuhrling Watch and Michele Watch among others.   

We are also proud to carry one of the area’s finest selections of exquisite engagement rings.  By having such a large collection, we are sure you will find a ring that speaks to your personality and style.  Our three showrooms in San Francisco and a store in Napa Valley are staffed with knowledgeable jewelry consultants as well as GIA Graduate Gemologists available at all times to answers questions and provide guidance.  Another benefit to shopping at our stores is the fact that our inventory is clearly displayed and each piece of jewelry is marked with its price.  After all, regardless of how small or large your budget may be, we all want to know the cost of a piece of jewelry we are interested in.   

If you are already love the look of a jewelry brand such as Tacori or Verragio that are known for delicate, vintage styles, the Michael M Collection that features modern and vintage styles, or the modern flair and classic elegance of Simon G., our jewelry consultants can show you rings from those designers.  Once you let us know your price range and the type of style you prefer, we can help you narrow down your choices even more.  Whether you want to look at our collection of solitaire, classic, three-stone or halo rings, we have lots of beautiful rings to choose from.  

In addition shopping from our online catalog is also easy.  You will find our huge collection of stunning engagement rings is sorted in a number of ways including brand, style, and cut to help you get started finding the perfect engagement ring.      

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.  We invite you to visit our showrooms to see our beautiful collection of fine jewelry.

The Kimberly Process for Verification of Origin

When you buy a diamond from Padis Jewelry, you can be confident that it is a conflict free diamond.  Our carefully selected suppliers regulate strict labor and environmental standards and are able to demonstrate a complete chain of custody for their diamonds.  

As we mentioned in an additional post, conflict diamonds have been responsible for funding wars and hostile conflicts in countries throughout Africa.  To solve this problem, governments, organizations and the diamond industry met in 2000 to find a way “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.” 

What evolved from these meetings was the formation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), which was first implemented in 2003.  The KPCS is a set of requirements designed to control rough diamond production and trade, and to eradicate conflict diamonds from the world’s diamond supply.   

While some problems remain with KPCS, the intent of the agreement is to impose rules that members must follow in order to certify shipments of rough diamonds as ‘conflict free’ and keep conflict diamonds from entering the marketplace.  Each member state must put in place national legislation and internal controls that regulates exports and imports.  In addition participants must commit to rules regarding transparency and the exchange of statistical data.  Another component to the agreement is that members may only legally trade with other members in good standing.  Most importantly all international shipments of “rough diamonds must be accompanied by a KP certificate guaranteeing that they are conflict-free.” 

The diamond industry states that today 99% of diamonds are KP certified and come from a conflict free source.   Visit the Padis Jewelry website to learn more about our beautiful and rare collection of certified diamonds that have all been responsibly sourced.

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

Why it is Important to Buy Conflict Free Diamonds

The term “conflict diamonds” is used to describe diamonds that have been mined to fund devastating civil wars in Africa, and still contribute to extreme violence, worker exploitation, and environmental devastation. Despite steps taken to eliminate abuses, some diamonds are still mined under dreadful human rights abuses that exploit the men, woman and children in those communities.   

Wikipedia cites the organization Global Witness as the first to identify the link between diamonds and the conflicts that were going on throughout parts of Africa.  They published a report detailing those abuses entitled A Rough Trade in 1998.  Shortly thereafter, the United Nations also officially recognized that diamonds were being used to fund wars.  This led to the passing of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1173 in 1998 and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1295 in 2000. 

To address this problem, a coalition of governments, non-government organizations and the diamond industry worked together to find a way to halt the trade of conflict diamonds.  Out of this effort came the 2002 Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), that is a set of regulations to control the export and import of rough diamonds.

In addition to the KPCS, Global Witness states that companies must make sure their supply chains are trading responsibly or they risk the danger of funding serious abuses. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) offers a Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas that provides companies detailed information on how to “respect ‌human rights and avoid contributing to conflict through their mineral purchasing decisions and practices.”

At the family-owned Padis Jewelry, we are committed to buying and selling conflict-free diamonds.  All of our diamonds are socially and environmentally responsibly sourced.  We carefully select our suppliers and only buy from those who adhere to strict labor and environmental standards and are able to demonstrate a complete chain of custody for their gemstones.

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.

Sources: globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/conflict-diamonds/

oecd.org/corporate/mne/mining.htm

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.