Colored Diamond Jewelry - Introductory Priced at 30% Off

Just in - 14kt white gold jewelry set with COLORED diamonds.

These diamonds have been treated in the US to render the different colors you see here.

This is a permanent treatment - unless you plan on exposing the diamonds

to temperatures above 900 degrees.

We are excited to have these beautiful creations from

Lotus Colors in New York. We are offering them at an introductory

price of 30% off. Take a look.

.99 ctw diamond ring - could be a great fashion statement

or a beautiful engagement/wedding ring.

$4463.00 - NOW $3,124.00

A rainbow of colored diamonds in earrings and a matching pendant.

Earrings 1.51 ctw $4238 - NOW only $2967.00

Pendant .91 ctw $2238.00 NOW only $1567.00

.50 ctw diamond stud earrings 

Your choice of yellow, blue, or green in 14kt white gold settings.

$1138.00 - NOW only $797.00

14kt white gold ring with .77 ctw of colored diamonds.

$2615.00 - NOW only $1,831.00

Go Green - Go White!!

14kt white gold ring with .51 ctw of diamonds

$1488.00 - NOW only $1042.00

14kt white gold earrings with 1.00 ctw of diamonds

$2988.00 - NOW only $2092.00

BONUS FOR INTERNET SHOPPERS -

Mention to Cliff that you saw this on the blog or Facebook

and he will throw in the sales tax - YOU SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 6%!!

Colored diamond pairs at Chimera Design

 

The Easter Bunny stopped by with some COLORFUL diamond pairs.

 Some of them have been irradiated to achieve the colors.

They are natural diamonds exposed to radiation.

The two pair of green, the yellow, and blue are treated.

 

The champagne and brown pair are natural and untreated.

 

INTERWEB SPECIAL - tell Cliff you saw these on our blog

and you will save 20%.

 

Setting these in your choice of white or yellow gold earring:

Regular backs: $145.00

Locking backs: $170.00

 

 

.75 ctw treated green $1,874.00

 

 

.79 ctw natural brown $1,988.00

 

1.09 ctw natural champagne $3,815.00

 

.69 ctw treated blue $1,725.00

 

 

.65 ctw treated green $1,627.00

 

 

.85 ctw treated yellow $2,294.00

The 4Cs of Diamond Grading Explained by GIA

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) invented the Diamond Grading System that is now used all over the world. They came up with the system in order to standardize the language used by jewelers to explain the characteristics of diamonds. 

This four minute video will be extremely helpful if you are shopping for a diamond or even if you just want to understand more about these valuable gemstones.

Cliff Yankovich is a 1998 GIA Diamonds Graduate. He loves to teach people about diamonds and believes that once someone understands the grading system, buying a diamond is a much more enjoyable experience.

We have this video and more useful jewelry information on our website.

Click this link to learn more about jewelry: Jewelry Information.

Clarity enhanced diamonds at Chimera - what does clarity enhanced mean?

Cliff has been selling diamonds for over 16 years now. He earned his Diamonds Graduate certification from GIA in 1998. Over the course of his career, he has sold clarity enhanced (CE) diamonds to a lot of people.

 

So what does "Clarity Enhanced" (CE) mean?

The imperfections in diamonds are called "inclusions" if they are inside the diamond and "blemishes" if they are on the outside. There is one particular type of inclusion that can be "repaired" using the clarity enhancement process: a feather. A feather is an inclusion that reaches the surface of the diamond. This picture shows a nice close up of a feather:

In the clarity enhancement process, a clear glass like filler is put into the feather at an extremely high temperature and under very high pressure. (The industry guards the specifics, as you might imagine.)

Anyway, the material has the same reflective properties as a diamond, so you do not notice it unless you examine the diamond under magnification. It is also very noteworthy that the lab at GIA has weighed clarity enhanced diamonds before and after the treatment and since the amount of material used is so miniscule, it adds no weight to the diamond. Very important since diamonds are sold by weight. GIA does NOT certify CE diamonds, but other labs do.

The CE process is NOT a miracle worker - you cannot take a I2 clarity diamond and turn it into a VS clarity stunner. Most times a diamond will move up one or possibly two notches on the clarity scale. That being said, what the CE translates to in terms of your pocketbook is that you can save about 30% by purchasing a CE gem.

Here are a couple of examples of the difference the CE process can make:

The top example has multiple feathers while the lower one has a very noticeable feather almost dead center on the diamond. The CE process renders them pretty much invisible. We say "pretty much" invisible because the process can be detected using magnification. Turning the CE diamond while examining it will produce a "flash" of color - most times a purple or orange or combination.

Here is an excellent photo of filled feathers demonstrating the purplish flash -

Any CE diamond we sell has a Lifetime Warranty on the process.

 

CE diamonds are not for everyone - but our attitude is that they are just another enhancement. Shoot, if you take a look at a diamond crystal the way they come out of the ground you might not be impressed. It could be argued that cutting and polishing the diamond is a "clarity enhancement".

 

Here is a totally natural diamond crystal before cutting and polishing:

 

Not exactly the eye candy bling we associate with diamonds, is it?

On the other hand - here are a couple of CE diamonds we have in our store. The round one is 1.06 ct and the princess cut is 1.04. The princess cut is $3,380.00 and the round is $4,386.00.

CE diamonds are another avenue that is available for you to get an excellent amount of value for your jewelry shopping dollar. These two examples are about 30% less than comparable non-CE diamonds. (The round one is a D color - top of the color chart!)

Stop in and take a look - see Clarity Enhanced for yourself.

 



What to look for when buying a diamond.

 

 

Aleah is our FAVORITE suppliers of diamonds. She works in Chicago.

We like her because she mixes expertise (she is a GIA Graduate Gemologist)

with just the right amount of fun and crazy.

 

Aleah took the time to make a short informational video designed to

help first time diamond buyers. It is less than two and a half minutes long.

 

Look, listen, and learn - there is some good, basic information here

presented with a smile.

Asscher cut 1.00 ctw 3 stone diamond ring - $1,700.00.

 

Want something a little different than the Princess cut diamonds your friends have?

 

Consider the Asscher cut:

"The Asscher shape diamond was developed in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland and is a variation of an Emerald cut. The Asscher cut is a stepped square cut also known as a Modified Square Emerald cut. This cut offers a small table (largest facet on a stone) high crown (top portion of the stone) deep pavilions (lower portion of the stone), and cut corners. With its 72 wide step facets it resembles that of an octagon and sparkles like the Round Brilliant. This cut is designed to draw your eye directly into the diamond."

 

We have a lovely Asscher cut three stone in 14kt white gold

that was just put in our Estate case.

Size 7.25

1.00 ctw

This ring was originally over $3,000.00

 

It can be yours for $1,700.00.

I zoomed in on these VS clarity diamonds to try and show the beauty.

Come on in and see it in person - MUCH BETTER.
Center diamond is .50 ct accented by two .25 ct.

Chimera Design buys diamonds.

 

We are buying loose diamonds. EVEN CHIPPED ONES.

We recently formed a partnership with a diamond broker who is BUYING diamonds.

 

If you have a diamond that is .33 ct or larger - get your highest bid from any jewelry store in the Greater Grand Rapids area and Cliff will do his best to beat their bid.

 

ROUNDS - PRINCESS CUT - MARQUISE - OVAL - ALL SHAPES!

 

We just wrote a check for $2,700 for a diamond ring -

the best offer the couple got in Grand Rapids was $1,300.

We gave them just a little over twice as much.

 

How?

We would rather make a little bit of money from you A BUNCH OF TIMES,

than to make a whole bunch one time and never see you again.

WE WILL BUY BROKEN OR CHIPPED DIAMONDS.

 

Call Cliff at 616-897-9480 with your best offer and see if he can't get you a little more money.

 

Gorgeous 18kt white gold engagement settings.

We have begun a relationship with the people at Carl Messler in

New York City. They have been manufacturing high quality jewelry

since 1987. Here are a couple examples of their excellent

attention to detail.

 

The first ring has .62ctw of top quality accent diamonds

surrounding the four prongs built to hold a 6.5mm round diamond

or colored gemstone. A ruby or sapphire would look fantastic in this setting.

 



 

Our favorite aspect of this ring is the highly polished

white gold disc under where the center stone will be mounted -

it reflects the light up under your stone with stunning results.

$3,475.00

 

If you appreciate the detail of vintage jewelry, then this

second example has your name all over it.

 

 

There are a total of .30 ctw of finely placed accent diamonds

built to compliment the center stone. This could be a

one carat diamond or a colored gemstone of similar size.

The 6 v-tip prongs provide a secure and stylish setting.

$2,575.00 

These styles can be modified to fit different size center stones.

 

You can examine everything Carl Messler manufactures by visiting their website. If something catches your eye, jot down the model number and Cliff will get a price for you.

Carl Messler Ltd.

 

This .88 ct beauty would fit in either setting!

It is a near colorless (H) SI1 clarity sparkler.

$3,475.00

 

And if you buy this diamond from Cliff, he will show you some savings

on a mounting from Carl Messler. Just ask.

Our Estate Jewelry selection gets better all the time.

We are getting some really nice items in our Estate section.

 

 This is a green Montana sapphire. Yup - from the rivers in Montana.

This is a natural sapphire from Out West.

I estimate the stone weighs 1.10 ct in a two tone 14kt mounting.

Size 6.75   for only  $750.

(Montana sapphires are priced around $1,000 to $1,200 per carat).

 

 

 This is a sterling bracelet by designer Frank Rubel featuring

a 13 ct green quartz (12mm). Frank calls them "green amythest", but we prefer green quartz.

Anyway, this bracelet is available new for $825.00

You can have this one for $450.00.

 

 Above is a .88 ct SI1 clarity H color diamond for $3,475.00

 

 This 10Kt white gold ring with diamonds is only $175.00.

 

 Go Big or Go Home!

1.82 ct I1 clarity G-H color accented

by 4 .10 ct SI1-2, G-H color in 14kt white gold.

All for $4,750.00

 THIS WEDDING SET IS SOLD.

(psst - the price includes the band below!!!)

 

 

 

 

Big red coral accented by some gorgeous, bright diamonds.

$658.00

.88 ct round diamond SI1 H color $3,475.00

 

We just put this in our consignment case for a long time friend of the family. It weighs .88 ct. The clarity is SI1 - there is a white inclusion that you need a magnifier to see and it is H color (near colorless). All that for $3,475.00.

 

 

This diamond has excellent proportions - it sparkles like crazy, even when it is not in direct light. Come on in a take a look.

1.82 carat round brilliant cut I1 G-H diamond $4750.00

 

Cliff was just out on Main Street signaling traffic

with this big beautiful round brilliant cut diamond.

 

The center diamonds weighs over 1.75 ct (extimated 1.82 ct)

it is I1 clarity with all white inclusions and G-H color. The diamond

has an excellent cut and sparkles like crazy.

 

It is accented by 4-3.00mm SI1-2 clarity, G-H -

that is another .40 ctw.

 

We need to mention that this incredible price includes

this .45 ctw band set with 7 - 2.5mm SI1-2, G-H  rounds.

 

All of these diamonds are mounted in 14kt white gold.

 

ALL FOR $4,750.00

 

4/2/13 - SOLD

 

Call Cliff at 616-897-9480 to arrange a visit

to see this sparkler.

Diamond Studs at Great Prices at Chimera Design

GOT STUDS? 

We have been buying diamonds over the past few months and we have been building

some diamond stud earrings - at great prices.

Our diamond stud earrings are great values - you should be able to see the difference in what we offer when compared to similarly priced diamonds elsewhere.

We have three pair of .18ctw mounted in 14kt white gold Martini settings for only $240.00

.25 ctw in 14kt white gold four prong: $185.00 SOLD

(there is a very slight chip in one of the diamonds - great buy)

 

.33 ctw in 14kt white gold four prong setting: $222.00

(these are lower color, but nice and sparkly)

 

.62ctw in 14kt white gold Martini setting with screw backs: $775.00

 

.96 ctw in white Martini screwbacks - just $1,350.00

 

We also have a pair of loose .53 ctw VS2 clarity, G-H color diamonds

that can be mounted in white or yellow for $720.00 to $760.00 depending on the setting. 

 

Singles

 

.10 ct in 14kt white gold Martini: $110.00

.19 in 14kt white gold four prong: $185.00

.21 ct in 14kt white gold Martini: $210.00 

 

We also have some good buys in our Estate section on diamond earrings.

 

 

 

 

Zach and Sophia - a love story with rose gold & the Lowell Showboat.

A few months ago we got to meet Sophia. She came in with her mom and they wanted to talk about wedding rings. Well, they wanted to talk about Zach, her sweetheart of TEN YEARS, as well, but that is another subject. (Zach did not want to rush into marriage - we get that.)

 

We had a great time and came to the conclusion that Sophia really likes rose gold and the halo mounting where the main diamond is surrounded by accent diamonds.

 

Donning his disguise and sneaking in via the back door (hey, Lowell is a small town and Zach wanted his plans way, way on the down low) Zach started on the quest for a perfect ring for Sophia. We started out by finding a wonderful diamond - it is a D color and they don't make them any brighter than a D.

 

Being the smart man he is, Zach combined Sophia's love for a halo setting AND rose gold into one sweet engagement ring - it looks like this:

 

 

If you know much about Lowell, then you know our Showboat (in one form or another)  has been around since 1932. The names of all the artists who have performed there is way too long to list here. These days the Showboat is stationary, but we have a 10 week FREE concert series every summer and folks eat and drink on the Showboat while the music plays. The Showboat is very well lighted all year round - but it looks especially gorgeous in the winter.

 



 

What does this have to do with Zach and Sophia? Well, Sophia's grandfather, Ivan K. Blough, was a tremendous force behind keeping the Showboat the dazzling gem that it is for decades.

 

 

Ivan Blough - aka Mr. Showboat

1932-2010.

Most of us remember Ivan looking like he does in this picture - ready to work.

 

Zach knew what the Showboat meant to Sophia and her family (told you he was a smart guy) so he made arrangements to get Sophia over by the Showboat when it was all prettied up for Christmas. FYI - the REAL Santa Claus has a room on the Showboat where he talks to kids of all ages every December.

 

 

 

There were spies hidden with cameras and we were able to obtain these pictures of the ACTUAL PROPOSAL - judging from the smooch in the picture below Sophia said "Yes".

 

 

Congratulations to Sophia and Zach -