A visit from Trinkette!

[Trinkette]

Awww, you are sweet, Ah2bqat. Sadly, I still don't have much hope for poor little Strudel. Remarkably, she is still here, however, not much improved, even after all these days. She had been well-fed by her mother when we got her, just horrifyingly congested (eyes and nostrils glued shut with blackened gunk) and anemic (from fleas which were removed first day). I'm surprised the flea-bite anemia didn't get her.

Today, her conditions of anemia and congestion are improved – although her eyes are still quite bad. Except for her eye area, she is fluffier and a little less bony feeling. However, I still have to feed her with a syringe every few hours (we've improved our system now and she knows me... I'm encouraged when she tries to suck on my hand). Often, I must force her to eat (although occasionally she cries out for food).

Unfortunately, even with our best efforts, it seems that her internal systems – especially kidneys – may be shutting down. *SIGH* I figure she is about 4 weeks old (teeth coming in), but, at about one-quarter pound, she is less than half the size she should be and she has gained no weight this entire week. However, as long as she keeps fighting, I'll stick with her. I am AMAZED the little thing is still here. I'm supposed to travel out of town tomorrow and Sunday to my son's swim competition – not quite sure how we're going to handle this...

[Trinkette]

OK, on to happier things: DBL sparklies! 

[Trinkette]

I'm going to skip over a few things in my notes and go "out of order" to get some info out a little faster here...

Usually when I hear about an Asscher style diamond that is less than a carat, I think, that'll be nice, but, too small for me (if you don't know it already, I AM a bit of a size  – not so much that I'm greedy, but more because a "little larger" looks better on my aging hands – or at least that is my story and I'm sticking to it).

So, when David pulled out a .84ct, D, Internally Flawless, "square emerald cut," I expected to be disappointed with the size.



Au contraire! R3121 is a stunning little Asscher that, at 5,46 x 5.39 x 3.23mm,  faces up quite a bit larger than one would expect a-little-more-than-a-three-quarter-carat of this shape to be. This one DEFINITELY got my attention and held it. White and bright, with crisp, clean marvelous crystal, this little beauty needs to belong to someone ASAP. She looked like a full carat to me, and you can not miss this extremely lovely diamond. She will light up a room. This classic, timeless, and VERY elegant diamond comes with a GIA diamond dossier report and is laser inscribed.

[Trinkette]

Speaking of Internally Flawless, David brought out the amazing R3110.



If you've been around CDI for awhile, you know that I am a real sucker for "off color" RBs. And, David never disappoints; there is always something unusual, big, round and sparkly to please my eye when I visit. And here it is. This diamond is a mighty, spready, gorgeous 2.09ct RB that GIA calls WX "Natural Light Yellow." To me, the color is quite unusual, appearing almost light greenish at times. Always changing. Very interesting to look at; you will never be bored playing with this diamond in the light.

Now, with a GIA cut grade of "good" this diamond may not totally satisfy you if you are a die-hard super-cut freak. And, a lot of RB aficionados are this way. Moreover, obviously, if you desire WHITE color, this unusually tinted sparkler is not for you. It even goes beyond what I would call "warm" in terms of color. However, with a generous face-up size for 2cts – 8.40 x 8.44 x 5mm – if you want a substantial, flawless diamond – at less-than $14K – you must consider this one. Simply put, this is a lot of bang for your buck, and Flawless too...

As a ring, consider keeping the stone open to the multi-directional light in a prong-set, gold setting with high-white double baguettes. My idea is to push the yellow tint with a warm, yellow gold and contrast with the the high whites (set in a white metal). Perhaps, for a more traditional look, incorporate some filigree or other detail work under the basket. Or, maybe, use the diamond as the centerpiece to a drop-style necklace, to be hung with some other tinted diamonds...

Interesting diamond. Interesting possibilities. BIG look. 

[Mrs Mitchell]

I can see this one on a lariat style necklace with mixed colours of dbty in rose gold bezels. I like the stone a lot.

[Trinkette]

Now we go from big to small... REALLY small. And, this one makes me mad... REALLY mad.   



Little Fancy Grayish Pinkish Purple .24ct R2982 makes me mad because I want her. I want her, and she is so petite that I don't know what to do with her so that she works for me as a piece of jewelry... ME, remember, the size  . *SIGH* 3.49 x 3.46 x 2.27mm is small, by anyone's standards. Can her gorgeous, sweet, fairy princess color compensate for her darling, petite size?

Yes. YES. YES!

But, then, if upsetting my size sensibilities isn't enough, this Little Sugar Plum Fairy has my -y bank squealing. At nearly $4k for this itty-bitty beauty, her per-carat price seems over the moon to me. Is it worth going to the moon and back (at least per carat-wise) to live in Fairyland?

I think it may be.

This delightful, delicate, otherworldly, violet-purple color very well may be my most favorite diamond color of all time. It takes my breath away. It is the perfect blend of red and blue. And, whatever gray there may be, it only prooves to soften the whole look. Like ice crystals on a snowy morning, or in Fairy-speak, sugared snow on berries. Like some exotic sugared candy, I am drawn to her...

(Oh yes, she is an I1... who CARES!)

One more look:



Grrr...

[Trinkette]

More from Fairyland...



Ever since these little gems first appeared on the DBL site, I've wanted to see this .43ctw pair of Light Purple Princesses. Finally, after meeting up with the pair, R2351, I could not be more pleased. The pair BY FAR exceeded my expectations. Like the Little Sugar Plum Fairy above, the Petite Purple Princess Pair is one of my all-time favorites. Trust me, the photographs on the site do not do this royal pair justice. In real life, the  ebullient, pretty, pastel purple tint sparkles and dances. There is more color to the pair than I expected, and more than the photos indicate. Also, they are larger looking than I expected. And, best of all, he pair is extremely well matched (don't be fooled by ultra-close-up photos).

Again, the ONLY issue for me is size... what to do with a perfect pair of petite purple princesses that face-up 3.50 x 3.30mm? Tiny earrings? Sidestones in a ring? Do I surround them with high whites? I'm not sure. However, I would very much like to try to figure something out. I absolutely LOVE this pair.

The clarity grades of SI2 and I1 are a non-issue for me.

Like the Little Sugar Plum Fairy, the Petite Purple Princesses may come home with me ANYtime. And, I am sure there is a perfect piece of jewelry just waiting to be graced by this exquisite pair.  

[oldmancoyote]

I  think David got these in when we were looking at side stones for DW's white Asscher & pink ring. It was not an easy decision...

[Trinkette]

Hummm, that makes PERFECT sense. Perhaps, they've just been waiting for me, then? 

Seriously, I expected them to be kind of wimpy-color, blah... however, even though they aren't powerhouses in terms of color, I was quite smitten with their hue. Ummm, can you tell? 

In some ways, I worry more about what to do with the unclipped corners, than I do the size. Now that I think about it, I passed on a similarly sized and shapped pair of tsavorites once because of the corners... I've never forgiven myself for letting them go!

[Mrs Mitchell]

I  think David got these in when we were looking at side stones for DW's white Asscher & pink ring. It was not an easy decision...

It was a triumph of a ring, though. I love that one.

[Trinkette]

Me too.

[Namtan]

I know. I know what to do with this pair of purple princess.
Make a tree stone princess  with this 1.23 G/Si2 http://rockdiamond.c...iamond-gia-great-cut  as a center stone.
You will get purple/white three stone ring under $15,000. Is that sound good ?   

[Trinkette]

You are a naughty little enabler, Namtam! 

[Lyta]

Well crud. You didn't have to rave about this little stone that caught my eye the other day. I keep going back to it and obsessing about it but I have no clue what to do with it. Oh and the fact that I don't know if I an justify the price either but my oh my it is a pretty stone in the photos. It would be great to get some photos in relation to someone's hand to get some sort of perspective. I need a video of this stone but then I might just have to buy it. Eeek. Don't do it David. Don't!

PS: I love the nickname for her. Did you come up with it or did David?

Now we go from big to small... REALLY small. And, this one makes me mad... REALLY mad.   

[Mrs Mitchell]

I know. I know what to do with this pair of purple princess.
Make a tree stone princess  with this 1.23 G/Si2 http://rockdiamond.c...iamond-gia-great-cut  as a center stone.
You will get purple/white three stone ring under $15,000. Is that sound good ?   

That is good, actually! It would be a knock out. What a neat idea.

[Trinkette]

Here is a ring that I am unashamedly routing for... During one of my DBL visits, I toddled around after David as he selected and purchased some gemstones and then went about matching settings for each. The 1.66ct oval blue sapphire, R2778, was one of the stones from that day.





It was, by far my, favorite of the gemstones that I saw on that day. This is a lovely gem with pretty, rich blue color and a very appealing shape. Yet, finding just the right solitaire setting (and David wanted a solitaire), something a little different, seemed elusive the day I was there. Then, I saw this white gold piece that David was considering for another gem, and I suggested David try the blue sapphire with it. He liked it! Voila! (I'm so proud, can you tell? Hehe) 

Now, you have a darling, wear with anything, blue sapphire ring featuring sparkly diamonds galore.

Since then, this piece has remained rather elusive because it was, quite by mistake, not listed on the site. Pretty much, the only way to find it was to go to SEARCH and ask for "sapphire" or a similar deascriptive, or, request SEARCH with the stock number. As far as I know, the only person who has known and remembered about this piece has been me. And since I LIKE this little lovely, I was content to keep it hidden.     

But, all games must come to an end, so my little hide-and-seek is over. I spilled the beans to David and during my visit I told him about his wayward blue beauty. Now, she is on the site, as she deserves to be, for all to see. 

The bedazzling little RBs in the band are quality, high-white, E-F color, VS clarity... nothing less than the blue beauty sapphire deserves. The setting work is everything you'd expect from DBL. Despite a TON of little sparklers in the chunky-style band (106, to be exact) weighing 1.05ctw, I was content for this ring to sit on my finger for quite awhile the other day. It is VERY comfortable to wear, the diamonds do not poke out, scratch or feel lumpy between my fingers. Very smooth. Lovely. Great overall feel, AND easy to look at! I never tired of it, and, I would still love to own this sweetheart. I ADORE the way the band is styled, and as you can see on the hand shot here, the overall look is quite elegant and stunning. Not galumphy at all. This style worked nicely on my older hand (a great style for a solitaire that does not look too small or whimpy) and I can see it looking wonderful on a younger hand as well. Kind of an "Everywoman" ring.

Now, as much as I THOUGHT I loved this ring before actually seeing it completed, I worried about one aspect. Looking at the online photos, the prongs seem very modern, and a bit heavy. There is nothing wrong with this, however, it is just not MY style. Nonetheless, when I finally had the ring in-hand, my worries had been baseless. In real life, the prongs are quite innocuous – I did not take note of them at all. So, for me, this is one of those cases when the camera's vision does not quite match real-time views.

This piece is quite stunning, and a great bridge of styles... kind of a modern-traditional look. Weighty and refined. Like I said, Everywoman. I think David should make more of this style.

For the quality, presence and style that this piece has, it is offered at a remarkably modest price. If my pocket book would allow, I would own this in a heartbeat. So, really, now that the (blue) cat is out of the bag, what is stopping YOU folks from falling head over heels for this Bedazzling Blue Beauty? 

[cherrypie]

I love that sapphire ring, and in that setting.

Carol   

[joia]

It is simply gorgeous, and the colour of that sapphire, no words to describe it.
A really beautiful ring.

[Trinkette]

The Daussi rings continue to fly off the DBL virtual shelves. So, although I've already written about BOXES of Daussi's that I've seen on earlier trips, this time, still, I wanted to be sure to include at least one Daussi. There are two larger rings that I wanted to write about, yet, I only had time to see one. I chose R3097.





Make no mistake, as evidenced by the hand shot, this IS a substantial ring. And, it's size is what intrigued me about the piece before I saw it... there is a lot of *BLING* to this ring. Would it be too much... "over the top?" Dare I say... would it be... GAUCHE?

Au contraire, this blingy ringy is remarkably wearable without being totally "in yer face." Is it big? Yup. For most of us "regular folks," this big crystalline beauty is probably not quite suited for 24/7 wear. Her size, as well as the extra care necessary when wearing any microset ring, lead me to think of this as more of an occasion ring. However, I'm sure someone with lovely, long, elegant fingers – or a celebrity perhaps (could it be YOU?) – can pull it off for everyday wear. A-hem, not me! I have medium-sized, older hands with shorter fingers. To my eye, this ring is a bit too much for me to consider wearing everyday. Certainly, I could to wear it to a special occasion and everyone in the room – across the room – would take notice! (Ummm, except that I don't DO special occasions much anymore... must talk to DH about that...  ). Definitely, this sophisticated fox is more of a "city gal" than a "country gal" piece.

However, even with its grand-scale size, the overall look of the ring is quite modestly gracious. An interesting blend of characteristics, for sure.

The 9.35 x 7.11 x 3.62mm, 2.08ct, M-color, VS1 center stone is sublime. And, for me, it is the key to the ring's overall luxurious elegance. There is a quiet beauty to this diamond. Like looking into a still pond, it was hard to take my eyes away. Even when surrounded by a double bevy of beauteous, riotous RBs, the understated center stone holds her own.

And, the center faces-up HUGE for her weight.

The 2.08's tint, whatever the "official" color may be, is not objectionable at all (notice on the site David's "Bozo" notation for the company that issued the diamond's report). In fact, on the day that I saw the ring, the tint was less noticeably yellow to my eye than it is in the photos. Also, the 116 (85ctw) G-color microset RBs in the double halo and shank are bright, sparkly and well matched.

The craftsmanship on the platinum is noteworthy.



Notice that this ring is perfectly designed to accommodate a matching microset band – or two – on either side. Now really, can you imagine two bands flanking this ring... OMG! Stunning. Closing-in on tipping my "over-the-top" scale, I actually think that I would like this piece even BETTER worn with the double bands.  Then, of course, I'd HAVE to wear it everyday... AGHHHH!!! (If I wore the set to the grocery store, with all the bright overhead lights, they'd probably have to carry me away on a stretcher – bling overdose, you know). 

I have no doubt that if you like Daussi style, and you want a sizable ring with tasteful presence you will adore this unusual piece. And, really, no one, I  mean NO ONE will believe how reasonably priced this ring is... a 2-plus carat, VS1 center to boot (and it looks like double its weight)! This ring has the style, presence and quality to look like it should cost many, many times more. And, as a gift, you purchase yourself the perfect opportunity to add more to it (the microset bands) at a later date. How can you go wrong? Hee Hee. 

[Trinkette]

If you haven't been there already, awhile back David started a provocative little thread, in the New Diamonds, New Jewelry section, titled, "Wild selection of Brown and Yellow Diamond Rings (which we may not love)." I did not see all of the pieces he wrote about there (some had already been sold), however, I did see four.

First up is the unmounted 2.18 Fancy Intense Yellow S12 marquise. Rich and thick, strong, vibrant French's Mustard color from end-to-end, with no discernible no bow tie, this diamond is going to knock someone's socks off. A very pleasing shape, good size, with loads of sparkle, not surprisingly, the diamond was SOLD when I saw it.

[annie1]

:sniff: :sniff: Goodbye pretty diamond, I'm sure you found a nice home!

[Mikla]

That's a lovely marquise!  What a color!  I especially love the marked absence of a bow-tie and its size and chubbiness.

Mikla

[ah2bqat]

Woof!  Lovely pix, T.  David does carry some phenomenal pieces both set and unset. 

Pardon the threadjack, but how is little Strudel doing?  I'm hoping the lack of information is due to a slow but not unseeable recovery.       (small good vibes refresher).

[Trinkette]

Ah2bqat, sadly we lost little Strudel on Wednesday. We tried our best, even DH was getting up early AMs to feed her and hold her. She had a few "better" days near the end – she scuttled around on the floor a few times for DH, and she seemed to enjoy riding around in the chest pocket of my apron. Her coat was beautiful. However, she always slipped back into her poor state of health and she never gained any weight. There were indications that her system was shutting down during the last few days, still, we were hopeful, because she was eating better, had less congestion (outwardly), and would wake more regularly looking for a meal. On Wednesday, I had one of those weird moments... I quite literally ran from doing something else in another room to find Strudel taking her last breaths. I have no idea what made me leave what I was doing and run to her. Also, unexplainable, I felt a great sense of calm and consolation... kindness, acceptance, understanding... like a kiss goodbye and a smile from a dear loved one. I can't explain it. Anyway, whenever I feel sad for Strudel, or question what we could have done differently (and I do), I remember the feelings I had during those last few moments. I know her little spirit is someplace peaceful that brings her contentment.

Thank you for your kind wishes...

[ah2bqat]

Oh, T,     I am so sorry to make you give us this news.  You did every possible thing you could, and you definitely made the end of her short life such a much better experience that the first of it.

Sounds like you have a furry little guardian angel with you now.  At least that's how I would interpret what you experienced.