Hi Everyone, I would like to introduce myself.  I am from India, but lived in the US for 11 years and returned to my home country in 2006.  I continue to work for a NY based company, and travel back and forth often.  I was in NY in June and met with David to look for something for my wife for our 10th wedding anniversary.  It was such a pleasure meeting David, he is such a gentleman.  It was like I was talking to an old friend.  He was so patient answering my 1000+ questions, and continues to do so whenever I email him.  I can go on praising him.  I will always refer him to anyone looking for a diamond in NY.  I am a die hard fan of diamonds and started collecting colored diamonds about 10 years ago.  My collection is nothing too great or expensive, however, priceless for me nevertheless.  I would love to share photos and descriptions with all of you when time permits.  I came across this form when I was looking through David's website, and I have really enjoyed reading the posts.  I am sure I can learn a lot and contribute in my own way when my busy work and travel schedule permits.  For example, I would love to share the rich heritage of India around jewels and gems.  As you all might know, some very famous diamond, like the Golconda diamond came from India (most of them were just found floating off river beds.......I wish I was on the river banks at at those moments!).  I look forward to a lifelong relationship with all of you on this forum.  Love and regards from India................LISHKARE! (which by the way, in the Indian language Hindi, means SPARKLES!)

Hi DJM, thanks so much for your response.  I already feel so welcomed by getting such a quick response.  No, I have not picked anything yet but am working on it.  If/when I make a decision, I will share it with everyone.  Cheers! Lishkare

Hi Lishkare!  Welcome!  Can't wait to see your collection and what you select for your wife.  Does she know or is this a surprise?

Welcome Lishkare!  I personally would love to see your collection of items... particuarly anything from India.  I have family who lives there (or travels there to visit) and I even own some nice "every day stuff" from there.  In fact I have my brother & SIL going back to India soon and I hope they will be able to pick up some pretty stuff in sterling for me.

And good luck deciding what you are going to get for your wife.  I totally understand how hard it is to decide when you have so many gorgeous things to choose from.

Hi lishkare. I look forward to getting to know you, and I am excited to see your collection. Have you seen a Golconda diamond up close and personal? I think that a lovely antique Golconda is my Holy Grail of diamonds. *SIGH*

What a wonderful name you have. Welcome, and thanks for joining us!

So nice to see you lishkare!!

Your love of diamonds is something I totally relate to- it was really a lot of fun talking about diamonds and other things- then showing you stuff, you have a pretty good feel for stones and jewelry.

I'm looking forward to your participation - you'll fit right in - it's an awesome group of folks..

Wow, I am getting the best welcome into any forum I have ever been a part of.......thanks a ton!  I still don't know how to respond to parts of people's messages, so I am going to reply to all below (can someone tell me how to reply to parts of other's messages in your message).

DiaDiva - Its great that you are in India, New Delhi.  I am in Bangalore.

David - Thanks so much for welcoming me into your form.  I agree with you, this is such a friendly and awesome group!  I will try and add value to the forum.

Trinkette - I have never seen a Golconda diamond although I plan to go to Hyderabad city soon to see the Nizam's jewels (his passion were Golconda diamonds and Emeralds.......he had literally 1000's of carats of both).  I will take pics when I go.

Clgwli -  How nice that you have an India connection and family here.  Are you of Indian origin or do your relatives just live/work in India?  Where are your brother and SIL visiting in India?  Let me know if they need help with anything.

Sparkly - OCD - You asked if my wife knows that I plan to get her something for our 10th.  Yes, she does but does not know what (because I don't know yet what I am going to get).

Cheers! for now, Lishkare

lishkare, too bad we're not in the same city or we could do a CDI get together.  

I have seen a golconda. It was at MS Rau in New Orleans, Dec 2009. Here it is for those who are interested.


The Highly Important 7.42 Carat Golconda Diamond Ring - not a great shot taken by a very reluctant DH who thought I was crazy to want photos of this for my diamond forum friends. The SA was very patient though .

At least his hands were steady on the camera, OMC.  When I dragged my DH into Graff's when we were in Vegas, all he did was stand in the corner and  .

That is a KILLER diamond.  How fortunate you were to be able to try it on, DD.

welcome lishkare!!  you are among friends here.

wow DiaDiva!  that ring is KILLER.   the last time i was in New Orleans i saw a fancy intense yellow ring that was probably 9+ct, we weren't dressed up though, and the SA didn't even acknowledge us. 

OHhhhhhhhhhhh, DiaDiva, THAT'S a DIAMOND! Makes me want to cry just looking at the photo. How did you EVER manage to give it back!!! I am SO glad you and DH took the time to photograph that stunning piece.

lishkare, THOUSANDS of carats of Golconda diamonds and emeralds? Someone would have to take me away on a stretcher. I am not sure it gets any better than that. 

The Nizam of Hyderabad as a baby, covered with jewels....

Oh wow, such pretty pieces there!  I really love that necklace!!!