Friday morning I sat next to a couple on the plane from Chicago to Detroit and the wife was wearing a diamond that would have choked a dozen donkeys. They were quite the power couple, to the point that I wondered what they were doing in coach. Her: 50ish but still gorgeous, blonde, deep blue eyes, heroic bosom, witty, self-confidence to burn. We made some idle chit chat and she was clearly much brighter than the outward appearance some might mistake for bimbohood. Him: 50ish, distinguished salt and pepper hair, strong looking hands and forearms, matching deep tan, matching self-confidence. He was on the phone periodically with the office back in Boca Raton. He spoke with the assurance only the truly unassailable can pull off. "I'm thinking maybe Brett shouldn't have that conversation with Mal just yet. Or maybe he shouldn't be the one to have it. They need to know our thoughts but they don't need to be beaten over the head. Right. Let's give this until Monday afternoon and I'll talk to Mal myself." Very suave and in control. There were half a dozen phone conversations like that. He wasn't being showy; I heard only because I was sitting 3 feet away. Every time I saw that godzilla of a rock on her ring finger I became more curious about how these two big fish landed each other. Another of life's little mysteries, I guess.


>Imagine how many certificates I'd have to produce after receiving my 600ct diamond from S Africa in order to market it... A lot of work but I think I could do it :0) (This from someone who doesn't even wear jewelry!) *G*
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>>>>Expanding on Jos' statistical POV: the mine is one of how many producing more than one 600+ct stones in the last 40 years. Since the mine was closed for a stretch of time perhaps "in the last 30 yeras of active production" would even be more relevant. But the pure size makes it better understandable for those poor blokes still paying rates for the comparedly minuscule stones on engagement rings...
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>>>Which aren't that worth at all - just try to sell one yourself.
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>>>http://www.straightdope.com/columns/040903.html
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>>Agree totally - with precious metals you have at least the baseline of metal worth, even if the part of price for design, manufacturing und selling will probably mostly lost. But at least there is a perceived value I consider "personal" in contrast to "marketing evoked" - you will not buy something you yourself consider ugly. Until a few year ago I considered teeth the best place for aurum.
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>>A few years ago there were quite a few people hurt by people selling tiny diamond slices at hideously inflated prices with official looking "certificates" and buy back "guarantees". Sometimes scambaiting can be fun...
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>>regards
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>>thomas