Happy Holiday

We would like to wish everyone out there a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. We here at Penn Diamond Exchange have had a tremendous season and have sold out of some of our incredible deals. Not to worry, we’ve also received new inventory that will be made into Diamond Studs, Pendants, Tennis Bracelets, and Eternity Bands just in time for those amazing last minute deals. Just remember the last day to receive your order by Christmas eve is Tuesday the 23^rd.

Who We Are & What We Wear

Have you ever wondered what the people you buy your diamonds from wear? Or have you even ever wondered what these people even look like?
Well now here at PennDiamondExchange we've answered both those questions for you. Thanks to our presence on YouTube we're now able to show you who we are and what we buy and are wearing.
Our manager, Marc, got married on the 20th of September and we've posted a video of the diamond wedding band and diamond engagement ring that he gave his wife here. He also gave her a diamond tennis bracelet during their rehersal dinner and that video is here.
Stay tuned for more videos of what the crew at PennDiamondExchange is wearing.

No Payment For 90 Days

PennDiamondExchange has teamed up with Paypal to offer a very special promotion. Now you can buy diamonds and not pay for them for 90 days. Just imagine, you can make her dream come true this holiday season and not pay for it until Valentines day.

Offer is valid on all items including diamond studs, eternity bands, tennis bracelets, and diamond rings, gifts under $1500, and gifts under $500 (excluding gift cards) with a price between $50 and $1500.

Please visit Paypal's site for more details or click here.

YouTube

Penn Diamond Exchange now has YouTube videos. A selection of jewelry that we have made into movies to display some of our inventory. We have movies of Engagement Rings, Three Stone Rings, Tennis Necklaces, Diamond Studs, Tennis Bracelets, and Eternity Bands. Please take a look and give us some feed back.

Layaway Program

Times are tough. We know this. We are reminded everyday how bad the economy is by the nightly news and the roller coaster ride that is the stock market. However, the holidays are still right around the corner.

Penn Diamond Exchange is making it easier than ever to purchase that special diamond holiday gift. We are offering our biggest promotion and layaway offer ever. Here it is:

- 10% off some items***
- 5% down
- You make the layaway terms
- Item ships overnight at no additional charge the day the final payment is
received

Offer good for: Diamond Studs, Diamond Tennis Bracelets, Diamond Tennis Necklaces, Diamond Eternity Bands, Loose Diamonds, And Engagement Rings

Here's an example:
- 2.00-2.05ct studs D-F color SI3/I1 clarity at regular price is $2,250.00
- 10% off price = $2,025.00
- 5% down the day of the purchase = $101.25
- Make payments any way you'd like through Dec. 23, 2008
- Item ships overnight at no charge for delivery the next day

Drastic times call for drastic measures. We here at Penn Diamond Exchange have answered the call and made it easier and more affordable than ever to purchase the holiday fift that she'll never forget.

ORDER EARLY - QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED!!!

Call for more details: 1-866-DIA-CERT or 1-866-342-2378
***10% off does not apply to all items. Please call to see what items are 10% off.

Anatomy of a Diamond

By understanding the anatomy of a diamond, you can assure that any stone you purchase is of exceptional quality and avoid common cutting flaws. Different diamond shapes have slightly different requirements for ideal proportions based on how light is reflected within the stone to maximize the brilliance.

Table
The table, or top of the diamond, is the largest facet on the stone. On a round stone, the table should be octagonal & perfectly centered. The table size will vary depending on shape and color of the stone in order to provide the most sparkle with refleted light.

Crown
The stone's crown is the narrow upper area, above the girdle. It the part of the stone that is above the prongs or metal holding the stone in place, and is the most visible. It is also the most prone to scratches.

Girdle
The girdle is a narrow band, parallel to the table, and is the widest part of the diamond. Girdle thickness is criticall to the diamond's strength and must be sufficient to prevent chips and cracks.

Pavilion
The stone's pavilion is the area below the girdle that is the longest part of the diamond with the exception of the emerald or other rectangular shaped stones. In many settings, the pavilion is obstructed, except for the prong or tiffany setting . These settings reveal the pavilion and increases the diamond's brilliance by allowing light to enter at different parts of the stone.

Cutlet
The cutlet is the tiny part of the diamond at the base of the stone and is often used to balance out the facets and give it a more symmetrical appearance.

Facets
The stone's facets are the smooth polished planes that make up it's surface. In a typical round diamond, there are 58 facets though fancy shapes often have a greater number. The fewer facets a stone has, the less refraction and brilliance it will give off.

By being familiar with the anatomy of a diamond and how it affects quality, a savvy shopper can buy a far better than average quality stone.

Three Stone Rings

Three stone rings are also known as "three stone anniversary rings". This type of ring is a perfect gesture to celebrate a couple's ongoing relationship while honoring their shared past and loving future. These rings make a wonderful anniversary present!

The traditional symbolism for three stone rings is that each gem represents a different phase of the couple's relationship: their past, present, and future. There are other variations of the symbolism, such as "you, me, and us" or "today, tomorrow, and always." A couple with children may choose a three stone ring to represent"husband, wife, and family." These rings are frequently given for longer-lasting marriages for the tenth, twenty-fifth, or fiftieth anniversaries, but no matter what anniversary is being celebrated, a carefully chosen ring will quickly become a lifelong keepsake of their love.

Diamond eternity bands are often referred to by other names, such as: diamond eternity rings, diamond wedding bands, infinity rings, or anniversary bands or rings. The look is still the same, no matter what you call them.

This type of ring can be worn with the engagement ring as part of a wedding set, or they can be given separately as a reminder of the promise two people share to spend eternity together. In some cases, brides wear one eternity band above and one eternity band below the engagement ring, similar to a ring jacket.

The rings are usually white gold, yellow gold, or platinum, and are lined with diamonds all the way around the band. The entire ring is surrounded with diamonds, creating a never ending circle - or eternity - of diamonds. It symbolizes there is no end between the giver and receiver of the ring.

The diamond wedding band speaks volumes without using any words at all. It's versatility says everything from "I do" to "I always will." They're perfect as anniversary gifts, wedding bands, or "just because."

Olympic Medals

The Olympic medals are not what they once were; yet still an amazing representation of athleticism and culture of the host country. While the last solid gold medals were awarded in 1912, there have been some changes in the consistency of the materials used, while some rules always apply. The medals have always been at least 3mm thick and 60mm wide. Some have been much larger, for instance the 2002 Salt Lake games the medals were 85mm wide and 10mm thick weighing in at 20oz. As for the medal used in each very a bit from the name we use to tell them apart. The Silver is the closest coming in at 92.5% silver with base medals added for strength. The Gold medal must be coated with 6 grams of 24k gold. And the Bronze medal contains copper, zinc, tin and small amounts of silver. And each host country designs the specific design on the medal for each event.

Totals- For Beijing

Total Medals Awarded 6000

12.04kg of Gold

1,340kg of Silver

830kg of Copper

Frequently Asked Questions

You know the old saying "The only dumb question is the one not asked." We here at Penn Diamond Exchange couldn't agree with that more. That's why our phone center is always open and emails will be answered same day. However, we have noticed that some questions get asked much more then others. So, lets take a look at them now or you can visit our FAQ page. Also, as always I invite you to comment and give your opinion on any of the questions discussed.

Which is more secure: Friction or Screwback Earring Posts?

Well for starters both are very secure and can be used for any size diamond. Our standard setting is a 4 prong white gold basket setting with screwbacks, and if not specified that is the mounting you will receive. Even though screwback is the standard post many people chose friction backs because they feel they are more comfortable. Mostly people who have small piercings chose the friction backs.

Is the 2 prong diamond tennis bracelet as secure as the 4 prong?

Yes, yes and definitely yes. Even though the 2 prong has half the amount of prongs the diamonds are still very secure. If it wasn't secure we wouldn't sell it. The main difference between the two styles is their look. The four prong is the more traditional style and it's been around longer but the two prong is gaining in popularity.

Why do you (and most jewelers) use 14k gold instead of 18k?

We at Penn Diamond Exchange use 14k gold. After years of making jewelry we’ve learned that for overall strength and endurance it can’t be surpassed. Not to say we wouldn’t use 18k upon request. However, it's a softer gold it doesn’t hold up as well after prolonged use. Also 18k gold also has a lighter more yellow color to it. White gold and yellow gold are the same material, but white gold has been treated and eventually polished with rhodium, the same substance that is used to polish platinum. This is what gives the white gold its brilliant shine and glow.

All that being said all items are available in 14k, 18k, and platinum. With proper cleaning and care any metal will look fantastic for years to come.

Jewelers Row in Downtown Philadelphia is the oldest diamond district in America and only second in size to New York City. But its original design was not meant for the retail and manufacturing shops that now line the streets. It was built and developed by Thomas Carstairs and William Sansom between 1799 and 1820, as the first housing project in the United States. Until this point houses were all built in a traditional one-lot one-house manner. Sansom and Carstairs deigned and built 22 similar side-by-side dwellings that are now known as row houses and influenced the continued architecture and development of Philadelphia. William Sansom then paved the street out of his own pocket to try and attract residence, as the area was on the outskirts of town at the time. During 1860-1879 most of the buildings were changed as jewelers and other tradesman moved into the are to develop what Sansom Street is today.

Trends in Diamond Jewelry

What Goes Around Comes Around

Some diamond jewelry is timeless like the 3 stone engagement ring, the 4 prong tennis bracelet, and of course the classic round diamond studs. However, new technology and ever evolving styles make for interesting innovations. Some of the new hot styles include 2 prong tennis bracelets, “u” style eternity bands and earring studs that include shapes like Princess and Asscher. As hot as those styles are they don't hold a candle to the popularity of micro pave. Micro pave is when small stones are set almost anywhere on a piece of jewelry.
Funny thing is some of these popular and hot styles aren't new at all. They've been around for years, it's just that recently they have been more widely sought after.

To explore more of the ever evolving styles and trends please visit
Penn Diamond Exchange

Diamond Facts and Trivia

What was the largest Diamond ever found?

Cullinan at 3,106 carats.

What is the hardest natural substance on Earth?

The Diamond.

What percentage of the world's diamonds are not suitable for Jewelry?

80%

Is a Diamond Indestructible?

No. The fact that Diamonds are a hard substance refers to their ability to withstand scratching. But that is different than toughness, which refers to the ability to withstand breaking.

How old are most Diamonds which are found in nature?

Most are between 1 billion and 3 billion years old.

Where are Diamonds from?

They are formed deep within the Earth's crust, and come to the surface via Volcanoes. Most diamonds are found in Kimberlite, which is volcanic rock.

Choosing The Right Diamond Studs

There are many options available today for diamond stud earrings in the way of sizes and shapes. The Pennsylvania Diamond Exchange will help you find the expressive style that you are looking for. Our dazzling cuts include Brilliant Round, Princess, Asscher, Pear-shaped, Emerald and Oval. Taking into consideration your budget, who you are buying for and the occasion, you will find the diamond stud earrings that are just perfect. The Pennsylvania Diamond Exchange is where you find the diamond experts, and the quality of the diamond stud earrings we carry will astound you.

Before you purchase your diamond stud earrings, let the pros at The Pennsylvania Diamond Exchange educate you on what to look for in a diamond. From a technical perspective a diamond has scientific and industrial properties, but when making a fine jewelry selection you will want to learn about the four Cs. Once you discover more about the differences in the diamonds, you will know how to choose the ones that are best for you. After all, your diamond stud earrings will be an investment that will last forever.

For More Information Please Visit
Penn Diamond Exchange

DIAMOND WEIGHT

Carat Size

Diamonds are sold by carat, (ct.) not to be confused with karat, (kt.), which in the United States refers to gold quality. Diamonds are weighed on an extremely accurate digital balance. One carat equals 100 points, which weigh 1/5 gram. When diamonds are mined, large gems are discovered much less frequently than small ones, which makes large diamonds much more valuable. In fact, diamond prices rise exponentially with carat weight. So, a 2-carat diamond of a given quality is always worth more than two 1-carat diamonds of the same quality.

PDE Says: To choose the best carat weight of diamond, consider her style, the size of her finger, the size and type of your setting, and your budget. Here are some things to consider: If you have a set budget, explore all your options and you'll find that there is a wide range of diamond carat weights and qualities available in your price range.

If you plan to wear the diamond everyday maybe you want something smaller then if you are getting a piece of jewelry just to wear at formal affairs.

If you are getting an all around diamond eternity band keep in mind that she will feel the ring on both her middle finger and pinkie. So sometimes the biggest size isn’t the most comfortable size.

PDE Uses: All of our jewelry is available in any carat size you would like. From our loose diamonds to our eternity bands to our earrings we can make your dream item in any size you desire. Please if you don’t see the carat size you are looking for on our site please contact us.

For More Information Please Visit
Penn Diamond Exchange

Why "Tennis Bracelet"

Here is some interesting trivia that you may not know: Tennis star Chris Evert was well known for her circlet of diamonds bracelets. While participating in the 1987 U.S Open, she lost one and the game had to be halted until the bracelet was retrieved. The incident involving the “tennis bracelet” sparked a new name for the item, as well as a huge new jewelry trend. Tennis bracelets remain one of the most sought after jewelry pieces today, and you don’t need to have a killer backhand swing to wear one. Just turn to the experts at The Pennsylvania Diamond Exchange and you will be lobbing your way into high fashion in no time at all.

For More Information Please Visit
Penn Diamond Exchange

Cleaning Your Diamonds

Here are some ways to clean diamonds:

Prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any mild household detergent. Brush the jewelry with an an eyebrow brush while it is in the suds. Rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lint less cloth.

Mix a half-and-half solution of cold water and household ammonia in a cup. Soak the jewelry 30 minutes. Lift out and brush with an eyebrow brush. Swish in the solution once more and drain on tissue paper.

There are many types of these small machines on the market that will clean any piece of jewelery that can be put in a liquid. Since each machine is slightly different, read the instructions carefully before use.

For More Information Please Visit
Penn Diamond Exchange