Last September, Petra Diamonds discovered a 507 carat white diamond in the Cullinan mine of South Africa – the same mine from which the Star of Africa and many other British crown jewels were taken years ago.  Judged to be one of the twenty largest high-quality rough diamonds ever discovered, the stunning new stone sold for a whopping $35.3 million last week to a Hong Kong jewelry company.  The sale sets a new record for the highest price ever paid for a rough diamond, and has heightened anticipation of what the final polished gem may look like.  Many feel that it has the potential to join the ranks of some of the most important jewels in the world.

Regular readers of our blog may remember previous stories of exceptionally large gemstones and a game we like to play in which we compare the actual stone’s price to Diamond Nexus Labs’ own standard price of $99 per carat.  That means that if we were to produce a Diamond Nexus simulant replica of this staggering new diamond, it would be priced at $50,193.  That’s approximately 1/700^th of the price of the mined diamond.  Bear in mind, however, that after cutting, the mined diamond will actually weigh much less than 507 carats, and will probably cost even more than its current $35.3 million.  How big will the change be?  Until the new jewel is unveiled, we can only speculate.

Yesterday’s team climb was a fantastic experience; we all had great fun, and we’re refreshed and ready to work twice as hard!  We hope you enjoy these pictures of our grand adventure.

Craig decides that if he carries the climbing ropes, it looks like he knows what he’s doing.The first team to reach the summit plants the flag.

At “Base Camp,” there’s hot cocoa, coffee, and streudel.

Everybody who made the climb: go Team DNL!

We updated our website last year with our lovely new “green” look, and now we’ve updated our gift boxes to match!  Take a look at Diamond Nexus Labs’ elegant new white box, encircled with a green satin ribbon for a light, clean look that’s both vibrant and relaxing at the same time.  Don’t worry: your favorite Godiva chocolate truffles still fit comfortably inside along with your jewelry for that extra-special touch of sweetness!

It’s winter in Wisconsin, and everyone around the office is going a little bit stir crazy!  The pile of plowed snow in our back parking lot is now taller than the building itself, presenting a unique opportunity for a company team-building exercise.

Today, February 24^th, our call center will be closed from 12:45 pm to 2:00 pm CST as we gather together to triumph over our local mountain.  Wish us luck!

Every Monday, our Facebook page features a new “Love it or Hate it” photo where fans can write their opinions of each week’s highlighted piece.

This week it’s the Call Me Sweetheart ring from our Lorian Platinum collection.  If you have a Facebook account, click here to join the discussion and tell us what you think!

Don’t forget: Valentine’s Day is this Sunday! Tomorrow is the last day you can place an order for any Immediate Ship item to ensure that your gift for that special someone will arrive by February 14th.

Not sure what to choose? Wishing you’d ordered a ring, but worried it’s too late now? Take a look at our special Valentine’s Sale items for ideas, as well as savings of up to 50% off! We’ve also got a limited selection of pre-made men’s and ladies’ rings waiting on stand-by, just in case you need one for your last-minute Valentine’s surprise. After all, sometimes romance just needs a little helping hand!

Looking for classic romance with a modern twist?  Meet Colette, the newest addition to Diamond Nexus Labs’ collection of lab-created topaz!

Dynamic, yet discreet: this charming heart-shaped silver pendant is criss-crossed with shimmering white and pink lab-created topaz gemstones for a sweet, youthful look that will glide through your daily adventures with easy grace and poise.

Don’t forget – Valentine’s Day is coming up fast.  At just $99, the Colette makes a fun and beautiful gift.  Order today, or feel free to check out the rest of our heart pendants for more ideas.

What happens when we combine the romance of the Drop of Love pendant with the crisp versatility of the Earth Angel pendant?  Diamond Nexus Labs presents the Spark of Joy!

Sweet and simple, this Princess cut solitaire pendant is cradled in a scrollwork setting for a subtly romantic look that will bring radiance to any occasion.  While the Earth Angel is distinguished by its diagonal kite setting, the Spark of Joy is set perpendicular to the bail for a more classic look.

Visit this and other stunning new diamond simulant products on our website at www.DiamondNexusLabs.com!

What’s even better than a new pendant? A pendant with options! Meet the Music of the Shore pendant from Diamond Nexus Labs, available in two romantic Valentine’s colors.

Modern elegance takes the stage in this 14k gold pendant, set with a 3.01 carat princess cut gemstone in a sleek bezel setting at the base. Choose from the pristine radiance of a colorless diamond simulant, or the deep, sensual color of cultured ruby. Twin rows of white accent gems fill the double bail for a spectacular array of light.

Join us tomorrow for another much-requested variation on a classic bestseller!

Got an eye for two-tone beauty?  Check out the new pendant in today’s spotlight: the Making Waves pendant!

A smooth outer circle of 14k gold lends warmth and color to this intriguing 0.56 carat pendant, filled inside with parallel waves of 14k white gold set with one hundred eleven dazzling gemstone accents.

Tomorrow, get a double dose of sparkling magnificence as we present two new matching pendants at once!  Can’t wait?  Visit all of our new products on our website at www.DiamondNexusLabs.com.

Another elegant option for fans of the Valencia, Diamond Nexus Labs is proud to introduce the beautiful Madrid!

This highly anticipated design features the ornate split-band and millgrain detailing of the bestselling Valencia ring, but with a magnificent emerald cut center gemstone for an extra touch of old-fashioned sophistication.

Join us tomorrow for an introduction to the second of just two two-tone gold pendants we’ve ever made!

Fresh from their debut on the fashion runway of the Wonderful World of Weddings expo event, Diamond Nexus Labs presents the Lucky earrings!

The romantic curves of these entrancing 4.16 carat total weight drop earrings make them perfect for even the most formal occasions, while the comfort and security of lever back closures make them easy enough to wear everyday. Each earring features a single Round Brilliant cut center gemstone, enclosed in a swirling halo of accent gems, set in breathtaking 14k gold.

Visit these and dozens of other dazzling new products on our website at www.DiamondNexusLabs.com!

For the fans of our pink lab-created Topaz line, Diamond Nexus Labs presents the perfect finishing touch for your collection: the Judy earrings!

These J-hoop lever-back earrings feature an elegant design of interwoven silver and 14k rose gold, set with three Round cut pink topazes for a charming yet understated romantic look.

What captivating new piece will we spotlight next?  Visit us again tomorrow to find out!

Meet the newest addition to Diamond Nexus Labs’ selection of circle pendants: the romantic Entwined pendant.

With three interlocking circles of 14k gold, each one brimming with scintillating gemstones for a total weight of 1.54 carats, this breathtaking piece combines the smooth simplicity of a circle pendant with the captivating intricacy of a knot.

Check out the rest of our new Valentine’s products on our website, or come back to our blog for continued updates.

Dreaming of a pair of formal drop earrings, but want something even more elaborate than the Leto or Asteria?  Say “hello” to the breathtaking Chance earrings!

Make your entrance unforgettable in these dramatic 5.32 carat total weight 14k gold drop earrings, each featuring a single Asscher cut gemstone surrounded by a halo of sparkling accent gems. Leverback closures offer sumptuous comfort and security with no earring backs to lose.

Tomorrow, join us as we spotlight our newest circle pendant as the march of new Valentine’s products continues.

Welcome to the newest addition to Diamond Nexus Labs’ classic pendant collection: the beautifully simple and strong Carli pendant.

Three radiant Round Brilliant cut diamond simulant gemstones are cradled in a smooth channel setting for snag-free comfort and beauty, giving a sporty, modern twist to the classic three-stone pendant design.

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to meet the first of our new elegant drop earrings!

Introducing Diamond Nexus Labs‘ much-anticipated Bianca pendant!

Originally a custom design, this 0.77 carat pendant was so requested from our custom catalog that its owner gave us permission to add it to our regular product line. It features a single onyx cabochon stone, measure 17.5mm in diameter, enclosed within a flowing web of 14k gold anchored by a total of one hundred fifty-four sparkling white diamond simulants for a stunning contrast of light and dark.

If you love the black and white look, stay tuned. There will be more styles coming in late spring.  Next week: our newest three-stone pendant!

Wishing for more large, elaborate pieces in our lab-created Topaz collection? Take a look at the new Bethany ring!

Vintage opulence abounds in this stately ring, characterized by interwoven silver and 14k rose gold designs in an elegant four-sided figure. Round cut pink topaz accents dot each corner, while a cushion cut pink topaz is set proudly at the center for a grand display.

Don’t miss tomorrow’s update on our new Valentine’s products, and the introduction of one of our most intriguing pendants!

Introducing the next new product from Diamond Nexus Labs’ Valentine’s Day collection: the Barcelona ring!

Inspired by the requests of our customers, this ring captures the breathtaking essence of the vintage-style Valencia ring with its elaborate metalworking and accent gems, then softens the look with a classically romantic round brilliant cut center gemstone.

Visit our website to see more images of this ring and other new Valentine’s products, or to place your order today!

Take a look at the newest additions to the Diamond Nexus Labs diamond simulant jewelry collection, featured on pages 6 and 7 of our new Valentine’s Day e-catalog!  Below, meet the first of the new arrivals to be featured here on our blog: the Alice ring.

The easy comfort of a solitaire band meets the refined grace of an elaborate, vintage-style setting in this enchanting ring. A 0.84 carat round cut center stone is framed by a square halo which also serves as an illusion box, accented by a dozen additional gemstones, millgraine detailing, and scrollwork around the base.

Check back later to see other new pieces step into the spotlight, or visit our complete collection of new products on DiamondNexusLabs.com!