What makes a colored diamond worth so much?

There are a few factors that make some diamonds stand out. Specifically, colored diamonds are often worth large sums of money. They are rare, especially when they are naturally colored as opposed to being colored in a laboratory. Besides clear/white-colored diamonds, some diamonds are mined as yellow and some are mined as red. Colored diamonds should not be confused with other gemstones—only one in 10,000 mined diamonds are colored. This makes them very rare and thus, very expensive. In addition, the rarity of color, the strength of color, the size of the stone and the shape of the stone can help determine a colored diamond’s price according to the Natural Color Diamond Association

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Rarity and value

Rarer colors, such as red, purple and orange are even rarer than brown, grey and black diamonds. Some of the rarest diamonds may sell at a rate of $1,500,000 per carat where as some of the more common colored diamonds may sell at $2,500 per carat!

Strength of color

A laboratory can measure how strong a color is. Some diamonds are blends of colors, so a lab would measure how intense one particular color is. More intensely colored diamonds may be worth more.

Size

Diamonds that are large can be considered rare, but not always. If one diamond is so large that the color intensity or the colors vary within the stone, then it may be worth less than a diamond that is equally intense throughout.

Shape

Some diamonds are hard to cut due to their shape. If a jeweler chooses to cut a diamond a certain way, then a large percentage of the stone may go to waste, making the diamond less valuable. But, if the jeweler decides to cut it another way that avoids loosing material, then that other shape may be less valuable because that shape is less desirable .This puts the jeweler in a Catch-22 situation. In the end, some shapes are more valuable than other shapes of comparable size.

Natural pearls vs. cultured pearls vs. fake pearls

Often, people perceive natural pearls to be worth more than cultured pearls. Still, both can look beautiful. There are differences in how the two types of pearls—natural or cultured—form. There are also tests designed to test what type of pearl you have. You can also bring the pearls into a store for an expert opinion.

The origins of the pearls

Fake pearls, man-made or imitation pearls, are made to fool the human eye. They should look similar to real pearls and are made when layer after layer of varnish is applied over a small object, such as a bead. When the varnish dries, according to a Webpage on pearlsofjoy.com, the cultured pearl can show a pearly luster and even iridescence in the light.

A naturally formed pearl is made within an animal, called a mollusk. Mollusks are sea creatures with two shells and one example is a mussel.  This type of pearl is the most expensive. Divers need to retrieve the mollusk and the pearl, so out of all pearls, it is the rarest.

Cultured pearls are made by “farming” mollusks and placing a bead or other small object in the mollusk in hopes of it growing a pearl.

Differentiating pearls

There are a variety of tests to determine what type of a pearl you have. A few listed on Pearls of Joy are:

·         Fake pearls feel lighter than real ones.

·         Fake pearls do not have bumps or ridges on the drilling hole. It might take a magnifying glass to notice this.

·         When comparing pearls on a strand, fake pearls will show no difference in color.

Choosing between platinum jewelry and white gold jewelry

There are many differences between white gold and platinum as precious metals for jewelry. When choosing a piece, there are a variety of factors to consider. This guide explains them from allergy to cost.

Differences between the two metals

One essential consideration is weight. Suppose you are getting your wedding ring. Would you like a light ring or a slightly heavier ring? Because platinum is more dense than gold, a platinum ring will be heavier. If you are considering the two metals, make sure you try both on in the store.

Even cleaning the jewelry should be a consideration

Another difference to consider is maintenance. Every few years, white gold needs to be re-plated. To make white gold shinier and whiter, jewelers often plate it with rhodium. This repair is inexpensive, but to keep your ring or earing bright, do not forget about this. Platinum is an easier metal to take care of. One only needs to have it professionally shined every few years. This is a fast and easy process, and depending on the composition of the platinum, it may not even be necessary.

These jewelry repairs will prevent white gold from loosing its shine and will keep the platinum from returning to its original grayish color.

Cost

Platinum costs more than gold, in part because more gold is mined per year than platinum. Additionally, because precious metals are sold by weight and a platinum piece of jewelry weighs more than the same piece made of white gold, platinum is even more expensive than white gold.

Allergies

If someone is allergic to nickel, then he or she should not wear white gold jewelry. That is because nickel is sometimes mixed with yellow gold to form white gold. It is possible to find nickel-free white gold, however, so be sure to check with your local jeweler.

Understanding LCD, LED and Plasma televisions

When researching TVs or making a purchase, there will be a lot of jargon thrown around. However, shopping for electronics need not be complicated as explained by Home Theater Review.

You might hear the following four abbreviations and terms: plasma, LED, HDTV and LCD. These acronyms each stand for different types of technologies within the television itself. The first helpful hint about TV-buying is to know what these abbreviations stand for.

·         LED stands for Light Emitting Diode.

·         LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display

·         HDTV stands for high definition television

Plasma televisions were the original flat screen high definition television (HDFT). One important factor to consider when purchasing a television is how well the TV will be “lit up” and how well it can display a wide range of colors. Plasma TVs do not need backlighting to show bright colors and white and to show dark colors and black.

However, prices fell to a degree once LCD televisions became more popular and more widely available. They were the way of the future. LCD televisions are generally lighter and thinner than plasma TVs. The display of an LCD TV must have a backlight, as it generates color but not light. Traditional, cheaper LCD TVs use CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent) materials to create light for the television. LCD televisions backlight by LEDs are bright and have great contrast, meaning they show a variety of colors. Currently, they are the choice television.

It is always recommended to research what televisions are out there. You should also make every effort to see them for yourself in a store before choosing one. There are many high definition TVs now, and its clear the LCD TVs have replaced plasma screens as the best option. Manufacturers make many more LCD TV models than plasma ones. LCD versions use less energy than plasma TVs and LED-type screens, in particular, use the least amount of electricity, which saves money in the long run. In the end, however, choosing between television sets is a personal choice.

Pawnshop regulations prevent the pawn, purchase and sale of stolen goods

Pawnshops and stolen items

Pawnshops are not allowed to buy stolen goods or allow customers to pawn them. This is an issue that relates to morals and rule of law. Additionally, it is a business issue. No pawnshop wants to buy stolen items. One reason is that if a pawn does buy a stolen item and then the police locate it, then the pawnshop would have to hand over the item, even though they have paid for it and cannot sell it. Therefore, pawnbrokers take precautions so that they do not buy and deal stolen items. Around the country, cities, counties and states are constantly revising their laws and regulations to prevent crime and to prevent pawnshops from accidentally buying stolen items.

 New regulations that some pawnbrokers must follow

One state just passed new laws to deter people from attempting to sell stolen items to pawnshops, according to NBC 12. First, pawnshops will be prohibited from buying items that are missing their serial number (provided that they should have had one originally). That is because thieves may scratch or file off a serial number of an electronic item, such as a phone or laptop, so that it cannot be identified. Chances are that if an item has no legible serial number, it is stolen. Additionally, pawn brokers must keep photo IDs of customers that pawn or sell items on file, in case the police need it for an investigation.

One other city now requires pawnshops to send digital photos of items pawned and bought to the police as reported by the Sun Journal (New Bern). Advanced technology can help law enforcement agencies complete investigations more effectively and even successfully. This city also asks pawnshop owners to compile a list of transactions daily.

Another state has enacted a similar law that also requires pawnshops to provide police with records of certain transactions daily according to Arkansas Online. No one wants his or her stolen possession to be pawned, held and/or sold. Therefore, these types of laws are appropriate in preventing errors and aiding the police when an item has been stolen.

How do the iPhone5s and the Samsung Galaxy S4 compare?

Apple recently announced the iPhone5s and the iPhone5c, with the “s” model being the superior of the two. This new phone builds on the iPhone 5 which came out one year ago. There are many fans of the iPhone and many fans of Android phones. The Android phone that is most similar to the iPhone5s is the Samsung Galaxy S4. Which phone is better? The International Business Times writes in a September 10, 2013 article that there is not one winner. Rather, it is a matter of preference. Each phone is excellent and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Still, it is worth reviewing the key specifications of each phones main features.

Phone dimensions

The Galaxy’s screen is larger than the iPhone’s screen. There is in fact a one-inch difference. The Galaxy measures 5” and the iPhone measures 4”. Additionally, the Samsung screen is a higher resolution screen. In fact, it is a full HD screen, but at such a small size, some may not notice a large difference between the two.

Another difference is the look of the phones. The Galaxy phone has a plastic casing, but the iPhone is made out of a metal body. Metal may sound like a better idea to some, but others may like the plastic.

iPhone performance vs. Galaxy performance

Apple is using a better processor in this version of the iPhone than the older version. Apple has not given exact specifications of the processor and the RAM. The Samsung Galaxy has a 1.6Gz processor and 2GB of RAM. The IB Times notes, however, that once phones are very fast, slight differences between models do not make a difference. Rather, software efficiency is what makes the difference.

Phone software

The Samsung phone runs on Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean). This software is familiar to many consumers because it is used on other phones. On the other hand, the iPhone’s operating system, iOS7 is brand new. It is a major redesign of all of the iPhone operating system. It should be easy to use even though it will be a redesign.

Verdict

Each phone’s cameras are different. The IB Times did not yet test the iPhone, but it seems like the iPhone camera is better. The specifications of each phone are impressive, so one is not significantly better than the other. It is recommended that one try out the phone before purchasing at a store, which can include a pawnshop. Pawnshops sell phones at competitive prices. Consumers should pick a phone with the help of a live sales expert.

Pawnshops expand their services

Some pawnshops have begun to offer convenient financial services in addition to pawn loans, according to an August 25, 2013 New York Times article. As the number of pawnshops increases, each shop is vying to get more customers and additional financial services are one way of doing so.

Getting customers into the door

The lure of check cashing, wire transfers, prepaid cards and, sometimes, lines of credit services are more than enough to get consumers into the door of the pawnshops.

More customers means more revenue

Pawnshops that attract more customers will undoubtedly conduct more business by issuing more pawn loans and selling and buying items, such as jewelry and electronics. These shops now have two types of income and can make more money with both services. The article mentioned that the National Pawnbrokers Association states that there is a wide range in interest rates on pawn loans—from 2.5% to 25%. The higher the percentage, the more money the pawnbroker will make from the loan. Generally, financial service fees bring in less money than pawn loans.

When are pawn loans the best option?

Pawn loans can be helpful for those who cannot obtain a bank loan or a line of credit due to a poor credit history. This type of loan is based on collateral. That is, if someone decides to pawn a watch, the collateral, then they will have a set amount of time, usually between one and four months, to pay back the loan for that watch with interest. People are able to obtain these pawnshop loans without a great credit record. Even if someone has a credit card, the interest rate on his or her credit card may be higher than the interest rate on a pawn loan, making pawning a preferable option.

Choosing a digital camera

Some cameras are primarily for still photos while others have HD video recording capabilities. Some cameras have sensors that record 10 megapixels (MP) and others have sensors that record 24 MP. A common question is, “What is the difference between all of these cameras?” Another question is simply, “Which camera is right for me?” The answer to the second question really depends on what types of photos you want to take and how easy you want it to be to take them.

The two types of cameras

There are two main types of digital cameras: point and shoot cameras and Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras. The second type of camera is usually more advanced. A few of the main differences are shown below.

Most consumers opt for a point and shoot camera. Advantages they have over DSLRs is that they are much smaller, lighter and generally cheaper.

Camera Settings

It can be easy to take a photo on both types of cameras due to an automatic setting that are very accurate. In addition to an automatic setting, both types of cameras should have scene settings. These settings are designed to tell the camera to take a portrait photo or to take a photo where the sun is behind the subjects. Still, a DSLR camera will usually offer more options so that the photographer can choose exactly how the photo is exposed.

Verdict

DSLR take images in a RAW format. This means that it records more data than what is shown in the image. That allows advanced computer users to edit and manipulate the image extensively.

If one is looking for a camera for family occasions, vacation photos, photographs of ceremonies like a graduation, then a point and shoot is a good choice. If someone is a nature photographer, a portrait photographer, or needs flexibility with his or her images, then a DSLR is probably right for that photographer.

Why the market prices of gold are falling

 The falling price of gold

The market price of gold recently reached near-record highs. On the Comex market, an exchange for commodities like gold and silver, gold prices were above $1,600 towards the beginning of this year. On July 19, however, the price was down to $1,290, which is even an increase from June prices. The mid-June prices represent a 29.5% drop in the value of gold since the beginning of 2013 as reported by the Financial Times. Bloomberg Businessweek noted that this was the steepest drop since 1980, and it occurred over two days.

Why has the price dropped?

Prior to this drop, gold prices were increasing. This inflation lead to the most rapid rise in gold prices in approximately 90 years, according to the Financial Times. Many commodity traders and investors viewed gold as a safe, moneymaking investment. The inflation slowed down, however, when traders and investors no longer saw gold this way. Thus, demand for gold declined and so did its price. This decline in prices became a global phenomenon.

What now?

The price of gold could increase, but many do not expect that to happen right away. Some investors have even been trading their gold for silver as they perceive silver to be more secure investment. The lower price has also affected the mining industry, which may have to cut costs.

What does this mean for consumers?

Now that gold prices are falling from such highs, it is time to sell. If one is interested in trading gold for cash, then now is the time. One should attempt to sell gold before the prices drop further.

Protecting your smartphone

No one wants a cracked screen. Follow these tips to avoid the problem.

If you have not damaged your own smartphone, then it is almost certain that you know someone who has. These phones are valuable to their users. Many people do not back up their smartphone, and if one damages his or her phone, then he or she may not have a list of contacts until the phone is fixed (not ot mention that he or she will not have a phone). Here are a few tips to keep your smartphone safe.

• ·      Get a case and a screen cover. Cases are relatively inexpensive and can help prevent you from damaging your phone. Some cases are better than others, however. Avoid using a soft case. Over time, the material will stretch and it would be possible for your phone to fall out of its case! For that reason, it is wise to purchase a hard case that is made of a sturdy plastic material. Finally, do not forget about your screen. It is quite common for smartphone users to crack their screen.
• ·      Screen protectors are thin, clear, plastic films that can protect your phone’s screen from scratches.
• ·      Another suggestion that may seem obvious is: be careful. Never do something that may damage your phone. Even if you are having a difficult phone conversation, you should never throw your phone at the end. This can result in damages.
• ·      Keep you phone away from the water. If you go swimming this summer, then do not take your phone near a lake or pool. Do not leave it on the beach. Even if you are cautious, someone around you may not be careful and will get your smartphone wet.
• ·      If you play a sport, then don’t keep your phone in your pocket; it is likely to fall out.
• ·      If you listen to music while exercising, then make sure that your phone is in a safe place where it will not fall.
•   Expect the unexpected and back up your phone using your computer.

Determining the market price of gold

As basic economic teachings state, the price of goods depends on their supply and demand. For each good or commodity, there are different factors that affect the supply and demand for that commodity. Gold is traded on markets worldwide, from New York to Chicago, from London to Paris, from Istanbul to Shanghai. Because gold is traded on markets around the world, it is traded 24 hours per day.

Supply and demand help determine the price

How is the price of gold determined? Price fluctuations for gold, as well as other precious metals, depend on how the supply of gold relates to the demand for gold. There are several factors that determine the demand for gold as well as its supply, according to IM Trading.

Gold Demand

The three factors that affect demand are:

·       - Investment demand

·       - Industrial demand

·       - Jewelry demand

Investment

Investment demand relates to those who trade quantities of gold. This typically occurs on markets and is sometimes in the form of Exchange Traded Funds (ETF). There are three types of investors, as reported by ITM Trading, “individual, institutional and official (government).” Each type of these investors acts differently and thus affects the demand for gold differently.

Industry

Gold is a valued industrial material. It is used in manufacturing electronics because it resists corrosion and it also conducts electricity well. Therefore, the demand, and thus the price, of gold can depend on industrial activity.

Jewelry

Gold is valued for is gorgeous aesthetic properties. Jewelers buy gold in bulk to design jewelry, which is then sold at high prices. Additionally, some families use gold as a means of storing value. They may hold on to gold jewelry pieces for a long time, passing wealth down from generation to generation. The demand for gold jewelry is sometimes also affected by those investing in gold pieces to hold on to them for their monetary value.

Gold Supply

Gold supply cannot be separated into categories like gold demand because it is mainly dependent on mines and recycled metal. Gold is a metal that can be hard to obtain because of the places where it is naturally found. This contributes to expensive mining costs. That, in turn, affects the amount of gold supplied. When only a small amount of gold is mined in a year, it may become more expensive because it is scarce and the demand might be more than the actual supply.

Final price

When the factors affecting gold supply and demand settle into place, factors are matched up, gold is traded and the price is determined.

How Samsung rose to become a major international manufacturer

 Samsung Group started out in South Korea in 1938, when South Korea was a Japanese colony. The company followed Japanese business models before it began to mix it with Western business management ideas. Now it has made its mark as a global brand that makes more than electronics. Samsung Electronics makes devices such as LCD televisions, smartphones, hard disk drives, digital cameras, DVD players, Blu-Ray players, as well as weapons, ships and provides financial services.

A speedy business

The quality of Samsung devices continually improves

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Through a business model highlighting speed and adaptability, Samsung has soared to high profits. Samsung used to make equipment and parts, but now, it makes entire devices. After the company launched its black-and-white TV, it only took one year before they went on sale in far-away Panama.

The Sunday Morning Herald announced in an August 13, 2012 article that the brand was to open a store similar to the iconic Apple store in London. The brand is committed to following international trends in manufacturing and device sales.

Making a name

If someone had not heard of Samsung, then watching the Olympic Games was one way to learn about the company and its products. The brand, through advertising, lifted itself up to be a major brand, just like McDonalds, another Olympic advertiser.

Becoming a high-quality manufacturer: Smartphones

Creating solid, high-quality products requires innovation and research and development. The company has poured money into R&D. That is how it introduced the Galaxy smartphone. Later generations of this phone rival Apple’s iPhone.

In fact, Samsung sells more smartphones than Apple. The Sunday Morning Herald wrote that in the Second Quarter of 2012, Samsung Electronics sold 50 million smartphones compared to the 26 million sold by Apple. This is partially due to the fact that Samsung makes a wide variety of phones, from simple models to more complex smartphones. Apple, on the other hand, only makes the high-end iPhone.

Criticisms and pitfalls

Samsung is an innovative company.  However, some have pointed out that its weakness in smartphone software. Samsung smartphones run on the Android operating system, which is made by Google. This may sound like it makes sense, but what would happen if Google does not continue to innovate? What if the Android operating system could not compete with iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system? In that case, Samsung would have a hard time selling devices with Android operating systems.

Another concern for some is that Samsung, unlike Google and Apple, does not have its own app store, music store and video store. What if the phone makers began to make very similar phones in terms of hardware and cost? Then the money to be made is in apps, music and software. That would put Samsung at a disadvantage, but then again, they are a company that is fast to adapt.

It doesn’t stop here

Samsung plans to spend $21 billion by 2020 in the following areas:

·      Solar panels

·      LED lights

·      Electric car batteries

·      Medical equipment

·      Biotech drugs

This effort proves that the company is resilient and plans to stay in business for years to come.

Buying, selling and pawning Samsung products

If you are looking to buy an electronic device, come to Diamond Jewelry Pawn Brokers. We sell and buy the latest devices from Samsung. You can also choose to pawn your item for a loan. Our stores are family-run and operated. We are here to help each and every customer find the right item. Call us at 718-584-9177 or visit us online: www.PawnShopBronx.com.

Source consulted:

http://mdc.ltindia.com/librarym/mm_files/The%20Paradox%20of%20Samsung%27s%20Rise.pdf

Which device is right for an unlimited music service?

 

Currently there are a couple unlimited music services. An unlimited music service, for the purpose of this article, is an application, on the web or on a mobile device, that lets a listener choose which song he or she wishes to listen to. The user can listen to an unlimited amount of songs for a monthly fee. Certain electronic devices work better with certain company’s services. This article/document/lens will compare Google Play Music’s AllAccess unlimited music streaming service and the Sony Entertainment Network’s Music Unlimited service. Most importantly, it will explain which device is best suited for which service.

Google vs. Sony

The new Google service allows users to listen to millions of songs. It costs $7.99 per month if the user signs up before the end of June. There is a free option, however. The free and paid option will add songs from one’s iTunes music library to one’s Google AllAccess “locker”. The locker is where songs can be stored for offline playing. That is, when a device is not connected to the Internet, one can still play songs in their locker. Google’s AllAccess runs on computers and Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy smartphone phone or the Google Nexus 7 or 10 tablets.  There is not an app for this music service for iOS devices, which include the iPhone, the iPod and the iPad. This service is an alternative for users of Apple devices.

Music Unlimited from Sony works on a wide variety of devices, including its own tablets, Walkman music players, Android devices as well as iOS devices. Like the Google unlimited service, the Sony service works on desktop and laptop Internet browsers. Sony’s service is a good option for those with an iPhone, iPod or iPad because there is a functional app for those devices. The Sony service costs $9.99 per month after a 30-day trial period. Also, Android users can download songs from Sony to their tablet or smartphone for listening without Internet access, but Apple’s iOS device app users cannot take advantage of this feature. Still, the Apple device users can listen to music over Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G data connections.