China’s jewelry sales reached approximately $25.88 billion in 2007, representing growth of about $2.87 billion a year from 2005, according to a report by research company Research And Markets (R&M.)

R&M added the ‘China Gold & Silver Jewelry Market Channel Report, 2007-2008’ to its research listings given the recent growth of the market.

Since 2003, the retail price index of China’s gold and silver jewelry goods has risen continuously, at a higher rate than all other commodities, the report explained.

In 2007, China’s jewelry imports grew 35 percent to $6.2 billion, and exports grew 16.8 percent to $8 billion, M&R reported adding that sales of gold and silver jewelry kept a good momentum in the first quarter of 2008.

“That indicates China’s jewelry market is increasingly prosperous and the import and export trade is continuously growing,” the report said. “China’s position as one of world’s main jewelry manufacturers and consumers has been further strengthened.”

By year-end, there were more than 10,000 jewelry retailers on mainland China, the majority of which were small outlets without independent brands and competitiveness, M&R said.

What’s great about vintage jewelry is that you purchase the story and history associated with the piece. Empress Eugénie’s brooch was made in 1855 by the Parisian jeweler François Kramer for the French Empress was about to go on auction in Christies but was stopped last minute by the owner Fred Leighton Jewelry Store who is owned by Ralph Esmerian. The brooch had pre-sales estimates of 4 to 6 million.

The trend for high end jewels in high demand and shows no rate of slowing down. At a Christie’s auction in Geneva a fancy intense 13.39ct blue diamond was sold for a world record of 8.9 million US dollars. The high price is due to the scarcity of natural fancy color diamonds. The blue in blue diamonds comes from boron which gives diamonds there blue and grey color. The auction totaled 48.3 million with 11 lots being sold. An emerald shaped colored diamond also sold for 5.6 million another emerald shaped color diamond sold for 4.4 million and a colored diamond necklace sold for 3.1 million.

Nowadays it seems like women’s wedding bands are moving from the simple thin wedding band with no diamonds to very wide diamond wedding bands. Round cuts seem to be favored in a pave setting with several rows while princess cut diamonds are often channel set or invisible set. Several Hollywood actresses have seen wearing diamond wedding bands with a wide look. Asscher cut diamonds are getting more popular with women usually getting larger stones on there wedding bands. Other fancy shaped diamonds on wedding bands seem to come into play. Ovals and cushion cuts are the new wedding bands style that has caught the hearts and eyes of women around the country.

Pearl stud earrings are perhaps the most understated and overlooked piece of jewelry. These miracles of the sea offer beauty, mystery, and a luster that no other gemstone can match. Pearl stud earrings range for inexpensive to very expensive. Pearl stud earrings can be the perfect start to a beautiful jewelry collection. Check for pearl stud earrings with freshwater or Tahitian pearls in all sizes and prices.

Palladium wedding bands are making a big splash in wedding ring scene. Palladium wedding bands are now the viewed as the smarter purchase. With the incredible rising cost of gold and platinum prices palladium wedding bands are the better alternative. Palladium wedding bands are made of higher quality than both 14k gold and 18k gold. Palladium has a 95% purity rate like platinum wedding bands. Palladium wedding bands are perfect for those with sensitive skin who can develop rashes with gold wedding bands. Palladium wedding bands are about half the weight of platinum and 12% stronger. Palladium is a pure metal which means it will not lose its color over time like white gold does.

Diamond solitaire pendants are a classic piece of jewelry that will forever be in style. Available in all sizes and price points the diamond solitaire pendant is the perfect touch to any girls outfit. Diamond solitaire pendants can be found in various diamond shapes like round brilliant, princess cut, and emerald cut diamonds. Sizes range from .25ct to about 2cts. Diamond solitaire pendants come in different chain lengths you can ask your jeweler for the length you think looks best on you. Diamond solitaire pendants are now mostly sold in white gold for a nice white look those who favor the classic look can purchase a yellow gold diamond solitaire pendant.  The styles of diamond solitaire pendants are based on the diamonds setting whether it be prong, bezel, or semi bezel set.

Diamond wedding bands are becoming the standard to of wedding band styles. Today sky facet sells diamond wedding bands in palladium, platinum, 18k white gold, 18k pink gold, and 18k yellow gold. The current trend for men is a brushed polish with a burnished set princess or round shaped diamonds. Celebrities are helping the trend get even more popular Eva Longoria Parker sported an 18k white gold two row wedding band with 80 round brilliant cut diamonds separated by a row of 27 asscher cut diamonds. They both had a special inscription in the inside of there 18k white gold wedding bands.

The lesotho promise diamond was cut into 26 diamonds from .52ct to 76.41ct each. The diamonds color grade is a D flawless. The rough diamond was 603 carats after being cut the diamond weight lost over 379.65 carats. The origanal rough was found in South Africa and was sold and cut in antwerp. The diamonds that were cut are GIA certified and laser inscribed.