“Finding the rough diamonds is only the first step. Once diamonds have been mined and processed out of the ‘overburden’ (that is, the kimberlite rocks in which they are imbedded), the rough crystals are sorted and categorized according to their size, color, shape and other characteristics. At this point, a diamond can follow one of two routes.

The most common route is through the channels of DeBeers’ Central Selling Organization (CSO). Many people are familiar with DeBeers mainly because of their advertisements and commercials and because of the famous motto that they coined in the early half of the 20th century: “”A Diamond is Forever.”"

While DeBeers’ market influence has decreased somewhat over the last few years, they still control the majority of the world’s diamond production (an estimated 30% to 40% of annual diamond production). The purchasing arm of the CSO not only buys diamonds from member mines around the world; it also finances mining technology for governments which do not have the means to mine their own deposits. Most of what is bought through the CSO is sent to London to be offered to buyers through DeBeers marketing arm, the Diamond Trading Corporation (DTC).

The DTC holds ten week-long selling sessions called ‘sights’ each year. These sights are by invitation only, and only a handful of diamond manufacturers from around the world (called ‘sightholders’) are allowed to attend. These sightholders may chose to cut the rough diamonds they buy themselves, or they may chose to sell some of the rough diamonds to smaller manufacturers.

These smaller manufacturers cut the rough diamonds and sell the polished gems either to jewelry manufacturers (who set the diamonds into finished pieces of jewelry and then sell the jewelry to jewelry retailers), or to diamond wholesalers (who then, in turn, sell the diamonds to diamond retailers).

In the less common route from mine to market, some independent miners elect not to sell their mine production to the DeBeers cartel. Instead, they offer newly mined diamonds directly to other world buyers. These buyers, in turn, may chose to cut and sell the diamonds themselves, or pass the diamonds along within the industry in a manner similar to that described above. ”

Every month of the year has a particular precious stone that belongs to it. It is believed that wearing the stone of one’s particular birth month brings the individual good luck, health, wealth and prosperity. Birthstone jewels have a birthstone belonging to a particular sun sign beset on it. This piece of jewellery is said to possess the qualities of the birthstone. Birthstone jewellery when worn looks very attractive.

Just as there are twelve months in a year, there are twelve birthstone’s assigned to each month. From January to December they are as followed respectively-

* Garnet
* Amethyst
* Aquamarine
* Diamond
* Emerald
* Pearl
* Ruby
* Peridot
* Sapphire
* Opal
* Topaz
* Turquoise

The designer silver birthstone jewellery can be a perfect gift, especially for women as it is a universal fact that women love jewels. Gifting some one designer birthstone jewellery on almost any occasion really sends out the message that you truly care as not only do you know the persons birthstone but you have also taken the trouble to find the perfect designer one for him/her. These birthstone jewellery items are a very personalized gift.

It also means that you wish the person stays healthy and happy always as birthstones are meant to bring and maintain positivity in one’s life. Designer silver birthstone ornaments are worn not only by women but also men around the world; hence they are the perfect personalized gifts for a friend, parent, or partner.

Care should be taken while buying these items. You should only buy it from a reputed shop that guarantees quality. Often many dealers sell such precious birthstone jewels at heavy discounts; they are of low and cheap quality and are not even real but synthetic stones. The discounts offered are just in order to lure customers into buying their products and hence you should be cautious with the same.

Women have the option to choose from various kinds of designer jewellery pieces, from earrings to necklaces. The options for men too are not far behind. Birthstone cufflinks, rings and bracelets are some of the options that are available.

So the next time you think of gifting a dear one, try getting them birthstone jewellery, a gift that will be valued forever.