Rapaport Magazine
Fancy Shapes

Cross of Light Diamond

Fancy Shapes

By Rapaport
RAPAPORT...

Gemco International
12 South 6th Street, Suite 1012
Minneapolis, MN. 55402
Tel: 800.827.1909
Fax: 612.341.0314
Email gemco@visi.com
www.crossoflightdiamond.net

The Cross of Light™ diamond debuted in 2006. It was developed over a three-year period by Minneapolis jeweler Arlan Abel. His patented diamond design was meant to combine aesthetics with a spiritual meaning.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CUTTING ISSUES
The Cross of Light diamond is a round stone that has 69 facets. Sixteen of these facets create three cruciform, or crosslike, images within the stone. It is cut using D to I colors and SI-and- better clarities. The stones, which range in size from 1/8 carat to 1½ carats, are sold to retailers loose. A Cross of Light crown is available in three different sizes that allow any jeweler to turn any ring in their inventory into Cross of Light jewelry. All sizes of the stones are immediately available.

MARKETS AND MARKETING
The Cross of Light diamond is marketed to independent jewelers. It is not offered to large chain stores or internet jewelers. Exclusivity is offered in smaller communities. Each stone 0.50 carat or larger is laser inscribed with the Cross of Light trademark and a Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratory or European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) certificate number.

With the purchase of one or more stones 0.50 carat or larger, each jeweler receives the diamond certificate, two counter displays, one professionally produced DVD, one hearts-and-arrows type viewer, informational brochures to hand out and an optional banner.

Ad mats are available. There is a website, www.crossoflightdiamond.net.


PRICE AND SUPPLY ISSUES
Each jeweler can determine his own mark-up. There are no supply issues.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The spiritual aspect of the Cross of Light diamond provides an added selling value for a jeweler, offering more to discuss with customers than the basic 4Cs.

Article from the Rapaport Magazine - June 2009. To subscribe click here.