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RAPAPORT’S Guide to Fancy Shapes
Mar 31, 2005 11:38 AM
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This month, Rapaport’s Guide to Fancy Shapes, a comprehensive series that provides an in-depth analysis of fancy shape diamonds, examines the AlitoTM. Rapaport Diamond Report has carefully researched the shape to supply information on the
optimum cut, price information and market demand, as well as what to look for — and avoid — when buying this diamond shape.
AlitoTM
Meaning “breath” in Italian, the Alito™ branded jewelry line from GN Diamond, Inc. stars an arrangement of seven round stones recut and invisibly set into the shape of a flower. The Alito Collection has been marketed in the U.S. since July 2004.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CUTTING ISSUES
The seven round diamonds are recut and set into the shape of a flower. The center stone is cut as a hexagon. All of the stones are F, G color and VS clarity. The patented setting has no spaces or gaps between the stones, which creates the look of one large diamond. There are no prongs, bezels or half-bezels; the stones are hand set from underneath. The diamonds are notched at three or four points above the culet and locked into the metal. Although some weight is lost in recutting the stones, the design makes the finished flower appear larger than its actual weight. For example, a 0.56-point flower-shaped stone looks like about a carat-and-a-half stone. The stones are cut in Israel using
computer-programming technology to create a “blueprint” for the setting and precise craftsmanship.
MARKETS AND MARKETING
The Alito line is aimed at the high-end, couture market in the U.S.; stores are offered exclusivity in their area. Retailers are supplied with custom-made displays and
the company does trunk shows and provides training for staff. The Alito Collection is advertised in Town and Country and is one of the designs in the designer gallery on the A Diamond is Forever website. The company has also launched a website, www.diamonddestiny.com, which helps connect customers with retailers in their area. The site is linked with 1-800-FLOWERS and consumers who purchase a diamond through the website will receive a free bouquet. There is also a link to Diamond Destiny in the order conformation section of 1-800-flowers.com.
PRICE AND SUPPLY
The Alito is available only as finished jewelry in 18-karat yellow and white gold as earrings, bracelets, pendants and rings. Pieces range from $200 to $26,000. There are two fashion collections — The Firenze Flower and the Roma Collection, which is based on the hexagon-shaped center stone — as well as the new Venetian bridal collection done in 18-karat white gold.
WHAT BUYERS SHOULD LOOK FOR
The key to the Alito’s distinctive setting is the precise craftsmanship, which allows 100 percent of the diamond to be visible. The jewelry is available in a “level” setting where the stones are all set at the same height — which creates the illusion of one single layer of diamonds — or in a domed design, in which the stones are set at an angle to maximize brilliance and shine.
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Tags:
Collections, Consumers, Israel, Jewelry
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