Erol Akdemir in his element choosing only the best diamonds.

Rocking loose diamonds and high jewelry at Lida Diamond Showroom in Grand Bazaar.

Their extensive inventory boasts a dazzling array of diamonds, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of their clientele. Whether you seek a timeless classic or a captivatingly unique stone, Lida’s gemologists possess the expertise to guide you towards the perfect diamond that embodies your vision. Beyond its exquisite diamonds, Lida Diamond has garnered recognition for its dedication to fostering Istanbul’s rich jewelry heritage. Their showroom, situated within the Grand Bazaar’s historic walls, offers a captivating glimpse into the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship that defines Turkish jewelry making. The Grand Bazaar, established in the 15th century, represents a rich tapestry of Turkish commerce and craftsmanship. Lida Diamond reflects this heritage through its in-depth knowledge of gemstones and meticulous attention to detail, continuing a legacy of excellence in the jewelry trade. For those seeking an exceptional diamond or a deeper appreciation for Istanbul’s jewelry scene, Lida Diamond stands as a must-visit destination.

Dripping in Lida Diamond creations!

Art Deco inspired pieces are becoming signature of Lida Diamond.

Love for art is visible throughout showroom and flagship boutique!

Iron Lady sculpture in Lida Diamond Ruby set!

Magnificent Ruby and Diamond Necklace!

Exquisite diamond and gemstone jewels by Lida Diamond.

Prêt-à-Porter collection by Lida Diamond

Prêt-à-Porter collection by Lida Diamond.

10 years ago, Betul (Beti) Akdemir joined Lida Diamond as creative director and since then the brand has evolved more into retail aspect as well. Betul with artistic vision and her background in design, attracted a niche of high jewelry seekers with her unique style and designs. Adding art deco and diamond infused designs as well as incorporating exquisite gemstones, all the while maintaining practicality, have become a huge success and prompted a new chapter in Lida Diamond’s journey. Lida Diamond opened its flagship boutique at the prestigious Peninsula Hotel Istanbul. This exciting development promises to further elevate the brand’s profile and provide a luxurious new venue to showcase their exquisite diamond and gemstone creations.

Beti Akdemir and I at Lida Diamond Showroom in Grand Bazaar.

Exceptional fancy heart diamond pendant and matching ring at Lida Diamond.

Lida Diamond Flagship Boutique in The Peninsula Hotel Istanbul.

The Peninsula Hotel Istanbul

Night view of Lida Diamond display at The Peninsula Hotel Istanbul.

New generation is coming along with Ilker, the eldest son of Erol and Betul has joined the business. He is bringing in fresh perspectives on growing the business and infusing the brand with ideas that attract new generation of diamond and high jewellery buyers while honouring the tradition.

From left to right: Ilker, Erol and Betul Akdemir

His younger brother Emir will soon join forces with his brother upon finishing his studies. By embracing innovation while staying true to its heritage, Lida Diamond can ensure its place as a leading authority on diamonds in Istanbul for years to come.

Thank you Akdemir family for your kind hospitality and opening Lida Diamond vault to me!

It was a pleasure to meet Akdemir family and experience Istanbul in a different level. Looking forward to my next visit and stay tuned for more exciting news about Lida Diamond.

The Heart of Oklahoma Diamond is a symbol of a long lasting family business established in 1892 by B.C. Clark. Still family owned with Jim, Coleman and Mitchell Clark at the helm of the brand, B.C. Clark is a prominent jewelry house in Oklahoma. After nearly seven years of searching the globe, finally B.C. Clark family found the one diamond that would honor their family legacy!

A 38.05ct rough diamond was discovered from the ocean floor just off the coast of Namibia, Africa at the depth of 140 meters via De Beers Debmarine Namibia Vessel. The stone was laser-sawn to two parts, yielding a magnificent 18.92ct not only to fit BC Clark’s desire carat size (company’s founding year) but to create the most brilliant diamond with fancy intense yellow color that is as radiant as Oklahoma sunset! There is a SOL to the Heart of Oklahoma, a beautiful 5.01ct fancy yellow radiant-cut diamond yield from the same rough. The Heart of Oklahoma Diamond is a fascinating 18.92ct fancy intense yellow, internally flawless radiant cut diamond.

THE GENESIS EXHIBITION

After perfecting the diamond, B.C. Clark partnered with Harry Kotlar to use their old world technique of hand making jewelry. Harry Kotlar studied the family business, origin, B.C. Clark Sr. adventures back in the 1800’s in Indian & Oklahoma territories, the age of industrialism and steam locomotives to finally design a masterpiece that reminiscent all of the characteristics and legacy of B.C. Clark. The result is a sensational handmade masterpiece cradling The Heart of Oklahoma Diamond flanked with six perfectly custom cut tapered baguette diamonds. There is a surprise disc underneath the stone, a rose-gold disc representing the railway turntable in Purcell that is a significant part in B.C. Clark, Sr.’s voyage to find success in Indian Territory back in 1892.

It all started with a geometric design, a rough sketch and David Wiener, Harry Kotlar‘s grand son and head designer, discussing intricacies of the piece with the design team. After that the illustration is passed to the gouache artist to render the painting. From gouache painting to hand forging the metal, hand setting the diamonds and hand polishing the ring, everything is done by a small team of master artisans who have dedicated their lives to a specific element of jewelry-making to create the masterpiece that cradles the Heart of Oklahoma Diamond.

Harry Kotlar team went above and beyond to create an event that was exploring facets of art and style to showcase this masterpiece in an unprecedented way, beyond jewelry as we know it! Czarah Cabrera Creative Director and Director of Brand Management for Harry Kotlar had a vision in mind and that was Van Gogh’s Starry Night! Over the term of six month planning under her creative direction, the atrium in 101 Park Avenue is re imagined into a film and visual exhibit space using elements if scenes painted by Vincent Van Gogh. Yellow tones, twinkling colors of the night sky, blue waters and velvety blue sky applied to the space as tribute to The Heart of Oklahoma Diamond and homage to the jewelry design house’s long legacy of commitment to its pursuit of perfection and preserving the lost art of hand making the best jewels by its Italian master artisans.

Both Tracey and I had the pleasure of being invited to attend this spectacular event as guests of Harry Kotlar and B.C. Clark family, an unforgettable memory that we will cherish forever.

Here you can watch a 3 minute film revealing the art of hand making the masterpiece by Harry Kotlar master artisans, co directed by Czarah Cabrera & Ace Salvador:

In my opinion couples need to be involved in designing the ring, after all it is celebrating their love and has a very sentimental value in cherishing their relationship. Therefore my first recommendation is to propose with a loose stone in a beautiful box which will definitely sweep her off her feet and then create the perfect ring together. Unless you know exactly what she is looking for based on her pinterest or posts she likes on social media and finally if her best friend knows!

Different diamond shapes Photo credit: Champagne Gem

Here you will find a brief explanation on different shapes with sample designs to show how each one will look when set, but remember there are endless design possibilities, I tried to limit this post to classics and all time favorite settings in the past decade:

ROUND

• ROUND: is the most sought after shape in diamonds because of its incomparable brilliance thanks to 57 facets that reflect the light and create sparkle and fire. (Not recommended for gemstones unless from a very high caliber)

Round Brilliant diamond engagement ring in Tiffany anniversary setting Photo credit: Tiffany & Co

SEMI ROUND

• OVAL: is one of the most popular shapes from diamonds to gemstones, make sure in diamonds there is no bow tie present, if so you will see two black triangles in the middle of the stone. because of its elongated shape we have seen it grow more and more on brides.

Oval shape diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

• PEAR: Usually looks larger than its stated carat weight because of its wider spread and given that more of the stone is shown from top view.
  

  Pear shaped diamond ring Photo credit: Harry Kotlar

• MARQUISE: like oval and pear is perfect to make fingers look slender and long, their elongated shape is helping with this.

Marquise shape diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

• HEART: well its the symbol of love, do I need to say more? From diamonds to gemstones it looks gorgeous, one thing to be mindful is the proportions. Make sure it is not too slim or chubby, it has to be the perfect heart.
  

  Heart shaped diamond ring Photo credit: Graff

SQUARE CUT

• CUSHION: is a square or square rectangle (elongated) shape stone with rounded corners, pillow shape hence the name and very romantic! If cut perfectly can shine as brilliant as a round. Usually has 58 facets.
  

  Cushion shape diamond ring Photo credit: Tiffany & Co

• PRINCESS: this shape carries 57 or 76 facets and because of its pyramidal shape that has four bevelled sides, it creates more light dispersion than any other square shaped diamond. In recent years demand for princess cut has decreased which I think is solely because of its sharp corners and it only makes an statement when is in larger carat weights. It is getting harder and harder to find the perfect princess cut.
  

  Princess shape diamond ring Photo credit: Jean Dousset

• RADIANT: is gaining more and more popularity both in diamonds and gemstones because of its scattered 70 facets that create a shattered glassy look in diamonds and bring out the best colors in gemstones and fancy color diamonds. If you like square or rectangular squere shape, this is the best alternative to cushion and princess.
  

  Radiant cut diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

STEP CUT

• EMERALD: the most favorite in step cuts, both gemstones and diamonds although it has less sparkle because of geometric steps, but due to high clarity it is more transparent, sleek and elegant.
  

  Emerald cut diamond ring Photo credit: Norman Silverman

• ASSCHER/SQUARE EMERALD: perfectly square shaped stone, actually an octagonal rather than emerald cut that is rectangular. Same characteristics in terms of sparkle and clarity.
  

  Asscher cut diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

• CARRE: comes in both square and rectangular, the main point of difference is its straight facets similar to steps and usually has sharp corners, this is my favorite shape in comparison to princess. It is making a come back slowly and because of its unusual facets it is gaining more attraction, absolutely will make a statement.
  

  Carre cut diamond ring Photo credit: Martin Katz

This is just an introductory post to engagement rings, if you need more information on diamonds, grading and color diamonds on following links:

https://champagnegem.com/2019/03/10/insight-into-diamonds-part-iii-grading/

https://champagnegem.com/2019/05/06/insight-into-diamonds-part-iv-fancycolordiamonds/

Please note all views expressed on this post are my own and do not represent opinions of any of the jewellers mentioned in this post.