Nature had its own way to bring out a common diamond digger to think of starting a company which is famously know as De Beers. Cecil John Rhodes the brainstorm behind De Beers was first involved in selling water to the thirsty diamond diggers in South Africa. He started from here and went on to form the company.

Cecil's first trip to South Africa was at the age of 17 (in the year 1870) when the first diamonds were being mined. He was financially independent by the age of 19. And for the about eight years after this first trip, Cecil toggled between South Africa and England, keeping an eye on the progress of the diamond mining and completing his Oxford degree. He ensured that he made a small start even while he was pursuing academics.

During the time that he was completing his degree at Oxford's, Cecil made it a passion to study the operations, understand the dynamics, the prices, the demand and supply and the players in the game. He inferred that to control the fluctuating prices of diamonds he had to get hold of the demand and supply of the diamond production and for this he had to have control over its production.

About seventeen years after his first visit, Rhodes had complete control of what is today known as the De Beers Mines. The next year that ensued was a tumultuous one. Other players in the market like Kimberly Central and another French company were significant holders in the production game. Though he had a significant share in both operations, the control of Kimberly Central lay with Barney Barnato.

Since the French operation was relatively smaller than Kimberly Central, Cecil Rhode tried to make a bid for the company. This threatened Barnato as he anticipated the strategy. He tried to outbid Cecil Rhodes but Cecil's partners in the De Beers venture were able to convince Barnato. Now Cecil owned the De Beers mines and had complete control over the French company as well. The next step would have to be a controlling share in Kimberly Central.

With some shares of Kimberly Central to start with, Cecil advised his brokers to start picking up independent shares from the market. To protect his turf Barnato had to make a bee-line for these exact shares. In turn, the share prices shot up.

On the other hand, the production of diamonds was far higher that the market demand and as a result the price of diamonds started falling. The whole economics of the situation were unnerving. Despite all the resistance, Cecil was able to obtain 60% of the stock in Kimberly Central making his company the controlling company for Kimberly Central too.

A year later in 1888, the company De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd was formed. The company was named after the owner of the farm where the first diamond rush took place. This new corporate had complete ownership of the De Beers mines, 75% of the Kimberly Central mines and controlling powers over Bultfontein and Dutoitspan.

The consolidated venture had a profit of over 300,000, something that would translate into US$1.5 million today.

Another twelve years and by 1900, De Beers controlled over 90 percent of the world diamond production. With this kind of a monopoly in the production of uncut and raw diamonds, Cecil ensured a firm control over the prices by managing production levels.

Cecil Rhodes was a provocative person. He believed that diamonds could be power in his hands. He had a dream of seeing Africa as a consolidated union under the British rule. He had great plans for the nation that included telegraph lines and railway lines. With this as his goal, Cecil also entered politics and was chosen as the prime minister in 1890. He served the post for 6 years before resigning from it.

Though Cecil Rhodes did not live to see his dream for South Africa come true (he died in 1902 at the young age of 48), he did manage to create the De Beers foundation, the Oxford scholarship and various other such initiatives. Today he has a territory of Southern Africa in his name and is remembered by each and every student of the Oxford University who gain from the scholarship that he left behind.

The sudden fluctuation in the diamond market reduced with the start of the diamond market. By creating a controlling body for production at the mines, Cecil was able to create a system of demand and supply management. We have Cecil Rhodes to thank for the stability and popularity of the diamond industry that we see today.

Reference: GIA Study material.

Mithun Rao, a jewelry professional, holds degree in gemology and jewelry design from Mumbai and has spent 10 years in the industry (including running his own jewelry shop). With an obsession for gems and precious stones, he also shares a passion for music, painting and wishes to explore new places, and understand new cultures. He has authored many articles like how are diamonds formed, how to use a loupe etc.

Some of the finest watches on the market seem to be the most prone for having replica watches copied off of them. As scary as it is, there are hundreds of thousands of counterfeit movado watches exchanging hands from suppliers to customers. What makes it difficult is that some of the fake movado watches appear to be an exact model of the real deal from the exterior of the watch.

Not all counterfeit movado watches are exactly the same, as some are generic look-alike models. However, there are the fake watches that appear to be the real model. The suppliers make the watch look identical from the exterior by including details such as the manufacturer's logo, the serial number, and the exact design. With some of the counterfeit models looking identical, how can you avoid purchasing one?

There are a number of things you can do to avoid purchasing a fake movado watch. The first thing is to know the price of the watch from various retailers. Many times a counterfeit watch will sell for around $200 to $250. You should know that no real luxury watch of movado's will sell new for under $250. While there are several discount websites on the internet, not one of them will offer you a watch more than 50% off of the retail value. So beware of the actual price compared to the price you are being offered.

Another thing to pay close attention to is when you are purchasing the watch. There are no new luxury watches that will sell during clearances or fire sales. Some retail stores may attempt to sell counterfeit movado watches during these times with the hope that customers will buy thinking it is because of the sell. Although it may seem like a good deal, you are actually getting ripped off.

One of the best ways to identify a counterfeit movado watch from the real thing is paying attention to the close details. As mentioned above, some of the replicas are identical. However, many will confuse minor features such as placing the logos on poorly or marking an incorrect serial number. Other features that may be incorrect include the supplier placing hands on your watch that are actually from a different model of movado's. It is the minor features that stand out the most from a real movado watch.

It's a scary thought to know that there are thousands of counterfeit movado watches out there, and many customers are unaware of how common it is. As long as you know the watch you are looking for and pay close attention to the minor details, you should have no worries with purchasing a fake movado watch.

Copyright (c) 2007 Patrick Bedford

For more information about luxury watches visit Watches On Net To find a great movado watch visit our Movado Watches Section.

The Invicta Men's Speedway Watch Collection is brought to you by Invicta Watches, a maker of fine chronographs designed to fill just about any purpose or need. The watches in this particular collection range from its attractive Men's Speedway Collection Chronograph Watch Model #9211, in a classic stainless steel finish and loaded with features costing much more in other watch brands, all the way up to a seriously handsome Men's Speedway Collection Diamond Two-Tone Chronograph Model #5008.

All of these Invicta Watches sport a timeless dial seen on many an airline pilot or Formula One racer's chronograph. The main dial supports three smaller dials, all of which give some other added piece of information to the pilot or driver. In the days of pioneering aviation, in fact, timepieces of this sort were oftentimes the only tool a barnstorming pilot had to find his way across country, in the think pea soup that a cloudy or foggy day could present to him.

A personal consumer favorite in this collection, judging by the number of positive customer reviews available on several websites, seems to be the Men's Swiss Speedway Watch, which sports an attractive brown leather wristband and white dial surrounded by a classic polished golden stationary bezel, with a nice looking tachometer. It's easy to imagine wearing this chronograph, high up in the sky in a Ford Trimotor airplane, plotting relative position and easing the big bird down onto an unlighted rural airport. Or behind the wheel of a classic British MG, calculating fuel burn versus how many miles left to go in a 24-hour road race. The watch evokes another more daring era, yet it's a thoroughly modern design. And that helps to make this a piece equally as comfortable in the boardroom as it would be out on a road race circuit.

Men's Invicta Watches, especially the attractive ones presented in this collection, are increasingly popular and well-known. They appear to deliver solidity and reliability combined with elegance and modernity all at the same time. Some have visible watch movements; others come in color combinations and finishes worthy of praise all on their own. It's worth noting even the least expensive watches in this particular collection have dial windows made of anti-reflective sapphire, and bodies of long-lasting, durable stainless steel. The Invicta Men's Speedway Collection Chronographs can make a fine addition to any man's wardrobe, with style and panache to spare.

Men's Invicta Watch Reviews is dedicated site review men's invicta watches. The site is organized by invicta watch collection. Click to read reviews abount Invicta Speedway Watches.

Precious metals are rare metallic chemical elements that fetch high and durable economic value. They are less reactive than most elements and are made distinct by their luster and their high melting points. The best known metals are silver and gold whose uses range widely from jewelry to coinage to art, and in the past years, have been recognized for their industrial significance as well. Platinum, which was basically a waste product, is now becoming one of the most widely traded precious metals and include ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, and iridium. The nature of precious metals may be derived from the fact that they are very scarce and unique among other commodities which also account for their quality to be judged to be of great monetary value, thus, a measure of wealth. It is also important to consider that not all precious metals stay precious forever. This depends on their availability and new ways of refining or even creating such. Take aluminum, for instance, once difficult to separate from ore, it used to be the most difficult metal to get despite being one of the most common. Its status, which once put it above gold, dropped significantly when an easy aluminum extraction method was discovered in the late 1800's.

Fluctuations as to the rarity of metals depend on demand. Silver, for one is in a supply deficit, using more silver than it is mined, and is then projected to cost even more than gold in the near future.

Aside from rarity, other common characteristics of metals such as uses, easy storage, similar origin and historical value are considered as criteria for being distinguished as precious metals. It is also hard to deny the industrial uses of precious metals which make them even more appealing. Finding new uses for them increases their market value in the trade and commodity market.

At present, the Soviet Union and South Africa produce more than half of the world's precious metals; both countries are now considered to be the leaders in the precious metals industry in terms of production. Everyday, new uses and ensued and discovered, most recently, their potential in the field of medicine have been pursued.

Precious Metals provides detailed information on Precious Metals, Precious Metals Market, Precious Metals Prices, Investing In Precious Metals and more. Precious Metals is affiliated with Coral Reef.

There are essentially 5 important things to look for when purchasing a quality wristwatch in a brick and mortar store or online.

1-Image - Does the watch you are about to purchase reflect your personality, your style? Your watch should combine with your true character, not try to show someone you are not. Dont try to elevate yourself by buying a premium, luxury watch, heavy and invasive; thinking it will make you look better, if it does not suit you, the opposite effect will happen. Make sure that if you buy an expensive watch it is for the design and quality. My personality being discreet and classic, I like a slim, elegant design, round dial watch with a leather band. I tried once a heavier Rolex type steel bracelet watch, I felt like everybody was looking at me.

2-Designation

What does Swiss Made means? "Swiss made" constitutes a concept of quality. It includes the technical quality of watches; accuracy, reliability, water-resistance, shock-resistance and its aesthetic quality: elegance, originality, design. It covers both traditional manufacturing and new technologies. Only when it is Swiss, may a watch carry the indications "Swiss made" or "Swiss" on the outside. A watch is considered to be Swiss if: a-Its movement is Swiss b-Its movement is cased up in Switzerland c-The manufacturer carries out the final inspection in Switzerland.

What is the difference between a Chronograph and a Chronometer? Chronometer defines an other concept of quality; it is given to automatic and mechanical movement watches (not quartz movement) that have the highest standard of precision. A watch carrying the chronometer certification has passed 15 days rigorous testing (under different conditions) demanded by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control (COSC). It carries a premium price over non-chronometer watches.

A chronograph is simply a watch with stopwatch capabilities. It has two independent time systems: one indicates the time of day, and the other measures brief intervals of time. Counters registering seconds, minutes and even hours can be started and stopped as desired.

Scratch resistance The glass or crystal is made to protect the dial. Acrylic crystal is inexpensive, a plastic that does not prevent scratches. Mineral crystal is a glass, it is eight times harder than acrylic crystal. Sapphire crystal is the best and most expensive crystal and is three times harder than mineral crystal.

Waterproof versus Water resistant? A watch is never water proof, it is water resistant or made to prevent water from entering. A quality watch should indicate how much water it can withstand and still works. A good watch will offer resistance from 50m. Beyond that you are surely a professional diver and will need a specialist watch with depth indicator and other technicalities. If you are not, avoid taking your watch into salty water or chlorine, if you must, make sure you rinse it with warm water afterwards.

3-Mechanical, quartz, Automatic Movements

Automatic mechanical watches are the most desirable in terms or practicality and functionality. A mechanical watch uses the energy from a wound spring and keeps time through the highly regulated release of that energy through a set of gears call the wheel train and escapement. Automatic watches, self-winding watch or perpetual (Rolex) are mechanical watches with a balance wheel and escapement, whose mainspring is wound by the motion of the wearer's arm, instead of having to be wound manually every day. It needs no battery. The name comes from the fact that, instead of the owner having to wind the watch to power, the watch winds itself automatically when worn regularly. Quartz watches work with a series of electronic components, all fitting together in a tiny space. Rather than a wound spring, a quartz watch relies on a battery for its energy. Automatic quartz is a combination of a watch movement that combine a self-winding rotor mechanism as used in automatic mechanical watches to generate electricity with a piezoelectric quartz crystal as its timing element. It provides the advantages of quartz and mechanical watches.

4-Price against value

Can the status and prestige of the watch you are planning to buy justify its price? Up to you to decide if the price reflects the overall quality, technology, mechanism (Automatic, Quartz,), designation (Swiss-Made, Chronometer,) design, history behind the watch or just the hype behind the brand. I would differentiate between pure watch brands and fashion houses diversifying into watches. Both offer excellent products.

5-Care and Guarantee

Choose a watch which is easy to care for. A quality watch does not dispense you from caring for it and cleaning it regularly. Wash your watch in warm soapy water occasionally. Have your watch serviced every three years. Store your watch in a soft cloth. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Guarantee. Choose a watch with at least 2 years of International manufacturer warrantee from the date of purchase. It should cover against failure due to defective materials or workmanship, damages caused by water entry into the case, providing the glass, crown, and case back are intact.

Most importantly, take your time, try, compare and investigate. Find quality watches at carametis.com/acatalog/designer-mens-watches.html

Classic design and functionally have made Citizen Watches a world recognised timepiece brand. Driven by the creed of the company's founders 'to be close to people everywhere", Citizen has striven to achieve its distinction as the world's largest timepiece maker.

Since the creation of its first pocket watch in 1924, the Citizen brand as worked steadily to achieve its status as a advanced leader in timepiece technology. This environmentally friendly watch company strives forward into the future creating advanced timepieces that advance the cause of protecting the environment with their Eco-Drive collection series of light powered watches. The solar and artificial light powered devices can run continuously for a lifetime of use without the waste of discarding used batteries. The ladies Riva Diamond boasts Eco-Drive technology within its slim 24 diamond crown and base and retails for an truly affordable price, the Men's Calibre 8700 is a striking match to the Riva with the added plus of Eco-drive technology in its golden frame. The solid masculine design of the piece looks striking with its retrograde perpetual calendar, the piece is a hit because of its under 300 pound price.

Citizen is stepping forward into the deeper future of timekeeping with the advent of their newest Men's series, Skyhawk chronograph watches. These solid Men's timepiece A-radio controlled atomic pieces reaffirm Citizen's role as a leader in the timekeeping industry. Looking forward to a bright future, Citizen watch company continues to provide inspiration and innovative thought for the greater timekeeping community with brands that will last forever.

Check out
Citizen watches at My Designer Watches.

Tiffany & Co. creates modern designer jewelries that are sought after by those who have the capacity to pay for its expensive pieces and more so by those who can't. I recollect an acquaintance asking for a loan because he wanted to give his girlfriend a Tiffany engagement ring. I find it really amusing that he is actually buying the ring from money that he loaned, I guess it is not a very good start for a lasting relationship. I suggested to him to search online for some Tiffany replica rings, they're just as stunning but won't have you landed in jail for unpaid debts. Fortunately he listened to my suggestion and is now happily married and debt free.

Purchasing an engagement ring need not be stressful. If you have the capability to buy a real diamond ring, then that's fine. If you can't, don't push it. Tiffany replica rings will convey commitment and love the same way a pricey diamond ring will. If the woman you are marrying won't accept anything less than an expensive engagement ring, I advise you better rethink your plans, she may not be for you.

Tiffany replica rings are not only limited to engagement rings. It has a myriad of designs each one will amaze you with its exquisite workmanship, elegance and low price. With its very inexpensive price tags you will always be able to give your lovely wife a Tiffany replica ring every month, there is no need for you to wait for your anniversary. If you've always dreamed of buying her that marquise cut diamond with the Tiffany replica rings your dream can come true without waiting for your retirement to get a lump sum on your pension.

It's your daughter's 18th birthday and you'd give anything to buy her some jewels to match her elegance now that she has become a lady. With Tiffany replica rings, it is never a burden financially to buy one or a set. Your gift will not only let her beauty shine on the night of her birthday but it will adorn her for many years to come, because Tiffany replica rings are made of genuine .925 sterling silver it will last a lifetime. Who said dreams can't be bought?

Tiffany replica rings are stunning and affordable. It is meant to last a lifetime. It will always be the perfect gift for your loved ones. Visit http://www.overstocksilver.com/sterling-silver-rings.html and make your special dreams come true.

Nowadays, the diamond jewellery lovers have more choices when it comes to selecting diamonds for themselves or other near and dear ones. The market is flooded with many types of diamonds. They are available in various colours, sizes and shapes. Most popular colours in diamond include deep blue, rich reds, yellows, greens and many more. Right from ancient times in India, the diamond jewellery is highly adored and admired.

It is the undeniable fact that diamonds offer a great element of emotional and sentimental feelings. They are equally liked by both men and women. The diamonds are considered a symbol of love and romance among people. Not only this, but they also increase your confidence and status by giving you a special feeling. People can have a wide range of diamond products, such as diamond rigs, earrings, bracelets, bands, pendants, necklaces and many other products. With the advancement of technology, the consumers can have diamonds combined with gold, ruby, pearls etc. to give an additional touch of style and elegance. These diamonds are perfect option of gifts to especially for couples and love birds. Among diamonds, the most commonly used jewellery is diamond rings. They are available in varied sizes, shapes and colours.

They are almost cherished by all women and are considered great gift. There is a wide range of rings in the market like colour stone rings, daily wear rings, engagement ring, wedding rings, fashion rings, religious rings, heart rings, men's rings, pressure set rings, anniversary rings and so on. Diamond rings look dazzling and impressive. They are status symbol in the society and carry great esteem in the society. More interestingly, these rings are studded with gold, pearls, precious stones, ruby and so on.

So, if you are looking for rings, these rings would be perfect choices for you. When talking about diamond pendants, they are very beautiful and come with varied colours, designs, sizes and shapes. The wide range of these pendants include lighting pendent, Ganesh pendants, heart pendants, Navratran pendants and many other pendants. Further, these pendants also come studded with ruby, gold, precious stones and so on. So, if you are looking for jewellery and love the sparkle and elegance, go for highly acclaimed diamond Jewellery and stand with high class people with your head held high with pride. These diamonds are available from various online shopping portals at affordable prices.

The author is a specialist in retail writing. Her writing skills reflect the outcome of years of exposure to the retail industry. Working with retail giants as a consultant has enriched her knowledge base and her passion for writing got fire. She can be read regularly on RetailsDirect.com.
Diamond Rings

During over one hundred years of watch making history, the name Rolex has become synonymous with craftsmanship and style. Rolex is probably one of them most recognizable brand names in history and is well known throughout the world. These watches are among some of most popular and sought after watches, prized by prince and pauper alike.

As a result of this enormous cultural popularity, the Rolex name has long been the target of those seeking to capitalize on this famous brand by flooding the world market with a seemingly endless supply of cheap knockoffs and outright fakes which can sometimes fool even a savvy watch buyer. More than just a cottage industry, copies of the genuine article can be found in great abundance.

Unlike many manufacturers of fine Swiss timepieces, Rolex got its start in England, with founder Hans Wildorf setting up his first operation in London in the year nineteen and five. Wildorf emigrated from his birthplace of Bavaria in Germany and was orphaned at a young age. Almost from the start he focused on producing fine quality wrist watches at a time when watch buyers were being abandoning their more cumbersome pocket watches in favor of the convenience and style of the wrist watch. Like many watch makers of his day, Wildorf purchased movements from more established firms in Switzerland.

Unlike the pocket watch which, as the name implied, fit snugly in ones watch pocket, the wrist watch was more exposed to the elements and to the wear and tear of everyday use. Many early wrist watches had problem with water and dirt intruding into the internal workings causing premature wear and requiring regular cleaning. Wildorf strove to create a watch that was water and dust proof and her succeeded by marketing one of the first watches that featured a waterproof case.

Today, Rolex remains of the finest names in timekeeping the world. Often copied but never duplicated, Rolex is the gold standard in fine watches.

Breitling Watch History

From the mountains of Switzerland, came what is thought to be a watch for the ages, the Breitling. Its been said that since 1915, Breitling has been the choice of aircraft pilots and others who truly appreciate the fine craftsmanship that this brand of watches is known for.

As makers of the first chronographic timepieces, Breitling watches have been carried by pilots, astronauts, yachtsman and divers. Founded in 1884 by twenty four year old Leon Breitling, the company has been in the family for successive generations and continues to make what many people consider to be one of the finest chronographic timepieces in the world. They have a reputation for being rugged and extremely accurate and are popular among members of the military community, including pilots of the United States Air Force.

Built to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the companys founding, one of most popular Breitling models is said to be the Chronomat. The Breitling Company has incorporated design features which were on the leading edge of watch design and utility. One unique design, the Emergency features a micro transmitter that broadcasts an emergency distress signal. Other firsts in chronograph watch design includes the introduction of the first self-winding model.

The company remains a family-owned operation and continues to be a major supplier of precision timepieces with a reliability and style that is unsurpassed. Constant innovations in design and style led to other watch manufacturers attempting to copy the Breitling look. What the imitators can never do is duplicate the precision of the genuine article.

Mitch Endick is a staff writer for the quality online store LumbarSupportRecliner.com. LumbarSupportRecliner.com offers quality recliners by Lane with lumbar support. Visit LumbarSupportRecliner.com today for Lane Big Man & Lumber Support recliners.