It was hard to tell who was the big winner on Emmy night – the celebrities or their diamonds In celebration of the Primetime Emmy Award's 60th diamond anniversary, there was plenty of bling to mark the occasion – from Heidi Klum's diamond butterfly earrings to the commissioned $10 million Hearts On Fire Diamond Chandelier

The naturally occurring gemstone is a crystalline form of a mineral Desirable for their beauty, gemstones are also loved for their rarity and durability

Jewelry collectors of the world know that often a piece of jewelry's value lies not only its karat worth but also its past – where it came from, how it was acquired and the intrigue it has created through the years These individual pieces, brought together, form prized collections that hold stories of conquest and mystery

Among the oldest human art forms, bead making dates back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, where glass beads were fashioned from clay with a vitreous coating In 1500 B

Imagine a place where gems are so prolific, they are scattered among the sandy bottoms of smooth-flowing streams The beautiful and exotic island of Sri Lanka is just such a place

While it may seem Greek to some, the grandidierite, majorite or painite are just a few of the world's rarest gemstones And while some may be considered costly, others are surprisingly affordable thanks to their general anonymity to the public

The wedding ring – a romantic expression and symbol of fidelity and love – is an important element to today's marriage ceremony Through the centuries, the wedding ring has symbolized many things for couples – and not always the romantic notions we hold today

More than just ornamentation for the body, jewelry has long served as a palette for artistic expression From Bulgari to Cartier to Harry Winston, the world's famous jewelers have created pieces of bejeweled art that have captured the attention of collectors worldwide, as well as the imagination of those who appreciate fine jewelry

A representation of feminine beauty and mystique, the necklace has been an integral part of a woman's decoration and beauty for ages Whether a choker, rosary or chain, the necklace has achieved a timeless appeal

Few purchases in life are meant to actually last a lifetime or beyond Fine jewelry, however, is meant to be worn, enjoyed and treasured for years to come