Surrounded by tight security and watched by baffled US servicemen the tourists from Ditchling Cricket Club were beaten by 124 runs over 25 overs.

Ditchling’s unlikely journey to Kabul began three years ago with an Afghan cricket tour of the UK.

A chance meeting between a Ditchling player and an Afghan official prompted an open invitation to play the village side.

The offer was taken up when another fixture against a Sussex 2nd XI fell through and 300 villagers turned up to watch the Afghans play on the village pitch.

Six months ago, the idea of a return match was raised and with the aid of village sponsors and support from Afghan businesses, the Kabul Cup was born. For security reasons, we were sworn to secrecy whilst making the trophy – a large rose bowl hammered in our classic style.

The team captain, Jamie Theakston, the former Blue Peter presenter turned radio presenter who lives in the village, said it “seemed fair” to let the Afghans win on their home ground.

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4 Cs Of Diamonds

Various characteristics of diamonds are graded and categorized by the diamond industry. Learning about diamonds is first learning about the “four Cs” of diamonds which are considered the most important grades and categories:

• Cut
• Clarity
• Color
• Carat weight

These are the criteria jewellers use when grading diamonds, and they’re the ones you’ll need to understand to buy the right diamond for you.

Cut

Cut is sometimes considered the most important, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. However in my experience, 99% of cuts are very good and then it is a matter of taste & trust : if it looks good, it is good!

Clarity

Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced. Again though, in my opinion, a flawless diamond is so much more than a very clear one, it is often not worth the extra. Go for a VVS…as we usually do.

Colour

Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. All our diamonds are G or better and this negates any problems here.

Carat Weight

A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentionally to its size. Around ½ carat is the best deal.

The Fifth C: Certificates

The diamond certificate, which is sometimes called a grading report, is a complete evaluation of your diamond that has been performed by a qualified professional with the help of special gemological instruments. Each stone bears its own recognizable, individual characteristics, which is listed on the certificate. These are not often issued on less than one carat stones because they cost about fifty quid. A jeweller can list the deatails on the receipt and it is almost as accurate a safeguard as a certificate.

He looks shifty and nervous, though well dressed, and is about to embark on one of the most terrifying and exciting journeys of his life.

“That ring in the window…….”

I can spot this particular species a mile off:

They are the fiancée-to-be; the about to be hitched-or-ditched, and they know nothing about jewellery let alone diamonds.

It is very important to be not just an experienced jeweller, but human.

The technical know-how really helps. Consider some of these points before your visit.

What metal? Most commonly your engagement ring will be platinum, white or yellow gold.  For an idea of what your prospective fiancé will like, take a look at her existing jewellery.Then there is the carat: Platinum is almost always 95% pure (which equals a hallmark of 950) so no complexity there. Gold can be 9, 14 ,18 or 22ct but engagement rings are commonly 18ct (equivalent of 75% pure of hallmarked 750). This is for reasons of practicality and colour. White gold is grey and often rhodium plated. This can present problems. More on this later.

The diamond 4 C’s – cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. This might not mean much to you but don’t worry. If you can tease out any information from her about the shape of diamond she likes or a design she has seen that she likes then this will be a good start. Try looking in some shop windows next time you are shopping with her. As a rule however, think what you like – it is this passion that she loves about you. We’ll talk you through the rest of it. I’m writing a guide to the 4 C’s  which will be on our blog shortly.

Size? This is easy to get wrong and without the actual finger difficult to guess. However buying directly from the makers like us ensures that re-sizing is no problem.

Budget? You need to have an idea about how much you can afford. The theory about it costing two months salary is simply the result of a marketing campaign from 1947! If you have done your sums then come and discuss it with Pruden & Smiths designers. We’ll ensure you get the best possible ring for your budget.

Most importantly, know that you can come and get all this advice direct from us. Knowing that you, or both of you can come back and talk to the maker of your precious symbol of love is priceless. Re-sizing; re-making or indeed, on a few occasions, re-funding (poor chap) is, for us, part of the delightful experience of our job.

In my next blog….How to be an expert in diamonds in one quick lesson.

Quick Links: further guidance on buying an engagement ring

How to buy an engagement ring: video article

]]> http://prudenandsmith.wordpress.com/2008/09/25/fiancee-to-bea-man-walks-into-a-jewellery-shop/feed/ 0 prudenandsmith http://prudenandsmith.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/goldsmiths-fair-september-30th-october-5th/ http://prudenandsmith.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/goldsmiths-fair-september-30th-october-5th/#comments Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:25:56 +0000 prudenandsmith http://prudenandsmith.wordpress.com/?p=42 ]]> Pruden & Smith are showcasing their exclusive range of contemporay jewellery and silverware at the Goldsmiths’ Fair, September 30th – October 5th 2008. We are inviting all our customers and friends to join us at this showcase event.

Goldsmiths' Fair Sept 30th - Oct 5th

Contemporary and stylish

This annual sale is a treasure trove of stunning jewellery, original silverware and precious objects. 180 leading designer-makers converge on Goldsmiths’ Hall to present their latest collections in what is the largest and most inspirational show of its kind in Europe.

Meet the Pruden & Smith designers

Goldsmiths’ Fair offers something for everyone with items starting from £60. Moreover, it provides the rare opportunity to meet the designer-makers themselves and discuss their work. Please visit the Who’s Who in Gold and Silver where we and many of the exhibitors have portfolios.

Venue: Goldsmiths’ Hall Foster Lane London EC2V 6BN Tel: 020 7606 7010

Opening times: Mon to Fri 11am to 7pm, Sat and Sun 10am to 6pm

Admission: by catalogue purchasable on door: one week £6, two weeks £10.

Transport: Underground: St Paul’s, Mansion House, Barbican Buses: Routes 8, 11, 25, 100, 242, 501

We will be also feature for our regular customers and friends updates about our role in the local community where we have been trading for the last 20 years. Enjoy our blog and please feel free to contact us.