Thursday, April 29, 2010
Pearly Starz
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Red-hot diamond on block at Sotheby's Australia
April 01, 2010
The 0.82-carat, fancy purplish-red Argyle diamond is set into a ring and is flanked by a pair of fancy blue diamonds in a round brilliant-cut diamond surround, all mounted in platinum. Its value is estimated at between 700,000 and 1 million Australian dollars (between about $645,065 and $921,556) and will be accompanied by a letter from Argyle Diamonds attesting to its rarity.
Sotheby's said in a media release that despite the notable discovery of the Argyle pink diamond deposits in Western Australia, less than a handful of red diamonds have been discovered, and connoisseurs have long considered red diamonds to be among the most precious and rare of diamonds.
The April 12 sale will offer even more superb examples of colored stones, including a double strand of graduated emerald beads accented with diamond-set rondelles (estimated between $9,676 and $11,519), a sapphire and diamond ring (estimated between $23,034 and $32,248) and an emerald and diamond ring (estimated between $64,497 and $82,907). ...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Mix Emotions
Twilight Eclipse - Sneak Peek at Bella's Ring!
Ready yourselves all of you twilight fans. C'mon, darken the room....Now go to your closet and get out that long dark cloak. ..(Okay, so maybe you should get the cloak first---how else would you ever find it stumbling around with no light?) Got it on? Good. Now light some pillar candles. (Yes pillar--you're not about to do a Calgon bead bath commercial). Safety is important, so make sure they're not being placed next to anything flammable. (Wouldn't want you coming after me with a legal suite). Now stare intently at your computer. Scroll downwards...and watch as it appears...Edward(Robert Pattinson)slips this onto Bella's(Kristen Stewart's) dainty finger in Eclipse. It's said to be Victorian in style in an oval diamond setting dahrlingss...Eat your heart out Morticia.Twilight Saga Eclipse hits theaters on June 30, 2010.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Black Diamonds
Black diamonds are typically enhanced. Black diamonds are genuine diamonds treated with radiation to make their color appear black. Under normal lighting conditions the color enhanced black diamond looks black. However, it is actually very dark green. To observe the very dark green color, a fiber-optic light source can be placed near a thin edge of the diamond (such as the girdle or culet). This allows the light to illuminate some of the interior of the stone. The very dark green color that becomes visible is commonly seen in enhanced black diamonds. The very dark green color that is seen is never seen in natural diamonds. It is a result of radiation treatment.
Famous Black Diamonds
The Black Orloff
The Black Orloff (Orlov) cushion cut diamond (shown left) which still weighs in at a very respectable 67.50 carats. It is reported to have belonged to a nineteenth-century shrine near Pondicherry, India, and to have weighed 195 carats in the rough. Set in a diamond and platinum necklace, the Black Orloff has been widely exhibited. In 1969, the stone was sold for $300,000. It was resold in 1990 at Sothebys for $99,000. Also called the Eye of Brahma Diamond. The diamond is currently owned by Dennis Petimezas, a diamond dealer from Pennsylvania who bought the diamond for an unspecified sum in 2005.
"The Gruosi" Black Diamond
Upon creating amazing black diamond jewelry for his luxury jewelry house de Grisogono, chairman and founder Fawaz Gruosi enjoys a special place in diamond history: he is credited with popularizing the fascination with black diamonds in 1996 - a fascination that continues today.
He also had a rare opportunity - a rare opportunity even for a grand jeweler like himself: he got to name a diamond. Naming a diamond is something reserved only for original buyers of a rough diamond. The de Grisogono founder chose the name "The Gruosi" for the incredible 115.34-carat black diamond. In fact, Fawaz Gruosi has actually been involved in naming two diamonds - the other being the 312.24-carat "The Spirit of Grisogono," also a black diamond with the famous Swiss jeweler Mr. de Grisogono. These two black diamonds are the two largest black diamonds in the world.
sources : generousgems.com,blackdiamonds.co.uk,vialuxe.com
Swarovski latest to fall under silver’s spell
April 23, 2010
In a departure from its predominantly costume jewelry focus, Swarovski is bringing its fashion-forward ethos to the company's first sterling silver jewelry collection, the "Manhattan Collection," unveiled as part of its fall collection.
The collection features a modern chain-link silhouette, with pieces crafted in .925 sterling silver with rhodium plating, and offered at price points ranging from $260 to $320. The designs deploy a black-and-white motif, mixing sterling silver with the brand's black cubic zirconia stones.
The silver collection will be available in early August in Swarovski boutiques, through authorized Swarovski retailers and on the brand's Web site, Swarovski.com. ...
Stuller system gets Kera bead sales rolling
April 23, 2010
The comprehensive Kera Selling System can be purchased for less than $5,000 and is accompanied by full marketing support, including more than 150 total Murano, glass and sterling silver beads; six varieties of bracelet styles and two necklace styles; fashionable packaging; marketing brochures and branded polishing cloths and counter pad. ...
Famous Emeralds
The Gachala Emerald is an uncut 5-cm emerald crystal weighing 858 carats (172 g). The stone was found in 1967 at Vega de San Juan mine in Colombia and is named after the mining district where it was discovered. Now in the United States, it was donated to the Smithsonian Institution by the New York jeweler, Harry Winston.
Chalk Emerald (origin: Colombia)
The Chalk Emerald is a 37.82 carats (7.56 g) Colombian emerald.
It originally weighed 38.40 carats (7.68 g), but was recut and set in a ring, where it is surrounded by sixty pear-shaped diamonds (totalling 15 carats (3.0 g), by Harry Winston Inc. The ring is housed in the National Gem and Mineral Collection at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in the United States and was donated to the museum by Mr. and Mrs. O. Roy Chalk in 1972.
Duke of Devonshire Emerald (origin: Colombia)
The Duke of Devonshire Emerald gets its name from the 6th Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish, who according to one version, received the enormous gemstone as a gift from the first emperor of Brazil, Don Pedro I, the son of King John VI of Portugal, but according to a second version purchased the gemstone from the emperor.
The Duke of Devonshire Emerald is a terminated hexagonal-shaped crystal discovered from the mines of Muzo, Santa Fe de Bogota, in Colombia, reputed to be the premier source of the world's finest emeralds. It is an exceptional deep-green emerald, with perfect transparency in certain areas, but heavily flawed in other areas. The emerald that measures 5 cm across the pinacoid also has a height of about 5 cm, and weighs 1,383.95 carats. The emerald had a reputation as the largest and finest uncut emerald in existence.
Mackay Emerald
The stunning 167.97-carat Mackay Emerald was mined in Muzo, Columbia. The largest cut emerald in the National Gem Collection, it is set in an Art Deco diamond and platinum necklace designed by Cartier Inc. In 1931, Clarence H. Mackay presented the necklace as a wedding gift to his wife, Anna Case, a prima donna of the New York Metropolitan Opera from 1909 to 1920. The piece was donated to the Smithsonian Institute by Mrs. Anna Case Mackay in 1984. Source: The National Gem Collection by Jeffrey E. Post.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Have You Ever Heard of A Knee Necklace?
Well Neither had I, up until I came across LitterSF, a unique website offering something excitingly different in fashion jewelry design that peeked my interest. Sister proprietors Mackenzie and Rachael are offering up what they call "Body Decor," which is showcased on various body parts---and I do mean various---elbows, knees....even on heads.
People with body-limb fetishes will probably keep the duo in business forever, but their specialized designs don't stop there. What's also cool is what they can do to enhance your existing shoes. It's quite A-maazing......You can see and purchase more of Litter SF's Designs Here. Oh, and no need to profess your undying gratitude to me for keeping you informed on everything on and poppin' in the jewelry world, that's just what I do peoples, that's just what I do. It's about http://www.Cityrockajewelry.com all day...
0.84 Ct Teal Blue Diamond & 0.42 Ct VS Diamond Ring in 18K W(5012)
1.80 Carat Arielle Diamond 14Kt White Gold Engagement Ring
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Pearl Necklaces
The important factors while determining to choose a pearl necklace are you skin tone, age and your purpose of use. These factors will help you narrow down to a choice much faster. The skin tone is an important factor as it determines the look of the jewellery on you. The pinkish pearls suit the fairer skin tones while the yellowish or the golden ones suit the darker skin tones. Your age also determines the length of the pearl necklace you wish to wear. If you are mid-aged then longer pearl necklaces should be preferred and if you are young then shorter length necklaces should be opted. The young skin should be highlighted by the necklace while the aging skin can be overshadowed by the long elegant pearl necklace.
Pearl suit almost everyone and they need to be decided upon their luster, quality, color, shape and size. The natural pearls are almost difficult to find and the imitation ones wear out easily are cheap. The cultivated pearls are in vogue and are more durable and available in wide variety. The cultured pearls are not fake; they are made by a natural process but are scientifically created to enhance its appeal. The smoothness and the finish of the pearls are also to be noticed carefully, the extremely perfect looking pearl might be a fake one. The smaller sized pearls are to be considered for lengthier necklaces and the larger sized for the shorter length necklaces.
Pearls add elegance when sported by an older women and represents beauty when worn by younger women. You can even make your own designer necklaces if you shop online at popular online shopping based websites. You can find varied styles of designer necklaces that will compliment you. Equal length rounded pearl necklace, ascending size necklace with the centre pearl being the largest in size are some of the evergreen styles of sporting pearl necklaces. If you shop for your pearl necklace online, you can avail varied options and can even get discounts on your purchases.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Diamond Guide
Finding the perfect ring is a matter of knowing what style and make you are looking for and the amount of money you are willing to spend. You will usually have the option of choosing from white gold, yellow gold or platinum however other metals like titanium and palladium are becoming very popular. Gold rings usually come in 9 ct or 18 ct white or yellow material and are perfect as a Valentine's Day gift for that special someone or as an engagement ring for the love of your life.
Many people love gold, while others prefer the rarer platinum or palladium versions. Designer rings are also available. There are a few very impressive online jewellers which allow you to design your own ring. Just search on Google for "design your own ring" and you will find some online jewellers that allow you to choose the style of ring and the stone or stones using online tools to make your selection depending on size, price or quality.
Diamond trilogy rings can be bought at your local jeweller or online from a variety of online jewellery stores which specialize in diamond trilogy rings however there are many advantages of buying online.
One major advantage to shopping online is that your choice is not limited to only the jewels available in the store. Online jewellers usually have a database of jewels from which to choose. Make sure there is some type of quality assurance or seal of approval from an organisation like Safebuy, or from an independently recognised jewellery organisation such as the British Jeweller's Association. You should also get recommendations from friends or the media.
Jewelry Art Awards 2009 of Jewelry Artist Magazine
The 2009 Jewelry Arts Awards
Jewelry Artist magazine's annual competition yields 10 outstanding winners
Pins & Brooches
Naomi Sarna
First Place, Pins/Brooches
(Also Best of Competition)
FIRST WAVE
32mm x 23mm. 18K gold, Chinese freshwater pearl, VS diamonds, Montana sapphires, Contra-luz opals, Imperial topaz. Handmade lost-wax gold setting surrounding pegged and epoxy-set pearl. All stones are pave set with bright-cut finishing. Photo: Azad. sarna.naomi@gmail.com, naomisarnadesigns.com
Naomi Sarna
Second Place, Pins/Brooches
JUBILANT HEART. 38.5mm x 43.3 mm. 87.5 carat rose quartz, 18K gold, VS diamonds, Montana sapphire, Impreial topaz, Contra-luz opal. Lost-wax carved and gold-cast setting. Photo: Azad. sarna.naomi@gmail.com, naomisarnadesigns.com
Bracelets
Genevieve Yang
First Place, Bracelets
MOON PHASES CUFF. 2.0" x 2.5" x 1.75". Fine silver, sterling silver edge, and 24K gold. Spray of flush set VS F plus diamonds, Hand fabricated, forged, roller embossed, keumboo, flush setting. Photo: Hap Sakwa. genevieve@genevieveyang.com, www.genevieveyang.com
Alex Maryaskin
Second Place, Bracelets
UNTITLED. 8". 14K yellow gold, Australian opal, and diamonds. Filigree work, scroll work, and spiral and granulation detail. Photo: Ralph Gabriner. 757-596-0481, www.artoffiligree.com
Earrings
Nanz Aalund
First Place, Earrings
NAUTILUS EARRINGS
33mm x 5mm x 26mm each earring. 22K gold and epoxy resin. Corrugated 22K gold is spiraled with epoxy resin cast into the spiral. Fabricated ear clip. Photo: Doug Yaple. nanz@nanzaalund.com, www.nanzaalund.com
Pendants/Necklaces
First Place, Pendants/Necklaces
TWENTY ONE. 3.25" x 3" x 5". 20-gauge Argentium sheet, 3mm Argentium heavy walled tubing, 12-gauge round Argentium wire, 36-gauge 3½% platinum silver wire, 34-gauge 18K yellow gold wire, 7mm 1.51 carat whirlpool cut citrine, 2.5mm round faceted black spinels, 4.5 round white freshwater pearls. Fabrication including sawing and soldering, hand weaving, stone setting and hand polishing, and texturing. Photo: Hap Sakwa. 707-765-6558, www.mariescarpadesigns.com.
Melissa Pedersen
Second Place, Pendants/Necklaces
CELEBRATION SPROUT NECKLACE. 25cm x 15cm x 3cm. Sterling silver, Argentium silver, 3mm fresh water pearls. Hand carved wax, lost wax casting, fused, constructed, and soldered. Photo by the artist. info@melissapedersen.com, www.melissapedersen.com.
Miscellaneous Jewelry
First Place, Miscellaneous Jewelry
BROKEN CIRCLE. 17" and 10mm. Sterling silver, 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold plate, 13mm faceted triangular black spinel, 2.0mm black diamonds, and 2mm colorless diamonds. Black rubber neoprene. Carved, cast, fabricated, flush set and tension set. Photo: Hap Sakwa. 760-322-2883, www.JeffreyAppling.com.
Robin Antonsen
Second Place, Miscellaneous Jewelry
OBJECT. 6". Sterling silver hair pin. Constructed, rolling mill, hydraulic press, and patina. Photo by the artist. brightshadow@cheerful.com.
Rings
First Place, Rings
SURFER RINGS. 15mm x 21mm x 29mm. Silver and copper with paint pigment cross-linked into the upper metal molecules, 2mm diamonds, 7.5mm freshwater cultured pearls. Carved, cast, tension set, flush set, baked. Photo: Hap Sakwa. 760-322-2883, www.JeffreyAppling.com.
L. Sue Szabo
Second Place, Rings
SWAY. 1.5" L x 0.375" W 1" D. Sterling silver, 4 carat pink sapphires, 0.33 carat burmese ruby. Hand fabricated, tube settings for gems. Photo: Ericka Crissman/Wired Images. www.lsueszabo.com
For information on entering your jewelry in the next competition, click here!
source : jewelryartistmagazine.com
Thursday, April 15, 2010
14Kt White Gold Anniversary Band
14Kt White gold anniversary band. The ring holds 5 round brilliant cut diamonds, each measures 2.4 mm. The diamonds are approximately 0.25 ct tw, VS1-2 in clarity, very clean and G-H in color, near colorless to colorless. The diamonds are set with three prongs. The band is about 3.0 mm wide and comfort fit. The finish is polished.