Monthly Archives: January 2012

A diamond heart pendant is a beautiful way to say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Jewelry Offers Tokens of Lasting Love

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate romance, passion and love. What better way to woo your lover than with a beautiful piece of Valentine’s Day jewelry? Here is a rundown of some of the most popular Valentine’s Day jewelry options:

Pendants

A heart pendant is a fitting way to say “I love you” to your special someone on Valentine’s Day. You can go all out with a diamond-studded pendant or stick to a more casual look with all sterling silver or 14-karat gold. Also, consider buying a necklace with rubies, whose radiant red will remind your lover of your romantic connection.

Rings

Rings are a classic way to demonstrate your love, and they offer endless options. Valentine’s rings may include pink diamonds, rubies, white diamonds or other gems. Sometimes Valentine’s Day rings have heart-shaped stones or metal to commemorate the romantic holiday. If cash is not a concern for you, consider getting a rare red diamond ring, which symbolizes passion and class. A brilliant flame-colored diamond is sure to capture your love’s heart.

Bracelets

Valentine’s bracelets come in many styles, with charm bracelets and chain bracelets being popular choices. When shopping for a bracelet, consider the intensity of your relationship, as well as your lover’s style and preferences. Diamonds are perfect for lovers and charm bracelets or beaded bracelets are great for more casual relationships. Men can wear jewelry too, and leather bracelets are a nice gift option for the man in your life.

 

Diamond mines in South Africa opened up more opportunities for diamond use

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Diamond History

Diamonds, the world’s most valuable stones, have a long and interesting history, as they’ve inspired countless theories, practices and styles throughout the centuries.

The story of diamonds dates back to ancient times. There are records of diamonds used in India 3,000 years ago. During those times, diamonds were valued for refracting light and were also used to ward off evil spirits and protect the home. The earliest known reference to a diamond is dated from 320-296 BCE in a Sanskrit manuscript from an Indian dynasty.

Evidence suggests that diamonds began appearing in Europe in small numbers in the 13th century. Before the Middle Ages, diamonds were believed to have healing properties. Diamonds surged in popularity during the Middle Ages, as people began to see them more as valuable jewels.

Louis IX of France established a law reserving diamonds for the king in the 13th Century. The king set a trend that many royals followed, and within 100 years, diamonds appeared in a variety of men’s and women’s royal jewelry.

In 1867, diamonds were discovered in South Africa, which forever changed the diamond’s role in history. Large amounts of diamonds were mined in South Africa, which allowed people all over the world to purchase diamonds; they were no longer reserved for royalty or the extremely wealthy.

Today most diamonds come from mines in Australia, Botswana, Russia, the Democratic Republic of the and South Africa.

Make sure any diamond you buy has a certificate. Examine the certificate to get an idea of your diamond’s strengths and weaknesses

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Diamond Prices

If you’re like most people, when you’re shopping for a diamond, price is a concern. Diamond prices can be steep, with opulent diamond rings easily surpassing the $100,000 mark. The process of determining the price of a diamond is a complicated one, and knowing what factors affect the price can help you find the best diamond for your price range and also prevent you from paying too much.

The Four Cs

Every diamond is unique, and many factors influence a diamond’s price. The Four C’s play a role in determining a diamond’s value. The Four C’s include diamond cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Diamonds generally cost more when they have a higher carat amount. Diamonds with a high degree of clarity – or few to no inclusions or flaws – are also more expensive. Diamonds that have the best cuts show off more sparkle. There are many types of cuts and a cut that makes one diamond shine may not do as much for another diamond, so there is no set description of the best cuts. Color is important. For white diamonds, the clearest stones are the most valued. For fancy diamonds, the most intense colors are desirable.

Certificate

A diamond certificate, or grading report, is important in helping determine a diamond’s cost. The report is performed by an independent gemologist and will include a detailed analysis of the diamond, including individual marks and identifying characteristics. A certificate allows you to see an unbiased description of the diamond and can help you determine if the price is fair.

 

Gemstone Guide

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Gemstones add enticing splashes of color to jewelry, from classic birthstone rings to diamond-studded earrings. Whether you want to celebrate your birth month or add brilliant colors to your fine jewelry, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here is a rundown of birthstone gems and what they symbolize:

  • January – Garnets come in a wide range of colors, from pale orange to deep red. They symbolize faith, constancy and truth.
  • February – Amethyst is the most valuable crystal in the quartz family. It symbolizes intelligence, success and good judgment.
  • March – Aquamarine has a stunning turquoise color and is often linked with happiness and everlasting youth.
  • April – Diamonds are the most valuable gemstone and come in a rainbow of colors, with sparkling transparent being the most common. Diamonds symbolize power, success, friends and lasting youth.
  • May – Emeralds are a rich green and are often associated with healing, faith and kindness.
  • June – Pearls are not stones but are taken from substances in the sea. Wealth, love and purity are often linked with pearls.
  • July – Rubies are a rich red color and are symbolic of peace and health.
  • August – Peridots are bright olive green and symbolize purity and kindness.
  • September – Sapphires are a deep blue. They’re said to ward off evil and bring good fortune.
  • October – Opals include a mix of many colors. They symbolize purity and clairvoyance.
  • November – Topaz is a yellowish hue and denotes courage and intellect.
  • December – Tanzanite is blue-purple. It brings sophistication and self-confidence.

A brooch that belonged to Marjorie Merriweather Post

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Traveling to see the world’s finest jewelry collections is a great way to view world-renowned pieces during your vacation. Whether you are in Paris or Boston, there are several museums with jewelry collections that will educate, entertain and inspire the traveling jewelry lover.

For nearly two centuries, The Louvre in Paris, France, has housed an impressive collection ranging from crown jewels to bracelets. Collection highlights include “Bracelets of Duchess of Angouleme,” a 19th century pair of bracelets with 24 rubies, 451 diamonds and 60-dutch rose cut diamonds, and the 140.64-carat “Regent Diamond,” which was originally discovered in India in 1698. The Empress Marie-Louise’s necklace and earrings are also on display. The pieces were a gift from her husband Napoleon on their wedding day.

In 2011, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston opened the country’s first gallery solely dedicated to jewelry. The 11,000 piece collection includes a Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace that was gift from Samuel Colt to his with Elizabeth on their wedding day, a 19th century “Tiger Claw Necklace” from India, a suite of gold and silver pieces that belonged to Mary Todd Lincoln and a 1920’s brooch from the collection of cereal heiress Marjorie Meriwether Post.

The World Jewelry Museum is one of the top cultural attractions in Seoul, Korea. The collection was acquired over 30 years and over 3,000 pieces. Museum attractions include a 50 million year-old “Amber Wall,” a necklace hall, and extensive gemstone, bed and ivory collections.

Celebs Flaunt Upcoming Jewelry Trends

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Anne Hathaway Jewelry

Keeping abreast of the latest jewelry trends is easier than ever. Celebrities live high-profile lives, making them the perfect advertisements for jewelers. Movie premiers, award shows, and fashion weeks provide the backdrop for the latest designs to be introduced to the masses. These star-studded events give previews for the season’s latest trends.

Movie premiers are a hotbed for jewelry. Hollywood starlets walk down the red carpet several times a year and are on display for paparazzi across the globe. Jewelry designers use this platform to show off their latest designs to create buzz. With so many premiers each year, there are multiple opportunities to see necklaces, bangles, earrings and rings in fashion magazines, blogs and on entertainment television shows.

Awards season is known for the glamorous gowns worn on the red carpet by A-list celebrities. But the jewelry at these events is often more stunning than the dresses. The annual Academy Awards ceremony is the highest-rated award show each year, and it is a must-see event for jewelry lovers. Each year, millions of fashion lovers tune in to catch glimpses of the latest contemporary and vintage designs, colored gem stones, sets and cuts that will define the season.

The runways of fashion week are another hotbed for trend-setting designs. The models are fitted with eye-catching jewelry pieces to complement couture outfits. Runway-side celebrities also wear the latest pieces, which shimmer for the paparazzi in attendance.

Types of Antique Engagement Rings

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Art Deco Engagement Ring

Antique engagement rings offer one-of-a-kind designs from bygone eras and come in a wide range of styles. Celebs including Milla Jovovich, Natalie Portman and Emily Blunt have donned antique engagement rings.

Engagement rings are classified as antique if they are at least 50 years old. If you’re searching for an antique engagement ring, it helps to know your choices. There are a variety of rings to choose from, with different styles from different eras. Here is a basic breakdown of antique ring types:

Victorian Antique Rings

Victorian engagement rings date back to the years between 1835 and 1900. Victorian rings feature elegant designs, some of them very intricate. The diamond rings from this era often included pearls, which were popular at the time.

Edwardian Rings

Edwardian engagement rings hail from 1900 to 1920. Edwardian rings feature ornate designs and often had platinum settings. Rose-cut diamonds and sapphires were popular at the time and often paired together.

Art Deco Rings

Art deco rings hark back to the roaring ’20s, from 1920 to 1930. Rings from this era often include simple, geometric shapes and brilliant hues of gemstones. Emeralds, rubies and sapphires were especially popular in this period. Art deco rings were influenced by a mosaic of movements, including Cubism, King Tut and the Paris Exposition.

Tips for Designing a Custom Engagement Ring

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Finding the perfect engagement ring to symbolize the depths of your love can be a daunting task. Even though there are endless diamond ring designs to choose from, you may not find The One. Or you may find the right general design but the ring needs to be tweaked or re-sized. Here are some tips to help you get your ring in top shape for a lasting commitment to the love of your life:

Seek inspiration. If you don’t already know what you want, shop around at diamond stores and online to get ideas. You also may want to consider antique jewelry. If you have any antique rings in your family, get design ideas or see if you can get an antique ring updated to include a new diamond or new settings.

Find the right jeweler. Don’t leave the outcome of your ring design in the hands of just anyone – take your time finding a highly skilled jeweler backed by a solid history in the diamond business. Ask to see your jeweler’s portfolio to get an idea of what he or she is capable of doing. Look for a designer whose work you admire. You also want to check a jeweler’s credentials. And make sure your jeweler is a good communicator and listens to what you want. Your jeweler should be able to show you a design that lets you know he or she has a good understanding of what you want.

Gold bangle bracelets will be a hit this spring

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Gold Bangle Bracelets

As we head toward spring, we turn our attention to jewelry that represents warmth, beauty and vitality. The jewelry featured at the Spring 2012 New York Fashion week was an impressive mix of bangles, earrings and necklaces in a range of styles. From retro chic, to elegant pieces, there are a number of choices that are fit for fun in the sun.

Gold and platinum bracelets are all the rage for spring 2012. Whether you’re a fan of elegant single-cuff bracelets, or chunky, double-cuff bangles, there are several options that fit the bill. High carat, diamond-encrusted bangles are versatile pieces that complement after five wear, or add a bit of flair to casual attire. The shimmering pieces are the perfect choice for cocktail parties or a night out with the girls.

Oversized necklaces add pop to the neckline. Colorful beads, hanging pendants, and drop stones set in precious metals are bold and brilliant choices that will definitely stand out. If you are really looking for a change of pace, choose a yellow or rose diamond for a fancy touch. Gemstones are also an exquisite choice when coupled with antique finishes.

Ultra long earrings have been trending for the last few years, and they show no sign of letting up. Intricate link styles, chandelier diamonds and colorful feathered tassels will elongate the neckline when you’re wearing a spring dress.

Beyonce, Heidi Klum, Helen Mirren and Christina Hendricks have all dazzled diamond lovers with their jewels at past Golden Globes.

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The 2012 award season revs into high gear with the 69th annual Golden Globes. The ceremony is the largest gathering of A-list film, television and music stars, and is a diamond lover’s favorite due to the one-of-a-kind jewelry on display. As we await the 2012 Golden Globes, let’s take a look back at the most memorable jewelry choices from past years.

Grammy award-winning celebrity powerhouse Beyonce turned heads at the 2009 Golden Globes when she sported several understated diamond pieces. Beyonce’s choice of a diamond-studded choker was a jewelry highlight, as the intricate piece provided the perfect complement for her stunning Elie Saab gown.

Supermodel Heidi Klum set the 2007 Golden Globes on fire with a diamond and platinum choker that featured a detachable heart-shaped locket. The necklace boasted a total of 950 diamonds and had a combined carat weight of 213.74.

The 2011 Golden Globes title for most expensive jewelry went to Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren, who wore a 55.08-carat diamond necklace that cost a whopping $1.7 million. Christina Hendricks, star of the hit TV-series “Mad Men,” also turned heads at the 2011 ceremony. Hendricks wore a platinum-set, 124-carat, pear-cut and fancy-shaped diamond bracelet which stole attention from her curvy figure.