Monthly Archives: March 2012

Natalie Portman’s antique engagement ring

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Natalie Portman stepped out at the Oscars with two wedding bands to match her uniuqe antique diamond engagement ring.

According to People Magazine, the subtle wedding bands were seen as an announcement of Portman’s marriage to Benjamin Millepied. Portman’s jeweler decided to give her not just one, but two beautiful wedding bands to flank the antique diamond situated in her engagement ring.

To match Portman’s eco-friendly nature, the jeweler used recycled metals and conflict-free diamonds and for Millepied’s, his wedding band is made of recycled platinum.

If you’re in the market for unique diamond engagement ring and are passionate about the environment, you should ask your jeweler to incorporate recycled precious metals and old European cut diamonds in the design of your ring.

Few things to consider when looking into vintage unique engagement rings

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So you’re about to tie the knot with your girlfriend and you don’t think you have enough knowledge when it comes to engagement rings let alone unique vintage engagement rings. In that case it might just be in your best interest to head out to an expert retailer. However, we’ve put together some helpful tips you should take into account before making your decision.

Lets start with the diamond, and frankly speaking size does not matter but all expert jewelers know that the most important factor of the diamond is the sparkle and that sparkle all starts with the cut. This component should not be under looked and before you make this purchase know the diamond cut and remember that the sparkle, cut is the most crucial component because it determines how radiant the diamond is.

Know the return policy from the retailer before making the purchase, sometimes it’s very difficult to spot a flaw when you first purchase the ring, but your fiancée might notice it when she wears it. Try to shop with a retailer that has at least a 30 day return policy.

Last and not least remember when you’re on the prowl for an antique looking engagement ring or a contemporary engagement ring, always remember to think outside of the box and keep that special someone’s passions in mind and make the best possible choice.

Halle Berry’s unique antique engagement ring revealed

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According to Style News, Halle Berry’s ring is hand-crafted yellow-gold setting with engraved sentimental symbols that only Berry can comprehend, as well as two diamond accents on the sides. Perhaps one of the piece’s most alluring features is the emerald center stone. Emeralds are extremely rare and very expensive. The jeweler, who was commissioned by Martinez in Paris, ordered the ring’s 4-carat emerald from an old mine in Muzo, Colombia. The design was actually inspired by ancient Phoenician tradition, which was blended perfectly with contemporary fashions.

Hollywood is leading the way a lot of celebrities are know choosing antique inspired engagement rings and if If you’re shopping around for antique engagement rings, you should research a particular style and create a design that’s truly unique.

Queen Elizabeth’s Legendary Jewelry

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Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her 60th anniversary on England’s throne. In honor of the occasion, we look at several awe-inspiring jewelry pieces from the queen’s legendary jewelry collection.

Aquamarine Necklace and Earrings

Queen Elizabeth II received this beautiful aquamarine and diamond platinum necklace from the people of Brazil.

During her coronation in 1952, the Brazilian president gave 25-year-old Queen Elizabeth II an oversized aquamarine necklace and matching earrings as a gift from the people of Brazil. The necklace features 9 oversized, square-cut aquamarines surrounded by diamonds and set in platinum. The matching earrings also features aquamarines set in diamonds and platinum.

Royal Engagement Ring

Queen Elizabeth II’s royal engagement ring was given to her by Prince Philip in 1947. The ring’s diamond stones were once set in a tiara that belonged to Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Andrew of Greece. Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum engagement ring features a large square center diamond flanked by smaller diamonds.

Tiaras Galore

The Vladimir Tiara includes 15 breathtaking emeralds.

You cannot be a queen without a gorgeous tiara, and Queen Elizabeth II has a staggering collection of stunning headpieces. The Vladimir Tiara is reportedly Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite. Originally made for the Grand Duchess of Vladimir, the aunt of Russian Tsar Nicholas II, the Vladimir Tiara was smuggled out of Russia during the Revolution of 1921. The Vladimir Tiara was eventually sold to Queen Mary, who had its pearls removed, and modified the headpiece to fit 15 emeralds. Queen Elizabeth II inherited the tiara from Queen Mary in 1953.

Elizabeth Taylor Auction Showcases Stunning Diamonds, Jewelry

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Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor is synonymous with diamonds for many people, as the star’s love of diamonds compelled her to don some of the most breathtaking baubles in the world. The late Taylor’s fine jewelry pieces were recently up for auction at select locations in New York City and London. Her jewelry, along with her art collections and clothing, sold for more than $183 million total. Here is a look at some of the stunning jewels at the auctions:

  • Elizabeth Taylors sparkling 33-carat diamond became her trademark.

  • The famed 33.19-carat Asscher-cut, D-color Krupp diamond ring that actor and former husband Richard Burton gave Taylor sold for $8.8 million. Burton gave the star the Krupp Diamond in 1968, and she wore it regularly since then, making it a trademark style of hers.
  • Taylor’s mesmerizing emerald and diamond jewelry fetched high prices at the auction as well. An emerald and diamond flower brooch sold for $1.3 million, an emerald and diamond Bulgari necklace went for $5.4 million, an emerald and diamond pendant brooch for $5.8 million and an emerald and diamond bracelet for $3.5 million. All were gifts from Burton to Taylor.
  • A diamond tiara of Taylor’s sold for $3.7 million.

Diamond Quotes

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Diamonds have inspired people for centuries, with their one-of-a-kind sparkle, brilliance and beauty. No other gems can compare to the rare beauty and shine of a diamond. Stylish stars from Elizabeth Taylor to Marilyn Monroe have sung the praises of diamonds. Statesmen and philosophers ranging from Henry Kissinger to Confucius have also contemplated the power of diamonds. Here are the best diamond quotes on these glistening gems:

Elizabeth Taylor was a lifelong diamond lover and wore some of the most stunning jewelry.
  •  “I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond!” – Mae West
  • “I never hated a man enough to give him his diamonds back.” – Zsa Zsa Gabor
  • “I have always felt a gift diamond shines so much better than one you buy for yourself!” – Mae West
  • “Big girls need big diamonds.” – Elizabeth Taylor
  • “A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” – Marilyn Monroe, singing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”
  • “A diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure.” – Henry Kissinger
  • “Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” — Confucius

“Whenever I fail as a father or husband… a toy and a diamond always works.” — Shahrukh Khan

Oscars Jewelry

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Natalie Portman's stunning tassel earrings at the 2011 Academy Awards made chandelier earrings all the rage.

Proper placement at the Oscars can be a make-or-break moment for the world’s top jewelry designers. When Hollywood starlets walk the stage and red carpet wearing a stunning piece of designer jewelry, the world gets a glimpse of the year’s best earrings, bracelets, rings and broaches.

Each year, the world’s top jewelry designers lend standout pieces to Hollywood stars attending the Academy Awards. According to the Los Angeles Times, legendary jeweler Harry Winston started the trend by lending several coveted pieces for stars to wear to the 1941 Academy Awards Ceremony. Initially, the jewelry was overlooked in photographs. However, with the growth of media outlets such as print magazines, television and the Internet, and the increasing prestige of the ceremony, the jewelry worn at the annual Academy Awards has gained an audience of accessory lovers across the globe.

In 2011, the tassel earrings worn by Best Actress winner Natalie Portman ranked among the highest selling earrings that year. Portman’s earrings also helped to cement chandelier-style earrings as a top trend.

The Academy Awards is the Super Bowl of fashion night; however, many jewelry designers lend their top pieces for other awards season events, such as the Golden Globes, SAGs, and the Grammys.

Whenever a red carpet is present, you will see spectacular jewelry pieces that will be all the rage that year.

Fashion Week 2012 Jewelry Trends

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Fashion Week showcases the most stunning upcoming styles and designs, and jewelry lovers can catch glimpses of Fall 2012 trends with New York Fashion Week 2012. The week of style madness kicked off February 9, 2012.

Some of the popular jewelry styles gracing the streets of Fashion Week included:

  • Chunky, glamorous necklaces worn under button-up shirt collars, in a style similar to wearing a tie. The glistening neckpieces make a striking contrast with an otherwise business-ish ensemble.
  • Chunky necklaces also complement fall sweaters and jackets, with designs ranging from chokers to thick pendant necklaces.
  • Rich, neutral colors are making a splash at NYC Fashion Week and jewelry with complementing tones such as black, bronze and gold will be popular accessories for fall 2012.

Just as big as the styles gracing the stage is who wears what to the glamorous events. Here is a rundown of standout jewelry among NYC Fashion Week 2012 attendees:

  • Cindy Crawford donned stunning chandelier earrings at a gala to kick off New York Fashion Week 2012.

  • Supermodel Cindy Crawford donned dazzling diamond chandelier earrings at an amfAR kickoff party for New York City Fashion Week 2012.
  • Linda Fargo, fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman, was one of several Fashion Week attendees decked out in a chunky bracelet, as she enjoyed a party celebrating designer Jason Wu’s latest collection.

Budget-Friendly Engagement Rings

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According to tradition, you should spend at least two months’ salary on a diamond engagement ring. Following tradition can be pricey. But if you shop smart, you will find a quality engagement ring that won’t break the bank.

Diamonds

Diamonds inflate the cost of an engagement ring. Colorless diamonds are rare and expensive. Consider purchasing a lower grade white diamond to save money. Colored diamonds are also an option since they are typically cheaper than white diamonds. A yellow, brown, black or pink diamond also offers unique style.

Smaller carat sizes are cheaper. Jewelers charge more for a 1.0-carat ring than a 0.9 -carat ring. So if you want to buy a 4.0-carat ring, for instance, purchase a 3.9-carat ring instead. You will save money, and the difference in size will probably go unnoticed.

Bands

Precious metal bands increase the cost of an engagement ring. Platinum bands are stunning, but come with a hefty price tag. If you want the platinum look for a cheaper price, purchase a 14K or 18K white gold ring instead.

Heirloom Rings

Antique and family heirloom rings are budget-friendly options. Since the rings have been passed down from several generations, they have storied histories and sentimental value. Have the ring inspected by a licensed jeweler to ensure that it is in good condition.

Chandelier Earrings

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Chandelier and drop earrings were all the rage in 2012. As award season kicks into full gear, a who’s who of Hollywood A-listers is embracing the trend.  From geometric shapes studded with precious gem stones to flowing tassels, there are dozens of designs to suit a variety of tastes.

Color Splash

Chandelier earrings were on full display at the 2012 Golden Globes.  Hollywood stars showcased the myriad of ways chandelier earrings can add a pop of color to an outfit. Actress Julianna Margulies dazzled the red carpet with dangling jade earrings that sat perfectly above her shoulders. The earrings provided a striking contrast to her form-fitting, purple gown. Powerhouse star Julianne Moore stood out with emerald, tassel drop earrings, while actress Kathleen Robertson looked absolutely radiant in turquoise, diamond, and platinum chandelier earrings.

Sofia Vergara donned amethyst and ruby chandelier earrings for the 2012 SAG Awards.

Colombian beauty Sofia Vergara, radiated on the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAGs) red carpet in eye-catching, amethyst and ruby chandelier earrings.

Timeless Style

"The Help" star Octavia Spencer wore Victorian-style chandelier earrings at the SAGs.

Antique and classic style chandelier earrings add timeless elegance to any look. Octavia Spencer, star of “The Help,” turned heads at the 2012 SAGs with Victorian-style, leaf-like chandelier earrings. Academy Award-winner Natalie Portman maintained her classic style at the 2012 SAGs with a simple yet stunning pair of ruby and diamond drop earrings.