Category Archives: Diamond Bracelets

Wedding Planner

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You’ve been dreaming up your wedding details since you were a little girl, now that the big day is fast approaching, make sure everything is picture perfect by working with a wedding coordinator.

With Pinterest’s popularity at an all-time high, do it yourself centerpieces and homemade cakes are crowding the wedding scene. These handcrafted touches can add a great deal of sentiment to your ceremony, but brides often make the mistake of taking on more projects then they could possibly manage. It’s easy to let the busyness detract from the magic of this special season in life, forgetting that the engagement months are a sweet time that should be set apart for making memories with your love that will last forever.

Brides often fall into the trap of attempting to organize every aspect of their wedding day by themselves. What seems like a simple task soon turns into an unmovable mountain. They’ll see a great idea for hand-crafted place cards online and set out to recreate these works of art all alone. The problem is when they’re searching for a venue, building a reception play list and picking bridesmaid dresses at the same time, these “small tasks” become impossible to accomplish. This will only lead to great amounts of stress and frustration. When you enlist the help of a wedding coordinator, he or she will aid  you in scheduling your time so you get to put your own special touches on certain elements of your wedding.

A trend that is rising in popularity is hiring a coordinator for the month before your wedding. This gives you the freedom to make the initial selections on your own, but also gives stability, having a trained professional during crunch time. Wedding coordinators help make decisions easier, presenting you with your options and following up with the bakery or florist, giving you more time to focus on pampering yourself and enjoying your fiancé. Your coordinator will be there on the day of the wedding, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Hiring a wedding coordinator frees you up to add the special touches, in the end giving you a more personalized wedding than if you had done it all alone. You’ll have time to focus on the details, such as picking the perfect jewelry to compliment your gown. It’s important to take the time to select your earrings as well as your necklace or bracelet. Do you love the clean look of stud diamonds, or do you prefer ornamental, statement earrings? Is a delicate necklace the best way to highlight the neckline of your gown? These important details are often overlooked or put off until the last minute, due to the bride’s excessive busyness. Hiring a coordinator will enable you to give attention to the small, but crucial details that will make your day absolutely perfect.

The Oscars Jewelry Fashion

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For some the Oscars and awards shows in general are about who won what, but in recent years the Oscars and other red carpet events have also become about the over the top jewels that have dominated the red carpet. Celebrities and jewelers alike go above and beyond when it comes to selecting a piece that is red carpet worthy. Now, the name of the game becomes who comes wearing the most valuable jewels. Now, security guards guarding the jewels are as common as handbags and mani-cams on the red carpet.

Viola Davis Oscar Choices

For the 2012 Oscars, Viola Davis made a splash with her fashion choices. She chose a dress that made the entire red carpet green with envy. Davis opted for a natural hairstyle that highlighted her green and diamond drop earrings. Her dress was an emerald green mermaid style by Vera Wang that featured a pleated chiffon train. At the end of the day she may not have taken home the statue, but she definitely made one of the biggest statements of the evening.

Jennifer Lopez Chandelier Earrings

There is no doubt that Jennifer Lopez is viewed as a true style icon of her generation. Nowhere is that more evident than when she steps out onto the red carpet. People look to her a symbol of style and grace, and seek to copy her every move. The latest trend that has been sparked by Jenny from the Block is an increased focus on styling the chandelier earring. No one will forget how she highlighted her earring choice with an off the shoulder gown that many described as pure perfection.

Halle Berry Red Diamond Bracelet 2002

Who can forget the amazing dress that Halle Berry donned for the Oscars in 2002. Berry wore a dark ruby Elie Saab dress with an embroidered net bodice and full taffeta skirt. To round out her look she chose a red diamond bracelet that mimicked the color of her dress. The overall look is still mentioned today anytime someone recaps the best of red carpet style.

The Facts behind the Colored Diamond

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For as long as can be remembered the tell tale sign of the perfect diamond was flawless color, or to be precise, the lack there of. However, with the recent changes in the trends in fashion came the emergence of a new trend in diamonds: the emergence of the colored diamond as a must have.  Often referred to as fancy colored diamonds, colored diamonds are now available in a variety of shades and tones depending on you personal style preference.

What Causes Colors in Diamonds?

Diamonds are found in nature in a variety of colors. Those colors include yellow, blue, pink, red, black, orange, green, and brown. The impurities or structural defects in the diamond during formation determine the color and intensity of the stone.

Pink and Red Diamonds

The Moussaieff Red Diamond

The Moussaieff Red Diamond

The rarest naturally colored diamonds are pink diamonds. Naturally occurring pink diamonds are so rare that many jewelers will actually never see one. In fact their rarity puts them in the category of some of the most expensive diamonds on the market today. The red diamond is among the rarest jewels on earth. The jewels are so rare in fact that there is very little information known about their formation or the variety of shades available for them. The most famous red diamond is the Moussaieff Red Diamond that was found in the mid 1990’s.

Blue Diamonds

The hope diamond

Blue diamonds are formed when traces of boron are present during the creation process. The most famous of all the blue diamonds is the Hope Diamond which is an astounding 45.52 carats. Though there are a variety of blue diamond shades ranging from a very pale blue to a deep navy, the most commonly found diamonds are aquamarines.

Black Diamonds

 

Barkev’s Black Diamond Engagement Ring

Naturally occurring diamonds are a result of multiple inclusions in the stone usually caused by graphite. The dark inclusions in the graphite typically result in an opaque diamond. The high inclusions also make the stone difficult to cut and easy to fracture.

There is now a diamond for everyone no matter what their style preferences are. Whether you choose a naturally occurring stone or the manufactured variety is up to you. With all the advancements in technology and options there is no limit to the amount of diamonds that you collect and you have the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision.

The Amethyst February Birthstone

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Every month has a stone that symbolizes all of the birthdays that will be celebrated between the days one and thirty-one on the calendar. The birthstone dates back to the bible and the breastplate of Aaron, the brother of Moses. His breastplate housed four rows of precious stones which symbolized the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the Zodiac. 1912 was the first time that the birthstone standard was made official.

The American National Association of Jewelers created the Modern Birthstone List and it has been the accepted standard ever since. In addition to being the month of love, February is also the month of the amethyst. The dark purple stone is the official birthstone for those born during the month of love. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the amethyst stone would ward off evil powers and provide the wearer with a clear head and a quick wit. In other cultures and in more recent times the deep color purple has also become associated with royalty.

Many of the early royal garments were made in fabric with a deep amethyst color. The deep amethyst color is a mixture of violet and red and can be found in every corner of the world. Historically, though the finest stones came from Russia which is why they were featured in the much of the jewelry designed for European royalty. In recent years, however the primary source for the intense purple stone can be found in Brazil.

Barkev’s White Gold Diamond & Amethyst Pendant 7042NW

If you are looking to find the perfect gift for that special someone who will be celebrating their birthday this month, then look no further than Barkev’s. In the place where every piece is crafted to perfection, you will find the perfect option for anyone in a white gold, diamond and amethyst pendant (#7042nw).  The stunning contemporary Amethyst and diamond slide pendant features an oval amethyst set in a white gold crisscross setting. The channel set gemstone is captured between the white gold pave set diamond bars adorned with a milgrain finish. The result is a spectacular statement of grace and beauty that would become a treasured gift for anyone who received it.

Choosing the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

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Now that New Year is behind us, it is time for all eyes to turn to a new date on the calendar:  February 14th. That’s right; the time has come to begin thinking about Valentine’s Day. There are two special purchases to look for at this time of year. Naturally, your significant other will be on the look out for their token of affection. However, Valentine’s Day is also a great opportunity to select a special memento for Daddy’s little girl.

Barkev’s Diamond Pink Opal Bracelet

Shopping for Your Significant Other

Your first order of business when it comes to shopping for Valentine’s Day is to choose a gift for your significant other. Of course the most obvious choice for her is a ring if you are at that stage in your relationship. If however, that choice is not a viable option as a gift, there are quite a few alternative options. Another great option if you want to show her that you value the relationship, but are not yet ready to present her with a ring than consider a necklace as the perfect alternative to a ring. Look for a necklace that will have a symbolic meaning like a three stone necklace that represents your past, present, and future as a couple. You could also choose a necklace with a heart pendant to show her how you feel.

Shopping for Your Daughter

A father/daughter bond is one of those special relationships that will stand the test of time. It begins at birth and culminates in a walk down the aisle where he will present the apple of his eye to a new man to take care of. Shopping for a Valentine’s Day gift for daddy’s little girl is about selecting a memento that she can always treasure. One great option for a gift for your daughter is a locket that you can choose and then design with a meaningful inscription on it. If a locket is not the option for you, then select a birthstone ring as the perfect gift for your mini-Valentine.

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate with the ones you love. Take the time to select the perfect gift to show them just how special they are.

Colors for Spring

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Fashion is all about creating the perfect look with the marriage of style and color. In order to create the perfect jewelry wardrobe for every season you must shop with color in mind. Each season has certain colors that are the style indicators of the day, and spring 2013 is no different.

Emerald is the Color of the Year

If you only choose one stone to enhance your collection this season then that stone needs to be the emerald. This intensely vibrant stone will be the must have piece of the season and will grace the runways of every major designer.

Barkev’s Emerald Diamond & Blue Topaz Ring

Top 10 Colors of the Season

1.  Grayed Jade: jade will be the new brilliant accessory on the scene in the spring,, find a great necklace and earring combination to pair with your neutral ensembles

2.  Peridot: peridot is a phenomenal choice as your statement ring of choice

3.  Emerald: color of the year

4.  Aquamarine: choose the soft color of aquamarine as a contrasting color with some of the bright spring fashions

Barkev’s Diamond Aquamarine Pendant

5.  Sapphire: the color block trend of black and blue from fall will reemerge in the spring with a white and blue alternative that is perfect for the sapphire

Barkev’s Yellow Sapphire Pendant

6.  Amethyst:  select this deep purple hue in a combination of pieces that can be paired with your monochromatic ensembles using white as your signature color

Barkev’s Amethyst Pendant

7.  Garnet:  choose your shade and then style it with flair

8.  Topaz: the yellow tinted stone can be paired with a beautiful pastel green as a great combination from the color wheel

9.  Rubies: the ruby is the perfect option to find a great dangling earring and bracelet combination

10. Pearls: pair this traditional stone with that little black dress for formal occasions or with a tailored black business suit and channel elegant perfection at the office

The verdict is in and the must have colors have been chosen. Check your collection and make your selection and then rock it your way.

Jewelry of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’s Lisa Vanderpump

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Never to be outdone, reality television starlet Lisa Vanderpump gives us oodles of jewels each week on Bravo’s popular hit The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. With her British accent, tight and stylish dresses, and perfectly coifed hair, she looks like she takes hours of prepping each morning. But it’s really her jewelry collection that has everyone jealous. To mirror Vanderpump’s jewelry style, here are a few ways to look more Beverly Hills chic, darling:

Diamonds—As each cast member holds a (fake) diamond in the opener of each episode, these expensive stones represent the upper crest. To truly feel as though you’re part of the Beverly Hills’s upper echelon, you must own loads of diamonds. From thick diamond earrings to long diamond strands, you must be dripping with jewels at any occasion, even if it’s just a child’s birthday party.

Thick necklaces—You’ll notice Vanderpump draws attention to her neckline with big, thick necklaces—the more weight, the better. She always drowns her neckline in diamonds, gold and also varied colored stones. To Vanderpump, accessorizing is even more important than the actual clothes.

Big, dangling earrings—Not only does Vanderpump wear big, clunky necklaces, she almost always pairs them with earrings to match—and not just small earrings, very large ones that command attention. Look for powerful colors, whimsical designs,  and bright stones or diamonds in your earrings to match her bold style.

Cuffs—When you dress up wearing evening attire, Vanderpump sports diamond cuff bracelets. Usually three inches wide or longer, her wrists are never bare when she’s in fancier attire. Look for diamonds on the bracelet or even pearl strands to pair with that little black dress.

Watch—One often neglected part of any woman’s jewelry collection is the watch. Vanderpump will sport watch bands dripping in jewels as well. You can match the bands to your jewelry and make you look very rich, even if you’re not. It’s a quick way to add an element of sophistication to your look.

While we don’t all write a Beverly Hills’s zip code on our addresses, we can sure look like we belong in one of America’s richest cities by adding just a few items to our jewelry collection.

A Push Present For the Future Heir of Your Family

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With the announcement that the royals are expecting the future King or Queen of England, it brings to light the question of what do you get the girl who has everything? William may want to begin the search today so that he can ensure that by the time the heir is set to arrive he has Kate’s push present wrapped and ready to go.

What is a push present you may ask?  Push present is a gift that is traditionally selected by the child’s father to present to their mother on the day of their birth. The tradition gained popularity in England and India and has quickly spread to other countries. This tradition is a great way to show the mother your great appreciation for all that she has endured when bringing the child into the world.

When it comes to selecting a push present, it is important to remember to tailor the gift to the mother’s personal style and taste. One such gift option includes the three stone necklace and earring combination. These items symbolize the past, present, and future of your growing family. They can be selected in the traditional diamond form, or can be purchased in the birthstone of the newest member of your family.

Another great gift option when it comes to selecting a push present is a dressy watch that can be inscribed with a personal message from dad. You may want to choose to select the child’s date of birth or another significant message on the back of the watch. However you choose to celebrate all that she had done for you during this special time in your life, remember that diamonds are forever so will be the love between parent and child.

Every Wardrobe Needs a Statement Piece

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Building your jewelry wardrobe is very similar to building your clothing wardrobe in that every wardrobe needs a piece that will be the showpiece of the jewelry box. That piece is known as your statement piece. The function of the statement piece is to be the anchor of your outfit and an overall conversation starter. Each category of jewelry has its own version of a statement piece, so it’s important to assemble a complete collection.

Pink tourmaline and diamond bar pendant by Barkev’s

Necklaces

For a necklace, the statement piece is about size and proportion. Look for a large piece with intricate detail and striking color. Think about how the necklace will look from across a room. If the piece can be seen at the opposite end of the room, then it qualifies as your statement piece.

antique styled diamond bracelet by Barkev’s

Bracelets

For a bracelet, a statement piece is all about the bling. Look for a large, chunky bracelet that says I have arrived. The bracelet should stand out against any top that you choose, so find one that will perform against any canvas.

unique diamond ring

Rings

For a ring, a statement piece can either be about size or bling. Either of those traits will be a showstopper and call attention to your ring. Look again for intricate detail that will attract attention to your piece.

Layering to Make a Statement

Another creative way to achieve the desired look achieved from that perfect statement piece is to create your own unique design through the use of a layering technique. Both necklaces and bracelets are easy items to layer in order to create a statement piece. When you are shopping for necklaces consider the entire collection before making a purchase. Most collections will have short, medium, and long versions of the same necklace. Even though for the particular outfit you are shopping for you may only want a short necklace, consider buying multiple lengths to use at a layer date in a layered formation. You can also look for ways to layer using pieces that coordinate with the metal in the necklace such as a gold or silver chain. When it comes to using layers to create a statement piece for your bracelet, it is all about stacking appropriately. The key to stacking correctly is about focusing on balance. Select two pieces that will anchor the stack on either side. Stacks can be created in either small or large variations depending on your personal preference. If you want a large version then choose large anchor pieces and then smaller bracelets for the interior for the stack. The opposite is true for the smaller stack.

However you slice it, a statement piece is a must have so hit the store, choose wisely, and style well.

Storage Wars

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For most people their jewelry collection is their pride and joy. Part of protecting one of your largest investments is to ensure that your collection is stored properly while it is waiting for its next wear. If jewelry is stored properly, then it will extend the life of your collection tremendously and provide you with many joyful wears in the days to come.

Full length Jewelry Armoire

The most important factors to consider when choosing the best armoire to purchase for your own personal needs are the amount of jewelry that you own and where you plan to place the armoire in your home. First, evaluate how many pieces of each type of jewelry that you own. There is no need to purchase an armoire that has multiple ring compartments if the majority of your collection consists of earrings and bracelets. Next, consider the amount of space that you have to store your armoire. Ideally, if you can find the space to store your jewelry in a free standing armoire those are the most functional storage units available. Holiday time is the ideal opportunity to search for an armoire. Most retailers have multiple versions available at a reasonable price in order to corner the market on gift giving. The newest trends in the armoire business are to build armoires that are multi-functional. Now, there are full length mirrors that open to reveal a hidden armoire.

Every good jewelry box will have earring pads available for you to store your earrings. It is important to store your earrings in a way that ensures that the posts will not scratch other pieces in your collections. If you run out of earring pads in your box, you can use the pads that come in the earring presentation boxes that any new earring purchases are placed in. The same concept rings true for watch boxes. Most watches come placed around a watch form that is used to hold the shape of the watch. Those forms can be used to help the watch keep its shape in the armoire as well. Next, look for an armoire that has multiple storage compartments. In order to eliminate damaging your jewelry while it is in storage, jewelry should be stored with one piece per compartment. That will alleviate the damage created when the clasps or rough edges come into contact with another piece. Necklaces should be hung separately in order to avoid damage that will occur when chains become entangled. The only necklaces that should not be stored hanging up are pearl necklaces. Pearl necklaces should be stored laying flat in one of the jewelry compartments. Pearls will weigh down the string they are on and over time will cause the string to break. Then, in order to avoid the damage that can be inflicted on your jewelry by pulling it in and out of the armoire on a regular basis, store your most popular pieces at the front of your armoire. If those popular pieces are at the front, then you lower the risk of them brushing against other pieces as they are being taken in and out of the compartments. Finally, clean your jewelry prior to storing them back in the box in order to avoid damage that can be caused by dust while your pieces are in storage.

By following these simple steps to caring for your jewelry collection, you will not only extend the life of your collection, you will increase its value over time as well. Pristine pieces will bring a pretty penny in the end.