Category Archives: Diamond Necklaces

Wedding Planner

Posted on by

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 Facts behind the Colored Diamond

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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 a Necklace for your Neckline

Posted on by

A great necklace can make or break your entire outfit. The jewelry that you choose will differentiate you from the crowd when it comes to style. Not every piece, however, is meant to be worn with every outfit. You may have heard it said before that the entire look needs to be crafted to look like it is all going to the same party.

As you are creating your ultimate evening look, before you hit the door, stop long enough to give your outfit the once over and take the neckline test. One of the biggest factors that determine whether or not you are making the proper selection for your total package is the neckline of the outfit that you have chosen to wear. Each neckline has a specific set of necklaces that look best with it and if you follow that guide then there is almost no way to get it wrong.

Diamond PendantFirst, we look at the perfect options to pair with your v-neck top. The number one fashion mistake that people make when they are styling their v-neck is to choose an alternate shape. Do not try to style a v-neck with a round necklace. That combination looks off from the get go. Look for a necklace like a pendant that will fall simply into the “v” of the neckline.

If your outfit is strapless, then the perfect option is a chocker necklace that will add interest and draw the eyes upwards to the face. If you choose to wear a halter top, then your best option for jewelry is to not wear a necklace at all. Any necklace paired with your halter top will compete with the garment itself.

If your outfit has a boat neckline, then the most important thing to remember is to choose a necklace that is longer rather than shorter.A short necklace will compete with the neckline and throw off the balance of the entire look. Finally, if you have tops with a draped neckline then dainty is the way to go. Anything too long will fall into the drape and be lost in the process.

The neckline of your outfit is the largest factor in choosing the best necklace for your ensemble. Pair carefully and style well.

Choosing the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.

Kim Kardashian Jewelry Looks

Posted on by

The ubiquitous Kim Kardashian certainly is known for her style. With long, shiny locks, trendy and tight outfits, and fashion-forward jewelry, Kim is edgy and stylish all at the same time. While rarely going for classic looks, Kim stays on the threshold of fashion—which also goes the same for the jewelry she sports. If you’d like to copy her looks, here are a few tips:

Match your necklace to your earrings. Kim follows the current trend of thick, chunky necklaces that match the old Egyptian style of jewelry. She also pairs it with dangling earrings. You can copy this look by finding similar necklaces or pairing many together. You can match loads of gold and diamond necklaces at once to mirror this style. Then find matching earrings that are also thick and long. It’s a lot of jewelry to wear at once, but it’s very popular at the moment.

Wear lots of hoop earrings. Hoop earrings pair well with hair pulled back into a chic pony tail or bun. This works well for both casual and more formal occasions. It also matches well with turtlenecks and strapless dresses and gowns. They draw attention to your face, so just like Kim always does, make sure your cosmetics are flawless. Hoop earrings do wonders to keep a guy’s attention.

Wear lots of bracelets. This works well for more formal occasions. Kim follows the current trend of wearing several mis-matched bracelets at once. Look for ones with a lot of sparkle—this makes you look like you’re a woman of sophistication. Pair bracelets of various sizes, but keep them in the same color palette. This is good for bracelets with diamonds, just a small amount of color (black and white work best), and neutral tones.

Kim usually goes over the top with her jewelry choices, but that keeps the paparazzi flashing their bulbs in her direction. So if you want the same type of attention, just follow the tips above and you’ll have others salivate over your style.

Choosing Jewelry for Your Skin Tone

Posted on by

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and when it comes to selecting beautiful pieces of jewelry, that beauty can sometimes be determined based on the skin tone of the beholder. Skin tone impacts your jewelry choices in much the same way that it impacts your choices in fashion. The color of pieces is often altered based on the skin tone of the person wearing it, so it is not enough to find the piece that you think your loved one will like. You must also take into consideration what will look best with their skin tone as well.

Warm vs Cool Skin Tones

Skin tones typically fall into two categories: warm and cool. The first step in determining which pieces will look best is to identify whether you are a warm or cool skin tone. People with a warm skin tone often have a gold undertone whenever they look in the mirror. More often than not if you have a warm skin tone then you tan easily and have a higher resistance to sunburns. Your eyes are typically brown or hazel and your natural hair color will have a hint or red or strawberry blonde in it. On the other hand, cool skin tones have a rosy appearance in the mirror and are extremely susceptible to sunburns. Your hair color is usually blonde, black or brown and your eye color is either a brilliant blue or grey.

Barkev’s White Gold Green Tourmaline Pendant

Perfect Options for Every Skin Tone

Once you have identified what skin tone category that you or your loved one fall into, the real fun begins. It’s time to start jewelry shopping. If you have a warm skin tone your best metal options are yellow gold or copper. Those metals will appear more vibrant against the yellow undertone of your skin. Choose large necklaces that will serve as your go to statement pieces for both casual and dressy occasions. As far as gemstones are concerned, if you have a warm skin tone then opt for earth tones like green or shades of turquoise. Look for bright earth tone necklaces and rings like a square cut emerald or garnet with a diamond cluster surrounding it. If on the other you have a cool skin tone your best metal options are silver and platinum. The gemstones that look the best on people with cool skin tones are soft colors such as pink and purple. Amethyst stones are a beautiful choice for those with a cool skin tone.

Amethyst Pendant

Jewelry choices are a reflection of your own personal self expression. Although it is important to focus on choosing the options that will compliment you and your skin tone, the most essential factor in your selection is that you find the piece a stunning option. Part of pulling together the most effective look is to believe in yourself and rock your look with confidence and ease.

A Push Present For the Future Heir of Your Family

Posted on by

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.