The Dubai Gold Souk

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Harry

Dubai is a renowned Middle East destination known as the playground for the rich. The desert gem rose to international prominence due to its futuristic architecture, lavish attractions and opulent lifestyle. The United Arab Emirates’ most famous city is also a top destination for jewelry lovers. In fact, Dubai’s legendary jewelry prowess has led to it being dubbed “the City of Gold.”

Dubai’s main trading district for jewelry is the dazzling Dubai Gold Souk, an open-air market nestled along the narrow alleyways of the old Deira area. The marketplace gained notoriety in the 1940s after the government lessened restrictions on free trade. Today, the district is a popular spot for tourists looking to score fine jewelry products at deeply discounted prices.

The Dubai Gold Souk is home to approximately 300 retailers that supply the majority of the Middle East’s jewelry. The district is the second largest distributor of gold bullion in the world. According to industry estimates, 95% of the yellow gold sold at the Dubai Gold Souk is 21 karat, while the remaining 5% is 18 karat. The Dubai Gold Souk is strictly regulated by the government; therefore, the jewelry sold there is genuine.

The Dubai Gold Souk offers a staggering selection of wrist and foot bangles, necklaces, amulets, rings and pendants that feature a distinct Middle Eastern flair. Retailers also offer impressive selections of diamonds, platinum and sterling silver jewelry. The jewelry is so glamorous that it is routinely featured in Bollywood films, where it is worn by India’s biggest stars.

If you find yourself in Dubai with a little time to kill, spend the day at the Dubai Gold Souk. Whether you are in the market for jewelry, or are simply looking for an interesting place to people-watch, the marketplace is among the city’s must-see attractions.

“The Bachelor,” “Bachelorette,” Contestants Showcase Dazzling Engagement Rings

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Harry

The hit reality dating show “The Bachelor” has also spawned “The Bachelorette,” and both shows have fulfilled their purpose and led to engagements and marriages. Some of the show’s top players have donned unique stunning engagement rings, as well as beautiful wedding bands. Here is a look at some of the standouts:

“The Bachelorette” star Ali Fedotowski donned a 3-carat Asscher-cut diamond engagement ring after her beau Roberto Martinez proposed in the season finale of the show in 2010. Fedotowski’s ring featured 184 round brilliant-cut diamonds and was valued at about $50,000. Although the engagement did not last past 2011, Fedotowski’s stunning sparkler remains a highlight of the show’s history.

Season 14 star of “The Bachelor” Jake Pavelka popped the question to Vienna Girardi , the season’s winner, with a 3-carat, sparkling princess-cut bauble. A total of 70 smaller diamonds adorn the ring, which is estimated to be worth $50,000. Although the couple split up in 2010, the ring lives on as a dazzling feature of the show’s 14^th season.

“The Bachelorette” season 5 star Jillian Harris was wooed with a one-of-a-kind $60,000 pear-shaped diamond sparkler from the season’s winner Ed Swiderski. Although the engagement ended in 2010, the unique bauble stands out as one of the season highlights.

“Hunger Games” Star Jennifer Lawrence Sets Fashion Bar with Dazzling Diamonds

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Harry

Jennifer Lawrence looked stunning at the 2011 Golden Globes with emerald and diamond earrings.

“The Hunger Games” has taken the world by storm, breaking box office records and catapulting star Jennifer Lawrence to Hollywood “it girl” status. For the last several years, Lawrence has been among the most fashionable newcomers in Tinseltown. The 20-year-old fashionista routinely turns heads at red carpet events by accessorizing glamorous designer gowns with eye-catching jewelry pieces.

Jennifer Lawrence’s critically-acclaimed performance in 2010’s “Winter’s Bourne” showed off her considerable acting chops. Her star-making turn was rewarded with several high-profile award nominations and invites to A-list events. The blonde beauty stood out at the the 68^th Annual Golden Globe Awards in a gorgeous black gown designed by Louis Vuitton. The stunning dress was tastefully paired with luxurious, dangle earrings that featured 23 carats of green emeralds. Each earring contained diamond-lined hoops and sizeable, shimmering emeralds separated by two white diamonds. The earrings were complemented by a 21-carat white diamond bracelet that sparkled beautifully.

The “Winter’s Bourne” star was tastefully refined at the 83^rd Annual Academy Awards ceremony. The Best Actress nominee sported an elegant look with a silhouette-hugging, Calvin Klein gown that beautifully accentuated her shape. The form-fitting dress looked exquisite with a pair of dangling drop diamond earrings. The 16-carat sparklers featured fancy yellow diamonds and strings of white diamonds.

Jennifer Lawrence donned dazzling antique rose-cut diamond pendant earrings at the 2012 SAG Awards.

During the 2012 awards season, “The Hunger Games” star generated considerable buzz by hitting the media circuit. Lawrence was pretty in pink at the 2012 SAG Awards, where she radiated on the red carpet in a stunning pink gown fitted with an oversized black bow. The star accessorized her throwback look with 18^th century-inspired, rose-cut diamond pendant earrings, and an antique-style, silver and gold, diamond-encrusted ring fit for Hollywood royalty.

The World’s Most Expensive Jewelry

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Harry

The sale of expensive jewelry generates headlines across the globe. Diamond lovers and appreciators of artistic pieces wait with baited breath to see what these unique jewels will earn when offered up at the world’s most prestigious auction houses.

The Onyx Panther Bracelet, designed by Cartier, is among the world’s priciest pieces. The bracelet was auctioned by Sotheby’s in 2010 for a whopping $7 million due to its exquisite design and royal lineage.

The luxurious piece is a symbol of the forbidden love shared between King Edward VIII of England and his mistress, Wallis Simpson, an American Socialite. Since Simpson was a divorcee, their relationship was frowned upon by the Royal Family and British Government. However, the King was so enamored with Simpson that he announced a royal abdication in December 1936 in order to marry her. Following the abdication, Edward was given the title His Royal Highness the Duke of Windsor by his brother George VI. When Edward married Wallis the following year, she was crowned the Duchess of Windsor.

The Onyx Panther Bracelet is a striking piece with a fascinating royal history.

The Duchess of Windsor received the bracelet as a gift from her husband in 1952. The Onyx Panther Bracelet has a total width of 6.5-inches and a total length of 7.7-inches. The panther’s body is composed of pave-set brilliant and single-cut diamonds, calibre-cut onyx and platinum, while its illustrious eyes are made from marquise-shaped emeralds.

The story of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson was chronicled in the 2011 film, “W.E.” directed by Madonna.

The Sun Drop Diamond is the world's most revered yellow diamond.

The Sun Drop Diamond is arguably the world’s most illustrious yellow diamond. Originally discovered in South Africa in 2010, the 110.03-carat stone was graded Fancy Vivid Yellow by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). To date, Fancy Vivid Yellow is the highest-color grading ever given to a yellow diamond. Since its discovery, the diamond has been exhibited across the globe, including an extended stay at London’s Natural History Museum. In November 2011, the Sun Drop Diamond fetched $10.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva, Switzerland.

The World’s First All-Diamond Ring

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Harry

Swiss designer Shawesh Jewelry has unveiled what they are claiming as “The World’s First All Diamond Ring.” The designer is trumpeting their 150-carat sparkler which is valued at a jaw-dropping price of $70 million. According to Mohammad Shawesh, CEO of the Geneva-based design house, the ring took over a year to create. In a 2011 interview with Vogue UK, Shawesh stated that the idea for the ring came from his desire “to do something new.” Shawesh continued by saying that “A ring made entirely of diamonds seemed like a fantasy. It seemed impossible, so we decided to embark upon the adventure of creating it.”

To create the all-diamond stunner, a design team used special laser equipment to form the piece from a single massive rock. The special laser equipment allowed designers to cut directly into the diamond with expert precision and to create the oversized piece without sacrificing the diamond’s integrity.

Shawesh Jewelry’s all-diamond ring was recently displayed at the 2012 edition of “BaselWorld Watch and Jewelry Show” and it was the talk of the event. The high-profile exhibition is held annually and it features the latest designs from the world’s top jewelry design houses.

By comparison, the all-diamond ring is five times larger than the stunning, 20.5-carat engagement ring Kim Kardashian was presented with before her 72-day marriage to NBA basketball star Kris Humphries. In fact, the all-diamond ring makes Elizabeth Taylor’s world-famous 33.19-carat diamond ring seem passé.

With so many carats on display, the ring will be coveted by a who’s who of diamond lovers looking to flaunt their wealth. The lucky lady who receives the all-diamond ring will forever hold the trump card whenever carat size is mentioned. Most importantly, she will be walking around with the key to a cushy lifestyle wrapped around her finger.

I guess diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend.

Natalie Portman’s antique engagement ring

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Harry

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

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Harry

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

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Harry

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

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Harry

Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her 60^th 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

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Harry

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.