Diamond Jubliee

http://www.thediamondjubilee.org/

Even Barbie is Wearing REAL Diamonds!

     Okay, I saw this article and basically just re-posted it. Barbie is dripping in diamonds. We love this!!!!!!
     The Barbie diamond jewelry is created by Stefano Canturi, an Australian designer of Italian heritage. His diamond design for the barbie is describe as “an openwork variously-cut diamond collar necklace, centering upon a cut-cornered modified square-cut fancy vivid purplish pink diamond (approximately of 1.00 carat) and a diamond ring , a perfect matched between strapless black gown with a one-carat square cut pink diamond choker”.

       The Barbie diamonds jewelry is the real diamond if you don’t notice it. It was designed to celebrate the iconic Barbie doll, whose popularity has grow over years. This special Barbie is not only for the girls, but it is actually design for the grown up womenfolk, who are still in love with the Barbie dolls. With the real jewelry on, the auctioned for this Barbie is definitely high in price and also for the unique of this Barbie in the market. With the diamond value on the Barbie, the price is reached at $302,500 for the auction held in New York last week.

      An interesting thing about this auction is that the money from the auction will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the funds would be utilized to help the cancer patients as well as their families. This great Barbie model is not just only a mere doll, but it also represented people feeling about the cancer patients. This way adds a little more charm to this special doll.

      For this Barbie diamond jewelry design, Stefano Canturi need to search back into Barbie history to find inspiration for this design. The special design is always part of Hollywood history as well as the American culture. Canturi was invited by Mattel to create this iconic Barbie and he was done a great job for this special design.

      The Barbie, is not only for little girls now. With her beautiful outfits and elegant accessories, she has join in many events for the grown up girls and some women. You can see from the present of beautiful collections of silhouette Barbie head necklaces, mainly target to the grown up. These collections were designed by Layna and Allan Friedman. The necklaces collections in classic sterling silver in white, rose and yellow gold with a ponytail Barbie are also available for anyone who wants to have Barbie necklaces in her own collections. Another collection is the Luxe version with Pave set diamonds Barbie which anyone who love the Barbie can go for any collection that suit them the most.

Gem Therapy? Really?

       Really. Okay, so one of my clients today was telling me a little about "gem therapy." Don't get me wrong, I'll believe in what works, but I had to my research on her claim to it's ''100%' pure healing properties. " Gemstone therapy is based on the theory that certain stones possess specific healing energies. Physical and emotional problems can block the body's energy center, resulting in illness of some kind. Theoretically, when a gemstone comes into contact with the body, its energy is released and transferred to the person. My client urged me to use gemstone therapy to unblock negative energy or heal the body and gemstone meditation to heal the spirit.   As a wise woman once said "Yeah, diamonds do that for me. " 

I did, however, find a list of the intended aids to what ails you.

• Ruby: Liver, spleen, gallbladder, and pancreas. For stopping bleeding powdered paste is used. If worn, it is believed to maintain the hygiene of your mental health.
• Opal: For improving memory and for healthy brain
• Turquoise: Eye ailments, headaches, fever
• Emerald: Eye ailments, antidote for any insect or reptile poison, sores and wounds
• Amethyst: Insomnia, tension, headaches used for spiritual upliftment
• Diamond: Gastritis, cardiac ailments, blood circulation problems
• Topaz: ENT related diseases, epilepsy, insomnia, asthma, lung, catarrh and many gynecological ailments
• Pearl: For mental hygiene
• Moonstone: Illness related to the mind, epilepsy, fever

Gold and All it's Many Colors.

          Gold is one of the most fundamental base colors for jewelry. There are innumerable options that you can pick the colors of gold jewelry from. You might be interested to know how to highlights these option and then, pick the right gold jewelry up from the rest. There are lots of thing here, describe what you have to consider when you are looking for this jewelry type. Base on these descriptions, you can at least ensure that you get the right jewelry pieces from the rest.

               There are lots of different shade colors of gold jewelry that you have to keep in mind. Color of gold is already a well know, but with different shade of gold, you probably want to take a closely look and make your decision after all. But keep in mind that different in color shade is not necessary the thing you need to first look when it comes to gold.
With the white gold, the colors of gold jewelry will be very contrast in comparison with the traditional gold. Therefore, if you are looking for anything that look different from gold, but made by gold, white gold is your best option to go for. You can figure out for any jewelry accessories whether or not that is something you want to stick with the real gold shade, or you want to have it in different color format. Then, white gold would be your option to go for.

          Based on your requirement, whether you want to go for the traditional colors of gold jewelry or not. If you take a look at those jewelry set and figure out that you want to have it in the real gold color, you can just go for it. But if you want things that look different in the color tone, white gold or pink gold may be your option to go for. With some metal mixing with gold, the color shade can look differently for the traditional gold colors. It is really up to you want kind of color shade you would go for. Keep in your mind that not only the color shade of gold that you need to look at, but also the pattern of jewelry pieces is another thing to consider at the same time. You need to consider for all everything that involved with jewelry piece, before make your final decision for it... Rose gold. I'm sold :)

I Must Be Getting Old. The only...

          I must be getting old b/c the only candy jewelry we had was those gross cheerio shaped things around a necklace. Oh, and ring pops.  Well, this is a whole new level of culinary jewelry.   You just have to see this for yourselves!   

http://www.1finecookie.com/2012/04/rock-candy-jewelry-in-marshmallow-watermelon-peanut-butter-flavor-and-more-bling-bling/

Not All Diamonds Are Created Eco :)

        Diamonds are pure or nearly pure carbon, blessed with three extraordinary qualities.
First, a diamond owns unique powers of light reflection. When cut, it gathers light within itself, sending it back in a shower of fire and brilliance.  Second, it is the only gem mineral composed of a single, unadulterated element, making it the purest of earth’s gemstones. Third, it is the hardest transparent substance known to man. Steel cannot cut a diamond. The only material that can cust a diamond is another diamond.  It is fitting that the purest and most brilliant of all the world’s stones should be the most enduring.
        As a strong believer in the "green" or "eco" movement I'm intrigued by the recycled/upcycled diamond trend.  It's possible that someone prior to you already recycled the diamonds in your jewelry. All diamonds are very old. Some were formed 4 billion years ago. Unless you know your diamond's history, since it was initially found in its uncut form, there's no way of knowing its origin. One thing is clear, however. One can save money and the planet. 
     As a gold and diamond buyer, I have seen the trend first hand.  Rather than hanging on to memories of a failed relationship or departed relative, they are opting to "recycle" their diamonds.  I have read in articles that there is up to $1 trillion worth of "used diamonds" locked away in safe deposit boxes and jewelry cases, and many gems could find their way onto the market. The good thing is... Diamonds are forever, literally.

A Literal Diamond in the Rough

            It's nearly 2013, and everyone's environmental awareness is peaking. There are desingers who have combined thier love for fashion with creative talents and created a whole new genre of jewelry. Earth is the echoed inspiration for each hand-crafted piece.  I see many diamonds daily but this marries classic modern design with natural, organic elements. Many of these "natural or rough" pieces I find stunning.
          The jewelry still has the fine art and design of traditionally cut stones but also link traditionals jewelry methods with a modern aesthetic, using fine recycled metals, and conflict-free gemstones and diamonds in each piece.These deisgners are takings risks with thier designs, but take pride in the continual growth and development of the way our generation views diamonds. Personally. I love it! You??      

We Lost MCA today, Beastie Boy would loved gold.

         The world lost MCA today, Adam Yauch today, one of the founding member of the Beasie Boys. Here in NY, they are close to our hearts. The Beastie Boys may not be recognized as fashion pioneers like Run-DMC, but they clearly made a unique imprint in the eighties with their signature style. Respectful of cultural influences, the ironic rebels blended classics like gold chains and Adidas trainers with tapered jeans, leather jackets, button-downs, and even polos. Perhaps more significantly, the Beastie Boys are credited with reviving hip-hop style in the nineties. Visionaries and some even dubbed them 'genuis' they were ahead of their time and still get club play.  However, they rocked the Dookie chain whic has made it's come back, some thirty years later. 

http://www.mtv.com/bands/g/gold_ropes_feature_060619/

Evil Eye Jewelry Isn't Evil after all :)

                    Okay, for the most part, I am not trendy, but I do, however love the evil eye motif.  It stretches all cultures and it's a huge celebrity trend right now. These clever incarnations of this mystic symbol are popping up all over the fashion sites. This kind of jewelry does not discriminate and is easily adaptable between fashion personalities.
                 Firstly, we should acknowledge that wearing the evil eye is not an evil act at all. This is no up side down cross my friends! In fact, wearing evil eye jewelry is supposed to be a protective measure. That little evil eye symbol represents ill wishes from others who are giving ‘the evil eye.’ Ooooh spooky! They say this is especially true for feelings on envy from other people, casting out negative energy when they often do not even realize it. So, as a protective measure, you wear the evil eye jewelry to mirror the ill wishes back at the gazer! So clever and USEFUL when you are an eye catching fashionista like all of our readers.
                Without taking this too literally (hey, this is fashion after all), we are currently in love with rocking this little symbol in the most backwards of ways! Colored in powder pink, stuck amongst a collection of miss matched charms and especially given as gifts to frienemies. This is a fun trend with a very distinct look. And here in the United States, the evil eye doesn’t have much of a religious or superstitious vibe. Or, rather, it has been very diluted.
            These little evil eye jewelry pieces can be found in every store, from the $5 Forever 21  to the pieces which are diamond encusted and in the thousands.  As the saying goes, if you want it badly enough… you can find it online .

Have a Gold Party!!!!

         Gold seems to be the magic word in these tough times. Gold parties are a growing trend. They’re like Tupperware parties, with mostly women gathering at someone’s house for food and drinks. But instead of selling plastic, they’re pawning off their precious valuables. Women of every generation can benefit from this.  A hostess invites friends and family to bring their unwanted gold to sell for extra income. The price is based on karat content, weight and the market price of gold that day. It's easy. We weigh each item … and examine them … verify the authenticity… separate the metals by karat, then weight to assess their sale value. Plain and simple.
        Guests benefit by getting rid of things like faded gold lockets, outdated earrings and bangles that have been sitting in the back of the jewelry box collecting dust since the '70s. They even bring scrap gold/broken jewelry to the party to be weighed by us, and they walk away with cash or a check in hand.
        In our society here we have a lot of parties, get-togethers and gatherings, and I think a lot of friends have broken jewelry and things that they want to get rid of, so this is the perfect excuse. Contact us at 631.651.6100 or visit us online at www.GoldBuyerNewYork.com.

The Non-Bloggy Blog. Trends, trends, trends.

Okay, if you're reading this, you will love this jewelry. I do at least.  http://www.jewelryrevelations.com/  , This second link is letting us know the top 5 trends in jewelry right now. Mine, obviously, is the last. Green jewelry :) Enjoy!  http://www.overstock.com/guides/top-5-jewelry-fashion-trends

Natural VS. Color Enhanced Diamonds.

                                             Color Enhanced Diamonds?

       Recently, our boutique had bought a 3 carat canary colored diamond. It was color enhanced, since this was my first encounter with such a stone, I began a feverish search for the pros and cons of the stone.  Quick lesson, diamonds are made from carbon, diamonds are the hardest known substance to man and are both a naturally occurring and manufactured abrasive. It takes a diamond 1 to 3 billion years to form beneath the earth. Once formed, a diamond travels to the earth’s surface via streams of molten rock. Throughout this process, natural diamonds acquire inclusions and or flaws within them that give them their own unique “fingerprint”.
      Diamonds can be purchased in various sizes (carats), shapes, colors, and clarities. Natural diamonds are preferred over enhanced or treated diamonds because of their rarity and individual fingerprint. No two natural diamonds in the world are identical; each one is unique whether it’s because of its color or clarity or both combined. Now, here comes the deceiving part.
       The term “enhanced” may sound like a positive feature, however, any diamond that has been enhanced has been treated and altered from its natural condition to artificially improve its appearance. If you decide to purchase an “enhanced” diamond, find out what kind of treatments have been used and how they might affect the value of the diamond. You should also be concerned with the long term care and appearance these enhancement treatments may have on the diamond, as enhancements sometimes result in discoloration or cracks in the diamond.
         Enhanced diamonds, unlike high quality natural diamonds are natural diamonds that have had very specific treatments done to them to improve their characteristics, or their natural “flaws”. One type of treatment is laser drilling, which is a process that removes minor inclusions in a diamond to produce a clarity enhanced diamond. This process will typically create lines that resemble tiny trails, which are visible under side-view magnification. The laser may dissipate the imperfection, or chemicals may be injected into the resulting tunnel to bleach away the color. This is a more permanent process than fracture filling. However, it is highly debated whether or not this process damages the integrity of the diamonds, thereby decreasing the value of clarity enhanced diamonds in the long term.
           Fracture filling is a treatment that adds a glass-like resin material to a natural diamond to close small cracks. Since the filling has the same optical illusion and refraction index as a natural diamond, it’s nearly impossible to detect the “repair” to the flaws. Fracture filling is not a permanent treatment as heat from future repairs, cleanings, and even sunlight can erode the filler or possibly darken its color, making the diamond less valuable as time goes on.
          There are different ways to detect if a diamond has had clarity enhancement treatments done to it. As mentioned above, laser drilling results in very thin, white lines or tunnels within the diamond that do not follow the pattern of the loose diamond. When fracture filling is used, the diamond may appear flawless when viewed from the top, but careful examination from the sides or other angles may reveal flashes of color that disrupt the pattern of facets in the diamond. Fracture filled diamonds may also have air bubbles trapped within them. Because these hints are only visible from the sides, it is very important to examine the diamond closely and preferable as a loose diamond rather than set into a diamond ring setting.  I hope you learned as much as I did my diamond loving friends!!

Even Kristen Stewart Likes Spoon Rings World!!!

                   Now, I'm not a twilight fan per say but one thing I do know is that Kristen Stewart broke fashion "rules" on more than one occasion. She can pull-off casual by donning her signature worn-in Vans and stunning dresses straight from the runway. She mixes and matches her tomboy and glam-inspired looks without hesitation because she’s never been afraid of showcasing her brand of style. This includes her unique accessory choices.

               Kristen and I do have one thing is common. WE LOVE SPOON RINGS!! One of Kristen’s favorite pieces are her different spoon rings. I first noticed her wearing it on Conan O'Brien. Then I began to look for it everytime I saw her on something :) She went from Twilight screenings, to all over her hometown of Los Angeles. The antique feel of this ring makes it her go-to piece for both casual and formal occasions. Check it out!

What Are Chocolate Diamonds Anyway?

            Ever heard someone say what are chocolate diamonds? Diamonds have such a lot of different names. Earlier it was so much easier when it was just the white diamonds. Today, there are numerous other shades like pink, blue, black, red and even brown. Until recently diamonds which are colored and have other hues apart from the usual were considered to be low color diamonds. These were considered to be of lower grade than the white diamonds which are bright and shiny. It was only then that the market slowly began to accept colored diamonds and even started seeking them out. While they are of a lower cost than white diamonds, they are definitely a hot seller.
             That was how these chocolate diamonds or brown diamonds came into the market and began to be sold in larger numbers. These occur in some low grade mines and customers who usually don’t give a second look at the colored ones began to hunt for the cognac diamonds as they are also known. It is interesting to mix these colored diamonds with white diamonds around them or at the center. It gives a very elegant look and is seen a lot in jewelry designs all over the world. If you have chocolate diamonds on cufflinks and pendants with other colored diamonds around them, you will have very interesting jewelry.

            Many people find having a chocolate diamond surrounded by other white diamonds to be a very classy and fashionable choice in jewelry. These are mined from Russia, Australia and Africa. The naturally occurring varieties are most sought after followed by others that are treated to obtain an even brown color. How the diamonds get the color is simple. Due to years of being buried deep under the earth, a lot of extreme pressure is there on these diamonds which over time changes color to acquire a brownish hue. It was the Le Vian jewelry that came up with the name chocolate diamonds.
              While purchasing diamonds, always opt for a reputed jeweler renowned for credibility. Chocolate diamonds are also made from low grade diamonds which have been treated to radiation. If you buy these you will not have any resale value and unscrupulous jewelers will try to sell them as naturally occurring ones at exorbitant prices. Also take a certificate of authenticity from the jeweler that you go to so that you know you are paying for something truly worth the money. Know what you are investing in, so that you do not get deceived when you buy your colored diamonds. Knowing the diamonds chocolate jewelry will help you avoid such mistakes.

Celebrity Engagment Rings!

                                                    Celebrity Engagement Rings

   It’s a fact that celebrities love everything class apart. They like to get exclusively best of the world. And we are always quite curious to know what is something new emerging at their end. Now, I myself am not one for the diamonds ;) But take a look at what the celebrities are weighing down their ring fingers with. http://www.celebritybrideguide.com/celebrity-engagement-rings/?pid=2358.
      Now, I may not love diamonds for myself, but what I do love is a little photography. Check out this genius engagement photoshoot!  Loves it!  http://lelanewyork.blogspot.com/2011/11/nyc-real-engagement-photo-shoot.html

An Oldie, but a Goodie

                                              An Oldie, but a Goodie.

     The cover of a magazine tells it's contents. An ad, however, shows many different things. So, I've collected old advertisements which are mighy interesting. This, my first choice, is from 1869.

Redfield & Rice Manufacturing Co.

. I can't tell you how many ads there are in our early archives that involve an image of a fork. If I were I spoon or butter knife, I'd be very offended.

The Watchmaker and Jeweler September 1870

Adams, Chandler & Co.

One can never have enough firemen's parade trumpets. How close was I to blowing my rent money buying one of these babies off eBay? Not very much :) but still interesting.

The Jeweler's Weekly Aug. 18, 1886

R.S.F. & Co.

This ring would go nicely with a with a top hat and walking cane. No one would want to mess with you.

The Jeweler's Weekly Aug. 25, 1886

R.F. Simmons & Co.

This was the only ad that used color that I saw from the 1800s. Looks to be lined with a gold leaf-like material. Eye-catching compared to all the black and white surrounding it.

The Jeweler's Circular Feb. 6, 1895

R. Wallace & Sons Mfg. Co.

One of the more ecletic mix of products during any era, never mind the 1800s. The perfume bottle for the missus, and the knife for the gent to use on himself when he picks up the bill.

The Jeweler's Circular Feb. 13, 1895

The Dueber-Hampden Watch Factories

Nothing says "Buy our watches!" like an omnious factory pouring dirty soot into the sky.

Which one is your favorite?

Misprinted Money... What's it worth anyway?

  The numistaic term is "error print" but it's when a paper or coin currency has a malformation on it.  Okay, I'm not sure if anyone has seen the show Pawn Stars, but I happened to the other evening. This gentleman had a misprinted bill.  So, naturally I had to find out all I could on the matter :)  This is the first article that struck me.  A sticker on a twenty dollar bill is worth what?!?  Fourteen thousand dollars, read the lucky man's story... http://www.startribune.com/nation/11610811.html
    In my most recent findings, I stumbled upon this. So, the moral of the story is...  everyone keeps your eyes open for mistakes when it comes to currency!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Two-Faced-Dollar-Bill-Rare-US-Currency-Circulated-/370274979838?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56361bcffe

Celebrities LOVE Cartier's Love Bracelets... Est. 1969

                                            Everyone loves Cartier & Everyone Loves Love.

        

         So, perfect match. Simplicity and beauty. The love bracelet (styled L⊝Ve, with the horizontal line inside the letter "O" alluding to the bracelet's locking mechanism) is a famous piece of jewelry designed in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo for the French jeweler Cartier SA. The bracelet quickly became popular for its provocative, and from what I've read, intentional resemblence to a chastity belt!  Cartier (as of 2009) continues to make the bracelets, and has since created other products based on the original bracelet's design, including cufflinks, rings, necklaces and watches, expanding the design into the jewelry line. 

      

Unlike traditional bracelets, which are either wide enough to slip them over the hand onto the wrist or can readily be opened in order to put them on, the Love bracelet is designed to be opened only using a special screwdriver that is supplied with every bracelet. The screwdriver is also available in the form of a necklace, allowing the bracelet to be "locked" onto one person while the "key" is kept around the neck of another as a symbol for their commitment to their relationship. The screwdriver does not act as a secure key, however.  The Love bracelet can actually be opened with any standard slotted screwdriver. In addition, ten percent of sales go towards various charities.  Over the past three years, Cartier has donated more than $4.5 million to 24 global charities from the sales of its Love Charity bracelet, which many celebrities have chosen to endorse.

   Check out these celebs rockin the Cartier Love Bracelet & Cartier Love Charity bracelet.

Kourtney twitpic'd this months ago, over a dinner plate, I just don't know Kourtney but she can pull off almost anything. So, it works. :)

Even Mother Monster, Lady GaGa rocks is seen wearing the Cartier Love bracelet, not just for it's beauty but in tandum with it's meaning.

Eva Mendes has been the face behind the Cartier Love Charity bracelet. She is seen here at the premiere event but has continues to strive in the awareness of the mission.

                                                    How gorgeous, romantic and timeless is this piece??

Lady GaGa is Even Buying GOLD!

    Well, this isn't quite a spectacular blog, but it's AMAZING, GaGa on Delancy, on the LES!!! Buying, what else?? GOLD!! Check this out!

http://www.boweryboogie.com/2012/01/lady-gaga-at-solid-gold-jewelry-on-delancey/

Superbowl Sunday & that Highly Coveted Superbowl Ring.

                                Superbowl Sunday & the Highly Coveted Ring

            Since all of our locations hail in NY, it is only right to picture the Giants ring today. Is it ironic or amazing that in what is America’s toughest, most macho sport, when you win the big game, you get a piece of jewelry, the famed Super Bowl Ring? No trophy, no medal, but a ring. I like this idea, something to the players can see and wear for their whole lives. This tradition has been handed down all the way from the first Superbowl, won by the Green Bay Packers back in 1966. I've done my research :)  You can see all the rings from this nice page ESPN has.

            We all wish you a happy and healthy weekend and to appreciate the craftmenship that goes into the ring involved. GO GIANTS!!!!

Designer Costume Jewelry

                                               Designer Costume Jewelry

         Everyone sees the jewels that celebrities adorn from Harry Winston and the likes. We can try to replicate the trends by this new term.  "Designer costume jewelry” is often used to refer to two things. It can mean jewelry pieces designed and produced by a famous designer that are not made with fine jewelry materials like precious stones, gold, and platinum. Usually, these pieces are not made of faux gems or gold, but of other, more creative materials like leather, fabric and stones that were chosen by a designer costume jeweler for aesthetic appeal. The term is also used to refer to designer-inspired costume jewelry made of faux gold and gemstones that are produced by fast-fashion outlets in an attempt to emulate or imitate popular designer jewelry pieces. Technically, though, designer-inspired pieces should always be clearly labeled as such, and not as “designer jewelry,” direct knockoffs are never cute, inspiration is though :) Anyway... 
          Designer costume jewelry, a branch of designer fashion jewelry, does not usually feature traditional fine jewelry items like engagement rings, wedding bands, or diamond stud earrings. Instead, you’ll find unique and creative pieces utilizing unusual metals like titanium, stainless steel, or copper, and exotic materials like leather, beads, crystals, enamel, fabric, and even plastic. I do not wear much jewelry, so I had to do a little internet browsing myself. So, I'll share my findings.  For example, a stainless steel and purple leather woven bracelet by designer Chloe costs under $300 on bluefly.com, while a pair of huge square stud earrings made of bright enamel and gold-plated zinc by Kate Spade are only $78 at Neiman Marcus. However, a pair of woven cable studs made of 18-karat gold and set with 1.55 total carat weight of pavé diamonds by David Yurman costs $7,900 at the same store.
        Unlike knockoffs or faux precious jewelry, designer costume jewelry will look classy and appropriate.  Rather than mimicking the look of a  celebrity with huge faux diamonds that can look fake or tacky, you can embrace your own personal style and find creative, unique costume jewelry pieces by the designers you already love. I've read that this year's costume jewelry trends have gone wild, from textured, contrasting metal bracelets that are worn stacked up in sets on the arm, to oversized cocktail rings set with interesting minerals like mother-of-pearl and lapis. 
            So, you don't need to have diamonds to look great. Treat yourself to a designer costume piece from a designer you already love. Trust me, you'll be happy :0

Vintage Jewelry and it's Current Beauties...

"It is easily overlooked that what is now  called vintage was once brand new."- Visconti

 How well do you know your jewelry?  In addition to all the cuts that engagement rings come in (i.e., princess cut, marquise cut, emerald cut, etc), there are so many other jewelry terms out there,  it’s hard to keep track!  I've even seen words in a necklace or bracelet descriptions but wasn’t really sure what it was or how to pronounce it. Today I’m going to dispel some of that mystery for you. And after you’re done reading, you can impress some people with what you know, I know I will :)  About as vintage as I used to go was the 60's... but we're about to take a time machine to the 1920's.

• Briolette, is a stone that is multifaceted all around. If there are no facets with just a smooth surface, we would just call it briolette-shaped or pear-shaped. (Faceting is the art of cutting and polishing fine gems... Aren't they beautiful?

   

  

• Cameo, is a piece of jewelry has been in style for centuries. Genuine vintage cameo rings are hand-carved and made of shell or other natural substances such as ivory, lava, glass or stone. The foreground is a silhouette or face, while the background is a different-colored layer. My sister loves these pieces, she integrates them into her wardrobe all the time, they're timeless as pearls.



• Marquise cut, It’s pronounced “mar-keys” and it reminds me of our eyes, tapered on both ends. A marquise-cut stone is faceted, but here we might describe any jewelry with the shape as marquise-cut. The name is from Marquise de Pompadour, Mistress of King Louis XV. Who knew a mistress could revolutionize jewelry forever?

•  Cabochon, which to me reminds me of a lady bug :) It's pronounced (ka-boshon) and comes from the French term “caboche” which means “head.” Does that have anything to do with cabbage? or a head of lettuce, let me know... Anyway,I love the smooth surface that a cabochon has. (And I love how the word makes me sound really important)! The back of the cut stone is usually flat or hollowed out and encased and made into pendants or put onto bracelets. I've seen the hipster community bringing them even into barettes and rings. They are my favoite so far.

These vintage pieces have such beauty in the detail of the period but combined with today's fashion can offer fresh design interpretations to fit today’s styles and fashions...

I hope we learned together how the past and the present can fuse when it comes to jewelry.

You don't always need Karats to feed your love of jewelry...

                             You don't always need Karats to feed your love of Jewelry...

                                                                 Modern Jewelry is all jewelry that would look modern or contemporary about them. We all know that good jewelry was expensive but we never thought about showing just how much it's worth to the world! Well, as a fan of all things recycled and modern, I read about Tine De Ruysser is a professional jewelry designer who studied in different art universities.  

        She takes paper currency from all over the world, including China, USA, Australia, Europe, South Africa, Argentina, and turns them into amazing and wearable works of art. Notice the precise and detailed way she makes chains and weaves. It's all quite fascinating! I'm obsessed!  

    As a photography buff I also recently learned of re:vision.  It  brings old school cameras into an entirely new focus. Camera lenses recycled in South Australia by Craig Arnold, and now, sterling silver pieces modelled on the real thing. Each recycled cuff is custom made and one of a kind, no one else will have the same piece as you. Now, can you day that about most gold jewelry? 

Now, to the acrylics, which personally a lot of my friends adore and wear regularly. Some women don't like the heaviness or the look of a diamond, or aren't even engaged. This is a fun option for everyone. You don’t need to plan a diamond heist, these pieces are way more affordable and a lot more fun! If you’re big on symbols but light on status-obsession then wear one of these to make your statement!

Drew Barrymore's ring!!

     

          Drew Barrymore and her fiance Drew Kopelman  got engaged!!!  I love Drew as an actress and she's quite adorable.  I’m happy for them, but I’m actually congratulating them on their ring choice, more so.   It is a unique, lovely setting and a simply perfect diamond color and cut. Drew’s engagement ring features a colorless (D color) radiant-cut diamond that is just under 4 carats on a diamond-covered band. Want to learn about the look and the diamond? I had to!!! Here, take a closer look....

      Drew's ring is radiant cut, which you can see is rare, special and beautiful.  For maximum brilliance and a optimum diamond fire, a precise cut is crucial for a radiant diamond shape.   The perfection of the cut, and the talent of the diamond cutter creates the heavy reflection and refraction within the stone.   An improperly cut diamond will have a lower value and less brilliant appearance that dampens the effect of its unusual.
       The modern radiant shape was perfected by Henry Grossbard in 1977 when he successfully blended the geometry of emerald cut with the brilliance of the classic round diamond. A radiant cut is, basically, a hybrid stone that is generally square or rectangular but with slightly cropped corners that contribute to its eye-catching sparkle.  Drew’s diamond is also set in a lovely ring. If you have the means, custom-making a ring like this would be the way to go!

Is it Silver or Silverplate? How can one tell?

                               Is my piece Silver or Silverplate? How can I tell?
       I often encounter antique pieces marked with hallmarks other than the typical .925 to identify the piece as sterling. Sterling Silver flatware manufactured in America after 1849 is ALWAYS stamped with one or the following markings:

• The word STERLING stamped on it
• 925 stamped on it
• STER stamped on it.

       If, for example, your flatware is stamped "Wm & Rogers" and "IS", it is not sterling silver. The IS merely indicates "International Silver" which was the company that actually manufactured the set. Because the pieces have no stamping to indicate Sterling, they most definitely are NOT sterling. Manufacturers never neglected to mention the word Sterling on their pure silver sets, while they always "neglected" to mention the lack of purity on mere plated material.

        British sterling carries 4-5 stamped hallmarks identifying the company, the location, date of manufacture, etc. These can be matched with photos in the silver hallmark database (google it). Similarly, American manufacturers employ hallmarks or sponsor's marks that can be identified by matching photos.

       The first patent for silver plating was issued in 1840. Older pieces are sterling, although they may not be stamped as such.

      Some of the early makers of silverplate flatware seen regularly in the store are Rogers Bros, Rogers & Bros. FB Rogers Silver, Wm Rogers, the Meriden Britannia Company, Middletown Plate Co. (Superior Silver Company) and others. Many of these names were used well into the 20th century. In 1898, this group of companies formed the International Silver Company.

       Some of the silverplate manufacturers also released sterling patterns, but these are stamped "sterling," whereas the plate is not. Many of the sterling pattern numbers are recorded in a database or databases.

      Some of the stamps used to distinguish silverplated tableware are: IS (International Silver), IC, Brittania, EPNS (Electical Plated Nickle Silver), A1, Triple Plate, 3x, Quadruple Plate, 4x, Silver on Copper, EP, EP on Copper, and a whole host of initial and pictorial marks that can be matched with pictures in the silverplate database.

 Myth #1: Silverplate is magnetic; silver is not. In truth, neither is magnetic. Stainless steel shows varying degrees of magnetism.

Myth #2: Silverplate doesn't tarnish like genuine silver. In truth, both will tarnish, because both are genuine silver. The difference is, sterling is sterling silver all the way through; plate only has a thin skin of silver over a base metal. Stainless steel doesn't tarnish.
      Unfortunately, to buyers, silverplate has no scrap value. Even the thickest plate is only about .20mm thick, and refineries won't buy it because the process of reclaiming silver from plate is too expensive.

     Pictured here is a William Rogers set which has a higher retail value as an antique than for silver value.

 

I have also enclosed some resources to evaluate your flatware or silverware.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5480931_identify-vintage-sterling-flatware.html

http://www.blurtit.com/q570058.html

https://www.antiquecupboard.com/



Gold Bullion, what to know...

                 Gold Bullion collecting goes Couture? The Info on Investing in Bullion.

      While researching this topic, I stumbled upon a blog where Jean Paul Gaultier has designed his own bullion bar. Take a look!

  http://www.bullionstreet.com/news/jean-paul-gaultier-introduces-1850-designer-gold-bars/875

      As a society, our love of gold shows no sign of stopping. Bullion dealers have sold coins, gold bars and Krugerrands by the bucket load. Contrarily, people have invested in gold exchange-for cash in record numbers also, which I have seen personally in my own store. A number of websites have joined the gold rush, offering to take unwanted gold jewelery off your hands for cash. I also asked myself, which is the best way to make a profit out of gold?
    There is a huge range of methods to choose from.  One can buy actual gold in one form or another, jewelry, bars, coins... while others don’t require you to build your own vault. This is what I needed to research.
      Bullion coins are legal tender in which country they are issued.  The market value of bullion coins is determined by the value of their gold content, plus a premium that varies between dealers. Many make the mistake of confusing bullion coins with collector's coins.  Their value depends on rarity, design AND finish, not just their gold content alone.  When you own physical gold yourself there is no risk involved, no other parties.
      Buying gold jewellery for investment purposes is common in the Middle East and much of Asia. Jewelery used primarily for investment purposes is because, unlike the US, the caratage of the gold is higer, usually 22 or 24K.  While jewelry does have a good correlation to gold price and it easy to buy and sell, it might be linked more to the fashion trends then then content value.
       I hope this cleared some questions up for everyone as it did for myself.  That JPG bullion bar is pretty brilliant though. Haute couture gold. What next??