Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Celebrity Jewelry

2009 Golden Globes

Thank you Eva Mendes! Winner of best jewelry [from us at Gem Gossip] at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Read More

Designer Jewelry

Our Picks: delamina.com

Delamina is not only easy to navigate, but with every click you'll discover some breathtaking jewels! Every designer has something unique to bring to the table. The best part, in my opinion, is Delamina's philosophy: for any woman out there who doesn't need a man to lavish her with jewelry--why not reward yourself! Every piece is like it has been hand-picked by your very own personal stylist. The quality and workmanship is remarkable. Check out my favorites below and see for yourself at delamina.com Spread the word! Designer: Crysobel, 18k sapphire earrings, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="367" caption="Designer: Crysobel, 18k sapphire earrings, Price: $1400"][/caption]400   Designer: Barry Kronen, 18k diamond & sapphire necklace, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="323" caption="Designer: Barry Kronen, 18k diamond & sapphire necklace, Price: $1705"][/caption]705 Designer: Talisman Unlimited, multi sapphire ID bracelet, Price: 180 Designer: Ginger Peachy Designs, 14k pink sapphire disc earrings, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="234" caption="Designer: Ginger Peachy Designs, 14k pink sapphire disc earrings, Price: $1085"][/caption]085 [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="280" caption="Designer: Heston Designs, 18k diamond & rubber bracelet, Price: $7000"][/caption] Designer: Barry Kronen, 18k ruby & diamond lariat, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="198" caption="Designer: Barry Kronen, 18k ruby & diamond lariat, Price: $15160"][/caption]5160 Read More

Education & Advice

Jewelry Time Periods: Victorian Era

The Victorian Era of jewelry, a time of romanticism, begins around 1835 and ends around 1890. Queen Victoria was of whom this entire era was named after--she was not only the ruler of all England at the time, but a highly looked upon trendsetter, admired by everyone. Her marriage and wedding to Albert portrays many attributes of the time--Victoria was presented with an engagement ring that featured a snake with an emerald-set head (birthstones rather than diamonds were used in engagment rings, and snakes were a symbol of eternal love). Her wedding dress featured a large sapphire and diamond brooch, which was given to her from Albert the day before their wedding. With the death of Albert some 20 years later, this tragic event influenced the world of jewelry. Having Queen Victoria constantly wearing black, black enameling became very popular as well as jet beads. Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: Hearts--jewelry was very sentimental anchors, snakes, crosses, birds, clasping hands, flowers Greek, Etruscan, Egyptian revival filigree work of gold--since gold was still limited lockets--which held photos or hair jet, black enameling--after Albert's death dragons, crescent moons, stars, butterflies, salamanders--late Victorian Era Important People of the Time: Carlo Giuliano Castellani Read More

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Designer Jewelry

Hot on our Radar: delamina.com

Want more? Stay tuned. Read More

Education & Advice

Jewelry Time Periods: Georgian Period

The Georgian Period extends roughly from 1714-1830, which includes the reigns of four English Kings named George. Jewelry during this time was all handmade by skilled artisans and pieces from this era are very rare today. It was a time of upheaval, with the French Revolution, American Revolution and Napoleonic Wars taking place.  Gold and diamonds were scarce during this time period, so alternatives like glass "paste" copies of diamonds were created as well as other white colored stones.  Garnets, pearls, and coral were used very often, while carving gemstoneswas very popular.  Women often worn bracelets in pairs and earrings were worn long with hair kept upswept.  Jeweled arm bands worn high on the arm were popular near the beginning of the time period, with a change to more delicate jewelry happening towards the end.    Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: Navette style rings Memento Mori jewelry--made from locks of hair of loved ones Ribbons/Bows--often having a pear-shaped gemstones Starburst and Flower brooches Cameos--carving shell, onyx, carnelian was very popular; Napoleon founded a carving school because he was so fond. Roman mosaics "Mille-Fiore"  taking semi-preicous stones and inlaying them in black onyx Ferronieres--were head ornaments worn with a jewel that sat on the forehead. It was a fad of short duration during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Once the style was over many pieces were remade into necklaces or bracelets. Crowned Heart design--symbolized the importance of love's rule over one's life. flowers, greek key, laurel leaves, scroll work, eagles, Egyptian symbols, urns and acorns Important People of the Time: Benedetto Pistrucci--talented carver of gemstones and cameos Robert Adam--his architecture work and designs influenced neo-classicism in jewelry arts Life during this time period was often short, due to poor sanitation, poor medicines with diseases spread easily/quickly.  The contrast of the small number of people who were rich and the many poor was very distinct--most people were never able to afford jewelry, but those few who did were extravagant and lived a life of luxury.  So, if you are lucky enough to own or purchase a piece of jewelry from the Georgian Era, it probably once belonged to someone very privileged. Read More

Obsessions

Two Thousand Nine

Happy New Year! Thanks to all who purchased a Gem Gossip Charity Bracelet in 2008! For 2009, we are looking to add a testimonial page--which will include photos of our customers wearing the bracelet (or bracelets!) So if you purchased, please send a photo--would love to have photos of pets with the bracelet in the picture somehow. The email to send these to is: charitybracelet@gmail.com Read More