Endless talk of all things sparkly.

My Jewel Box

My Jewel Box: Gold Etchings & Cameo Rings

{10k rose gold flower ring from Ruby Lane 10k rose gold onyx cameo ring from eBay user: grandmomsattic 14k yellow gold 0.60 carat pear cut champagne diamond ring made/designed by Gem Gossip 14k yellow gold cigar band from jewelry television} That cameo ring is the newest addition to my jewel box. I've always wanted a cameo ring, but didn't really like them--I think the pinkish colored ones that we normally tend to see is what turned me off. This one however is tiny, delicate, and the contrast of the black and white is pretty. The setting is pretty unique too. And yes, I got it for a steal of only $31 on eBay--best deal yet! (It may have to do with the fact that it is a size 3.5 so it is super tiny) On a side note, I picked up a gold foil etching kit at a craft store and recently completed this fox picture. It took a lot of concentration and time, but was great to do anytime I was bored or in between commercial breaks. It looks great when it is all finished too! [I am wearing a HOORSENBUHS white tee--if you think they make great jewelry, just take a look at their clothing line] Read More

Celebrity Jewelry

Mila Kunis Wearing Jewelry Designer Vicente Agor

Actress Mila Kunis wears Vicente Agor's killer aquamarine bauble, from their Antarctica Collection on The Conan O'Brien Show, September 1st. The ring is done in 18k yellow gold and is dubbed the "7/8ths ring"--it sure is stunning!  The story behind this design is even more remarkable.  7/8ths of an iceberg lies beneath the water--the aquamarine represents the iceberg above water, while the smaller diamonds represent the ice below.  Its entirety symbolizes the idea that our souls run deep and there is so much more to us than what is visible on the surface.  Price: $7750 Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Family Heirlooms: Contributed by Valerie & Vickie Killeen

Valerie from BLEACHBLACK posted a photo of her mother's, Vickie's, wedding ring and we had to know more! So here is her story... The following is contributed by Vickie Killeen: "I've always loved faux bois jewelry, and how it mimics nature. I was lucky to have found this setting at all, especially after I left the original inspiration ring miles away in Sausalito. Those were the days before internet capability. So, my patient fiancee and I went to a local jewelry store, and searched through 25 catalogs of yawn-inducing, traditional ring settings, and, there it was! It might have been the exact design, but even if it was slightly different, it was the same unique, branch style, entwined to form a diamond engagement ring, with a precisely fitted band to complete a full setting. That was 34 years ago, and it’s something I just glance at every day, but I love it like the first day, because it’s different than any I’ve ever seen" --Vickie Killeen Read More

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Engagement/Wedding Rings

The Quest for the Perfect Engagement Ring

Photos via Ariel Gordon's Blog Some days I can't even imagine how difficult it would be to pick out an engagement ring--then there's other days where I'm like "I definitely just want an Emerald cut solitaire." But then a week later, that idea is out the window. I recently was reading some fellow jewelers' blogs and couldn't stop admiring the above photos. Each and every one of those rings is truly beautiful in their own way. I think myself and any other woman out there, would be completely proud if she owned one of the above. Sentiment over style is a good thing to keep in mind. Jeweler Ariel Gordon is on the quest for her perfect ring, which is even harder to do while trying to match up an 80 year old heirloom wedding band! Hey Ariel, when you find it, send us a picture--we'd love to post it here on Gem Gossip! And good luck!! Here are some engagement rings that stood out to me--of course the real test would be trying them on to see if it truly "fits" you. This one is a beautiful Edwardian Era ring, with a 1/2 carat cushion cut diamond in the center, 14k white gold. There are old mine and rose cut diamonds surrounding the center stone, which give this ring a lot of character--and .70 carats worth! Price: $1650 from Israel Rose. I love this option because it is simple (the solitaire) yet has some beautiful scrollwork in the setting. This is from the Victorian Era, and is very unique with the diamond being an Old Mine cut. Can't find that anymore! The setting is 10k yellow gold and total weight of .80 carats. Price: $2850 from Israel Rose. I find the baguette cut, as well as the emerald cut, to be so intriguing. It looks like sharp ice to me. That is why this ring is so great, not only does it have a classic, fiery round diamond, but some baguette accents that really give it an Art Deco feel. This one is from the 1950s, all set in platinum. The center round is 1 carat, Old Mine cut. Price: $6300 from Israel Rose. Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Vintage Trend: Lovebirds

Photo taken by lempel_zev Not sure where that saying "two lovebirds" came from, in reference to two people in love, but it is quite endearing. And anytime birds are cuddling rather than dive bombing people is a moment worth noting. Can't say birds are my favorite creature, but they sure make great appearances in vintage jewelry. There are so many vintage pieces that feature all sorts of breeds--eagles, lovebirds, swallows, flamingos--but my favorite are the doves. Doves are the image of everlasting love and fidelity as they mate for a lifetime. When one passes, the surviving dove will remain alone for the duration of its life; it will never seek another mate. Such a pretty band, with the lovebirds almost camouflaged within the gold. This is a French Victorian piece from the 19th century. The band is crafted in 18k yellow gold, from The Three Graces. These little guys are so cute, especially their little turquoise bellies. This bird necklace is from the 1950s, done in 14k yellow gold. Each lovebird has ruby eyes. Price: $1702 from Broken English. These lovebirds are found on a brooch circa 1880, of Belgian origin. They are mainly etched, with seed pearl bodies, done in 18k yellow gold. Price: $357 from Adin. Read More

My Jewel Box

Drape Chain Charm Bracelet

{14k yellow gold drape chain bracelet 14k yellow gold St. Anthony Medallion charm} {14k yellow gold textured band 10k yellow gold antique panther ring} A Gem Gossip "Do-It-Yourself:" How to get the drape chain, charm bracelet look: 1. Get three very fine 14k gold chains (these came with pendants I've purchased that seem too thin to wear on a necklace alone) 2. Clasp them together, so that one clasp connects to the other's end ring, and do the same with its other end 3. Wrap around your wrist and add a round medallion charm Read More