Free days from work are few and far between, and I have taken advantage of those that seem to suddenly come up by antiquing and treasure hunting. Can’t forget about a favorite that has become easier, at least for me, to scoop up a deal: eBay! I’ve been… Read More
Huge sculpture of Rutilated Quartz (it is three pieces) from Bahia, Brazil Place: Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Museum 5345 Armada Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Scheduled Tour (make sure to email guestservicesmailbox@gia.edu to schedule your tour, they won't let you pass the gate otherwise) Closeup, this Rutilated Quartz sculpture weighs 800 pounds! The tour was very informational, and the aspect I enjoyed most was the entire ambiance of the facility. The bright and open atmosphere was reflective, shiny and truly captured what a gem-filled building should be like. The tour was an hour long, and although many of the facts and figures shared were not new to me, I learned an interesting fact about opals. I wondered why the opals were displayed with tiny shot-glass size amounts of water--well, the opals need moisture since they tend to dry out if they are not exposed to any. News to me! It's always fun to learn new things, but even better to see cases upon cases of gemstones. Each case was labeled with several examples of each, anything from maw sit sit, to tourmaline, to zircons. Each picture highlights my favorite parts of the GIA Museum. Some examples of gemstones Rough diamonds on an old sketch "El Itoco" Emerald: 471.6 carats! Love these earrings with the stones cut into star shapes 21,290 carats of Rock Crystal: took 500 hours to cut, one of the largest stones cut to date Shovel full of a variety of gemstones, the ultimate gift I want this For more information about GIA, including featured exhibits. Read More
Top: Maria Sharapova, InStyle magazine, August 2009 issue Bottom: Myself at the Hoorsenbuhs jewelry studio, May 2009 Read More
...I will be able to wear necklaces like these, jewelry so amazing it belongs in a museum. There are 559 carats of moonstone and 13 carats of diamonds! Assil New York has all the bold, statement-making jewelry you would only find on red carpets. Always fun to browse online! Moonstone has been more and more a favorite of mine--the more I see pieces featuring moonstone, the more intrigued I get. And seeing moonstone in person--breath taking! Read More
Sometimes it's hard to resist something that is so ugly, it's cute. Do you know what I mean? Like that "World's Ugliest Dog" contest?! A lot of people have a soft spot in their heart for ugly/creepy things. Some examples include your creepy pet spider, your first boyfriend in Middle School, and your best friend's newborn. Some sparkly examples...these jewels: Lori Leavitt always has some inspiring jewelry, this vintage ring is no exception. Although said to be a Lion, I feel it's more of a Lion/Dragon combination: a Ligon? Either way, it is sort of scary, yet I kind of want one. Let it be known that it is a one of a kind piece, 10k yellow gold with a diamond in the mouth. Price: $1250 These pearl skull charms are very much unlike the trendy skull jewelry often seen on gothic teenagers. These are creepily cute, designed around the natural shape of each pearl. Check out Belmacz for more info. (Can be found under >Current Collection >Charms.) Solange Azagury-Partridge has a heck of a talent, she is always creating jewelry that surprises even jaded jewelry collectors. Here we have a crocodile skull ring, that opens and shuts, revealing a ruby. As you can see, you can have this piece customized with or without diamonds. If I ever want to buy a pearl ring, this is going to be it! Solange Azagury-Partridge does it again with these clawed pearl rings. I like the addition of the enameling, to really accentuate the effect of a claw. Which do you prefer, the gray or white pearl? Read More
Happy 4th of July! 2009 marks the United States of America, 233 years! Patriotic brooch from Lang Antiques, "V for Victory!" A truly retro era piece of jewelry, outfitted with rubies, diamonds and sapphires. It is done in 14k yellow and rose gold--very unique. I love the half-moon cut diamond at the top. Price: $2950. Read More
