Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Celebrity Jewelry

Spotted: Backward Necklace on Ashley Olsen

Ashley Olsen was photographed at the CFDA Fashion Awards on June 15, 2009 sporting an interesting way of wearing a pearl drop necklace--backwards! From the front, I thought she was wearing a simple yellow gold chain that was choker length. Then I saw pictures of the stunning back of the dress and realized she was wearing the necklace backwards. She may have started something here! Looks beautiful...love the dress and jewelry! Read More

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Scosha NYC

Us adults need our version of the friendship bracelet.  This is where designer Scosha comes in, bringing you a mix of friendship-like bracelets reminiscent of our childhood's past.  Only this version is much cooler, has some diamonds added, and made of vintage fishing line.  Give a girlfriend one of these, and I'm sure you'll be best friends forever.  Love how these bracelets can be worn with other stackable kinds.  They have just the right amount of sparkle. This bracelet comes from the Poetry Wheel Collection in Scosha's line. The turquoise, yellow gold and black color combination is just beautiful. This dainty, little bracelet is made of antique silk fly fishing line that has been braided. Can you believe a single line can hold up to 120 pounds?! All the gold is solid, 10k yellow. Price: $550 These bracelets come from the Caravan Collection--with your choice of ruby, emerald or sapphire. This one has a 14k button closure, with a black and white braided fishing line look. Price: $235 each. Want one with more sparkle? This one's for you. It features small, gold rondel beads with the middle bead set with diamonds. From the Jessijean Collection, this bracelet consists of black fishing line crafted so that it adjusts to fit any wrist. A couple of these on and you will sparkle into the night! Each are $179. Read More

Obsessions

Summer Time Jewelry

Photo Courtesy of Penshire Media The sun is shining, temperatures are soaring...it is a hot mess being outdoors these days, especially living in the south. It is a good idea to be aware of what jewelry you are wearing in the hot summer months. One must think of what your day will entail, and then plan what jewelry would be practical. Like today, for example, a BBQ was planned--had to leave the rings at home! BBQ sauce on diamond rings is not fun. Or places like amusement parks and swimming pools: proof that the less jewelry you wear, the better. You wouldn't want to lose something valuable or sentimental at a park or pool. I have picked out a few pieces below that are great summertime options, that stand out on their own without needing to accessorize any further. Wearing one of these pieces alone will be a perfect, you wouldn't need anything more. This bracelet can easily stand alone on any wrist and be bright and beautiful. The flowers give it a summery look and bracelets are less likely to get dirty, making it a perfect option. Great for those who need to wear diamonds but want to wear less during summertime activities. From Dumont Estate Jewelry, circa 1950s, it features a foxtail link all done in 18k white gold. Price: $4775 If you have a camping or boating or bike trip planned, but you feel "naked" without your rings, this is a great option. Not only is it very earthy itself, but the craftsmanship of this ring will allow you to put your mind at ease while wearing it. Although opal is tough to clean, the bezel setting is much better than a classic prong setting which allows dirt to get up underneath the stone. This ring could easily be wiped with a soapy rag. Designed by Californian, Melissa Joy Manning and priced at $350, can be found at The Clay Pot. This bracelet is perfect for warm weather. It is easy to throw on and it molds to fit your wrist, so you won't have to worry about it falling off. Complete with 18k yellow gold caps, it is priced at $286, found at Persimmon and designed by Francisca Botelho. Read More

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Education & Advice

National Geographic Special: Diamonds of War

Hulu is a great resource for those who can't find anything worth watching on television.  The National Geographic Specials are my favorite, and I recently found a very interesting documentary about the African diamond trade.  The special, called Diamonds of War: Africa's Blood Diamond, provides a whole new aspect about diamonds that most never talk about.  Aspects that are normally hidden and kept mum are revealed and put on center stage.  The journalist, Dominic Cunningham Reid, explores the non-glamorous parts of the diamond trade first-hand, and takes viewers on an eye-opening experience.   A shocking statistic shown says: 20% of all diamonds are illicit diamonds.  Even more daunting is are the scenes of wars that have been linked to African diamonds, as well as the shear fact that diamonds are incredibly easy to smuggle.  Watch the special for yourself to broaden your perspective about diamonds, and help others become more aware! http://www.hulu.com/watch/70093/national-geographic-specials-diamonds-of-war-africas-blood-diamond   Read More

Obsessions

On a Necklace Fringe Binge

Fringe, fringe everywhere...this trend just keeps growing.  I can't even guesstimate where it started, shoes maybe?  But it has drifted to the jewelry scene, and I've found these great examples of the fringe trend at Connoisseur Antiques--all vintage necklaces.  These are all so intense, that other jewelry worn, especially earrings, should be minimal.  Check them out below! This fringe necklace is stunning! Circa 1970, this is all exceptional 18k Italian gold. I love that the clasp is just as glamourous, featuring a large carved jade with diamonds set on it. Price $23,750 can be found on 1st dibs, owned by Connoisseur Antiques. A true definition of a fringe necklace, right here. The British word for bangs is fringe, and this necklace totally looks like golden bangs. All done in 18k yellow gold from Connoisseur Antiques. (This piece is not featured on 1st dibs) This necklace looks like those Fiona Paxton necklaces that were seen on celebrities, like Drew Barrymore.  This one however is vintage, 18k yellow gold (not glass beads), and features rubies, emeralds, sapphires and pearls.  Way better!  Priced at $13,400 from Connoisseur Antiques and featured at 1st dibs. Read More

Jewelry Road Trip series

HOORSENBUHS: Gem Gossip Inside Look

Brand Liaison, Kether Parker showing off some designs Gem Gossip hit up the west coast and was graciously invited to check out the jewelry design studio of HOORSENBUHS, located just outside of Los Angeles. Greeted by Designer & Owner, Robert Keith and Brand Liaison, Kether Parker, we walked into the 1940s Quonset Hut, where HOORSENBUHS calls home. One would never expect this hut to be a jewelry designer’s stomping grounds, yet it serves as a great decoy for the looming paparazzi when some of their celeb clientele stop by; people such as Paris Hilton, Rosario Dawson, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Dave Navarro, amongst others. HOORSENBUHS jewelry studio Jeweler's Work Bench, Where all the magic happens Gem Gossip had an inside look into how this high-end jewelry company is doing things differently and easily succeeding, while catching everyone’s attention. We also got a feel for how each customer gets their very own personalized jewelry buying experience when walking through these doors. left, Kether Parker, Brand Liaison, right, Robert Keith, Designer & Owner A “customer” is the wrong word to describe someone who purchases a piece from HOORSENBUHS. The experience of buying is so hands-on, you get “play around” with the jewelry, and choose what metal you prefer, what diamonds you want. Designer Robert Keith and Brand Liaison Kether Parker are passionate about what they do and want you to feel the same way. You basically walk into a whole new dimension of jewelry design with a whole new level of personalization. me falling in love with their rings At HOORSENBUHS, this is where you take control, and Robert & Kether are there to guide you and make the experience fun! Make an appointment, stop in, hit up the punching bag, play a diddy on the guitar or bang on their drum set, all while customizing any of their classic Tri-Link motif jewelry pieces. Now, that’s much better than talking to a stuffy sales associate at any jewelry store, right? the leather wrap-around bracelet makes a great headband And there’s so many goodies to choose from. Want to shine like Rihanna? Then pick the Phantom ring...Rihanna has two! Or go for a classic and get the Quad Link...Snoop Dogg never takes his off, I don’t think you will either! My favorite? The Phantom ring, customized in 18k yellow gold with black diamonds! A ring this fierce can change the way you look, entirely. The fast-selling, leather wrap-around bracelet is killer and made to fit. HOORSENBUHS on every finger! Gem Gossip cannot wait to get a glimpse of the jewelry set for Fall 2009. From what Robert & Kether described, the style and uniqueness will be unprecedented. I can already imagine the designs on runways. Be sure to check out some upcoming important dates for HOORSENBUHS, such as the trunk shows for Barneys New York.  To learn more, click here. The latest happenings at HOORSENBUHS: an Elle magazine editorial coming out in their September issue C magazine is doing a piece on the new Atelier for their September issue Read More