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
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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
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
Something that always interests me is jewelry combinations and how each individual puts together their jewelry for the day. Ashley Olsen never ceases to amaze and always comes up with some great mixtures. From what can be seen, she is wearing her Cartier watch, a large black stone ring, and possibly a crowned diamond heart ring. Not sure what the other rings are! Take a look at some similar choices if you are wanting to achieve this same jeweled look.
A crowned heart is a known symbol of love and loyalty. This one is priced at $5500 from Fay Cullen. It is a 1 carat heart shaped diamond set in platinum. A definite necessity in anyone's ring collection.
Although Ashley's black stone ring is larger and pear-shaped, this one still gives a similar effect. Designed by Pippa Small, the black stone is actually a Labradorite. I think Ashley's ring is an onyx. The Labradorite is set in 22k yellow gold, found on TWIST for $1685.
This is the exact watch Ashley has and was featured in her book Influence. Found the match at AuthenticWatches.com, not sure how reputable this company is, although they have high ratings under Bizrate. It is called the Cartier Pasha Seatimer Men's Steel Watch and sells for $4975 on their website. Read More
Summer is surely on the way, nothing like some tutti frutti jewelry to cool things down! Trying to decide if these colorful pieces of jewelry are for summer only, or if anyone would rock these during the winter? I'm not even sure! What do you think?
This bold, multi-stone ring screams Tutti Frutti just like Little Richard would. It is set in 14k yellow gold and all of the stones are actually sapphires. The ring can be found on Israel Rose and listed for $3250. Size 7.5
I love the chunkiness of this bracelet, and the gems used couldn't be more perfect. You've got some rose quartz, some malachite, amethyst, and other topaz, all cabochon cut. From the Ross-Simons Estate Collection.
Like a treasure washed up on the beach, this necklace reminds me of some bright sea glass strung together. Apatite, amethyst, citrine, fire opal, garnet, tanzanite, emerald, peridot and pure, 24K gold beads make up this necklace. Designed by Yossi Harari and featured at TWIST, price: $1810. Read More
Drop Necklaces are beautiful, and that extra length can drape wonderfully upon the neckline. It is always a bit of a dilemma finding the perfect top to wear with this sort of necklace. Something with a deep v-neck or a sheer floral blouse would be ideal. I found some great examples, check them out below! All are antique and needed in anyone's jewelry collection.
This one has an Edwardian style to it, although it does not specify what time period it is from. It is done in 18k white gold and features sapphires and diamonds. That sapphire is very pretty and weighs .80 carats. Priced at $850 from Israel Rose.
A piece from the Art Deco Era, this drop necklace features a gorgeous black opal that is bezel set, dangling from an opal that is also bezel set. All set in platinum, this piece is truly awesome! Priced at $4800 from Doyle & Doyle.
Eye-catching! Circa 1930s, this drop necklace shows off a large ruby and old mine cut diamonds. Of course it is all set in platinum and is priced at $4950. You can find this piece on 1st Dibs. Read More
