Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Celebrity Jewelry

[[1909-2009]] Celebrate Cartier’s Centennial

100 years is a big deal and 2009 marks the American Centennial of world renowned French Jewelery House, Cartier.  The company first opened its doors in America on Fifth Avenue in New York City in 1909.  Because of this special milestone, Cartier has showcased some exciting events throughout this year, has published a book, and of course, launched some significant jewelry which celebrates this occasion.   [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q382eElAOjo] All year long, guided tours are available at the NYC boutique location featuring "100 Creations," anything from one-of-a-kind jewels from Cartier, to objects, to pieces celebrities have worn in the past will be on display.  The book which is being released June 15, 2009 is called Cartier I Love You.  Pre-orders are being placed anywhere from Barnes & Noble or Amazon.  The book features photography by Bruce Weber and is an ode to all things Cartier. The gold-bordered, distinctively red cover and case are designed to look like a Cartier jewelry box—-right down to the authentic Cartier ribbon sewn into each binding! The centennial jewelry remakes the popular Trinity style, with the three rings combined, each fashioned in different colors of gold.  Below are two bangles from the collection. Read More

Designer Jewelry

Giveaway: Brazilets Wish Bracelet

We are giving away a Brazilet Wish Bracelet this week in honor of giving back, and helping to protect the Amazon in Brazil! Sales of Brazilets help preserve the Amazon and have been on the rise in popularity. Although these bracelets have been around for 200 years in Brazil, they have only recently been a hit here in the United States. Celebrities like Lauren Conrad and magazines like US Weekly & Star have promoted these bracelets. Brazilets are worn fashionably throughout Latin America yet retain spiritual significance as they help grant wishes to all who wear them. Brazilets are worn by wrapping the wrist and tying three knots for three wishes; when the material wears down and the Brazilets fall off naturally, it is believed that the three wishes will come true. In order to qualify to win, leave a comment which includes your email address and answer this question: What is your most coveted piece of jewelry you own? You can double your chances by doing the same on Twitter! Good luck, winner will be announced in a week! Read More

Obsessions

April showers brought May flowers

Just a little spring time inspiration. The Nashville area has been anything but springlike. Oh well... Beautiful 1920s platinum and diamond ring. The flower motif is elegant and done in a non-trendy way. The total carat weight is 1.2 carats! From Israel Rose and priced at $1650. 18 carats of aquamarine! From the 1950s done in 18k yellow gold, I can't imagine how eye-catching this bracelet would look like on. The mesh-iness of the entire piece makes it that much more unique. From Israel Rose, priced at $3500. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkSq2Zn2XoY] Read More

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Education & Advice

Jewelry Time Periods: The 50s-Modern Times

Jewelry of the 1950s has recently been acknowledged in a historical perspective. Modern day jewelry is everchanging and is not yet considered "historical." After WWII, the jewelry industry began to flourish once again. Television and rock & roll were new influences. Several large jewelry houses produced both high-end, luxurious jewelry, as well as smaller classic pieces for your average, middle class consumer. During this time, artisan jewelry emerged, inspiring "Jewelry as Art" or "Wearable Art." Often this type of jewelry was hand-made and only included one-of-a-kind pieces. There are many collectors of Mid-Century American Studio Jewelry today. Present-day jewelry is happening now, with trends and motifs all around us. It is only a matter of time until it makes its way into history! Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: pavé diamonds! open, textural designs braided & twisted goldwork yellow gold paired with gemstones; white gold/platinum paired with diamonds matching sets called "suites" animals, bumble bees, snowflakes, flowers, leaves, stars short necklaces, choker style; "Riviera" necklace- graduated diamond choker Important People of the Time: Harry Winston Read More

Celebrity Jewelry

Heidi Montag’s Wedding Jewels

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt tied the knot, for real this time, this past weekend. Heidi's jewelry for the big day was bold and glamorous. She is seen here with her bridal jewels, which are Neil Lane and worth over $1 million! Her bracelets are amazing. Below are some great choices from Lang Antiques, all may be well over your wedding budget, but it is always fun to dream! This bracelet is sleek, with a bold center diamond--almost 2 carats! Crafted during the Edwardian Era, it is rightfully done in platinum and totals 4 carats of diamonds. Price: $19,500 This one has the open links, similar to Heidi's. It is a French Art Deco piece, all done in platinum. The total diamond weight here is 8 carats, with a price of $17,500 Although Heidi wore a white-on-white look with her jewelry, adding a small pop of color, especially sapphires, is always pretty. I like this bracelet circa 1915, all set in platinum with bezel set diamond and sapphires. A total of 12 carats worth of diamonds in this bracelet! The price surely reflects that, $36000. All bracelets can be purchased at Lang Antiques, photo of Heidi courtesy of Pop Sugar. Read More

Engagement/Wedding Rings

Conflict-Free & Eco-Friendly Diamond Rings

If you haven't already "greened" up every aspect of your life, now is your chance to reform your diamond ring.  These are not only conflict-free diamonds, but they are also made of recycled gold.  There are over a dozen of these rings featured on Fay Cullen, each unique in their own way. Designed to resemble a "Medieval" look, all are crafted with 18k hammered, yellow gold.  All are rough cut, with darker colors...some brown, some gray, some even a shade of green.  Taking into account carat weight and price, these are an amazing deal!   Whether it is a fashion statement, an eco-conscious movement, or a token of love, these rings are sure to please. 4.35 carats, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=600 3.14 carats, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="3.14 carats, Price: $1950"][/caption]950 2.11 carats, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="2.11 carats, Price: $1560"][/caption]560 Read More