UPDATE: Picked up my what I dropped off last week--a diamond--and now I have a beautiful ring! The first look is always the best, it definitely took my breath away and I felt it was even better than I expected. Bell Jewelers did a great job and I highly recommend them if you are looking to have a diamond set, or even if you need broken jewelry repaired. So here is the diamond I brought again: And here is the result: Read More
Makeovers are always fun, but when anyone hears the word 'makeover' they think hair salons, new wardrobe, and getting their nails done. Donna Distefano adds one more kind of makeover--a jewelry makeover! Ever get tired of that old diamond solitaire ring that is just sitting in your jewelry box? Or how about that gawdy 80s style diamond cluster ring that catches and snags on all your sweaters? Well Donna Distefano offers the opportunity to transform your old piece into a modern, up-to-date style! She consults one-on-one in her studio, giving advice and her expertise. You are also provided with chocolates, champagne, and gift bags...(all your favorites!) This can even be done for small parties, bridal parties, anniversary or birthday parties for up to six ladies. Now that would be a day to remember! For booking inquiries, check out the website or call 212-594-3757. Below are some pieces from her jewelry line. Her collection has inspirations from her previous work and job at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Check out the prices and other pieces on her website, and you can also order directly. Happy shopping! Read More
A favorite jewelry company of mine, Ross-Simons, introduces their new line of pet jewelry this week. The line includes jeweled elastic hair accessories, necklaces, leash charms, and even pearl necklaces! Those would look adorable on any dog. I'm not sure how the elastic hair accessories will stay put or how they even work...I would stick with the collars. Here is one of my favorites from the new line. It is a collar made out of coral, and has a silver CZ studded bead as well. The pearl necklaces look similar. All are on sale right now for around $50-60. I don't think my chihuahua named Billy would like any of the pet jewelry. He even hates wearing his black nylon collar (pictured above on)...can't you tell? Would your pets wear any of this jewelry? Do you think it is a good idea? Read More
Earrings are always alittle more difficult to find when shopping vintage. Some have very strange looking screw-on backs that look like you need a screwdriver to open them up--yikes. Earrings, to me, are always the easiest piece of jewelry to lose. Whether an earring back falls off, and you lose one earring or the snap-bar closure doesn't "snap" tightly enough. I've experienced it all...and I'm sure you have. Lately I've been having the problem of falling asleep with my earrings on, and in the middle of the night, unconsciously, I'll take them out and fling them somewhere. Not good. Anyways, here are a few estate earrings that I found while browsing. Enjoy! So cute and dainty, these diamond dangles are true reflections of the Edwardian time period. They are from Ross-Simons estate collection, and are priced at $6800. There are 2 carats of diamonds and set in 14k yellow gold. These are also from Ross-Simons estate collection. They are from the 1930s and are so stunning, whether you would wear them day or night. The green stone is a jade cabochon, which is surrounded by black onyx rectangles--very unique. Of course there are loads of diamonds and the earrings are set in platinum. Price: $6200. Lastly, these chic, turquoise enamel earrings are from Adin fine antique jewelry, located in Belgium. These would go great with many of the trends right now. They are 18k yellow gold and are priced at about $124. I wish I would've rocked these in my new driver's license photo I had to take this morning...of course after waiting hours in line. Read More
A trend that has swept, and will continue to sweep the jewelry industry is the rocker chic look. There are many names for this type of jewelry/style: goth, biker, rock & roll, badass, etc... Some designers and celebrities have really made this style mainstream and have done some pretty good things with it. I think there is always a way you could glam this style up, so that it doesn't look so hardcore. Of course I've had my eye out for some rocker chic jewelry that I think is the best out there. Here are my finds: This is a double finger ring. Very impractical to wear, especially when you are trying to type on a computer, but one can't help to feel badass in it. This type of ring has been seen on the fingers of a few celebrities lately, such as stars of "The Hills"--Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge. This particular one is a 14k gold curved bar with a tiny diamond, priced at $392. It can be found on the website ZoeChicco, which has an amazing selection of jewelry that will make your mouth water! Of course I cannot talk about badass jewelry without including those skulls! A definite trend, that is still going strong, but can easily be tacky if you go about it the wrong way. With these two pieces, I guarantee you won't overdo it. They are tiny, simple and still look tough. The charm is a baby charm with two tiny diamonds (price $110) from C.H.A.R.M. which is a company that carries...you guessed it...charms! They have the best selection, hands down, and even have an array of antique charms. The ring is a tiny skull in 10k gold from a company that specializes in biker jewelry. It is priced at $140, which is the best price I've seen for a skull ring, and this one is the real deal. I never thought a cross could look badass before, until now. This is such a unique necklace, especially with the opals, but then designer Fatima Maria adds two random diamonds in the mix--I love that! I also like how the cross hangs from the chain like that--so unconventional. This can be found on Twist, and be purchased for $2200. Read More
I am very excited because I dropped off my diamond today to be made into a ring! I am having it done at Bell Jewelers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The diamond is a 0.60 carat pear-shaped with a fancy champagne color. It was difficult to decide what I wanted it made into...I decided to go with a 14k yellow gold ring with the diamond in a bezel setting. It should be finished and ready to be picked up around the beginning of August! Here are a few tips to consider if you have a diamond you want made into a piece of jewelry: .::Consider all possibilities:...ring, necklace, earrings, bracelet...?? .::Bring in pictures or draw pictures: sometimes explaining things doesn't always work out .::Make sure the jeweler is experienced: do your research online .::Use old, broken gold to make a new piece of jewelry: always save old, broken gold The picture I brought in to the jewelry store to explain what I wanted my ring to look like I will let you know how it turns out! Keep checking back for the update! Read More
