Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Obsessions

Necklaces: Nature-Inspired

I've been outside nearly the entire day. Sometimes I feel it is urgent to stop and appreciate nature. With our hectic lives that we all live, it is sad that we don't take the time to just sit and take in the incredible wonders of this world. You could sit and watch the sunset, watch a tiny ant make its way home while carrying something 3x its size, or wonder about the stars and moon. It is relaxing and puts your worries into perspective. Here are some nature-inspired pieces that are just as amazing as nature itself. Maybe purchasing one will remind you to stop and appreciate the little things in life. This little necklace is designed by Pippa Small. That green gem is a chrysophase and it is strung on a natural cord. To give it some glam, two 22k gold seeds are added. This necklace definitely has earthy elegance! It can be purchased at Twist for $620. Doves hold a special meaning to my family, so this necklace is near the top of my wishlist. The designer, Renee Garvey, is amazing and all of her designs are so organic. The dove has a white diamond for an eye, and is hanging with a raw black diamond and a smoothed beach stone. What a neat combination! The leather cord is so right...I can't imagine this piece with a gold chain necklace. It is $358 and found on Eliza Page. This necklace comes from a website I recently came across and quickly added to my Favorites. It is called Ele Keats and they have amazing jewelry. This particular one is an 18k gold necklace with an emerald crystal as the center-piece. That emerald looks like it has just been dug out from underground. I like how the necklace has the other emerald and gold accents, rather than just the center pendant. Price: $835 Read More

Obsessions

Diamonds: Tycoon Cut

The four C's--cut, clarity, color and carat size--each are important in regards to diamonds. When you talk about the cut of a diamond, there are more possiblities than you may think. One type of cut that transcends the rest is the new Tycoon Cut. Introduced in 2000, the Tycoon Cut is known to be the "only diamond with a diamond on top." You can see the diamond shape on the very top of the stone. The cut allows the stone to reflect 30% more light than other fancy cuts. In comparison to the very similar Emerald Cut, the Tycoon Cut has more sparkle--it has nine facets. To ensure authenticity, each Tycoon diamond is laser inscribed with a serial number and comes with a GIA grading report. Read More

My Jewel Box

Update: My ring is finished!

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

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Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Donna Distefano

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

Designer Jewelry

Ross-Simons Introduces Pet Jewelry Line

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

Obsessions

Estate Earrings

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