Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Ronni Kappos

Up and coming designer Ronni Kappos vintage glass jewelry designs are bold and bright. When I look at her jewelry line, I first thought rainbow bright would be too flashy or gaudy, but she takes rainbow bright to a sophisticated level. Kappos uses vintage German glass from the 1940s, usually surrounded by 24k gold. All of her designs are so affordable for the detail and craftsmanship. I feel like that won't last long. As soon as America gets familiar with this designer, I'm sure we won't be seeing prices under $100. So check out her work at Twist, and check out my favorites below! This is the Propeller necklace--black, red and teal vintage German glass with 24k gold. It hangs from a nylon cord that is a kelly green color. This could be worn casually or even dressed up. It is playful and pretty, great for summer. And only $100! The Triple Ellipse earrings remind me of a modern version of the cat tail plant. The color combination here would go great with jeans. These are $140. And lastly, the Emblem pendant. Vintage glass that is a pretty sky-blue circle, contrasts the bright tomato-red diamond shapes. It has 24k gold surrounding the shapes on a brown nylon cord. Only $100. Read More

Engagement/Wedding Rings

Fancy Diamonds; A Wide Range of Colors

Canary...Champagne...Chocolate. Yes, these are names for colored diamonds, and they are some of the prettiest out there. They are called fancy diamonds, and have become increasingly popular these days. Ranging in all shades you could think of, as well as color combinations--like brownish pink, or orangey pink. Sometimes, even taking the place of the tradional colorless diamond for an engagement ring. Remember Jennifer Lopez's 6 carat pink diamond engagement ring, given to her by Ben Affleck? Some celebrities have sought out purple and yellow diamonds. So of all the colors, which is the rarest? That coveted title goes to Red! Red diamonds are extremely rare, followed by Blue. This is a champagne colored diamond that is set in platinum. The diamond is graded as a 'fancy-brown-yellow.' It is set in an Edwardian style setting, with diamonds flanking the sides. The diamond is 3.13 carats! It is for sale on Fay Cullen, and priced at $8000. Here are some canary diamonds--a very pretty, and flattering yellow. These earrings create an interesting illusion, making it seem that the cluster of yellow diamonds are actually one large stone. But really, there are four small marquise cut diamonds with a tiny round in the center. They are designed by Brian Danielle and can be found on Max & Chloe for $1990. And finally, we can't talk about fancy diamonds without including black diamonds! This eternity band is a very special piece. Black diamonds look great set in white gold or platinum. This ring is from www.ice.com and is only $295. The website always offers free shipping on items over $150, so that is an extra bonus! Read More

Obsessions

Gem Gossip Charity Bracelet!

Gem Gossip is very excited and proud to bring you the Gem Gossip Charity Bracelet, which benefits Rutherford County's PAWS (which stands for Pet Adoption and Welfare Service). Animals and jewelry are my two favorite things, so I've come up with a design for a bracelet that, when worn, will remind people of how special our furry friends are in our lives. Not every animal is lucky enough to have a warm and loving home, and PAWS has been there to take care of less fortunate critters. What a better way to say thank you to such a great establishment than by giving back! The bracelet is made up of a red, silk cord interlocked by a 14k yellow gold bead. It was carefully designed in order to be able to adjust to most size wrists--about 6.5" to 7.5" Just pull to adjust! I made sure that this bracelet is versastile, so it could be worn with other 14k gold bracelets and diamond rings, and still fit in with other high end jewelry, while still being affordable. It is also very trendy since layering bracelets has been seen everywhere in Hollywood.  Gem Gossip Charity Bracelet: 9.99 The bracelet is seen here layered with another 14k gold chain bracelet that has red enamel beads. Price $49.99, with 10% proceeds benefitting PAWS.  For ordering inqueries, send an email to charitybracelet@gmail.com Read More

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Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Get LOST! with Coldplay and this Ring

There's always that one song that you can play over and over and never get sick of.  The song seems to even get better the more you play it.  These types of songs don't come around too often.  Remember Hey Ya by Outkast??...everyone thought that song was one of these kinds, but don't be fooled.  After three months of constant air time on the radio, I never wanted to hear that song ever again.  So beware! A song that I can't get enough of right now is Lost! by Coldplay.  It is amazing and I think I could play it all day!  If you haven't heard, check it out below!  I found this random youtube video since they haven't made an official video for the song yet. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foxEMsFeVBA] You can get lost in this vintage sapphire ring. It is from Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry and is $4750. The sapphire is from Montana and is 5 carats! I love the black enameling on the shank...I think this is one of the most unique pieces I've come across in a long time! I can definitely get Lost in this ring... Read More

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