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Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Carolyn Tyler

July 23, 2008

One of my favorite jewelry designers is Carolyn Tyler. She has an ecclectic edge to her style, and each piece looks like it belongs in a museum case. The gold that is used is 22k and 100% recycled, meaning that no new mining had to be done to make the piece. So, not only are her designs gorgeous, but eco-friendly as well. Bali, an Indonesian island, is the setting and inspiration, and on this island, artisans hand make each piece of jewelry. It is an art that cannot be done anywhere else. This video lets you take a peek inside Carolyn Tyler's world, where you can see her inspirations and her jewelry come to life. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTWr2AWUhy0] Here are my picks from her jewelry line, which can be purchased by going to her website at www.carolyntylerjewelry.com Read More

Designer Jewelry

Diamond in a Pearl by Galatea

July 22, 2008

Can't decide whether you want diamonds or pearls for your birthday this year? Well, I may have the answer for you! How about both! Galatea has their very own patent on this remarkable work of art called Diamond in a Pearl. They take a pearl and drill into it, creating a nook for a diamond. Surrounding the diamond is your choice of yellow or white gold. Here is their most basic design, which starts out at $315. The pearl size is around 9mm, and the diamond is 4 points of a carat. I like how the "chain" is invisible so it looks like it is floating. It probably looks very nice on. The pearls can get very intricate as the price goes up. There are different styles of carving shown on the website. Even different pearl colors--this one is a black carved pearl with white gold, and then a diamond. This one is priced at $1695, so you can see the difference the carving makes in that aspect. As well as the diamond size, this one is 20 points and the pearl is 10mm. Galatea also makes rings, earrings and bracelets but I like these best. You can check out the full collection at the website: www.diamondinapearl.com Which ones do you like? Read More

Obsessions

Essential Earrings

July 20, 2008

Earrings can either make or break an outfit. There are trends that come and go, but there are a few classics that will always remain. No matter what date, time period, or season, diamond studs will always remain timeless and classy. You could find an old black & white photograph from the 40s, or a picture just uploaded onto Facebook, where girls are wearing diamond studs. Diamond studs can come in many different shapes and sizes, and each element affects the price tag. Think of purchasing them as an investment. Some jewelry stores offer a "trade-up" policy where you can continually upgrade your diamond studs and only need to pay the difference in price. That is a great idea. If I were to finally hoard some money and go for the buy, I would purchase something similar to above. They are a nice, clean emerald-cut pair. Another essential to any girls' earring assortment would be a good pair of gold hoops. The size is up to you. These ones are neat because they are wider than most when looking straight-on. The gold design is another positive--and so is the price! Only $285 from Ross-Simons. A pair of dangle earrings is another essential. My choice is by designer Jamie Joseph featured on Eliza Page. The navy blue of the lapis will match with just about anything from jeans to an evening dress. These are done in 14k white gold and are priced at $220. Please allow 4-6 weeks for ordering...so these are not a good idea for that wedding next weekend! The last earring essential is classic, affordable and absolutely necessary: pearl studs (and I don't have any [sad face]) I like the bigger pearls...around 9-10mm. They can dress up anything--even jeans and a t-shirt. These are from Ben Bridge Jewelers in sunny San Diego, California. Price: $139. Read More

Obsessions

Obsession: Vintage-Inspired Necklaces

July 20, 2008

My favorite kind of necklaces or pendants are ones that have a vintage-inspired look to them. They look more intricate and have a unique style of their own. The above picture has two great examples. They often have a chandelier look to them or dangles of diamonds. Some prominent symbols are bows, hearts, or drops. Many jewelry stores carry brand new pieces that have the estate-style to them, while other times you can buy the real thing at antique stores or online. Here are three examples of my top choices: This 14k white gold necklace has round and baguette diamonds that weigh a total of 1/3 of a carat. It is from Reeds Jewelers, which has stores located in the upstate New York area, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Price: $399. This necklace I have been eyeing for quite sometime! I love the bow at the top and the two pear-shaped sapphires dangling. This is a true vintage piece from 1910. It is priced at $7395 from Ross-Simons. Their estate selection is always amazing! This last one comes from Fay Cullen. It is from the Art Deco time period and is a pear-shaped citrine hanging from 18k white gold scrolling. So beautiful and for a price of $780. Read More

Engagement/Wedding Rings

Engagement Rings

July 18, 2008

I came across a website which specializes in antique and estate jewelry. As I was checking it out, I realized what a great selection of engagement rings they had to offer! I think a lot of people underestimate the Internet when ring shopping. Right away one might think it would be too risky or a rip-off. However, these sellers have been doing this sort of thing for years, and if they did happen to sell you a fake diamond, you could probably get them in a lot of trouble. Anyway, my advice to you is to shop around! It won't hurt to look on the Internet. And you never know, there might be that special ring somewhere in cyberspace waiting--the perfect one! Remember, you will be wearing this baby "til death do you part." So make it a good one! My top two picks from the website I found, Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry, are shown above. The first one being a rose cut, which is unique because it is more like 3-D, where it juts out alittle ways, rather than being flush with the prongs. I like the style of it and the cut. It is 1.35 carats, which is big but not too overwhelming, and is priced at $7950. The Emerald cut ring is breathtaking! This one is 1.89 carats and set in platinum...so right there sets the bar pretty high. I like how the center stones and the side stones match and I also like how the side stones are set with the bezels instead of prongs. Are you ready for the price? $14750! Which one do you like better? Read More

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Ivanka Trump

July 17, 2008

Many of you may know her famous father, but did you know Ivanka Trump is not only a famous daughter but a jewelry designer? Her line of high-end diamonds, embellished in enamels and gold prove that she means business. Take, for example, her "bridal bar" where brides-to-be come to choose amongst large diamonds of many shapes and different styles. Below is an engagement ring from her collection, with a classic oval shape--which she uses throughout many of her pieces as a motif. Another signature look she offers is the black and white enameling. Her store is just as luxurious as the jewelry inside. If you are ever in the Madison Avenue area in New York City, you should stop by and experience it. I wish I could! http://www.ivankatrumpcollection.com/ Read More

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Designer Spotlight: Carolyn Tyler

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Obsessions

Obsession: Vintage-Inspired Necklaces

Engagement/Wedding Rings

Engagement Rings

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How to Identify Genuine Georgian Jewelry, part 1

How to Clean Antique Jewelry — The Important Do’s & Don’ts

Welcome to the New Website!

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Ivanka Trump

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