Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Obsessions

Shake it Fast;; Watch Yourself!

Whether it's floating diamonds, rubies, sapphires or even flecks of gold, shaker jewelry is back in action.  But don't get this trend confused with what it was several years ago.  It is hard to explain, so I'll give you some visual pictures.  You will see the difference! Okay, here is what the trend looked like when it first debuted.  Usually a few diamonds, bezel set (gold around them) "floating" in usually a white sapphire crystal.  Not so cute anymore. Now here is the newly updated version of the shaker jewelry trend. You can definitely see the difference! Gemstones are not carefully placed inside the crystal anymore, no more gold border to them, and I even like the flecks of gold rather than gemstones. It's like you just went gemstone hunting, and put all your finds into an empty case. This necklace has faceted rubies inside a vintage crystal locket. I wonder how many little rubies there are? You can also special order this piece in sapphires or diamonds. Price ranges for this necklace are anywhere between $800-$4000. http://www.77thstreetimports.com So pretty! This is a different take on the shaker jewelry trend. Why not use flakes of gold? These flakes are actually rose gold, which makes it even more unique. The ring, designed by Moritz Glik, is set in 18k rose gold, using two white sapphire plates to hold the flecks of gold. It is $3160 and can be purchased at Ylang|23. Another great example of this trend is this peridot shaker necklace designed by Elisa Solomon. Many of us will like the price on this 'usually very expensive' trend--only $370. How was this accomplished? Just by using peridot gemstones, instead of diamonds and using 14k gold rather than 18k gold. Still top notch, by all means and the pretty green color of peridot will make this shaker necklace stand out above the rest! Read More

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Karen Karch

When I came across jewelry designer Karen Karch and her website, it was like Christmas morning for me. Every time I clicked "next page" I got more and more thrilled by her jewelry designs. Talk about one-of-a-kind! Brides-to-be love her organic and simply stunning engagement rings. They are different, and will continue to be beautiful throughout your lifetime. Brides can choose from a wide range of wedding bands, many featuring vines and tiara shapes. White and Cognac diamonds are used in engagement style rings. Karch also has some breath-taking everyday jewelry. Her collection features lapis, jade, coral, turquoise and tiger's eye. Any jewelry lover who is not familiar with Karch's designs should check out her site--you will love it! The bright blue of the lapis against the yellow gold really makes this ring stand out. The band is made out of golden vines, which give the ring an organic look. The lapis is rose cut, making it even more unique. The prongs look like claws--so neat! Price is $4200, and the ring is called Spellbound. Karch has many lucky horn pendants in her collection. You can purchase them in turquoise, jade, coral, onyx, tiger's eye, even a diamond encrusted horn. Some have different caps, having more or less diamonds...it depends on your style (and budget!) This one is the most simple, and is green jade. Price: $1900 This is called the Supreme ring--the name says it all. The black diamonds really contrast against the 18k rose gold. Tiny white diamonds border around the center stone. The total carat weight of diamonds in this ring is 2.17, price $6800. Read More

Designer Jewelry

Get Familiar: Karen Karch

Want more?  Stay tuned. Read More

Shop My Picks

ShopGemGossip.com

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Bravo Chad; Victoria’s Vintage 1 year Anniversary Gift

You know you watch the show every week; you even watch reruns and not even know it.  Twenty minutes into the rerun you're like--"wait, didn't I just watch this episode last night?"  But you'll finish the last ten minutes until the end just because.  Million Dollar Listing has been pretty good television.  I even get to have snack breaks when Madison's part comes on (he's so boring).  Chad is my favorite.  I also like to predict what clips are going to be on The Soup because Joel McHale does a sweet job of making fun of him.  Now, after the latest episode, I've come to like Chad and his girlfriend Victoria even more, so I might not laugh as hard the next time Joel McHale makes fun of him.  The episode shows Chad at a jewelry store, picking out a gift for Victoria for their one year anniversary.  Chad chose a vintage diamond ring from the 1920s--nice move.  The ring was perfect for the occasion and he presented it to her in Palm Springs.  I've found a few "look-alikes" on some vintage jewelry online shops, so check them out below, and you could have you're very own vintage ring as seen on Million Dollar Listing! This ring has a similar style to the one Chad gave Victoria. It is also from the same time period. There are seven rose cut diamonds (lucky number??) and the ring is set in 18k yellow and white gold. It can be found here at Adin. Price: around $625. The next similar ring comes from Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry. This one is very elegant and has more diamond weight to it--1.15 carats to be exact. It is also set in platinum. The price on this one is $3950. Worth it! This one is probably the most similar to the style and shape of the ring Chad got Victoria. He mentioned while purchasing the ring, that it sort of looked like a butterfly, and this does as well. It is from the Ross-Simons estate collection, and priced at $1195 ($956 if you catch the Labor Day Sale). Very pretty, set in 14k white gold with, again, seven diamonds. Must be a trend that was done back in the 20s-30s, with the seven diamonds. You can tune in to the Bravo channel, and check your local listings for times of Million Dollar Listing. You could probably turn it on TV right now and watch it, it's always on. Read More

Auctions

eBay: Pick of the Week!

Haven't looked at eBay in awhile! I think it is because I am still mad at their changes, especially the high costs of seller's fees. My dad had me list his Girard-Perregaux wristwatch, and it cost $45 just to list it! And it did not even sell! Anyways, I think I've found a new seller to add to my favorites list, beverlyhillsantiques.com They have some really pretty antique stick pins and bar pins. Here are a few stick pins that are ending this week. A few things you could do with a stick pin: stick it in an updo in your hair, take it to a jeweler and remove the stick and make a pendant out of it, or secure your trendy scarf with a beautiful platinum & diamond stick pin! This stick pin is decked out in platinum and 18k gold. The sapphires, diamonds and filigree work make this piece stunning. I could see this used to secure a scarf that is wrapped around your neck. The starting bid is $223. You're looking at a half carat in this pear-shaped diamond, with a pearl attached to the end. This one is in platinum and 18k gold as well. I could picture this one being poked into a sleek updo. Starting bid is $493. This bird is encrusted in diamonds that are rose cut and sees with ruby eyes. With this stickpin, I would turn into a pendant at a local jewelry store. You could remove the stick part and use that gold to sell as scrap. Then, a jeweler could easily make the bird into a pendant. The starting bid is $385. You may have thought stickpins don't have much use--but hopefully my ideas will inspire you! Read More

Designer Jewelry

Cute Critter Jewels

There has been an increase in animal and critter jewelry lately.  Have you noticed?  It kind of started off with the enamel bangles that were zebra or leopard that became popular.  Now, the trend has transformed into something less tacky, where there is a subtle creature encrusted in diamonds on a necklace or ring.  I've seen owls, panthers, turtles, crabs, and many snakes.  I found a few favorites that I would wear...these are two little birds and an alligator!  I don't necessarily recommend wearing them all together though! The first little bird comes from designer Elisa Solomon. This necklace is so charming and I just love the yellow gold/turquoise combination. That precious metal and stone combo creates such a pretty look. The bird has a diamond for an eye set in 18k yellow gold. The price on this necklace is $600. Do you have a thing for Lacoste polos? That cute little embroidered alligator? Well here's a golden and diamond encrusted version of that same alligator! Lena Wald has created this unique necklace, which is 14k yellow gold and 16" long. It is $242 and can be found at Twist. I love this little enamel birdie ring designed by eclectic designer Solange Azagury-Partridge. I wish I knew price details. On her website, you can view her interesting jewelry designs--like none other! She is located in London, so I'm not even sure if her pieces can be found for purchase here in the U.S. Read More