April 2007 Archives
GIA To Open In Tokyo.
As part of a strategy to expand its international presence, the Gemological Institute of America said the AGT Gem Laboratory in Tokyo will start operations as a GIA LabDirect consolidator on April 2, 2007.
The GIA announced the creation of LabDirect in August as a way to widen access to its laboratory services by setting up an international network of local take-in windows and consolidators to serve more local areas.
"Each consolidator will act as a diamond industry forwarding service by consolidating diamonds from local regions and shipping them to the GIA Laboratory," the GIA said in a March 31, 2007 press statement. "These local drop-off and pick-up shipment points help the maximum number of clients move their goods to the GIA Laboratory to get the services they want in a safe, expedient and cost-effective way," the GIA added.
In addition, the consolidator also prepares the stones for shipping to GIA with an agreed-upon protocol, communicates grading results to the end clients, and is responsible for collecting payment.
Tom Moses, senior vice president of GIA Laboratory and Research said, “GIA is expanding its presence internationally and we want to make our services accessible to more people.”
The Tokyo LabDirect center follows the GIA's opening of a similar center in Hong Kong in early March.
Richard Mille; Gorgeous Watches, Classy Guy!
Being that I am a huge fan of the incredibly beautiful luxury timepieces by Richard Mille, I was overjoyed when I came upon this thread by Paul Boutros in TimeZone with awesome pictures of a recent world class event with the Richard Mille brand, hosted by Antiquorum USA at their new "New York TimeZone" headquarters.
Not only are his watches special (gorgeous design elements and innovative complications), it seems the man behind the company is a class act as well!
Here is one of the pictures (there are many more on the link above) of Richard Mille himself at the event!
Designer Diamond 'Brands' Database
Hearts on Fire is a trademarked diamond brand of ideal cut diamonds.
SuperbCert is a trademarked diamond brand of ideal cut diamonds.
Diamond luminary, Fran Goldstein has just launched a global database of ‘special’ diamond cuts, with an almost comprehensive listing of what is happening around the world with reference to what she calls ‘Designer Diamonds’ – differentiated special cuts - based on the hearts/arrows (8 and 10) pattern; multi-faceted modified rounds; special fancy shapes; composite cuts; cuts highlighting color; and those that offer certification for the source of the rough diamonds.
Via Janus Thinking
DeBeers To Start Selling Diamonds Online
New York—De Beers Diamond Jewellers CEO Guy Leymarie said the retail venture will be adding e-commerce to its Web site, DeBeers.com, in the near future.
Verragio Jewelry and Engagement Rings. | Meet The Designer!
I was always impressed with jewelry designs by Verragio.
In my opinion, Verragio is one of the best designers of exquisite diamond engagement rings and bridal jewelry. His engagement ring designs are quite timeless and I would say he is up there with the likes of Vatche, Scott Kay, Ritani, and Tacori.
Bridal Jewelry by Verragio.
To see how he made his debut in the jewelry marketplace, read this excellent short blurb by The Jewelry-Weblog.
Hello Kitty Is Making Expensive Diamond Jewelry
From the pop-culture crazy company that just will not go away, here is a new nick-nack for you to spend your money on; a $4250 diamond ring for you Hello Kitty fans!!
People are absolutely crazy...what can I say!!
Via Popgadget.
Phyllis Bergman is Enterprising Woman Of The Year.
Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women Magazine, has announced that Phyllis Bergman, president of Mercury Ring Corporation, is a 2007 Enterprising Women of the Year Award Winner.
The Enterprising Women of the Year Award honors the country's finest women entrepreneurs and their remarkable success. The award recognizes winners as leaders who have mentored and given back to other women in business, and have had a profound impact on their community. Award recipients were honored at a gala dinner on Feb. 23 at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Cardinals' Staff Gets 2006 World Series Rings!
Read about it here:
Chronodeco Watches
I just saw a really cool new concept in luxury timepieces, courtesy of Luxist.bligblog.
A small watch company called chronodeco, created by metallurgical engineer Craig Bergsma, features NOS (new old stock) movements. This means that all of the parts in the watch excluding the crystal and the strap have been in storage for at least 50 years and never used. Because the watches are composed of old stock there is always a limited edition of each version. The Positano, named for Bergsma’s recent trip to the Italian town, has a 38mm pink gold-filled case with deco designed lugs and a stainless steel snap back. There are just 20 watches available, 12 silver dials and eight black dials. Each one is numbered on the inside of the back and has a Certificate of Authenticity. The watches sell for $695 each. All of Bergsma’s previous editions have sold out quickly.
Lazare Kaplan Diamonds Signs New Agreement
Lazare Kaplan International (LKI) has signed a cooperation agreement with NamGem Diamond Manufacturing Company for cutting and polishing diamonds in Namibia.
Under the terms of the agreement LKI will provide marketing and technical manufacturing assistance to NamGem. A statement issued this week said LKI will purchase rough diamonds and supervise the manufacturing of those deemed suitable to cut and polish. LKI will also pay NamGem for manufacturing on a fee for service basis.
All rough and polished diamonds will be bought and sold by LKI for its account. "LKI understands the strategic importance of NamGem to the people and the government of Namibia and looks forward to a close and successful cooperation," said Leon Tempelsman, president of Lazare Kaplan International Inc in the statement.
Lazare Kaplan International Inc. sells its diamond and jewelry products through a worldwide distribution network. The company says it is noted for its ideal cut diamonds which it markets internationally under the brand name, Lazare Diamonds.
Via: The Economist.
Gold and Crystal Necklace Shaped Like A Donut
This interestingly beautiful necklace featuring crystal and gold is not only shaped like a donut, it's actually called the "donut necklace".
Not sure if the company is trying to capitalize on peoples hunger for donuts, or whether it isn't just bad marketing.
Looking at the bright side; the name is 'catchy'.
The "crystal donut necklace".
The crystal donut is wrapped with gold silk strands and capped with 14kt gold beads.
Priced at $525, your average Dunkin Donut is a heck of allot cheaper...
Unique Custom Jewelry by Barry Wine
I found some really unique and custom diamond rings by a mater designer named Barry Wine.
In a consumer driven market, where diamond jewelry is often mass produced with corner being cut everywhere and jewelry that leaves much to be desired, it is really refreshing to see a master jeweler celebrating his passion for fine jewelry, with exquisite designs that you won't find anywhere else.
These rings by Barry Wine are not only unique, you can actually see the painstaking work that went into every detail of their creation!
Via: I Love Bling.
Watch's Couth - A Great New Luxury Watch Website
Watch's Couth is an online shop with the goal of allowing private customers as well as commercial players active in the watch sector to expose the watches they wish to buy or sell, in a simple and direct way, locally or around the world.
The aim of this Internet platform is to facilitate the purchase, sale and exchange of watches worldwide without regulating the payment process. The payment is not done over the Internet; users pay each other directly. It is possible to research watches according to brand, version, case, fastening, movement, limited series and price.
Brands include some of the top names, such as: Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Rolex, Chopard, Audemars Piguet, Franck Muller, Breitling, Cartier, Bulgari, Girard-Perregaux, Aerowatch, Ulysse Nardin, Tag Heuer, Zenith, Patek Philippe, Panerai, Longines, Ebel, Van Der Bauwede, Piaget, IWC, Blancpain, Baume & Mercier, Parmigiani Fleurier, Bell & Ross, Corum, Breguet, Hublot and JeanRichard.
An interesting tool for retailers wanting to promote sales or draw customers into their stores.
Source: Watch’s Couth
Soyuz Watches. From Russia With Love
One of my new favorite watches (;-) is the Soyuz tourbillion with the balance bridge in the form of a twin-head skeletonized eagle and with retrograde indicators of day and date.
Just a stunning watch!
The famous Russian Company “Rekord” Watch-Making Company” Ltd., SOYUZ brand owner and one of the leaders of the Russian watch market, has presented its brand at the International Watch Exhibition BASELWORLD 2006 upon the overwhelming success at the INHORGENTA 2006 Exhibition.
The deal with this company is that they promote their brand based on its interesting history.
It seems that a secret armory near Moscow was manufacturing limited series of SOYUZ watches by the order of Stalin in the 1940's. Soviet leaders were granted with Soyuz as a distinction.
Now they are marketing and pitching this aspect of the watches history as a way of capturing market share and opening the brand to regular consumers like us!
They even feature a watch collection called KGB. They ask you to purchase one and become a "KGB agent".
In fact, at their recent 2006 booth at the watch expo in Basel, they had an actor dressed up like Stalin showcasing the watches for the passing crowd!
Really cool stuff!
Here are the pics:
The Soyuz staff at the show.
Stalin wears Soyuz watches!
Interesting marketing for sure.
Let's see if it works.....
Exquisite Designer Jewelry and Diamond Rings
De Lalys is a relatively new and refreshing diamond and jewelry purveyor of really unique designs and custom jewelry.
They are currently building out their new website and already have some really beautiful featured custom made jewelry, like the diamond ring below.
Fashion Editors Say Clear & Colorless Jewelry is In Vogue For Spring 2007
Pick up any copy of InStyle, Marie Claire, Jane, and other popular fashion magazines and you will find the editors talking about the rage for jewelry this Spring.
It seems everyone is pushing colorless baubles like lucite, rock, or crystal jewelry for your fashion accessories. Jane magazine bluntly states that "clear jewelry is no longer for strippers".
I just blogged on this new gold and crystal pendant design.
Glamour magazine declares that the jewelry should be piled on and become "the focal point" of your outfit.
Fashion jewelry icons like David Yurman, Georg Jensen, and Tacori are all devoting some considerable effort to this end, with flashy ads devoted to showcasing many of these new designs.
So get out there and buy yourself some clear crystal jewelry...and don't worry about looking like a stripper says, Jane magazine!!.;-) ;-)
Your Ebay Purchase: Quality Item or Ripoff?
Have you ever wondered if the luxury and designer watches, jewelry, and handbags you're bidding on Ebay at prices too good to be true, are legit or fakes?
No doubt you're not alone on this as Internet Chatrooms are rife with horror stories from consumers who thought they were getting a great deal only to find out to their chagrin that they've been ripped off.
Well, now comes the announcement of an organization that claims that they will authenticate the quality of these Ebay listed luxury goods. The name of their website is colinsworth.com and the link is here: Ebay Luxury Goods Authentication
They offer guaranteed third-party authentication of luxury watches, jewelry and handbags being auctioned on eBay.
"Up until now, bidders on luxury goods online did so with great trepidation and at great risk," Colinsworth Authentication's founder and chief executive officer Colin Dreizin said in a statement. "With the old way, buyers were saving 30 to 50 percent on luxury goods while taking a 75 to 90 percent chance of receiving a worthless counterfeit. For consumers, and for luxury goods manufacturers who wish to maintain their well-deserved reputations for quality, this is clearly a losing situation."
For example, Tiffany and Co. found that 75 percent of jewelry items offered in online auctions using the Tiffany name were counterfeit. Rolex sued two European subsidiaries of eBay over alleged auctions of counterfeit Rolex watches.
"By engaging our expert authenticators before the online sale is completed, buyers are guaranteed of purchasing legitimate luxury items, and sellers are assured that prices for their luxury items aren't driven down by their proximity to fakes," Dreizin said.
Both buyers and sellers can register for the service at the site. For buyers, the service protects them from counterfeits and fraud. For sellers, the service signals to buyers that they have agreed to have their items authenticated before sales are completed and protects them from chargebacks and fraud, the company said.
"By allowing us, a third-party authenticator, to confirm the items as being genuine, buyers are assured that the item is authentic," Dreizin said. "And, since all buyers have the same guarantee of authenticity, they should bid more often and bid higher, driving prices up."
Check this out.
Why I Blog on Diamonds and Jewelry?
Barry Schwartz just tagged me asking me why I blog. Here are some reasons I can think of right off the top of my head:
1. We are passionate about diamonds and jewelry and cannot get enough information for ourselves. This has us scouring the industry for news, updates, and information. It is a small hop and a skip from there to actually collating this info. into a cohesive blog.
2. In addition to our e-commerce diamond & jewelry website, our Signature Ideal Diamond Information website, and other diamond websites in cyberspace where we contribute our time and expertise, our blog allows us the flexibility of sharing a varied level of information and data on the things we know best!
3. A blog is so much more impersonal and less formal than a regular website. It reads better. It engages the consumer and it sends the message that you don't have to actually be in the market to "buy" something in order to enjoy information on diamonds and jewelry. Many people are scared to browse an e-commerce website for diamonds and jewelry simply because they are scared to get "pitched" before they might actually be ready to buy. By enabling the reader to sift through interesting postings related to diamonds and jewelry, we give people the opportunity to get comfortable with our industry and with buying on the net in particular.
Buying diamonds or jewelry on the net from a reputable jeweler is not scary proposition. Indeed, the age of the Internet, its ability to add value and empower the consumer with real knowledge and info. has completely changed the face of the diamond industry.
4. I respect and appreciate successful diamond and jewelry designers, companies, and brands who have distinguished themselves in our industry. These are people who are passionate about what they do and about making customers happy. They are perfectionists in their work and they deserve credit and kudos for enriching our industry and the customer experience.
Our blog gives me the opportunity and platform to recognize their contributions in my "Diamond Stars" and "Diamond & Jewelry" websites sections.
5. I enjoy helping people learn about loose diamonds and diamond jewelry. People buy this stuff during an emotional high point in their lives and it makes me happy to play a small role in their momentous occasions.
6. A blog enables me to create my own community in cyberspace where I get to "meet" wonderful and interesting people who share a similar interest and passion. It also allows us to converse with experts in the industry who are at the top of their game. This is a really cool way of leveraging the powerful net and we are loving it!
7. Finally, I'd be remiss (and intellectually dishonest..;-)) if I didn't also point to the fact that our popular diamond and jewelry blog helps us showcase some of our own talents..;-) and certainly sends some traffic to our diamond and jewelry store.
That's all I could think of for now!!
Loose Diamonds Found in A Rug
Found this really cool story about a jewelry store owner who found two missing valuable diamonds in a rug during his recent store renovation.
"Diamonds in the Rug"
Light Blogging During Passover and Easter
We will be light on the blogs and postings over the next several days as the Passover Holiday continues through Tuesday, April 10.
Our offices and factory will be closed on Monday and Tuesday in observance of the Holiday and we reopen on Wednesday, April 11 at 9:30 a.m.
We would like to wish all of our friends, readers, and subscribers a joyous Easter and a Happy Passover.
Please enjoy your Holidays with family and friends and we look forward to blogging again in earnest as soon as we get back!
Federated to Spend $100 million on its E-Commerce!
Federated Department Stores has announced it will put an additional capital investment of approximately $100 million into its direct-to-consumer businesses, including Macys.com, Bloomingdales.com, Bloomingdale's By Mail, Macysweddingchannel.com and Bloomingdalesweddingchannel.com.
The $100 million addition for the 2007-2008 year will be incorporated into Federated's total capital spending plans, which include $1.2 billion for 2007, and $1.1 billion for 2008.
"Currently, we anticipate our direct-to-consumer businesses will grow to more than $1 billion in sales by 2008, from about $620 million in 2006," Federated chairman, president and chief executive officer Terry J. Lundgen said in a statement. "Supporting this pace of growth requires additional investment so we can scale up the volume of business while enhancing customer service, delivery efficiency and online site functionality.
If anyone doubted that the Internet is a major driving force in retail sales, this major investment by Federated should dispel it.
This Backgammon Set will "set" back your gammon, Big Time!
Among the highlights of a Tzoffey's 1818 Auction House sale, to be held during the International Colored Stone Association (ICA) Congress, is a million-dollar backgammon set studded with black, white and fancy-colored diamonds.
Bring plenty of cash for this Baby!
This backgammon set uses 61,082 black, white and yellow diamonds with a total weight of 2071.48 carats. The diamond, gold and silver set took over 10,000 hours of labor to complete and is estimated to sell for $650,000-950,000.
The "Magnificent Jewels Auction," set for May 9, will also feature an unheated cushion-shaped Burmese ruby and a 22.23-carat tsavorite from Africa.
Here Is A Really Thin Watch For You!
From Appella watches this is the brand’s elite model.
The new Infinitus with a 0.98 mm Swiss movement housed in a case less than 3.5 mm thick is the slimmest 18K gold watch in the world. It has got scratch-resistant sapphire crystal case and is water resistant up to 30 meters.
The watch comes in yellow or white gold with a leather strap.
Diamond Studded Dress Worth A Fortune!!
You'd have to be either certifiably crazy, or certifiably crazy to spend £2.4m on an evening dress like the one pictured below, but then again, who am I to tell anyone how to spend their money!
This diamond laden evening dress was recently modeled by Tanya Alvarez to launch the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.
This diamond studded evening dress was designed by Thomas Heverin of Sligo and was specially made for the launch by Appleby’s. It is encrusted with 4,000 diamonds which took approx. 200 hours to sew individually by hand into the fabric of the dress. The dress is so expensive, it is actually accompanied by a personal security guard, wherever it is displayed!
Not much in the way of fabric on this dress BTW, so whoever wears this has got to be pretty comfortable in diamonds..;-)
Via: Belfasttelegraph
Famous Fancy Yellow Tiffany Diamond Now On Display
One of the largest fancy yellow diamonds ever discovered, the Tiffany Diamond, has made its debut in the U.S. capital at Washington’s Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Tiffany's Bird on a Rock
The diamond, which weighed 287.42 carats when unearthed in South Africa in 1877, will be on display until September 23.
The diamond was named after its purchaser, Tiffany & Co., and subsequently cut into a cushion shape of 128.54 carats with 82 facets, 24 more than what is customary.
The cut stone is now part of the “Bird on a Rock” jewel, designed in the early 1960s by jewelry designer Jean Schlumberger. The “bird” is gold and platinum with white and yellow diamonds with a ruby eye.
The display of the diamond follows a $1.1 million Tiffany & Co. Foundation donation to the Smithsonian in June 2006. The gift established an endowment for the acquisition of gemstones for the Smithsonian’s collection.
According to the Smithsonian, the gems and minerals halls of its National Museum of Natural History attract more than five million visitors a year. The National Gem Collection, started in 1884, includes the Hope Diamond, the most popular museum object in the world.
Via: IDEX
There Is A Rat In The New York Diamond District
As if the New York City Diamond District where I work isn't already interesting enough, its just become even more bizzare.
Tourists who flock to our diamond and jewelry district located between 5 and 6 avenues and 44 - 48 streets will experience a cacophony of sites and sounds, with jewelers, brokers and major bling-bling all vying and competing for your attention.
Now there is something else too.
A huge RAT!
For the past several weeks this ugly rat has dominated the diamond district (46 street between 5 and 6 avenues) where it stands adjacent to a building renovation in progress (something about an unhappy labor union...).
I snapped this picture for you!
Why Are Loose Diamonds On The Net So Much Cheaper? | Watch This Video.
I'm sure you have heard the expression "sounds too good to be true".
This video I just put together explores the "sounds too good to be true" syndrome, specifically as it pertains to the discrepancy often noted between the prices for diamonds on the net vs. the prices for similar or identical diamonds at traditional "bricks and mortar" jewelry stores.
Briefly:
Diamonds and jewelry sold on the net are often far less expensive than identical diamonds being sold in stores. Are these diamonds and jewelry truly identical? Is there something wrong with the diamonds being sold on the net? Why are the loose diamonds so much cheaper on the internet?
Watch my video and find out...video is about 4 minutes long....and I hope you'll find it useful.
Hublot Makes a Big Bang Watch For 1 Million Dollars!
Whoa!!
One of the major watchmaking companies, Hublot, together with a diamond-setting workshop, Bunter SA, which designed and developed the Big Bang has just pushed the envelope a bit further with a stunning big bang watch coated with major bling bling!
The watch has a fully invisible setting so all that you really see are the diamonds...and they are everywhere!!
By using advanced technology the craftsmen were able to work magic with micro mechanics which allowed watch developers to work to the 1/100 degree.
Even though the timepiece involved a somewhat bulky monobloc construction in white gold, the jewelers effectively hid this feature with the splash of diamonds which becomes the center of gravity on this watch.
The tourbillon movement of the watch is amazingly inconspicuous under 493 Top Wesselton baguette diamonds of various sizes. The strap is made of the famous Hublot vulcanized rubber and the clasp is studded with diamonds.
It took the developers an incredible 2000 hours to create the Big Bang!
This included the design, planning, research, development, machine programming, the use of micro-precision tools, cutting diamonds as well as a visual examination of each diamond in part, setting and casing and fine-tuning.
Thinking about purchasing this one of a kind Hublot Big Bang diamond studded watch for a cool million?
Forget about it.
Protect Yourself With The Pepper Spray Jewelry Ring!
THE STUNNING RING™ pepper spray ring is designed to be worn on either hand on the 1st (index) or 2nd finger preferably your dominant hand, with the thumb (or other hand if necessary) accessible to operate the safety latch and depress the trigger. The pepper spray comes out of the front of the ring next to the stone. A safety slide locks the trigger button in place until you are ready to fire.
Black Onyx Stone set in silver or gold plated pepper spray ring.
Refillable pepper spray cannister available
Via: DefenseDevices
Ugly Wedding Dresses are Worse Than Bad Jewelry!
Bad wedding dresses are worse than bad jewelry!
Diamond jewelry is supposed to accentuate your bridal gown at the wedding, which should always be the center of gravity.
If the jewelry looks bad, you can take it off.
What are ya gonna do if you realize you chose the wrong wedding gown??
You cannot exactly remove it during the wedding...
Here are a few of the most ridiculous and bizzare wedding gowns I have ever seen.
This one looks like somebody's idea of a really bad Halloween costume.
Classless. Tasteless. Base. Disgusting. Wear this to a strip club...not your own wedding.
This one takes the cake....methinks she's pregnant.
I won't even comment on this one..
Via: Wedlog
Gab on The New Solid Gold Nokia Cell Phone!
Nokia has officially released this Sirocco Gold cell phone which features white gold accents and 18-carat gold plating.
...and don't gab on the phone while you drive with this puppy..you might cause more than just your own accident.....
Via: Luxury Launches
Tanzanite. A Gem In Threat Of Extinction! | Watch The Video
The gorgeous and precious bluish-purple gemstone tanzanite, is becoming an increasingly rare commodity as a result of over-mining.
The mineral was discovered in 1967 in the Meralani Hills near Arusha, Tanzania and is (thus far) the only place in the world where the gemstone has been found.
Authentic tanzanite has a slight variation in color depending on the surrounding lighting conditions and can change from changing from a deep hue of blue blue to purple and shades of green. Tanzanite is sometimes treated with high intensity heat to subtly assert a certain color or overtone.
Tanzanite rough, shortly after being brought up from the ground.
Polished Tanzanite gem.
The gem exploded in popularity with a very effective marketing program by Tiffany & Co. soon after its discovery.
As a result of this initiative, as well as the incredible and striking beauty of this gem, sales of this gemstone has been consistently near the top of the charts for all precious gemstones.
The largest tanzanite crystal found was in 2005, weighing in at 16,839 carats (7.5 lbs) and measuring 22 x 8 x 7 cm.
Now here is the problem:
Because of the fact that Tanzanite is mined in one specific geographic location and a result of its huge popularity (and relative scarcity), experts say there is only about a 10 year supply of Tanzanite left under the ground!
This fact has increased the demand for this precious gem as people look to purchase this beautiful work of G-d before it might become extinct.
Here is an awesome video on Tanzanite, from its history and origins until today.
I found this on You Tube and it's great!
Enjoy!
I Wish I Was At Basel For The Watch Show!
Right now I am sitting in my office wishing I was at Basel for the jewelry show going on right now...
Baselworld annual jewelry and watch show attracts some 90,000 people with about 2000 companies showcasing their wares!
This show is considered to be the Oscars for the luxury watch industry, with the finest watches, watch manufacturers, complications, and designs being showcased.
Special awards are given out for technological innovations, complications, and aesthetic designs.
I would get to gawk at such beautiful masterpieces as the Opus by Harry Winston....'Sigh'...
Opus.
The show started on April 13, and continues through the 19th.
Instead I have to sit in the N.Y.C. Diamond District and try to earn a living.....;-) ;-)
Oh well....maybe it's better I don't go to these things so I don't end up indulging in an expensive passion for fine watches...
Gold Is In The Dumps! Help Me!!
Johannesburg, South Africa is known as for its Gold Mining.
But you'll be very surprised to learn where else in this town you can find this Precious Metal.
The story is here:
$85,000 Gold and Diamond Teddy Bear? Believe It!
The German teddy bear company, Steiff is responsible for the production of many expensive collectible bears and also the most expensive teddy bear ever made. The Steiff company claims to have made the world’s first teddy bear and is has made this golden bear to commemorate its 125th anniversary.
The expensive bear has a mouth made of solid gold and fur made from gold thread. Topping off the teddy bear are jeweled eyes featuring sapphire pupils with diamond irises.
There are only 125 of these puppies made..so go get yours now!
Via: Most-Expensive.net
Jewelry Designs By Hanna Martin Making Waves
Jewelry Designer, Hanna Martin's homepage hits you hard, with its no frills focus and philosophy.
"Jewelry for the decadent and dissolute. Luxury for the villainous and elegant. Beauty for the wild and untamed.
Welcome to the world of the fierce and glamorous. Where Hedonism rules with opulence and men will find treasure beyond their wildest dreams."
Their website homepage mug shot works well with their no nonsense approach to selling jewelry!
Hanna Martin doesn't mince words and neither does the designers original jewelry designs.
These gorgeous and unique jewelry pieces are at once, hard hitting and assertive.
They almost force you to pay attention and take notice....and believe me you will get noticed!
The designer has been making waves in the jewelry and fashion industry, including a most
recent write up in Vogue magazine.
Here are two of their original designs.
Solid gold spur and Tahitian pearl pendant.
Gold rhodium plated ring studded with precious gems.
From Basel. Own A Piece of The Titanic On Your Wrist!
One of the coolest watches to come out of the Basel show this week (Baselworld, is the watch and jewelry industry's largest annual trade fair) is a fabulous watch by Geneva watchmaker Romain Jerome SA.
He bills this masterpiece as his "Titanic-DNA" which uses Steel and coal from the Titanic that have been transformed into a new line of luxury wristwatches which claims to capture the essence of the legendary oceanliner which sank in 1912.
Romain Jerome holding the Titanic watch.
Romain Jerome said it purchased a piece of the hull weighing about 1.5 kg (3 pounds) that was retrieved in 1991, but declined to identify the seller. The metal has been certified as authentic by the Titanic's builders Harland and Wolff.
To make the watches, which were offered for sale for the first time in Basel for between $7,800 and $173,100, the Swiss company created an alloy using the slab from the Titanic with steel being used in a Harland and Wolff replica of the vessel.
The Titanic Watch!
Hey Mom! You're Special!
Consumers are expected to spend $15.73 billion this Mother's Day on jewelry, flowers, clothing and even trips to the spa, according to the National Retail Federation's (NRF) 2007 Mother's Day Consumer Actions and Intentions survey.
According to the survey, conducted by Big Research, consumers are expected to spend an average of $139.14 on the holiday, compared to $122.16 in 2006.
The study found that the majority of consumers (84.5 percent) plan to celebrate this year, and will spend nearly $1.6 billion on clothes and accessories (37 percent), $2.1 billion on jewelry (32.8 percent), $2.3 billion on flowers (72.4 percent) and $3.1 billion on a special dinner or brunch at mom’s favorite restaurant (61 percent).
Other popular gifts for the holiday include greeting cards (86.8 percent), gift certificates (39.3 percent), books or CDs (29.3 percent), housewares or gardening tools (18.5 percent), and consumer electronics or computer-related accessories (11.3 percent). In recent years, pampering mom with a personal-service gift such as a trip to the spa or beauty salon has become a favorite gift choice, with 19.7 percent of consumers planning on spending $1.3 billion on these gifts. Last year, only 14.5 percent of consumers purchased this type of service for mom.
A large majority (37.5 percent) of gifts will be purchased at a specialty store such as a florist, jeweler or electronics store. About a quarter of consumers will shop at a discount store, 29 percent will head to a department store and 2.9 percent will buy from a catalog. As online shopping continues to become a favorite way to shop, 20 percent of consumers will shop for mom online, compared to only 16.9 percent who did so last year.
"Although it's hard to measure our love for mom, consumers continue to spend on special, one-of-a-kind gifts for her," Big Research Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. "Luxury gifts such as jewelry and special services such a gift card to a spa allow mom to indulge on something she normally does not spend her own money on."
Men plan to spend the most this Mother's Day, with the average male consumer planning to spend $172.91, compared to women's estimated $107.18. Shoppers ages 25-34 will spend the most this year ($151.42), followed by 35-44 year olds ($147.30), 55-64 year olds ($138.14) and 18-24 year olds ($137.73).
The NRF 2007 Mother's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey polled 7,859 consumers from April 4-11. The consumer poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percent.
This Guy is A Great Matchmaker! | Get Engaged With Mr. Cupid!
I just found a few of the most hilarious videos from Cupid, the overstressed matchmaker.
In fact, I used him as one of my "dont"-s for my blog entry today on
10 Ways NOT To Propose To Your Girlfriend!!
Here is a hilarious rap video from the world funniest matchmaker!
Watch the video and get engaged with Mr, Cupid!
These Diamond Engagement Rings Are Eco-Friendly.
Aimee Blanchette of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune writes that as people continue to seek "greener" alternatives in everything from their food to transportation, more engaged couples are taking the plunge into conservation efforts for their wedding day, too.
Tim Reese, a farm supervisor for the Three Rivers Park District in Minnesota, said each year more couples inquire about what they can do to leave less environmental impact on their wedding day.
At Gale Woods Farm, a working educational farm in Minnetrista, Minn., a few couples have even served their wedding guests organic chicken and vegetables raised on the site.
Houdek and Pappenfuss: The Happy Eco-Couple.
Their re-cycled Gold Wedding bands.
They are planning to exchange vows in August at Gale Woods Farm, and their wedding plans include compostable utensils made from potatoes; organic, locally grown food; 100 percent recycled white gold wedding rings, and a solar-powered trailer to make popcorn.
The couple plan to save money by using less paper in their invitations and choosing a natural setting that requires few decorations. Papenfuss also chose a floral-printed dress that she can wear again instead of an expensive wedding dress that will be relegated to the back of her closet.
The couple even is offering guests the option to buy credits called "voluntary carbon offsets" from companies such as NativeEnergy to offset the environmental impact of their travel to attend the wedding. NativeEnergy uses the money it receives for projects that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
"A wedding is a single event that definitely has a significant impact on the environment," said Houdek, an organizer with the Sierra Club.
"Symbolically, it's the day we start our lives together, and we don't want to do that in a way that isn't congruent with our values," Papenfuss added.
Discussions among brides about green weddings on online message boards recently prompted editors of TheKnot.com, a popular wedding Web site and magazine, to devote a recent issue and a section of the site to green weddings.
Christa Vagnozzi, senior editor of TheKnot.com, sees green weddings becoming a big trend. "It's more mainstream and people want to do more to protect each other and the environment. There's the celebrity influence, too. 'An Inconvenient Truth' and 'Blood Diamond' are about these issues."
Even daytime television is jumping at the chance to show support for the environment. "Days of Our Lives" characters Sami and Lucas will walk down the aisle in May with a story line that incorporates pesticide-free flowers and biodegradable wedding favors.
Geri Wolf, owner of the Style Laboratory, an event planning service in Minneapolis' Uptown, said the most common eco-friendly wedding requests are for organic food and flowers.
"People are wiling to pay a premium to know that their food hasn't been kissed with chemicals and herbicides," said Cynthia Olson, owner of Never Enough Thyme, a Minneapolis catering business that accommodates organic requests. Recently, Olson has also been asked to use environmentally friendly linens and detergent.
I say, Guys, Mazel Tov to both of you and if you really, really want to make an "impact" statement on Eco then I suggest that you get Al Gore to be your Best Man at the Wedding.
Gorgeous Watches at BaselWorld!
Some of the watches coming out of Basel this year are just absolutely breathtaking!!
Here are two particular designs that had me gasping for air.....
From Hamilton. This watch is solid gold and solid class!
Girrard P. Hit the "Jackpot" with this stunner!
Chandelier Earrings Are Making A Comeback
It wasn't too long ago that chandelier earrings exploded on the market to large acclaim.
It seemed that everywhere you looked, women were wearing long, hanging earrings with, or without diamonds.
Then, just like that it disappeared.
The novelty was over and the trend had evaporated.
It was almost as if anyone wearing chandelier earrings was out of touch and radioactive.
Recently, however, it seems that this jewelry item is making something of a comeback.
There have been celebrity sightings of gals wearing chandelier earrings and dangling hoops and sticks.
Here are two relatively recent photos:
Kellie Pickler
Carrie Underwood
Platinum and Gold Engagement Rings: Are Prices Going Up?
Certainly a very distinct possibility with both precious metals surging over the past two months.
Gold is at $690/oz and Platinum has really taken off closing today at $1296, an increase of $24.00.
The spot price of gold has risen 8.4 percent this year, while the euro gained 2.9 percent against the dollar. The U.S. currency today touched the lowest against the euro since December 2004. Gold generally moves counter to the dollar.
``The long position in gold is hedging against weakness in the dollar,'' said Nick Ruggiero, a trader at Eagle Futures Inc. in New York. ``Any time there's a sell-off in gold, the buying has come in.''
Gold for immediate delivery rose $3.70, or 0.5 percent, to $690.25 an ounce at 4:03 p.m. New York time bringing this year's gain to 8.7 percent.
``The undercurrent support for gold is weakness in the dollar,'' said Carlos Perez-Santalla, a gold trader at Hudson River Futures in New York.
The euro has gained 1 percent against the dollar in the past four sessions on speculation that growth in the European economy will outpace the U.S. The euro traded today as high as $1.3616.
Platinum rose to the highest price in almost 11 months on speculation an exchange-traded fund for the metal will help fuel demand.
Zuercher Kantonalbank of Switzerland's will introduce ETFs for silver, platinum and palladium on May 10, the bank said on April 13. ETFs already exist for silver and gold.
Jewelry Designer and Manufacturer VATCHE for whom we are an Authorized Dealer just raised their prices on Platinum and Gold Engagement Rings on February 4th of this year and with these consistent almost daily increases tied to the weak dollar, further price increases may be imminent.
Stay tuned.
Enter Your Own Unique Jewelry Design To A Competition!
The Diamond Promotion Service (DPS) is inviting U.S. Sightholders, manufacturers, and designers to create new and innovative Journey diamond jewelry for an up coming competition.
The DPS is seeking designs that are the “latest and greatest” Journey diamond jewelry that will “capture the attention of retailers and consumers alike.”
On April 23 a team of industry experts will select the top designs which may one day join the S-Curve and Heart-Shaped Journey diamond jewelry designs.
Winners will be highlighted at the DPS booth at the 2007 JCK Las Vegas trade show, added to the DPS website and considered for future “A Diamond Is Forever” consumer advertising campaigns.
To participate in the competition, email submissions to Nicolina.Nelson@jwt.com at the DPS by April 20. Submissions must be photographs, renderings, or Cad-Cams. Jewelry will not be accepted.
Winners will be announced Tuesday April 24, and they will have until May 21 to submit winning jewelry designs.
Hmm... I wonder if they will allow renderings of unique jewelry designs from consumers, enthusiasts, and jewelry designers in training??
Try it out!
Via: IDEX
Basel Diamond Jewelry and Watches Show Gets Mixed Reviews
Business at this years Basel World watch and jewelry show has been getting some mixed reviews.
According to the show organizers, it was an awesome show..and the best one ever!
Problem is, they say that every year.
In the diamond pavilion, IDEX reports that the assessment was a bit more subdued. "Business has been good," said Alain Shapira of New York-based <