I'm a HUGE fan of LA based jewelry designer Shari Wacks and her signature “layered looks.” You can combine several different necklaces to create an interesting style with lots of depth or wear one statement piece alone. Check out Shari’s “How To Layer” gallery for some creative ideas.

These beautiful pieces from Gorjana (based in Laguna Beach) are also great for layering. I love the natural, organic shapes and bohemian quality of these gold bangles and necklaces. It’s the perfect summer look for laid back SoCal style and the best part is none of these pieces will do major damage to your bank account!

Jacob Arabov, aka Jacob the Jeweler, will be reporting to federal prison come January 2009. For 30 months the jeweler well known for his celebrity following, will be serving his time for falsifying records and giving false statements to prosecutors regarding a case involving the laundering of drug profits. Jacob had an amazing talent and keen eye for incredible design in jewelry, it's unfortunate, but as the saying goes, crime doesn't pay.

You can read the complete story in National Jeweler. What will this mean for Jacob's jewelry company while he is away and once he gets out? We'd love to hear what you think.

I don’t know about you but I am ready for some sunny weather! We keep getting little ‘teaser’ days of beautiful, summer-esque days and then the rain comes… But enough about the weather, I’m busy dreaming of my summer wardrobe and more importantly, ACCESSORIES! I spent a lot of my extra earnings on my vacation so I am in need of some jewelry that looks luxe but is more in line with my budget. So, I faithfully turn to my favorite budget-friendly fashion spots.

Here are a few favorites I’ve spotted recently…

 I LOVE the enameled bracelets from J.crew – they just came out with a whole nautical theme which is right up my alley. The starfish design on this bangle is awesome but it is $68.00…so, I checked out Forever 21 and they have this insanely cute whale enamel bracelet for $9.99 – can’t beat that! As for necklaces - bright, big, bold, and layered is the way to go this summer.

Top Shop is a one stop shop for the coolest necklaces. My favorite is this long ethnic collar necklace. Throw it on with a white tank, jeans and flip-flops and you are ready for the day. Last, but certainly not least, is earrings – I don’t think there are any rules anymore. I have been seeing large coral pieces, dainty porcelain flowers and of course, the ever-so-popular diamond stud. Head to H&M and you will be buying their entire stock of studs, dangles and everything in between – and I guarantee you will not spend more than $20!

What are your favorite places to shop for accessories? 

* Photo Credit: J.crew, Forever 21, Topshop 

The Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association will host its Annual Gala Awards Night on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at the Venetian Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada during the JCK Las Vegas Show, one of the most important jewelry trade shows in the world. The awards to be presented include the Retailer of the Year, E-Tailer of the Year, Doyenne of the Year, given to an influential woman in the industry each year, as well as the Pioneer Award which is given to an important figure in the Indian community whose leadership was instrumental in the industry's success.

This year the association will honor the Wal-Mart Group as the "Retailer of the Year." Ms. Pam Mortensen, General Merchandising Manager of the Jewelry Division will be accepting the award at the dinner.

The "E-Tailer of the Year" is being presented to Bidz.com. Mr. David Zinberg, President and CEO, will accept the award for Bidz.com. Bidz.com was founded in 1998 by Zinberg and now ranks second among online jewelry sites, with a 17 percent market share. Bidz.com recently launched a sister site Buyz.com, which sells jewelry for a fixed price.

Continue reading "IDCA to Honor Dawn McGuire, Harshad Mehta, Wal-Mart, Bidz at JCK Show" »

The Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC) monitors consumers recent and expected jewelry and watch purchasing behavior through its Weekly Jewelry Purchase (WJP) Index. "The index as of May 13 is down to 87 which represents a drop in consumer buying for Mother's Day," explains Liz Chatelain, president of MVI Marketing, the parent company of JCOC. A reading of 100 points represents no movement or neutral in the purchasing by consumer. Higher then 100 will show an increase in sales. "The index has not been this low since the week after Valentines Day," mentioned Chatelain, who adds, "last year at this time the index was at +126 which further demonstrates the decline in purchasing.

Luxury items are always an indicator of a wider economic issue. I'm not surprised to hear that jewelry purchases were less this past Mother's Day. In these trying economic times consumers are also turning to costume jewelry and diamond simulants, such as those from CARAT*, that give the look of luxury, but cost about 80% less.

To review the latest updates from JCOC's Weekly Jewelry Purchase Index visit the JCOC Intelligence Center.

DeAnna Cochran hadn't always had a career in creating fine jewelry. While she held a degree in Metalsmithing, she had focused her career on computer software resell and traveled extensively around the globe. It was after she had her son Jackson 4 months premature and his untimely passing 3 weeks later that DeAnna began to once again dabble in designing jewelry by creating mother's birthstone and memory bracelets. Once her 2nd son arrived, she put her passion into it full time and returned to metalsmithing and creating her hand carved collections.

"As an artist my ultimate goal is to create beautiful pieces both in design and meaning. Each piece is created one at a time, by hand, and carved down to the finest detail."

"I have introduced rough cut diamonds into several new 2008 designs. These diamonds are conflict-free diamonds and a perfect compliment to the leaves in their pure forms. The leaves and rough cut stones with their imperfections make them perfect in the world, much like people."

Ethnic Rocks is an online jewelry boutique that features some of the best designers in their niche. You can find the ethnic designs of Amrita Singh, Allison Daniel Designs and Dagmar by Pavan Anand, among a few others in this eclectic mix of semiprecious gemstones geared towards ethnicity and era.

Each jewelry designer found on Ethnic Rocks brings something unique to the boutique. From the Tibetan Craftman's Buddist-inspired pendants to the European-inspired jewels from Satellite Paris (the Mindanao Ring is gorgeous!), you aren't likely to find another boutique with such a variety of culture, style and nature intermixing.

To learn more about this one of a kind collaboration, visit: www.ethnicrocks.com 

*Photo Credit: Ethnic Rocks
Rhonda Kelly Abalone & Smoky Quartz Kimono Set

Most admit (or at least I do) that they watch the Oscar's for the dresses and fashion savvy (or lack thereof) seen on the red carpet. Least we forget about the gorgeous jewelry that will take your breath away? Here are some of my favorites from Oscar's 80th:

You can see a vast array of celebrities and their jewelry at Yahoo Movies with images provided by Wire Image. Were there any jewels that captured your attention at the Academy Awards?

*Photo Credit: Wire Image & Yahoo Movies

The Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC), a division of MVI Marketing Ltd, has just published their annual JCOC Year-in-Review. A complete analysis of consumer research from 2007 JCOC omnibus studies is the foundation for the JCOC Year-in-Review.

“Each year, the JCOC is able to build on the archive of consumer research we have collected,” stated Elizabeth Chatelain, president of MVI Marketing Ltd., who goes on to say, “major topics of interest for the fine jewelry and watch industries have been covered in depth.”

This report was designed to be of maximum help to retailers and manufacturers in the U.S. and abroad to better understand their business and how North American consumers will affect it.

In the area of seasonal gift-giving, consumer confidence trends and jewelry buying habits, a few of the major topics covered include: self-purchasing on the rise, trends in Sterling Silver, and some surprising nuances of Valentine’s, Mother’s and Father’s Days, Graduation, and December Holidays. Where the consumer shops, how much they planned on spending and how much they actually spent are reviewed and the findings have already been used by retailers and manufacturers who are JCOC annual subscribers and others who have purchased JCOC studies throughout the year.

The 2007 JCOC Year-in-Review is available as a PDF download for US$695 by visiting www.jcoc.info.

We're all waiting eagerly for STORM's next line up of watches and in just a few short weeks their 2008 collection will be hitting the stores. STORM’s futuristic appeal, precision construction and uncommon designs have attracted a strong following of fashion savvy consumers with unique style. Here's a sneak peak of what you'll be seeing (and wanting) from their 2008 collection:

MIA

Feature: All steel, easy links, 5ATM.

Black. Silver. RRP: $160.00

Gold. RRP: $180.00

RIYO

Feature: All steel, 5ATM, 2 tone brush and polish feature.

Black. Silver. RRP: $140.00

Gold. RRP: $170.00

TERRAIN SQUARE

Feature: Sterling Silver case, square face, date, compass, rubber strap. Water resistant – 50m

Steel/Steel. Steel/Black. RRP: $200.00

Rose Gold. Slate. RRP: $240.00

VICE, SPECIAL EDITION

Feature: Sterling Silver case, square face, winder detail, rubber. Water resistant – 50m

Steel/Steel. Steel/Black RRP; $160.00

Rose Gold. Slate RRP: $180.00

Some of the watches can be seen on the STORM website, however check out their locations to find a retailer near you.

As I sit buried under 12 inches of snow and another Northeast blast on it's way, my mind wandered towards Spring and anything associated with the season's newness and fresh color palette. I found myself perusing various jewelry designers websites and came to a screeching hault when I happened upon Alexis Bittar's Ruby Drop Branch Necklace.

Delicate like a young sapling extending its branches with fragile small flowers on its tips ready to bloom, Alexis has created a necklace that speaks to Spring's soft and gentle feel. Embellished with rubies, garnets, aquamarine and dark citrine drops, this necklace has an understated elegance that provides sparkle without being overdone.

Are you already thinking Spring? Which designers do you admire that have pieces that speak to the season?

* Photo Credit: alexisbittar.com

As we foray into the Holiday shopping season, one can't help but be taken in by the colors of the season of sparkling silver and alluring gold. Jewelry always tops every woman's list, but with so many designs to choose from, it's easy to understand how her well-intentioned partner can get frustrated with seeking out the perfect piece of silver or gold jewelry.

John Hardy's Palu Cluster Cuff is a great bracelet to consider. Made with large and small discs of 22k hammered gold and carved sterling silver, this cuff is sophisticated, on trend and just plain gorgeous. And dare I say that it could go with almost any outfit? How's that for a versatile gift?

A favorite around here is LeVian's Couture collection rings of white gold and yellow diamonds. LeVian is a jewelry brand that is always on top of the latest trends and perfects the classics. Imagine the dazzle in her eyes as she opens her perfectly wrapped box to find this ring of fancy diamonds. I can guarantee that there is never disappointment when you give the gift of LeVian jewelry.

Some great resources to find what's in trend for silver and gold jewelry are JCK Luxury and The National Jeweler Network. Will you be surprising someone with fine jewelry this Holiday season?

*Photo Credit:Saks.com and LeVian.com

Jewelry, to me, is always breathtaking and intriguing. Sometimes, however, there are those designers whose pieces just jump out at you above all others and you revel in their ingenuity and splendor. David Yurman's Renaissance collection captures your imagination and leaves you feeling like a child coveting your most prized possession. Radiant, captivating and elegant, you may have just found a new love in your life.

I am definitely a purveyor of colored gemstones and my favorite by far is Blue Topaz. It's deep blue hues create the feeling of relaxing waters of tranquility and serenity. Blue Topaz is calming, peaceful but also understatedly elegant. The sterling silver used in combination with the Blue Topaz in David Yurman's Renaissance collection almost gives it a mythological presence. Citrine, Black Onyx and Smoky Quartz are stately and immediately bring forth images of taking their rightful place on the hands of Medieval scholars.

If the Renaissance was about rebirth, David Yurman's Renaissance is about the rebirth of luxury.

* Photo Credit: www.DavidYurman.com

If there is one jewelry designer who can take my breath away and leave me stunned, it's Chi Galatea Huynh. His amazing jewelry will leave you in awe of his craftsmanship, but also of his innovative thinking. Huynh gets his inspiration from nature's beauty and forges his designs with masterfully skilled hands. It is Huynh's out of the box thinking and humble spirit that are the true factors in his success.

The magnificent Mercy Pearl is Huynh's signature piece of jewelry formed from a natural black pearl carved away to reveal the nucleus--exposing a gemstone. There is nothing out there like it and it is an amazing work of art.

My favorite is his DaVinci Cut gemstones and diamonds. It was again Huynh's innovative thinking that brought to life a gemstone that could change colors at different angles and points of view. Pictures of the DiVinci Cut stones does not do it justice, you should see the video on Modern Jeweler's Jewelry Video Network to get a true feel for how exquisite this design is. Find it under Trunk Shows>Davinci Cut.

Chi Galatea Huynh's jewelry is available on his website, at various tradeshows and retail outlets around the country.

* Photo Credit: ModernJewelr.com