February 5, 2010

Jewelry PR: Mark Loren Designs Announces Exclusive, More Brilliant Diamond

Over the years, Southwest Florida gem master Mark Loren’s creations have racked up accolades and fans for their uniqueness, but now that honor is about to get a bit more “multi-faceted.” That’s because Loren is introducing his own signature Firelight diamond cut that makes his round stones sparkle more brilliantly than others.

“An ordinary, round diamond cut has 57 facets, or sides,” Loren says. “Our new Firelight diamond has 81 facets. The more facets a diamond has, the more brilliantly it sparkles.”

Loren’s design team not only creates new pieces, but also helps customers give old pieces new life by creating new settings or styles. About a year ago, they noticed that the older stones, particularly those dating before 1939 with more European-style cuts, that came into their shop were prettier and shone more brilliantly than newer diamonds. They saw an opportunity for improvement.

“We thought ‘these stones are better than 90 percent of the newer diamonds out there. There has to be a way to combine the best of their traits with new technology and create a better cut,” Loren says. From there, the idea for Firelight was born.

Loren and his team worked with an Israel-based diamond cutter for approximately a year to create a stone with just the right brilliance, creating several prototypes before finally selecting the design.

Firelight diamonds have a higher dome than traditional round-cut diamonds, and no shadows. Available exclusively at Loren’s Fort Myers studio, each Firelight diamond has the jeweler’s logo laser-etched in it for identification purposes, but invisible to the naked eye.

Loren describes his trademark-pending diamond cut as reminiscent of a European cut, but with modern brilliance. Its many facets provide more sides for entering light to reflect off of, causing it to shine “like Firelight.”

“In today’s jewelry industry, there’s a lot of sameness,” Loren says. “You have to set yourself apart. Our clients have come to expect more from us, so we felt we owed it to them to come up with a diamond not many other people will have. When it’s combined with one of our unique settings, each piece is truly an exquisite work of art.”

And this premium diamond doesn’t necessarily come with a premium price. While the cost for stones is determined mainly by their size and quality, Loren estimates a Firelight diamond will only cost five to 10 percent more than a diamond with the same size, color and clarity, but a different cut.

“By introducing the Firelight diamond, we’re providing our customers with another way to make the jewelry they design with and purchase from us as unique as they are,” Loren says. He may eventually license the cut to other jewelers, but for now, will enjoy having a unique stone available only to his clients.

Firelight diamonds will be available at Mark Loren Designs in Fort Myers, Fla. beginning Jan. 29. The studio is located at 13351 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, Fla., 33919.

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February 4, 2010

Debut of Unique Functional Jewelry; From Meaning to Pause

New technology in the form of a functional bracelet (patent pending) prompts the wearer to pause several times during the day allowing the individual to give meaning to their thoughts and actions.

"I felt the need to create something that would give me a nudge throughout the day, because even with the best intentions I recognized the lack of meaning in my chaotic daily schedule," said Cindy Graham, meaning to pause® Founder.  

This charming yet simple bracelet provides a private, gentle vibration every 90 minutes, prompting the wearer to take some sort of action. The core function of the bracelet is to "pause" from whatever you are doing and reframe your thoughts. While there are endless ways to decide how someone will use their pauses throughout the day, the creators say their vision is to help people find meaningful reflection through awareness.

"When we are consumed in the busyness of our daily lives, we lose the opportunity to connect with what really matters in our lives," said Krizia Irish, meaning to pause® President.

The concept of a bracelet works. According to Wikipedia, over 70 million Lance Armstrong bracelets have been sold to date. People want to connect themselves to something important daily; they want to stay focused on the priorities in their lives and awakened to the present moment.

We know people will benefit from wearing this bracelet. Gandhi said it best, "Be the change that you want to see in the world." With a meaning to pause® bracelet, that change can start with every individual who commits to meaningful pauses in their day.

"Have YOU been meaning to pause?"

The bracelet can be viewed and ordered online at: http://www.meaningtopause.com

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February 3, 2010

Jewelry PR Launch of Colored Diamonds

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Do you believe that a clear, sparkling diamond is a girl's best friend? Think again. Rarer than white diamonds are natural colored ones, each of which is unique. The place to find them is at Arthur and Natacha Langerman's just re-launched website http://www.langerman-diamonds.com.

The father/daughter team has made buying a gemstone online as easy as ordering a book. Now a customer can purchase natural colored diamonds through the user-friendly site with just a click or two. Those with questions or in need of advice are personally contacted by an expert within 24 hours.

Known as the "Color Man," Arthur Langerman is the foremost expert on natural color diamonds and possesses one of the largest collections of them in the world. He has more than 40 years of experience in the field, having started working with precious gems in a diamond-cutting workshop in Antwerp at the age of 15. His daughter Natacha, who also trained as a gemologist, spearheads the company's web strategy.

Langerman-diamonds.com is the go-to source on the subject. It features the first online encyclopedia of natural color diamonds, a blog, and now an incomparable online shop to buy the rarest of diamonds - 1200 stones in 300 hues (Olive, Mint, Gray, Burgundy, Saffron, Indigo ...) - at prices that range from $150 to $2 million.

Through their website the Langermans have found a way to make something rare attainable. Just think, only one diamond in 10,000 is natural colored. (Their hue is formed by stray atoms present at the time of formation.) Miracles of nature, natural color diamonds are as scarce as they are exceptional. As no two colors are the same, they are the ultimate luxury and thus a popular choice for wedding rings. It's possible to purchase engagement rings on the secure site - or to design your own using the "Make Your Jewel" module.

Historically, natural color diamonds have been prized above all others. Take, for example, the dark blue Hope diamond, once belonging to Louis XIV, which was donated to the Smithsonian Institution by Harry Winston Inc. The Pink Panther takes its name not from the movie's bumbling protagonist, but rather a precious rose-colored diamond. A rare real-life example of the same was sold in December 2009 in Hong Kong for a record $10.8 million.

Neither royals nor the fashionable can resist the allure of natural color diamonds. Halle Berry wore a pumpkin-colored ring to the Oscars the year she won an Academy Award for Best Actress, and Victoria Beckham was made a present of a pink diamond by her English footballer husband, David Beckham. Now that's how to color the word beautiful ....

All Langerman diamonds are conflict-free.

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February 2, 2010

CARRERA Fashion Sunglasses Adorned by Celebrity Usher

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CARRERA, one of the world's most prestigious fashion sunglass and sports eyewear brands, has announced its inclusion in Usher's latest music video "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)", the lead single from the singer's upcoming album Raymond Vs. Raymond.

"Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)" continues Usher's winning formula for successful hit singles. In the video, Usher reveals the complexity of his life, defined by who he is and where others expect him to be. The CARRERA "ENDURANCE" sunglasses, manufactured by Safilo Group, adorn Usher as he comes home to relax with his girlfriend, a defining moment as it highlights the longing for her love. The stylish and edgy eyewear enhances Usher's playful and fashionable demeanor.

"Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)" is currently in rotation on all major musical broadcast and on-line outlets. Raymond Vs. Raymond will be available in online and retail stores on March 1, 2010.

The Carrera "vintage collection" features new fashion sunglass styles that resonate with young and stylish trendsetters around the world. Customized with iconic retro detailing, the new models from Carrera have achieved cult status and make a bold fashion statement.

The highly unique and recognizable "ENDURANCE" sunglasses are inspired by an Eighties style and are real attention-grabbers with their teardrop shaped frame done in Optyl (a special plastic material of high performance qualities - registered trademark of Safilo).

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February 1, 2010

Celebrity Diamonds Hit a High Note at the 2010 Grammy Awards

Diamond jewelry made a harmonious pairing with the musical fashions at tonight's Grammy red carpet. From the always on-cue diamond studs to major show stopping diamond pendant earrings and bracelets, diamonds were the dazzling opening act. Pink showed her glamorous side in $2.5 million worth of diamonds including diamond pendant earrings, a diamond pin in her hair, stacked diamond line bracelets, a diamond pave ball ring and diamond deco ring all from Neil Lane. Multiple Grammy winner Taylor Swift's star quality was on full display in twelve carat diamond pendant earrings custom made by Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira. Katy Perry's diamond skull earrings from Dijan were the perfect marriage of rocks and rock star. Nicole Kidman in antique diamond cluster earrings from Fred Leighton was the picture of classic sophistication. And Beyonce was stunning in diamond and yellow gold pave pendant earrings and diamond and yellow gold flower rings from Lorraine Schwartz.

THE BRILLIANCE OF DIAMONDS WAS SHOWCASED IN THE EVENING'S TOP DIAMOND TRENDS featured at the 52nd Grammy Awards. The top diamond trends included:

Impressive Diamond Earrings

  • Alfre WoodardLoree Rodkin – Long Pave Diamond Earrings
  • Anthony Hamilton – Diamond in the Rough – Rough Black Diamond Stud Earrings
  • BeyonceLorraine Schwartz – Diamond and Yellow Gold Pave Pendant Earrings
  • Britney SpearsPenny Preville – Emerald-Shape Pave Earrings
  • Carrie Ann Inaba Neil Lane – Rose-Cut Diamond Pendant Earrings
  • Celine Dion Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Chantel Christie – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Chrissy Tiegan – Diamond in the Rough – Rough Diamond "Champagne Bubbles" Earrings
  • Ciara – Cartier – Diamond and White Gold Stud Earrings
  • Colbie Caillat Martin Katz – Cognac Pave Diamond Drop Earrings in Yellow Gold
  • Flo Rida – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Heidi Klum Lorraine Schwartz – Pear-Shape Diamond Earrings
  • Jennifer Hudson – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Jennifer Nettles Kimberly McDonald – Diamond and Geode Earrings
  • Kara DioGuardi – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Kathy Griffin – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Katy Perry – Dijan – Diamond Skull Earrings
  • Keri HilsonNeil Lane – Diamond Stud Earrings, 6 carats
  • Lauren Sanchez – Diamond Hoop Earrings
  • Lea Michele Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond Chandelier Earrings
  • LL Cool J – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Mary J. Blige Lorraine Schwartz – Pave Diamond Drop Earrings
  • Mya – Diamond Chandelier Earrings
  • Nicole Kidman Fred Leighton – Antique Diamond and Black Enamel Cluster Earrings
  • *Pink Neil Lane – Diamond Pendant Drop Earrings; 30 carats
  • Rihanna Neil Lane – Diamond Flower Cluster Stud Earrings
  • Shaila Durcal – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Sheryl Crow – Ofira – Diamond and Yellow Gold Pendant Earrings
  • Smokey Robinson – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Tarsha Hamilton – Diamond in the Rough – Rough Diamond "Sodwana" Earrings, 29.98 carats
  • *Taylor Swift Lorraine Schwartz/Ofira – Custom-Made Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Diamond Earrings, 12 carats

Sparkling Diamond Bracelets

  • Alfre WoodardLoree Rodkin – Diamond Pave Bracelet
  • Carrie Ann InabaNeil Lane – Diamond Bangle Bracelet
  • Chrissy Tiegan – Diamond in the Rough – Rough Diamond "Sodwana" Cuff, 33.44 carats; "Orielle" Bangels, 17.52 carats
  • Fergie – Kwiat – Diamond and Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
  • Jennifer Lopez Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond Cuff Bracelets and Diamond Bangle Bracelets
  • Jennifer Nettles Kimberly McDonald – Diamond and Geode Cuff Bracelets
  • Kaley Cuoco – Diamond Bangle Bracelets
  • Kara DioGuardi Diamond and Yellow Gold Bracelet
  • Lea Michele Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond Bangle Bracelets
  • Mary J. Blige Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond Cuff Bracelet
  • Mya – Diamond Mesh Bracelet
  • *Pink Neil Lane – Stacked Diamond Tennis Bracelets
  • Rihanna Neil Lane – Diamond Bracelet
  • Tarsha Hamilton – Diamond in the Rough – Rough Diamond "Astra" Bangle Bracelets; over 54 carats

Brilliant Diamond Rings

  • Alfre WoodardLoree Rodkin – Pave Diamond Webb Ring
  • Beyonce Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond and Yellow Gold Flower Rings
  • Carrie Ann InabaNeil Lane – Pave Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
  • Celine Dion Lorraine SchwartzDiamond Leaf Ring
  • Ciara – Cartier – Diamond and White Gold Scroll Cocktail Ring
  • Coco Rocha – Everlon Diamond Knot Collection – Everlon Diamond Knot Rings in Yellow Gold
  • Heidi Klum Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond Butterfly Ring; Diamond Briolette Ring
  • Kaley Cuoco – Diamond Cocktail Ring
  • Kara DioGuardi – Diamond Cocktail Ring
  • Keri HilsonNeil LaneDiamond Cluster Ring
  • Lea Michele Lorraine Schwartz – Two Diamond Cocktail Rings
  • Marisa Miller Neil Lane – Pave Diamond Ring
  • *Pink Neil Lane – Diamond Pave Ball Ring, Diamond Deco Ring
  • Rihanna – Diamond in the Rough – Rough Diamond Rings

The following celebrities wore DIAMONDS to the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards:

  • Alfre WoodardLoree Rodkin – Diamond Pave Bracelet, Long Pave Diamond Earrings, Pave Diamond Webb Ring
  • Anthony Hamilton – Diamond in the Rough – Rough Black Diamond Stud Earrings, Rough Black and White Diamond Cufflinks, 7.62 carats
  • Beyonce Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond and Yellow Gold Pave Pendant Earrings, Diamond and Yellow Gold Flower Rings
  • Britney Spears Penny Preville – Emerald-Shape Pave Earrings  
  • Carrie Ann InabaNeil Lane – Diamond Bangle Bracelet, Rose-Cut Diamond Pendant Earrings, Pave Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
  • Celine DionLorraine Schwartz – Diamond Pendant Necklace, Diamond Stud Earrings, Diamond Leaf Ring
  • Chantel Christie – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Chrissy Tiegan – Diamond in the Rough – Rough Diamond "Sodwana" Cuff, 33.44 carats, Rough Diamond "Orielle" Bangels, 17.52 carats, Rough Diamond "Champagne Bubbles" Earrings
  • Ciara – Cartier – Diamond and White Gold Scroll Cocktail Ring and Diamond and White Gold Stud Earrings
  • Coco RochaNeil Lane/Everlon – Rose-Cut Diamond Bibb Necklace in Yellow Gold (Neil Lane), Everlon Diamond Knot Rings in Yellow Gold
  • Colbie CaillatMartin Katz – Cognac Pave Diamond Drop Earrings in Yellow Gold
  • Fergie – Kwiat – Diamond and Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
  • Flo Rida – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Heidi Klum Lorraine Schwartz – Pear-Shape Diamond Earrings, Diamond Butterfly Ring; Diamond Briolette Ring
  • Jennifer Hudson – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Jennifer Lopez Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond Cuff Bracelets and Diamond Bangle Bracelets
  • Jennifer Nettles Kimberly McDonald – Diamond and Geode Cuff Bracelets, Diamond and Geode Earrings
  • Kaley Cuoco – Diamond Bangle Bracelets, Diamond Cocktail Ring
  • Kara DioGuardi Diamond and Yellow Gold Bracelet, Diamond Stud Earrings, Diamond Cocktail Ring
  • Kathy Griffin – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Katy Perry – Dijan – Diamond Skull Earrings
  • Keri HilsonNeil Lane – Diamond Stud Earrings, 6 carats, Diamond Cluster Ring
  • Lauren Sanchez – Diamond Hoop Earrings, Diamond Flower Brooch
  • Lea Michele Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond Bangle Bracelets, Diamond Chandelier Earrings, Two Diamond Cocktail Rings
  • LL Cool J – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Marisa Miller Neil Lane – Pave Diamond Bibb Necklace, Pave Diamond Ring
  • Mary J. Blige Lorraine Schwartz – Diamond Cuff Bracelet, Pave Diamond Drop Earrings
  • Mya – Diamond Mesh Bracelet, Diamond Chandelier Earrings
  • Nicole Kidman Fred Leighton – Antique Diamond and Black Enamel Cluster Earrings
  • *Pink Neil Lane – Stacked Diamond Tennis Bracelets, Diamond Pendant Drop Earrings, 30 carats; Diamond Pave Ball Ring, Diamond Deco Ring, Diamond Starburst Hair Pin
  • Rihanna Neil Lane/Diamond in the Rough – Diamond Bracelet (Neil Lane), Diamond Flower Cluster Stud Earrings (Neil Lane), Rough Diamond Rings (Diamond in the Rough)
  • Shaila Durcal – Diamond Stud Earrings
  • Sheryl Crow – Ofira – Diamond and Yellow Gold Pendant Earrings
  • Smokey Robinson – Diamond Cross Pendant, Diamond Stud Earrings, Diamond Shirt Studs
  • Tarsha Hamilton – Diamond in the Rough – Rough Diamond "Astra" Bangle Bracelets, over 54 carats; Rough Diamond "Sodwana" Earrings, 29.98 carats
  • *Taylor Swift Lorraine Schwartz/Ofira – Custom-Made Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Diamond Earrings, 12 carats
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January 29, 2010

The Launch of Alice in Wonderland Co-Branded Jewelry

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Aside from change-of-plot musings, fairytale fashion is at the forefront of upcoming movie release, Alice in Wonderland. Recent reports focus on the Alice-themed jewelry but some investigative digging unearthed a whole host of super-luxe consumer tie-ins that join the fashion and entertainment world together better than an unexpected Oscar winner in an upcoming designer’s dress.  Self-professed cheerleader of the fictional leading lady,  Zac Posen, explains why the two industries marry so well, ‘There’s a real sense of escapism and imagination to it (Alice in Wonderland), that I think is important in popular culture right now and “Alice” and “Through the Looking Glass” have really become of the fashion vernacular’. I couldn’t have put it better myself Mr. Posen.

Continue reading "The Launch of Alice in Wonderland Co-Branded Jewelry" »

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January 28, 2010

North American Jewelry Manufacturer and Supplier Look to Comosoft's LAGO to Streamline Multi-channel Publishing

Stuller, a prime manufacturer and supplier of jewelry and jewelry-related products, today announced the selection of Comosoft's LAGO to manage its multi-channel publishing workflows.  "By meeting Stuller's key technical and workflow requirements, our users were able to identify Comosoft's LAGO as a complete database publishing tool," says Kerry Hand, executive director of marketing and public relations. "LAGO's selection was based on its out-of-box functionality to manage complex market versioning while speeding up the merchandising to creative media development process." Comosoft, a leading international provider of media and workflow management solutions for multi-channel retailers, developed LAGO with an emphasis on reliability, scalable architecture and workflow efficiency.  Randy Evans, president of Comosoft's North & South American operation, commented, "LAGO will provide Stuller a true database publishing environment reducing the duplication of user effort and costs to develop content for each sales channel." The software provides web modules linking product information, images and selling content to the workflow within a single publishing environment. This includes an automated, task-driven PDF approval process between merchandising and creative users.

 

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