A single strand of pearls can look classic and elegant, but I am loving the way Robyn Wolowitz has taken her pearl jewelry designs for La Belle Chose and created a luxurious look for less than you would think! Check out a sampling of her Sea Shell Pearl Clover Collection:

The Trefle - Luminous white shell pearl complemented by rhodium-plated cubic zirconia and exquisite crystal enhancements in yellow gold, rose gold and black rhodium plating, interlocking links and a clover magnetic clasp. The necklace is priced at $500.

Continue reading "Jewelry PR: South Sea Shell Pearl Clover Collection by La Belle Chose" »

Pierce Mattie recently attended the WeddingChannel Wedding Couture show back in October where he saw some ordinary wedding products dressed up to be amazing show pieces thanks to the crystals from Swarovski Crystal Lized.

Ordinary petite fours and truffles can be extraordinary when befitted with sparkling Swarovski crystals, which makes it a doubly nice treat for your guests!

Continue reading "Trends in Bridal: Swarovski Cystal Lized Wedding Accessories" »

Dolce & Gabanna and Chanel, watch out! Prada has answered your costume jewelry lines with one of its own and it's just as brand laden as yours!  

Women's Wear Daily reported that Prada "commissioned an exclusive shatterproof material that is cut to resemble a precious stone and is set in metal bezels" in order to replicate the stones that compose the desired color scheme of  kiwi green, teal blue, purple, black and copper.

These "stones" are often fastened to grosgrain ribbons to form necklaces, earrings and bracelets within the line.  The line would not be designer without a status evoking label approach.  This is evident in the well-known PRADA logo taking up prime real estate on many pieces.

The pieces run from $200-800 and should be in stores sometime this month.

It could be speculated that this move was made in the expectation of less than luxe "Dear Santa" letters.  As long as the logo is prominently displayed a costume jewelry piece from Prada conquers the same goal as a few-thousand-dollar bag...status.  I can see more than a few women using the highly-branded baubles as a luxe statement to an otherwise budget-savvy outfit.  What do you think? 

Beautiful AND talented model-turned-cookbook author-turned-television host, Padma Pakshimi, is now adding ‘jewelry designer’ to her résumé.  In the November issue of Harper’s Bazaar, she spilled the beads…I mean beans.

Padma told the magazine that the development of a line of Indian-inspired jewelry is currently underway right out of her Manhattan apartment with the help of one designer and one assistant. Padma joins Heidi Klum in the world of models turned jewelry designers but makes sure to note her more modest approach to Vanity Fair, “My success is [my two business partners’] success…I wasn’t a Sports Illustrated Model.  I’m sure that those girls made a *@!#load more money than I did.”

“Reaching across the aisle” is one of the many phrases heard repeatedly from the mouths of Presidential hopefuls recently.  The only aisles I want to talk about are the glass ones that the ladies of the campaign are strolling to acquire such wonderful statement jewelry.

In the same way we commented on the Vice Presidential debates and the town hall formatted Presidential debate, I will bring to you a political jewelry report—sans fact checking.  We will let C-SPAN, CNN and MSNBC do the job of commenting on the political rhetoric.

What’s the style receiving ‘bi-partisan wearership’?  It should come as no surprise that both parties’ ladies are donning the ever-classic strand of pearls.  We’ve seen the large strands Michelle Obama wears often to balance out her more non-traditional suit silhouettes.  Cindy McCain flaunts a traditional set in most public appearances, as well.

Continue reading "The Pearl Remains the Main Political Choice" »

History Repeats itself with Archival Inspired Fine Jewelry Lines

Designers in general often look to their predecessors’ work for inspiration.  This is clearly evident in a number of fine jewelry lines popping up around the world lately.

One example of this window to the past is Van Cleef and Arpels nod to a past collaboration with George Balanchine. Ballet master Balachine’s mystification by the Fifth Avenue Van Cleef and Arpels window display of rubies, diamonds and emerald was the jumping off point for collaboration between dance and precious stones in the 1960s. 

New York City Ballet dancer Suzanne Farrell models Van Cleef - Arpels jewelry with Claude Arpels and George Balanchine in 1976

Continue reading "Jewelry Designers Look to the Past for Future Collections" »

The Emmys Celebrate their Diamond Anniversary 

In accoradance with wedding anniversary tradition, the Emmys would be having their “diamond year” with their 60th awards cermony this Sunday, September 21.  Of course the Emmys' red carpet is full of diamond drenched celebs every year, but an extra special piece, the "Platinum Clutch,” will be showcased at the annual Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) Emmy Awards Jewely Preview starting tomorrow, the 18th, running through Saturday, the 20th.

Continue reading "Jewelry PR: The Platinum Clutch Makes an Emmy Debut" »