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
The result was a ballet designed by Balanchine in collaboration with Claude and Pierre Arpels called Jewels that was meant to evoke the quality of the precious stones Balanchine found so inspiring. “Jewels” now re-appears on the drawing board of inspiration for the luxury jewelry house with a line of bespoke pieces called Ballet Précieux, such as tiny ballerinas, all given the emerald, ruby and diamond treatment.
Cartier and Chanel are two other large design houses that are leveraging on past jewelry design successes by re-introducing them in new ways this season. Cartier designs a present day collection, Inde Mysterieuse, evocative of their history in creating jewels for Maharajas and the Indian elite. 
Chanel dug through archives to surface with a collection called 18 Place Vendome whose name even references to the original Chanel Jewelry Store’s address. Pieces from the collection resemble original Coco Chanel design altered for the modern day woman.
There is great significance in redesigning the jewelry blueprints of the past. We let the original genius live on by giving it present day adaptation. You don’t have to be a large European design house to have access to archives. The Museum at FIT is one of many resources available to designers who want to draw inspiration from previous greats. What do you prefer to wear: present-day adaptation of past trends or the actual vintage pieces?
*photo credits: elle.com, cartier.com
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We have always prided ourself for staying ahead of the trends and having the foresight to know who is on track for becoming a haute property. We've comprised a Haute List that contains brands that are haute now as well as brands you should be keeping your eye on. 
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.
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. 
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!
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. 
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. 
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. 
