Jewelry PR Division

I.D. tags are the trend right now and jewelry lines are taking note.

More commonly known as dog tags, these metal disks were first worn in the military to list personal information in the event a soldier required special medical attention. And these updated versions by designers such as Roberto Coin, see here and Damiani, take a look, are sure to get some attention of their own.

This tag, featured by the DeBeers Talisman collection, is stainless steel set with gorgeous white and colored rough and polished diamonds. Named the Eternity Tag, this pendant would make a great gift for a deserving husband or boyfriend.

And be sure to engrave your name on the back. That way if he ever gets lost, someone will know where to return him.

Photo credit:DeBeers, Damiani, and JF-W magazine

It’s that time of year again. Bees are buzzing, birds are chirping, and everywhere jewelry is in full bloom.

Bouquets of glittering jewels seem to blossom before our eyes from designers like Calgaro. His colored sterling silver on elegant woven silver fabric (above) is simply stunning.

Garavelli's delicate yellow gold rose ring with diamond petals almost has a sweet aroma all its own.

And you can almost hear the beating wings of hummingbirds sipping the nectar from this spray of Dior "Diorette" gold, lacquer, diamonds, amethyst, and citrine.

After shopping for treasures like these, it’ll be hard not to have our pockets full of posies.

Photo Credit: Calgaro, Dior, and JF-W magazine

As a designer that usually drapes its creations on delicate women in flowing evening dresses, Stenzhorn’s recent advertising campaign might come as a bit of a shock.

Their latest collection, Dark Romance, features deathly rings and pendants that are anything but cute. Made up of white and black diamonds, this jewelry is as flashy as it is fierce.

Stenzhorn isn’t the only one adding a little punch to their pieces. Take a look at how Jennifer Miller pairs her pearls (seen here) and Rhonda Faber Green sets her black spinel (seen here).

Glam rock is definitely making its way into the jewelry box. So rock those bat wings and crosses. And if you suddenly feel the urge to wear leather pants and hop on the back of a Harley, make sure you put the skull ring over the matching gloves, see here.

* Photo credit: Stenzhorn.com and INSTORE Magazine

Despite Paris’ recent trouble with the law, when it comes to endorsing brands, she proves to still be in high demand. Damiani jewelry has just made her the face of its newest collection, Bliss, and with the E Network!’s recent decision to not pick up another season of the Simple Life, this opportunity could not have come at a better time.

“It’s an honor to be part of this campaign, Hilton told E! Online. “I love fashion and I love diamonds,”

The new collection, designed for a younger target, features not only diamonds but also pieces with gold, stainless steel, and wood. Its prices range from $60 to $3,000 and vice president, Silvia Damiani, feels that Paris is perfect for the jewelry’s fashionable and youthful image.

While an Italian designer, Damiani has become a favorite for American celebrities including Brad Pitt who designed his own wedding rings when he married Jennifer Aniston, and Gwyneth Paltrow who was featured in previous advertisements.

For Hilton though, her three-year commitment is just beginning. Already photographed by fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth, Hilton’s face will soon be seen in magazines, billboards, and on television after Bliss premieres in Italy.

Photo credit: Popbytes

The Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council, the source for business intelligence about the gem and jewelry industry, has launched a new interactive website that hosts videos, a forum and a blog in order to allow interaction between the jewelry consumer and the jewelry industry.

The JCOC helps industry professionals from some of the biggest names in jewelry (Cartier, Tiffany, Swarovski) to make informed decisions based on consumer research, trends, and jewelry market information. Using their knowledge and know-how, JCOC.tv is designed to be a social networking site specifically for the jewelry industry. JCOC.tv members have access to educational, entertaining, insider video about gems, jewelry and watches, posted by worldwide, industry experts. The forum and blog allow for interaction between industry expert, designer and consumer where both parties can learn from each other.

JCOC.tv just launched this month, so if you are a jewelry industry expert, designer or jewelry enthusiast--head on over and become an active member of the only social video network for the jewelry industry.

* Photo credit: Tiffany & Co.

CIRCA, an international buying house that provides a liquid market to the public for previously owned jewelry is opening an office in San Francisco and in the DC metro area. CIRCA has been seducing the world’s finest antique, estate jewelry and diamond sellers since 2001. It is only fitting that the company expands into the bay area and the nation’s capital where a taste for fine gems and jewelry prevail.

CIRCA’s unique service has proven a successful entrée: an expert buying staff, the crème de la crème of customer-service and pricing that is unprecedented. CEO Chris Del Gatto credits CIRCA client’s intense loyalty to the company’s policy of being consumer advocates first. ‘By being honest and transparent throughout the entire process (A process which is daunted with misnomers!), this openness and honesty prevails in each transaction with CIRCA.

Del Gatto’s tenacity has carried the jewelry industry a leap forward. He notes, ‘Through professionalism, honesty, expertise and a tremendous depth of knowledge – CIRCA has set the new standard for caring consumerism. We see an incredible amount of jewelry and our depth of knowledge is truly valuable.’ Because of CIRCA, fine jewelry is now more liquid than anything in a family’s portfolio. Significant items often historically have remained frozen in the vault as ‘non-performing assets.’ At CIRCA once a client accepts an offer, they are immediately presented with a check. No commission charges or fees are deducted. It is a quick, efficient and press-free alternative to the gossipy and expensive atmosphere of the auction house.

As a senior executive that has run the jewelry department of an international auction house and having been in the jewelry business for over 18 years, I've seen that there is nothing else like CIRCA available for consumers,” states Peter Shemonsky Directof CIRCA's San Francisco office and frequent appraiser on The Antiques Roadshow. "The bay area is full of entrepreneurs, actors and socialites, which is the exact demographic that CIRCA would appeal to.”

CIRCA’s access to collections is in steady and solid growth. With offices in New York, Palm Beach, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Las Vegas and Hong Kong; CIRCA has plans for cosmopolitan expansion to Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas and Boston; and internationally to London, Paris, Brazil and beyond. CIRCA works with clients from around the world and is not exclusive to the regional office areas. You can learn more about CIRCA at www.circajewels.com.

Tension Jewelry is an art form like no other. A stone seems to float effortlessly as its brilliance catches the refractions of light throughout, all the while it is the jewelry designers craft and skill that knows the perfect amount of tension to create between the metal bands holding the stone to create this illusion.

No one does it better than GelinAbaci. Modern jewelry design meets flawless style, GelinAbaci's Tension Collection boasts perfection in design with the appearance of fluidity of the stones. With only a handful of jewelry companies selling tension jewelry, GelinAbaci is only 1 of two companies found right here in the US; all of their jewelry is designed and crafted within the US as well.

Tension jewelry vs. prong jewelry is always a hot debate, and while the concept of tension jewelry is not new, it appears to be increasing in popularity. Have you owned tension jewelry? Do you feel its benefits outshine traditional jewelry settings?

Demonstrating how products can be both luxurious and eco-conscious, Hearts On Fire kicked off a week of Emmy Award celebrations with its first-ever "Green With Envi" lounge.

According to The National Jeweler Network the suite featured many premium products, all with an environmentally friendly theme, such as deluxe spa services, clothing, accessories and delicious goodies.

Hollywood VIPs such as Rebecca Gayheart and Paula Abdul tried on Hearts On Fire diamond jewelry to wear to this week's red-carpet events, and Emmy Award host Ryan Seacrest borrowed Hearts On Fire diamond cuff links to wear during the telecast.

The Environmental Media Association supported the event and will receive a selection of items for auction all featuring Hearts On Fire diamond embellishments. Some of the items include a Hearts On Fire diamond-embellished Vespa scooter and Chinese Laundry handbag with a 1-carat diamond brooch. Overall, the pieces donated to the auction are valued at approximately $50,000.

Simplicity and grace is what defines Rita Fusaro's jewelry. These estate-inspired pieces speak to those who love the look of formality in a one of a kind design. With platinum being the metal that the Fusaro Jewelry Company has best become known for, all of her jewelry has an air of luxury and elegance.

Rita loves creating one of a kind jewelry and buying unsual stones. She creates her pieces to be timeless, so that whether you purchased her jewelry today or several years from now, they will never look outdated by the latest trend.

These are some of my favorite pieces:

Ridotta Drop Platinum earrings with two 1.50ct. round diamonds dangling from 1.00ct. of full cut micro pave set diamonds.

18kt. white gold earrings with pave set diamonds (0.45ct.t.w.) with oval yellow sapphires (4.75ct.)

18kt. white gold pendant style necklace with 0.50ct. of full cut diamonds and 8.37ct. vivid oval green tourmaline.

Fusaro Jewelry offers private consultation services at its showroom in Greenwich, Connecticut for clients who prefer to work closely with the designer to create a custom-designed piece that reflects the owner's individual taste and style. You can contact Rita at 1-800-258-0385. To see all of Rita's exquisite jewelry, visit her online at www.fusarojewelry.com.

* Images copyright Fusaro Jewelry, published with permission.

So you're single and you want everyone to know that it's really not that bad--actually you are pretty happy and in a good place. Why not adorn your hand with the Ah Ring from Divine Diamonds.com? Meant to be worn on your pinkie, the Ah Ring means "available" and "happy." The Ah Ring contains 11 round full-cut (conflict-free) diamonds equaling a quarter carat set in 14k white gold.

While many celebrities like Selma Blair, Minnie Driver and Jessica Biel may be showing off the Ah Ring on their pinkies, don't expect this ring to cost you your first born. The Ah Ring is extremely affordable at $295.

* Photo Credit: DivineDiamonds.com

Old world tradition meets the pursuit of perfection with Simon G.'s exquisitely handcrafted pieces of fine jewelry. The artisanship of each design is truly breathtaking...and just the way Simon Ghanimian envisions your reaction to be, one that is physical and emotional with understanding of the passion that goes into each piece of jewelry created.

I've fallen in love with the sparkle and intricacy of the Vanity Fair ring with its intermixing of white, rose and yellow gold complimented by white and canary diamonds. Both stylish and sophisticated, it is a design that is timeless across all trends.

Pink and diamonds, my two favorite things. Simon G.' s Malibu ring with its micro pave set brilliant white diamonds, capture the essence of grace and femininity in this rose and white gold ring.

Gloriously detailed, pridefully created; Simon G.'s jewelry speaks to your heart and the legacy of jewelry passed down through the generations.

To find a Simon G. retailer near you, visit www.SimonGjewelry.com.

*Photo Credit: SimonGJewelry.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

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.

Stainless Steel gets the Golden Treatment
When I think of stainless steel, skyscrapers come to mind—not luxury jewelry.  The German originated jewelry company TeNo is hoping to change that notion with its luxury semi-precious line that uses the industrious metal as its main ingredient.

I literally stumbled across TeNo's boutique on a recent stroll through SoHo.  The logo on the sign conjured up a flashback to a Vogue ad I’d seen in the 798-page September issue.  Walking in, I was welcomed by friendly staff and a line of semi-precious jewlery that had a natural yet luxurious vibe.

Give em' the ol' razzle dazzle...

One thing I am an absolute sucker for is a large cocktail ring.  I happen to be fortunate enough to inherit my grandmother's custom Cartier, but I am always looking for other finger fringe to change things up sometimes.  This season's offerings tend to be organic and gemstone-rich.

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.

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

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.”