Jewelry PR Division

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.

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.”

The official gem or birthstone of March is the aquamarine. Star of this month, aquamarine is the gem of the sea; it holds similar hues to nature’s vast watery resources in colors ranging in tone from a very light to medium blue. Many aquamarine gemstones also have a slight natural green tint. The darker the better, aquamarines deep in the dark shades are considered more valuable than its lighter-hue counterparts.

David Yurman has been known for creating luxurious and chic twisted cable jewelry for years. Now, his 25-year-old son, Evan Yurman, continues to set trends with his intriguing men’s jewelry under his father’s famous label. The new collection features an updated twist on the classic Yurman cables in the form of cufflinks, crosses and rings. The real stars of the new collection are the young designer’s updated dog tag necklaces.

Versace is noted for its audacious designs in various lines including clothing, sunglasses, handbags, fragrances and even furnishings. Their handbags are deemed to be the masterpiece of the cutting edge and adored by high-profile celebrities worldwide. Handbags aside however, I feel as though no one gives enough recognition to Versace’s jewelry line.

Versace’s current jewelry collection is exquisite. If you are a diamond lover, you will love Versace’s jewelry with diamonds coated in its pieces. Their jewelry comes in a variety of different styles with 12 differently themed collections. The Medusa line has its pieces set in white and black diamonds in swirls of intricate designs (I love it!) The Atelier collection has many pieces with rose gold, which gives a more elegant and sophisticated look. Versace’s elegance rings have been really popular this season, especially since big statement rings are so in right now. The rings come in white and yellow gold set in white diamonds, with gemstones such as green amethyst and rose sapphires. The coloring of Versace’s jewelry is very unique with an array of gems in pinks and blue hues. If you love pendants, the Fendra collection has a great black pearl pendant with white gold diamonds that would look great dressing up or down.

Kimberly McDonald is a jewelry designer based in New York who creates her pieces using natural and organic materials which are then complemented by raw and and untreated fine materials. The result is a unique and exquisite piece of jewelry. I had the opportunity to talk with Kimberly regarding her designs, as well as, gain some insight into the jewelry marketing trends for 2009.

Pierce Mattie: Where does the inspiration for your pieces come from?

Kimberly McDonald: Nature. 100%. I have always been a little bit of a 'rock geek'. I collected agates from my grandmother's driveway when I was a kid. I was always fascinated by the patterns and colors. It amazes me that as much as we try to manufacture beauty, nature still trumps whatever we can conjure up. I base every piece on how to best enhance what is natural and unique about every stone.

Pierce Mattie: You discuss on your website not harvesting new materials but using our current ones, can you explain?

Kimberly McDonald: I think that conservation begins with being conscientious. I do make every effort to use what has already been harvested or utilized. Sometimes this means that we rework antique pieces (such as the natural carved emeralds in the ring attached here). We use cameos that were carved and never set into jewelry that are from the 1870s-early 1900s (see the pendant attached here). We use recycled gold and diamonds when we can. When we use wood, we use reclaimed wood (some of it comes from guitars, ships, other wooden structures). Because Nature is the focal point of the collection, it is always with a healthy respect that I approach anything that I know will involve "taking from" the earth. I think that is the best that any of us can do and if everyone would do the same, I am pretty sure it would benefit our planet immensely.

Starting January 28th, the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, which is a rare deep blue diamond weighing in at 31.06 carats, will go on display at the National Museum of Natural History. The rare gem is said to be from the same famous mine in India that the Hope Diamond was harvested from.

This gorgeous diamond that any girl could only hope for in their collection is said to have indeed had a female owner. The daughter of Philip IV of Spain was given this diamond when she became engaged to Emperor Leopold I of Austria. I guess the age old saying, “Something borrowed, something blue…” was alive and well even back in 1664.

As Nordstrom’s exclusive jewelry designer, Bony Levy understands contemporary luxury. His ten year industry experience has given Bony diamond knowledge beyond karats, which he proves within his designs. Nordstrom Carriere Jewelry by Bony Levy is the exclusive Nordstrom brand, and Bony has created designs that stand out from the pack. The brand mixes elegant and casual by using diamonds in unexpected ways.

Simplicity plays a large part in Bony’s design element and that ultimately makes the line the perfect companion to practically any get-up. The Flower Stack ring, which features three layers of diamond ring bling, combines fashion-forward thinking with an everyday approach. We love how easy the ring would pair with a pair or jeans or an evening gown. The fine jewelry line is, as expected, on the expensive side, with the line starting at $400. The line also features a bridal collection, promising bling until death do us part. If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, we may have just found a possible candidate for a new BFF. Combining diamonds and fun is definitely the way to our hearts.

As I mentioned in my previous post "Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Growing Profits a Sign of an Economic Recovery," the luxury jewelry brand is looking to expand its retail stores and manufacturing plants throughout 2010. Hot on the heels of the Millward Brown Optimor rankings as one of the most valuable global brands, word has it that Tiffany & Co. is looking to open a manufacturing plant in Lexington, Kentucky.

If this fine jewelry brand puts down some roots in Lexington that would mean 125 jobs and tax incentives for the area. In a time when jobs are being taken away and local governments are pinching pennies to make it onto an economic recovery, I'm sure the news about the iconic jeweler coming to town is music to the ears of the locals. My guess is that Tiffany blue will be the new color of choice for local fashion.

What are your thoughts on Tiffany & Co. creating a plant in Lexington versus jewelry capitals like New York and Rhode Island? 

JCK's June issue spotlights some up and coming jewelry designers that you should be paying some attention to. One in particular that caught my eye was jewelry designer Julie Liu, who is the creative force behind the MIA PEZZI Couture Jewelry brand. The cultural mix of Asian and Italian influences make for some splendid and unique designs.

What I find fascinating about MIA PEZZI is that each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind, made in small batches with an eye for perfection. Liu has no formal training in jewelry design, it was merely her creativity and keen eye that has helped her craft such beautiful works of art.

You can see MIA PEZZI Couture Jewelry at www.miapezzi.com. 

I am completely obsessed with history, especially as it relates to jewelry, as each period in time tells a tale of how life was once lived. At the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA, now through October 17th, you can step back into time to view jewelry pieces that have been preserved since as far back as 2000 B.C.

The adornment of jewelry was just as much a statement of status and worth in ancient times as it is today. Which, in a sense, brings about duplicity in the meaning of "statement jewelry." For big, bold jewelry pieces with intricate designs, unique stones and precious metals are not something 21st century jewelry designers created based on trends on the runway; but are something that have been in place since our ancestors.

Are you as facinated with jewlery that has a history as I am? What is the most interesting piece you have come across? 

Pictured: A cut-steel English necklace from 1860, which is on display at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

To say that Joanne Teichman has an eye for the unique, trendy and high-end is an understatement. For the past 25 years Teichman has discovered fine jewelry designers across the U.S. and Europe to incorporate into her Dallas-based jewelry store, Ylang23, with much success. Her clients count on her keen understanding of jewelry trends to deliver to them what is hip and current, as well as the pieces that will serve as timeless additions to their collections.

From Ylang23's own private label collection of diamond bangles, crosses, rings (pictured above), and gemstone strands to Atelier Marisa and many other brilliant jewelry designers (including our favorites Emily Armenta and Jude Frances), there is quite a selection at Ylang23, both in-store and online.

Another reason to love Ylang23? They are active in social media with a blog, Twitter and Facebook.

A line so elegant, grand, and captivating- there’s only one word to describe it: Trésor. Trésor stands for precious and symbolizes a poetic journey taken to a fresh and contemporary approach. Whether it is the philosophy to cherish every moment in life or it is the philosophy that there is beauty and art lying resiliently within our soul, Trésor collection entices this romantic poeticism within us.

A Morocco native, Bounkit jewelry designer, Hassan Bounkit, started his jewelry line in 2006. Hassan began his career studying fashion design in Florence, Italy, but from that point onward, he began working for Couture houses Ferragamo, Marella Ferrera, amongst others. He later moved to New York where he worked for Nicole Miller and Arnold Scaasi. With an extensive resume in fashion design, Bounkit launched a jewelry line of his own.

In his current 2010 collection, Bounkit’s designs are very tribal and ethnic inspired based largely on the immense influences of Mediterranean and ancient Moroccan designs. Many of his bold statement jewelry features sensationally oversized stones as the center of attention. His collections are the perfect blend of modern architectural jewelry with a splash of Art Deco boldness. His experimentation with the different colored sunset hues stones creates these beautiful pieces  and textures such as that seen with turquoise and rondells as well as crystal beads with organically cut colored stones.

This Italian sportswear sunglasses and lifestyle brand rose to fame in the mid-1950s for its signature look and outstanding reputation for their one-of-a-kind sunglasses. From stylish, larger zyl frames to sleeker yet smaller metal frames, CARRERA's innovative technology and cutting-edge designs are suitable for all weather and light conditions.

Made to fit the needs and lifestyles of their active consumers & athletes, the CARRERA brand truly represents the "form meets function" mentality. CARRERA lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and provide perfect optical clarity.

The brand is also synonymous for both their legendary retro-style aviators and for creating huge followers of A- list celebs from Lady Gaga to Usher to Britney Spears. Even so, CARRERA is no stranger to the enormous press and editorials surrounding the brand. In the most recent news, CARRERA’s white aviator is adorned by the leading songstress, Lady Gaga in her provocatively-clad music video for “Bad Romance.” These double-bridged retro-stylize aviators are a timeless classic. Made with metal or acetate material, these fun sporty sunglasses come in variety of shades and frames from bubblegum pink, canary yellow, neon green to classic black.

A jewelry designer inspired by the elements of nature, Cathy Waterman has long been both a jewelry enthusiast's favorite and adored (and adorned) by celebrities alike. Her amazingly delicate and intricate jewelry weave a magical tale utilizing recycled metals and fair trade stones. Her collection of fine jewelry consists of diamonds and gemstones with Platinum or 22K Gold. For it's not only her creative designs that endure a sense of timelessness, but the metals and stones that span all trends.

A Russian native, Jack Kelege started his jewelry line in 1971 when he moved to America and from there went onto become a world-class jeweler. Kelege first became interested in jewelry design through watching his father create such wonderful artistry. Heavily influenced by Carl Faberge, he wanted his jewelry craftsmanship to reflect the same high standards of excellence and quality. Every stone and diamond is hand selected by the designer as he believes that in order to create beautiful pieces, they must be perfect. Jack Kelege sought to deliver this in his jewelry pieces working with the finest in platinum and diamonds for over 20 years.

Most importantly, Kelege’s design and philosophy emulates jewelry that should be timeless and classic through his one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces, especially in wedding rings. Since his jewelry line inception, Jack Kelege jewelry has been featured in magazines such as Town and Country Weddings, Wedding Style New England, Wedding Channel, Engagement 101 and National Jeweler Holiday Bridal. For more information, go to his website: www.jackkelege.com.

Tiffany & Co. is doing something few companies in the luxury market have been able to do, successfully, in this down economy: open more retail stores. With its recent opening of its 81st U.S. jewelry store in Baltimore this month, Tiffany & Co. is making good on its business goals for 2010 to expand manufacturing and retail outlets here in the U.S. And with recent earnings continuing to show an uptick for the jewelry brand, there appears to be no stopping them.

So why is this luxury jewelry brand doing so well despite high unemployments rates and cut backs in consumer spending? It is likely because Tiffany jewelry is seen as more of an investment than a splurge. An investment in tradition and quality versus purchasing just for the seasonal trend. What do you think?

It’s not often that accountants become designers, but for Michigan-born Susan Lyons, it was the natural progression of her career. Tired of working a mundane desk job as a CPA, Lyons knew her creativity could be put to better use elsewhere. After an inspirational dream about her grandmother, Lyons quickly developed Erica Lyons, Inc.

Lyons is quick to credit her success to her ability to draw inspiration from everything around her, “It’s a matter of keeping your eyes open, and more importantly, your mind…all the time. It truly is a 24 hour a day job.” The inspiration might strike her unexpectedly, from the simplest of things to complex, intricate designs. “When you love what you do, finding inspiration is more than a job, it’s a passion…[inspiration] can come from something as simple and beautiful as a ray of sunshine…it can also come from something exotic as the dancing light of San Tropez,” says Lyons. This ability to be instantly inspired has fueled her self-described “obsession” with jewelry.

Jewelry is an artistic form of expression, but what if your jewelry could serve as a historical scrapbook representing stories from all over the globe? This is exactly what jewelry artisan, Lois Hill offers in her stunning collection. Hill regularly travels the world looking for ancient inspiration and designs from past cultures and civilizations that she can incorporate into her jewelry. She brings history up to date in the form of modern jewelry- something that is truly unique.

Hill’s belief is that ancient beauty is both timely and timeless. You may find yourself with a bracelet is designed in the pattern of an African hut, or replicating their native use of jewelry. Her mission takes her from the depths of the Amazon to the peaks of Bhutan and Tibet and leaves you with an exclusive piece, unmatched in craftsmanship or sophistication.

Self-taught Dean Harris is an artistic mastermind who discovered his jewelry talent, while on a quest to learn why people embellish their bodies with jewelry and accessories. Harris believes in the ability for us to relate to the world in a positive way though the self-expression of what we wear.

Harris designed a gorgeous collection of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings that are predominantly made of 18K gold and silver and often combined with either Tahitian pearls, fossilized mammoth or shed horn.

A beautifully artistic piece that caught my attention was a piece of green petrified wood brilliantly attached as a pendant to a thin golden chain. The chain is attached in a way that appears as if it is woven throughout the wood and then decorated with tiny pink sapphires. Harris’ ability to take unlikely pieces and turn it into a magnificent expression of art is a remarkable talent.

The classic appeal of pearls is universal. They’re a trademark of quintessential beauty and fine taste, but let it be known that not all gems are created equal. The Tahitian Natural Color Cultured Pearl is one of the most highly-prized jewels in the industry, and ever since 1976, Assael International has dedicated their brand to bringing customers pearls that rise far above industry standards.

Located in the heart of the Diamond District, this NYC-based jewelry brand’s staff has lifetime of experience that has consistently rendered the finest quality of cultured pearls and precious stones. Each Assael pearl has been tested and graded by trained professionals so consumers always receive the highest quality gems. Tahitian and South Sea Pearls grow quite large and the satiny luster in muted tones make for an irresistible focal point of any bracelet, necklace, or earring.

Assael’s most recent collections include a fabulous array of pearl jewelry that is simple yet exquisite, and the Baroque Pearl Necklace is a prime example of the quality and superiority only Assael can offer. A cluster of fine pearls hangs from an 18-karat gold chain and is accented by a wonderfully airy moonstone pendant. While the Baroque necklace is one of the larger pieces in the collection, customers are guaranteed to find something that suits their personal taste, whether it be extravagant or understated.

LA jewelry designs by Devon Leigh are bold, detailed, and imaginative. With bold hues, solid gold, and pavee diamonds, it’s an accessory lover’s dream. The designs are so inspired, so opulent, it’s hard to believe that the entire collection came about almost by accident.

What started out as a hobby for the young Devon Leigh quickly turned into a fabulous full-time business. The Loyola Marymount grad initially thought her calling was the film industry, but when her on-set coworkers started purchasing her handmade jewelry right off of her body, she changed her direction. The transition was relatively seamless for Leigh: she still had an eye for art, now it was being used in a different capacity.

Cohen’s goal was to use fine quality materials to create stylish looks that easily transition from day to night, wearable for weeks, seasons, and years. All Dominique Cohen jewelry is handmade by a team of artisans in LA, with many of the precious and semiprecious gemstones cut by hand. Additionally, each piece is marked with the Dominique Cohen trademark label to ensure quality and organic beauty.

Luxury jewelry brand, Cartier, certainly cemented some publicity last night on the Oscar's red carpet. Amy Adams, who I loved in The Fighter, wore an exquisite array of jewelry from the prestigious jewelry retailer that I'm pretty sure required body guards to be present (for the jewelry not Adams!) just due to the sheer magnitude of the value: $1.35 million.

The contrast between Adams' porcelin skin and the emerald jewelry was gorgeous. Since Adams' L"wren Scott gown did most of the shimmer, the jewelry chosen was simple and elegant and one did not detract from the other.

On her wrist, she wore a platinum and diamond Haute Joaillerie secret watch bracelet. The emerald alone was 30.75-carats! It also featured 575 diamonds. Her earrings were a pair of platinum and diamond 2-carat stud earrings; a really great choice in my opinion--simple and understated. The Cartier necklace was also platinum and diamonds with a 33.24-carat emerald.

What did you think of Amy Adams' jewelry?

Traditionally, a Renaissance Woman is one who is strong enough to be completely in control of her destiny-- a woman of high intelligence and superior self-confidence. Jewelry designer Coomi embodies this mindset and has used her creativity and sheer inspiration to drive her careers as both an architect and designer.

As teenager, Coomi designed personal jewelry out of beads and other ordinary objects, and this love of art and design is what motivated her to work as a textile designer later in life. After graduating with an Art History degree, Coomi began designing for private clientele, working with rich gold and gemstones. She also had a brief stint as an architect and landscape designer, but soon felt it was time to bring her true desires to life. In 2002, Coomi launched her self-named jewelry collection.

Today, COOMI designs have come to be known for their strong symmetry and feminine flair. Coomi’s award-winning designs are made from the highest quality of materials: the designer works exclusively with high karat gold, rose-cut diamonds and precious gemstones.

I love gemstones. I think they are so beautiful in their natural element. You can pick up a turquoise rock and instantly be able to appreciate the magnificent colors it possesses in raw form. Ippolita believes that gems are equally amazing as well. By the look of her stunning women's jewelry collection, you could say she's actually quite fond of them!

Italian born, she was exposed to the arts quite young. Her father got her into the idea that fashion is beautiful and her background shows that she was heavily influenced by what she saw. She picked up glass blowing in Brooklyn for a while and developed a stronger relationship with the arts and also had a dance study that interpreted poetry and dance together. Perhaps this influenced her so heavily that she began jewelry crafting for the very first time in 1993.

I have a new jewelry obsession. The pieces I’m obsessing over are rich jewels with big, bold designs. Not only that, they have the most elegant touch to them that makes them versatile pieces. That's right. I'm infatuated with Kara Ross' collection.

After discovering her passion on a trip to Africa at the age of 13, Kara Ross has not stopped designing eye-catching pieces that are adored by jewel collectors around the globe. What makes this brand so special is that it incorporates gemstones and gold accents perfectly. Her gem collection features an amazingly large cuff with hematite, onyx and pace sapphire. The cuff gives off a stained glass pattern look that is to die for. The cuff retails for $3800.

Her collection has been featured in the pages of Instyle, People and Vogue UK. Kara is a gemologist which explains why her pieces are filled with to die for gems like sapphire, blue topaz and azurite. Majority of her jewelry are gold pieces but there are a few sterling silver and gunmetal ones to fawn over as well.

Caviar is considered a luxury delicacy, exclusive and often enjoyed with fine champagne. Aside from its decadent reputation, caviar has an inimitable look, so it only makes sense for a luxury jewelry brand to draw inspiration from it. The fine jewelry brand LAGOS has taken the look and feel of the indulgence and turned it into an even more luxe treat: beautifully crafted jewelry.

Founded by Steven Lagos in 1977, the eponymous label began crafting the caviar-inspired pieces in 1984. The brand quickly became known for such designs and their juxtaposition of gold and silver. LAGOS aims to create contemporary fashion pieces that are not only accessible and easy to wear, but of the highest quality.

The intricate beading and delicate orbs of silver and gold have a quiet beauty, an almost understated luxury. It takes hundreds of tiny steps to complete one single Caviar creation, each design the brainchild of Steven Lagos himself. After each piece is crafted, the sterling silver is oxidized to give the metals a contrast that brings out the unique sculptural quality of each Caviar design.

What do Serena Williams, Angelina Jolie and Nicole Ritche all have in common? An appreciation for Melissa Joy Manning's signature jewelry collection. Featuring recycled materials to create unique pieces, Manning has been producing her line out of Berkeley, California since 1997.

Manning traveled to such countries as Mexico and Spain, where she began to develop her unique aesthetic during her college years. After seeing her piece on an actress on a then popular TV show, she knew that this was her true calling. Her signature line is comprised of necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets that all feature sterling silver, recycled 14K or 18K gold. She has a fondness for gems like quartz and sapphire, which are used heavily on her rings and necklaces. One of my all time favorite pieces happens to be her one of a kind rough diamond surrounded by tiny diamonds set in 18K gold ($2,115). It's utterly beautiful and is definitely a showstopper.

Her line has been featured in the pages of Vogue, Lucky Magazine and Women's Wear Daily just to name a few.

Bored of the same old jewelry design and styles? Just by looking at her work, you can tell that Sandra Dini’s jewelry is unique and elegant at the same time, a difficult combination to achieve and one that makes her stand out in the competitive jewelry market. Where does she get these unique ideas from? Sandra Dini lives in a farmhouse and believes that she gets her inspiration from natural things in their work that she sees in her environment. The harmony and beauty of the nature around her allows her to design a fine balance of shape and color in every piece of jewelry.

There's nothing more exciting than when you discover something new. Especially when it comes to jewelry. Italian designer, Fabio Cammarata, began his career working closely with important Italian designers before he made the ultimate decision to embark on his own. Working only with the finest gems and metal this industry has to offer, Cammarata's collection is comprised of show stopping pieces that continue to be lusted after.

His line is composed of mainly gems (opal, quartz and jade) and serious metals (gold and black iron). One of my favorite pieces is his Manhattan soul ring ($1,375). This ring is a stunningly massive quartz stone planted on an 18k gold ban. What really stands out about this ring are the line of small diamonds placed on the stone.

Other pieces that caught my attention are his people initial necklaces($1,300- 1,600). People, shaped in 18k, are molded into every letter of the alphabet. From far away it may appear as it the gold is intricately twined, but up close the details of small people make up the letters on these pendants. Very unique!

Cristina Rotondaro’s jewelry is truly unique in the industry and it comes from wide set of inspirations. Eka, her jewelry line launched in 2000, displays many themes and you can see her background in each one. Eka is derived from the Sanskrit word one, and Cristina Rotondaro chose the name because she wanted her jewelry line to indicate the unity of everything. The jewelry includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches, rings and a limited number of jewels made by rare stones.

Cristina Rotondaro has had a unique experience growing up and her line displays everything that she learned along the way. Born to Italian parents, Crisitina Rotondaro spent her childhood years in Kenya marking the beginning of her global experience. Over the years she has lived in Morocco, the Philippines, Brazil, and has traveled to many other countries. She has found that all these societies have common elements in them even though they differ geographically and culturally. Her multi-ethnic inspirations from her global experiences can be found in her jewelry line.

I love gold jewelry. It's rare, though, that I can find a line that makes impeccable gold pieces. My search may have ended since discovering Linda Lee Johnson's jewelry. Her line is composed of diamonds, gems and gold galore! With her unique aesthetic, any jewelry lover will instantly fall in love with her collection.

One of my favorite pieces from this collection are her Gigi earrings ($2300). A giant lemon colored quartz gem hangs from a 22K gold and diamond accent. These earrings embody class and elegance. Who wouldn't want to walk around with that on their ears?

I also love her rings. They all have their own unique aspect to them. Her Memphis ring ($4450) is very simple and tasteful. It's the type of ring that can be worn with anything because of it's effortless appearance. Composed simply of hammered 22k yellow gold set in a wide band, you can throw this ring on everyday and mix and match it with your other favorite pieces.

R.J. Graziano’s jewelry line is very stylish and an inspiration for many designers. He started his line more than 30 years ago and has always been known for being a trendsetter in the jewelry world. R.J. Graziano always experiments with styles and stones and gives us gorgeous and exclusive jewelry. Each piece in his line is crafted to perfection by using hand-fabricated materials. His pieces include high quality stones including crystals, beads, stones, stimulated gems, resin, enamel and metals.

R.J. Graziano jewelry has a timeless feeling to it and has been worn by style icons for years. The jewelry has also been featured in fashion magazines, TV shows, and stores across the country. During a recent episode of The Young and the Restless, Chloe Mitchell wore R.J. Graziano’s “Dirty Diamonds” multi-strand chain with pearl fringe necklace (Available at Shopstyle for $75). This elegant necklace is made up of a row of glass pearls with delicate strands of chain fringes hanging over it. Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford has been seen wearing R.J. Graziano’s Beaded Layer Necklace (Available at Polyvore for $68). Sex and The City’s Miranda also wore an R.J. Graziano coral necklace during one of the episodes.

Other than these pieces, some of my favorite R.J. Graziano pieces include Mykonos 2-Tiered Coin Drop Earrings, Ice It Clear Stone Stretch Bracelet and Wrapped Bangles.

Be on the look out for the rising jewelry designer Priya Kakkar! This Fashion Institution of Technology graduate has a new line of bangles and other jewelry items popping up everywhere, named Chamak. The jewelry line has been photographed on celebs like Katy Perry, and featured in magazines such as Seventeen and InStyle.

Her bangles and bracelets range in size from super skinny to thick, and the perfect amount of glitz to make any outfit go from ordinary to glamorous. Some bangles have such intricate detail that it is quite obvious the prints were hand painted. The line also consists of gorgeous dangling earrings with a perfect combination of different shades of stones and beads just in time for summer accessories.

A long list of celebrities have been recently spotted sporting the fall line of Chan Luu’s jewelry; Giselle, Kim K, Lady Gaga! And the list doesn’t stop there, Luu’s handmade jewelry is so striking it is no wonder all the ‘it’ girls want to be seen with these unusual beaded masterpieces.

The beads and stones used in Chan Luu’s jewelry are only the most precious; Mother of Pearl and semi-precious stones make up the majority of her pieces sewn together with leather and cotton cords. There are also several diamond pieces as well.

Chan Luu is originally from Vietnam, but after moving to the United States she earned a degree in fashion design and from there opened her own boutique and began creating original pieces of jewelry. From then on Luu began to gain popularity and fame for her marvelous beads and stones.

In Luu’s fall line she will have fashion accessories as well as hair accessories that help to give you the perfect bohemian touch. 

Cha Luu's jewelry can be purchased via her website, as well as Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.

Raised in Osaka, Japan, Yayoi Inada expresses her stories and experiences through her work. Once an account executive for an advertising agency in Japan, Inada felt her creativity being stifled and broke free from the corporate world to explore her creative desires. She made the decision to follow her passion and moved to New York to study jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. With her new education, her passion became a reality in 2003 as she launched her collection, Yayoi Forest Jewelry.

Her childhood of living near a forest plays an important role in her inspiration. As a child, she was drawn to the calm and complete feeling she experienced when observing the natural beauty. The whimsical pieces channel this energy through their design.

Manoel Bernandes Jewelry has been popular since the 1940’s and is still one of the most coveted jewelry brands in the world. I believe that this success lies in Manoel Bernandes’ vision: combining innovative technology with hard work, using traditional Brazilian gemstones, to create jewelry. He always had a passion for precious stones, and in 1944 decided to turn this passion into a career. He wanted to create jewelry that is made using advanced technology, but still used Brazilian gemstones. His jewelry is very unique because you can see the Brazilian characteristics in each one. Although the jewelry line uses very traditional gems, the pieces are for contemporary women because of the modern cuts and design. I have a lot of respect for Manoel Bernandes because he left a medical career (a very bold decision) to pursue a passion in jewelry and succeeded at it.

In addition to the jewelry line, Manoel Bernandes also designs watches for some of the best brands in the world including Rolex, Mont Blanc, Omega, Cartier, Tissot, Guess, Longines and Swatch. These watches are sold as exclusive products to set them apart from the rest of the watches. Manoel Bernandes loves each person’s uniqueness and therefore always tries to ensure that clients get exactly what they want. He created the Time Club to bring together Manoel Bernandes watch clients so that they can discuss information about brands, models, and technologies. It also provides priority for buying limited edition models!

Don't want to wear fur, but are craving some animal accessories this fall? Model, style maven and fashion TV guru, Heidi Klum, has launched a new jewelry collection on QVC called Wildlife that may just be what you're looking for.

The new collections boasts a wide array of "bold statement pieces designed to give every outfit a boost, and vibrant colors with intricate, eclectic designs that are guaranteed to attract attention."

Some favorites right away: Hammered Crystal Stretch Bracelet (comes in rosetone, brasstone and silvertone), Freeform Shape Stone Hinged Bangle and Pave Bar Necklace with Removable Drop (it instantly brings Iman to mind in Michael Jackson's 'Remember the Time' video.)

Tune into the premiere at 8pm EST on QVC.

Ramona Singer, a housewife from the hit TV show, The Real Housewives of New York City, has launched a new jewelry line - Ramona Singer Jewelry for HSN.

Singer, who graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has her own fashion company - RMS Fashions Inc. In addtion to this jewelry line with HSN, she owns True Faith Jewelry and Tru Renewal Skin Care.

Ramona Singer Jewelry consists of luminous rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets. The line has an estate and vintage feel to it giving it that "old money" feel.

Her new collection was recently featured in People Style Watch - As Singer stated to People, “I tried to incorporate a little of everything into this collection”, suggesting there is something to suit everyone’s taste and thirst for fine jewelry.

My favorite piece from her new line is her Amazonite, Sapphire and Diamond Sterling Silver Earrings - these earrings add the perfect amount of frosting and glamour to any look. What’s your favorite piece? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR!

Elizabeth Taylor was an icon in film, in philanthropy, in the company she kept (including having multiple husbands), but also for her amazing jewelry collection. I don't think there is anyone who has nearly the storytelling collection that she accumulated as gifts throughout her career. And now, those glorious pieces are up for auction at Christie's.

There are memorable pieces of jewelry from the best designers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari and Cartier to more sentimental pieces like a charm bracelet, a necklace of engraved ivory opera passes and a titanium elephant purse (from Michael Jackson, of course.)

Christie's is displaying the items online and in their auction house. You can purchase tickets to view the pieces, which can be seen from the 3rd of December until the 12th, however the online auction begins the 13th and ends the 16th--but you can view all of the items now on Christie's website. Can you imagine owning her 19-carat diamond ring, otherwise known as "my baby" or her emerald and diamond earrings? I wouldn't mind this emerald and diamond necklace if you have $1.5million you want to spend on me.

Do you have a favorite piece from her collection you dream of owning? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

People wear jewelry for many reasons: to inspire them, to add some flare to their wardrobe or to remind him or her of a loved one.  What if you could take a small piece of everything that is special to your heart and put it into a piece of jewelry that you would wear everyday? Well, that is exactly what Elizabeth Locke did.

Launched in 1988, Elizabeth Locke was so inspired by all of her travels around the world that she took that passion and love and transformed it into beautiful pieces to be worn everyday, and created Elizabeth Locke Jewels. As she continues to travel Elizabeth constantly seeks new inspiration and unique elements that make up her designs such as colored Venetian glass, South Sea pearls, and classic coins from lost empires. Each piece is individually designed by Elizabeth and handmade in 19-karat gold.

Elizabeth Locke Jewels are sold in many Neiman Marcus stores and other local retailers in the United States.

One of my favorite pieces is the green Venetian Glass Earrings sold online at Neiman Marcus, hammered into 19-karat yellow gold settings. The intricate designs in the glass paired with the yellow gold make these earrings rare and timeless, and will definitely be a conversation starter.

If you are looking for something beautiful and unique you will definitely be able to find a piece of jewelry that stands out from Elizabeth Locke Jewels.

Do Elizabeth’s pieces remind you of the places you love? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Doris Panos Designs, Ltd. was established in 1993 and in a very short period of time became noticed and respected in the jewelry world. Her unique designs and distinctive creations have put her name and jewelry on the red carpet, on the big screen, and on the cover of some of the hottest magazines.

Doris Panos Designs, Ltd. boasts many beautiful and unique pieces. Doris has individually created stackable ring and bangles, cuffs, diamond rings, and even jewelry specific for black tie occasions. However, some of her most beautiful creations are form her Daphne Rings collection.

You can shop her gorgeous pieces at Neiman Marcus and at many local jewelers.

Will you be wearing Doris Panos at your next fashionable event? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

There are many jewelry designers in the world today. Each one is trying to add their own style to their work and get it noticed. With the shiny gems and elegant designs it is hard to pick just one and most importantly the one that will be just right for you. You might want to look no further than Fredric Sage. With a degree in the sciences and later studying art history his extensive knowledge of design and color has made him one of the premier designers on the market today.

Diamonds tend to be king of the jewelry world (or at least some would think). Fredric Sage still uses them in his jewelry, but what is more important is the colors of other precious gems. Greens, ambers, magentas, blues, and even blacks decorate the luxury jewelry. Many of his pieces are inspired by his time spent living in locations of Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris and Milan. A background like this is the perfect recipe for producing something very special.

The Paloma collection features the classic diamond look set in 18-karat gold. Winding and interlacing diamonds make it stand out and are sure to catch the eye.  The Roma collection starts to bring out Fredric Sage’s famous use of color with green and magenta gems surrounded by an in lay of diamonds. Pieces include rings and pendants. The Jelly Bean collection is the most colorful with its rings and necklaces using colorful gems. Anyone is sure to find something that will match their own taste. Price range for Fredric Sage is from $500 to $5,000. To view all collections visit fredricsage.com

Wear a beautiful piece of jewelry with an amazing story behind it from Choo Yilin Artisan Jewelry. Yilin Choo is the Director and Chief Designer and work with non-profit groups and is an advocate of sustainability. Through her jewelry designs Yilin Choo seeks to bring sustainability and lavishness together through her jewelry collection that has an amazing story.

Choo Yilin Artisan Jewelry has four collections: The Tree Collection, The Flower Jade Series, The Bezel Series, and The Jade Series. All of these collections are beautifully handcrafted and exquisitely unique.

Yilin Choo designs pieces based on coral instead of using real coral because the mining of coral is incredible harmful to the environment. Her pieces that use coral as inspiration are a tribute to coral reefs and the crucial role they play in the ecology of our earth. Additionally, the UN declared 2011 the International Year of the Forests. To pay tribute to her belief in the environment and sustainability, The Tree Collection is dedicated to trees and the protection of our forests.

Sold online at Doorstep Luxury and at various boutique jewelry stores in Singapore, Thailand, the UK, and the US, Choo Yilin Artisan Jewelry is absolutely one of a kind and beautifully designed. With her pieces selling from $68 to $400, Choo Yilin Artisan Jewelry has something beautiful and unique for everyone to tell a story and support the sustainability of our earth.

What pieces of jewelry do you have that tells a story? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Jewelry is something we use to make ourselves stand out, express our personality, and add beauty. More often than ever we are seeing artists and others trying to design their own jewelry and turning it into art. David Yurman is no exception. Known and renowned for his wire-like cable style jewelry, David Yurman is twisting and weaving his way into 2012 with his new cable coil collection. His designs, original patterns and ideas will be sure to stop you and others in their tracks and be left to wonder how he did it.

This collection is not for the reserved. They are bold, intricate and meant to be noticed. The line features earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. Although not all the pieces Yurman makes include diamonds, this line does. The small diamonds are set in darkened silver throughout the jewelry. There doesn’t appear to be any pattern or reasoning behind the placement of the diamonds. It is like it could be something beautiful you found lying naturally in the earth. The darkened silver makes a stunning backdrop for the diamonds. It has an appearance of being coiled and then wrapped around itself to make detailed designs.

This is high-end jewelry and you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per item, but what you get in return is more than worth it. The Two-Row Statement bracelet has two rows of cable coil silver with set diamonds. Simpler designs (although nothing in this line is simple) are the cable coil earrings, which are darkened silver, diamonds and moon quartz. Additionally, there are cable wrap gemstones, as well. To see more of this collection and others from David Yurman visit www.davidyurman.com.

*Image source: DavidYurman.com 

In search of a feminine, yet elegant jewelry line that fits right with the eclectic tribal jewelry trend this spring? You know, the type that accentuates any outfit yet deviates from the traditional and plain qualities of most jewelers. Check out the steel drum inspired jewelry line by Liz Mannette, This jewelry designer hails from Trinidad and Tobago, perfectly crafting every piece from that initial artistic and tribal inspiration of the steel drum.

Each line of Liz Mannette’s collection is based upon a Caribbean acoustic instrument. For instance, the Movement Racks line is based upon push carts for the transportation of instruments. This line aesthetically fuses the two-tone bars of silver and gold to create the tribal feel. A Movement Rack necklace costs approximately $1,200. Another one of Liz Mannette’s lines is the Classic and Calypso Hoops, which reflects the artistic concepts of the steel pan instruments. These pieces feature hoops with symmetric complex designs, laced around the inner area of the piece. This classic hoop bracelet costs about $250 to accentuate your eclectic spring ensemble.

Liz Mannette’s designs are given as lavish gifts to political figures in Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. They have also adorned many celebrities on the red carpet and have supplemented the look of many international company executives. While most of Liz Mannette’s design retailers are located in the Caribbean, her domestic locations are located in New York, and Phoenix, Arizona.

How will you use Liz Mannette’s designs to accessorize this Spring? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

A good piece of jewelry gives any outfit some extra sass or adds a little something extra but a great piece of jewelry starts a conversation. Add a splash of turquoise to your favorite plain white tee and jean jacket or an intricately detailed and vintage looking bracelet to your favorite black dress with your most cherished pieces of jewelry.

Mars and Valentine “jewelry for the modern goddess” designs pieces that you will not be able to take your eyes off of. Their pieces are designed to look vintage and timeless and will be the topic of a conversation wherever you wear your Mars and Valentine piece.

With jewelry ranging from $145 to $850 there is something special for everyone. The Mars and Valentine ‘Twilight Mystery’ Bracelet was inspired by the night sky and is delicately made with freshwater pearls and Japanese-pressed glass (pictured). The Mars and Valentine ‘Heaven & Earth – Transcendent’ Ring is another one of my favorites. The brass beads and blue pearls outline a beautifully dyed agate stone and the brass detail on the ring makes this piece incredibly unique. Lastly, the Mars and Valentine ‘Heaven & Earth – Tectonic’ Pendant Necklace is beautifully designed with three beaded strands, gold freshwater pearls, and again the beautifully dyed agate.  

Add some sophistication to your outfit with a vintage and unique piece of jewelry from Mars and Valentine. Feel like a goddess and shop your favorite pieces at Nordstrom and check out the slideshow of the unique pieces on their website. Do you have any jewelry from Mars and Valentine? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Have you ever been to South America? Its breathtaking natural beauty are the inspiration behind Alberto Parada's sustainable jewelry pieces. Although born in the US, Parada spent much of his youth in South America (where his parents are from.) And aren't our childhood memories our strongest source of inspiration?

Each piece of jewelry only contains reclaimed gold and fair trade gemstones, and as Parada is from the US, all pieces are handcrafted and manufactured here as well.

All of the jewelry is very unique, mixing different colored metals and gemstone shapes. You'll find white, yellow and rose gold, along with conflict-free diamonds and precious gemstones. While his Modern collection is colorful and beautiful, I especially like his Maximus collection (ring pictured is from this collection.) 

See all of his jewelry pieces at www.albertoparada.com. Do you own any jewelry from Alberto Parada? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.