Jewelry PR Division

September 19, 2006, New York, NY – Today Angara announced the launch of its online jewelry retail site Angara.com, boasting a wealth of fine jewelry, diamonds and accessories ranging from simple to opulent and all reasonably priced. With the philosophy and mission of affordable luxury, Angara provides customers with an easy and convenient shopping experience for superior quality jewelry at sensible prices.

“We are very particular in the pieces we choose to sell on the site,” says Chief Executive Officer, Ankur Daga, “Whether the items are bridal, engagement or in our exclusive Strong Box Collection, each piece is selected with the utmost care.”

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!

When it comes to weddings, the budget can be a big deal. Splurging on the dress, but saving on the accessories can be a way to save some serious dollars. From weddings in Colorado to Connecticut, Anne Bellagio provides brides with sophisticated and affordable bridal jewelry in all shapes and sizes.

3" long, delicate and airy Christina earrings by Anne Bellagio. Clear pavé set crystals give a vintage vibe for your pierced ears. Available in silver or gold, $54.

Platinum who?  Palladium has been deemed the next cool kid on the block, dethroning platinum for the title.  Initially an underdog in the jewelry world, Palladium is predicted to be driven by designers beyond just bridal and men’s categories, where it has slowly been gaining converts over the past several years.  Despite containing 95 percent pure metal, jewelers remained disinclined to feature it in their stores for fear of consumers’ unfamiliarity of the precious metal.

A sure sign of its rise to fame came at the 2009 American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Awards where they announced that Palladium is finally gaining more acceptance in the designer world.  Many designers including Tenthio, Sasha Primak, and Michael Sugarman will be developing an entire palladium collection in conjunction with high-karat gold and platinum lines.   Additionally, retailers can expect to see an increase in palladium pieces at the summer trade shows.  Solidifying the trend, some of the most highly acclaimed names in the design world will also be adopting the metal, including Robert Lee Morris, Paul Morelli, Zoltan David, Alishan, Michael Bondanza, and Barry Kronen.

But like with all things, the economy plays a role in the rising popularity of Palladium...

As its name implies, EternityDiamonds.com has a staff that understands how important - and lasting - a diamond ring is to a couple. With that in mind, EternityDiamonds.com offers its online customers a chance to see what a ring looks like before making a purchase decision.

EternityDiamonds.com's "Try It Before You Buy It" service is just that: a way for consumers to see - and try on - up to three replica rings with no obligation. For example, a silver and cubic zirconium look-alike would be sent as a replica for a white gold and diamond engagement ring.

"It's a whole new way to buy products online," said CEO Eli Rendler. "It's exciting and hassle-free for the customer. 'Try It Before You Buy It' is a courtesy to our customers; we simply ask shoppers to return the samples within seven days in the prepaid envelope provided."

Rendler said the "Try It Before You Buy It" service is especially helpful for customers who don't live near a jewelry store or who want options beyond what local stores offer: "We're bringing the store to the customer. It's truly a virtual store."

"We're extremely dedicated to customer service," Rendler continued. "We want to make sure people are happy." Toward that end, EternityDiamonds.com is willing to custom design any ring and has a 30-day return policy. The company also will not only match a competitor's price and refund 100% of the price differential, but will also refund an additional 10 percent.

In addition to exemplary customer service, Rendler said what distinguishes EternityDiamonds.com from its competitors is their new and up-to-date styles. Rendler explained, "Because our company sells to bridal jewelry stores across the country, we know the pulse of the marketplace."

Other customer-oriented features of EternityDiamonds.com include free FedEx overnight shipping and educational resources providing information on diamond shape, cut, color, clarity and weight. They offer thousands of diamonds to choose from and a ring builder to customize your perfect engagement ring.

In addition to the try-at-home service, for a limited time EternityDiamonds.com is offering a free pearl necklace with your diamond ring purchase. To find out more, visit http://www.eternitydiamonds.com or call 888-348-4245.

United Brands LLC just released their Top Jewelry and Watch Brands rankings for 2009. It is a pretty comprehensive list. After you've read the list, I'd love to hear if you are surprised by any or feel a brand wasn't mentioned that should've made the list.

TOP JEWELRY BRANDS - 2009

Top 10 Jewelry Brands - Super Premium
1. Graff
2. Cartier
3. Harry Winston
4. Van Cleef & Arpels
5. Leviev
6. Fred Leighton
7. JAR
8. Boucheron
9. Bvlguri
10. David Webb

The month of May makes me think of weddings, the most exciting part being the engagement ring. While you can go from store to store to see what they have to offer, I love that James Allen has a design your own ring component to his website. I have to admit, that while I am not in the market for an engagement ring, I sure had a fun time designing one!

You start by choosing a setting that best suits your style. You can pick anything from a solitaire to pave settings to Tension and more...just about 500 different settings to choose from. Once you know the setting you want, you can pick the diamond with an easy to navigate system that breaks down shape, clarity, color and carat.

Pictured is the diamond ring I designed which is 1.35 carats of baguette and pave set diamonds in 18K White Gold. There are 54 diamonds and the setting I chose was from the Meno Collection. The best part was seeing it in 3D (just scroll down to the bottom of the page!) The diamond is sold separately, but based on the center diamond being a round half carat, the total price for this ring is around $7,000. I think it is stunning!

Give it a try yourself! You can even connect the ring you design with your Facebook profile to let your friends and family weigh in the decision for the perfect ring!

As if the excitement for the release of Eclipse on June 30th wasn't enough, you can now own jewelry based on what Bella Swan wears in the 3rd installment of the Twilight Saga. Infinite Jewelry Company and Stephenie Meyer have collaborated to give Twilight fans a more intimate connection to the lead characters via jewelry. Best of all, you can now own Bella's engagement ring, that is not only beautiful, but comes in 3 price points to make it affordable for anyone's wallet (considering most Twilight fans are still in their teens.)

Bella's Engagement Ring, which comes in Yellow and White Gold (plating if you select "fashion"), carries 13 stones; Russian CZ's if you choose the Fashion Engagement Ring ($35), brilliant cut CZ's if you choose the Fine Engagement Ring ($479) and brilliant cut, SI1 clarity, G-H color diamonds (1.06 carats) if you choose the Genuine Engagement Ring ($1979.)

My prediction is that these will sell out quickly, especially due to the way in which the jewelry company is offering them, which I think was a very smart move. So will your love for all things Twilight drive you to purchase this ring?

You may recognize or have heard of Lynne Curtin from Bravo’s hit show, "Real Housewives of Orange County." Well, now she has launched a career as a jewelry designer expanding her line into handbags, belts and wedding accessories. Much of her inspiration in her designs comes from the beautiful scenery and lifestyle of Laguna Beach.

In her latest endeavors, Lynne Curtin creates her jewelry line titled Lynne Curtin Design with fleur del lis as her staple onto her cuff bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Her designs definitely channel the inner hippie chick, glam diva and the rocker chick all rolled into one. Her designs are bold in particular her cuff bracelets which come in hot pink, black, white, gold or silver with the signature supersized fleur del lis embedded.

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.

In February 2009, Fortunoff filed for bankruptcy, closing all of their home and jewelry stores. For a brand that had been around since its inception in 1922, it appeared that the economy was getting the best of everyone. And now, as recently as last week, Fortunoff has announced that they are "back in business." According to their website, they will be re-launching their jewelry through an exclusive licensing deal with Four Leaf Designs, LLC for US and internet sales.

Back in 2005 the family sold the company, however soon the recession hit and the company was closed. No amount of brand loyalty could keep it afloat when disposable income started to become extinct. But just last month, the Fortunoff family announced that they had re-acquired all trademarks, intellectual property and copyrights for the brand. A welcomed relief I'm sure to a family who held such a household name for 4 generations. Now the brand will begin to re-emerge to start "A new beginning" as their home page states.

Internet sales will come first this fall with the focus shifting to stores in 2011.The best part for those who have long loved Fortunoff jewelry is that the brand looks to sell their pieces at prices "that make sense." In other words, price points for every budget? We'll just have to wait and see, but we expect the jewelry industry and previous customers to welcome them back with open arms.

Stay up to date by viewing their website at www.Fortunoff.com. 

*Photo Source: Fortunoff

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.

Bridal Guide Magazine features Pierce Mattie PR's client Diamond Ideals for celebrity diamond engagement rings. If you’re working on a diamond ring jewelry story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie jewelry PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Lately we have been seeing a lot of statement jewelry that essentially becomes your outfit, from glamourous necklaces to stackable rings. Chunky jewelry is becoming more and more the rage as we have seen with a lot of collections designers have created, such as RIVINI by Rita Vinieris. Rita Vinieris is more well-known for her unique bridal gown designs, but she has recently created a line of bridal jewelry that is so luxurious just looking at her pieces takes your breath away.

Vinieris mainly focuses on creating exceptional necklaces using authentic fabrics like chiffon, organza and silk satins. One aspect that makes Vinieris’ jewelry so stunning is her scrupulous attention to detail. She uses soft shades of cream and ivory for most of her pieces, which make her collection fitting to bridal attire. However, her pieces are not bridal specific, and most can be worn as statement jewelry to other events or occasions. As it states on the RIVINI website her collections are “chic in their perfection, the essence of simple luxury.”

RIVINI has many trunk shows coming up this September, including one in New York from September 23^rd to 24^th. There are more trunk shows listed on their website and more information about the RIVINI collection on their Facebook page!

They have store locations all over Canada and the United States. If you’re a bride looking for your perfect bridal jewelry, or just want that perfect accenting piece, check her collection out! Let us know what you think by tweeting us @ PierceMattiePR!

Lately we have been seeing a lot of statement jewelry that essentially becomes your outfit, from glamourous necklaces to stackable rings. Chunky jewelry is becoming more and more the rage as we have seen with a lot of collections designers have created, such as RIVINI by Rita Vinieris. Rita Vinieris is more well-known for her unique bridal gown designs, but she has recently created a line of bridal jewelry that is so luxurious just looking at her pieces takes your breath away.

Vinieris mainly focuses on creating exceptional necklaces using authentic fabrics like chiffon, organza and silk satins. One aspect that makes Vinieris’ jewelry so stunning is her scrupulous attention to detail. She uses soft shades of cream and ivory for most of her pieces, which make her collection fitting to bridal attire. However, her pieces are not bridal specific, and most can be worn as statement jewelry to other events or occasions. As it states on the RIVINI website her collections are “chic in their perfection, the essence of simple luxury.”

RIVINI has many trunk shows coming up this September, including one in New York from September 23^rd to 24^th. There are more trunk shows listed on their website and more information about the RIVINI collection on their Facebook page!

They have store locations all over Canada and the United States. If you’re a bride looking for your perfect bridal jewelry, or just want that perfect accenting piece, check her collection out! Let us know what you think by tweeting us @ PierceMattiePR!

Lately we have been seeing a lot of statement jewelry that essentially becomes your outfit, from glamourous necklaces to stackable rings. Chunky jewelry is becoming more and more the rage as we have seen with a lot of collections designers have created, such as RIVINI by Rita Vinieris. Rita Vinieris is more well-known for her unique bridal gown designs, but she has recently created a line of bridal jewelry that is so luxurious just looking at her pieces takes your breath away.

Vinieris mainly focuses on creating exceptional necklaces using authentic fabrics like chiffon, organza and silk satins. One aspect that makes Vinieris’ jewelry so stunning is her scrupulous attention to detail. She uses soft shades of cream and ivory for most of her pieces, which make her collection fitting to bridal attire. However, her pieces are not bridal specific, and most can be worn as statement jewelry to other events or occasions. As it states on the RIVINI website her collections are “chic in their perfection, the essence of simple luxury.”

RIVINI has many trunk shows coming up this September, including one in New York from September 23^rd to 24^th. There are more trunk shows listed on their website and more information about the RIVINI collection on their Facebook page!

They have store locations all over Canada and the United States. If you’re a bride looking for your perfect bridal jewelry, or just want that perfect accenting piece, check her collection out! Let us know what you think by tweeting us @ PierceMattiePR!

Lately we have been seeing a lot of statement jewelry that essentially becomes your outfit, from glamourous necklaces to stackable rings. Chunky jewelry is becoming more and more the rage as we have seen with a lot of collections designers have created, such as RIVINI by Rita Vinieris. Rita Vinieris is more well-known for her unique bridal gown designs, but she has recently created a line of bridal jewelry that is so luxurious just looking at her pieces takes your breath away.

Vinieris mainly focuses on creating exceptional necklaces using authentic fabrics like chiffon, organza and silk satins. One aspect that makes Vinieris’ jewelry so stunning is her scrupulous attention to detail. She uses soft shades of cream and ivory for most of her pieces, which make her collection fitting to bridal attire. However, her pieces are not bridal specific, and most can be worn as statement jewelry to other events or occasions. As it states on the RIVINI website her collections are “chic in their perfection, the essence of simple luxury.”

RIVINI has many trunk shows coming up this September, including one in New York from September 23^rd to 24^th. There are more trunk shows listed on their website and more information about the RIVINI collection on their Facebook page!

They have store locations all over Canada and the United States. If you’re a bride looking for your perfect bridal jewelry, or just want that perfect accenting piece, check her collection out! Let us know what you think by tweeting us @ PierceMattiePR!

A Soolip Wedding, a modern bridal event, returns to San Francisco and Los Angeles—set for Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the legendary Bently Reserve and Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the prestigious Bel Air Bay Club.  The vision of gracious living guru Wanda Wen, A Soolip Wedding has established notoriety as one of the wedding industry's most prolific events and is essential for soon-to-be-wed couples, wedding planners or anyone looking for inspired event resources. 

This gathering of over 60 curated resources will feature distinguished wedding vendors and artisanal amenities.  Highlights include dazzling diamonds from America's most established jeweler, Black, Starr & Frost, and a fashion showing of luxury wedding apparel by JLM Couture, featuring the ultra glamorous bridal gowns of Lazaro.  JLM Couture makes its A Soolip Wedding debut coinciding with the launch of a new flagship location to open in West Hollywood, February 2012.  Sharing a similar aesthetic, the highly sought-after stationer, Soolip Paperie and Press, will showcase their au-courant paper and invitation delicacies in both cities.

The coastal setting of the Bel Air Bay Club in Los Angeles will serve as a back-drop for a venerated collection of experts including the chic canvases of Viceroy Hotel Group and Maravilla Gardens and the delectable culinary delights of Good Gracious! Events. Also in attendance, Krista Jon Floral|Botanical|Stylist, whose stunning living succulent walls have mesmerized A Soolip Wedding's guests, David Pressman Events, the industry's event planner for in-the-know brides, along with Jen O'Sullivan Photography and VeeV Acai Spirits.

In San Francisco, the historic Bently Reserve will host an abundance of tastemakers and elite offerings.  Wedding stylists from the Nordstrom Wedding Suite will be on-hand to showcase the season's most coveted fashion trends while elegant bridal collections by Jin Wang will grace the runway.  Wondrous floral displays from Kathleen Deery Design and the elegant cuisine of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering are additional enticements.    

Not to be missed in both cities are the awe-inspiring accents of the acclaimed Classic Party Rentals along with the captivating documentation of Film Foto Fusion.  Providing literary inspiration for the engaged at both events are media sponsors C Weddings, The Knot and Utterly Engaged.

In its 13th year, A Soolip Wedding 2012 will once again reinforce the Soolip brand's dedication to embracing inspired beauty through the discovery of amazing style and to the modern reverence for love and marriage.  "A Soolip Wedding is forging into its second decade maintaining the belief in a modern, yet soulful approach to weddings," says Wen, Soolip Founder.

A Soolip Wedding Event Details:

San Francisco

• Date: Sunday, February 26
• Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
• Location: Bently Reserve—301 Battery Street  San Francisco, CA 94111

Los Angeles

• Date: Sunday, March 4
• Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm 
• Location:  Bel Air Bay Club, Upper Club—16801 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, California 90272

Tickets are $45.00 in advance and $55.00 at the door.  Admission includes food tastings, cake and champagne, a bridal fashion showing, beauty-filled gift bags, and for brides, a complimentary download for "Soolip Wedding App," a design planning tool for the style-seeking bride.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.asoolipwedding.com or by calling 310.360.1055.

It has been easy to tell when a woman is planning on getting married because there is usually a sparkly rock on her left ring finger, but it has been more difficult to tell if a man is married until after the big event has happened. Well times are definitely changing because “man-gagement” rings are being spotted on men’s left ring fingers.

Women won the right to vote almost a century ago, have been through several feminist rights movements, and right now many women are fighting for their family planning rights. This new engagement ring trend is giving relationships a new sense of equality.

What may seem foreign to us has been common in other countries for many years. Men and women in many other countries around the world have adopted this idea, however, it has been common tradition in the United States for only the woman to wear an engagement ring.  

This new trend is also opening the door for women to pop the question and is perfect for same-sex couples. Women now can feel that by being the one to pop the question she can seal the promise with a ring on his finger as well as on hers. Additionally, this allows same-sex male couples to use engagement rings to seal their engagement.

Jewelers are starting to design these man-gagement rings (or are they just wedding bands that men start wearing early?) and many couples are quite keen on the idea. So whether is be diamond encrusted, gold, or stainless steal you are going to start seeing man-gagement rings more and more.

Would you ask your man to wear an engagement ring? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR. 

Lagos is a beautifully crafted jewelry brand, whose signature caviar beading differentiates it from many jewelry brands. The brand relies on four key inspirations, sure to attract a wide variety of personal styles. Whether you possess a refined, real, rock and roll or romantic style, Lagos eloquently adds subtle flairs to embody that specific style. 

Lagos jewelry encompasses necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. There are also about 20 classic collections that range from emerald accents, to neutral intertwined designs, to their signature caviar design adorned with diamonds. From casual dinner dates to wedding gown adornments, Lagos jewelry has been known to enhance any look with its unique style.

For the spring, Lagos is introducing two new collections called Silver Rocks and Love Me, Love Me Not. Love Me Love Me Not, its truly for the hopeless romantic who loves the state of nature associated with spring. This collection features the detailed caviar beading inset on flower-shaped pendants that accent various necklaces, bracelets, and rings. This collection is primarily available in the colors, turquoise, white mother of pearl, and black onyx.  A piece of this collection costs about $595 for a bracelet, $1395 for drop earrings and $750 for an accented ring. The edgier Silver Rocks collection features sterling silver jewelry with black onyx accents in geometric shapes. Similarly, this collection is available in bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. This collection runs about $395 for a ring, $795 for a necklace and $495 for a bracelet.

Due to Steven Lagos’ reinvented collections and retail space, many media outlets as speaking on behalf of the Greek-inspired jewelry line. Lagos is a perfect way to add flair to your otherwise ordinary outfit, as illustrated in Where Philadelphia, Where New York and Lucky Magazines. While Lagos is jewelry for day-to-day outfits, it has still received attention for being elegant accents to wedding gowns. It has recently been featured in editorials for Philadelphia Wedding and Brides Magazine. 

Eager to get your hands on some of these precious beads? Lagos Jewelry is available in retail department stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. On the east coast, Lagos Jewelry also has a flagship store in Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, where the retail space is covered wall to wall with Lagos Jewelry.

What is your favorite piece of Lagos jewelry? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.