Big Name = Big Results?

There have been some rumblings in the gem world; Gemfieldsand emeralds. Gemfields is basically a new kid on the block when it comes to the colored stone market. An obscene amount of money has been put into their new advertising campaign for “ethical emerald and ruby mining” which is running in Vanity Fair and a few trade publications til next month. They have been around for only for a few years but so far have managed to make quite an impact on the colored stone sectre. They are in the process to truly dominate the colored stone market, and be the colored stone version of DeBeers.

Emeralds are a stone that has some mystery behind them. Emeralds don't follow a uniform color grading system like Diamonds. Emeralds are one of the most difficult and misunderstand stones to color and grade. Almost every broker or dealer has their own color grading system in place. Which makes it more difficult for buyers to decipher the color of one stone from a dealer to another. Gemfields is trying to change that. Gemfields which is a publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and has been in business since 2008. Their mine in Zambia produces about 20% of the worlds Emerald production. Colombia produces 50% of the worlds emerald production. They currently own a percentage/own 5 mines that produce different colored gemstones. In 2008 they had halted or ceased production due to no fiscal income in 2008. My they have come a long way! How they plan to get Emeralds graded, and how long it will take still has to be seen. But we're sure that's going to be many years from now.

An Auction that is going to be ending soon (but you're still able to view the lots online, http://www.txauctiononline.com/category.cfm?category=242963 ). Apparently Mr. Frank  Calabrese Sr. accepted gems and jewelry in lieu of payment  (he was a collector, or a loan shark). His attorney states that he's simply a jewelry collector. Ok, a jewelry collector that was one of several reputed mobsters convicted in 2009 in a racketeering conspiracy that included 18 decades-old murders. He was blamed for 13, sentenced to life in prison and ordered to pay more than $24 million in restitution. But either way it's interesting to take a look at some of the items up for bid. Most notable on page 7, (yes I looked at all of them! ) some of the larger loose diamonds and more expensive items being bid on.  Some unique items, (more Italian horns than you can shake a gold rope necklace at) but the history that comes along attached to them? I was tempted by a gold plated bookmark that has his initials on it. A piece of faded glory that was the Mafioso in Chicago.

 In the meantime if all of this jewerly talk has you wanting a unique piece of your own, take a look at our extended SALE on Ebay http://stores.ebay.com/JR-COLOMBIAN-EMERALDS?_trksid=p4340.l2563 ~ I'm sure you'll find something pleasing!

Big Auctions and Big Jewelry

Here we are in the heat of Summer, and boy is it hot! We are hoping that all of our friends and loyal customers on the East Coast have faired okay with the power outages.

 Angelina Jolie is known for doing good work for charity is back at it again. This time shes doing more incredible work for one of her favorite charities by using her jewelry line created with jewelry designer Robert Procop, who also helped her fiance Brad Pitt ( has a nice sound, lucky girl!) to create her stunning Emerald Cut Diamond and Baguette Enagegemnt ring. Which reportedly cost upwards of $250,000 and a year to comleted.

Her line is called 'Style of Jolie' (as well as some pieces that she has worn to various premiers) exquisite jewelry that is seen by appointment only will be on display (gasp) in the South of France & Monaco for 1 month at Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat (Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat) and Monaco's prestigious Hotel de Paris concurrently between July 15 and August 15.

 She has a great eye for style and the simplicity of the jewelry and proceeds from the sale of the jewelry  will be donated to her charitable foundation, the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which helps children across the globe.

 Since we're still a few months away from one of my personal seasons (if you can call it that) the awards season! Big sigh* There's been some other mention of Emeralds and fabulous jewelry in the news!

As some of you may have know about the reclusive American Heiress Huguette M. Clark had passed away in 2011 at the ripe old age of 104 (God bless!) and didn't leave behind any direct descendents.

 She was the daughter of Copper Baron William A. Clark. At the time when she was born his fortune was amassed at 150 million or today at roughly 3 billion. She had amassed quite a jewelry collection that was auctioned of in April of this year. She had some amazing gems! They estimated her jewels would go between 8 - 12million but reached a little under 21 million dollars. one of the most notable pieces was an exquisite pink diamond referred to as the "Belle Époque" cushion-cut fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring of 9.00 carats, by Dreicer & Co., circa 1910. Pre-sale estimation was $6 million to $8 million. But the actual sale price was  $14 million! A magnificent diamond that we're sure the lucky owner will cherish and hopefully put into a ring setting! Some other notable jewels were an incredible art deco diamond and emerald bracelet that was estimate to be $300,000 - $500,000. She had passed away with a fortune of 400 million dollars, numerous estates valued at over 55 million dollars and a few homes that she never lived in. She spent most of her living in institutions for much of her life.

 A sad ending to a life that must of been fascinating! I can't wait to see the movies and books that follow about this little known American heiress. Guess money doesn't buy happiness after all.

Another famous woman and New York Socialite is Brooke Astor, she had passed at 105! (we'd be blessed to live a life that rich and long!) Her beautiful collection of art, jewels, books and other items, totaling 800 items in all will be auctioned off in September 24-25. Pictures of the items haven’t been made public yet. But I'll be sure to get a copy of the auction book once its published.

 Stayed tuned for next weeks Blog, Emeralds, the new fair trade act?