Rough Diamond Find & Fashion Week for Watches

 What would be better for Valentines Day than your own personal 95 carat rough diamond?  Well you're in  luck! The Lucapa Diamond Company has just found a 95 carat rough diamond in Angola. Lulo is situated about 750km from Angola’s capital city of Luanda and ~150km from Catoca, which is ranked the third biggest kimberlite diamond mine in the world.  The stone has been classified as a D color diamond. Which will add additional zeros to the auction price of this stone. This is the second large rough diamond that has been mined at this location. The first rough diamond was 131.45cts and a type ll a mined in 2012.   By the time is cut and polished the whole process can take 2 years or more. I'm looking forward to seeing the new ownerset this stone in a piece of jewelry~

95 carat rough diamond, Lucapa Diamond Company, Angola

Compilation of rough diamonds that have been mined at Lulo, Angola

   Timepieces have come a long way since Charles Lindbergh had sent his friend a letter who also happened to be a director at the Longine watch company.  Charles had an idea for a watch that would help a pilot navigate with longitude.  He successful flew from Roosevelt Field,  long island New york to Le Bourget Paris in May 20-21 1927. he was the first people to be in new York City one day, and then Paris the next. It was the first transatlantic solo flight on a single seat plane. His design was created in  the exact detail Charles had described.  Its a watch design that they still make to this day. 

Charles Lindbergh and a copy of the Longine watch he created

 Watches have long been a form of expression for men and women. Last week the 24th Salon International de la haute Houralagie was held in Geneva and 16 designers revealed their timepiece collections. Watchmaking just like jewelery making is such an amazing talent and skill that has improved with technology thru the years.  Here is a list of the 16 designers~

  Vacheron Constatine has unqiue and highly decorated and blinged watches. The Métiers d’Art – Fabuleux Ornements watches now invite women to rediscover the beauty of the ornaments of the world, beating to the rhythm of a precious calibre. China and its ancient embroideries, India and its colorfully illustrated manuscripts, the Ottoman Empire and its architecture, France and its famous lace: all are sources of inspiration.

The Patrimony Traditionnelle Haute Joaillerie petit modèle watch  in a shiny satin wristband and 10.06cts of diamonds, this is a fav already!

  Ralph Lauren a name synonymous with American style and culture is getting involved in the luxury watch business.  His watch is reminiscent of an art deco watch from the 20's. Beautiful design with diamonds.  His home goods and clothes are incredible but a little difficult to justify paying for a Ralph Lauren watch, I associate his name with towels and linens.

 Cartier had a spellbinding watch with a glorious 106 carat stone tat serves as the watches crystal ( just brilliant!)  It took 1700 man hours to create this watch  But its truly a work of art and makes a statement.

The L’Heure Envoûtée de Cartier collection

 And speaking of watches a sad bit of news , Mr. Raymond Weil a well known Swiss watchmaker and jeweler passed away on January 26th at the age of 87. He was a pioneer in the 70's stating that watches could be a luxury item. The luxury brand that bears his name is still run by his two sons and is one of the last independent brands in the Swiss watch industry.

 Valentines Day is just around the corner and the Super Bowl was last weekend, the relation? if you are a woman and were watching the game you more than likely saw an ad for Alex and Ani.  Alot of people asked after the game who exactly are Ani and Alex and why do they have a commercial.  Who they are is a Rhode Island based jewelry store that is targeted the core audience of 20 -30 somethings with a main stream style of more is more. The jewelry is fun and they try to pass on a message of peace, goodwill, and positive energy. They have quit the following now.  The prices are low ranging mostly in the 20- 30's with nothing over $350 ( a silver plated stack of bracelets) and their items are silver and gold plated.  Here is the link to their website, but be careful 30,000 people crashed their site during the game~ http://www.alexandani.com

                                                       Keep sparkling until next time!

Award Shows Jewelry Rundown~

  Happy New Year!  Its a glorious start to the beginning of 2014 and with so many awards shows its easily one of the best parts of the year~ Not only is it an exciting time to see who's going to win for the awards but also you can usually get a gauge on upcoming trends, new colors and styles. So far this year we've had the Peoples Choice Awards 1/8/2014, Golden Globes 1/12/2014, Critics Choice 1/16/2014, Screen Actors Guild (SAG) 1/18/2014.

 That's alot of awards shows, but here's a rundown of the best jewelry we saw on the red carpet~

 The Peoples Choice Awards is a more low key event with most of the hemlines going to the knee and very few that wore floor length gowns. The colors of the evening were many neutrals and light colors.  Not much large jewelry and many jewels loaned from famous jeweler to the stars Lorraine Schwartz.

The 71st Golden Globes is  a fabulous and glittering event that was held in Beverly Hills. Great fashion and minimal on the jewels, except for Sofia Vergara.  She never disappoints on the red carpet. And lets not forget about the awards! The winners were a slew of actors and actresses that have been in unique and not always top box office movies. Jared Leto for his role playing a transgendered woman on Dallas Buyers Club was brilliant.

 An actress that is quickly becoming a favorite is Jennifer Lawrence. Her role in "American Hustle" landed her a Golden Globe for best supporting actress. Her sense of style, gorgeous jewelry and quirky attitude will be one to watch for come Oscars in March.
    
 Helen Mirren looks fabulous at any age and wowed her fellow actors in a gorgeous green beaded dress and was wearing emerald and diamond earrings by Bulgari that was once owned by screen siren Gina Lollobrigida. She looked fabulous! wasnt easy to get a good picture of the earrings~

  
    

Here's a better view of these luscious earrings

  Jessica Chastain wore a stunning diamond riviera necklace also by Bulgari and dating to 1930's. Lots of sparkle!

   Sofia Vergara absolutely dazzled everyone on the red carpet wearing a stunning vintage 
Lorraine Schwartz Turquoise and diamond bib collar.  It was a gorgeous contrast to the dark color of her dress.  She reminds me of our generations Lucille Ball. 

 

Sofia was wearing over $3 Million dollars worth of jewels, carved turquoise and diamond bib collar necklace, diamond earrings and ring

 Jennifer won a Golden Globe for her supporting role in "American Hustle". Jennifer Lawrence has proved she is quickly becoming a red carpet favorite with her fun personality, great sense of style and her overall likeability. She looked phenomenal wearing Neil Lane Art Deco platinum chandelier earrings with black spinel, onyx, black diamonds, jade, and coral; four platinum bracelets with colorless and black diamonds; and two platinum and diamond rings and a stunning sugarloaf Colombian emerald ring. All valued at $2.5 million

And Cate Blanchett looked radiant and stunned the crowds in a black lace Armani prive gown with ethically mined diamond earrings by Chopard. She just ethereal and very elegant .The total effect was mind blowing. She was one of the actresses that stole the show!

Chopard Green carpet Collection 11ct marquise ethically mined diamonds set in fairmined gold

Cate Blanchett won a Golden Globe for lead actress for "Blue Jasmine"

  There were many gorgeous gowns along with bare necks and simple post earrings. There weren't any actresses that pushed the envelope.  There were great choices in color, and some fabulous gems.. this is all in preparation for the 86th Annual Oscars on March 2nd.

  Hollywood stars get the option from several jewelry designers to wear their sparkly gems, gem encrusted handbags and shoes to several award shows thru out the year.  Now the everyday person will get the same option!  A new website "haute vault" is a company that after you become a member ( almost like qualifying for a store credit card) you learn of your membership level (s), there are five in total. Sterling, gold, platinum, diamond, corporate.  Then let the lending begin! Depending on your membership level you can choose the item you'd like to borrow.   They offer formal items, rings, watches, nrcklaces, earringsYou can either rent for the week or for the month and you also have the option to buy. Then the piece is FedEx to you overnight.  The costs for rental range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars on each item. Some of the items seem pricey but if you're looking to make an impression, this is the place to find and wear it!

   After you have completed your rental time you return the item via FedEx.  It's a great concept for someone who wants to look a little extra special for the Holidays, a wedding, reunion any kind of event!  Here's the link to their website, http://hautevault.com/

World Record $83 Million "Pink Dream" , $250 Million Dollar Necklace~

 On November 12th in Geneva Switzerland Christies set two world records for set for largest colored stone sale prices.  The impressive internally flawless pink diamond sold for an incredible $83 Million dollars! Four bidders were bidding on the highly anticipated vivid fancy diamond and in the last 5 minutes it went to diamond cutter Isaac Wolf who renamed the stone "Pink Dream" following the auction. Still an unbelievable sum for a diamond! is this stone going to be set into a setting? or is it going to go on tour?  My guess is it'll go on tour~

59.6cts "Pink Dream sold for $83 Million Dollars

 Another unqiue colored diamond also set a record on the November 14th. The largest fancy vivid orange diamond 14.32cts sold for $35 Million Dollars. Quite impressive numbers for both stones but especially for the carat size of the yet unnamed orange diamond. "Orange diamonds of more than five carats have very rarely been seen at auction, said François Curiel, international head of Christie’s jewelry department in a statement. “Time and again, a stone will appear on the market that is truly a miracle of nature,” he said, adding that the likes of The Orange “will perhaps only be seen once in a lifetime.”A single anonymous collector has owned The Orange for at least 30 years. Its record-breaking price positions it “amongst the greatest pinks and blues, which are traditionally the most appreciated colored diamonds,” said Curiel. What a true beauty indeed!

14.83cts fancy vivid orange diamond sold for $35 Million

  Some other items at the auction were an antique diamond tiara from 1860 ( we have on our pinterest board sold) for $227,559. It states that the tiara is from the property of a gentleman. There must be an incredible story tied to this tiara... Such a low price for a piece of history!

  The Gilded Age is a glittering time in history were enormous fortunes of exorbitant amounts were made and spent by the Cornelius, Astor and Rockefellers alike. The barons of industry spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and years to create limestone concrete mansions, entertained hundreds of guests on quail and delicacies of the time. Museum of the City of  New York is having an exhibit that is simple titled "Gilded Age" that will open on November 13th - 30th  2013  that will bring many New Yorkers and lovers of the gilded age to their doors.  These are a few of the items that will be on display. If you're in new York or planning to go, this will be a fantastic exhibit~

Tiffany & Co. brooch, 1900 • Platinum, gold, diamond, pearls, ruby, garnet, sapphire

Tiffany & Co., Brooch, ca. 1900 • Gold, sapphires, zircons, enamel

The "Rehan necklace"

 

Tiffany & Co., Pendant brooch, ca. 1900 • Platinum, diamond, sapphire

   Locally in South Florida we have Worth Ave lined with the best jewelers and retailers in the world. One of those famous retailers is kaufman de suisse. A Canadian based jewelers that have two locations and some of the best jewels that you'll ever see. There's a stone thats putting Palm Beach in the news. Kaufman De Suisse have a remarkable stone that is the largest Paraiba tourmaline that is named " Ethereal Carolina Divine Paraiba".  I love how all the great large stones have names~  At an astonishing 191.87 carats and has also set a Guiness book world record in 2009.  Shattering the record by 51.77cts of the previous largest facted Paraiba. this stone has an incredible light blue hue. Upon seeing the stone Moneca was inspired for the stone to be set into a unique setting titled "Star of the Ocean Jewels". Featuring different sea creatures this necklace made its debut in October 18th 2013 at their Montreal Quebec store location.  this magnificent necklace will be auctioned in 2014. There are over 1,076 gemstones and also a 10.73 yellow canary diamond.the necklace will be in Palm Beach prior to its auction next year. I'm definelty going to hop, skip and jump over to see it!

"Star of the Ocean Jewels"

"Star of the Ocean Jewels" being modeled

  There has been some talk that this necklace is worth in the neighborhood of $250 Million dollars, crazy figure! But the stone is a record holder and has " been placed on a very short list of the world’s most famous gems in history by experts in the field, along with: the Logan Sapphire, the Hope Diamond, the Golden Jubilee, the Alan Caplan Ruby, and the Cullinan Diamond". One can only imagine the bidding frenzy that this necklace will bring about~ 

 Have you ever heard of Marion Rumsey Cartier? She was the daughter of Pierre Cartierone of the three brothers that started of the infamous jewelry house by the same name. Her collection of jewelry is up for auction on December 10th at Christies New York. Her pieces are extrodinary, here's a few pictures of her jewels~

Doris Payne, Worlds Oldest Jewel Thief & Jaw Dropping Cartier Exhibit

  In May, world famous Cannes had experienced several unfortunate jewel thefts in the span of  afew months that resulted in the loss of of over a hundred million dollars. And had also left many jewelers nervous about their own high priced goods for sale. Unheard of, especially during the Cannes Film Festival.  It was becoming common place to read about another burglary. There is another story about a jewel thief that I hadn't heard of and was quite fascinated with.  According to reports she ( yes a woman) has been burglarizing for decades! 83 year old Doris Payne ( she even has a page in Wikipedia dedicated to her) was recently arrested for stealing a diamond ring at El Paseo jewelry store in Palm Desert, California worth $21,000! She had entered the store had been looking at items for about 45 minutes. She had told the sales people that she has a check for $40,000 insurance check and wanted to purchase new items. After she had left the store one of the sales associates had noticed that a ring was missing.

Alleged Jewelry Thief 83 y.o Doris Payne

  Raju Metha, manager of El Paseo Jewelers in Palm Desert, Calif.“I have been in retail for years, and never had anything like this happen,” he says. “You don’t suspect because she is elderly. I have to give her credit: She is excellent at what she does.”

The $21,000 stolen diamond ring

 A documentary has been created about her colorful criminal past titled " The life and crimes of Doris Payne". The documentary has already been featured at a few independent film festivals.

 

Doris Payne in the 1960's during her heyday

 She receives short jail terms because of her age, and its very expensive to keep an elderly person in jail or prison. And apparently she has no worries about going to jail. But I can only imagine the stories she has to tell. She must of been a femme fatale in her time~

 Her criminal history is quite long and will make for an interesting movie ( there has been talk that Halle Berry will portray her in a movie about her life) She has been arrested in 2005, and 2011.  She has reportedly stolen$2.0 Million dollars worth of jewels spanning  from Japan to Monte Carlo. She has escaped TWICE from custody in 1968 and in 1987.  She has been charged with burglary and grand theft and is currently in jail on bail for $65,000.  A preliminary hearing is set for December 11th. Since then the ring has been recovered. Doris had sold the ring to a store called " The Exchange" which is 3 miles from the El Paseo jewelry store. The exchange had purchased the ring from her, and now they are out of the money they purchased the ring with. Its truly a no win situation.

 Cartier will be celebrating with a mouth watering exhibit that is featuring 600 items from their greatest creations at the Grand Palais in Paris on December 4th 2013 - February 16th 2014 and is  titled "Cartier, Style & History" ( not a very original title~)  .  Here is a link to the exhibit, if you're fortunate enough to be in Paris~ http://www.grandpalais.fr/en/event/cartier-style-and-history

Countess of Granard Emerald & Diamond Necklace

Truly stunning 143.23ct Emerald cut emerald cabochon and diamond collar necklace 1932 and once belonged to the Countess of Granard

  The countless jewels, watches, and objects will make any ones head spin!  About 50 items are being borrowed from private collections. Cartier was founded by Alfred Cartier in 1847. His son Pierre Cartier opened the flagship store in the US in New York 1910. 

  Throughout the years he had custom created pieces of jewelry and objects or art for the likes of Grace Kelly, Barbara Hutton, Marlene Dietrich and Elizabeth Taylor, Vanderbilt, Hearst, Astor, Rothschild. Gloria Swanson, Edsel Ford, Fred Astaire and Mrs. Cole Porter as well as pieces commissioned by the Maharajahs of India. An absolutely stunning piece that was once owned by the Countess Granard will be on display.  The Countess Granard who was formerly known as Beatrice Mills and was an American born heiress who had married the 8th Earl of Granard. And from the looks of it, she had quite the jewelry collection~

 

Countess Granard aka Beatrice Forbes

  T

Maria Felix, Mexican actress and siren with her crocodile necklace

 Maria Felix was a larger than life  exotic women with a dramatic taste in jewelry.  She had Cartier commission a necklace that was composed of two crocodiles. One was set with 1,023 fancy yellow diamonds and 1,060 circular cut emeralds.  The could be joined together to form a necklace or else worn separately as bracelets.  

She had an affinity for animal pieces as she also had Cartier commission a necklace resembling a snake, set with 178.12cts in diamonds. She had the underside of the snake created in enamel as it was more comfortable against the skin.

178.12cts Diamond Snake Necklace

Maria Felix wearing some of her extensive collection of jewelry

Grace Kellys Diamond Engagement Ring

                

Gloria Swanson wearing her rock crystal and diamond bangle bracelets

Elizabeth Taylor wearing her ruby and diamond necklace

The Lila Vanderbilt Sloan diamond tiara was created to match the exact waves in Lilas hair

Duchess of Windsor 152cts + Sapphire and diamond brooch

   

20cm diamond bird brooch, 2nd time it's been on public display

  These pieces have traveled the world in many exhibits and as many as 1457 items are on display at Cartiers main showroom in New York.  I would believe that they have much more value as in the history of the item.  As in case with the Duchess of Windsor's 152cts + plus sapphire cabochon pin.  The items are as historic and interesting as the women who owned and wore them. How incredible! Seems like they are truly museum worth items~

 

Cartier Mystery Clock with diamonds and gemstones

  Being so close to the Holidays some early birds are thinking of their Christmas lists now. And for whom they need to shop for. Watches tend to be a favorite gift for any gender. The jewelry houses have designed some whimsical and terribly decadent glittering versions. Giving the gift of watches has been a long practice dating back to the early 1900's. Mens watches have always been in the spotlight as it is one piece of jewelry that all men have and can relate too.  Designers have been busy created exquisite diamond and gem encrusted time pieces just in time for the Holidays. now granted the trend towards watches has been that the faces are larger, and could possibly be worn by both sexes.  Here's a few sparkly examples..

Jacob & Co Pink Sapphire Mystery Set watch

 

Bulgari 7 gems

Diamond encrusted Chopard

  Along with watches jewelry has been given to commemorate different milestones  in someones life. First communion, Sweet 16, graduation, weddings... A company called "Break Up Gems" based in Plattsburgh, New York creates jewelry for mens and women who have experience a break up or a divorce. They carry a line of jewelry including rings, bracelets and pendants, earrings.  so0me of the tongue in cheek designs show a heart that is broken in half but is decorated with pave diamonds.  Their items are created in 10k, 14k  gold, platinum, sterling silver and stainless steel. Their prices are moderate and range from $85 to over $10,000.  One of the most extravagant items is a ring created with 119 diamonds that are pave set and feature three diamonds that are channel set.  Its titled the "Liberta Diva" ring. It is an eye catcher~

Liberta Diva Ring with 119 diamonds set in platinum

Joyful heart necklace in white gold with black diamonds

  Here is a link to their website, http://www.breakupgems.com/default.asp Im sure many people will take advantage of an unfortunate experience and get a piece of jewelry to celebrate their new status.


The big news from this past week is that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West got engaged at AT&T Baseball field with a proposal that showed on the JumboTron that simply stated "WILLL YOU MARRY MEEEE? .  The ring is a 15 carat cushion cut diamond set in platinum and is a D flawless stone type II A. After she had said "yes" to a 15 carat cushion cut diamond set in platinum (designed by her favorite jeweler Lorraine Schwartz) her family came from the dug out and celebrated with champagne. Early reports are that the diamond is to be worth an estimate $4 - $5 Million dollars.

The happy couple

A close up the 15 carat cushion cut diamond by Lorraine Schwartz

  And speaking of Kim K and diamond rings~ Christies had an auction on October 15th and lot 194 looked familiar along with a confirmation prior to the sale sealed it!  The 20ct Emerald cut diamond ring , by you guessed it~ Lorraine Schwartz was owned by drum roll please...Kim Kardashian! Kim had quietly given the ring back once there relationship had ended. The ring at the time of their engagement was said to be worth $2 Million. Christies stated pre sale estimate to be between $300,000 - $400,000. But in actuality the ring sold for $749,000.  With a portion of the proceeds going to charity. No mention as to which charities (or as to who the new owner is), but Kris is deciding that now.

Kim's previous 20ct diamond engagement ring

           

AN IMPRESSIVE DIAMOND RING, BY LORRAINE SCHWARTZ
Set with a rectangular-cut diamond, weighing approximately 16.21 carats, flanked on either side by a trapeze-cut diamond, each weighing approximately 1.80 carats, mounted in platinum, in a Lorraine Schwartz pink wood case Signed L.S. for Lorraine Schwartz With report 2155599544 dated 8 August 2013 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is I color, VS1 clarity

                                                Keep Sparkling until next time~