Oscar Red Carpet Jewelry Runddown & Pablo Piccaso A Jeweler?

 The Oscars, most anticipated event by movie goes, fashionistas and jewelery around the globe.  With an estimated audience of 95 million people it is one of the most watched programs on television.

There was a wide range of looks and jewelry. A few actresses raised the bar on size of jewelry and the dollar amount worn. But in total, the actresses sparkled and shined in a variety of colors and styles.

 The always stunning Charlize Theron wore a magnificent one of a kind diamond necklace from Harry Winston.  The 31cts Cluster Diamond Pendant  from the "Incredibles Collection" and is set with a completely flawless 31ct emerald-cut diamond. and the cost was $15 Million dollars! With a price like that, I'm sure it was one of the costliest jewelry ensembles on the red carpet~

Charlize Theron wearing 31cts Cluster Diamond Pendant  from the "Incredibles Collection"

 

  Sandra Bullock was nominated for best actress in a drama for the movie "Gravity".  She was wearing diamond cluster earrings by Lorraine Schwartz with a cost of $1.8Million dollars. She looked every inch a glamour girl!

 And what can you say about Angelia Jolie?  She is always perfect on the red carpet and this red carpet in support of her fiance Brad Pitt was no exception.  She was breath taking in a  long beaded Ellie Saab Haute Couture dress and was wearing blinding diamond earrings by Robert Procop that weighed a hefty 42.0carats. She has collaborated with Robert for her line of jewelry. The beading detail on her dress teamed with the simple and rather large diamond earrings complemented each other.  It was wonderful to see her happy and truly glowing~

Angelina wearing 42cts Robert Procop Diamond Earrings

Angelina Jolie wearing beaded Ellie Saab

 

Robert Procop 42.0cts Diamond Earrings

  It was clearly a tie between Angelina Jolie and the golden girl Kate Hudson who ravished on lookers on the red carpet. Kate was wearing a silver beaded Atelier Versace and her jewels were by Neil Lane. The hair, makeup, combined with the jewels = a smoldering look!  She was definitely having a fashion MOMENT~

Kate Hudson wearing silver Atelier Versace dress and Neil Lane Jewels.

The back of her dress was fabulous, great look~

Jennifer Lawrence in her glory~

 Hollywood's sweetheart Jennifer Lawrence choose to wear a bold red Christian Dior Couture gown ( she is Diors new spokesmodel) and with $2 Million dollar Neil Lane necklace that she had worn to the back.  Shes always a stunner~

 Cate Blanchett who usually surprises us wore a delicious beaded gown by Armani and dangling custom 62 white opals that weigh 33.0cts and a beautiful 49.0cts brown diamond bracelet both by Chopard.

Cate backstage after her Oscar win

Chopard custom 33.0cts opal earrings

 And who can forget Lupitas touching acceptance speech?  not only did she look amazing and just effortless in her "Nairobi" blue Prada dress but her simple accessories were a favorite among many. Her headband was gold with diamonds, fan shaped diamond in rose gold earrings a 19th Century yellow gold and diamond coiled snake bracelet, an 18k yellow gold Frog ring, a 19th Century yellow gold, pearl and diamond ring, a 19th Century yellow gold and opal ring, and finally a 1960s 18k gold, turquoise, and diamond ring.

Lupita Nyon'go in Prada and Fred Leighton jewels

  An important 29.6 carat blue rough diamond sold at auction for a record breaking 25.6 million dollars. That is $867,400/carat. That is a high amount, but considering this a blue diamond and one of the rarest colors (next to red and orange) then we can understand the price. This stone was mined at the Cullinan mines in South Africa.  This is also the same mine that has produced many diamonds that are currently part of the Queens collection at the Tower of London.  The diamond was bought for Cora International NY through South African company Golden Yellow Diamonds. 

“This sale result affirms this stone as one of the most important blue diamonds ever recovered,” said Johan Dippenaar, CEO of Petra, in a statement.

  Petra had purchased the Cullinan mine from  DeBeers in 2007. According to miners this stone has the ability to be of great value and of importance. After this stone is cut and polished it's going to be a stunner.

 On the same topic as the rough blue, not only one but TWO large rough diamonds were mined at the Lesotho mines in South Africa.  I have written about this particular mine in the past. Gem Diamonds is a London based jeweler that has mined the two rough diamonds weigh 162.06 ct. Type II diamond and a 161.74 ct. Type I diamond.

Rough diamond 162.0cts

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Another angle of the rough diamond

"Gem Diamonds acquired Letšeng, which was operated by De Beers from 1977 to 1982, in 2006. It is currently run as a joint venture between Gem Diamonds, which owns 70 percent of the project, and the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, which owns the remaining 30 percent".

 As of March 5th, both rough stones have sold at auction ( that was FAST!) for a combined $13 Million dollars.  The 162.02cts rough is a type II 2 diamond and has the potential to be a top yielding diamond.  The rough sold for $11.1 million, or $68,687 per ct!  The 161.31cts rough sold for $ $2.4 million, or $14,636 per carat! No mention as to who bought the diamonds. 

 A rather large and highly anticipated pink diamond aka 'Pink Star" at Sothebys in November of last year was purchased for an incredible $83 Million dollars. Sothebys is stating that the purchaser of the diamond by new York based diamond cutter  Isaac Wolf has defaulted on the sale of this stone for a potential loss of $72 Million for Sothebys. 

 "We are currently in discussions with the buyer, while also considering other alternatives," Patrick McClymont, Sotheby's CFO said on the call with analysts. "In the meantime, we are quite comfortable with our valuation, and see real value in owning the diamond at this price."

 My guess is that they are going to auction it again later, maybe the end of this year or next? But in reality who really knows~

Pablo Picasso gold face pendant

  Pablo Picasso is known for his amazing cubism paintings, etchings and simple drawings  But what most people don't realize is that he also created jewelry!  How did we miss that one? Picasso had may loves and lovers in his life.  His great love affair with Dora Maar in Paris lasted a stormy 6 years, from 1937-1943.  These pieces were discovered in her home in Paris after her death in 1997. It was reported that she had so many pieces of jewelry that he had made for her that they were in every hiding spot and box and under the bed even.  She kept every item he made for her along with the memory of him.  After he had left Dora he had started a relationship with Francoise Gilot, who had bored him 2 children ( one of them being Paloma)

 A year after she had died Marc Blondeau (founder of Sothebys) had created a catalog of the pieces he had made for Dora. Skinner Auctioneers located in New England is auctioning Pablo Picasso jewelry on March 18th in Boston. 

 As with is painting the estimates are low for his work. Since they are rare pieces, the prices can sky rocket quickly~

Silver “Satyr” Pendant, Pablo Picasso, from the collection of Carole Mallory (Lot 184, Estimate $15,000-$20,000)

Silver “Claude” Pendant, Pablo Picasso, from the collection of Carole Mallory (Lot 185, Estimate $15,000-$20,000)

Silver “Sun” Pendant, Pablo Picasso, from the collection of Carole Mallory (Lot 186, Estimate $15,000-$20,000)

   
                                                         Keep sparkling until next time~

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~