Awards Season begins~ Let them Sparkle!!

The start of a New Year is always full of many hopes and promises. We are hoping that all of you had a safe, healthy and very Happy New Years. And that all of us are prosperous too!

Since we had mentioned in one of the early posts about Pantone choosing the color of Emerald for 2013 we have already seen the color emerald being used by many of our designers, and also jewelers are jumping on the bandwagon too. I'm really looking forward to next seasons fashion shows as there will many pops of the color emerald.

 We have been getting ready for the next Holiday~ Valentines day! Some people (mostly men) don't think as Valentines day as an actual holiday, but every red blooded woman will tell you otherwise!

 We receive new parcel of Colombian Emeralds on a weekly basis and it is very easy for all of us to be inspired by the many shapes and varying hue of Colombian Emeralds.

And speaking of sparkle, as of yesterday it is officially the beginning of the awards season! To most people it can be forgotten about. But in my world gems and jewelry and award shows go hand in hand! Especially if a winning actress is wearing a certain style or colored gems can literally mean millions in the pockets of jewelers and copycats worldwide! These award shows set the stage for maybe soon to be "discovered" jewelers and designers. But it all gets started with the stylist.

 And speaking of stylists who watched and awwwed over the SAG awards? The Golden Globes showed many promising styles ( we noticed alot of large colored gemstone dangle earrings) and February 24th is the highly anticipated Oscars!

 We've custom created gorgeous Colombian Emerald Gold and Diamond earrings that are very "Oscar" worthy!

   Inspired by a Grand Dame who was known world wide for her collection of gems~

                Vintage Colombian Emerald & Diamond Dangle earrings 14k

the awards season will and has been a great source of inspiration for our jewelers and for yours truly! the hair styles and the gown all give us insights to the upcoming season in clothes and the new trends that will be the basis for many jewelry collections. With the jewelry industry unlike the clothes industry there really isn't a season per se. With high profile events and award shows if a celebrity is wearing an item of jewelry that can be created for the masses at a fraction of the cost, you can be that every jewelry worth anything will be watching the news and anything else to come up with the next "big idea".

 They always say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, especially when they're priced at $10,124. Our version of flattery~

          "Star Spangled Banner" Colombian Emerald & Black Rhodium earrings

 And for all of you last minute shoppers (yes, guys I'm talking to you!) there's still time to have a custom piece of jewelry created for your beloved for Valentine's day. We can be reached at 1 800 840 6828 for all the easy details...

                          With that in mind, keep sparkling until next week!

Sparkly New Years Wishes~

Wow! Where has this year gone? What I do know is that time has literally flown by! It's amazing to me that what seems just like yesterday I was celebrating 2011 New Years! It's been a year of many ups~ We've expanded our jewelry line, gained a new jeweler and have amassed some of the most exquisite Colombian Emeralds that we have seen in a while.

 The news in the world has been bleak to say the least, but in the world of jewelry its been a fabulous one! Huge stones setting record prices at auctions, and a hint of new stones and jewelry going up on the auction block next year. And you my dear readers know I will keep you posted on all thinks bright and sparkly!

Here's a link to the  jewelry auctions that Sothebys will be holding until May, http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/list.html That's something to look forward too!

Christies has one auction so far posted in their website its being held on Jan. 16, 2013 in London.

 From all of us at JR Colombian Emeralds thank you for making 2012 a very memorable one! We look forward to informing and serving you in 2013~

                                                     Cheers!

Auction & Record Setting Prices - Best of the Year~

As you might of seen in the news Pantone has declared the color “Emerald” as THE color for 2013! Pantone is known for predicting and choosing the color trends for the seasons. Retailers are already picking up on the trend by creating Emerald green makeup according to Sephora as well as nail polish. There will be more focus and attention on all things emeralds, especially Colombian ones~

This has been an extraordinary year in jewels and auctions as some of the world finest auction houses have set world records for loose stones and for jewelry. And making the news yet again for a purchase that has everyone’s tongues wagging is Mr. Laurence Graff of Graff Diamonds and also known as the “King of Diamonds”. He is known for his exceptional and usually historic diamonds and colored gemstones. He just set the world record for a jaw dropping 50 carat D color VVS2 for $8.37 million dollars that was sold to him from Christies auction house. This is the third time he has came into ownership of this stone. He purchased the 50 carat for $4.2 million in 2004 from Christies. Since then the price has more than doubled.  Here are some of the highlights of the incredible jewels from the past year.

                        50.01 carat Graff Diamond sold for 8.3 million or $167,400 per carat

          3.15 carat circular cut orangish red diamon sold at Christies for 2.09 million dollars

                        

 This record breaking 76.02cts Archduke Joseph Internally Flawless D color diamond sold for $21.5 million to an anonymous buyer

                                                 Another front view

                                        Side view of this magnificent stone

This stone is ver 400 years old and has quite a coloful history! We have writen about the auction in one of our past Blog entries.

 The Clark Pink that was once owned by the reclusive Copper Heiress Huguette Clark who had passed away at the age of 104 had several incredible jewels that were valued at over 21 million dollars. The 9.0ct pink diamond sold for a staggering 15.9 million dollars. Which is the highest amount ever paid for4 a pink diamond in the US. It is believed that her mother gave her the ring in 1910. With all great vintage jewelery there is usually a grand story. Ms. Clark never had any children and had died at the amazing age of 104 in a New york hospital. It is reported that she spent the most of her adult life in medical facilities. She left her personal nurse $35 million dollars in her will. And left the majority of her $400 million fortune to charities.

Copper Heiress Huguette Clark

9.0cts Pink Diamond sold for

Another Auction that has some extraordinary jewels is well known billionaire philanthropist Lily Safra. Widow of Edmond Safra who died in a fire at their Monaco home in 2004. ALL the proceeds went to 32 different charities. This Auction was titled "Jewels for Hope" Being a billionaire is extraordinary in itself but to donate all the proceeds is such a generous act. The 32 charities varied from faith based to children charities throughout the state of new York.

19.86cts D Color Square cut Diamond ring by Cartier circa 1920 sold for $8.7 million dollars

              

  179.03cts Ruby Camellia Flower Brooch  by JAR sold for an astonishing $4.31 million dollars. Beautiful piece, but it's a pin! Incredible craftmanship~

 All of us at JR Colombian Emeralds wish all jewelry lovers worldwide a very Happy Holidays! Wear something sparkly and celebrate!

Eight Exceptional Jewels & Cyber Monday~

 We hope everyone had a enjoyable and very Happy Thanksgiving.

After much celebrating and a lot of overeating the only thing left to do (other than work) is partaking in  Cyber Monday! There’s many great deals, especially us too!

This past week there was a beautiful Auction titled “ Eight Exceptional jewels from a Private Collection” that was held at the Bonham’s auctions House in Hong Kong. These pieces are just incredible; here are the pictured and some of the stories that go along with them.

What sets these jewels apart from other auctions ( and there seems to be quite a few of them!) is that the pieces were created by the famed jeweler to Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor, Van Clef and Arpels. All the items were owned by one owner. Quite the collection!

 This dazzling Emerald and Diamond necklace by Van Cleef and Arpels contains 47.04cts of Emeralds and 70.60cts of Diamonds (412 total) mounted in Platinum and 18k gold, and sold for $1.241 million dollars.

 The Emerald and Diamond necklace is attached in 4 pieces and can be either worn as a two bracelets or a shorter necklace. How versatile!

Since all the items were breathtaking, this one even more so. An exquisite 43.16cts Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond ring sold for 1.59 million dollars. The highest amount paid for a sapphire ring per carat. Bidding for this ring was fierce, and sold for $36,000 per carat! Jacques Arpels traveled to Sri Lanka personally to purchase this stone in 1969.

 Stunning Ribbon styled Ruby and Diamond Bracelet that sold for $466,000. This bracelet was created in 1936 ( according to Van Cleef archives) and is comprise of 107.25cts of rubies and 16.70cts of diamonds.

  A superb Emerald and Diamond brooch 10.43ct Emerald and 11.43cts of Diamonds and is created in 18k gold. This brooch sold for a little less than $300,000. and was created in 1952.

 My personal favorite from the auction, a 22.43cts step cut emerald with diaomd pendant. the diamond weigh approximately 2.20cts each. Sold for $373,000.

 Now take a moment to explore our sale and take a look at our magnificent jewels~

Astonishing Royal Gems & Jewelry Record Auction!

 Sotheybys had their breath taking auction for Magnificent Jewels in Geneva on November 11th. The results are staggering! This auction is even more noteworthy for the simple fact there are not one, but actually two Royal stones that wereup for sale at this auction. The obvious one The Archduke Joseph Diamond was originally owned by the Archduke Joseph August of Austria (1872-1962), a prince of the Hungarian line of the Hapsburgs. This fabulous diamond is known for being the largest colorless diamond that was sold for 21.5 million dollars. This stone had been in the possesion of Black, Starr and Frost from Phoenix, that is owned by Alfred Molina. His personal collection of colored gems and diamonds is note worthy. The exciting thing about this auction and more importantly about the buyer ( there were actually two anonymous buyers that were bidding for the stone via phone) is that after he/she won the diamond they stated that they are going to donate the diamond to a museum, possibly the Smithsonian? Only seems fitting. And thrilling to be able to see another historic diamond in person.

 A few of the larger colored diamonds didnt find a buyer. How is this possible when they are so incredible? One of the stones that didn't find a new home is an unmounted recatngular fancy vivid yellow diamond weighing a massive 70.19cts is one of them. This stone doesn't have a name, but the color and cut are truly spectacular! I'll take two please~

Not all the royal jewels were sold at the auction. Two that went under the hammer but their price wasn't realized. These two stones are unamed (hopefully they'll be named after they find an owner)

Not only did this auction set a few records for the highest prices paid for stones per carat, but it just goes to show that there is an appreciation for larger gemstones and that the need is still high. Even though there still much unrest in certain parts of Europe. 

From what I had seen of the auction live streaming (the best ever!) it seemed as if the auction went into two different directions. Some of the more extraordinary pieces that were signed by famous jewelry houses and were typically over 100 years old, sold for less than what you'd imagine. while some of the larger gemstone rings surpassed the estimated by 3xs!

Here's a few of the other noteworthy items that were up for auction.

            Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain's Cartier Conch Pearl and Diamond Bracelet  

The Queen wearing the famous bracelet

Queen Victoria Eugenie was the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria and was born at Balmoral Castle in 1887. She is also the grandmother of Juan Carlos, King of Spain. When she passed away in 1969 she left behind a legendary collection of jewels. This was one of the last items to be auctioned and one of the most important of the 600 items. The title on this piece was from a "lady of title" and was offered by an unnamed member of the Spanish Royal family. This bracelet sold for two times the estimated price, fetching a staggering 3.4 million dollars.

Matching 11ct each Burmese Ruby and Diamond pendant ear clips once owned by  Princess Max Egon zu Hohenlohe-Langenburg of Germany 

These incredible earrings garnered 3.5 million dollars. It seems that when there is a story even one of royalty the prices and people eagerly bidding on these items. Interestingly enough of the almost 600 items, 70 of them are from Royal families and descendants. Which families where some of the other items of jewelry came from might come out more later in the news.

Another record breaker at this auction was for the stunning 10.48ct Blue Diamond briollette that sold for *gasp 10.86 million dollars. Purchased by the famous Laurence Graff of Graff Diamonds, he is also known as the "King of Diamonds". Graff is planning on recutting the stone to reveal a more intense blue to about 7 cts.

Seems like sapphire and Emeralds were the best sellers with  high prices. Another showstopper that was sold was a gorgeous 39.00 cts Ceylon Blue sapphire, that is not heat treated and natural. That ring sold for 2.9 million dollars!

Some truly amazing pieces that the world was watching with anticipation! You can see more of the higher priced items here, http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/magnificent-jewels-ge1205/lots.list.1.30.pricehl.asc.html#lots.list.1.30.pricehl.asc.html?&_suid=13530135970270038637352175442785

Until then, get ready for Black Friday! What's on YOUR wish list??

http://stores.ebay.com/JR-COLOMBIAN-EMERALDS

Estee Lauder & Wallis Simpson 47ct Yellow Diamond

 Our hearts and prayers are with the families, business and the many  people effected by Hurricane Sandy that has destroyed the East Coast.  Do what you can to make a difference. Donate Blood at the Red Cross or make a donation, https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jspdonateStep=2&itemId=prod10002

And with another storm a Nor'Easter that is headed in the same direction, it's an awful time for everyone that has already been touched by this natural disaster.

I'm sure it'll be much appreciated by everyone living in the disaster areas.

Now on to other news.... November 13th make sure to check out the amazing pieces of jewelry up for Auction in Geneva by the impressive auction house Christies. This auction will be different in that the items up for sale will be the Archduke Joseph Diamond which is a 76.92 ct Cushion Cut Diamond and is the most flawless diamond of its size. There is also a few Van Clef Flower pins ( the invisible set rubies ) that if you were following the auction last month one pin sold for over $350,000. I'm sure they're going to be a hot item and that many collectors will be anxiously bidding over them. There's also a few lots of incredible emerald and ruby jewelry that will have every ones tongues wagging! I always enjoy the auctions (watching the live stream is a fast fix!)

Since I'm in love with old jewelry, and larger sized stones and who doesn't enjoy a story that goes along with the jewelry? Then if you're like me the auction that Sothebys is holding on December 5th will sure delight you.

There's going to be more than 35 pieces at the auction with the proceeds going to a foundation that Estee had started in 1994, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Here's a few of the most important items.
 

                         Property from the Collection of Estée Lauder,
                 Fancy Intense Pink Diamond and Diamond Ring
                                 Oscar Heyman & Brothers
                 6.54 carats, Internally Flawless (IF), Natural Color
                                        Estimate $4 – $5 million

                    Property from the Collection of Evelyn H. Lauder
                          Platinum and Diamond Ring, Graff
            22.16 carats, Potentially Flawless, Very Very Slight Inclusions
                                                   VVS1 D Color
                                         Estimate $3 - $4 million  

                        Property from the Collection of Evelyn H. Lauder
            Mystery-Set Ruby and Diamond Brooch, Van Cleef & Arpels
                         4.95 carats, clarity and color designations vary
                                              Estimate $60 -$80,000
          

                           Property from the Collection of Estée Laude
Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Diamond PendantNecklace        
                                                 Van Cleef & Arpels
              47.14 carats, Very Slight Inclusions (VS1), Natural Color
                                      Estimate $1.5 – $2 million

Other notable items at the Auction will be some gems from the Late Estee and Evelyn Lauder ( her daughter in law) of the Cosmetics company Estee Lauder. The most recognized name known not only for her extensive jewelry collection (one to rival Elizabeth Taylors) but also for her headline making love story with the King who had abdicated the throne for her. Talk about a love story! Countless movies have documented their romance and lifelong relationship. One item that both of these incredible women woven into the ownership of the magnificent 47.14ct Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond. When Wallis Simpson had owned the stone she had the diamond set in a ring setting. What a ring that must of been!

The stone was later refashioned as a diamond pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels for Estee Lauder in 1978. When the Duchess of Windsors jewelry collection was auctioned in Sothebys Geneva auction one item missing was the historic 47.14 Yellow Diamond.  It was later revealed that Estee Lauder who was a close friend of the Duke and Duchess had purchased the stone from the Duchess' lawyer in the mid 70's. With us just seeing a few of the majestic items up for auction, I would think that the items will far surpass the auction estimates.

I never get tired of seeing the historic jewelry that has been under lock and key or only seen at large society events.

And speaking of events JR Colombian Emerald will be attending the Gem and Bead Expo at the South Florida Fairgrounds on November 19th.

 For all of us in Florida we have welcomed the beginning of Fall with much cooler temperatures and beautiful cloudless days. It's a great time of the year to be thankful for what you have (Thanksgiving is on 11/23 ) and of course Black Friday follows the day after Thanksgiving. And now is the time to start planning your Christmas wish list, here's a few thousand ideas http://stores.ebay.com/JR-COLOMBIAN-EMERALDS/_i.html?rt=nc&_sid=6818541&_sticky=1&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14&_sop=10&_sc=1

Jewelers International Showcase & Record Breaking Gemstones!

This past weekend was a fabulous weekend if you're in the jewelry business. The JIS (Jewelers International Showcase) was held at The Miami Convention Center last week. It's always a great time to be in Miami, but last weekend even more so. The JIS is only for approved memebr4s of the Jewelry trade. And let me tell you, the security was tighter at this show than the White house! But you also have to think with upwards of  50,000 square feet and some of the largest and the best gems were housed under one roof for a brief amount of time. The next show is in April 6- 8 of 2013.

 It was wonderful to see friends and make some new ones as well. And the jewelry? Incredible and some of the most amazing designs! Truly dizzying~ I always get inspired by all the pieces I see at the shows. Many countries, various foreign languages can be heard throughout the show.  With other jewelry companies coming from all four corners of the world, as you can imagine it was quite overwhelming! Many vendors give us a glimpse into some trends that we'll be seeing soon in the retail market. One style that we had noticed which is a trend that we will be seeing more often and possibly until the next few seasons is the longer lariat or the sautoir necklace . The sautoir gets its name from the length of the actual necklace. A sautoir doesn’t have a clasp and usually worn draped in many rows and/or has tassels. Long thin necklaces accented with pearls and gemstones. They're great to layer with and with most of the country begining to feel the effects of fall and very shortly winter it's a great look to wear over thin shirts and paired with longer cardigans.

                                           Art Deco Pearl Sautoir


All of our designers at JR Colombian Emeralds (myself included) get our inspiration from many sources. Trends in clothing, mother nature, the color of the sky at sunset can all be used in a color scheme for a new line of earrings or even a pattern or a style of a new piece of jewelry.  Inspiration comes in many forms!

If any of you were watching the "Today" show this week you saw one of the most exceptional diamonds that his been mined from one of the best producing mines in India, the Golconda mines. I had written about this diamnd a few weeks ago. But what a gorgeous stone to see! I look forward to seeing the results from that auction on November 13th in Geneva.

                                        The Archduke Joseph Diamond
           
A few times a year Christies and Sotheby’s have a few Magnificent Jewels auction. Another highlight at this time of year and something I definitely look forward to.

 More and more larger diamonds and colored diamonds are back on the market. With at times 7 figures for some of these stones, for whatever reason it’s nice to see them in the spotlight again. Especially with all of the history tied to these magnificent gems. And I think I even saw a belt that was worn in the movie Harriet Craig with Joan Crawford, history indeed!

Emerald and Diamond Earrings at Auction Christies October 16th

 According to Christies these are the fnest pieces they have displayed in 5 years ( I guess maybe they're not inclduing Elizabeth Taylors record breaking jewels and auction last December??!) . With the Auction being today ( you can watch the auction live if you sign in and register with Christies, it's free~) I look forward to see what the results are. being in the jewlry industry and have gemstons being a major part of my life I can understand how they realize the auction price, with these gorgeous jewels.

 And as always, it's never to early to start your shopping for people on your Christmas List, JR Colombian Emeralds is your only source for Colombian Emeralds!