Conflict-Free & Eco-Friendly Diamond Rings

04/30/2009

If you haven’t already “greened” up every aspect of your life, now is your chance to reform your diamond ring.  These are not only conflict-free diamonds, but they are also made of recycled gold.  There are over a dozen of these rings featured on Fay Cullen, each unique in their own way. Designed to resemble a “Medieval” look, all are crafted with 18k hammered, yellow gold.  All are rough cut, with darker colors…some brown, some gray, some even a shade of green.  Taking into account carat weight and price, these are an amazing deal!  

Whether it is a fashion statement, an eco-conscious movement, or a token of love, these rings are sure to please.

$2600

4.35 carats, Price: $2600

$1950

3.14 carats, Price: $1950

$1560

2.11 carats, Price: $1560


Interesting Idea for Stick Pins

04/28/2009

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I came across an interesting idea while browsing jewelry news, that I just loved. If you are a jewelry collector, more specifically a stick pin collector, you will love this idea! A woman from the Palm Beach area has collected stick pins over the years, and decided to have them all fashioned onto a solid gold cuff. This was done by assembling the heads of the stick pins, as you can see in the accompanying photo. Such a great idea and an even better way to get use out of her entire collection. She probably gets so many positive and inquiring comments. That bracelet is sure to be treasured for years to come.

Her collection consists of a platinum and diamond violin, an emerald encrusted pet, a pearl and turquoise tennis racket, gold golf club and many more…a total of 50.

Story courtesy of Firstwater News.


.::Gem Gossip Head Band::.

04/26/2009

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Gem Gossip is excited to release a headband available for purchase!  Thank you loyal fans, readers and jewelry connoisseurs around the world for reading Gem Gossip.  The charity bracelet has been doing well, and I wanted to design one more item.  Had to do a headband since I haven’t been able to find one that I really like in stores, for a reasonable price.

Check out the Gem Gossip Head Band below and place your orders by sending an email inquiry to charitybracelet@gmail.com  or twitter me HERE.  Each headband is $15 plus S&H.  If you would like a 14k yellow gold bead added to your headband, add $50.

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Glimpse Into the Past: Star Settings

04/25/2009

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A star setting is a type of setting where a gemstone is placed in the center of an engraved star, secured by metal added to the star points.  This type of setting was popular throughout the 1900s, into the retro period and even into the 80s.  Although this kind of setting can easily look tacky, there are many versions that are beautiful.  Some great examples are below.  Do you like the star setting?

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This wide band is done in 14k yellow gold, with ten star set rubies. A great gift idea for anyone with a significance in the number ten–10th anniversary maybe?  Priced at $985 from Doyle & Doyle.

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Known as a “gypsy” ring circa 1910, this ring features two sapphires and a diamond, all star set. The three-stone ring style is always a favorite.  Priced at $2550 from The Three Graces.

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Also from The Three Graces are these earrings. Each has a .03 diamond that is star set in 10k and 14k yellow gold. These are a definite spin on classic diamond studs. Priced at $525.

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For those who prefer white gold, this diamond star set band is great. All done in 14k white gold with very clean diamonds. Priced at $1400 from Doyle & Doyle.


Designer Spotlight: Hanut Singh

04/23/2009

Hanut Singh designs jewelry that will surely catch your eye, along with everyone else’s gawks.  His talent is tremendous, with roots that go back to his grandparents,  along with a family jewel vault filled with inspiration.  Many of his pieces have art deco or past influences, with a new twist.  The website features his entire collection, along with press articles and a section devoted to displaying his celebrity clientele that have been seen wearing his designs.  

Check out my favorites below from Hanut Singh’s jewelry line, and you will understand why celebrities like Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, Beyonce, and Penelope Cruz love his work!

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Obsession: Emerald Cut Earrings

04/22/2009

The Emerald Cut has always been a favorite of mine, especially when it comes to earrings.  It compliments the face and adds that extra pop of style.  Anyone and everyone has a pair of round diamond studs, but a pair of Emerald cut diamond studs?  That is another story!

Check out some of the amazing vintage finds featuring Emerald Cut earrings.  Since this style was popular during the Retro Era, most are from that time period.

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This pair features large emerald cut aquamarines, totaling over 10 carats! The added diamonds on top give the illusion, to me at least, that there is a tiny bow on top. These are from the 80s although they look very retro. Priced at $1450 from Beladora.

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Citrine is a classic retro gem. This pair of earrings even has the 18k rose gold, which was popular during the 30s. From Lang Antiques and priced at $495, with over 10 carats of citrine–so pretty!

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Another pair of aquamarine earrings, but this time a lot smaller. These come from Doyle & Doyle and are priced at $450. The gold scrollwork is beautiful and it gives away what time period they are from.


I <3 this <3 Ring

04/21/2009

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…It’s true! I love this heart ring! The color combination of the turquoise, pink sapphires and yellow gold is so beautiful. It makes you wonder why we don’t see this combination more often. I think that is what sets Elisa Solomon a part from other jewelry designers–she can take an iconic symbol and give it a fresh look. Whether it is with unique gemstone combinations or different gold textures, her jewelry stands above the rest!

The heart ring is currently $468, and is available in sizes 4-7.5  Only for a limited time, spring savings and free shipping!  Check it out here.


Jewelry Time Periods: Retro Era

04/19/2009

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Bold gold, Hollywood starlets, huge gemstones and cocktail rings, all characterize the Retro time period of jewelry. Spanning from 1940-1945, this coincides almost exactly with World War II. With that said, platinum use in jewelry was no longer available. Gold made a comeback, this time in rose and even green gold. Everything in regards to retro jewelry was oversized. Rubies were the most prominent gemstone, followed by large, rectangular cut citrines, aquamarines and amethysts.

Hollywood glamour, as depicted in movies, was popular and let Americans escape from their thoughts about the war. As a result, people tried to mimic the bold jewelry seen in Hollywood spotlights. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were looked upon for their large collection of bold retro jewels, often decked out in Van Cleef & Arpels or Cartier.

After this period ended, jewelry during this time period was often used as scrap gold, being melted down, while destroying its rich history. As a result, Retro jewelry is highly collectible and will continue to be sought.

Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period:

  • bows, florals, scrolls, fans, ribbons, ruffles
  • Hollywood glamour; oversized jewels, cocktail rings
  • huge, rectangular cuts of aquamarines, citrines, amethysts, with ruby or sapphire or diamond accents
  • Patriotic themes; flags, eagles, military
  • post earrings, no dangle; flower earrings
  • birds, baskets, sprays of diamonds, shells, hearts
  • Retro mesh buckle bracelets
  • Cartier’s animal jewelry
  • Yellow, rose and green gold

Important People of the Time:

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Tri-Link Motif by Hoorsenbuhs

04/18/2009

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The iconic, eye-catching motif of a tri-link has admirers gawking, and people buying. First to come on the scene in 2005, jewelry line Hoorsenbuhs has created pieces like rings and bracelets using a simple motif that flatters anyone wearing them. A very young company, yet already has a unique list of celebrity clientele. Mary-Kate Olsen is seen here wearing the Hoorsenbuhs ring.

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Their line is meant to be customized to the buyers’ needs: anything can be done in silver, 18k yellow, pink or white gold, even platinum. You want diamonds? You can add those too.

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I had no idea Hoorsenbuhs did bridal jewelry as well. I LOVE the above wedding set, featuring both the man’s wedding band and woman’s matching band, and the engagement ring is amazing. Simply stunning.

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For more information:

visit Hoorsenbuhs website

or read the JC Report


Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry: Franklin, Tennessee

04/13/2009

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I checked out Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry in Franklin, Tennessee this past weekend, after the frightening tornado outbreak minutes away from my house! A well-deserved trip after the stressfulness of all the weather. Take a look at my pendant purchased as a gift for me below. It is a 14k yellow gold pendant from the 1950s, with a diamond and four sapphires.

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It is an amazing store, with a vast selection of antique jewelry. It was a pleasant surprise to see such amazing jewelry in a small shop like this. Their antique engagement ring selection is great–about a four-foot long case full. They also have many bar pins and brooches, several Art Deco cocktail watches with diamonds, great antique bracelets and much more. I highly recommend this store.

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Pandora: Not Just those Silver Charm Bracelets

04/12/2009

You’ve seen those silver charm bracelets made by Pandora.  Maybe you even own one or have purchased one for a gift.  Well those are not the only type of jewelry Pandora designs.  The company has branched out by coming out with many gold pieces in their collection.  Including some majorly neat stackable rings.  Their Lovepods collection features customizable birthstone rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.  Check out the Lovepods collection below in this exclusive video.  Also, check out my favorites from Pandora below!

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Price: $280

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Price: $495

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Price: $495


Jewelry Lookbook: Vintage Ring Overload

04/05/2009

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If I could have anyone’s jewelry collection it would definitely be Mary-Kate and/or Ashley Olsen’s. Everytime they are photographed, the jewelry that they wear is ecclectic and bold, and almost always vintage. Sure there are other celebrities out there that have to die for diamond rings–with monsterous center stones worth millions. But that doesn’t lure me. I like the uniqueness of the Olsen’s jewelry choices. Each seems as though it has an enchanting story behind it from years passed. These vintage rings, all from Israel Rose, seem as though they all belong on Mary-Kate or Ashley’s finger. Enjoy!

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This sapphire and diamond ring is set in platinum, dating back to the Art Deco Era. The diamonds are great because they are Old Mine cut, which you don’t see anymore. The sapphires are French cut. Price: $925

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From the Victorian Era comes this 18k yellow gold serpant ring. The Olsens have been seen wearing several snake rings. This one has 3/4 carats of sapphire. Price: $650

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Now from the Edwardian time period, this sapphire and diamond ring is done in 18k yellow gold and platinum. The center sapphire is a Cushion cut. Very elegant and dainty. Price: $425


Give Back to Malawi, Africa [no adopting babies required]

04/04/2009

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Lori Leavitt’s Panthera Collection was created to benefit African children and young adults of Malawi.  Leavitt has expressed her enthusiasm by saying, “As a designer, it’s rare to find an opportunity to be able to express my passion and raise awareness to better the lives of children”  Her collection has been beautifully shown off by Camilla Belle in recent ads, as seen above.

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Each piece from Leavitt’s Panthera Collection can be worn to reflect your support for Malawi, Africa. The Panthera Collection, inspired by a vintage lion cufflink from the 1860’s, has been designed into necklaces, bracelets, rings, cufflinks and key chains. The collection is created with a 14k gold lion in each piece. The lion was chosen as a representative of the children of Malawi. It is symbolic of the courage the children in Malawi must endure on a day-to-day basis when faced with endless issues of poverty and illness.

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100% of the profits from the Panthera Collection will benefit the H.E.L.P. Price:$1158 for above ring.

Learn more about the Panthera Collection at

http://lorileavitt.com/pages/frontpage

www.helpmalawichildren.org