Ariel Gordon Jewelry Giveaway Winner!

Congrats! Have fun picking out something beautiful from Ariel Gordon’s Jewelry designs!  Thanks to all who entered–don’t forget you still have time to redeem an extra 25% off her jewelry by entering code GEMGOSSIP at checkout until October 23rd!

Jewelry Inspiration Board

{inspiration is everywhere; here in order, to name a few:
stacked bracelets riding with the top down,
that shield cut is killer via JessicaMcCormack blog,
images of royalty provide endless jewelry inspiration,
collection of antique rings via ErieBasin,
the lovely Empress of Iran, Farah Pahlavi,
unset diamonds are fun to play with via Jessica McCormack blog,
crests & emblems are obsessions}

Jewelry News: September 2009

Some of the best jewelry news on the web this month–three stories:

1. Over at Firstwater News, an interesting trend alert is being reported. The third C of diamond grading, the clarity–no longer crucial if the diamond is clouded up or resembles an ice cube. Those diamonds that were once “ugly ducklings” now have a second chance. And these rings are proof that poor clarity can look really cool. Check out Firstwater News for the full story.

2. An amateur treasure hunter finds over 1500 pieces of Anglo-Saxon gold stashed underground near Straffordshire, England. Items include many helmet crests composed of gold, enamel, garnets, and others. One piece features a puzzling emblem of five snakes. Another has this written in Latin, “Rise up, O Lord, and may thy enemies be dispersed and those who hate thee be driven from thy face.” All so interesting to have happen to a man who just loves his metal detector. This find, which dates back to around 675-725 AD, is being compared to the unveiling of King Tut’s tomb! Read more here and here.

3. An amazing Lucky Deal of the Day, coming from designer Bario-Neal. This cute little ring called the Knottedrush ring is 50% off! Just for today only–make sure to use code LUCKYDAILY3 at checkout in order to get a 10k yellow gold choice for $77 rather than regularly $154.

“I could spend my whole life Goodwill hunting…”

Ok, so I know this has nothing to do with jewelry but treasure hunting is my favorite thing to do.  And although I usually only look for jewelry when I “treasure hunt, ” I spotted an amazing brass urn.  I am slightly obsessed with things that feature lion heads and this was brass–exactly what decorates my bedroom.  This item was found on my first ever trip to a local Goodwill.  As luck would have it, everything was half off!  Score!  A $3 find is always the best…take a look at this DIY.

Most people probably would take one look at this and walk away because of the incredible tarnish it was covered in.  I saw it, loved it, and immediately declared it as my little project.  Here is how I cleaned it up:

1. Take an old wash cloth and cut it in half. One half will be used with the cleaning solution, the other will stay dry and act as a buffer.

2. Buy some brass polish at a local store–I bought mine from Bed Bath & Beyond.

3. Scrub the tarnished brass using the one half of the cloth dedicated to cleaning only, using dime-sized amounts at a time. Then buff using the dry cloth. Repeat this as many times until you see a shiny, bright surface underneath. Be patient!

* I left a few spots, especially around the lion’s face, with some tarnish remnants–it is somewhat impossible to get all the tarnish off 100%. I think it gives the decor some character anyway.

Gem Gossip needs your input!!

As my birthday is quickly approaching, I am continually torn between a circle or a square!! More on that in a minute–but first, I need your input.  The above rings are designed by Zoë Chicco and after much debate on choosing what I want for my birthday, I have decided upon one of these rings.  Shown are three of the spike rings stacked–you can choose either the round version or the square version. I know I like the black onyx, but can’t decide upon which shape.

Which do you prefer the square or the circle?  [Your input is greatly appreciated!]

The Clover is Over for Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum’s jewelry line is being halted due to lawsuits against the clover motif.  World renown jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels is claiming all rights to the clover.  Not trying to take sides here because I am a huge fan of both parties, but putting claim on a shape?! Really?  Heidi Klum has stated that her inspiration, from day one, has been through travels and observing church architecture in Milan, Italy.

I can see her point and totally realize that she was not trying to copy what Van Cleef & Arpels has been doing for years (longer than Klum’s jewelry line which has been out for only 5 years).  I, too, was inspired by European churches’ architecture–the picture below is from my trip to England in 2006.  It was taken at a church in England, you can see the clover motif here as well.  This picture is a favorite of mine.

Shark Week 2009 on Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel is a favorite, but Shark Week is a must! Inspired by these fascinating creatures, it would only be appropriate to wear one glistening from your neck. This necklace is designed by Cheeky Monkey Jewelry, which specializes in nature-inspired jewelry that is made from recycled gold. The Endangered Collection is very special and unique.

The shark necklace is from the Nature Collection and is done in 10k recycled gold. You can choose from having a Fair-trade sapphire, ruby or recycled diamond for the eye. Price: $290-295.

Happy Birthday America :: 233 years old

Happy 4th of July!  2009 marks the United States of America, 233 years!

Patriotic brooch from Lang Antiques, “V for Victory!” A truly retro era piece of jewelry, outfitted with rubies, diamonds and sapphires. It is done in 14k yellow and rose gold–very unique. I love the half-moon cut diamond at the top. Price: $2950.

Treasure Hunting, Sans Hard Hat & Gem Mine

Treasure hunting is my absolute most favorite thing to do. Whether it’s at an antique shop, looking for gold frames and vintage jewelry, or at a gem mine, sifting through piles of gravel and dirt–I love the thrill of finding something to be treasured. The beach is one of my favorite spots. It is fun to be on the hunt for sea shells and sea glass. In the above photo, I am searching for sea glass in Southern California. Below are some pieces of jewelry with elements of raw mother nature. Not your typical, finely polished gemstone–just a smoothed beach stone, some quartz found in Central Park and some raw black diamonds. Enjoy!

The alluring seafoam green color of the chrysophrase beads goes great with the simple beach stone. This necklace is designed by Renee Garvey and can be found at Eliza Page. Priced at $375.

I love the concept of this necklace, along with some other pieces that match in BYLU’s Compass Rose collection. The quartz encased in the gold setting is found in Central Park, each is unique. The necklace is done in 14k yellow gold and is $550.

Maya Brenner has some great jewelry designs and this black diamond bracelet is a great example. The black diamonds are drilled so they look like beads, and the delicate 14k chain is perfect. Check out Maya Brenner’s website to take a look at her other designs. The bracelet is priced at $220.

Summer Time Jewelry

Photo Courtesy of Penshire Media

The sun is shining, temperatures are soaring…it is a hot mess being outdoors these days, especially living in the south. It is a good idea to be aware of what jewelry you are wearing in the hot summer months. One must think of what your day will entail, and then plan what jewelry would be practical. Like today, for example, a BBQ was planned–had to leave the rings at home! BBQ sauce on diamond rings is not fun. Or places like amusement parks and swimming pools: proof that the less jewelry you wear, the better. You wouldn’t want to lose something valuable or sentimental at a park or pool.

I have picked out a few pieces below that are great summertime options, that stand out on their own without needing to accessorize any further. Wearing one of these pieces alone will be a perfect, you wouldn’t need anything more.

This bracelet can easily stand alone on any wrist and be bright and beautiful. The flowers give it a summery look and bracelets are less likely to get dirty, making it a perfect option. Great for those who need to wear diamonds but want to wear less during summertime activities. From Dumont Estate Jewelry, circa 1950s, it features a foxtail link all done in 18k white gold. Price: $4775

If you have a camping or boating or bike trip planned, but you feel “naked” without your rings, this is a great option. Not only is it very earthy itself, but the craftsmanship of this ring will allow you to put your mind at ease while wearing it. Although opal is tough to clean, the bezel setting is much better than a classic prong setting which allows dirt to get up underneath the stone. This ring could easily be wiped with a soapy rag. Designed by Californian, Melissa Joy Manning and priced at $350, can be found at The Clay Pot.

This bracelet is perfect for warm weather. It is easy to throw on and it molds to fit your wrist, so you won’t have to worry about it falling off. Complete with 18k yellow gold caps, it is priced at $286, found at Persimmon and designed by Francisca Botelho.

National Geographic Special: Diamonds of War

Hulu is a great resource for those who can’t find anything worth watching on television.  The National Geographic Specials are my favorite, and I recently found a very interesting documentary about the African diamond trade.  The special, called Diamonds of War: Africa’s Blood Diamond, provides a whole new aspect about diamonds that most never talk about.  Aspects that are normally hidden and kept mum are revealed and put on center stage.  The journalist, Dominic Cunningham Reid, explores the non-glamorous parts of the diamond trade first-hand, and takes viewers on an eye-opening experience.  

A shocking statistic shown says: 20% of all diamonds are illicit diamonds.  Even more daunting is are the scenes of wars that have been linked to African diamonds, as well as the shear fact that diamonds are incredibly easy to smuggle.  Watch the special for yourself to broaden your perspective about diamonds, and help others become more aware!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/70093/national-geographic-specials-diamonds-of-war-africas-blood-diamond

 

Off to the West Coast…

See you in a week…we will be back with many exciting posts!  Stay tuned!   

xoxo Gem Gossip

April showers brought May flowers

Just a little spring time inspiration. The Nashville area has been anything but springlike. Oh well…

Beautiful 1920s platinum and diamond ring. The flower motif is elegant and done in a non-trendy way. The total carat weight is 1.2 carats! From Israel Rose and priced at $1650.

18 carats of aquamarine! From the 1950s done in 18k yellow gold, I can’t imagine how eye-catching this bracelet would look like on. The mesh-iness of the entire piece makes it that much more unique. From Israel Rose, priced at $3500.

Interesting Idea for Stick Pins

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.

How to Decipher Gold Markings

Those of you who are interested in treasure hunting on your own might need to know what the gold hallmark stamps mean.  It may be confusing at first, but this quick guide will help you out.  The first essential you need to invest in is a jeweler’s loupe–a 30 x 21 mm is what I use.  This will allow you to get an up-and-close look at the stones (to look for any chips or at the clarity) and the prongs (hopefully they are not worn).  Next, check out the hallmark.  The guide below will help you decipher what that stamp means:

• 375   =   9k
• 417   =   10k
• 583   =   14k 
• 585   =   14k
• 750   =   18k
• 834   =   20k
• 875   =   21k
• 917   =   22k

The 3-digit number hallmark is stamped on a piece of jewelry of European origin.  Above are the North American equivalents.  Some hallmarks that indicate that gold is not real, not pure are: 10kGF (meaning gold filled), 18k HGP or 18k HGE (meaning heavy gold plate/electroplate).

Above are some of the regional markings for several European nations.

Join Diet Coke in support of Women’s Heart Health

Diet Coke is trying to spread the word to women across the world.  Their message?  To raise awareness of heart health because heart disease is the number one killer amongst women.  Along with this campaign, Diet Coke has teamed up with Heidi Klum who designed this limited edition ruby and diamond charm that will be given away to ten lucky winners.  So enter today for your chance to win!

Worldwide Ring Sizer

Travelingcan be the best time to pick up some great jewelry for your collection.  Don’t be caught off guard when figuring out your ring size in countries like England, Japan, Germany & France.  Here is a handy chart that gives you USA equivalents.  Just print and go!  Happy Travels and Treasure Hunting!

courtesy of Kabiri

Valentine’s Day, 2009

Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you love or loathe February 14th, these beautiful jewels will brighten your day!

12 carats of sparkle!  Maybe you’re celebrating 12 years, or 12 is a significant number in your life, this would be the perfect ring. The heart-shaped citrine is flanked by two round diamonds. From Ross-Simons Estate Collection and priced at $956.

This sentimental necklace is from Doyle & Doyle. The heart is amethyst and features a triple ring of diamonds. So delicate and pretty! Price: $2800

What a treat this would be if this was a gift to be unwrapped for Valentine’s Day?! This brooch has a romantic, whimsical quality and features 0.35 carats of diamonds. It would go great pinned to a scarf. Priced at $13600 and showcased as Ylang|23′s Estate Collection.

Beautiful diamond necklace…18k white gold…delicate chain…what more could you want? Well, there is more! This heart pendant doubles as a locket, making it the ultimate sentimental piece you will always treasure. Price: $5800 from Delamina.