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.

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.

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.