Martin Katz Celebrates New York With Jewelry Collection and Hotel Suite

Pear-shaped rose-cut cognac diamonds of 6.43 carats surrounded by a mirco-set border of cognac and white diamonds; topped with two kite diamonds of 4.03 carats, four round brilliant diamonds of 0.95 carats and anchored by 10 channel set baguettes.

Los Angeles-based luxury jeweler designer Martin Katz has done something that may seem a bit outside his toolbox by designing a 5,000-square-foot luxury suite at the renovated Towers at The New York Palace hotel. To mark the opening of the space, he also released a colorful and architecturally driven New York-themed jewelry collection.

The first floor salon of the Martin Katz Jewel Suite, one of two signature suites as part of the $140 million renovation of The New York Palace hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

“There’s nothing like it in New York,” he said of the Midtown Manhattan hotel suite.

Known as the “Martin Katz Jewel Suite,” it includes a two-story, 20-foot “Waterfall of Diamonds” chandelier, along a grand stairway, a 10-seat dining room, an indoor-outdoor entertainment space with a wood burning fireplace and outside whirlpool. The living room on the 53rd floor has 15-foot windows with a view of both the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.

A 13.18-carat oval Mexican fire opal serves as a center stone of this ring extended by flames of green tsavorite garnets and orange-red sapphires.

Nearly everything in the Art-Deco themed space was designed or specified by Katz (in collaboration with interior design and architectural firm, BBG-BBGM) and represents his 25-year history as a jewelry designer. Original artworks (photographs, paintings and other works) throughout the space represent some of his iconic jewelry lines. For example, his circle pendant necklace motif was used as a dome on a light fixture and a glass etching in a circular window. A rotating collection of his jewelry, many loaned by clients, are displayed gallery style in the foyer. Lavender runs throughout the space in the fabrics and wall treatments.

The terrace has a rare view of both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building and has a hot tub (not shown). 

As Katz showed me around the suite I asked him how difficult it was to branch out into interior design. “It was easy,” he said. “Just like designing my home.”

The price of the suite matches the sky-high view at $25,000 per night. However, there are some unusual extras, such as a Martin Katz microband ring and, if desired, a free consultation with the jeweler. There’s also an “Ultimate Proposal” package starting at $50,000 a night that includes a private consultation with Katz for the creation of a custom-designed engagement ring and/or wedding bands, and a private dining experience for two.

Vintage tassel style earrings with two cushion rose cut diamonds weighing 7.39cts, two round diamonds weighing 1.15cts, 40 baguette diamonds and microset with 62 diamonds.  Set in 18K white gold.

To coincide with the suite being opened to the public, Katz has released a new line of jewelry using architectural shapes and Art Deco themes based on the New York skyline.

Katz is known for his high-quality diamond jewelry, pioneering micro pavé settings, and for his stackable “Microbrand” rings. However, during the past few years he has been using a variety of colored gems and this collection shows this.

The grand stairway with the 20-foot-high “Waterfall of Diamonds” chandelier and gallery style showcases that contain a rotating collection of Martin Katz jewelry.

The details of the work, such as the fine micro pavé settings and the unusual-shaped gems are among the signatures of Katz’s jewelry.

“I approach things for true design and without concern for the difficulty and cost of making it. I become really picky with the stones I choose and even pickier with how to mount them,” he says. “What I come up with is something that reflects a deep passion and vision. I’m not completely sure what I’m looking for but I know it when I get there.”

Triangle shaped black opal and diamond pave' drop earrings set in blackened 18K white gold; two pear shape stained glass opals weighing 4.31cts and microset with 172 diamonds. 

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A 17.56-carat pale blue Burmese sapphire is accented with two trapezoid diamonds and microset with white diamonds and blue sapphires. 

Luxury Jewelry Holiday Gifts For Procrastinators

Best-known as Angelina Jolie’s jewelry design partner, Robert Procop has created a colorful interpretation of Paris’ most famous monument, the Eiffel Tower. The diamond and gem expert, and luxury jeweler created a ring made of white gold and amethyst topped with a 50.83-carat aquamarine. The Eiffel Tower ring is available at, Robert Procop private locations in Beverly Hills, Geneva and Hong Kong.

There’s only eight shopping days left before Christmas and you still have no idea what to give your loved one. It’s difficult to go wrong with luxury jewelry as a gift for the holidays. However, choosing that will make your loved one swoon is difficult because tastes in fine baubles are personal and there are endless choices available for every need.

This one-of-kind fringe necklace by Graff has 69.40-carats of diamonds and 108.10-carats of rubies. The price is available upon request at Graff Diamonds boutiques.

The 10 pieces of jewelry I provide include one-of-a-kind high jewelry creations, pieces that can be worn throughout the day and fine designer pieces. They include items made of diamonds, colored gems and pearls. There’s even a colored-enhanced diamond ring.

Emerald and diamond earrings from gem and jewelry company, Omi Privé, are handcrafted with 13.06 total carats of pear-shaped emeralds accented with 1.05 carats of brilliant diamond rounds set in platinum. The suggested retail price is $225,000. Visit www.omiprive.com to find a retailer.

Prices range from “If you have to ask” to more affordable pieces. When available I listed the price and where the item can be purchased. Hopefully these gifts ideas can help you procrastinators buy something appropriate before it’s too late. I provided the price and availability for most of the pieces.

The Exclusive Collection Double Strand Tahitian Pearl Necklace by Mastoloni is made of Tahitian Pearls (12-14mm) secured with a diamond encrusted clasp set with 18k white gold. It has a suggested retail price of $42,500. To find a retailer, visit www.mastoloni.com.

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The Ruby Divine Ring by Martin Katz features a 2.56-carat natural cushion shape ruby microset with 336 round diamonds and 26 round rubies set in 18k white gold. Price is available upon request at the Martin Katz Beverly Hills boutique.

Amethyst and diamond earrings by jewelry designer and manufacturer, Miiori, are centered with two amethysts stones (8.19-carats) and 5.73cts of white diamonds set in 18k white gold. It retails for $17,275.

Venetian Rose Windows Earrings by Italian jewelry designer, Bizzotto, are made of 18k white and rose gold, diamonds and pink sapphires. Suggested retail price is $8,740.

The Petales Entrelaces Petits Pétales bracelet from Montblanc’s Princess Grace collection is a delicate and discreet pink gold piece of jewelry that can be throughout the day and for any occasion. It is available at Montblanc boutiques throughout the world.

The Etoile de Vie Ring by Mauboussin features a pair of 18k white gold stars, one topped with white mother of pearl alongside a second covered in pavé diamonds. It retails for $2,100 and is available at the Mauboussin boutique on Madison Avenue, New York.

Natural pink diamonds are among the most sought after in the world. Fiamma Jewelry has developed a proprietary technology to create color-enhanced pink diamonds. The Beverly ring is centered with a 1.3-carat cushion-cut diamond surrounded by 82 round brilliant pink and white diamonds mounted in 14k white and pink gold. It retails for $6,799. To find retailers visit fiammajewelry.com.

Elizabeth Taylor Auction Fetches Nearly $116 Million

Christie's employees receiving bids by phones.

NEW YORK - By any measure the first night of the Collection of Elizabeth Taylor auction on Tuesday at Christie’s New York was, as the auction houses often say, exceptional. The auction of some of Elizabeth Taylor’s most precious jewels took in nearly $116 million, a world record for a private collection of jewels.

All 80 lots offered were sold and estimates were shattered then crushed throughout the auction. To the best of my knowledge only two items sold within auction estimates. The rest of the lots made the estimates look like afterthoughts as a jammed room full of bidders competed for items with telephone buyers from around the world.

The auction broke six other world records, including the price achieved for a pearl jewel, the per carat price for a colorless diamond, the price for an Indian jewel, and a ruby per carat.

View the jewels of the auction by following this link.

The big winner of the night was the “La Peregrina,” the 16th Century pearl on a necklace designed by Cartier for Taylor, sold for $11.8 million, setting the world record for a pearl jewel. The pre-auction estimate was $2 million to $3 million. Applause and nervous laughter came from the bidders as the price of the diamond hit the $10 million mark. It was the only 12th lot sold on a day that already started incredibly strong.

La Peregrina upstaged what was expected to be the top lot for the evening, The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. The 33.19-carat Asscher-cut D color potentially flawless diamond set on a ring that Taylor wore nearly everyday, sold for $8.8 million, well above its $2.5 million to $3.5 million estimate.

Less than halfway into the auction it was estimated in the press area that the $30 million pre-auction estimate for the evening was topped. It was a marathon night where rapid, high-speed bidding was offset by long pauses as prices reached levels that few could have imagined. The auction was led by two of Christie’s jewelry experts, beginning with Francois Curiel, Christie's Asia president and longtime head of Christie’s jewelry department who came in from his post in Hong Kong; followed by Rahul Kadakia, head of Christie’s jewelry department in the Americas.

At one point Curiel said, “I don’t know where to start. Should I ask you? Maybe I’ll start at $10 million.”

The Taj Mahal Diamond, a gift from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor for her 40th birthday sold for $8.8 million. The heart-shaped diamond is believed to have been owned by emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666). He presented the diamond to his favorite and most beloved wife, Mumtaz-i-Mahal. The emperor’s grief at her death just four years later inspired him to commission the majestic Taj Mahal in her memory. The estimate was $300,000 - $500,000.



A Bulgari 18.26-carat emerald and diamond pendant brooch sold for $6.5 million, spectacularly above the $500,000 to $700,000 estimate.

It was a big night for Bulgari. An emerald and diamond necklace sold for $6.1 million, well above its $1 million to $1.5 million estimate. This was followed by a sapphire and diamond sautoir that sold for $5.9 million, smashing the high estimate of $800,000.

Van Cleef & Arpels also had a big night. A ruby and diamond ring, a gift from Burton, sold for $4.2 million, a world record for a ruby per carat.

The Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, which made some of the women weak in the knees, sold for $4.2 million, totally smashing its estimate $60,000 to $80,000 estimate.

A Bulgaria emerald and diamond bracelet sold for just over $4 million.

Cartier also had a great night. A ruby and diamond necklace from the Parisian luxury jewelry house sold for $3.7 million, smashing its $200,000 to $300,000 estimate.

At the brief press conference that followed, Curiel was asked to explain why the prices for the jewelry were so far above the actual prices. He explained that the items were priced according to their “intrinsic value” and not based on Taylor’s celebrity appeal.

“We wanted to let the market decide what premium to pay over the value of the stones or the value of the stones or the value of the jewels,” he said.

The market decided.

Harry Winston Q3 Sales Up 88%

Harry Winston, said that third quarter consolidated sales increased 88 percent year-over-year to $140.9 million, led by a two-fold increase in rough diamond sales from its Canadian mine and a 50 percent increase in its luxury jewelry retail operation.

Consolidated earnings totaled $13.7 million for the period, ended October 31, compared to a loss of $4.9 million for the third quarter of 2009. Consolidated net income for the third quarter was $3.9 million.

Rough diamond sales for the quarter rose 192 percent year-over-year to $60.7 million. The Toronto based company supplies rough diamonds to the global market from its 40 percent interest in the Diavik Diamond Mine, located in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Mining giant Rio Tinto owns the remaining 60-percent share of the mine. The increase in sales resulted primarily from a 182 percent increase in volume of carats sold.

Meanwhile, retail sales increased 48 percent for the quarter to $80.2 million. The company’s retail division, Harry Winston Inc., is a premier diamond jeweler and luxury timepiece retailer with salons in key locations including New York, Paris, London, Beijing, Tokyo and Beverly Hills.

Robert Gannicott, Harry Winston chairman and CEO said the insatiable appetite for hard luxury goods in China and other emerging countries is the main reason for Harry Winston’s strong third-quarter performance.

“Diamond demand in the Far East continues to propel rough diamond prices as the Diavik mine transitions to underground production,” Gannicott said. “Marketing efforts and store openings are successfully burnishing the Harry Winston brand to capture the branded luxury appetites of the emerging wealth of the newly developing parts of the world.”

Lopez Sparkles in Brumani Jewelry

Photo: Bauer Griffin 

Jennifer Lopez shows off her Brumani Looping Shine earrings and ring in white and pink gold with diamonds and champagne topaz during a recent Boys & Girls Clubs of America event in Los Angeles. Lopez, along with actor Denzel Washington, is a spokesperson for the organization. The jewelry from the Brazilian-based company worn by Lopez is pictured below.

                                                             

Graff Plans Asian Expansion

The Graff Diamonds store on New Bond Street, London.

Graff Diamonds Ltd. is planning to file an initial public offering, most likely in Hong Kong, in order to fund its expansion into Asia, according to several reports.

The London-based company, owned by Laurence Graff, is using the IPO to raise $1 billion and increase the value of the company to $5 billion, the Financial Times (subscription required) and other publications report. Graff has reportedly hired financial consultant, Rothschild Group, to advise him on the IPO, which is expected sometime next year.

The company, known for its luxury diamond jewelry, already has a network of more than 30 jewelry stores throughout the world. Graff would use the money raised in the IPO to fund a greater expansion into Asia, by far the largest growth market for luxury diamond jewelry, according to reports. In addition, the company hopes to use the funding to expand production of high-end pieces and increase its inventory of rare gemstones.

Hong Kong isn’t the only listing location being considered, but Asia is the company’s focus, according to reports.

Blue Nile Q3 Sales Up 10.1%, Net Sales Total $2.9 Million

Blue Nile, Inc. said Thursday that net sales increased 10.1% year-over-year to $98.9 million for the third quarter ended September 29. Operating income for the quarter totaled $2.5 million, representing an operating margin of 2.5% of net sales. Net income for the period totaled $2.9 million (compared with $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2012) or $0.23 per diluted share.

Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the quarter totaled $4.6 million. 

"These results demonstrate once again that our strategy is working. Our third quarter sales increase of 10.1% is on top of 19.8% in the prior year and is our sixth consecutive quarter of double digit growth," said Harvey Kanter, president and CEO of the diamond and jewelry online retailer. 

Blue Nile's Board of Directors authorized the renewal of the company's share repurchase program. It has the authority to repurchase up to $100 million of its common stock over the next two years. 

Third quarter financial highlights for the Seattle-based company include the following:

* U.S. engagement net sales increased 7.1% to $57.9 million.

* U.S. non-engagement net sales increased 9.6% to $23.9 million.

* International net sales increased nearly 23% to $17.1 million. Excluding the impact from changes in foreign exchange rates, international net sales increased 27.6%.

* Gross profit totaled $18.7 million. As a percent of net sales, gross profit was 18.9% compared to 18.8% for the third quarter of 2012. 

* Selling, general and administrative expenses were $16.2 million, compared to $14.3 million in the third quarter of 2012. These expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million, compared to $1.3 million for the third quarter 2012.

* Earnings per diluted share included stock-based compensation expense of $0.06 for the third quarter 2013 and for the third quarter 2012.

At the end of the third quarter 2013, cash and cash equivalents totaled $47.9 million.

In its outlook, Blue Nile said it expects fourth quarter net sales to be between $146 million and $161 million. Earnings per diluted share are projected at $0.37 to $0.46.

For the year, the company said it expects net sales to be between $450 million and $465 million with earnings per diluted share are projected at $0.84 to $0.93.

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Tiffany’s 2010-2011 Blue Book Collection

Tiffany & Co. has released the 2010-2011 Blue Book Collection, the jeweler’s annual presentation of the world’s most spectacular diamond and gemstone jewelry.

This year’s collection includes the Tiffany Majestic necklace (pictured), which contains more than 300 pear-shaped and round brilliant stones. It took over 700 hours to create the necklace. Each stone was hand cut and set in diamond florets that surround a 30.31-ct., E color, internally flawless detachable diamond drop. The platinum mountings were individually crafted and discreetly linked to create a flexible setting that sparkles as it moves.

Another item featured in the catalog is the Fringe necklace, which has a 20.01-ct., D color, internally flawless diamond in a rectangular modified brilliant cut with 61 round, 33 cushion and 30 marquise diamonds in platinum. In addition, there’s a diamond ring collection that includes internally flawless diamonds of 14.42 cts. and 12 cts. in gem-encrusted settings.

The Blue Book Collection also includes a necklace based on Art Deco jewels in the Tiffany & Co. Archives. The design features a triple-drop pendant with three rare fancy vivid yellow diamonds. The rectangular-shaped 13.09-ct. yellow diamond and two 6-ct. yellow diamonds, surrounded by 642 round brilliant white diamonds.

Tiffany highlights a 28.01-carat unenhanced, esteemed Kashmir sapphire in a necklace of 1,097 round brilliant diamonds. The Blue Book also includes color-rich sapphires, vibrant tourmalines and rubellites surrounded by diamonds in rings and drop earrings. The book showcases tanzanite, introduced by Tiffany & Co. in 1969, with two matched pear-shaped tanzanites in drop earrings of striking beauty.

Tiffany jewelers in New York and Paris went to the original drawings of world-renowned designer Jean Schlumberger to create the Leaves necklace of hand set turquoise beads with diamonds, 18k gold and platinum; and the Bird on a Rock clip.

Other creations include diamond and platinum chandelier earrings and diamond bracelets based on the Art Deco period of the early 20th century; and the flexible geometric patterns of the Zigzag diamond bracelet with over 1,300 round diamonds and a five-row bracelet of 260 round and square-shaped diamonds.

ATM Dispenses Diamond Jewelry, Gold and Silver

Bollywood star Raima Sen unveils Luxury ATM in Mumbai.

Why accept money from an ATM when you can get diamond jewelry, gold or silver?

A company in India has built what it says is the world’s first machine that dispenses gold, silver, diamond jewelry and religious jewelry.

The Gitanjali Group, the machine’s creator, is calling it an ATM, but I think a vending machine would also be an apt description. These types of machines have been vending gold at certain places around the world for the past few years. But this is the first such machine that also dispenses other precious metals and jewelry.

The first ATM was recently placed at a Mumbai shopping center and introduced with a ceremony featuring a Bollywood star Raima Sen (pictured).

The machine dispenses gold and silver bars, coins, pendants with religious motifs and a range of diamond-studded jewelry. The convenience of this machine will especially come in handy for those last-minute gifts, the company said.

“It has a particular significance in India, where usually such items are purchased as tokens to observe traditions on auspicious days,” Sanjeev Agarwal, CEO, Gitanjali Export Corp. Ltd., said in a statement. “But it also offers choices for occasions like Valentine’s Day, or to a husband who forgot an anniversary or his wife’s birthday”

The ATM uses a touch screen interface and provides consumers a mix of up to 36 options in different sizes, price points and designs across the precious metals and jewelry categories. This may include coins in various grams, pendants with religious motifs, and heart shaped pendants and diamond studded pendants. Prices range from about $20 to $610. Credit and debit cards are accepted.

The ATM is a part of a larger “Go for Gold” umbrella brand initiative created by Gitanjali to promote the purchase of gold—whether in the form of jewelry or coins/bars—and focus attention on the company’s gold products.

It is appropriate that it is the Gitanjali Group that is introducing this ATM concept. The Mumbai-based company is the world’s largest integrated branded diamond jewelry manufacturer. It is one of India’s largest manufacturer of diamonds and diamond and gold jewelry. It has close to 40 brands in several categories, including lifestyle, watches and 19 jewelry brands. Most of its brands use a Bollywood star for its advertising and marketing. Many of its brands are retailed through company-owned branded stores. The company recently acquired several Italian jewelry and watch manufacturers that it has incorporated into its branded marketing concept. It also owns retail chains in the U.S.

The ATM seems to be just one more creative way for the company to sell its many products.

‘Stars of Africa’ on the Runway for Charity

Royal Asscher lit up the runway Thursday night in New York with its “Stars of Africa” collection, by Toronto jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia.

Model with Stars of 
Photo: Barry J. Holmes

For each piece sold at the “Lingerie New York” event and over the next six months, 50 percent of the profits will go to the Seven Bar Foundation, an organization, through an online collaboration on Royal Asscher’s Web site. The foundation provides small loans (via micro-financing) to underprivileged women to start their own small business as an exit out of poverty.

Actress Sofia Vergara hosted the runway event at Cipriani’s 42nd Street, which attracted a number of celebrities and jewelry industry official, most notably Russell Simmons, the hip-hop entrepreneur and founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, and actress Minnie Driver.

From left: Actress Sofia Vergara, Renata M. Black, Seven Bar Foundation director, and Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher of America

The MTV produced show included eight aerialist performers; two top couture and luxury lingerie designers—Atsuko Kudo and Carine Gilson—DJ Michelle Rodriguez; and models Veronica Webb, Elsa Benitez and Crystal Renn walking the runway.

The Stars of Africa by Royal Asscher collection consists of rings, pendants, earrings and necklaces. Diamonds are encased in fluid filled sapphire dome, allowing them to fall freely, like snowflakes in a snow globe. For each piece of Stars of Africa jewelry sold, at least three women will get microfinance loans.

The scene at Cipriani's

“We are extremely proud to have the opportunity through our collections and success to provide women living in poverty with an opportunity to sustain themselves for life and create their own legacy,” said Lita Asscher, president of Amsterdam-based Royal Asscher diamond company.

Kim Kardashian’s 20-Carat Engagement Ring Fetches $749,000 At Auction

Kris Humphries reportedly said he just wanted to move on so he can’t be too disappointed for the price his 20.5-carat diamond engagement ring to Kim Kardashian achieved at auction Tuesday.

The NBA basketball player, who paid a reported $2 million for the diamond and platinum ring for the reality TV star in 2011, saw the ring sell for $749,000 during Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction. While the ring did not sell for its original price it did easily exceed the high auction estimate of $500,000.

Listed simply as an “Impressive Diamond Ring,” the ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz is set with a 16.21-carat rectangular-cut diamond with I color, VS1 clarity. The diamond is flanked on either side with a trapeze-cut diamond, each weighing approximately 1.80 carats. 

The celebrity couple separated after 72 days of marriage in 2011. The divorce became final in 2012.

Although reports started circulating as to the owner of the ring, the provenance wasn’t confirmed until an unidentified person representing Humphries told E! News that it was indeed being sold by him. 

“He has long-since moved on and is very much looking forward to a successful auction at Christie's on Tuesday, and of course to returning to the court this upcoming NBA season as a Boston Celtic,” the representative said in a statement to the entertainment news network.

Rahul Kadakia, head of Jewelry for Christie’s Americas and Switzerland, who led the auction, announced that a portion of proceeds will benefit a charity. 

Bidding began at $200,000 and quickly rose to $480,000. After a pause it went to $520,000. It then slowly climbed to reach a final bid of $620,000. Commission and fees bought the price of the ring to $749,000.

It was the last item of the morning session of the auction. It is scheduled to resume at 2:30 p.m.

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Blue Nile: ‘Man Up’ and Say ‘I Do’

Blue Nile is fed up with mamby pamby men who are afraid of commitment. To revive the chivalrous spirit of yesteryear, the online diamond and jewelry retailer, is throwing down the gauntlet, asking, “Are You Man Enough to Say ‘I Do’?” The man who tells the ultimate story of masculinity will receive the company's assistance to do the manliest thing of all: Step up, take a knee, and earn his place by her side. The Grand Prize includes:

* A Blue Nile diamond engagement ring valued at up to $7,500,
* First-class airfare to New York City,
* Accommodations including hotel stay, dinner for two, transportation, $1,000 in spending money, and
* A proposal, live in front of the world, at the NASDAQ open on Friday, November 25.

What earns such a virile prize? How about Odysseus' quest to return to Penelope. Or, Dante's nine-circle descent to be worthy of Beatrice. Alternately, contestants may pen their own epic or post a video explaining what they would do to earn the perfect proposal. Blue Nile says examples may include:

* Wrestling a wild boar whilst wearing a ham necklace.
* Reciting the 100,000-verse Indian Sanskrit Epic, Mahabharata, backwards.
* Abstaining from an entire season of football (excepting the Super Bowl).

“Are You Man Enough to Say ‘I Do’?" is hosted on Blue Nile's Facebook page. Submissions are collected until 3:00 p.m. (PST), November 4. The top five stories will be displayed for public voting during the week of November 7. At the end of that week, the top vote earner will win the Grand Prize.

All entries are displayed anonymously to ensure those wanting to surprise their future fiancés with a proposal are still able to do so. 

Below is a tongue-and-cheek video by Blue Nile about the promotion:

Graff Recreates ‘Hair & Jewel’ With Half-Billion-Dollar Diamond Bejeweled Hairdo

Famed diamond jeweler, Laurence Graff, recreated a legacy statement Tuesday that helped to propel his brand to the forefront of the luxury world.

Known as “Hair & Jewel,” Graff in 1970 unveiled a photo of a model wearing an ornate coiffure decorated with $1 million dollars of diamonds and precious gems. The photo received international attention and became a landmark promotion for Graff Diamonds, founded only 10 years earlier.

“Until this time, images showing fine jewelry were typically modeled in a more conservative style,” Graff said in a statement. “This image broke the mould by using a younger model and created the idea of diamonds being aspirational to younger women.”

The Graff name is now known throughout the world and to celebrate the man behind the brand’s 60th year in the jewelry industry he recreated Hair & Jewel, only this time using $500 million worth of precious jewels. It’s a clear statement by Graff using a memorable promotion to show the world how far he has come.

"It is more than 40 years since the original image of Hair & Jewel was captured," Graff said. "The recreation marks an important milestone in Graff Diamonds’ history and coincides with the opening of its 40th store globally."

The hair of model Dalia Gunther was crafted by Eamonn Hughes using 22 rare jewels created at Graff’s headquarters in London. The image was photographed by David Slijper. The jewels used for the recreation include the following:

* Graff “Sweethearts” earrings featuring 51.53-carat and 50.76-carat D color Flawless type IIA heart shape diamonds;

* A selection of jewelry crafted from the 550ct Letšeng Star, the 14th largest white rough diamond ever discovered;

* A 10.47-carat fancy vivid blue internally flawless briolette diamond pendant;

* A 52.73-carat fancy vivid yellow emerald cut diamond ring; and

* A 6.51-carat fancy intense pink internally flawless oval cut diamond ring.

Below is a promotional video from Graff Diamonds showing the Hair & Jewel recreation.



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New Jewelry from Near and Far at the Hong Kong Show

A carved jadeite leaf pendant with diamond setting from Unique Brilliant Ltd., based in Hong Kong.

With more than 3,400 exhibitors from 46 countries and regions, the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair is a place to see new jewelry from around the world. For many of these companies it is their only opportunity to have their products seen in an international setting.

What follows is a small selection of the jewelry that was presented at the show:

A freshwater pearl ring sits upon a silver ring lined with cubic zirconia from ACH & Co., based in Hong Kong.

An 18k white gold acurved pendant with flower-shaped adornments set in rose gold. Dazzling diamonds of various cuts are set all over the surface to showcase a classy style. From Diaccents Exports in Hong Kong.

An opal ring surrounded with diamonds from Dreamtime, a Kyoto, Japan-based company.

A set of 18k gold earrings with blue sapphire and diamonds from Duang Kaew Jewellery Manufacturer Co Ltd., based in Thailand.

Gold-colored 11-17mm South Sea pearls of AA quality from Luen Hing Pearls & Jewellery Ltd., Hong Kong.

A heart and beads jewelry collection made of natural Madagascan labradorite by Shanghai Jade Gems Factory Ltd.

A silver bracelet with dentrite accents from Silver House Jewellery Ltd., Hong Kong.

A fresh water pearl necklace with silver parts by Tin Yin Jewellery Ltd., based in Hong Kong.

Wai Lun Jewellery Ltd, Hong Kong.

An 18k white gold and diamond bangle from Winstar Jewelery Manufacturer Ltd., Hong Kong.

A Two-tone silver and gold pendant with blue topaz cutting and graduation of amethyst all around from Yakhunit Co Ltd., Thailand.

A 16-inch necklace made with a variety of gemstones, including whisky quartz, prehnite and red chalcedony ZeYu Industries Ltd. ShenZhen, China.

Blue Nile Launches Diamond Shopping App

Online diamond and jewelry retailer Blue Nile, Inc. has released a shopping app. The Blue Nile App allows consumers to comparison shop and purchase diamonds through the convenience of iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The new app is available at the Apple app store.

The app allows customers to search through BlueNile’s diamond inventory for certain specification, connect to Blue Nile's diamond and jewelry consultants, and purchase a diamond through their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Consumers can also browse thousands of engagement rings and educational materials.