New York Jeweler Offers Customers the Chance to Make Three Wishes Come True

Todd Reed’s 36-ct. diamond necklace.

Greenwich Jewelers launched of a special holiday program intended to make three wishes come true for jewelry lovers and their favorite charities. The New York-based jeweler is offering three inspired pieces of statement jewelry for the holiday season. A portion of the sell price for each piece will go to the qualifying charity of the buyer’s choice.

“We were inspired by each of the pieces of jewelry in our ‘3 Wishes campaign,’” said Jennifer Gandia, co-owner of Greenwich Jewelers. “Receiving any of these extraordinary pieces as a gift would make anyone’s dream come true, and so we thought it was a great opportunity to make some dreams come true for worthwhile, charitable organizations that are close to our customer’s hearts.”

The pieces represent the work of some of the most respected jewelry designers today. The designer and pieces are as follows:

* Todd Reed’s 36-ct. diamond necklace (top picture) combines the concept of the grand necklace as created by the finest jewelry houses with ceremonial breastplates used in ancient Mayan rituals. The diamonds originate from the Diavik mine in Canada. The near colorless crystals are cut in half then set into the 18k gold and sterling silver necklace in their natural state. The suite of diamond crystals is so rare the designer says that creating the necklace was a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” It combines dramatic design, rarity of materials and wearability. Priced at $190,000, $10,000 will be donated to a charity of the buyer’s choice.

* Gurhan, jeweler to stars like Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Lopez, created a 24k gold and rose cut sapphire necklace. Totaling 167 carats of midnight blue sapphires, the play on symmetry in this statement-making necklace gives this piece an unpredictable beauty. Each gold frame was hand hammered by the artist, creating a blend of ancient technique and modern design. Priced at $75,000, $7,500 will be donated to a charity of the buyer’s choice.

* Greenwich Jeweler decided to get into the act of giving by creating the Cashmere diamond cuff bracelet for the special sale. A total of 27 cts. of well-matched pale-brown, black and near-colorless diamonds are set in 18k white gold mesh that creates the look and feel of the fabric that provided the name and inspiration for the piece. The bracelet molds to the shape of the wrist, allowing for a truly unique fit in a piece of statement jewelry. The palette of diamond colors gives the bracelet equal parts uptown elegance and downtown attitude. With a retail price of $50,000, $5,000 will be given to a charity of the buyer’s choice.

Greenwich Jewelers, located in downtown Manhattan, is an independently owned jewelry store that specializes in designer, fashion, fine and bridal jewelry.

Chopard’s Spring 2012 Collection Warms the Autumn Chill

Imperiale Full Set ladies watch.

The mid-point of autumn seems like an inappropriate time to talk about spring collections but the fashion industry moves to its own schedule—even when it comes to high-end watches and jewelry. And in this realm of what is known as “hard” luxuries there are few more fashionable companies than Chopard.

The Swiss luxury brand recently released its spring collection of eloquent and innovative watches, refined jewelry pieces and even a surprise offering. These collections just may have enough sparkle and brilliance to keep one warm during the coldest winter nights.

Items from the new collections are listed below:

Imperiale Full Set (top picture)
This is the first Chopard timepiece with a movement made in its Fleurier Ebauches watch workshop in the Neuchâtel Jura region of Switzerland. Code-named calibre CHOPARD 01.03-C, this ladies watch beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz), while its barrel ensures a 60-hour power reserve. The 40 mm case in 18k white gold is entirely paved with diamonds and rubies and appears like an extension of the dial, which is also diamond-set and punctuated with baguette-cut ruby indexes at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. A red alligator leather strap matches the rubies of the case.

Imperiale Jewelry Collection
Chopard created a jewelry line to accompany its Imperiale watch collection. The Imperiale pendants and earrings come in 18k white gold and are either partially or entirely set with diamonds. The combination of white gold with diamonds naturally catches and holds the light without blinding observers. They are resolutely contemporary and easy to wear.

Happy Sport Oval Full Set
This is the newest entry for one of the brand’s most successful watch lines since it was introduced in 1993. This extremely feminine watch features a new case with modern proportions, displaying elegant and ergonomic lines. The Happy Sport Oval Full Set comes in 18k white gold and is fully set with diamonds along with seven moving diamonds that playfully whirl and twirl around its dial.

L.U.C XPS
This new edition of Chopard’s classic men’s watch is crafted in 18k white gold with a satin-brushed, silver toned dial. The self-winding movement is endowed with two barrels and a 65-hour power reserve within an ultra-thin case, which is due to a clever design created at Chopard’s Fleurier watchmaking facility. The designers also devoted their talents to the shape and proportions of the round large-diameter case (39.50 mm) featuring a flat bezel and an extremely slender middle.

Jacky Ickx Edition V
Limited to 2,000 pieces, this watch is an anthem to classic racing. Its 24-hour counter, the flyback chronograph function and the tachometric scale are designed for drivers. Developed in cooperation with Jacky Ickx (most known for winning the 24 hours of Le Mans endurance race six times), this edition features a stainless steel 42.4 mm case and a black dial with two silver-toned counters and one black counter. The timepiece has a 6/24 inscription on the case-back, symbolizing the Ickx’s accomplishments at Le Mans.

Haute Joaillerie Writing Instrument
Chopard used the expertise of its workshops to create a range of elegant and precise instruments, crafted in 18k white gold and entirely set with diamonds.

A Belated 2014 Emmy Awards Jewelry Roundup

Jessica Pare wears Fred Leighton platinum and diamond pendant necklace from the 1950's and platinum and diamond stud earrings (two carats each).

I’m going to blame it on the people in charge of the Emmys and on NBC, the network owned by the Evil Empire of Comcast, for the delay in presenting this roundup of red carpet jewelry. Holding the broadcast of the Primetime Emmys on the last week of August when people are either on vacation or preparing a return to school seemed ill conceived to me.

Lucy Liu wears Lorraine Schwartz yellow gold and canary yellow diamond earrings and ring. The jewelry was provided by LoveGold.com

I was neither on vacation nor have family members of school age. But I had to travel for work (more on that soon). Anyway, the weird decision of televising the awards shows on August 25 (a Monday for crissakes) turned out well enough, or “OK,” as USA Today put it, with a viewership of 15.6 million people, according to Neilsen.

Christina Hendricks in 18k Yellow Gold Jewelry by Neil Lane that includes: a diamond and gold lovebird bracelet; a rose-cut mogul diamond gold bangle; a pair of ornate gold bangles; a garnet, pearl, and gold Victorian bracelet; a  crimson garnet, diamond, and gold ring; and carved gold girandole earrings. The jewelry was provided by LoveGold.com.

I was unable to see the red carpet parade and only saw a portion of the telecast as I had to prepare for my trip. I didn’t need to watch to know that Breaking Bad (Best Show Ever) won another 100 or so awards.

Laura Prepon sparkles in Simon G Diamond Jewelry that included the following: 18k white gold earrings with 3.16-carats of round white diamonds; an 18k white gold bangle with 7.98-carats of round white diamonds; an 18k white gold ring with 1.37-carats of princess diamonds and 1.53-carats baguette diamonds; An 18k white gold bangle with 2.17-carats ofround white diamonds; an 18k white gold bracelet with 1.63-carats of round white diamonds and 5.84-carats of baguette diamonds; and an 18k white gold ring with a 1-carat round white diamond.

So like I said I’m blaming the Evil Empire of Comcast and the Emmy committee for the week-plus delay in putting this roundup together. That’s it, no more excuses.

January Jones wears Jack Vartanian diamond ear climbers.

The Emmys' Red Carpet parade had familiar faces and familiar designers along with new faces and new designers. There was classic diamond jewelry on white gold or platinum that, like a wedding, is always part of the red carpet. There were also more modern pieces, such as ear climbers and multiple-finger rings. There were colored gemstones, some quite unusual. And there was the annual attempt of LoveGold, the jewelry fashion division of the World Gold Council, to place yellow gold on everyone on the red carpet. To their credit there was plenty of yellow gold.

Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt wearing Brumani earrings.

Oh, and the women of Mad Men women looked great. So did Lucy Liu.

Zooey Deschanel wears Forevermark diamond jewelry by Maria Canale Aster Collection that incldues ring, earrings and bracelet adorned with round brilliant Forevermark diamonds set in 18k white gold.

So without further complaints, here are my selections of the most interesting jewelry (from the available pictures I have) worn by those who were chosen to take that lovely red carpet stroll.

Betsy Brandt wears a Kallati pave diamond cocktail ring from the brand's True Couture collection. The ring features 2.25 carats of pave set brilliant white diamonds in 14k white gold.

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Michelle Dockery wears Ana Khouri jewelry, including a yellow gold grey pearl Patricia ear cuffs, yellow gold and white diamond Lucky bracelets, yellow gold and grey pearl Charlotte ring, white diamond Isabel four finger ring, gold Wave tiara. The jewelry was provided by LoveGold.com.

Taylor Schilling in Forevermark Exceptional Diamond Jewelry by Premier Gem, including a diamond ring with 10.39-carat pear diamond set in platinum; cuff earrings with pear and round brilliant diamonds set in 18k white gold; Forevermark Martini Set Diamond Stud with 5.20 carats of round brilliant diamonds set in platinum; a bracelet with 28.02 carats of round brilliant diamonds; a lattice bracelet with round brilliant diamonds set in platinum; and an Eternity Band with round Brilliant diamonds set in 18k rose gold.

Taryn Manning wears Suzanne Kalan smoky quartz earrings and ring.

Melissa McCarthy wears Le Vian diamond ring and a Doves by Doron Paloma African sapphire ring.

Halle Berry wears Doves by Doron Paloma amethyst and mother of pearl earrings.

Giuliana Rancic in Forevermark diamond jewelry by Jade Trau that includes a Name Plate Bangle with a round brilliant diamond set in 18k yellow gold; a pear cuff with pear diamonds set in 18k yellow gold; “Star” cuffs with round brilliant diamonds set in 18k rose gold and yellow gold; “Halo” cuffs with round brilliant diamonds set in 18k rose gold and yellow gold; “Knife Edge” cuff with round brilliant diamonds set in 18k yellow gold; diamond stud earrings with round brilliant diamonds set in platinum; and a 13.56-carat radiant cut diamond set in platinum.

Kelly Osbourne wears Beladora that includes 18k yellow gold, citrine and topaz ring; a Gemstone Flower ring in 18k yellow gold with yellow and white diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds; an 18k gold and diamond ring; an 18k yellow gold antique Edwardian spinel and diamond ring; 18k rose gold earrings with diamonds; 14k rose gold bracelet; 14k yellow and rose gold bracelet with rubies and diamonds; 14k rose and yellow gold bracelet; and 14k yellow gold moonstone bracelet. The jewelry was provided by LoveGold.com.

Lisa Rinna wears Suzanne Kalan earrings and three Le Vian diamond rings.

Sarah Silverman wears Pasquale Bruni diamond earrings and a Le Vian diamond ring.

Jessica Simpson, Zale to Launch Jewelry Collection

Jessica Simpson will launch a diamond fashion jewelry collection available at Zale Corp. branded stores beginning in October.

The Dallas-based jewelry retailer made the announcement Tuesday. The Jessica Simpson collection will feature rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets, available in a range of affordable price points, the company said. Simpson’s collection will be offered exclusively at Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet and Peoples Jewellers stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

In addition to being an internationally known recording artist, actress and television personality, Jessica Simpson has established herself as a fashion designer. The Jessica Simpson Collection extends into 22 product categories including shoes, apparel, accessories and fragrances.

“I have always wanted to design fine jewelry and am very excited to launch a new collection exclusively at Zale,” Simpson said in a statement. “Jewelry is a very personal expression that celebrates who you are and this collection is very much a reflection of who I am.”

Zale Corp. is a leading specialty jewelry retailer in North America. Its brands include Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Gordon’s Jewelers, Peoples Jewellers and Mappins Jewellers and Piercing Pagoda.

Fabulous Fall 2014 Jewelry Preview

Wendy Yue 18k rose gold "Madame Butterfly" necklace with purple sapphire, rhodolite garnet, pink sapphire, opal and tsavorite.

This is a group of 28 designers and manufacturers whose work I was able to view during the jewelry rtade shows in Basel, Switzerland, and Las Vegas. Although this is quite a large group, it wasn’t all the brands I was able to see. More will come soon.

Vianna Brasil 18k yellow gold bracelet set with milky aquamarine, praziolite, emerald quartz and diamonds.

In this selection pastel colored gemstones dominated. The next group will feature more bold colors and designs, although there are a few made it into this group as well. Yellow and rose gold also made it into plenty of designer pieces this year. Pavé settings remain dominate in many designs and there appears to be no end to this “trend.”

Omi Prive platinum, sapphire and diamond pendant necklace.

There are a few new names in this group. Among them is Pınar Öner of Turkey who creates pieces based on the history and heritage of his country’s Anatolian region.

Roberto Coin Garden Collection rings in 18k satin yellow gold with colourless, brown diamonds and tsavorite. Amethyst, blue topaz and lemon quartz.

Many of the other names you will find familiar. They represent most parts of the world and use a variety of style, techniques and materials. Please view the remaining images below.

Temple St Clair 18k yellow gold Tree of Life bracelet with diamonds.

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Lagos 18k sterling silver statement ring centered with a citrine surrounded by a ring a ring of 18k yellow gold and blue sapphires. 

Goshwara Natural pink sapphire and mandarin garnet earrings in 18k from the G-One Collection.

Nurture By Reena, a new jewelry brand that features jewelry made with lab-grown diamonds by Reena Ahluwalia, known for her award-winning diamond jewelry designs. The Celestial Star pendant is set in 18k gold with colorless and pink lab-grown diamonds. The brand also employs QR Code technology that allows people to attach their “most precious moments to your jewel,” Ahluwalia says.

Pınar Öner Chora ring draws its inspiration from the mosaic ceiling of the Chora church in Istanbul. The entire ring is a large floral blossom with undulating walls of pave diamonds set in blackened 18k yellow gold with enamel accents in blue, green, yellow and red.

Amrapali Black Arabesque ruby, diamond and emerald earrings.

Antonini Vulcano bracelets in 18k yellow gold, white gold, black rhodium, white diamonds and champagne diamonds.

Borgioni 14k rose gold and silver stud handcuff with brown diamond roses and black diamond leaf.

Brumani diamond and translucent quartz earrings.

Carla Amorim Basilica ruby and tsavorite earrings.

Chimento Armillas rings in white gold with diamonds, yellow gold with diamonds, and white gold with diamonds.

Le Vian Exotics Chocolate covered Blackberry ring in 14K Strawberry Gold featuring Blackberry Diamonds, Vanilla Diamonds and Chocolate Diamonds.

MCL pave Lux bangle in black rhodium plated sterling silver with mixed color sapphires and black spinel.

Sethi Couture Ombre orange, yellow and green diamond pave drop earrings.

Sutra 18K black gold, sapphire and tanzanite cuff with diamonds.

Suzanne Kalan 18K white gold pear-shaped London Blue Topaz ring with white diamond baguette.

Larkspur & Hawk 14k rose gold earrings with pink amethyst.

Lexmond vs Lexmond 18k gold Strawberry pendant with diamonds and rubies.

Royal Asscher Stars of Africa ring in 18K rose gold with floating diamonds in a sapphire globe.

Rina Limor Carved jade earrings with 18k yellow gold set with diamond pave. 

Casato Dragon Eye bracelet in 18k rose gold with emerald and white diamonds.

Stefan Hafner White gold and white diamond necklace seems to be woven from flowers touched with tiny buds of blue marquise-cut sapphires.

Ivanka Trump 18k yellow gold and white diamond pave bracelet, part of the Athénée collection.

Mireya is a new bridal jewelry brand that offers brides-to-be with options of what to choose with its “pick-a-head” Mireya Fit System. Interchangeable diamonds can be inserted into the shank of the ring. The collection, consisting of 20 variations of this signature style and 185 styles in total are all handmade of 14k, 18k or platinum, in the US.