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.

Angelina Jolie, Robert Procop Unveil Jewelry Collection for Charity

As reported in December, Angelina Jolie and Robert Procop were teaming up to create a jewelry line with statement gemstones. For the Golden Globes in January Jolie wore a pair of emerald earrings from the collection (pictured), which set off a wave of emeralds and other green gemstones worn by the stars and celebrities on the Oscars red carpet.

Now the duo recently unveiled the collection, “Style of Jolie,” during an invitation only museum quality exhibition at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills. All proceeds from the sale of the line will go toward Jolie’s foundation, “Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.”

“What we're showing here is a collection that Angelina and I have been working on for the last nine months or so, building not only a part of her style but real artistic forms using gemstones as a centerpiece,” Procop, the former CEO of Asprey, said in the video below. “But our main mission is helping children in crisis be educating children around the world.”



The collection (individual pieces can be viewed on the Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels website) includes a five-row quartz tablet bracelet, pear-shaped citrine and cushion-cut necklace, and green beryl tablet earrings.

The collection is still available for private viewing at Julien's. Appointments can be made by contacting creativestudio@robertprocop.com.

Barbara Westwood’s Bold Designs

An opal from from the Christensen mine in Andamooka, Australia, cut by Paul Christensen is framed in 18k gold and diamonds. It retails for about $140,000.

Dramatic colors, distinct shapes, and artistic expression are among the characteristics of Barbara Westwood’s jewelry. Large gemstones of varying shapes, colors and designs create central themes often highlighted by high-karat gold, diamonds and other precious gems. These pieces are designed to stand alone or complement her other creations.

Black onyx hearts carved Steve Walters and topped with a precious gem (such as citrine, blue topaz, pink tourmaline and rhodolite garnet) The glittery material on some of the hearts are Drusy. Each item retails from $3,000 to $4,000.

I caught up with Westwood and her husband and business partner, Sky Hall, at the Gem & Jewelry Exchange show in Tucson in February during a couple of pauses from the throngs of people viewing her signature designs. It was a long way from Gdańsk, Poland, where I first met the couple two years ago. Westwood was being honored by the Amberif International Fair of Amber, Jewellery and Gemstones for her work. For the trade fair, she created a line of amber jewelry, adding yet another material to her vast palette. 

This single piece of ametrine is cut and carved like a cameo by Tom Munsteiner and framed with 18k and diamonds. This is a one of a kind and one piece. It retails for $23,500.