The tradition of bestowing pearls upon the bride continues

1. At the beginning of the 20th century, pearls were as much a nuptial gem in the United States as diamonds are today.
2. The pearl has been a symbol of unblemished perfection ever since ancient times.
3. Pearls are the oldest known gems, and for centuries were considered the most valuable of all.
4. They make the ideal wedding jewelry because they symbolize purity and innocence.
5. The “wedding gem” should be part of the bridal experience because would help ensure marital bliss and prevent newlywed brides from crying.
6. No other gemstone can enhance your skin tone and accentuate your femininity with our exquisite handmade designed pieces of natural precious stones.
7. Pearls are timeless – they remain beautiful and add a touch of elegance.  They are a wise investment because you can wear them on other occasions.
8. Transmitted from Mother to Daughter, Grandmothers to their granddaughters and Aunts to their nieces, pearls dating back generations and can symbolize a girl’s past, present and future. A woman’s pearls then become a symbol of her growth into adulthood as well as her new role with a family of her own.
9. Remember not to wear your pearls when you are applying cosmetics, hair spray or perfume.  The chemicals and acids within these products will harm your pearl.
10. After the ceremony and the wedding party store your precious bridal pearls away from heat and sunlight sources. Use a jewellery cloth bag or pouch to store your pearls as these will protect them from scratches.  Wrapping the pearls in a soft material is just as good. Once stored, take them out occasionally giving them exposure to humidity or moisture.

Remember: Often the father of the bride or the groom gives the gift of pearls. Many brides give their bridesmaids pearl necklaces, bracelets or earrings too.

World’s Luxury Guide lists  the Top 10 Jewelry Brands

1. Harry Winston

Harry Winston’s diamond store on New York’s prestigious Fifth Avenue is one of the most luxurious addresses for jewelry and ornaments. You may not have heard of him but Marilyn Monroe cited Winston in her song ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’.

Harry Winston’s expertise in the precious stones field (the Winston house uses only the most valuable stones on earth) gives the brand an untouchable cachet. Again and again Winston has distinguished himself with his spectacular jewelry, e.g. creating for well known royalty such as Queen Elizabeth II and the Shah of Persia. Winston has worked on many world famous diamonds, the Blue Hope for example and the diamond drops which Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor. Even though Cartier sold these to Burton, Winston cut them.

2. Buccellati

Buccellati is an exclusive luxury jewelry brand. The firm is known for their engraved brushed-gold and platinum jewelry embedded with fine gemstones including rubies, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires.

3. Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels have always celebrated the ultimate in luxury. Whether the luxury refers to the sumptuous interior design of their worldwide stores, where frescoes, wooden paneling and chandeliers are the norm or the unusual creations of their jewelry designer.

With their ‘mystery-settings’ technique, Van Cleef & Arpels have been displaying their ability since the last century. The ‘mystery-settings’ technique is a technique in which the prongs are concealed beneath the gems they hold, so that the effect is that of a shimmering field of jewels. The technique can be seen to great effect in the popular page-shaped brooch, which is still produced. Also very popular are brooches shaped like figures: a ballet dancer turning a pirouette or adorable little animals.

4. Graff

In Maastricht in March 2008, Laurence Graff was once again responsible for causing quite a stir at the Tefaf Arts & Antiques Fair. The Geneva-dwelling jeweler sold a 70,12 carat yellow diamond for 11,000,000 USD to a European buyer.

The ‘fancy intense yellow’ diamond was set in a platinum ring, along with two white 1,8 carat diamonds. Graff is a synonym for the highest quality stones in the world. Only the best and rarest of diamonds are sent to his workshop in London to be set in to the most exquisite jewelry, such as outstanding earrings and unique rings and necklaces.

5. Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany is a legend and that’s not just since Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly tripped through its doors in the 1961 film ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’.

Charles Lewis Tiffany founded his business in 1837 with his partner John B. Young. The pair teamed up with the then most renowned silversmith in New York, John C. Moore, laying the cornerstone for the continuing success of Tiffany’s silver design. Tiffany was the first jeweler in America to adopt the English silver standard 925/1000, which was later adopted as the American silver standard. Today, the company has stores worldwide. Alongside the big white gold and stellar pieces, more affordable classics like the silver charm-bracelet with heart shaped charms can be found for around 200 Euros. Or the famous ‘Celebrations’ ring in different varieties. Both are bestsellers.

6. Piaget

As more and more Americans and Europeans buy diamond watches, Piaget is seeing more and more growth. Traditionally known for their diamond watches, Piaget creates diamond jewelry with their diamond studded Hearts & Charms collection and their Limelight collection which features gemstones like purple and pink sapphires.

7. Cartier

Louis Cartier is responsible for maintaining the historically high standard of La Maison Cartier, which has been part of the Vendome Luxury Group since 1993.

The fashion, which he prefers designing to jewelry, never loses its style and Cartier has become the world-renowned master of his Metiers! His famous wild cats are cast in platinum and white gold, the glossy coat in diamond and black onyx, their eyes glimmering emeralds. The Duchess of Windsor was delighted by them in 1948, and this royal endorsement started a real boom that has never stopped. The panther is still the symbol of the Parisian goldsmith. On necklaces, bracelets and earrings their timeless charm is unmistakable.

8. Chopard

Chopard has traditionally banked its growth and sales on one-of-a-kind jewelry that sells for millions. They opened their 100th store at 709 Madison Avenue in Manhattan measuring 3,000-square-feet. “This global creation of wealth is affecting us,” said Marc Hruschka, Chopard’s U.S. president and CEO, “It’s a mixture of our traditional shoppers and a new growing-wealth class in the U.S. and globally. Our challenge is to communicate that we’re not only a watch brand…People are looking at diamonds as art.” Leading ladies of Hollywood like Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Hilary Swank and Charlize Theron have showcased Chopard jewelry.

9. Bulgari

One of the biggest names of our time is undoubtedly Sortirio Bulgari. The trained silversmith opened his first business in 1884.

Inspired by Greek and Roman art, Bulgari’s necklaces and bracelets are typically gold. Studded with large, colorful jewels, they have their own inimitable style. Handcrafted from only the most valuable materials, Bulgari’s jewelry is particularly expensive. One absolute classic is the B zero 1 ring – 18 carat gold. Every year there is a new collection, which can be admired and bought at approximately 236 stores around the world. New for 2008, is the colorful and particularly feminine necklace from the Elisia collection, which fuses contemporary creativity with traditional motifs.

10. Mikimoto

While many luxury jewelry houses are specializing in diamonds, Mikimoto has always focused on pearl jewelry. One respondent said, “If you like pearls, this is the best quality.” Another respondent said, “The brand pays meticulous attention to detail – I am extremely fond of the Mikimoto pieces I have purchased.” Last year, Mikimoto teamed up with Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto to create an exclusive jewelry collection. This joint venture jewelry collection consists of 3 groups with about 20 pieces each.

Just in case you didn’t know here are the top 10 gemstones in order of Hardness

1. Diamond

2. Sapphire

3. Ruby

4. Emerald

5. Alexandrite

6. Topaz

7. Spinel

8. Zircon (CZ)

9. Garnet

10.Aquamarine

Diamond is the hardest natural element know to man. Even if we know harder materials, they are man made. The diamond is the hardest and the most durable gemstone of all. Yet the list I mentioned above reveals some of the most beautiful gems known to men throught out history, and keeping in mind their long-lasting characteristic and their rarity I think we should stick to wearing gemstones.

Needless to say that splendid jewelry comes from all over the world. Brazil is quite a precious resource of splendid gemstones, everyone has heard of the famous Brazilian emeralds. But there is much more to Brazil than beautiful stones, sensuous shapes and vitality. Brazil brings forward a couple of great jewelry designers, some already in the top, some striving to get there. Let’s have a look!

1.H. Stern

Howard Stern is already present on our blog, but more than here, at Hollywood and all over the world, with an ascending trend in popularity as we speak.

www.hstern.net

2. Manoel Bernardes

Manoel Bernardes is a top jewelry designer in Brazil but expanding it’s business also to other parts of the world, like Russia. Their desire is to develop new forms, new gem-cutting methods, new textures, combining current technology with skillful handwork. I’ll present some exceptional and innovative pieces, presented in international competitions.

www.manoelbernardes.com.br

3. Yael Sonia

Yael Sonia is a Brazilian jewelry designer oh-so-present in Paris, but due to her traveling, with complex views. Having won multiple prizes in international design awards. What sets her modern designs from other is the unique kinetic jewelry approach with rolling spheres and swinging pendulums. Have a look:

www.yaelsonia.com.br

4. FR Hueb

FR Hueb has a more romantic approach to jewelry. The company started out as a small scale local business, but recently gaining a great reputation nationally and internationally. Their efforts have been rewarded in several competitions.

www.frhueb.com.br

5. Vancox

Vancox designs are present in numerous international jewelry exhibitions and markets like Brazil, USA, Russia and countries in the Middle East like Bahrain and UAE.

www.vancox.com

Accessories can put that certain spark into anyone’s wardrobe and does not require you to spend too much money to look trendy and hot at summer time. Remember don’t always pick colors that are the same as your clothes, pick something wild and bright that will not blend in.

1. Sunglasses

One of the top priorities for the latest summer accessories are the oversized sunglasses. These are extremely hip and seen on many Hollywood stars and starlets such as Nicole Richie and Cameron Diaz.

100% UV Protected Wholesale Women’s Designer Sunglasses, with D accents in silver, closeouts sunglasses, designer jewelry’s wholesale sunglasses. Picture from www.designer-jewelry.com

2.  Sun Hat

Light weight cotton and linensun hats are very comfortable, and completely … packable and crushable.  Picture from www.hatsinthebelfry.com

3. Toe ring

Most of the selection of summer toe rings you will find are quite plain and have little embellishment or etching. Though this works for some, if you prefer unusual toe rings I sugest the ones with sparkling stones.

4. Anklets

Barefoot anklets and toe rings historically have been worn for centuries by married women in India, though in the United States both casual and more formal anklets became fashionable in the late twentieth century.

5. Necklaces

With the green of an early  summer, this four strand necklace is a gorgeous accompaniment to any sundress, but can be dressed up for your cousin’s summer wedding just as easily.

Peridot briolette necklace

6.  Earrings

Multi Color Stone Dangle earrings from JR Jewelers

7.  Rings

8. Bracelets

9. Summer Light Bag

10.  Sandals

The pink diamond is the world’s most rare and valuable diamond. The Argyle mine (the world’s foremost source of unrivalled intense pink diamonds)  is a diamond mine located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The Argyle mine is the largest diamond producer in the world by volume, although due to the low proportion of gem-quality diamonds, is not the leader by value producing 95% of the world’s supply.

1. The Darya-i-Nur Diamond

Daria Nour Diamond

2. Nur-Ul-Ain Diamond

Nur-Ul-Ain diamond

Diamond Carat Weigh: 60

Color: light pink

3.Steinmetz Pink diamond

Steinmetz Pink diamond

Diamond Carat Weigh: 59.60

Color: fancy vivid pink

4. Shah Jahaan  Diamond

Shah Jahan Diamond

Diamond Carat Weigh: 56.71

Color: light pink

5. Agra Diamond

Agra diamond

Diamond Carat Weigh: 32.34

Color: fancy light pink

6. Pink Sunrise Diamond

Pink Sunrise Diamond

Diamond Carat Weigh: 29.79

Color: light pink

7. Rose of Dubai Diamond

Rose of Dubai Diamond

Diamond Carat Weigh: 25.02

Color: light pink

8. The Mouawad Lilac Diamond

Mouawad Lilac Diamond

Diamond Carat Weigh: 24.44

Color: fancy purplish pink

9. The Williamson Diamond

Williamson Diamond

Diamond Carat Weigh: 23.56

Color: light pink

10. The Graff Pink Orchid Diamond

Graff Pink Orchid Diamond

Diamond Carat Weigh: 22.84

Color: fancy purplish pink

This is a list of my favorite Top 10 Birthstone Jewelry Gifts from JR Jewelers.

1. Sleek X style earrings:  0.22ct total diamond weight, H-I color, SI1 clarity, 18Kt. white gold, 5.3 grams gold weight.

2. Black Pearl and Diamond ring: Black South Sea pearl, 18Kt white gold ring, total diamond weight 0.80ct., G color, VS1 clarity, pearl measures 9.5 mm. round, gold weight is 8.2 grams.

3. Exotic green Zambian emerald: total weight of the emerald is 1.49cts, total weight of the round full cut diamonds is 0.60ct., H-I color grade, Vs2 clarity grade, total weight of the tapered baguette cut diamonds is 0.10ct., H-I color grade, Vs2 clarity grade.

4. Sapphire and diamond pendant: blue Khanchanaburi sapphire weighing 3.59cts., 18Kt white gold pendant, 12 prong set, round full cut diamonds totaling 0.98cts., H color, VS2 clarity.

5. Amethyst and diamond earrings: 14Kt white gold, round diamonds, heart shaped amethyst, total weight of the diamonds is 0.04ct., total weight of the amethyst is 0.42ct., total weight of the gold is 0.76 grams.

6. Peridot briolette necklace: total weight of the peridot is 214.55cts.

7. Rubies and diamonds earrings: Four prong set, princess cut vibrant red rubies center, 18Kt white gold, total weight of rubies is 2.03cts. total diamond weight is 0.94ct., H color, VS2 clarity.

8.  Pink sapphires and white diamonds double butterfly pendant: 18Kt two tone white and rose gold, total weight of the pink sapphires is 0.76cts. total weight of the white diamonds is 0.33cts., of H color grade, SI1 clarity grade.

9.  Opal and diamond ring: 14Kt white gold, the opal measures 7X7mm and weighs 9.00cts. total diamond weight is 0.16ct., G-H color grade, SI2-I1 clarity grade, gold weight is 5.0 grams.

10. Green tourmaline ring: 18Kt yellow gold, A color grade genuine green tourmaline, one round diamond burnish set on each side of the ring. total weight of the tourmaline is 3.50cts. total weight of the diamonds is 0.10ct. H color, VS1 clarity, gold weight is 11 grams.

It is so fascinating to see what celebrities consider to be appropriate engagement rings. They are trend setters after all! No one can forget J. Lo’s radiant-cut pink diamond ring, which set a new trend in Hollywood, suggesting that bigger is better. Yet celebrity taste in jewelry differ so much…

10 famous engagement rings

1. Actress Elizabeth Taylor became more popular for the striking jewelry in her possession. She received a 30 carat emerald-cut diamond from Michael Todd, her third husband. She also received a Krupp diamond of 39 carats, the Taylor-Burton pear-shaped diamond of 69.42 carats, and the heart-shaped 17th century Taj Mahal diamond.

2. Priscilla Presley received a diamond engagement ring of 3.5 carats, circled by diamond chips and 21 small diamonds, from Elvis.

3. Sharon Stone was engaged to Phil Bronstein with three emerald-cut diamonds in a 3 1/2 carat ring.

4. The engagement to Catherine Zeta Jones was formalized by Michael Douglas with a beautiful antique marquise diamond of 10 carats with a horizontal set, worth $2 million.

5. Joan Collins received a heart-shaped diamond ring made in the 19th century from Percy Gibson, her husband.

6. Some celebrities settle for a three-stone engagement ring to represent past, present, and future. Famous pop star Madonna received a three-stone antique exquisite Edwardian diamond ring with a decorative platinum band from Guy Ritchie.

7. Paris Hilton, the famous diva, was engaged to billionaire Paris Latsis with two famous engagement rings: a canary diamond ring of 24 carats worth $5 million and a white emerald-cut diamond ring of 15 carats worth $2.1 million.

8. Britney Spears also has two engagement rings: a cushion-cut diamond ring of 4 carats worth $40,000 bought by herself before her wedding and another one presented by her husband Kevin Federline, nine months after their marriage.

9. Toni Braxton received a stunning and beautiful three-stone 4.5 carat diamond ring from Keri Lewis. It has two heart-shaped diamonds on each side and an oval-shaped stone center.

10. Jennifer Lopez was engaged to Ben Affleck with a radiant pink diamond ring of 6 carats, which quickly drew public attention and became very famous. The pink diamond ring, complete with three baguette white diamonds and a platinum band on each side, was purchased for $1.2 million. Inspiring and famous engagement rings Celebrity engagement rings only reflect the lifestyle acquired by an endless budget. The famous diamonds have created a huge demand for celebrity-inspired rings, which are available at affordable rates.

From Hubpages.com

The items I have chosen are quite random and are not ordered according to price, material or type. Other than that they are lovely pieces of jewelry that women could not say no to. The list contains necessary items as well as trifles.

• A pair of pearl earrings is a definitely must have. They are elegant and quite easy to accessorize.

• For having the person you care about always with you in a vintage cameo locket pendant.

• A hammered bracelet is a casual item that can be work in various everyday contexts. It a great present because it’s not expensive but at the same time it can be a great accessory.

• This Swarovski ring is so colorful and full of life. The bulky shape makes it a casual piece of jewelry that goes with everything.

• A diamond bracelet is not always an affordable gift but it sure is highly appreciated as diamonds are so beautiful and a diamond bracelet make for a splendid elegant accessory.

• This pair of quartz earrings are quite out of the ordinary. The setting is very nice as the rugged wire touches the transparent and bubbly, icy quartz. A truly fine piece and a great gift.

• Colored bangle bracelets look wonderful when put all together on the hand. It can match almost everything, just let free the imagination. It a great gift because women love jewelry, but at the same time be careful to buy them her size, if smaller she might feel offended.

• A diamond ring is every girl’s dream. No comment!

• Labradorite earrings not only they sound exotic but at the same time they do look special. I was very attracted to the simple design, but also by the intense color.

• The following items are let’s say somewhat out of the ordinary, they are rare and vintage watches from precious metal. It’s a less ordinary gift, especially for a woman, but for sure it take you out of mundane. Be unique!