Wondering why I’ve chosen this topic? Well, because I would love your opinion.

Yes, there are real gemstones in the vodka bottle. Diva Vodka is a wheat-based vodka that is triple distilled. The process of obtaining such an interesting type of alcohol is not as simple as it may seem.

To deserve having real gemstones included in the bottle, the vodka is filtered through Nordic birch charcoal and through crushed diamonds and gems like emeralds and rubies.

Being one of the most expensive drinks in the world (no wonder!), this vodka will run you anywhere from $70.00 up to $1,060,000!

The crystals are in a glass tube and can be used as a garnish. The 48 crystals in each bottle include cubic zircona, smoky topaz, pink tourmaline, amethyst, citrine and peridot. They are all handpicked and uniquely arranged.

So, I’m dazzled. I don’t know whether the gemstones come with the vodka or vodka comes with the gemstones. What do you think?

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.

Heart-stopping free-form right hand ring has a truly unique design. It displays 10 exquisite heart- shaped fancy yellow and white diamonds, and several bands of pave’ set diamonds, interweaving to form an outstanding design. Love it! Love it! Love it!

Heart Shaped Diamonds Right Hand Ring

Total weight of the natural fancy yellow diamonds is 2.00 carats. Total weight of the round full cut white diamonds is 0.45 carats., H color grade, VS2 clarity grade.

You can find this precious heart shape diamond ring and many more surprinzing designs at JR Jewelers online Store under the section Fancy Yellow Diamond Jewelry.

Raw diamonds have breached in the fine jewelry industry and bring a special touch to jewelry as we know it. Todd Reed is a true master in placing raw, uncut diamonds in fabulous jewelry pieces. The outcome is spectacular! What say you?

Photos courtesy of:  www.toddreed.com.

Padma Lakshmi, the enchanting star of Top Chef, uncovers her Indian heritage in a splendid collection of fine jewelry, inspired by “seeds and pods, like cardamom, lentils, and cloves”.  The cuffs, the hand set, the hoops and other delicate pieces reminding somehow of Indian jewelry, but the finesse also sets them apart. Simple and elegant, sprinkled with small seed charms, the collection somehow captures the essence of femininity; it is sensuous and telluric.

Her collection can be found in Bergdorf Goodman. Photos courtesy to: www.padmalakshmi.com.

Kathleen Dughi’s work brings complexity and craftsmanship to the high-end jewelry design world. Her work is highly appreciated in the US, but her background and experience comes also from Italy and Switzerland. She refined her style and skills so as to win several important prizes like the Spectrum Award and two Honorable Mentions from De Beers Diamonds International Competition.

About her work Kathleen confessed: “I design for the woman with a strong sense of individual style – the woman who has refined taste and seeks out jewelry that reflects that.” Even if she is regrettably lost, her team of designers continues to design and create wonderful pieces under her name, vision and formation.

Photos courtesy of: www.kathleendughi.com

In this full wedding season, the love for bridal jewelry has risen. Our pick for today is Leslie Green and her splendid baroque jewelry. They say you should start organizing your wedding one year before (OMG!), so don’t forget to put jewelry on your list. Bridal jewelry can give you that unique touch that can set you apart from the infinite (or so it seems) pool of brides. Furthermore, I’ll try to convince you with some real examples. Enjoy and let your romantic imagination flow!

Courtesy of: www.lesliegreene.com.

Jewelry change the effect of an outfit on a person. The jewelry can either be huge, tiny or even unnoticeable. You desire to select a jewelry that would perfectly fit your dress. In choosing the right jewelry in a specific occasion, you must know what kind will match your dress, your shoes, your skin tone and even your eyes. Using logic you can definitely collect a perfect jewelry for your dress but this would be meaningless if you don’t know how to wear and project your jewelry.

Make Your Own Style

You really don’t need to be a celebrity or a superstar to be the center of attention in a gathering. It can be studied consciously, observing and copying people who know how to bring their selves. Most importantly you can have a style of your own but taking note that it is not as simple as that. You have to pass through many hardships, practice and studying in order to establish a style of you own.

Select for The Occasion

Select jewelry that is fit for the occasion. Gold jewelry and Akoya pearls are able to be worn either on a cocktail party or formal gathering. The look great for going to the workplace. Some people even exercise wearing jewelry and feel great in doing so (though it is advised to remove pearls if you are going to work up a sweat).

How to Select Jewelry

If you don’t know how to select the right jewelry, consider your size, the colors of the outfit and where you are going to wear the outfit. Try for a balanced look that shows who you are and how wonderful you are. The feeling of being great with your outfit certainly adds beauty and life to you. You can never be wrong with a classic jewelry because the main reason why it’s called as such is due to the fact that it can be worn with anything. You can wear your classic jewelry with a dress and you can wear it with jeans. Just remember to wear these pieces of jewelry with attitude and class.

This week’s jewelry is a splendid creation from Favero Jewels from the Unique Jewelry Collection. The model presenting this wonderful Fenice Necklace is Milena Kundichova. The necklace is made of 18Kt white gold set with brilliant diamonds. Some may find it looks just a little dangerous, but it’s not; it’s just splendid and glamorous.