Diamond Writings

Carrie's infamous engagement ring

Undoubtedly donning the most fabulous clothing and jewelry imaginable, Carrie and the gang are back in full-fledged diamond-encrusted action! It could take hours to detail the gorgeous assortment of eye-popping jewelry that flaunts itself on the silver screen such as Charlotte’s pave white diamond disc pendant by Jennifer Fisher, Samantha’s Cleopatra 18k yellow gold earrings with 1.36 carats of diamonds by Wendy Brandes, or Miranda’s Alexis Bittar bracelets, but the MVP of jewelry in this film goes to the 5 carat black diamond ring from designer Itay Malkin that Big presents to Carrie, “because you are not like anyone else”.  Even now, I am still swooning.

This unique and magnificent fancy color diamond set in 18k white gold and surrounded by 80 round, white pave diamonds equaling 0.35k, is the only diamond engagement ring fitting for the ultimate New York City diva, Ms. Carrie Bradshaw.

Fancy colored diamonds have been popping up more and more in the last few years and their prices have hit new highs, with their value never decreasing on the wholesale level in the last 30 years.  This makes buying a colored diamond not only the latest fashion but also a smart investment.  Assouline has recently published a 231 page coffee-table-esk book titled “The Fancy Color Diamond Book”, by Eden Rachminov. Taking two and a half years to research, design, and produce, this book provides a wealth of information (both commercial and technical) about fancy color diamonds and diamonds in general. Meant for professionals and interested consumers alike, it delves into the important issues of grading, clarity, and the role of florescence in determining the value of fancy color diamonds while also clearing up a number of misconceptions regarding the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) diamond report.  The book is written in a user-friendly format and is filled with beautiful photographs. Rachminov said of the book, “It is especially useful for the experienced diamantaire but no doubt would be of interest to the private diamond high-end consumer”.

The rise of fancy colored diamonds as a hot trend was made clear at the 2010 Oscars where they appeared all over the red carpet.  Amanda Seyfried wore a brown diamond ball ring by Lorraine Schwartz, Rachel McAdams, also wearing Lorraine Schwartz, showed off natural multi-colored diamond earrings, and Mo’Nique accessorized with yellow diamond jewels from Chopard. From their appearance at the Oscars in March to their stunning cameo in “Sex and the City 2” you can be sure that fancy color diamonds are on the scene! J4E5BZXMCC82

mens jewelry

Men’s jewelry can be a confusing proposition, especially if you’re not a rapper. For many rap stars it’s all about bling, the more the better! Most artists pull it off without a hitch but, unless you live in the culture, rapper glam probably won’t impress your friends – or your girl!
Still, there are elements of rapper style you can adapt to your own personality and wear with great flair. Pierced stud diamond earrings can make quite a statement, but you’ll need the attitude and elegance of Usher to make it work. Studs and rings for men look best when everything else stays simple and sleek, especially hair. Don’t wear stud earrings with long hair and gaudy tees unless you’re a rock star – or at least play in a band.
If you want to play it safe, stick with watches. Wristwatches are always appropriate and, with so many different designs, can go in any direction you wish. Some men have an extensive wardrobe of watches and use them in the same way women use jewelry. Watches by Forzieri, for example, are distinctive, decorative, and very classy.
Pendants, especially dog tags, are a popular 2010 jewelry trend for guys. The Emporio Armani Men’s Dog Tag Necklace from Macy’s is very modern and understated in silver and black leather. Men’s Stainless Steel With Black Plating and Diamond Accent Dog Tag from Sears is another tasteful choice. Crosses have an eternal appeal, and the Men’s Reversible Cross Pendant at Amazon makes an updated and sophisticated style statement.
Men’s bracelets are emerging as a fashion essential for the well-dressed man. Forget the linked chains of yore. The most popular men’s bracelets today are titanium bangles with elaborate detailing. The Titanium Bracelet With Carbon Fiber & Magnets from Just Titanium.com is a perfect example of this popular look.
No review of contemporary men’s jewelry would be complete without mentioning the unexpected appearance of biker jewelry. Skull and crossbones motifs have become hot for everyone, and they’re showing up on everything from ladies’ scarves to baby hats. The design has an edgy appeal that has really caught on. Biker jewelry traditionally symbolizes rebellion, strength, and power; everyone seems to want more of these qualities, even if only for show.
Check out the cool styling of the Alternating Skulls Up & Down Silver Pewter Ring from Buy.com for an understated take on the skulls theme. It’s an ideal way to express your inner rebel without going overboard.
Celebrities have always been fashion’s primary trendsetters. Like it or not, rappers and sports stars have had a profound effect on what’s hot in men’s jewelry. Whether you like a little bling or a lot, you can tailor the look to your own personality. You may not be a billionaire yet, but you might as well have some fun in the meantime!

Nicole Richie Joel Madden

Well, it’s official! After four years together, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden are finally tying the knot in diamond encrusted Hollywood style! The famous celebutante socialite, who is the adopted daughter of singer Lionel Richie, became officially affianced to her musician beau (and father of their two young children – Harlow Winter Kate Madden and Sparrow James Midnight Madden) when Madden gave Richie a gorgeous 4 carat diamond engagement ring made by jewelry designer, and celebrity favorite, Neil Lane. Nicole Richie actually designed the engagement ring together with the famous designer, and debuted the stunning piece of jewelry to the world on a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman.

Nicole Richie, whose semi-autobiographical novel is entitled The Truth About Diamonds, has always been a gemstone obsessed girl! With that Hollywood upbringing, she has been lucky enough to be able to afford the accessories necessary to make her even more famous for her glam style, and we’ve seen her with plenty of fancy jewelry pieces over the years. If you’re having trouble coming up with a memory of Nicole Richie’s other gemstone exploits, the most famous may have been her pink sapphire ring, which was such a shocking shade of bright pink that it has since spawned numerous gemstone ring imitations.

Before she designed her own diamond engagement ring, Nicole Richie created a vintage inspired jewelry collection named after her daughter with fiancé Joel Madden. The collection, called House of Harlow, features affordable precious metal pieces of jewelry using less decadent “gems” such as abalone (mother of pearl) and semi-precious gemstones. In light of her unique sense of style and easy creativity, it’s no wonder that the mother of two and recently engaged Richie would want to design her own diamond engagement ring.

Neil Lane stated that he enjoyed working with Nicole Richie, and that she was “lovely”. When asked about what kind of input she had from her fiancé, Lane explained that Joel Madden only wanted her to have the perfect diamond engagement ring, and didn’t mind not being directly involved in the jewelry design process. “Joel just wanted her to have her dream ring.” Neil Lane was also quoted as saying that “The 4 carat, circular beauty definitely showcases a unique diamond engagement ring design which we are quite likely to see repeated by fans in the near future”. According to Neil Lane’s prediction, an imitation of Nicole Richie’s engagement ring should be available at affordable prices any day now…

Sandra Bullock Diamond Bangle

With her big win at the Oscars this year, fashion magazines have been pealing apart Blind Side actress Sandra Bullock’s many glamorous looks, and enjoying her beautiful choices on the red carpets of this year’s award shows. She made no little splash at the Oscars, with her ornately fashioned, shimmering Marchesa gown and diamond jewelry by Neil Lane, personally designed for her alone. Always one to make a bodacious entrance, this look had a gorgeous, grown-up vibe with simple and classic styling that made her stand out at this year’s biggest event. With the excitement of her big win, and the spectacle of her failing marriage, it’s easy to focus only on that special night and the events that followed. I think, however, that it was at the SAG awards earlier this year, when Sandra Bullock wore a special diamond bangle, that she was showing off her most meaningful piece of diamond jewelry!

In the aftermath of the nightmarish earthquake in Haiti, many celebrities have made an effort to pitch in and help. Apparently, Sandra Bullock was looking for a way to get involved and made the decision to team up with jewelry designer Bochic, who launched a charitable initiative in the wake of the 2010 awards season. They have stated that any jewelry piece worn by a celebrity on the red carpet this year will be auctioned off later in the spring, with ALL proceeds going to help find clean water solutions in the aftermath of the disaster in Haiti. Obviously, the bigger the celebrity the higher the auction price of Bochic’s already super-luxurious designs made from precious metals and gemstones.

Sandra Bullock chose an Alexander McQueen dress to wear to this year’s SAG awards, and she accessorized the midnight-blue number with a special Bochic diamond bangle on her wrist. The bangle, usually sold for $5,250, is an all-black circlet with diamond accents inlaid in 18k white gold. This April it will be auctioned to the highest bidder at as high a price as possible, with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit the earthquake victims. David Joseph, founder of the Bochic jewelry brand, stated that Bochic has always had a great relationship with Sandra Bullock and is “…beyond thrilled to have her support…”. All in all, it was a very fashionable night for Ms. Bullock, and that glistening diamond bangle on her arm was given all the more significance by the just cause it will go to support!

Diamond Bracelets 2010 Academy Awards

It looks like this year’s award for most popular accessory goes to the diamond bracelet, sported by countless red carpet starlets at the 2010 Academy Awards. The diamond bracelet has always been a classic accessory among celebrities, adding subtle sparkle that’s fun, yet refined. This year we’ve seen stacked bangle bracelets and vintage cuffs taking the cake at the 2010 Oscars. The five spectacular starlets below donned the most deliciously decadent diamond bracelets of all.

Always the fashionista, Sarah Jessica Parker stacked on some seriously stylish bling at this year’s Academy Awards. On her left wrist, she wore an assortment of at least eight dazzling diamond bracelets from Fred Leighton, including a 1950′s Diamond Swirl Bracelet, a cognac diamond flexible bracelet, a rose-cut platinum diamond bracelet, and a sapphire and diamond wave-shaped bangle. Adding an interesting twist to her bangles, she sported a temporary Chanel diamond bracelet tattoo. It’ll be interesting to see if this tattoo jewelry catches on.

Penelope Cruz followed in similar suit, decking out in Chopard jewelry only and draping a total of 85 carats of diamonds on her darling self to accent her strapless, deep red Donna Karen Couture gown. She adorned her wrists with a total of three stacked diamond bracelets: a 23-carat Asscher cut diamond platinum bracelet, a 28 carat emerald cut diamond gradual bracelet, and a diamond line bracelet. Penelope looked absolutely ravishing at the Oscars!

Blonde beauty, Amanda Seyfried, accessorized her ethereal silvery-white ball gown with 250-carat brown, champagne, and mint diamond geometric bracelets as well as a brown diamond ball ring, all by Lorraine Schwartz. The effect was so celestial and angelic that she forewent a necklace and opted for non-dangly art-deco style diamond earrings at the 2010 Academy Awards.

A woman of alternative yet impeccable taste, Maggie Gylenhaal decorated her left wrist with an 18k yellow gold Fred Leighton vintage bracelet set with waves of diamonds, and her right wrist with a platinum Fred Leighton vintage diamond bracelet that she accented with an emerald and sapphire brooch. I never would have thought to place a brooch on a bracelet, but this match-up was pure Oscar eye-candy.

Finally, Texan superstar, Miley Cyrus, rocked an absolutely breathtaking Lorraine Schwartz 200-carat bronzed diamond corset cuff bracelet that went beautifully with her champagne colored gown and gave her a soft warm glow. The diamond bracelet was luxuriously ornate with an almost Victorian flair. Her overall look was charmingly romantic if not dramatically glamorous, proving once again that Miley Cyrus knows how to dress to impress on the red carpet.

Celebrity Fashion Jewelry

When it comes to red carpet events, most seasoned actresses like to make safe and classic jewelry choices that won’t hit the dreaded Worst Dressed List. With the industry’s appreciation of young Hollywood talent, we are now beginning to see more playful and daring fashion jewelry choices that keep us on our toes. Like a breath of fresh air, young Hollywood actresses are really starting to show us how fashion jewelry should be done!

We were delighted with Twilight star, Kristen Stewart’s fabulous appearance at the 2010 Oscar Awards. Her elegant Monique Lhuillier black silk organza gown was beautifully accentuated in her surprisingly mature jewelry choice. Instead of overpowering it with over-the-top earrings or necklaces, like so many established actresses tend to do, she alternatively chose to pair it with a simple, yet stunning diamond bangle. This no-fuss nude-like appearance just goes to show that these young women are certainly capable of making tasteful and elegant jewelry choices.

Miley Cyrus, the fresh-faced singer superstar, certainly captures the epitome of teen spirit in her daring jewelry choices. She oozes personality and originality when it comes to jewelry accessories, going for multi-layered extra long necklace chains and stacked bangles that give off that ‘rock-chick’ flair. She is not afraid to breezily mix real diamond stunners with faux gems, like adorning a luxurious H. Stern black diamond ring together with multiple plastic bangles, as she did in her Hanna Montana premier. Speaking of Hanna Montana, we could also learn a thing or two from Miley Cyrus’s famous alter-ego, who is always seen with multicolored bangle bracelets and cute heart shaped pendants that create a splash of color and vividness.

Another young actress who is super styled and fashionable is the lovely Vanessa Hudgens. She is always spotted wearing incredibly trendy outfits accessorized with original jewelry pieces, whether she’s at a red carpet event or just out and about. She makes elegant, yet daring jewelry choices by mixing classic items together that would normally be worn apart. Take for example her 2009 MTV Awards appearance where she was seen wearing a stunning oversized H. Stern gold Buddhist love knot necklace together with a dramatic Melinda Maria round gold pendant, complete with a stack of gold bangles on her wrist. But don’t let her wild mix and match jewelry tactics fool you – Vanessa Hudgens knows how to take it down a notch and still look super trendy, just as she did that same year when she wore a stunning pair of dangle white gemstone earrings together with an oversized ring to match, looking marvelously elegant and chic.

It seems like young Hollywood actresses, likes of Kristen Stewart, Miley Syrus, and Vanessa Hudgens are becoming a fashion force to be reckoned with. Hollywood has seen enough of tamed risk-less jewelry accessorizing and is now beginning to appreciate the surprisingly fresh and daring jewelry attitude of these young fashionistas.

Diamond Wedding Cake

Now this really takes the cake! Delicious Cakes and Dallas Gold and Silver Exchange collaborated in making the world’s most expensive wedding cake, a 1,200 carat, $1 million diamond wedding cake to be exact. Owner of Delicious Cakes, Butch Stivers, was quoted as saying: “We wanted to do something different this year… we do the Dallas Bridal Show so many years…” He explained that the economy, being as bad as it currently is, prompted them to make something a little more special, and a little more glamorous “…we wanted to do something that the new brides-to-be could see and dream about and get their minds off everything else that’s going on.”

This stunning and expensive confection is an impressive nine tiers, and is decorated with sparkling silvery icing, glittering diamonds and intense blue sapphires. The precious gemstones were carefully arranged on the cake’s sides, in twisting, climbing vine and scroll patterns, which resemble intricately worked diamond jewelry.

This glamorous diamond wedding cake was made to star in the annual Dallas Bridal Show. While on display, the expensive cake was placed under a heavily armed guard, which made sure that the onlookers look but not touch. And yes! In case you were wondering, the wedding cake is for sale! The diamond cake’s price is a whopping $1.3 million. The cake was designed to be edible (after you remove the diamond and precious gemstone embellishments of course). Apparently, this fabulous dessert weighs approximately a hindered and sixty pounds, serves over 300 people, which comes to more than $3,000 for a single slice of cake!

The diamond wedding cake is just the latest in a long line of diamond encrusted, over-the-top bridal accessories. The diamond and precious gemstone encrusted confection is joined by the 150 carat, diamond wedding dress, which was fashioned by world-renowned jeweler Martin Katz along with designer Renee Strauss. The dress comes equipped with a delicate lace veil, set with sparkly rhinestones which match the gorgeous, creamy satin, diamond adorned dress. This amazing dress was valued at an astounding $ 12 million, which makes it the world’s most expensive wedding dress. The dress has yet to be sold.

Obviously, these pricy articles were not meant for the everyday consumer, or for a bride on a budget. They were designed as novelty, fantasy items, spectacular yet unattainable. Diamond bridal tiaras, diamond brooches, earrings, necklaces and bracelets are a little more feasible, and definitely more affordable, as bridal accessories. Nowadays, a bride doesn’t have to have an overblown budget in order to afford a little bling on her wedding day. Diamond bridal jewelry can now be rented out for the special occasion. A bride need only put down a deposit, which is just a slight percentage of the diamond encrusted item’s actual retail price, and she’ll get the diamond jewelry of her dreams. And don’t worry, the rented pieces are insured against possible loss, theft or damage. So, you can look like the royalty that you are on your wedding day without having to pay impossible prices.