March 28, 2011

Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry Collection is the Latest to Appear on the Auction Block

Filed under: Academy Awards, Celebrity Fashion, Diamond Jewelry — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 2:58 pm

Actress Elizabeth Taylor was known for many things; her successful acting career, her many high profile marriages, her philanthropic work especially relating to AIDS and of course, her larger than life jewelry collection.  Upon her passing last week, there has been much speculation as to what would become of the iconic pieces and today it seems that the glamorous collection will soon be seen on the auction block at Christie’s.  The collection, which has been estimated at $150 million, showcases Taylor’s long penchant for colored stones and of course her love of diamonds.  With her own jewelry line, which was aptly titled House of Taylor, the actress was able to create many pieces that showcased her love for all things sparkly.  Some of the staple pieces that stood out in her own collection were the 69-carat pear shaped diamond necklace, which quickly became named the Taylor Burton diamond, the 33-carat Krupp Asscher-cut diamond ring and the diamond tiara that she fashionably wore to the Academy Awards.

Taylor’s wasn’t the only famous actress with a high profile jewelry collection.  Screen legend, Gloria Swanson, who was known as the highest paid actress in Hollywood during the 1920s, is having her infamous 5.1 carat diamond ring auctioned off at the Christie’s Paris May 23rd auction.  It was often speculated that Swanson’s annual jewelry budget ranged upwards of $500,000.  Before Swanson’s famous diamond ring takes center stage, Christie’s New York is having their annual Magnificent Jewels auction on April 12th that will feature some remarkable, one-of-a-kind pieces.  One such item is the 10 carat cushion-cut purple pink diamond ring, which is estimated to sell between $12 – $15 million, that is set in 18-karat rose gold and platinum and is flanked by two cushion-cut diamonds.  Also featured is a vintage Cartier diamond and onyx bracelet that represents the Art Deco era.  Since the trend of is “going green” has taken over the world of jewelry, the auction will also feature a suite of diamond and emerald Van Cleef & Arpels baubles, including a pair of diamond and emerald earrings, a diamond and emerald pendant brooch and a diamond and emerald necklace.

With such great auctions scheduled over the next few months, there is a great deal of fabulous jewels for sale.  Will you channel your inner Elizabeth Taylor or Gloria Swanson and partake in purchasing some great pieces for your collection?

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March 18, 2011

The Celebrity Stamp of Approval: Jewelers Using Star Power in Their Advertising

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 11:08 am

What better way to get a brand noticed than to showcase a celebrity in the advertising?!  Celebrity endorsements are nothing new to the world of marketing and advertising for both big and small brands.  Many feel that once a celebrity is seen marketing or endorsing a specific brand or product that crowds will automatically flock to the stores to buy whatever it is they are selling.  Celebrity endorsements have become so common that it makes it almost impossible to flip through any magazine without seeing a famous face in a brand’s advertising campaign.  Some celebrities can be seeing endorsing multiple brands as long as they don’t sell the same types of products or services.

Although the world of sports and fashion typically lead the pack when it comes to celebrity endorsements, the jewelry and watch industry has long had a history of using celebrities to sell their goods.  During awards season, there is often a great controversy as to some jewelry brands even paying celebrities to be seen wearing their jewels on the red carpet.  However, most brands go the more traditional route and feature the celebrities in their advertising campaigns.  David Yurman has often been at the forefront of celebrity endorsements as they continuously feature similar looking celebrities, such as Kate Moss, Amber Valletta and Naomi Watts dripping in the brand’s earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces in their advertisements.

Since the start of 2011 we have seen several brands jumping on the band wagon of using famous faces in their campaigns.  The popular Danish model, Freja Beha Erichsen is featured in two 2011 jewelry campaigns for both Georg Jensen and Harry Winston.  In both campaigns, Erichsen is featured decked out the in the glamorous earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets of the famous brands.  Kirsten Dunst has recently been named the new face of the Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir perfume.  Although the ads are promoting the perfume, Bvlgari was smart to have Dunst wearing little else except the fragrance and some of their popular jewelry pieces, such as the B.Zero rings, as well as other bold and dramatic necklaces and rings.  After the success of their collaboration with shoe designer, Manolo Blahnik, the jewelry brand TOUS, named new American Idol Judge as the brand’s 2011 spokesperson.  Tous is famous for creating gorgeous bracelets, earrings and necklaces that showcase unique charm pendants.  Mad Men bombshell, Christina Hendricks, was named the new face for the new jewelry line from Vivienne Westwood for Palladium called “Get a Life.”  The collection features both couture and retail necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are all set within the white precious metal.  No matter what the product, there is usually a celebrity out there endorsing it.

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March 3, 2011

William and Kate: The Official Royal Wedding Website

Filed under: Celebrity Engagement Rings, Celebrity Fashion, Diamond Engagement Rings — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 12:28 pm

Courtesy of REUTERS/Copyright 2010 Mario Testino

When Prince William stood with his bride to be, Kate Middelton, and announced their engagement, the world went aflutter.  William revealed that he proposed with his mother’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring and immediately jewelers all over the world were asked to make replicas.  All eyes became fixated on England wondering when the Royal Wedding was going to take place.  Speculation started swirling about who the ever fashionable Kate would be seen wearing on such a special day.  Since the couple is young and very much interested in updating the look and feel of the monarchy, it was no surprise that they like most couples have released their own Royal Wedding Website.

Unlike most couple’s wedding websites where the primary focus is on specific details for guests attending the wedding and reception, William and Kate are welcoming the whole world to participate in their special day.  The ceremony will take place on the morning of Friday April 29, 2011 at the famous, Westminster Abbey.  The Royal Procession will transport the couple to the reception held by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.  The couple have announced their Bridal Party, which is totaling eight including Prince William’s godchildren.  With the Royal invitations stating that the attire for the gentleman attending the wedding as “uniforms, morning coats or lounge suits,” and that women are required to wear the traditional accessory, the hat, it’s promising to be one of the most fashionable events of the year.

With questions still looming about who will design Kate’s wedding dress, what the wedding bands will look like and what the bridal party will be seen wearing, the Royal Wedding Website is definitely the place to find out all of the information firsthand.  Let the countdown to the Royal Wedding begin!

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February 14, 2011

The Grammy’s – Over the Top Performances AND Fashions!

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 1:02 pm

Courtesy of Jeffrey R Staab/Landov/PA

With award season in full swing, the Grammy’s played host to music’s elite last night bringing the artists out in droves.  Unlike most award shows, the Grammy’s attract the most attention for the on stage performances and individual styles that are seen on the red carpet.  This year definitely didn’t disappoint.  Always pushing the boundary with her fashion and entertainment, Lady Gaga certainly out did herself by arriving to the ceremony nestled within an egg, which was designed by Hussein Chalayan, and carried by a group of Romanesque men.

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With Lady Gaga leading the charge, many other artists followed suit and were seen in daring outfits that had them marching to their own beat of the drum.  Ever the fashionista, Rihanna walked the Red Carpet in a Jean Paul Gaultier Runway Haute Couture off the shoulder mermaid gown that showcased alternating white ruffles with sheer panels.  With her bright red hair already working as an accessory, the singer paired her frock with a Wilfredo Rosado cameo ring.  Not to be outdone by her bestie, Katy Perry showed up looking like an angel with a custom Giorgio Armani gown with Swarovski crystal bodice and silk organza train.  The look was finished by the pair of light up feather wings that gave the outfit that extra shimmer.  Taking a page from Bjork’s Swan Dress from the Oscars a few years ago, Florence and the Machine frontwoman chose a Givenchy Haute Couture gown with sheer winged sleeves and a bold red winged design on the back to match her stunning red hair.  Perfectly finishing her look were the Lorraine cocktail rings.  The ever stunning Ciara also pushed the envelope with her revealing Emilio Pucci cut-out gown, which she paired with a gorgeous set of Lorraine Schwartz white jade and diamond drop earrings and Ofira white agate ring.  The singer also combined a decadent blend of Ofira and Lorraine Schwartz diamond and white agate bracelets that completed the look.

Courtesy of http://justjared.buzznet.com

One of the most popular trends that we saw on the Grammy’s Red Carpet last night were metallics.  New American Idol judge, Jennifer Lopez made sure she took center stage in the spotlight with her barely there silver Emilio Pucci minidress.  Adding to the sparkle of look were the Cartier diamond drop earrings and Cartier onyx spot ring.  Although she didn’t win for Best Female Vocal Performance, Leann Rimes lit up the ceremony with her gold Reem Acra gown that featured asymmetrical shoulders.  Adding added flair to her already glittering outfit, Rimes paired her look with a pair of Ippolita drop earrings, gold bangle bracelets, a Lucifer Vir Honestus ring and of course her engagement ring.  Disney tween queen, Selena Gomez, left a wizardly spell on everyone with her golden J. Mendel gown.  Adding to her grown-up look were the Lorraine Schwartz champagne and white diamond drop earrings and her pair of Lorraine Schwartz diamond bangle bracelets.  The soon to be Mrs. Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert chose a metallic gunmetal Edition by Georges Chakra gown, which seemed to be good luck for the country singer who took home the award for the Best Female Vocal Performance.  The singer paired her one shoulder dress with a dramatic set of drop earrings and her engagement ring.  When it comes to award shows, is it best to stand out from the crowd or play it safe?  I guess we’ll find out in a few weeks with this year’s Oscars!

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February 7, 2011

The Super Bowl: Not Just About the Football Game

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 12:44 pm

Courtesy of Nelson Chenault, US Presswire

Almost every TV in America last night was tuned into watch the Green Bay Packers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV, which took place at Cowboy Stadium in Dallas, TX.  For most men, the Super Bowl serves as their annual “Oscars,” party, with a great deal of attention paid to where the big game will be watched, what jerseys or team fashion will be worn, and most importantly what food and drink will be served.  As many women obligatorily watch the game to offer support to their husbands and boyfriends as they cheer on their favorite teams to victory, last night had a great deal to offer the opposite sex as well.

Before the start of the game, Glee starlette, Lea Michele, sang a moving version of the song, “America the Beautiful.”  Michele looked amazing with a pair of camel pants and winter white wool coat and nailed every aspect of the song.  What caught my attention most during the performance though, was the Michele was seen wearing a diamond band on her left hand.  Could this be a precursor to an engagement ring?  Or did she not want to overshadow such a beautiful song, by dripping head to toe in diamond earrings, necklaces and bracelets?  Following Michele’s performance was the traditional singing of the National Anthem.  Pop sensation, Christina Aguilera was brought in to belt out the often difficult tune.  Although she was able to hit all of the required high notes, Aguilera actually messed up the lyrics to the song by mixing two of the verses together.  I felt awful that she botched the song, but at least she chose a basic black suit outfit and simple bracelet and ring to pair with the outfit.

Courtesy of Getty Images

One of the biggest attractions of the Super Bowl is always the Halftime Show.  With huge-name acts, such as Bruce Springsteen, The Who and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers over the past few years, it was kind of a shock when the Black Eyed Peas were announced for this year’s festivities.  Although the audio was subpar, the over-the-top costumes and choreographed extras, saved the performance.  The always glamorous Fergie looked stunning in a short dress with sparkly shoulder pads but what made the outfit was the stack of bangle diamond bracelets and wide diamond band ring that helped enhance the luminescence of her outfit.  Because it is one of the “biggest” sporting events of the year, the Super Bowl continually attracts a plethora of celebrities.  This year didn’t disappoint with shots of Michael Douglas and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Aniston, Hugh Jackman, Ashton Kutcher and cute couple, Alex Rodriguez and Cameron Diaz, teasing the at-home audience.  With the traditionally entertaining Super Bowl commercials added into the mix, Super Bowl 2011 was a well rounded entertaining event with close scoring game, which helped the Packers clench their Super Bowl diamond rings.

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January 31, 2011

The SAG Awards – Red Carpet Stunners

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 12:40 pm

Courtesy of Getty Images

The third major award show of the season took place last night, bringing out celebrities in droves to honor the incredible bodies of work nominated this year at the Screen Actor’s Guild Awards.  The SAG Awards celebrate the actors and their body of work, as voted by the actors and their industry peers.  Similar to the Golden Globes, the SAG Awards showcase a relaxed and fun atmosphere, with the casts of the nominated films and TV shows sitting together and exuding feeling of pure enjoyment while having a great time during the broadcast.  This year’s SAG Awards showcased head turning fashions that focused on bright and bold colors and fashions.

One of my favorite looks of the evening went to Black Swan Supporting Actress, Mila Kunis, who wore a vibrant Alexander McQueen red patterned gown.  Kunis released her inner tigress by pairing her gorgeous frock with a Cartier Tiger Cuff Bracelet.  Claire Danes, who won for Best Actress in a TV Movie or Miniseries, wore a Louis Vuitton gown that featured hand stitched silk floral appliqués.  Danes paired her flowery gown with a pair of Fred Leighton 11-carat diamond drop earrings and an antique Fred Leighton bracelet.  The always stunning, Kim Kardashian didn’t disappoint when she showed up wearing a jewel encrusted purple Marchesa gown.  The entrepreneur and reality star paired her regal look with a jaw dropping pair of 40-carat platinum and diamond drop Lorraine Schwartz earrings and Lorraine Schwartz platinum, ruby, white and grey diamond cocktail ring.

Although many of the red carpet looks focused on daring colors and designs, the ever popular color black was also seen on many celebrities.  Nicole Kidman, who was a Best Actress Nominee, wore a black lace Nina Ricci gown but was able to add a burst of color with her Fred Leighton diamond and enamel floral necklace.  The ever-stunning Mad Men star, Christina Hendricks, chose a black sequined L’Wren Scott wrap dress and finished her look with a dramatic pair of Sutra drop earrings.  Although she has become known for pushing the boundaries of fashion when it comes to award shows, Kyra Sedgwick played it safe with a form fitting Thierry Mugler gown and pair of Cartier 3.5-carat diamond drop earrings.  With the Grammys and Oscars just weeks away, we cannot wait to see what the stars will be seen wearing next!

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January 24, 2011

Manolo Blahnik and Jewelry – What Else Could a Girl Want?

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion, Diamond Jewelry — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 5:09 pm

Image Courtesy of fashionandstylenow.com

There are very few things that a girl can live without.  Jewelry and shoes are definitely at the top of that list.  When looking to update her wardrobe, a great pair of shoes or a pair of diamond stud earrings is great to help her spruce things up.  With the launch of Manolo Blahnik’s new jewelry line in March, every budding fashionista’s prayers have been answered.

Manolo Blahnik sky rocketed to fame as one of the leading shoe designers throughout the world.  With the help of Carrie Bradshaw and her “Sex and the City” girlfriends, demand for his shoes soared through the roof.  His most famous pair of shoes is the Campari style done in the Mary Jane design.  The shoe designer decided to launch his jewelry collection, upon meeting Rosa Tous in Madrid last year.  Tous is famous for creating gorgeous bracelets, earrings and necklaces that showcase unique charm pendants.

The pair has created a charm pendant necklace, which will feature the trademark Campari style shoe accented with a diamond button and hanging from a gold chain.  This collaboration showcases a great blend of classic style merging with trendsetting designs.  Now every girl can own her very own Manolo Blahnik shoe…she will be wearing it as a fashion forward pendant necklace!

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January 17, 2011

Kick Off to Award Season – Show us the Bling!

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 5:03 pm

Courtesy of justjared.buzznet.com

This weekend played host to two of the first awards shows of 2011 – The Critic’s Choice Awards and the Golden Globes.  The Critic’s Choice Awards celebrate the actors and their body of work, as voted by the industries critics.  I have to say, there is no greater award show than the Golden Globes.  The atmosphere is fun with all of the celebrities sitting and drinking within a more relaxed and laid back setting.  In addition, the Golden Globes also give the audience a look at the celebrities and all of their fabulous fashions.  This year’s Golden Globes definitely delivered with a melting pot of over the top designs that have set the trends for 2011.  This year’s trends seem to be focused all on glamour.

With every award show, you can always be guaranteed to see the color black, as it conveys a dramatic and sophisticated feel.  Black was seen as a favorite on many of the stars that worked the red carpet for this year’s Golden Globes.  Halle Berry chose a dramatic corseted Nina Ricci mini dress with sheer overlay to show off her amazing figure.  Berry paired her simple yet stunning dress with a stack of Harry Winston bracelets, which represented both lattice and floral designs on each arm.  Eva Longoria was another celebrity who went the route of black for the awards, wearing a dramatically plunging Zac Posen dress with cut-out back.  Paired with her dramatic dress was a pair of Neil Lane brooches and Neil Lane diamond stud earrings.  The soon to be on the market star was definitely looking to make a statement.

Courtesy of justjared.buzznet.com

One of the other big trends from the red carpet was seen with the color green.  The bold color was chosen by a few stars, who were definitely able to make others green with envy.  Ever the trend-setter, Angelina Jolie chose a long sleeved Atelier Versace gown for the show.  Although the dress sparkled from head to toe, Jolie paired the dress with a dramatic pair of Robert Procop emerald earrings and a Robert Procop cocktail ring.  Although she was there to support her nominee husband, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones stood out with her forest green Monique Lhuillier ballgown.  Paired with her gorgeous dress, was a striking pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Eliza diamond chandelier earrings, which weigh an impressive total of 26.8 carats and a Van Cleef & Arpels 7.2 carat diamond ring.  With so many celebrities looking gorgeous and exuding their individual styles this award season, it’s hard not to get excited about what’s to come!

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January 10, 2011

Snooki Launches a Jewelry Line – Fist Pumping All the Way to the Bank

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 4:12 pm

Courtesy of Examiner.com

With a heightened fascination of all things associated with reality TV, a new batch of celebrities is growing every day.  Gone are the days of people signing up for a reality TV show because the concept seems fun or it will serve as a break from their day to day lives.  Most people who are signing up for a reality TV show have the sole intention of becoming an overnight sensation and using their new found fame for pushing their personal agendas.  Nobody has capitalized on using stardom to promote their own businesses more than the women of the Bravo TV “Real Housewives” franchise.  Jewelry plays a large role on these shows, as all of the women try to outspend and out sparkle the other; creating their own jewelry line has become even bigger business.

Ramona Singer of the “Real Housewives of New York” was one of the first women to launch her own businesses and promote them on the show.  Singer has two jewelry collections; the True Faith Collection features a series of religious pendants, rosaries, patron saint medals and chain necklaces.  Her HSN Ramona Singer Jewelry collection features rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets that are inspired for her love of the Art Deco style and Estate Jewelry.  Singer’s pieces are affordable and accessible so that every woman can wear a timeless piece of Estate Jewelry and feel like a NY Housewife.  We can’t wait to see what business venture Ramona will tackle next when the show premiers in February.

Also looking to capitalize on her five minutes of fame as much as possible is the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star, Danielle Staub.  After trying to launch a career in the music industry, it seems that Staub has gone the way of jewelry designer as well.  Staub has announced that she is partnering with the NYC based jewelry house of Versani as the primary collaborator on her line.  Her collection is based on “cross inspired” pieces, as they carry both religious and personal meanings to everyone.  The necklaces and bracelets will be featured on leather or rope, which will diversify the pieces from other jewelry lines out there.  Staub hopes to eventually expand her collection to include rings but has no plans of including earrings in the line.

And then there is the MTV cultural phenomenon known as, “Jersey Shore.”  The season three premiere aired last Thursday night in conjunction with most of the cast mates publicly promoting their side projects as well.  Not to be outdone by any of her fist pumping roommates, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi has started promoting herself and the pint sized empire that she is busy creating.  Her book entitled “A Shore Thing,” has recently hit bookshelves causing many guidos and guidettes to line up for a copy and possible sighting of the starlette at a book signing.  Going the way of the Real Housewives franchise, Snooki has paired with the jewelry company, Diamond Shark, to create her own jewelry line.  The first piece of the collection is called the Party Ball 2011 Limited Edition Pendant, which is the same necklace that she wore when dropping with the ball on New Year’s Eve is Seaside Heights, NJ.  The circular pendant features 21 created pink sapphires with Snooki’s embossed signature logo on the back.  Not quite sure if the best way to ring in the New Year is with a piece of Jersey Shore Jewelry!

October 21, 2010

Drop-dead perfect earrings (and tips on how to wear them!)

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 5:16 pm

What better accessory for your favorite dress than a pair of beautiful  drop earrings?
This elegant look is currently a hit in Hollywood, where celebrities have  discovered them to be the perfect addition to any red carpet outfit.

Taylor Swift, 52nd Annual Grammy Awards

The versatility of this timeless silhouette makes them drop earrings perfect for your daytime escapades or nighttime soirees. Don’t be afraid to go bold with these lovely fashion accessories, but we do have a few simple suggestions on how to really get the most out of this style.

Here are a few handy tips to help you pick out the most flattering styles:
•    Chandelier earrings should never extend beyond your neck. When picking out earrings, they should be at least one inch above your shoulders.
•    If you have a longer, thin-shaped face, try earrings with wider bottoms. This helps frame your face while giving the appearance of added width.
•    If your face is fuller or round, long, slim earrings are your best bet. These will elongate your face for a dazzling, trimmer look.
•    Dangling earrings are appropriate for anytime of day, but save the shimmer for the nighttime. During the day, a shorter, bohemian look is always flattering.
•    Don’t overdue it! By pairing your dangling earrings with an especially showy necklace you take away from the look.
•    Chandelier earrings are often the bridal earrings of choice. They provide just enough dazzle to accent your outfit without taking away from the glamour of your dress.

So go ahead, treat yourself to a new pair of  diamond drop earrings. They’re flattering on women of all ages, shapes, and sizes—and with this handy little guide, you’re all set to find your perfect pair!

Dangling earrings are the perfect addition to your favorite outfit, combining class with a little flash and whole lot of lovely.

Here are some of Ritani’s favorite dangling earrings— the perfect addition to the perfect outfit.

Endless Love dangling earrings

Or try something with a bit more color—

18kt white gold diamond earrings

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