Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to turn your attention to that all-important gift. You know, the one that shows your mother just how much you appreciate her. A personalized gift is perfect for a new mom, veteran mom or a grandmother. These pieces are spot on trend but they are also timeless.

Would the mom you know like to wear a piece of jewelry worn by Gwyneth Paltrow or Michelle Williams? Luna & Stella is a great place to go for your hip and completely customizable gift. Contemporary pieces feature star and heart charms or adorable angel wings, add the children’s birthstones and your keepsake is complete. These pieces are sweet, subtly sentimental and very affordable.

If you’d like to tailor something totally to her taste, then Heather B. Moore has the range for you. This award winning artist and jewelry designer helps you tell your story through the jewelry. Choose from a diverse collection of charms and ID tags that can be personalized with any text you wish. Add significant dates, times or names and put together a selection that is as unique as your mom.

Alternatively, you could personalize her present with an initial pendant that is ready to ship. David Aubrey has created a colorful collection of beaded clusters monogram necklace that are colorful and fun to wear. They feature semi precious stones, beads and a single gold-plated initial, suspended from a delicate chain.

Whatever jewelry you choose, you can be certain that it will make your mother’s day.

The Jewelry of Suzanne Belperron

Parisian jewelry designer, Suzanne Belperron became an iconic figure in the male dominated jewelry industry of the early twentieth century. She is thought to be the first women to be known as a Master Jeweler. Belperron became an incredibly influential designer; being the first to mix precious and semi precious components in her pieces.

Born in 1900, Belperron studied at Ecole des Beaux Arts and began her career at the tender age of twenty-one at the Maison Boivin, working as a draughtswoman. She became tired of the restraints of Art Deco, with its geometric forms and rigid lines, and began to experiment with carved stones and organic shapes. Bernard Herz recognized her talent and enticed her to his company in 1932 by offering her complete artistic freedom. Whilst at B. Hertz, she began to draw her inspiration from exotic cultures and nature, producing curvaceous forms and gem set fruit and floral motifs. It wasn’t long before she attracted a sophisticated clientele. Amongst her fans were Diana Vreeland, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and the Duchess of Windsor. When Elsa Schiapparelli appeared in Vogue magazine wearing jewelry by Belperron, it was confirmation of her creative and commercial success. Suzanne Belperron died in 1983.

Belperron never signed her jewels. When asked why she replied, “My style is my signature.” She also never opened a boutique, relying on word of mouth of her prestigious clients, whom she received by appointment. On May 14^th her private collection of jewelry will come up for auction at Sotheby’s, Geneva. An official illustrated biography of Belperron is also set to be published this year.

Charriol, Nordstrom and Paramount Team Up for a Titanic Giveaway

Charriol® USA, renowned for their stainless steel nautical cable jewelry, has partnered with Paramount Pictures and Nordstrom for a chance to win a private hometown screening of TITANIC in 3D! This is not your ordinary giveaway!

“We are very excited to be a part of this historic release of TITANIC in 3D,” says Charriol® USA Vice President Ori Zemer. “We always strive to give the Charriol® USA fans an opportunity to experience our motto, ‘The Art of Living the Difference’. By offering this exclusive gift with purchase and opportunity drawing, our fans will have the possibility to experience both the brand Charriol® USA and the film like never before.”

Opening in theaters on April 4, 2012, the re-release of TITANIC also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic setting sail on April 10, 1912. James Cameron, will bring TITANIC to life as audiences have never seen it before, digitally re-mastered and harnessing the innovative technology of StereoD.

Hurry! To commemorate the release of the film, Charriol® USA will offer an exciting gift with purchase opportunity exclusively at Nordstrom only during the month of March, 2012. With any Charriol® USA purchase made in March, 2012, via Nordstrom, customers will receive two free tickets to TITANIC in 3D. Additionally, Charriol® USA and Paramount Pictures will offer an opportunity drawing at 40 Nordstrom locations, in which the grand prize will have one winner experience TITANIC and the Charriol® USA luxury jewelry brandlike never before. 

That’s Pinterest (ing)

In case you’re not yet in the know, there is a new craze sweeping the Internet called Pinterest. In their own words, Pinterest “lets you organize all the beautiful things you find on the web.” Each account consists of a set of virtual pin boards, arranged into categories of your choice, onto which you paste images. These boards can be accessed by anyone interested, and similarly you are able to browse those created by others. Hours can happily slide by as you pin your perfect décor, create details of an event or browse the boards of those that share your interests.

Designers were among the first to find a use for this new phenomenon and jewelry designers were no exception. What better way to convey the inspiration behind their collections, display their mood boards and throw in a little self promotion along the way, although this is openly discouraged. We follow the pins of designers Ruth Bridges and K0kkino. It’s like looking inside the design studios with the hopes to glean a little more behind what moves them.

We also love checking out the pin boards of our favorite stylists. We love the blog posts by Dree Harper of Create That Style, and checking out her pins feels like being in the editing room. Her jewelry pins are also very unique and unusual.

Shreve, Crump and Low is a must follow for jewelry lovers. Their pins range from the educational, to the go to pins for gift inspirations and who’s who in Boston! Jewelry in Art is also a favorite board, very clever!

Go on, give it a go…you know you want to, and while you are there check out www.pinterest.com/aprilmmiami

Discover A Vintage Clothing Paradise: C. Madeleine’s

Minutes away from the world’s most beautiful beaches, tucked away in North Miami Beach, exists one of the fashion wonders of the world. C. Madeleine’s is home to the largest collections of vintage clothing, 10,000 square feet to be exact and not an inch of space is wasted. Once called Miami’s best kept secret by Vogue magazine, C. Madeleine’s now has a website taking this vintage treasure chest global.

 

Madeleine Kirsh’s original, smaller store was opened in 1998. The store was an instant success because of Madeleine’s vast knowledge of fashion and love of the unusual. Madeleine’s following has remained loyal; as she has remained committed to the quality and condition of the pieces she sells. The store is artfully arranged by decade each with its own accessory and jewelry sections. In addition, there is a fur salon, haute couture and a number of small, delightful vignettes. There is a definite “deer in the headlights of fashion” moment every time you walk in the front door.

 

The C. Madeleine’s website has the same layout as the store. It is gorgeous, crisp and user friendly. Each piece has several photographs, a well-written description and measurements. For the vintage fanatic, psychologically, maintaining focus on the website might be easier than visiting the store. The shop by designer, Chanel boutique and several other functions allow for ease in finding just what you are looking for, and individually each piece is stunning. That said, the sheer volume of beautiful things all in the same location with knowledgeable and super friendly staff to help you navigate the decades is not to be missed! The next time you are in Miami clear your schedule for a visit to C. Madeleine’s.

 

Pictures (hastily taken while shopping) of my visit to C. Madeleine’s can be seen at www.facebook.com/jewelrybrief

 

 

 

Why You Should (still) Know How to Read A GIA Certificate

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! If you are planning to make a diamond purchase you will need to have an idea of what is important to you about your diamond. And you should have a budget. If you are lucky, the two will meet. Chances are that your jeweler will show you diamonds with Gemological Institute of America Diamond Grading Reports or Certificates. In the 1940s and 50s GIA developed its international Diamond Grading System. Today, this grading system is the industry standard for diamond commerce; and GIA has laboratories around the world that issue certificates by highly trained gemologists. A stone certified by the GIA should put you at ease when purchasing and aid if you ever want to sell or trade-in your diamond. The report will contain the four Cs of the diamond.

Carat weight is metric carats, 1.00ct equals .20grams.

Color begins with D and ends with Z, before “fancy” color grades begin. D is the grade given to a diamond that is colorless. Most diamonds set in jewelry fall in the nearly-colorless range (G-H-I and J). J is probably where the untrained eye will begin to see hints of yellow or brown in the diamond.

Clarity has six possible grades, four of them having further sub-divisions, which refer to the size, location and number of internal inclusions or external blemishes as seen by 10x magnification. Clarity should be thought of as a diamond’s fingerprint: internal inclusions help separate natural from lab created diamonds and can be used to identify the stone itself. The grades begin with Flawless (FL) for a diamond with no internal inclusions or external blemishes, next is Internally Flawless (IF). While many dream of owning a flawless diamond these stone are very rare. Continuing down the scale the grades are Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1-2), Very Slightly Included (VS1-2), Slightly Included (SI1-2) and Included (I1-2-3).

Cut, which describes the face up shape and style of facets the diamond has, is also shown in depth and table (the largest facet at the top of the stone) percentages for the stone. For round brilliant cut diamonds an actual Cut Grade is given. This is important to you as the consumer because this relates to the amount of light that a diamond returns to you: fire and scintillation (sparkle). You should judge diamonds in person; I urge you to compare diamonds and not just read reports. Your diamond should speak to you!

This subject is too vast for one brief! I encourage you to look at a report and send The Jewelry Brief any questions. Let us know if you are interested in learning in-depth about any of these subjects. Since the original publication date of this post in August of 2009, GIA has developed  4Cs applications for the iPad. The consumer version is available on iTunes.

Jewelry Gift Giving: Ideas for Everyone on Your List

When it comes to buying a gift for that special someone, make certain jewelry is number one on your list. You will surprise and delight her, and your generosity will bring enjoyment for years to come.

For a creative friend, a voucher for a jewelry-making workshop could herald the beginning of an enjoyable new hobby. Places like The Bead Boutique in Miami are popping up all over the country. Add a personal touch by choosing a selection of beads and findings that your friend might use to make her first pieces. They may even be so thrilled that you will receive a jewel of thanks!

For a gal with a penchant for a greener planet, an eco-friendly gift will undoubtedly be appreciated. Not only does buying an estate piece reduce further depletion of the earth’s resources, but it’s spot on trend. Hurry! There are several auction houses having sales this week including Heritage Auctions, Skinner and Sotheby’s. Christies will be offering Elizabeth Taylor’s Collection next week. Hours of fun can also be had trawling antique stores and market stalls for the perfect present. If you’re pressed for time there are now many jewelry designers who incorporate recycled pieces into their designs. We love the necklaces of Elva Fields, who incorporates a “found” object into each of her masterpieces.

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a diamond. It is most romantic of gemstones and an absolute luxury. A timeless classic such as solitaire stud earrings will captivate the most discerning amongst us. The holidays are also a perfect time for proposals, so if you’re ready, a trip to Tiffany & Co. may make all the difference. There isn’t a woman alive who could honestly say that the sight of a little blue box beneath the tree wouldn’t make them weak at the knees.

 

New Talent Alert: V Nunes Hand Crafted Jewelry

Brazilian jewelry designer, Veronica Nunes, has a passion for designing and crafting beautiful jewelry. Trained as a product designer, her focus is on creating jewelry that is attractive and ergonomically designed to enhance the body. Her jewelry company, V Nunes, was launched in December of 2010 with a line inspired by the natural elements of her hometown of Rio de Janeiro. Veronica is now introducing her second collection, which was influenced by the man-made elements of her adopted city, New York.

 

Architexture is stunning, modern and easy to wear. Subtle, yet recognizable details from the New York skyline run throughout Veronica’s pieces. Bricks, arches and other architectural elements are the collection’s theme. I particularly love the bold, chunky design of the “Build” ring. Each piece is hand crafted and the step-by-step photos of the process posted to V Nunes’ Facebook page give a unique look into the jeweler’s studio. Each piece is sold in eco-friendly packaging.

Jewelers Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Begun 25 years ago, this initiative was designed to not only promotes awareness, but to educate and empower women about early detection and treatment options. Breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the US. Fundraising efforts by various organizations are held this month to help off-set costs for underserved women and support research. Many jewelers have joined in the crusade against breast cancer by pledging a portion of their profits this month to this effort, some have even designed pieces. Most of the jewelry is pink to honor the efforts of Evelyn Lauder, who established the pink ribbon as the symbol for breast cancer in 1993.

 

We welcome any jewelers or designers that have created pieces or promotions in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to post pictures on our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/jewelrybrief

Our examples are from Elva Fields, Emma Stine and Taylor Kenney Jewelry.

DeLatori Jewelers Launches Lockets For A Cause

Instead of just holding a cause near to your heart, why not wear it? DeLatori jewelers has created “Lockets for a Cause” with that thought in mind. The beautiful lockets are made in their signature filigree style, but include the modern trend of a charity ribbon safely inside next to a spot for your special photo. What could be more sentimental?

“Lockets for a Cause” is the result of a collaboration between DeLatori founders Ori Zemer, Tal Zemer and Marilyn Harrell whose motto is “Beauty Transcending Time”. The lockets are detailed 18-karat gold-plated over sterling silver, featuring a colored enamel ribbon on the interior. A portion of all proceeds will benefit causes including breast cancer awareness, heart disease research and supporting our troops.

DeLatori will also work closely with individual retailers to tie-in local charities and events to the collection. We love that!

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