Archive for the ‘Celebrity’ Category

Oscar Diamond Divas: Red Carpet Jewelry Trends for 2010 and Beyond

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

The hype is over, the awards have been announced and the statues have been given out. Now the real race is on: The fight for best dressed on Oscar night begins as soon as the telecast ends. There was a little something for everyone this year-from rippling ruffles to perfect pintucks and from hot pink to glittering gold.

But sometimes the littlest details are the most interesting (and the most expensive!), so let’s take a closer look at the jewel trends that rocked this year’s red carpet.

Delicate Drop Earrings

In years past, massive chandelier earrings were pulling down earlobes all over the country. But 2010 is seeing a more refined-and less weighty-look in the form of small, simple diamond drops. Best Actress-winner Sandra Bullock perfectly illustrated this understated look: Wearing a sparkly metallic Marchesa gown with tons of detail meant toning down her jewels. She chose to wear her own Neil Lane diamond drops in order to show off the dress to its fullest.

Zoe Saldana, star of Avatar, also decided to go this route. Her heavily embellished Givenchy Haute Couture gown was all sparkle on top and all texture on the bottom. The addition of custom-made Lorraine Schwartz bronzed platinum diamond drops offset the look perfectly without making too much of a statement.

Want to get the red carpet look at a price that won’t break the bank? Instead of choosing multi-carat diamond drops, pick a small round shape covered with smaller points of diamonds. Feminine earrings like the Geneviéve or the Frédérique give subtle sparkle that will never go out of style.

Colored Diamonds

While classic white diamonds were all over the Oscar stage, many women broke the mold with elegant-and au courant-colored diamonds. Unlike choosing brightly colored gemstones, most colored diamonds remain within a refined, understated palette of browns, yellows and pinks.

Amanda Seyfried, gorgeous in Armani Privé, paired the bold gown with brown, champagne and mint diamond Geometric Bracelets and a brown diamond ball ring by Lorraine Schwartz. Rachel McAdams, resplendent in a Elie Saab watercolor-patterned strapless dress, matched the muted colors with natural multi-colored diamond earrings also by Lorraine Schwartz. Both of these young stars went with stones that complimented their ensembles-an easy way to finish a look.

One actress who took a different route was Mo’Nique. Radiant in royal blue Tadashi Shoji, the Best Supporting Actress winner accessorized with contrasting yellow diamond jewels from Chopard. Whether you choose to mix or match your diamond colors to your clothes, you can be sure to be noticed.

From the Vault Vintage

Fashion’s biggest night wouldn’t be complete without some jaw-dropping jewels from decades past. Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep and Sarah Jessica Parker all proved that looking back means looking good. Best Actress-nominee Mulligan went antique with spectacular 19th-Century Fred Leighton cascading diamond earrings and pear-shaped ring, while fashionista Parker’s Leighton pieces were totally retro: A 1950s swirl diamond bracelet was the standout.

Meryl Streep, usually one to wear bold gemstone jewels, went toned-down with classic Leighton square pavé diamond ear clips from the 1920s. Matched with her classic Chris March white column, she looked every bit the movie star. Want to get the look now? Try these Pavé diamond heart earrings for similar shimmer and just as much glam.

To shop an extensive selection of diamond jewelry, log on to www.jewelsboutique.com.

Top 10 Must-Haves this Holiday Season

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

barbara-walters-most-fascinating-people-lady-gaga-01Breaking news: Lady Gaga and Barbara Walters share a style secret!

Know what it is? One look at the accompanying picture will clue you in immediately: These two women share a real knack for bold accessories. This particular image is from the taping of Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009, and it shows the pop star and the reporter sporting larger-than-life bits and baubles. From Gaga’s huge brooch to Babs’ oversized necklace and belt, the look this season is definitely not demure.

Want to make an entrance at your upcoming seasonal soirees? Any one of these pieces will give you the best gift of all: a load of compliments.

1.  Quartz Bangle. Made from a single piece of smoky light brown quartz, this chunky arm candy is part fine jewelry, part funky. The geometric facets and bold scale guarantee that you’ll shimmer, whether under a disco ball or by candlelight.

2.  Diamond Heart Pendant. The process of micropavé-which sets small diamonds extremely close together to maximize sparkle-is perfect for casual cocktails or special occasions. Plus, the romantic sentiment sets the right tone for the New Year.

3.  Cluster Cognac Diamond Ring. Natural colored diamonds are hotter than ever, and a great way to get noticed among the sea of white ice. This cluster ring is a smart buy for another reason: by pairing several stones together, you get a lot of look for less than what a huge rock would set you back.

4.  Chartreuse Quartz Ring. No holiday season should be celebrated without a colorful cocktail ring. This version, in chartreuse quartz (a vibrant mixture of green and yellow) will not only make you feel like a million bucks, but will remind you that spring is on its way.

5.  Frédérique Earrings. You can either spend tons of time applying makeup, or you can opt for these dazzling diamond drops. The shimmer of 18-karat gold and a half-carat of white diamonds will have everyone looking right at your face.

6.  White Pavé Floret Necklace. It may look discreet, but this 48″ chain dotted with diamonds will look perfect with any ensemble, from jeans and a t-shirt to daring evening wear. Wear it long or double it up-either way, you’re dressed for a party.

7.  Infinity Cross Pendant. In some circumstances, it’s OK to covet! This gorgeous natural fancy colored diamond pendant is a real showstopper, whether worn in worship or simply in a statement of beauty.

8.  Pavé Bracelet. Every girl must have a little bit of rose gold in her jewelry box. This warm metal goes with all skin tones and the repeating motif of the bracelet looks great stacked or alone.

9.  Victorian Band. You don’t need to get married to get a little bit of sparkle this holiday season. Oprah wears a diamond infinity band on her pinky-why not take her cue and make this delicate ring a gift to yourself?

10.          Green Amethyst Ring. The Marquis cut is back and it’s better than ever! Although it had a dip in popularity, this elongated eye-shape is showing up all over again in designer jewels. Be ahead of the curve with this bold ring in a gorgeous shade of green.

Shop all these styles and much more at Jewels Boutique, www.JewelsBoutique.com.

What Does Your Engagement Ring Style Say About You?

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

While it may take little effort, getting dressed each morning tells those around us a little bit about our personal style. Whether you are a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl or someone who prefers skirts and stilettos, the pieces of our wardrobe add up to a statement of how we present ourselves to the world.

The little details can often be just as important. When choosing a piece of jewelry as important as engagement rings, it’s all about making sure that the stone and setting reflect something about you. (Forget about price tags for a minute, this is all about style!) Need more proof that these tiny treasures can say a lot about a woman? Let’s take a look back in history to see what some of the 20th Century’s most notable women wore on their left hand.

Never Ending Story: Marilyn Monroe

Known as the original ‘material girl’ after singing the classic “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”, Marilyn Monroe rarely ever came off as understated. That’s why you may be surprised to know that after she eloped with Joe DiMaggio, he presented her with a modest platinum eternity band set with thirty-six small baguette diamonds.

If you think more about Monroe’s complicated life, the ring in fact makes sense. A symbol of everlasting love, an eternity band is extremely romantic but not overwhelming. If you’re a sucker for sentiment and aren’t looking for the flash of a supersized solitaire, this might be the right choice for you. The clean lines of this contemporary band are simple and lovely.

elizabeth_taylorBig and Bold: Elizabeth Taylor

When you’re talking about a larger-than-life movie star that has been married to seven different men, it’s no surprise that Elizabeth Taylor owned some of the most spectacular diamonds in recent history. For her third (and ill-fated) marriage to Michael Todd, she was presented with a nearly 30-carat emerald-cut diamond in a simple setting.

If you love the limelight and always like to make an entrance, you might just be looking for a one-of-a-kind Couture creation that is sure to set tongues wagging. Even La Liz would be proud of this natural fancy yellow diamond engagement ring set in 18-karat yellow gold – a piece like this is definitely red carpet worthy.

jackie_kennedy1Mix-and-Match: Jackie Kennedy

Her keen eye for fashion and style has never been overlooked, so it’s no wonder the First Lady wore an unusual engagement ring when she became betrothed to John F. Kennedy. Made by Van Cleef & Arpels, the ring contained a 2.84 carat emerald and a 2.88 carat diamond, and was later modified to include round and marquise diamonds in an artistic and truly unique setting.

If you’re fashion-forward and don’t want to copy the crowd, go for a ring that incorporates different elements into one cohesive look. This floral setting uses a 3-D spiral motif that will stand out in any room, and this Three Stone Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring incorporates different cuts (round, pavé and half-moons) for a look that isn’t easily replicated.

Perfectly Classic: Queen Elizabeth

With her mighty collection of royal baubles, you might expect Queen Elizabeth’s engagement ring to be a rock of the ages. But, in fact, Her Royal Highness actually wears a ring that is both classic and beautiful. Created from a 3-carat diamond set in platinum with five smaller stones, the look is utterly timeless.

If you’re a bride-to-be who embraces the traditional, you can never go wrong with a solitaire surrounded by graduated side stones. This style is ultra feminine, delicate on the finger, and will never go out of style. This subtle 3 Stone Engagement Ring Mounting is a perfect example of design that endures.

Shop all these styles and much more at Jewels Boutique, www.JewelsBoutique.com.

Star style in 2009

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
By Catherine Dayrit

November 30, 2009
(National Jeweler Network)-Hollywood starlets have turned up the heat on single-shoulder gowns and baggy “boyfriend jeans,” but more importantly, they gave five key jewelry trends–bangles, cocktail rings, cuffs, hoop earrings and drop earrings–lots of free PR, all year long.

Bangles

When it comes to bangles, “the more the merrier,” says Helena Krodel of the Jewelry Information Center (JIC), citing rose-cut diamond versions, rose gold and hand-hammered gold incarnations as top styles.

Cocktail rings

Large cocktail rings remain red-carpet faves, and oversized ones can stand in for bracelets, says Duvall O’ Steen of the World Gold Council. Of-the-moment styles include floral motifs and avant-garde shapes, says the Diamond Information Center’s (DIC) Jamie Cadwell.

Cuffs

As with bangles, consumers shouldn’t be afraid to stack big, bold cuffs, says the JIC’s Krodel, adding that cuffs are one of the easiest red-carpet looks to emulate, with plenty of affordable versions on the market.

Hoops

“In terms of every day, hoop earrings are absolutely the number one earring trend,” says the JIC’s Krodel.

Drop earrings

“It’s such a classic look,” the DIC’s Cadwell says of the diamond drop earrings that have popped up on the red carpet. To get similar diamond looks for less, Cadwell advises consumers to seek out pave and rose-cut versions.

Source: National Jeweler Network

http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/celebrity-style-jewelry/e3i7a35e791d5c3a260a4414e48cf386572

Star Style: Inspired by Six Celebrity Engagement Rings

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Beautiful blond girl looking like a superstar posing and lots ofHoping to rock a rock in the near future? While celebrities’ rings may be a bit out of our price range, that doesn’t mean we can’t borrow a bit of their style. Though we don’t suggest copying anyone’s look diamond for diamond, we do think that there’s a ton of inspiration to be had from A-list engagement rings. Make these looks your own-budget be darned!-by adapting a bit of star style in your own life.

heidi-montagPretty in Purple: Heidi Montag. Let’s get down to business with a ring that is really off the beaten path. While you may not love Heidi’s paparazzi-desperate ways, her amethyst and diamond ring is a choice that stands out from the pack. Don’t be afraid to choose a semi-precious stone for your engagement ring (this Lavender Kunzite in 18-karat yellow gold comes to mind), but if you’re foregoing a diamond, make sure that it makes a real statement.

mariah1Three-Stone Stunner: Mariah Carey. While it was rumored that Mariah’s 17-carat square emerald-cut pink diamond flanked by two half-moon diamonds was recycled from Nick Cannon’s former fiancee (it’s not true), the ring is gorgeous either way. A lot of people love the sentiment of a three-stone ring (it references the past, present and future of your relationship), and it’s a meaningful way to incorporate more than one diamond shape into the design.

katieRoyal Oval: Katie Holmes. Not everyone will get a proposal under the Eiffel Tower, but an oval-shaped setting is a flattering shape on virtually any bride’s hand. Katie’s 5-carat diamond surrounded by micro pavé is a little more interesting than a standard round, and the elongated stone will even seemingly lengthen the shortest of fingers.

heidi-klumNot-so-Mellow Yellow: Heidi Klum. Colored diamonds are all the rage these days, and for good reason. These naturally-hued stones are rare, interesting, and allow you to focus on a spectacular stone rather than worrying too much about a setting. Heidi’s 12-carat cushion-cut canary yellow diamond is breathtaking, and by going Couture (who wouldn’t want this spectacular ring?) you can get a similar look with the same wow-factor.

beyonceSplit Decision: Beyoncé. Let’s be honest: Beyoncé’s insane 18-carat emerald cut diamond ring is out of most everyone’s league. But one detail is easily replicated: The split-shank mounting that holds the massive stone. A split shank is a good choice for several reasons: It holds a diamond in place well with little worry of movement, it’s a perfect place for a bit of pavé diamonds without being over-the-top, and, well, it just looks pretty on the finger.

ashleeHip to be Square: Ashlee Simpson. Considering her husband’s rock music pedigree, Ashlee’s ring is surprisingly sedate. But, the design is one of the most popular today: A diamond surrounded by pavé diamonds. The setting chose by her husband, musician Pete Wentz, is a very defined square shape-perfect for a modern bride who craves a little edge. Even better: The extra row of diamonds makes any center stone look even bigger!

Shop all these engagement ring styles and much more at Jewels Boutique.