Business Archives | Designers and Diamonds

The Dark Side of Jewelry: The De Grisogono Story

March 22, 2013 6:55 pm , Leave a Comment , Raymond Lee Jewelers

Diamonds are undoubtedly the most popular precious gemstone, but it’s usually the white ones that get the most attention. Fortunately, there is a full spectrum of diamond colors to choose from, in case you prefer your gems with a little more edge. Black diamonds — hard to find and difficult to work with — make for a unique and dramatic gemstone.

The Spirit of De Grisogono Black Diamond, black diamond ring, largest black diamonds

Though they are rare, one Swiss luxury brand excels at delicately turning the stygian stones into priceless works of art. De Grisogono, famous for its objets d’art using those fabulous black diamonds, has featured full collections of the dusky jewel since its inception in 1993. Now featuring jewelry, watches and other accessories, the brand that made black diamonds famous continues its trend-setting ways in today’s market.

In the Beginning

Founded in 1993 by Fawaz Gruosi and two friends, De Grisogono began with the premise of giving the world a broader selection of eye-catching and timeless pieces featuring the midnight-hued mineral. In fact, the first collection they presented exclusively used black diamonds, despite the stone’s rarity and brittleness. From here, De Grisogono flourished by incorporating the dramatic material into fashion staples like sunglasses, mobile phones and watches.

The Spirit of De Grisogono

Every luxury brand has a single item that truly launches it into prominence, and for De Grisogono that item was the Spirit of De Grisogono, a roughly 312 carat black diamond ring, which featured an additional 702 small white diamonds. The original stone weighed 587 carats and was hand-cut by Gruosi.

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but if you want a look that confidently stands alone, there are few better choices than a De Grisogono black diamond. Whether you prefer their elegant watches, architectural rings or studded sunglasses, the ebony obsessed jeweler offers a variety of options with an inky tinge.

Posted in: buy diamonds, Designer Jewelery, Diamonds, Gemstones, Raymond Lee Jewelers , Tagged: Business, Carbonado, De Grisogono, diamond, Gemstone, Jewellery, Jewelry, Watch

World’s Top 5 Most Expensive Nail Art That Celebrities Wear

March 21, 2013 1:49 pm , Leave a Comment , Raymond Lee Jewelers

Kelly Osbourne Wears $250,000 Nail Lacquer At 2012 Emmys

One of the latest new hot trends for the nouveau rich is bedazzling nail art done with gemstones. The new trend was very apparent at all of the year’s red carpet events with stars sporting blinged-out nails to show off all of their other bling. After some investigating, we came up with this collection of the top five most expensive nail art in the world.

#1. Azature’s Black Diamond Nail Lacquer Needing something to show off that little black dress? A quarter of a million will get you a bottle of black diamond nail lacquer by Azature. The Hollywood-based jewelry couturier who caters to celebrities like Rihanna and Beyonce was inspired to produce the polish to honor his love of black diamonds. He calls his polish the “ultimate fine jewel.” #1. Iced Manicure by Cherish…ME For a cool $51, 000 bucks, your nail tips can be frosted with sparkly diamonds. The owner of the salon called Cherish…ME (the ellipsis is a part of the name) and her team of diamond manicurists require a consultation. Then you are all set to have your talons iced with 10 carats worth of diamonds. #3 Gold Rush Nail Polish by Model’s Own For nails of gold leaf that sparkle like thousands of tiny diamonds, try Gold Rush nail polish. British-based company Models Own has it on the market for $130,000. The nice thing about Gold Rush is that when the bottle is empty and all the polish is used up, you are left with a bottle that has a lid of yellow-gold encrusted with 1118 diamonds.

Models Own

4. Diamond, Sapphire or Ruby Nail Art Master manicurist Leighton Denny began giving his jewel-coated manicures in 2005 at the Urban Retreat Day Spa and Salon on the fifth floor of Harrods in London. For $32,000, the patron can get a coating of sparkly diamonds, sapphires or rubies. The pricey manicure was so popular in 2005 there was a waiting list of 175 ladies that included Arab princesses.

#5. Bijule Nail Rings If you are a bit concerned that these world’s most expensive nail polishes and bejeweled manicures are consumable (after all,nails do grow) you may want to opt for nail rings instead. Jules Kim, the creator of Bijules, offers serpentine nail rings. The diamond pave ones are $8,000 each. Beyonce wore a whole set while filming her video sweet dreams.

Expensive nail art seems to be here to stay. We will be watching the fingertips that walk the red carpets.

Posted in: buy diamonds, Diamonds, Gemstones, jewelry boca raton, Raymond Lee Jewelers , Tagged: Business, diamond, Harrods, London, Manicure, nail, nailpolish, Rihanna

Spotlight on: Raymond Templier

March 18, 2013 10:58 am , 1 Comment , Raymond Lee Jewelers

Raymond Templier was an important figure to the world of Art Deco jewelry design. Like many notable jewelers, he was born into the business. His grandfather, Charles Templier established the family jewelry firm in 1849 in Paris. Raymond’s father Paul continued the business.

RAYMOND TEMPLIER. AN ART DECO DIAMOND HINGED BANGLE. - Symbolic & Chase

RAYMOND TEMPLIER. AN ART DECO DIAMOND HINGED BANGLE via Jewels Du Jour

Raymond was born in 1891. He studied at the Ecole Superior des Arts Decoratives in Paris from 1909-1912. He finished his studies and followed in his father’s footsteps to join the family jewelry firm. Only this time, the designs would take on a new look. Raymond was not interested in the traditional designs that were the trademark of the Templier jewelry of that era.

Raymond’s birth, and consequently his young adulthood placed him in the time period of the Art Deco movement. He was enthralled by the shapes and lines of cubism. He spent much time sketching designs and making drawings that reflected his fascination of the art form. He would eventually incorporate these drawing into jewelry.

templier-diamond-clips, raymond templier, raymond templier jewelry

via Primavera Gallery

In 1911, Raymond’s jewelry was included in some important exhibits. That same year, he joined the Counseil Superior des Arts de Coratifs. Later, his jewelry was displayed at the Paris Exhibition in 1925 and again in 1937.

Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Brooch, by Raymond Templier, France

Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Brooch, by Raymond Templier, circa 1930 via Invaluable

Raymond’s jewelry designs reflect an interplay of volume and light. He was not interested so much in precious gemstones as he was in the sheen of white gold and silver used interchangeably with enamel in lacquer of black and a few other dark colors. He used colorless diamonds to introduce light into the designs as an architect might use windows to do so in buildings. Later, his lines softened as he began to experiment with jewelry fashioned of yellow gold.

His designs will remain timeless reminders of Art Deco, a special period in art and jewelry design history.

Raymond Templier Gold and Platinum Art Deco Bracelet

Raymond Templier Art Deco Geometric Clip Bracelet

Raymond Templier Brooch of Diamonds, Coral, Onyx and White Gold

Posted in: Antiques, Diamonds, estate jewelry, Gemstones, Raymond Lee Jewelers , Tagged: art, art deco, art deco jewelry, Business, Colored gold, Jewellery, Paris, raymond

Shine up Your Car with World’s Most Expensive Car Wax

March 12, 2013 10:58 am , Leave a Comment , Lizrlj

You probably won’t get your car to look like a million bucks, but you can come close with a car wax that costs close to $100,000. That’s right! You can buy a luxurious and expensive car wax that costs $97,000. Mitchell and king are responsible for launching the world’s most expensive car shampoo and car wax. The duo team offer luxurious cosmetics and products to customers who want more than ordinary. Their line of cosmetics is exquisite, daring and tantalizing.

The car wax is enclosed in a uniquely designed 24 karat gold plated casing. The bottle is attractively designed to draw as much attention as the wax inside. The car wax contains shimmers of gold and is considered the idea gift for anyone who wants their car to look like a gold replica masterpiece.

Mitchell and King prestigious gold car wax is described as being a one of kind edition. This product comes exclusively from the Scottish, and they have the right to refuse sell, to anyone they choose. Some critics are wondering if this is just another marketing host, or if this is the real deal.

The GoldRush Rally Collection is another conversation piece that uses both the car shampoo and wax in their exhibition. The Rally is a marketing trend that is constantly growing in popularity. Critics are confident that the GoldRush Rally will bring in more celebrities, more social events while introducing a new lifestyle concept.

Trends tend to catch on quickly. Whether it’s a fashion or jewelry trend that’s being launched, people are always looking for different and unique. The one of kind gold shimmer car wax is just the edge they need to get started. People often like anything that shines glitters or glimmers. Mitchell and King have already figured this tidbit out, and is reaping the harvest.

Brenda T for Raymond Lee Jewelers, premiere fine jewelry and luxury watch boutique and buyer.

Posted in: Miscellaneous , Tagged: Auto detailing, Business, gold, GoldRush Rally Collection, Jewelry, Mitchell, Shopping, Wax

Watch of the Week: The Stainless Steel Cartier Roadster

March 11, 2013 6:13 pm , Leave a Comment , Lizrlj

The stainless steel Cartier Roadster is one of our favorite watches. It’s not too mature for a new watch collecter stepping up to the next level, but it ages nicely – a Roadtster on a 26 year old looks just as good as it does on a 46 year old. Of course, you can play around with the specs to achieve a seriously luxe look with a Roadster, but it looks so great in stainless – and has a very nice price point – that we’d say stick with the SS and spend the money on your next addition.

We like the sporty edge the black dial lends to the Roadster’s classic shape – it looks like a completely different watch next to a white or stainless dial of the same model.

The racetrack-cum-spedometer dial looks sleek against black enamel and the luminous hours get spiced up by red minute markers. We like how the sporty dial contrasts with the elegant Tonneau case (and its polished SS lugs & screw down crown).

The bracelet’s chunky links alternate between brushed and polished stainless steel for an added layer of texture before ending in a hidden deployment clasp.

Cartier Gents Stainless Steel Black Dial Roadster Watch

Company	Cartier
Model	Roadster
Reference Number	W62002V3
Case Metal	Stainless Steel
Case Measurement	38 mm
Bracelet	Stainless Steel
Dial	Black Retro
Bezel	Stainless Steel Smooth
Crystal	Scratch Resistant Sapphire
Movement	Automatic
Features	Date, Hours, Minutes, and Seconds