Jewelry Archives | Designers and Diamonds

Eye Candy: Yellow Diamond Engagement Rings!

June 19, 2013 10:53 am , 3 Comments , Raymond Lee Jewelers

Yesterday’s profile on fancy yellow diamonds got us craving more canary. Luckily, we’re feasting our eyes & bling loving hearts today on some of the most fabulous engagement ring eye candy we’ve devoured in quite some time. Today is all yellow diamond engagement rings, all the way. Besides the yellow diamond celebrity engagement rings we mentioned yesterday, women who love a yellow diamond engagement ring crave something different, something opulent, and something warm. Rare, breathtaking and absolutely captivating, a fancy yellow diamond is a prized possession, and today we’re giving you5 glorious options to rock on your finger!

First up, this stunning 2.02 carat oval. Its soft, buttery richness is amplified by a warm gold bezel setting, while its bling factor is boosted by a cut cornered halo of white diamond pave. A micropave split shank gives this ring major presence on your finger, and even the gallery boasts a little micropave, adding another .63 carats of diamonds.

This ring takes the same setting, but loses any negative space by putting a larger diamond in the middle, and this one is cushion cut for our modern brides. The grand total for yellow diamonds on this ring: 2.62cts, while the white diamond total jumps to 1.20ctw.

This fancy yellow, another cushion cut, takes on a decidedly more radiant shape. Its yellow gold bezel is cut cornered like a radiant would be, but the cushion cut suits the diamond better and lets all 2.26cts of it shine. We love the rounded corners on the micropave frame, and rows of micropave on the thick shank, adding .87ctw of white diamonds.

We’re smitten witht his two tone vintage inspired fancy yellow engagement ring. This is one of the most unique settings we’ve ever seen, thanks to its two-tone, carved and diamond studded gallery and its play on traditional engagement ring elements. Let’s start with the center stone, a 1.71ct cushion cut fancy yellow set snugly into yellow gold. Its “halo” is a radiant shaped white gold border with round white diamonds embedded, a play on the micropave and pave above. The shoulders, where you’d at first glance see half moons, trapezoids or trillions, are in fact several light fancy yellow round brilliants set into formation. And again – this gallery is unlike any we’ve seen recently. You get a bonus pic:

Last, but by no means least, may we present one of our favorite things: a big, huge yellow diamond.

Ah, an 8.02 ct light fancy yellow in all its glory. The internal characteristics on this giant rock earn it an SI3 in clarity (which would render a colorless diamond practically industrial grade). However the yellow tint of this diamond masks some and gives the visible inclusions an antique feel, almost like mercury glass. This old fashioned vibe is played up by a gorgeous frame of white diamond pave that almost reminds us of a Victorian locket. The triple split shank also boasts some pave, making this ring sparkly from every angle.

Posted in: Diamonds, engagement ring Boca Raton, Engagement Ring Eye Candy, engagement rings, wedding rings, Wedding Wednesday, Weddings , Tagged: Bezel setting, Colored gold, diamond, Diamond cut, EngagementRing, fancy yellow engagement ring, Jewelry, yellow diamond, yellow diamond engagement rings, yellow diamonds

Snake Charmers: Boucheron Serpent Boheme

June 18, 2013 10:01 am , Leave a Comment , Raymond Lee Jewelers

All that slithers is not gold. It is also, occasionally, diamonds, as it turns out–at least in the (jewelry) case of Boucheron’s latest collection, the fabulously named Serpent Boheme. The luxe line–launched last month to a spellbound crowd of admirers in the Far East–features a sophisticated, glittering assortment of necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches and earrings. The stunning collection is unexpectedly charming, as serpents go: an enchanting celebration of the brand’s reptilian roots.

Serpent Boheme Ring in yellow gold, Boucheron jewelry Boca Raton

The iconic Boucheron serpent dates back to 1888 when Frederic Boucheron created the brand’s inaugural serpentine masterpiece in honor of his beloved wife. In the 125 year since, the snake has appeared in several different Boucheron incarnations, always as a symbol of protection and eternity consistent with the designer’s long-ago intentions. The new Serpent Boheme collection takes its inspiration from pieces throughout the line’s history–such as the “scaly” diamond-studded rings popularized in 1968–but with a modern spin. At once delicate and sculptural, Serpent Boheme bangles and baubles show off the glamorous contrast between yellow gold and white diamonds.

serpent jewelry, snake jewelry boucheron serpent boheme, pre owned boucheron

Serpent Boheme white gold bangle bracelet

The Serpent Boheme collection made its dramatic debut in mid-May at a festive luncheon in Singapore. The famed Au Petit Salut restaurant dressed for the occasion, resplendently bedecked in accordance with the jewelry’s high-drama gold and white theme. Samples from the line were elegantly displayed alongside museum pieces from the original collection, while Boho-chic models circulated among the wearable wares. A veritable “who’s who” of Singapore society, the delighted attendees were given the unique opportunity to try on the dazzling pieces at the end of the evening.

Small yellow gold ear clips

From red carpets to the runway, fierce and fanged snakes have been turning up almost everywhere except on a plane. With the Serpent Boheme collection, Boucheron proffers an entirely original departure from convention; anything but menacing, these sweet pieces offer a tempting twist on a familiar fiend.

Posted in: Designer Jewelery, Jewelry Business, Jewelry Trends, pre-owned jewelry, Raymond Lee Jewelers , Tagged: Boucheron, diamond, Jewellery, Jewelry, secondhand Boucheron, Serpent Boheme, serpent jewelry, snake jewelry, year of the snake

Spotlight on: JAR Jewelry

June 17, 2013 10:27 am , 2 Comments , Raymond Lee Jewelers

Joel Arthur Rosenthal may be the master jewelry artisan of our era, and yet you have probably never heard of him. Before you start feeling bad to have overlooked him, don’t bother: his mass obscurity is entirely by his own design. Which is not to say he’s wallowing in ignominy. Rather, Rosenthal’s name is perhaps the best kept secret of the world’s very rich and very famous.

A Contemporary Fabergé

blackened gold and sapphire earrings, JAR jewelry

Blackened silver, 18k gold, sapphire, and diamond earrings by JAR, Paris via Diamonds in the Library

Working under the moniker JAR, this mysterious Bronx-born recluse has been described as the modern-day Peter Fabergé by Diane Von Furstenberg. A Harvard grad, he got his start as an aspiring screenwriter, then dabbled in a number of other career options before landing–serendipitously–in the jewelry business.

JAR diamond ring, oval diamond engagement rings

Diamond ‘String’ Ring

Over the past 30 years, JAR’s renown artistry has given him unparalleled status among the celebrity set and industry elite. He keeps shop in Paris with no signage, display or operating hours, and the doors are open only to the upper echelons of high society: Elizabeth Taylor, Ann Getty, and Jo Carole Lauder are among the fashionable few who have been granted rare access. With workshops in Switzerland and France, JAR produces less than 80 one-of-a-kind pieces a year, most of which are custom designed with a particular person in mind, often according to his whim. And potential buyers beware: if JAR doesn’t think a piece suits you, he reserves the right not to sell it to you.

JAR jewelry, Ellen Barkin's JAR earrings auctioned at Christies

Ellen Barkin’s JAR earrings, via Christie’s

JAR is most lauded for his extraordinary work with pavé; he typically sets vibrant gemstones against his own custom dark metal alloy for striking contrast. And while fine jewelry often loses value when it changes hands, JAR’s museum-worthy work is so coveted that it can double in value when resold. Not that it happens very often, as a JAR piece of wearable art is generally considered one of its owner’s most prized possessions.

Posted in: Designer Jewelery, Gemstones, jewelry boca raton, Jewelry Trends, pre-owned jewelry, Raymond Lee Jewelers , Tagged: designer jewelry boca raton, Elizabeth Taylor, Ellen Barkin jewelry, France, JAR, JAR jewelry, Jewellery, Jewelry, Paris, second hand designer jewelry, Switzerland

Spotlight on: Emilio Pucci Jewelry

June 15, 2013 6:00 am , Leave a Comment , Raymond Lee Jewelers

After Emilio Pucci’s death in 1992, his daughter Laudomia continued the design business he had established in Florence during the middle of the century. By the turn of the century, the Louis-Vuitton-Moet-Hennessy Group had acquired over half of the company. Laudomia was made image director, and a team of creative and talented designers began carrying on the tradition of design began so unexpectedly by Emilio. The nuances of Emilio’s designs can subtly be seen in today’s Emilio Pucci jewelry.

Emilio Pucci cuff, Pucci jewelry, designer costume jewelry

via Elle.com

The collections are stylish bracelets fashioned of colored patterned metal and wide cuffs of gold metal with colorful polished stones. The cuffs have highly polished effects and details of contrasting application.

Emilio Pucci jewelry, emilio pucci earrings, pucci costume jewelry

via My Theresa

Drop earrings are embellished with crystal beads in colors such as lava orange, petroleum blue and teal green. A necklace of black beads holds a polished onyx cross. A plated brass bracelet has an attached ring with mixed stones.

Emilio Pucci brass star cross and wing earrings

via Yoox.com

Impressive earrings of 100% brass are star-shapes with an eagle and tiny cross dangling from them. A brass pyramid ring has an Ancient Egyptian feel.

Emilio Pucci was a very scholarly gentleman who at one point even came to America to study agriculture at the University of Georgia in Athens. He later attended Reed College in Oregon on a skiing scholarship. In 1937, he earned his doctorate in political science. He served in the Italian Air Force in World War II rising to the rank of captain.

His first venture into the world of design was by designing ski wear for the Reed college ski team. His designs got attention when a friend was photographed by a Harper’s Bazaar photographer. His designing career snowballed later with a line of swimwear in stretch fabric and bold, bright patterns on silk scarves. His haute couture fashions caught on with celebrities of that era such as Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy. In fact, Miss Monroe was buried in a dress designed by Emilio Pucci.

Taylor Swift Is Gorgeous in Emilio Pucci

Posted in: Designer Jewelery, Raymond Lee Jewelers , Tagged: Accessories, Clothing, designer costume jewelry, Emilio, Emilio Pucci, emilio pucci jewelry, Jewelry, Marilyn Monroe, Pucci jewelry, Shopping, University of Georgia

Montegrappa Chaos Reigns

June 14, 2013 11:23 am , Leave a Comment , Raymond Lee Jewelers

Sylvester Stallone is many things, but subtle and classy aren’t two of them. Bold, brash and over the top are descriptions that better suit the infamous blockbuster film star, who is most famous for his portrayal of an unconquerable boxer and a frenzied soldier in the midst of war. So, it follows suit that any accessories, pen, watch or cufflinks, made for such an ostentatious personality would have to be equally theatrical.

Presenting: the Montegrappa Chaos watch. Montegrappa, a pen maker from Italy, created this stunning piece of men’s jewelry. Though garish to the point of ridicule — one critic described it as “the worst thing to happen to Italy since Mussolini”— it’s undeniably perfect for the peacocking Stallone.

Montegrappa Chaos Watch For Stallone, Montegrappa watches skulls

via A Blog to Watcb

The Origins of the Watch

The watch, you may be amused to discover, wasn’t the first piece in the set. Stallone originally contracted Montegrappa to create a pen for his character in “The Expendables,” his latest shoot-em-up film series. He required something hyper-masculine, with lizards, snakes, skulls and roads of fire criss-crossing the body of the instrument. Thus was born the Chaos pen. A limited edition run was created, and both 22-karat gold and sterling silver versions were available.

Once the pen sold out, Montegrappa figured there was a market for this sort of extravagance. Keeping customers of Ed Hardy in mind, he created the equally flamboyant Chaos watch, which features those same roads of fire, made from rubies, the skull, the snaking lizard bodies and a surprisingly refined watch face. Naturally, it was loathed or loved, but nothing in between.

Montegrappa has clearly latched onto a niche market, so now there’s a full set of options from the Chaos line, including the pen, watch, cufflinks and inkwell. In case you find yourself jonesing for the accouterments of a Bond villain, Montegrappa will always have your goods.