New York Archives | Designers and Diamonds

Cindy Chao Butterfly Brooch Heads to The Smithsonian

February 12, 2013 3:11 pm , Leave a Comment , Lizrlj

The new history-making jewel of the moment is an intricate butterfly brooch designed by Cindy Chao, a mega-talented jewelry artist from Taiwan. On March 5th, her delicate butterfly will rest its very bejeweled wings among the most famous jewel wonders of the world. It will perch historically with the likes of famous jewels such as Harry Winston’s Hope Diamond and earrings that once bobbed from the earlobes of Marie Antoinette.

The jewelry artist’s 2009 Black Label Masterpiece Royal Butterfly brooch will be inducted into the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals. The brooch boasts 2,328 gemstones and 77 carats that include rubies, sapphires, colorless and fancy-colored diamonds and tsavorite garnet.

The fascinating wings of the butterfly are made of four large slices of faceted diamond that catch the light from various angles. This layering of sliced and faceted diamonds gives an effect that resembles the micro-structure of real butterfly wings.

Cindy Chao 2009 Black Label Masterpiece Butterfly Brooch

CIndy Chao Royal butterfly brooch, cindy chao, cindy chao butterfly, butterfly smithsonian jewels

Cindy Chaos is a prime example of the nature verses nurture theory. Her mother encouraged her to become, like herself, a businesswoman. Her grandfather was an acclaimed architect, and her father was a sculptor. Her keen attention to detail, along with an extraordinary creative flair is a tribute to both her heredity and her home.

Back of Butterfly Brooch as Intricate as the Front

Cindy chao butterfly brooch, cindy chao brooch, cindy chao brooch smithsonian

Cindy thinks of her butterfly creations as representing her own metamorphosis from jewelry designer to jewelry artist. She studied at the Gemological Institute of America in New York. Later, she founded CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel. In 2007, she was honored as being the first Taiwanese jewelry artist to participate in Christie’s NY fine jewelry auction.

Her nature-inspired jewelry designs will likely win the hearts of jewel lovers forever.

Cindy Chao Crimson Rose Butterfly Brooch

Cindy Chao Crimson rose butterfly brooch, crimson rose butterfly brooch, cindy chao butterflies

Rebecca M for Raymond Lee Jewelers, South Florida’s premiere source for buying and selling luxury watches and designer jewelry.

Posted in: Diamond Tuesday, Diamonds, emerald, Gemstones, jewelry boca raton, Jewelry Business, Raymond Lee Jewelers, Rubies, Sapphires , Tagged: Brooch, Cindy Chao, Gemological Institute Of America, Harry Winston, Hope Diamond, Jewellery, Marie Antoinette, New York

Audemars Piguet has a New CEO

January 22, 2013 3:50 pm , Leave a Comment , Raymond Lee Jewelers

Audemars Piguet has named a new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Francois-Henry Bennahmias, who is 48 years old, has taken the honors.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 18k Rose Gold Men’s Watch

There were some differences on the strategy of the company between Mr. Philippe Merk and the Board of Directors. They decided that it would be best for the company to end their relationship. The Board of Directors did state that they appreciated the work that Mr. Merk has done over the past years and hoped that he had success in future undertakings.

Pre-owned Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Two Tone Ladies Watch

Mr. Bennahmias has quite a history with Audemars Piquet. He started his line of business at Audemars Piguet in 1996. A year later, 1997, he was an interim general manager as well as the assistant marketing and sales manager for Asia-Pacific and Europe. He then advanced to be the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Audemars Piguet North America in New York, a position he held for 13 years. In May of 2012, he then took on the position as Interm General Manager.

Audemars Piguet Boca Raton would like to take this time to congratulate Mr. Bennahmias in his recent advancement and wish him continued success.

Audemars Piguet is a highly sought after, exclusive line of timepieces. Pre owned Audemars Piguet watches are valued collectables.

Nancy Z for Raymond Lee Jewelers, South Florida’s premiere source for buying and selling luxury watches and designer jewelry.

Posted in: buy watches, luxury timepiece, Raymond Lee Jewelers, Watches , Tagged: Asia-Pacific, Audemars Piguet, Audemars Piquet, audemars piquet boca raton, Board of Directors, Florida, New York, pre owned audemars piquet, raymond lee jewelers, South Florida

Sotheby’s New York Jewelry Auction Sets Record at $49 Million

December 11, 2012 11:33 am , Leave a Comment , Raymond Lee Jewelers

December is when most jewelry stores do the lion’s share of their business and that translated to the recent Sotheby’s New York Magnificent Jewels auction, which reached nearly $50 million in sales for the one day event.

The leading lot was that featuring a 6.54 carat pink diamond by Oscar Heyman & Brothers, pictured above. The fancy intense pink diamond had belonged to Evelyn Lauder, and sold for an eye catching $8.6 million dollars, translating to about $1.3 million per carat. Six bidders went toe-to-toe in the bidding for the internally flawless stone.

Other lots of note included a 52 carat vivid yellow diamond ring that sold for $3.9 million, a 22 carat potentially flawless diamond ring that sold for 3.4 million, and a heart shaped, 47 carat, fancy intense yellow diamond pendant that sold for 2.5 million. The heart shape pendant was owned in the 1970’s by The Duchess of Windsor, when it was purchased directly by Estee Lauder.

Proceeds from the auction went to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The non-profit foundation was founded almost 20 years ago by Evelyn Lauder.

Believe it or not, there was more to be had at Sotheby’s in New York on that same day. Jewels from the Mrs. Charles Wrightsman collection sold for an additional $15.5 million, making their one day total $64.8 million. That total set a new one-day sales record for Sotheby’s in New York, and adds to the record year for the auction house in terms of jewelry sales. In 2012, Sotheby’s worldwide had sold over $450 million in jewelry sales alone.

Raymond Z for Raymond Lee Jewelers, South Florida’s premiere source for buying and selling luxury watches and designer jewelry.

Posted in: Auctions, buy diamonds, buy jewelry, Designer Jewelery, estate jewelry, Gemstones, jewelry boca raton, pre-owned jewelry, Raymond Lee Jewelers , Tagged: Auction, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, diamond, Estée Lauder Companies, Evelyn Lauder, New York, Sotheby, Wallis Simpson

Real Housewife Adrienne Maloof Jewelry Line

November 2, 2012 6:00 am , Leave a Comment , Raymond Lee Jewelers

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Adrienne Maloof is one busy woman. The blond beauty has already released a shoe line and clothing line including handbags but now she has her eye on the world of jewelry. Of course these business ventures are in addition to her work in the family’s hotel and pro sports ventures.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Adrienne recently took to twitter to announce the coming jewelry line, saying: “Stay tuned! This Spring I am coming out with a jewelry line! Here is a little preview…”

The line will be produced in partnership with Italian watch and jewelry company Giantto Fine Custom Jewelry and looks to include rings, earrings, and necklaces. No word yet on price or where to buy but if previous offerings are any indicator Adrienne Maloof’s jewelry will be available only online and in exclusive retailers such as Lord and Taylor of New York.

Adrienne recently went through a messy divorce which began when her husband, plastic surgeon Paul Massif, filed for legal separation in July and one month later filed for divorce. Early in October the couple sold their Beverly Park home for $20 million.

Adrienne is set to star in the upcoming third season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which debuts November 5 on Bravo. Look for the jewelry to make a guest appearance as Adrienne used the show to introduce her shoe line as well. We look forward to seeing more than a Twitter sneak peek of the Beverly Hills bling.

Matthew H for Raymond Lee Jewelers, South Florida’s premiere source for buying and selling luxury watches and designer jewelry.

Posted in: Celebrities, Celebrity Fashion, jewelry boca raton, Raymond Lee Jewelers , Tagged: Adrienne, Adrienne Maloof, Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills California, Beverly Park, Bravo, New York, real housewives of beverly hills

Spotlight On: Judith Ripka

October 21, 2012 9:19 am , Leave a Comment , Lizrlj

Some of Judith Ripka’s earliest memories are of playing with her mother’s jewelry. While friends were playing sports or with their dolls, Judith was playing with her mom’s jewelry, seeing what jewelry went with what outfit. In 1977 her first 18 carat gold collection made its debut and today, Judith heads the Judith Ripka Companies, Inc., a multi-million dollar business with headquarters in New York.

There are many distinctive qualities to Judith Ripka jewelry. The first is that you are likely to find a heart shape hidden on just about every piece of jewelry she designs. It is viewed as a not so secret connection between designer and customer.

Judith Repka designs tend to use of lots of texture. In her 18 carat gold and sterling silver pieces, this texture will take place in the form of roping, beading, and the use of matte finishes. This texture creates a familiar Judith Ripka “look”.

Judith Ripka Philanthropy

Another unique trait of a Judith Ripka design is her use of lobster claw closures. The mechanism itself isn’t as unique as how it is designed to be worn. You see, with or without a pendant, a Judith Ripka lobster claw closure is meant to be worn in the front, as pictured below.

Judith Ripka Lobster Claw Closure

Finally, Judith Ripka designs always have a finished look, that includes the side that is not normally seen when worn. Ripka’s attention to detail doesn’t stop with the jewelry’s exterior, it isn’t considered complete until it is finished inside and out.

Judith Ripka Gallery Backs
From her use of multi-faceted stones, to her inside-out finishing touches, to her signature hidden heart, Judith Ripka’s designs have become so desired in great part because of her attention to detail. Ripka has built a loyal following and a multi-million dollar business, and it all started by playing with her mother’s jewelry.