Call for expert help (888) 724-8222

Jewelry News

  • What do you know about Zultanite?

    Probably not much. But not to worry – we’re here to help. Zultanite is a trending gemstone that’s been showing its chameleon-like qualities in several prominent collections. Read on about this color-changing gem.

     

    (above) Rhonda Faber Green’s Juliet flower ring is made in 18-karat yellow gold and features 19 carats of zultanite, 3.5 carats of diamonds and color-change garnet accents ($52,070).

    Use of the color-changing stone zultanite was noticeable at Couture this year, as designers such as Stephen Webster, Erica Courtney and Rhonda Faber Green incorporated the gem into their collections.

    Erica Courtney’s pyramid charm (above) is made in 18-karat yellow gold and features 28 carats of zultanite with diamonds ($62,000).

    “I’m particularly interested in the phenomenon of color-change stones, and it’s compelling to be able to offer my customers a gem that has a point of difference from the marketplace,” Webster said.

    Stephen Webster’s 18-karat white gold drop celestial earrings (above) feature zultanite and diamonds ($54,000).

    Zultanite is marked by its chameleon-like nature, changing color from kiwi green with flashes of yellow in sunlight conditions to raspberry hues in candlelight, and a rich champagne color indoors. Named in honor of the 36 sultans who ruled the Ottoman Empire, the gemstone has been in commercial production since 2006.

    John Buechner’s platinum ring (above) features a nearly 13-carat cushion cut zultanite and diamonds.

    Only found at one location in the world, zultanite is mined from Turkey’s remote Anatolian Mountains exclusively by Ottoman Gem (Suisse), GmbH, at the height of just above 4,000 ft. Through increased mechanization, production of the stone is expected to double this year.

    Daniel Gibbings’ 20-karat yellow gold teardrop earrings (above) hold nearly 34 carats of zultanite and ruby accents ($43,290).

    According to Milenyum, most zultanite rough yields one- to three-carat gemstones and up, and is never enhanced. The company is a member of AGTA, MJSA, JBT and the International Colored Gemstone Association.

    For more information, visit the official zultanite website.

    Source: National Jeweler

  • Japonisme – Delicate Jewelry of Japan

    This wonderful piece in in The New York Times no Japonisme gives the reader a glimpse into the Japanese culture, with its delicate depiction of nature, elegance and a hint of spirituality.These pieces and more are on display at They are an exhibition at Wartski, the London jeweler that fashioned the Welsh gold ring that Prince William put on Kate Middleton’s finger.

    K. Faerbar

    (above – A floral brooch designed by Vever of two chrysanthemums in white pearl.)

    Private collection Monaco

    (above – A waterscape pendant by Lucien Gaillard.)

    “Japonisme: From Falize to Fabergé, The Goldsmith and Japan,” is a not-for-sale exhibition in aid of The Prince’s Trust and runs through May 20. This museum-worthy exhibition displays in intricate and colorful detail how much the opening up in the 19th century of a previously shuttered country influenced everything from hair combs made from humble horn to silver tea pots (their streamlined shapes suggesting 20th-century modernism before its time).

    “It was the revelation of this entirely new decorative vocabulary, the cloisonné technique, the idea that you could show a fragment and capture the essence — it had such an impact because it was a different way of looking at the world,” said the curator Katherine Purcell. Her detective work has brought treasures to light — not least Lalique’s botanical cherry blossom, which had previously been credited to Vever.

    In the same vein, Ms. Purcell discovered the “Boucheron” name in Japanese-style characters on the base of a massive silver and cloisonné enameled table center piece, depicting a young Japanese artist painting a stylized screen.

    A diamond set corsage ornament in the form of cherry blossom by Vever, 29 cm long. c.1900. Private collection, Photograph courtesy of Sotheby’s

  • Kate Hudson’s New Jewelry Line

    If you’ll believe this, a celebrity has started her own jewelry line. (That was a slight bit of sarcasm, by the way!)

    Kate Hudson announced she’s launching a new jewelry line with Chrome Hearts co-owner and gal-pal, Laurie Lynn Stark.

    The new venture, called “KH + CH”, will include 18 and 22-karat gold bohemiam looks set with white diamonds, freshwater pearls, aquamarine, green tourmaline, peridot and citrine gemstones.

    The entire line – now just a ‘one-time’ offering – will launch later this summer in select Chrome Hearts stores and is said to have been inspired by the vacations the partners took together over the years. No word yet on price points.

    Jewelry.com

  • Colored Diamonds, Top Sellers at Christie’s NY Sale

    Colored diamonds and gems seem to do particularly well in Spring. They possess radiant and colorful bursts of color, bound to appeal to anyone desperately wanting a change from a long, dark Winter.

    One stunning piece at Christie’s auction last week in NYC was sold while another remained without a home.

     

    (above) This 40-carat cushion-cut sapphire, mounted in platinum and
    believed by the GIA to have originated from Burma (Myanmar),
    sold for $542,500 at Christie’s New York “Magnificent Jewels”
    auction this week.

    Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels auction realized total sales of $31.8 million April 12 but its top lot, the 10-carat purple-pink diamond (shown below) and estimated to bring in between $12 and $15 million, did not sell.

     

     

    Overall, the auction sold 80 percent by lot and 71 percent by value.

    “While we were disappointed that the 10-carat purple-pink diamond did not find a buyer, top-quality white, blue, pink and yellow diamonds fared very well, with a strong price of $3 million, or $1 million per carat, achieved for a fancy vivid blue diamond,” Rahul Kadakia, head of jewelry for Christie’s Americas, said.

    The auction’s top seller was a rectangular-cut 37-carat diamond (below), flanked on either side by three graduated baguette-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum and selling for $4,450,500 to a private collector.

    Another lot, a 3-carat, square emerald-cut fancy vivid blue diamond mounted in platinum, sold for $3,666,500, after being estimated to sell for $2 – $3 million. Additionally, a 50-carat cushion-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond ring (below), by Carvin French, estimated to sell for between $2 and $3 million, sold for $2,546,500.

    A signed 1959 pear-shaped 16-carat diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels (below), flanked on either side by tapered baguette-cut diamonds and mounted in platinum, sold for $1,082,500.

    “In all, five jewels exceeded the $1 million mark, with heavy competition among both trade buyers and private collectors for colorless diamonds, large gemstones and signed jewels,” Kadakia said. Christie’s will be holding three additional jewelry auctions this month, in Amsterdam, London and Dubai.

    You might want to stop at the ATM first.

     

    Our breathtaking Gemesis pieces are much more affordable than Christie’s latest offerings, yet still contain that “pow” of Spring color.

    Style 9035GM Cultured Diamond Pendant Classic solitaire diamond pendant with a fancy pink, blue, orange or yellow cultured diamond on an 18" cable chain. Available Metal: 14kt White Gold and 14kt Yellow Gold

     

    Source: National Jeweler

  • The Bachelor Proposes with a Neil Lane ring

    While I don’t religiously watch The Bachelor (heck, I don’t watch it at all), it seems to be quite the rage among our clientele. Neil Lane jewelry was in the forefront of a a recent proposal of bachelor Brad Womack to Emily Maynard with a ring set by the brand. Remember, we specialize in recreating pieces like this in a way that is individualized and specialized just for you.

     

    Maynard was presented with a diamond and platinum ring set with a cushion-cut center diamond accented with 263 round-brilliant-cut diamonds, for a total diamond weight of 3 carats. The set, valued at $50,000, was hand-crafted, designed and signed by Neil Lane.

    The Bachelor is a primetime reality series that features one man offered the chance to find true love. Throughout the season, Womack became acquainted with a bevy of bachelorettes, gradually narrowing the field until he was ready to make a commitment, proposing with the Neil Lane ring set.

    Neil Lane is a popular choice for Hollywood brides to be. He has supplied engagement rings for Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Sandra Bullock, Brooke Shields, Nicole Richie and Jennifer Hudson, among others. Additionally, the jewelry is commonly seen at red carpet events, such as the Oscars.

    Lane recently unveiled his new bridal collection at Kay Jewelers.

    Source: NationalJewelry.com

  • Dame Liz Taylor’s Jewels on Auction Block

    It’s no secret that Elizabeth Taylor possessed an extensive and amazing jewelry collection. After her passing, what’s to become of $150 million worth of jewelry?

    Sources tell People it will likely go to auction at Christie’s in New York.

    “She had the most amazing eye,” says Peter Sedghi, President/CEO of Luxury Jewels in Beverly Hills. “When you would show her stones, she would tell you the origin, if it’s good quality, bad quality, where it came from.”

    A Late Icon

    Taylor collected all kinds of stones, but she had a unique place in her heart for diamonds. They dated back to her life as an iconic actress.

    “The studios, in order to make her happy, they’d always give her jewelry,” says friend Lorraine Schwartz. “She grew up collecting it. People always gave her gifts… it was something that she learned to love.”

    Among the star’s most treasured items? A 69-carat Taylor-Burton diamond, purchased for over $1 million; and a 33-carat Krupp diamond, given to her by fifth husband, Richard Burton.

    Any of Taylor’s pieces capture your heart? Remember, we’re happy to re-create a piece with your budget in mind!
  • Are Stars PAID for Award-Ceremony Jewelry?

    There’s no easy answer to the question. Most of assume the jewelry is “on loan” for the evening but that’s not always the case. Here are a few case in points:

    CBS) Actress Anne Hathaway was reportedly paid a pretty penny just to wear a few flashy gems during Sunday’s Oscar ceremony.An insider tells Us magazine that the 28-year-old show host was paid $750,000 to exclusively wear Tiffany and Co. jewels throughout the evening.

    For her red carpet appearance, Hathaway paired her strapless red Valentino bustle gown with a $10 million Tiffany Lucida Star diamond necklace, diamond earrings and ring.

    Show performer Gwyneth Paltrow was reportedly also generously compensated to wear Louis Vuitton jewelry. Paltrow, who sang “Coming Home” during the ceremony, accented her shimmery Calvin Klein Collection gown with a pair of multi-toned earrings, ring and brooch from the fashion house’s “L’Ame du Voyage” collection.

    Others stars to make a statement with their baubles include presenter Cate Blanchett, who wore a Van Cleef & Arpels vintage bracelet, which boasted 127 yellow and white diamonds, and best supporting actress nominee Amy Adams, who reportedly wore $1,350,000 worth of Cartier jewels with her sparkly, midnight blue L’Wren Scott gown.

    Source: CBS News

  • Beastly Jewelry Debut

    We love to show off other talented jewelry designers almost as much as we like to show off our own! There’s a twofold reason: jewelry design is a relatively small community. It’s good to support like-minded craftspeople. Secondly, if there’s a piece you see that you’d like to recreate, we’re glad to take a design as a starting point and build your own individual piece from there.

    Today, we’d like to introduce you to Haute Betts:

    Haute Betts is manufactured in the USA and is sold at many fine boutiques throughout Southern California. Founder and designer, Heather Betts has created each statement piece with names just as creative as the jewels themselves.  Betts, a native Angeleno has named her pieces after iconic figures that truly represent Southern California culture. The creative, flirty and edgy designs will make any outfit, whether elegant or casual, come to life. Haute Betts is a definite must have for one who exudes a fashion forward personal style – the true fashionista. For more information and to purchase Haute Betts please visit www.hautebetts.com.

    Haute Betts, known for its designs inspired by the bohemian and rock n’ roll styles that have graced many Hollywood fashionistas, is pleased to announce its inclusion in the upcoming film, Beastly. Beastly stars Mary Kate Olsen and Vanessa Hudgens, both style icons for Haute Betts designer Heather Betts. Having both actresses don the Haute Betts collection throughout the film is a career accomplishment for Betts.The “Lindy” bracelet, a one-of-a-kind piece created especially for the film, captures the essence of Vanessa Hudgens character, Lindy, to perfection. An earthy, multi-chain, Jade-chip bracelet falls effortlessly on the beautiful star, as seen in the movie. The “Flutter,” also repeatedly adorned by Hudgens character is an added splash of color that compliments the whimsical yet down to earth nature portrayed by the role of Lindy.  “Flutter” is made of turquoise beads and gold butterfly charms. “Lust,” “Sacred,” “Outsider” and “Dream Catcher” also developed in mind for Lindy’s character add a distinguished allurement the beast is drawn to.

    The “Immortal” bracelet developed with Mary Kate Olsen’s character Kendra in mind, brings forth a beguiling yet bewitching element to her performance.  Stockpiled on Kendra’s wrist throughout the movie, the gorgeous jewels enhance her temperament as well as her strong opinions and beliefs.  The “Immortal” is made from Ivory colored skulls and gold plated findings. All Haute Betts Jewels made for the film Beastly originate from the highest quality of gems, stones and findings. Each piece is meticulously created to enhance each characters mindset and fashionable persona and captures the dark and emotional spirit of Beastly.

    "The Vamp"

    Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet

  • Good Moissanite Story to Tell?

    Moissanite is our number one diamond alternative here at Joseph Schubach Jewelers. And for good reason: We’re seasoned jewelers who understand the difference between a viable and remarkable diamond alternative and one that is simply beneath our standards.

    We also understand the global community in which we live: moissanite provides a diamond alternative that is ecologically wise, all the while maintaining its strength and brilliance.

    Moissanite stories

    Recently we were approached by DiamondRing.com, who asked us for our best moissanite stories. Where to begin? There are hundreds to tell: couples who saved money on their wedding costs while never compromising taste or a dream piece of jewelry created by our custom jewelery designers that just wouldn’t have been possible with naturally mined diamonds.

    So what’s your story? We figure it this way: the more positive moissanite stories that are shared, the more people can realize their jewelry dream affordably, without sacrificing quality and contributing to a healthier environment.

    Drop by DiamondRing.com if you have a story to tell.

    Style 9920 Round Engagement Moissanite Ring With Side Stones Engagement ring with 2/5ct t.w. pave’ round brilliant side stones. Fits a 7.5mm round center stone.
  • Tiffany’s Indicates a Light at the End of Economic Tunnel

    Tiffany’s economics up and downs have been quite indicative of the general outlook of our economy overall. And it’s no surprise, right? If you can afford a diamond anniversary ring for your wife, chances are your pursestrings aren’t as tight!

    Here’s the latest:

    Tiffany & Co. sounded an optimistic note for the holidays, saying its sales in the retail industry’s most important season are running ahead of target.

    The comments from luxury jewelry company come as retailers are gearing up for the frenzy of Black Friday weekend and a holiday season that the National Retail Federation forecasts will be the best in four years.

    “We are now a few weeks into the all-important two-month holiday season, and sales growth is exceeding our expectations,” Tiffany Chief Executive Michael Kowalski said.

    The comments followed a strong third quarter for the company, which raised its profit forecast for the year. Tiffany’s shares rose to a record high in early trading Wednesday, and the outlook gave a boost to companies like Coach Inc., Nordstrom Inc. and Saks Inc.

    The luxury-goods industry has rebounded sharply this year after a disastrous 2008. Coach said in October that it is pleased by its sales trends, and French luxury goods company Hermes International predicted earlier this month that it would have a record year.

    Punctuating the rebound, Tiffany said it is seeing the most strength in its higher-end goods. “We continue to see bifurcated performance, with declines in sales and transactions below $500, but double-digit percentage increases in most every other higher priced category,” investor relations chief Mark Aaron said on a conference call with analysts. “This indicates to us diverging effects to one degree or another that the economy is having on consumer spending.”

    Tiffany has benefited from higher pricing of late. For the period ended Oct. 31, Tiffany posted a profit of $55.1 million, or 43 cents a share, up from $43.3 million, or 35 cents a share, a year earlier.

    Sales jumped 14% to $681.7 million following last year’s 2.9% drop. The company’s gross margin widened to 58.5% from 54.8%, due in part to higher prices.

    Sales in the Americas rose 9% and climbed 5% on a same-store basis excluding currency impacts. Internet and catalog sales in the Americas climbed 7%. At Tiffany’s New York flagship store, sales declined 3%. Sales were up 24% and 22% in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, respectively.

    —Matt Jarzemsky contributed to this article.

    Source: Wall Street Journal

    Shared Prong Princess Cut Diamond Anniversary Band - Click on image for more information