Russian conglomerate World of Diamonds just unveiled an incredible blue diamond ring. Their 2.08 fancy vivid blue cushion shaped diamond is set in a platinum setting and plated in rose gold, and is named ”The Jane Seymour” Diamond after the famous Bond girl.
The ring celebrates the illustrious career and philanthropic efforts of Jane Seymour, an accomplished actress, producer, painter, businesswoman, philanthropist and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (although it is unclear whether the funds from the ring will go toward philanthropy or to WOD).
It’s that time of year again, where we don our summer best, looking fashionable and trying to stay cool. And this is no easy feat. Some jewelry is particularly vulnerable to the effects of summer (salt water, chlorine, etc). By taking a few simple precautions, you can have your summer fun without it taking a toll on your fine jewelry.
The biggest piece of advice?
Take it off!
When it comes to summer activities, most do not require a statement necklace. Whether it’s swimming, hiking, gardening or camping, you risk losing your jewelry during a physical activity…and we don’t want that! We suggest bringing a special case for your jewelry pre-activity or better yet, leave it at home and look smashing at night!
Remember: chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, direct sunlight and even sweat can affect gems and metals.
If you do expose your jewelry to summer’s hazardous material, remember that cleaning your jewelry doesn’t require special accessories. A bowl of water with a few drops of dish detergent usually does the trick. Dry gently using a soft cloth.
Our cuts come in both Antique Cushion Cut (ACC) and Old European Cut (OEC). They are cut to specific parameters to ensure maximum brilliance and beauty. Our cushion cuts are available in three length to width ratios: square, slightly elongated and elongated.
So what exactly is an Old European Cut (OEC)?
The Old European Cut is considered the forerunner of the modern day brilliant cut, since both are round cuts. It became the most popular during the 19th century, following on the historical heels of a cushion cut (or “old miner’s cut”) but with a shallower pavilion, a more rounded shape and a different arrangement of the facets.
The Old European and Modern Round Brilliant both have 57 or 58 facets–but it’s the placement and shape of those facets that really define each cut’s personality.
What are the differences between an OEC and Round Brilliant Cut?
The Old European Cut doesn’t appear as perfectly round as the Round Brilliant Cut. The Old European Cut also has larger facets (as well as a large hole, slightly off center). And while the Round Brilliant Cut optimizes the amount of brilliance, the antique OEC cut gives off a more understated and elegant glow.
An Old European Cut diamond typically has a smaller table and higher crowns than the modern day Brilliant counterpart. Another distinctive characteristic of the OEC is the culet. Instead of having a pointed end at the bottom, an OEC has an open culet. (This creates a flat facet instead of a sharp point.)
We love pearls and we carry them for one good reason: they can be worn with just about anything, all the while maintaining their “classic fashion” status (meaning you can’t go wrong giving them as a gift, right?).
But like other jewelry, there are some loose rules to follow when donning them. This video tutorial gives great (and simple) pointers to follow (or not, because we love you fashion rule breakers out there too!)
The dress? A stunning gold sequined column by Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch. (And yes, we’re still oohing and ahhing over it.) Retired supermodel Gisele Bunchen donned this amazing work of art for the Olympic opening ceremonies, as she strutted down a catwalk like no other.
As the LA Times pointed out: “If modeling was an Olympic sport, Bündchen’s Rio de Janeiro opening ceremony walk Friday night couldn’t have ended any place but the gold medal winner’s podium.”
Since this dress is positively shimmering (like wearable jewelry, dare we say?), we did a little digging to find out the story behind the design.
What was the creation process behind the outfit? What materials and ideas were important? Is there a message behind the clothes?
After I received a briefing, I sketched some ideas and sent them to Gisele. Some adjustments were made. I’ve met with Gisele four times in the past few months. I took her measurements. We talked a lot about how we wanted it to be. There were three tests, and finally the clothes were ready! The fabric has been specially developed for the occasion with some peculiarities, such as the fluidity in which the sequined embroidery would flow horizontally around her body. I didn’t want a conventional gold, but a color that was very similar to her hair tone and skin, a golden light.
Working with Joe and his team was an absolute DREAM! I came to them with an idea of what I wanted in a ring and they really helped it become a reality, and really it’s even better and more beautiful than I could have ever imagined! Joe was there with me every step of the way, and was a huge help when picking what type of stone, what size, and ultimately I chose one of the diamonds he recommended and boy oh boy was it the right choice!! Once ordered, the ring was made so quickly and came in a full week ahead of schedule, which helped make one of my brand-new fiancée’s dreams come true, and according to her the ring is “perfect” and “the most beautiful thing in the world” and “just sparkles so much!” All told, my experience working with Joe was perfect, easily 10/10, and I would recommend him to others in a heartbeat!
At our studio in Scottsdale, we look beyond the jewelry and into the wide world of fashion (since it serves as the obvious backdrop to our beautiful pieces).
As backseat fashionistas perusing the latest trends, we confess: we don’t like skinny jeans very much and were quite happy that they’ve fallen off the radar.
But, for those who still love the overly clingy and breath-taking (literally) denim, we do like the reinvention of skinny jeans found in Refinery 29 recently.
In this fashionable scenario, the skinny jeans become almost “leggings-like” giving the outfit a much more updated look.
And may we suggest these earring that always pair nicely with casual fashion?
