Recently in Diamond Category

There's nothing quite like a Delfina Delettrez piece when it comes to giving me the creeps! Her line of jewelry is incredibly popular judging by how many high-end retailers carry her pieces (plus she's heir to the Fendi empire), but I just don't understand who is buying these looks!? I have great respect for the designer, because her nature and anatomy-inspired jewels are truly original in their design, but they're way too gothic for my taste. This particular bracelet costs nearly $30,000 and while it may be interesting to look at from an artistic perspective, it's disturbing and I not only wouldn't want to wear it, I think I would be troubled standing next to someone who was wearing it! 

What do you think about Delettrez's jewelry? Snob or Slob?

In time Spring, De Beers is proud to add to their offering of exquisite jewelry with two special edition series featuring beautifully selected pink diamonds set within some of their most iconic designs.

Enchanted Lotus Pendant
De Beers pink and white diamonds set in rose and white gold. 0.39 total carat weight.
$3,200.00

Enchanted Lotus Ring
De Beers pink and white diamonds set in rose and white gold. 0.47 total carat weight.
*Only available in stores
$3,200.00

Enchanted Lotus Band Ring
De Beers pink and white diamonds set in rose and white gold. 1.14 total carat weight.
*Only available in stores
$10,000.00

De Beers is proud to be the lead sponsor of The Love Ball London in aid of the Naked Heart Foundation, a children's charity. The centre piece of the auction was The Magic Moment Necklace designed by Natalia Vodianova and created by De Beers. This one-of-a-kind piece was inspired by that precious instant when two people meet and immediately connect. Two stunning De Beers diamond hearts fit perfectly together becoming one - symbolic of a great love.

The necklace features a 1.10 carat Fancy Intense Pink heart-shaped diamond set in pink diamond micropave and a 3.06 carat FVS1 heart-shaped diamond set in white diamond micropace. The delicate white gold chain is studded with 1.81 carats of white, round, brilliant diamonds, 1.65 carats of fancy pink, round, brilliant diamonds and 1.94 cars of fancy yellow diamonds.
For more information on the Naked Heart Foundation, please visit us here.

The Tourbillon is Blancpain's most traditional and signature watch. All Jewel Snobs are obsessed with watches and having a Blancpain cements your status as a true and knowledgeable collector. This very unique and special Tourbillon is the mother of all watches, set with 242 baguettes diamonds on the bracelet in white gold with 115 diamonds on the dial, this is a masterpiece of the watchmaking art at its very best. Its power reserve eliminates the necessity of daily winding and guarantees optimum precision due to the slower more regular detent of its barrel spring. Not sure if you should actually go deep sea scuba diving with this on but as a tribute to its craft and invention, this Tourbillon is water-resistant to 30-100 meters. Diamond bracelet, as seen, is $1,812,700, also available with a leather strap instead of the diamond bracelet for $1,342,700. For assistance, please call Jaclyn at the Madison Avenue Store in New York City at 212.396.1735.

Wowza!! Julianne Moore had the privilege of wearing these incredible $3 million Bvlgari emerald earrings to the Globes for being in their Spring/Summer 2010 ad campaign (wearing the same earrings). The Colombian pear shaped emeralds weigh in at 52.86 and 62.32 carats. Colombia has the world's finest emeralds. My mother-in-law is Colombian so she makes sure I know this fact!! =) This pair of perfect emeralds were shown at Bvlgari's first retrospective exhibition at Il Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome last year. I wonder if she pulled a Sharon Stone number and kept them!!

Julia Roberts tops off a simple black YSL dress with a stunning vintage sautoir from Van Cleef & Arpels. As soon as I saw it, I was fascinated and knew that there was something special about it because it was pretty much her entire look. She wasn't going to go unnoticed in just a LDB! The scene stealing pendant is encrusted with 29 citrines and diamonds and is set in 18K gold. How much does it weigh though? She probably needed a massage the next day!

I am Chinese and I am a cheesy romantic who thinks Valentine's Day is sweet so this year being that Chinese New Years lands on February 14th, I have that much more to celebrate! And it is the year of the tiger, which for a Jewel Snob is a good thing because tiger designs are way cool (uh, better than like a chicken or rat). What a perfect gift for your sweetie (or to hint to your sweetie to buy for you) for this Valentine's Day. Also a great gift for babies born this year! If you are a tiger (born in years 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010), it would be wrong not to have one of these!! The tiger charm is 18k gold with diamonds, at Tiffany & Co. for $850. Chain sold separately. Tiffany & Co. is bringing their Paloma Picasso Roadshow to Beverly Hills from January 18th-22nd in honor of their 30 year partnership.

Garrard makes the royal jewels for the British Royal Family. And they do custom pieces, which means you can have yourself a royal tiara for the right price (I was told they make a lot of these for serious Jewel Snobs in Malaysia!). The history of Garrard is long and detailed but the one liner is - Queen Victoria made Garrard the Crown Jeweler in 1843 and they've kept the job since, for 6 successive monarchs. The most impressive piece is the Sovereign's Sceptre with the Cross, it was remade in 1910 to add the world's largest and finest diamond, the Cullinan I, weighing 530 carats. They are known for 2 main things, classic engagement rings and their wings. You may have seen these wings in other places but Garrard are the original and responsible for its popularity. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, two wings, single wings, with diamonds, gold, platinum. The Large Wing pendant (approx. 3 inches) with diamonds is $17,250; Mid-size Wing pendant is $6,600; Yellow gold w/out diamonds is $2,150. Chains are sold separately from $700 - $2400 depending on weight and length. For purchasing inquiries contact their only store in the US on 202 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 877 222 1735.

If you follow tabloids, you know Jennifer Meyer as Tobey Maguire's wife, but if you are a Jewel Snob, you know her for her fabulous understated jewelry with a celebrity following that rivals the client directory at CAA. These disco ball earrings make me want to get all dressed up and get my hair properly done for a full blown night out - you know the kind you hydrate for days in preparation for! The disco balls are in rose gold with pink pave diamonds, at Barneys New York for $8000.

This bracelet has a delicate look but has the easy of a cuff. The intricate five rows of circles with interlaced diamonds is the perfect combination of classic and chic with a feminine feel and a cool vibe. I love pieces that can be worn with everything in your wardrobe and this effortless bracelet will undoubtedly be one of them. It is 18K gold with a total of 0.58 carats of diamonds. At Bergdorf Goodman for $4320.

Leslie Greene is a red carpet regular, here her Sterling Silver Collection was seen at the "American's Next Top Model" wrap up party on model Angel McCord (with her sister, 90210 actress Annalynne McCord). The fantastic bold cuffs are great for adding extra volume without getting too complicated with stacking. The Hudson Cuff seen here is $1200. Also seen are the Bica Earrings with diamond embellishments - what a great way to get some bling without going all out, these are only $780. These chandeliers really grab your attention and the intricate craftsmanship will not betray your savings.

I love that she has the silver collection as a starting point for her line. The Silver Levana Cuff has the same details as well as .44 carats of diamonds but it is $1695 compared to the 18K gold and .93 carats of diamonds on the Grande Sasha Cuff for $12,895. Such a smart way to develop a line!

A 203 carat diamond is more like a paper weight than anything you can actually wear. The Millennium Star Diamond is the largest flawless pear-shaped diamond, it was 777 carats in the rough, making it the 6th largest diamond ever found. It was discovered in the early 1990's in then Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo and purchased by De Beers, for an undisclosed amount. The cutting process took intense years of planning, including having over 200 models made in order to calculate where and how it should be cut to get the optimum shine, beauty and weight. The final cut that resulted in the Millennium Star which gave it a pear shape with 54 facets. Mr. Harry Oppenheimer, the former Chairman of De Beers, who has been in the diamond business for more than 70 years, said, "It is the most beautiful diamond I have ever seen." Pretty remarkable coming from someone of his stature. An attempt was made to steal it from the Millennium Dome in London in 2000.

Temple St. Clair is known for exquisite designs that are understated and classic. There are those who appreciate fine jewelery but are modest about the amount of bling. She calls her desings "restrained", I call it fabulous! These pieces from her current collection shows her range and background of art and architecture.

The Tolomeo Pendant with blue sapphire and diamonds is very architectural with an element of engineering feat that is eye catching. I love sapphire and the monochromatic simplicity of this piece because there is already so much going on, but there is also a version with multiple colored stones. For $25,000 (chain sold separately - 18K Classic Extra-Small Oval Link Chain, 18", $1,350).

I love pieces that are versatile and impactful.  The Graduated Necklace with Mango Green Moonstone and Diamonds is exquisite and elegant for formal affairs but this can easily be worn with a simple cocktail dress or even a nice luncheon.  for $85,000.

These Cluster Drop Earrings with Morganite, Diamonds and Green Beryl are gorgeous and of course curbs your pink diamond craving, or at least mine =)  For most, giant pink diamonds are not a reality but that does not mean we can't get the look of our favorite color!  For $15,000.

Cocktail rings are my thing.  I like to keep things simple and have one point of focus and this clearly fits the bill.  This Cluster Ring with Precious Topaz and Rosecut Diamonds is showy but in a modest, "restrained" way.  Yes, I am a sucker for anything pink but this isn't girly in any way, the setting is absolutely sophisticated.  For $62,500.  Available at Temple St. Clair, although not all the pieces shown here are on the website.  Contact their sales department at 800 590 7985 or 212 219 8664.

Modern and edgy is not the first words that come to mind when describing Van Cleef & Arpels-- but the latest from the legendary French jeweler is fit for a rock princess. A leather and diamond collar with 14.22-carat Capriccio pear-shape diamond set in white gold, this is a major statement piece but still carries with it the quiet elegance that Van Cleef has been known for since Estelle Arpels married Alfred Van Cleef over a hundred years ago.  I would actually wear this with a t shirt and jeans and not feel one bit self conscious!  The baguettes are placed to look like a zipper, an ode to the '80s I presume.  I don't even dare ask how much this piece is but if Santa is reading, top of my wish list please!  At Van Cleef & Arpels, price upon request, call 877-VAN-CLEEF

Tiffany's Blue Book Collection was why Holly Golightly went all batty. This is their most precious of jewels and I was able to preview this collection at their Rodeo Drive store. Trying not to faint was a serious feat. Everything was beyond, but these few pieces caught my eye and imagination (wouldn't it be fantastic to just sleep with these?). For those waiting for that proposal, you can keep your eye and heart out for this 6.19 carat brilliant diamond - flawless and colorless with a double border diamond setting that enhances already giant size of the center stone. A cool $1,475,000 for the lucky man who buys this for his lovely lady.

Tiffany brought back many pieces from legendary designer, Jean Schlumberger.  This flower Jardinet Diamond Bracelet in 18K gold is one of the exceptional pieces with amazingly intricate details, so gorgeous you can't believe your eyes!!  For $320,000.

These diamond earrings set in platinum are blingy and fabulous but the best part is that you can wear them every day.  Why invest in something that only gets to come out and play a couple of times a year?  Imagine these with jeans and a sweater.  Rock it out with a mini skirt and boots.  Anything you wear will surely benefit from these dazzlers.  The Pendulum Diamond Drop Earrings are $35,000, Swirl Diamond Drop Earrings are $35,000 and my favorite, the simple but stunning Teardrop Diamond Drop Earrings are $40,000.

What can be more Tiffany than a blue box with perfect ribbons?  How about an enormous Aquamarine with Diamond and Platinum Bow Brooch?  I don't know the exact weight but it was a good 1 1/2" tall.  Totally fun and shows you're true Tiffany fanatic!  For $100,000.  To purchase any of these, contact your closest Tiffany store.

This Enchanted Lotus Collection from De Beers makes the perfect gift for the most precious of family and friends. The prices are in the range that is affordable for those without the luxury of private jets and jewelry bank vaults. Each piece is unique and special for that unique and special love in your life.

Enchanted Lotus Band Ring
An exquisite thread of diamonds, woven together to create a fine band of lotus flowers as a statement piece or as the everlasting wedding band. Set in white gold, 1.41 carats for $4,500.

Enchanted Lotus Ring
Beautifully intricate, this ring stylishly adorns the hand in a never ending loop for a timeless and chic touch. Set in white gold, 0.47 carats for $2,000.

Enchanted Lotus Pendant
A delicate and elegant pendant for everyday, a perfect accessory to complement any style or to mark any celebration in a meaningful way. Set in white gold, 0.39 carats for $2,000.

Enchanted Lotus Bracelet
A lovely bracelet perfect for any occasion, it strikes a scintillating balance between the diamond lotus feature and its exquisitely fine chain. Set in white gold, 0.33 carats for $1,500.

Enchanted Lotus Hoop Earrings
Light and ethereal, these hoop earrings take a modern twist on glamour with a sculptural feel for evening or everyday elegance. Set in white gold, 1.45 carats for $3,200.

Let them eat cake! Meanwhile, give me the most fabulous fancy yellow diamond ring and throw in clusters of white diamonds to go with. This is a bit much, but hey, sometimes you need a little decadence in your life. This show stopper can go from lavishly formal to everyday if you go subtle with everything else. It all depends on how thick you lay it on =) The cushion cut yellow diamond is 3.09 carats and the total weight of the fancy cut white diamonds are 12.40 carats. Marie-Antoinette Yellow Cushion Ring at De Beers from their High Jewelry collection for $250,000.

You will never see another piece like this! The weight of this uniquely shaped brown kite diamond is 7.33 carats. I have a brown cognac diamond and the color is truly mesmerizing, you wouldn't think something that is brown could be so brilliant and multi-faceted in color. But of course, mine is nothing like this, the long kite shape looks like it's from another planet. And not only is the brown kite spectacular, the large diamond right above it is 5.57 carats, D color and flawless!! The total weight of the entire necklace is 50.12 carats. Wow, I might just consider withstanding the neck pain for this! Brown Kite Diamond at Harry Winston for $925,000.

Christie's will is holding their "Magnificent Jewels" auction on December 1, 2009. The total value of this lot is estimated at over $33 million and includes 2 vivid colored diamonds that would seriously make me consider doing very bad things for. Especially the 5.00 carats natural vivid pink diamond ring by Graff. The pink diamond is cushion shaped and is flawless (VS1 clarity). This type of naturally colored pink diamonds (type lla) are extremely rare and known for its uniform color. It is surrounded by shield-shape diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18K rose gold. Staring bid is $5 million and is estimated to go for upwards of $7 million.

Another indeedly magnificent colored diamond in the lot is the vivid yellow, also by Graff. It is a 9.03 carats, oval shaped, fancy vivid yellow diamond with 2 pear shaped diamonds on either side, mounted in platinum and yellow gold. The clarity of this diamond is VVS1 and is type la, which is more common. Thus, the lower starting bid of $933,395 - $1,166,744, even though it is so much bigger!

Bidding begins at Christie's on December 1, 2009 in Hong Kong. You can bid online as well as track the live bidding on their website.

So, to wrap up our Tiffany Week here on Jewelsnob, I thought it appropriate to highlight what makes a Tiffany diamond so special. Prior to my visit with Frank Everett at the Tiffany boutique in Beverly Hills, I wasn't really aware of what differentiates a Tiffany diamond from others. I am now 'schooled' and have a greater appreciation for Tiffany in general.

Evidently, for Tiffany & Co., it all has to do with cut and clarity. (Two of the well known 4 C's). The most famous Tiffany cut is represented by one of the largest naturally colored yellow diamonds ever found, weighing 287.42 carats and featuring 90 facets, which is on display at the New York City boutique. Tiffany's diamonds are cut for brilliance, not size. In addition, Tiffany's standards of grading are significantly stricter than those of their competitors. While certain occlusions are acceptable for the VS and VVS categories, Tiffany holds its diamonds to a higher standard, allowing for less occlusions and prettier stones overall.

Makes sense to me.

Pictured here are three of Tiffany & Co.'s Statement Diamonds Rings in platinum settings. From left: round diamond ring, 8.25 carats, D color, internally flawless, $2,300,000; pear-shaped diamond ring, 6.03 carats, D color, VS1, $575,000; cushion-shaped diamond ring, 8.52 carats, E color, VS1, $800,000.

Talk about making a statement. You might need a bodyguard to sport one of these babies.

Here are a few of the gorgeous pieces from Tiffany's new holiday collection.

The cocktail watch is inspired by the curves and inward stepping of a Venetian mirror frame and features a bezel with 98 round brilliant diamonds and a buckle with 23 diamonds in 18 karat white gold with a sleek black satin strap. I love delicate watches with just enough bling like this to make it double as a stunning piece of jewelry and a great timepiece. $12,600 at Tiffany & Co.

These are the latest additions to the key collection. I love the fairy tale nature of the entire key collection and these delicate and slightly smaller keys would look fantastic with their larger predecessors, or alone. From left is a diamond and black enamel frame key in 18k white gold, a diamond and blue enamel checkerboard key in 18k white gold and a diamond and blue and green enamel octagon key in 18k white gold. $2,250 each.

And finally, perhaps the piece de resistance, is this Victorian-inspired Bangle in black enamel with diamonds set in platinum. Available at Tiffany & Co. for $90,000.
Now who doesn't want a little blue box during the holidays?

Each year in November, Tiffany & Co. unveils a special collection comprised of approximately 100 pieces, most of which are one-of-a-kind with a few exceptions that are replicated in very limited quantity. The vast majority of the pieces sell the first weekend, with many pieces ranging from $10,000 to well over 6 million.

I happened to try this Cobblestone bracelet on while at Tiffany & Co. last week - and let's just say that the picture hardly does it justice. It is a remarkable piece, the weight of which feels incredibly luxurious on your wrist. It is a subtle replica, (they are never exact), of one of the pieces from last year's Blue Book Collection. Featuring exquisite rose cut green tourmalines, aquamarines and diamonds, the bracelet retails for $86,500 and the earrings for $19,500. The millegrain detail surrounding each individual stone is remarkable. Yet another example of Tiffany & Co.'s flawless craftsmanship and timeless style. If you'd like to visit with it in person, you should take a trip to Two Rodeo in Beverly Hills.

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Frank Everett, Director of Tiffany & Co. in Beverly Hills, to preview their new holiday collection. Frank was such a wealth of information however about the history, designers and importance of Tiffany & Co. that I was inspired to run a week devoted exclusively to the renowned company.

One of the first pieces Frank showed me was a Jean Schlumberger Floral Bracelet, that was absolutely breathtaking, along with the rest of the collection including this Schlumberger Leaves Necklace for $385,000. Comprised of a stunning number of beautifully matched green tourmalines and platinum set diamonds in 18k gold, this piece is without question, a show stopper. Definitely red carpet material.

Schlumberger, whose career began designing buttons for Elsa Schiaparelli, was honored with a show at the Louvre museum in Paris. Not too shabby and, with pieces like these, clearly well-deserved. His fans included the likes of John F. Kennedy, the Duchess of Windsor, Greta Garbo, Gloria Guinness, Françoise de la Renta, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, Gloria Vanderbilt, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. It is said that Jacqueline Kennedy wore so many of Schlumberger's bracelets that the press dubbed them "Jackie bracelets".

While Schlumberger is no longer with us, his designs live on at Tiffany & Co.

My visit to the illustrious Beverly Hills boutique at Two Rodeo was quite enlightening. Tiffany & Co. is about far more than spectacular engagement rings and iconic sterling pieces. The collections feature some of the greatest designers in the world, including architect Frank Gehry.

Stay tuned for more Tiffany & Co. features all week!

While I am not crazy about cuff bracelets, I have to admit that this one is insanely exquisite. It's covered in pave diamonds, (my favorite), and perfectly evokes the absolutely beautiful '20s deco-inspired designs that brought us beauties like the Chrysler building in NYC. Judith Ripka's designs are classic - and while this piece harkens back to to the Roaring '20s, I can't imagine anyone would ever tire of wearing it. They better not at $60,000 either. Available at the Judith Ripka boutique in Beverly Hills at Two Rodeo.

Starting today, Dana Rebecca Designs, a collection of fine jewelry, will be on sale via the Gilt Group. Pieces including these Lori Paige earrings are available at half off. Originally $5,500, these stunners featuring 9 carats of pink amethyst and 1.90 carats of ever-irresistible diamonds, are now just $2,750. Click on this link to see more pretty sparkly things and go ask your sugar daddies for some pocket change.

My lack of a post yesterday can be attributed to a multitude of things, including fodder for an upcoming post which I am quite excited about. I was at the brand new Judith Leiber boutique at Two Rodeo yesterday, and was absolutely blown away, but more on that later.

In the meantime, enjoy this breathtaking Monaco Ring by Judith Ripka, (not to be confused with Judith Leiber), also available at Two Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, for $15,000. In 18k yellow gold with a black onyx center stone, royal pave black diamond shank and bezel set round briiliant diamond prongs, what's not to love?

Judith Ripka's designs are all absolutely beautiful and there isn't a piece in the store I wouldn't wear. If you live in the area, or are visiting L.A. anytime soon, it is worth a trip to either invest in or drool over all the feminine, pretty baubles - many of which are quite affordable, with pricing ranging from $100, (frugal snob), to $60,000, (super-uber snob).

Somebody is going to have to stop me soon... with all of this nature business, but this Chaumet "Attrape Moi" collection - and in particular the si tu m'aimes ring is, in my opinion, to die for.

The whole collection is rather amazing - and Chaumet, which has been creating exquisite jewelry since 1780, was inspired by its original bee symbol dating back to the Age of Napoleon, when they designed the Attrape Moi collection.

Unfortunately, I cannot figure out what this ring in 18k white gold with diamonds goes for, so if anyone has an idea, feel free to enlighten me, even though I'm not sure I want to know because this is one web I would love to be caught in.

Isn't this Chanel Camelia necklace in 18k white gold with diamonds just, well...so darn pretty? Look at it! Who doesn't love a beautiful flower covered in diamonds? Even if you're not a girly-girl like me, you have to appreciate this piece. I have no idea what on earth it retails for, since Chanel does not list pricing on its website, but I do know that the Camelia collection rings fetch somewhere between $20000 - $36000, so this necklace has to run a wee bit more. I know it's nothing new... the Camelia collection has been around for quite some time, but I felt this necklace deserved a moment in the sun so we could all be reminded of its beauty and the nearly-perfect fashion behemoth that is the house of Chanel.

Anyway, I'm still suffering from a nasty ear infection and can hardly hear in my left ear, so if you happen to disagree with me, that's the ear that won't be listening. Besides, I'm clearly on some extended nature kick...

Anaconda Elisa Ring

Part of the trouble respecting editing for a jewelry site, is that occasionally you'll happen upon something you desperately want - and can't have.

I've found a ring that pretty much encompasses everything I'm attracted to when it comes to investment pieces - classic beauty with a feel of elegant antiquity and a certain amount of uniqueness. (In other words, I'm not the kind of girl who wears a solitaire and calls it a day). That being said, I might spend the vast majority of my day pouting over this ring, because at $7150, it's simply not an option at the moment, unless of course, I'm fine with homelessness or can somehow forgo eating for the next 12 months.

Hmm...

With 19k white gold, brilliant cut champagne diamonds and a large drool-worthy, ethereal center moonstone, it's just, well, perfect.

Anaconda designer Monica Rossi hails from Italy - and has evidently been designing for quite some time, unbeknownst to me. Sort of wish it had stayed that way.

*Sigh*