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Joan Collins has entered the world of exclusive jewelry design with her “Timeless Elegance” collection, created for the US market as a stunning showcase of high quality, classic and contemporary styling.

It’s been designed to bring Joan’s secrets of looking good to women everywhere who aspire to her trademark elegance and sense of style, with easy ordering from the “Timeless Elegance” catalog and prices that challenge the same quality items in the finest department stores and boutiques.

The collection is a dazzling display of classic costume jewelry for all occasions from daywear to special and evening wear, and all are hand polished, gold or rhodium plated, nickel and lead free and finished with genuine Swarovski crystals.

And, as anyone familiar with Joan will already know, sharing her secrets is something she is passionate about.

“Show me a woman who doesn’t aspire to looking and feeling great whatever her age,” said Joan.

“I’m just thrilled to be able to put such a fabulous collection within easy reach of women who know exactly how important the right piece of jewelry can be in creating a whole aura of elegance.

“You don’t have to be a movie star to radiate glamour and elegance and you don’t have to be a millionaire to look a million dollars. “Timeless Elegance” is proof of that.”

Source

British luxury fashion house Burberry releases its first formal collection of jewelry for spring.

The capsule pieces are the same theme as the RTW designed by Christopher Bailey, metallic and Perspex jewelry inspired by the luxury warrior.

The collection comprises a full variety of jewelry offerings in dark nickel, lacquered black, and brass-colored palette.

Completing the necklaces and rings are the bracelets, bangles, and cuffs in a clean, strong, hexagonal, square, and round shapes.

Details such as metal studs, triple and multi-chains, and Celtic medal-shaped studs adorn the jewelries.

The collection ranges from $195 to $1,595. The pieces will be available in Burberry flagship stores and on their website \next spring.

“Burberry has done pieces of jewelry in past seasons, but now Burberry is developing a proper jewelry collection,” a company spokesperson says.

Burberry is seen to have experimented with its identity and have met success. The brand that was long ago related to the icon of staid British style and use to deliver the object of longing for the chavs, is making efforts to imprison the stylish and cutting edge set. It is been said that its kitty of 2008 spring jewelry collection is inspired by Christopher Bailey’s design of the “luxury warrior.”

The jewelry line conveys a daring and rough look with earrings, dark metals and arithmetical shapes. If the word has done its magic, then you can take home this collection during its launch this spring. This is the right time to flaunt your passion for elite jewelry and more your belongings.

As co-president and design director of Chopard, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele is used to traveling with jewelry.

She spends about six months of the year on the road, and she always brings along pieces to wear that will represent the watch and jewelry label well at business meetings and events.

While Ms. Gruosi-Scheufele has the luxury of borrowing jewelry from Geneva-based Chopard, which has been in the watch business since 1860, she always travels with a few personal favorites as well. She tries to minimize the number of pieces she carries for insurance reasons and always matches her outfits with jewelry before she packs.

“I always pick the jewelry first and then I pick the dress,” says Ms. Gruosi-Scheufele, who notes that she tends to choose dresses based on whether they are “good jewelry dresses” that won’t outshine the pieces. “They’re feminine and sexy but not overloaded with sequins or colors — something plain but very well-cut.”

Her travel staples include a diamond watch with a relatively large face, for easy time-telling during meetings, she says. She likes having a few diamonds on the watch-face, because “when you have a bad day they always make you smile,” but also because a piece with a little flash will work well with both day and night ensembles, so she won’t have to bring another watch. Calling herself an “earrings freak,” Ms. Gruosi-Scheufele brings several pairs on each trip, favoring large, sparkly diamond studs or earrings that extend no more than an inch beneath the earlobe for business meetings. (Longer ones “can be distracting,” she says.) For daytime, she favors a long, simple gold necklace with a large pendant, which she calls versatile and not too showy. She’s always careful to wear just one striking piece with each ensemble, whether it is the earrings, a brooch or a necklace.

When packing her jewelry, she places each item in a small suede drawstring pouch, ties it up, and then places the pouch in a large suede drawstring bag with pockets to hold the pouches. The suede protects the jewelry, she says, and the malleable pouch is easy to pack. She is careful not to pack diamonds in the large pouch if it contains pearls or colored stones — which are softer — as the diamonds can scratch up or damage those pieces. If she is bringing a piece that combines diamonds and softer stones, she transports it in the box it came in; usually, a jeweler’s box will hold the piece in place so the stones don’t rub up against one another.

If Ms. Gruosi-Scheufele wants to give her jewelry some added sparkle while she is on the road, she sometimes gives it a quick cleaning using her grandmother’s “old, old-fashioned” method: Dip the piece for about five minutes in lukewarm, slightly soapy water (using regular hotel bar soap), rinse it in lukewarm water and then dry it with a suede cloth. “If you’re careful, you can clean anything in that,” she says.

Protect your jewelry when traveling

D’packaging for air transport can be especially difficult as you try to protect your valuable jewelry and often emotional damage without sacrificing too much space in your luggage. When you travel with jewelry, you want to make sure it reaches its destination and that it remains unscathed. The Transportation Security Administration recommends that air passengers refrain from wearing jewelry containing the metal to expedite security checks, but also recommends that you keep valuable items, including jewelry with you rather than in checked baggage during the journey. Many people do not want to have to sacrifice jewelry with them during their trip, leading to the need for an effective defense and ensuring jewelry in a carryon bag or purse.

One way of protecting and transporting jewelry is conveniently with the purchase of a jewelry travel that is equipped to ensure and protect the nature and quantity of jewels will be in charge. Travel cases for jewelry are available from many sources and vary in quality, price and design. By purchasing a trip, be sure to take into consideration the types and quantity of jewels that will travel with you, and select a case that will fit your needs still consume little space in your luggage. Packaging

jewelry Any security in your suitcase, however, does not necessarily involve an investment in a matter of jewelry. You can safely and economically your jewelry box safe with cardboard or heavy paper. Colliers individual can be packaged in cardboard boxes created by the first cut rectangles of cardboard that measure a little more than twice the length of each string. This can be accomplished by providing each necklace in the two slots that have been reduced to one end of each rectangle and rectangle folding in half to cover the chain. The cardboard box can then be stored together or placed in a snug baggie which allows the chain to spend a minimal space. Earrings and bracelets can be guaranteed, cardboard or heavy paper in the same way. The goal is to create a robust housing that prevents necklaces to take all the jewelry and protects against damage caused by compression and the potential impact.

Keep valuable items such as jewelry to assure you that you travel with you that they will arrive at their destination, in the circumstances unlikely that your checked baggage only. Whether you opt for DIY or buying a jewelry travel to meet your needs, you can request a private security screening if you travel with large amounts of valuables and would prefer to protect your privacy.

Madonna Jewelry Travel Tip

Learn from Madonna’s mistake when traveling. Keep the Jewelry light. Before going through the scanner, I always remove my watch, belt, change etc and put it in my laptop bag to save time going through the scanner. Jewelry will often cause you repeated trips through the scanner and possibly a full blown search. Prime Example:

Even superstars are not spared the privations of airport security scanners.

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Whether your budget runs $75 or $7,500, you’ll find a piece to please the pickiest this holiday season.

The standouts lining shelves include a 12-carat diamond cocktail ring, a necklace with over 900 individual diamonds and a kicky piece of costume jewelry from mass-market retailer J. Crew (nyse: JCG).

Garrard Cocktail Ring

$17,000

This 12-carat diamond cocktail ring from the British jeweler’s signature Wing collection features a white gold band and white diamond base. It is available studded with green, yellow or pink oval beryls.

It’s no wonder, given the market for jewels that run the spectrum. Over 14 million Americans bought jewelry over the post-Thanksgiving weekend last year, according to the National Retail Federation, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association. And with this year’s after-Thanksgiving sales surprisingly strong–ShopperTrak RCT, which tracks sales at more than 50,000 retail outlets, reports that total retail sales on the post-Thanksgiving weekend rose 7.2%, to $16.4 billion from the year-ago period– it’s bound to be another successful season for the industry.

On the high end, look for unique settings and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Top Trinkets

These include Chopard’s Columbian emerald necklace. It’s part of the Swiss jeweler’s Haute Joaillerie collection and available exclusively at its newly opened Madison Avenue boutique in New York City.

Chopard Emerald Necklace

$1,188,510

This emerald necklace, the centerpiece of Chopard’s Haute Joaillerie collection, is one of a kind and found exclusively at the jeweler’s just-opened Madison Avenue retail shop in New York City. It features 73 square and 830 round, brilliant-cut white diamonds and 13 cascading pear-drop Colombian emeralds.

The V-shaped, $1.2 million necklace features 73 square and 830 round brilliant-cut white diamonds and 13 cascading, pear-drop emeralds. She says the custom work done at the company’s Geneva factory distinguishes the firm from its competitors.

“I like applying old-fashioned standards to modern jewelry,” says co-president Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele of her pieces’ extensive handwork. A machine isn’t creating these baubles–people are. “We use high-tech tools while making the new pieces, but the craftsmanship stays true to our original vision.”

If you’re eyeing the other end of the scale, consider J.Crew’s whimsical jewelry line. The retailer’s hand-painted brass ring, available in purple, navy and berry, is edged with hand-set polished gemstones and topped with an enameled dome that resembles that of a vintage carousel. And at $75, it’s gentle on the wallet.

J.Crew Hand-Painted Enamel Carousel Ring

$75

Sometimes kicky costume jewelry is more fun than the real stuff. Take this hand-painted ring from J.Crew. Available in purple, navy and berry, this chunky 14-karat-gold-plated brass ring is edged with hand-set polished gemstones and topped with an enameled dome that resembles that of a vintage carousel.

A watch is always a safe bet for the men on your list. A good choice: German watchmaker A. Lange & Sohne’s Saxonia. Available in 18-karat white, yellow and rose gold, even its hour, minute and subsidiary second hands have been perfectly sized to appear proportionate to the face’s Roman numerals for a pristine look.

A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Men’s Watch

$15,100

German watchmakers A. Lange & Sohne’s Saxonia timepiece is available in 18-karat yellow, white or pink gold. Each watch comes with a crocodile strap and a gold buckle engraved with its serial number. The 18-karat gold case has been polished by hand. Even its hour, minute and subsidiary second hands have been perfectly sized to appear proportionate to the face’s Roman numerals.

If he’s a little more adventurous, Mann Tahiti’s sterling silver bamboo tie clip will get his nod. With a nine-millimeter black Tahitian pearl at its tip, the two-and-a-half-inch-long bamboo-shaped bar works well with almost any tie.

Bamboo Sterling Silver Tie Clip

$330

Tie clips offer little variance, but this bamboo-shaped bar proves they can be unique. With a nine-millimeter black Tahitian pearl at its tip, the two-and-a-half-inch-long bar works well with solid colored ties in hues such as navy, royal purple and taupe.

For the ultimate feel-good gift, select something from philanthropist Joan Hornig’s jewelry collection. The proceeds from every piece you buy are donated to a charity of your choice. And that’s not just during the holidays. That means when you pick up those 18-karat-gold onyx-drop earrings– each studded with nine tiny black diamonds for a discreetly dramatic look–you can buy them in the name of your gal’s favorite cause.

Joan Hornig Georgette Earrings

$1,580

Each of these 18-karat gold onyx-drop earrings are studded with nine tiny black diamonds for a discreetly dramatic look. Perfect with a little black dress on New Year’s Eve. What’s more, 100% of the profits from any piece you purchase from philanthropist Hornig’s collection are donated to the charity of your choice.

So whether you’re buying for your neighbor or your new bride, there’s something sparkly out there to please the even most discerning this season.

Rosy Blue, the world’s largest diamond manufacturing company and a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of fine diamonds and jewelry, has been announced the winner of the De Beers group marketing award for the ‘Best New Piece of Diamond Jewelry of 2007’ category with the theme ‘Diamonds-Nature’s Miracle’ at the Diamond jewelry design competition 2007.

Harshad Mehta, Chairman, Rosy Blue, said, “Diamond jewelry has the ability to capture the heart and the Flotz diamond collection that incorporates the elements of nature will remind the wearer of the importance of environmental awareness and protection”.

Rosy Blue’s winning ‘Flotz Brilliance in Air’ piece of diamond jewelry is inspired by water droplets shimmering on a sunlit lotus leaf. The winning necklace incorporates two thousand five hundred and one diamonds set in white gold and is valued at $36,000.

Rosy Blue Creates Award Winning Design for the Diamond Jewelry Design competition 2007

Rosy Blue, the global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of fine diamonds and jewelry has been announced the winner of the De Beers group marketing award for the ‘Best new piece of diamond jewelry of 2007’ at the recently held Diamond jewelry design competition 2007.

After competing with other creative finalists from across the GCC, Rosy blue won the coveted award for producing the most stunning diamond jewelry ever seen in the region, inspired by one of nature’s most precious creations- the diamond. Rosy Blue entered the competition in the new piece of diamond jewelry category with the theme, ‘Diamonds- Nature’s Miracle’ .

Rosy Blue’s winning ‘Flotz Brillance in Air’ piece of diamond jewelry is inspired by water droplets shimmering on a sunlit lotus leaf, this necklace incorporates two thousand five hundred and one diamonds set in white gold and is valued at $ 36,000. The ‘Flotz Brilliance in Air’ piece is part of the Flotz collection that will be soon available in the market through a reputed jewelry chain. The collection will combine classic design in a very unique setting process, showcasing the maximum brilliance of the diamonds.

The Rosy blue designers were inspired by the beauty of the Lotus leaf with shimmering water droplets on the surface that mimicked diamonds. These droplets that capture the rays of the sun and slide off the leaf freely reminds us of how life is without any material attachments and carefree. The award winning design ‘Flotz Brilliance in air’ brings to life nature’s beauty.

“Diamond jewelry has the ability to capture the heart and the Flotz diamond collection that incorporates the elements of nature will remind the wearer of the importance of environmental awareness and protection,’ said Mr. Harshad Mehta, Chairman of Rosy Blue.

Capitalizing on the growing preference for quality and unique branded jewelry in the GCC, Rosy Blue’s designer team is constantly crafting quality and innovative collections keeping in mind the cosmopolitan taste and preference of the women in the region.

“ In today’s world, global warming stares us in the face as an alarming issue which needs addressing, and through this design we wish to remind all of us to conserve nature for posterity, added Mr Mehta.

About Rosy Blue

Rosy Blue is the world’s largest diamond manufacturing company and a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of fine diamonds and jewelry. Headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, Rosy Blue has its factories, offices and stores in more than 15 countries across the globe and is one of the largest Sightholder of the Diamond Trading company (a De Beers Group Company) The company has its own design centers in New York, Antwerp, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Mumbai and globally offers branded jewellery under brand names such as ORRA, ROSIBLU, Canadia, Vera Wang etc. Employing more than 15,000 employees and $1.7bn in sales in 2005, Rosy Blue is firmly established across the value chain and has a major presence in all diamond and jewelry centers globally.

Rosy Blue wins De Beers award

Rosy Blue won the De Beers Group marketing award for ‘Best new piece of diamond jewellery of 2007′ at the Diamond Jewellery Design Competition 2007.

Rosy blue won the coveted award for producing the most stunning diamond jewellery ever seen in the region, inspired by one of nature’s most precious creations - the diamond.

Rosy Blue entered the competition in the new piece of diamond jewellery category with the theme, ‘Diamonds - Nature’s Miracle’.

Rosy Blue’s winning ‘Flotz Brillance in Air’ piece of diamond jewellery is inspired by water droplets shimmering on a sunlit lotus leaf, this necklace incorporates 2,501 diamonds set in white gold and is valued at $36,000.

The ‘Flotz Brilliance in Air’ piece is part of the Flotz collection that will soon be available in the market through a reputed jewellery chain. The collection will combine classic design in a very unique setting process, showcasing the maximum brilliance of the diamonds.

The Rosy Blue designers were inspired by the beauty of the Lotus leaf with shimmering water droplets on the surface that mimicked diamonds. These droplets that capture the rays of the sun and slide off the leaf freely reminds us of how life is without any material attachments and carefree. The award winning design ‘Flotz Brilliance in air’ brings to life nature’s beauty, said an official spokesman.

“Diamond jewellery has the ability to capture the heart and the Flotz diamond collection that incorporates the elements of nature will remind the wearer of the importance of environmental awareness and protection,’ said chairman of Rosy Blue Harshad Mehta.

Capitalising on the growing preference for quality and unique branded jewellery in the GCC, Rosy Blue’s designer team is constantly crafting quality and innovative collections keeping in mind the cosmopolitan taste and preference of the women in the region.

Eternalsparkles.com, an online jewelry store that specializes in cocktail jewelry such as cubic zirconia and sterling silver jewelry, launches over 300 new styles of fashion jewelry, fashion rings and sterling silver jewelry that caters to the latest and hippest trend of this season.

Think vibrant, bold and large. Think vivid and brilliant tones that sparkle with intensity. Dainty and conservative is out, big and chunky is definitely in. These are the hottest trends in fashion jewelry today.

Rich colors, luxurious and textured designs of fashion jewelry are forging its way into the new season. What used to be a mere wardrobe accessory has now transformed into a wardrobe in itself. Fashion jewelry today is daring, yet it remains beautiful and very sensual. Now is the season for fashion jewelry to sparkle.

Eternalsparkles.com is your one-stop-shop for all your fashion jewelry needs. This is where high quality jewelry meets affordability. With a constantly updated array of fashion jewelry, fashion rings and sterling silver jewelry, Eternalsparkles.com never lacks in style.

For this bold winter season, Eternalsparkles.com proudly unveils its newest collection in fashion jewelry, fashion rings, and sterling silver jewelry. With over 300 new fabulous finds, from fashion rings to necklaces, to bangles and brooches, and earrings to bracelets, Eternalsparkles.com will always keep you abreast of the latest styles in fashion jewelry.

Neck Pieces
This season’s top trendy picks are necklaces that are long with bold designs, or simple layered chains made in sterling silver. Short pieces with a vintage feel are making a comeback. Think mismatched charms and fringes for a classy, trendy look. So flaunt those sexy necklines with these fashion jewelry picks.

Wrist Enhancements
Bangles are making huge waves this season. Whether thick or thin, colorful or plain, bangles are back in style. Thin bangles, especially, are usually worn stacked together with other bangles or even used to accentuate other bracelets. With these hip and trendy sterling silver bangles, how can you go wrong?

Fashion Rings
Gone are the days when rings were just mere symbols of wealth, power, and love. Today, fashion rings are making a bold statement that speaks for itself. Fashion rings have reached massive proportions, adorned with oversized stones and colorful gems. Be fashionably forward with Eternalsparkles.com’s wide collection of fashion rings.

Elegant Earrings
Chandelier earrings are now being replaced with designs that are more linear; yet still incorporate last season’s favorites like clusters, dangles and fringes made which are with sterling silver. The perfect fashion jewelry choice for this season is big and bold hoops that will bring out the diva in you.

Brooches with a Twist
Old time favorite brooches are now making a comeback of sorts. What used to be just a decorative ornament for plain garments is now worn as jacket closures or locks for shawls and drapey wraps. They can even be placed at the bottom of a handbag strap. What’s in are brooches with ornate and regal designs with vintage style stones set in sterling silver jewelry.

Be dazzled and be mesmerized with the latest fashion jewelry collection from Eternalsparkles.com. With over 300 hippest and trendiest designs of fashion jewelry, fashion rings and sterling silver jewelry to choose from, you can be sure that you will always sparkle in style.

About Eternalsparkles.com
The City of Industry in sunny California is home to Eternalsparkles.com, an online jewelry store that specializes in cocktail jewelry such as cubic zirconia and sterling silver jewelry. The company has a wide selection of fashion jewelry including fashion rings, bracelets, bangles, pendants, brooches, necklaces and earrings. Fashion jewelries are sold at wholesale prices with a lifetime warranty. New styles of fashion jewelry arrive weekly.

THE WORLD JEWELRY CENTER SET TO OPEN IN 2011

The World Jewelry Center (WJC), the Las Vegas-based building which will house manufacturers, dealers, wholesalers and retailers in the diamond, gemstone, pearl, jewelry and watch industries, is now slated for completion in 2011 instead of the original target date of end of 2010.

Denying any building delays, WJC Managing Director Bill Boyajian explains that “the project hasn’t been delayed per say; in fact, it has made great progress in its development,” according to the National Jeweler.

The Planning Commission has granted approval to WJC plans and the remaining details and documents are expected to be finalized this year. The construction phase of the project is scheduled for the first half of 2009 and will take approximately 28 to 30 months until construction is completed.

Andrew Grima, whose jewelry adorned royalty and celebrities, has died, relatives said Saturday. He was 86.

Grima died Wednesday at a hospital in the Swiss mountain resort of Gstaad after contracting pneumonia following a fall earlier this month, his family said.

Born to a Maltese father and an Italian mother in Rome in 1921, Grima came to prominence in the 1960s with a flowery and organic style that captured the mood of a new generation of postwar fashion designers.

“When he started, jewelry was a very different thing — small, precious stuff,” his second wife, Jojo Grima, told The Associated Press. “He went straight the other way.”

“At that time everything was pretty representative,” she said. “There were bows, there were bees, there were little dogs. Andrew used a lot of rough stones and he made large pieces. It was a completely different philosophy.”

One of those who took an interest early on in Grima’s work was Lord Snowdon, then married to Britain’s Princess Margaret.

“Lord Snowdon had written an article in the paper saying that there was nothing exciting in jewelry,” Grima’s wife said. “My husband called and said, ‘Would you like to come and see my workshop,’ and they became good friends.”

The Snowdon connection as well as numerous prizes Grima received for his work during the 1960s earned him a coveted royal warrant as a supplier of jewelry to the British royal family.

Among the pieces he made was a ruby, diamond and gold brooch given to Queen Elizabeth II by her husband Prince Philip and worn during her televised Christmas Day speech this year, a day before Grima’s death.

Other customers included former U.S. first lady Jacqueline Onassis, actress Ursula Andress and sculptor Barbara Hepworth.

Grima, who never formally trained as a jeweler, joined H.J. Company, owned by his first wife’s father, after the war, during which he had spent five years in Burma and India with the Royal Engineers.

He first worked as an administrator, but one day persuaded his then father-in-law to buy a suitcase full of semiprecious stones from a pair of Brazilian dealers so that he could try his hand at designing a new kind of jewelry.

“He basically was always an artist, but because he had never been formally trained he was able to change the look of jewelry in a way that others couldn’t,” his wife said.

Bonhams, which held a special auction of some of his work in 2006, described Grima as a designer who revolutionized his craft and “changed the way jewelry was looked at and worn by the public.”

Among the items most sought-after by collectors are 80 unique watches created in 1969 for Omega, and several solid gold LED — or digital — watches that were commissioned by Pulsar.

Grima moved with his family to Switzerland in 1986 following the sale of his flagship store on London’s prestigious Jermyn street.

Besides his wife, Grima is also survived by a daughter, Francesca, as well as his first wife, Helene Haller, and three children from that marriage, Madeleine, Carole and Philip.

His funeral will be held in Gstaad on Jan. 3. A memorial service in London is planned at the end of May, his wife said.

ROYAL JEWELER ANDREW GRIMA DIES AT AGE 86

Andrew Grima, whose award-winning jewelry pieces were commissioned by British royalty, has passed away in Switzerland at the age of 86.

Born in Rome in 1921, Grima established himself as a prominent jewelry designer during the 1960s, winning 12 De Beers Diamond International Awards for his jewelry pieces. His post-war jewelry designs during this decade stood out amid the jewelry trend of conformity. As Grima’s second wife, Jojo Grima, told The Associated Press, “At that time, everything was pretty representative. There were bows, there were bees, there were little dogs. Andrew used a lot of rough stones and he made larger pieces. It was a completely different philosophy.”

Grima’s work caught the eye of Lord Snowdon, then married to Britain’s Princess Margaret. This connection as well as the above-mentioned awards, earned Grima a royal warrant as a supplier of jewelry to the British royal family in 1996. Grima held the royal warrant for 20 years, until he moved to Switzerland in 1986.

Throughout that time, Grima was commissioned by the Queen Mother, Princess Maragert, Princess Anne, The Duke of Edinburgh, British artist Barbara Hepworth and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Among the pieces he made was ruby, diamond and gold brooch give to Queen Elizabeth II by her husband Prince Philip and worn during her televised Christmas Day speech this year, a day before Grima’s death.

Grima started in the jewelry design business without any formal training as a jeweler. After the second World War, he joined his future father-in-law’s jewelry business in London as an administrator before experimenting with jewelry design. In 1969, Grima was commissioned by Omega to create a collection of watches, later known as About Time. In the 1970s, Grima opened galleries in New York, Sydney and Tokyo.

There’s a reason diamonds are a last-minute holiday shopper’s best friend, area jewelers say.

The No. 1 holiday choice: diamond earrings.

But there are other jewelry options that may be worth keeping in mind. Among the gemstones that have stolen some of the diamond’s limelight in recent years: tourmaline, which, when finished and mounted, is brilliant red and eye-catching.

“Blue topaz, sapphire and amethyst [also] have become extremely popular,” said Michael Phelps, proprietor of Michael’s Custom Jewelry in Visalia.

Phil Kaestner, owner of Burnays Jewelers in Visalia, said he’s sold more white gold in the last year than in the previous 20 years combined. Other jewelers said they’re selling pendants, pins and tennis bracelets of all kinds.

While all types of jewelry are available ready-made, some customers are looking for a special fit. Kaestner’s merchandise is mostly custom-ordered, he said.

“The last two weeks, two-and-a-half weeks before Christmas is when it really takes off,” he said.

Phelps’s customers often ask for custom-designed pieces using nontraditional stones and mounts. In such cases it’s important to profile the buyer or gift recipient, said Jennifer Marlow, sales representative at Michael’s Custom Jewelry.

“I need to know about this person’s personality and preferences,” she said.

What would she recommend for, say, a grown woman who prefers youthful, contemporary styles but has just gotten married and has a new baby daughter?

“Smokey quartz,” Marlow said, pointing to a cluster of raw quartz crystals and then an eye-sized cocoa-colored stone.

Technology also can assist the holiday jewelry shopper. Phelps, who authored one of only two jewelry-repair books in print, “How to Repair Jewelry,” said he’s used engineering-style computer software to digitally design mounts for jewels.

“Look at this design,” Phelps said, pointing to a computer screen. “It’s supposed to look like a flower when the stones are mounted.”

One Michael’s customer who took advantage of this high-tech help was Angela Wyatt, who posed an unusual and daunting challenge. Her husband had just presented her with a beautiful new diamond ring on her 14th wedding anniversary, meaning the original stone needed some retooling.

“So I took the original ring and another ring I liked, and the designers used their computers to design a new ring that combined them both,” Wyatt said. “It’s wonderful.”

Other buyers are just as happy with something shiny out of the case. And the diamond, of course, is as shiny as it gets.

Francisco Herrera, a sales representative at Ashoori & Co. in Visalia, said his hot sellers include a “Journey Pendant” with six or eight diamonds and a “Circle of Life” with four. He’s bracing himself for the pre-Christmas crowds, since the retailer does 35-40 percent of its business after Thanksgiving.

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Jewelry is our current way to decorate ourselves. In ancient times, jewelry was mainly used to represent the status of the wearer, and ultimately, when that person was buried, all the jewels were buried along. The oldest piece of jewelry ever to be found dates back one hundred thousand years ago. The materials used for manufacturing were mainly natural, for example bone, shells, wood and others.

Jewelry has suffered a lot of changes from the time it first appeared to our present days. However, some of the implications of jewelry have been kept, such as the statement of status. For instance, if you see someone walk by you on the street with a thick gold ring with a diamond on top, three gold necklaces around their necks and 6 inch ear-rings, then you would know what kind of financial status that person has.

Not everyone’s goal in life is to show how well they are doing from a financial point of view. Jewelry can also be worn for other purposes. There are some interesting pieces of jewelry that can compliment your beliefs, adjust your behavior and improve your lifestyle.

These things I’m talking about are known as spiritual jewelry. Many may think that this means crosses and other religious things like that. Indeed, some may be related in some way with religions around the world, but their meaning can go far deeper than that.

As you know, mathematics is considered to be the universal language. While we speak so many different languages, and we have so many different opinions about life, mathematics is the one language that brings us together. Apart from adding and multiplying, there are some mathematical constants that are the same no matter if you are in China or England.

There are some symbols that can be found all over in nature. The first and most obvious one is the sphere, a pattern that planets and stars have been created upon. Lots of other interesting shapes like the Flower of Life, the Seed of Life or the Tree of Life are found in the surrounding environment and we don’t even know it.

Once these patterns have been discovered, people have been amazed to find them in things they didn’t even dream of. For instance, the Seed of Life is obtained from a sphere the same way the cell multiplies in a woman’s body until it forms a new life.

Spiritual jewelry consists of pieces designed according to those patterns. Some items can be created with religious meanings, but spiritual jewelry created as presented afore does not hold any religious correlations. It is simply a piece of jewelry with deeper meaning.

Spiritual jewelry is also believed to have hidden powers. For instance, the Seed of life can be worn as a symbol of protection, especially for pregnant women, while a Flower of Life pendant is believed to have some special healing powers.

Spiritual jewelry can be designed according to lots of other patterns as well. If you are interested in this type of jewelry and if you want to know more information about the meaning of each piece you can visit the website ka-gold-jewelry.com

The Curative and Spiritual Powers of Gemstones

In the same way as medicines cure a disease by cumulative vibrational qualities, gemstones can counteract afflictions caused by the negative planetary effects. There are also medicines made from gems’ ashes (bhasmas) and powders (pisthis) which have been used to cure disease by taking internally. The results have been astounding and referred to as “the ancient editions of modern isotopes”.

There is also a method of placing a high-quality gem in a solution of diluted alcohol and placed in darkness for approximately 7 days, which allows the vibratory force of the gem to permeate the alcohol solution. This solution is then used as medicine. The gemstone loses no potency so this medicine may be made again and again with the same gem.

Another process is to place a gem in water in a glass jar in the sunlight. This will allow the water to absorb this vibratory force, helped by the rays of the sun. A qualified ayurvedic doctor can mix different gem waters or tinctures for use by patients.

Furthermore, there are hidden potencies of another nature within gemstones. Such potencies may be unlocked by clairvoyants to see into other realms and to increase spiritual growth of the “higher self”. In readings by the well-known clairvoyant “Edgar Cayce” he was adamant about the efficacy of gemstones for physical, mental, or spiritual benefits. He also stated that gems will not affect all people the same way and, therefore, a qualified person must make the diagnosis for application of a gem.

The human body is made up of the seven colours of the rainbow. Whenever there is a lacking within the body of any of these colours disease becomes evident. These colours are stored within gemstones in great abundance and are never depleted or used up, even after many years.

The Power of Gems

Gems’ earliest use was for healing and spiritual ritual. Their value as concentrated wealth came into play at a much later time. Although gems were rare and exhibited great beauty, the reason they were so precious was the power they imparted to their wearers. They are storehouses of power that may be transmitted through contact with one’s body. Kings and queens would have gemstones set in their crowns to obtain their potencies. They connected the monarchs with forces enabling them to rule guided by cosmic energies. Priests of different religions used gems in rings for similar reasons. Gems exhibit their power in a beneficial or detrimental way depending on how they are used.

Ancient cultures used gems and sound vibration to direct the subtle forces of nature. The occult power of gems is said to have caused natural calamities by improper usage, such as the destruction of Atlantis. They are said to have been the catalyst for moving the great, huge blocks of stone used to build the pyramids of Egypt.

The inherent powers of gemstones are recognized by modern science in the technological uses of crystals in watches, lasers, and computers, but the more subtle potencies, such as their ability to promote physical healing in the body, and their power to help balance human emotions, elude discovery by modern science.

Dhyan Sherri exhibits her ancient-inspired treasures at Karats Dec. 21-23

In a jewelry market flooded with mass-produced trinkets from Asia, Dhyan Sherri stands out like a faithful lighthouse.

The artist from Maui does not send drawings of her jewelry designs overseas so natives can manufacture them for cheap. Nor does she create molds of her designs for uncountable reproductions.

In her quaint seaside studio, Sherri crafts one-of-a-kind pieces by hand using 22 karat gold and natural gem stones. Sherri creates art — and it just so happens you can wear it.

“In the past, jewelry was an art form that you had to be skilled. The first jewelers were craftsmen and metal smiths,” Sherri says. “You couldn’t come up with an idea and send it to China and have it massed produced. What I do brings jewelry back to a form of art.”

Sherri’s wearable art is on exhibit this weekend at Karats in Vail Village. She’ll be in the gallery to talk about her work and take commissions.

Jewelry lost part of its art element due to a couple of worldly developments. Lost-wax casting, for example, where you pour metal into molds, was used in ancient times by jewelry artists as a means of expression. In the Industrial Age, the technique became a means of production. Jewelry could be made in large numbers at a low cost to buyers using machines, removing the need for artists. In the 21st century, the jewelry industry began outsourcing labor to underdeveloped countries, and artists were again cut out of the picture.

“Because of this, there were people who got involved in jewelry that weren’t artists. They come up with one idea and the next thing you know, they’re going into business,” Sherri says.

Sherri studied jewelry making and design at Parsons School of Design and Jewelry Arts Institute in New York City. She’s schooled as a contemporary jeweler. She understands all the modern methods, but finds them very strict and limiting. She prefers the visceral experience of shaping jewelry by hand and using rustic tools like heat and a hammer to create adornments that are reminiscent of the past. She extended her formal training to learn and master ancient jewelry-making.

“I think contemporary jewelry making is for a personality who likes to be precise and really square. I am more of a flowing personality,” Sherri says. “Ancient jewelry is not about being precise and tight and angular. It’s about going with a piece and letting what happens, happen. That’s the fun of it. If everything was planned out and controlled, I would be bored. Things happen as you work the piece and that is the beauty of real art work.”

‘Mimicking waves’
There is a flowing, water element to all Sherri’s jewelry. The borders of her cuffs and bangles are not straight but curved, mimicking waves. The Curl Earrings in her Flintstone collection are like soft, falling leaves.

Most of her work is kissed with intricate filigree work, a technique that’s become a signature look for Sherri. Filigree is done by heating 22 karat gold with a torch and then using the torch like a paint brush to fuse together separate shapes. She uses the technique to create ancient symbols on her jewelry, like an OM dangle on her earrings or a Celtic clasp on her wrap necklaces. Sherri is inspired by ancient cultures.

One ancient image she uses repeatedly throughout her work is the snake.
“One of the most famous images is the snake biting its own tail,” Sherri says. “Called Ouroboros, from ancient Egypt in 1600 BC, it represents the wheel of time, the circular nature of the way things are. I can relate to that, over time things come back to the original source.”

Lately, Sherri’s inspiration arrives from above — the starry Hawaiian sky. She’s created a whole collection of Constellation jewelry, using diamonds and sapphires to map out the stars. Rather than fuse together a gold Taurus symbol with filigree, for example, she forms the beast’s constellation using gem stones.

Her first Constellation piece was designed especially for a client. Sherri wanted the jewelry to have special meaning, so she mapped out Aquarius, the woman’s Astrology sign on a thick cuff. Sherri also added symbols that were in the Hawaiian sky during the time of the piece’s creation. A big diamond represents the full moon.
“That’s the direction I’m headed. I want to personalize the jewelry. My hope is that more people will come to me with their specific design,” Sherri says.

During her exhibit, Sherri will take commissions by appointment only. In the past, people have requested her to re-set old stones, drawing personally meaningful symbols with the gold. Sherri can also suggest which gem stones would be most powerful to you.

Dhyan Sherri’s designs and handmade 22k gold jewelry are made on Maui Hi. Each piece of jewelry is hand fabricated by Dhyan herself from high karat gold maintaining a direct relationship between herself and her clients. Ancient symbols, styles and techniques are used in combination with gem stones, beads and pearls to enhance the individual style of each person.

Dhyan Sherri about herself

Through out history jewelry has held many different functions and meanings. Amulets and talismans used symbolic designs and colored stones to represent religious belief, myth and magic. Not only symbolic in nature, jewelry has been considered ornamental and practical. A good example of practical jewelry is the signet ring. Having originated from the Egyptian Scarab ring, the seal ring was used to show ownership and identification. Jewelry has also been symbolic of wealth, rank, social standing and used in marketable value for trade.

Historically jewelry was made of natural metals, such as gold, silver and brass and natural stones. These materials have held their value based on availability. Synthetic stones and cultured pearls were introduced to the market at the end of the seventeenth century by the French bourgeoisie, making jewelry affordable to the working class, while maintain standards of value. Innovations introduced by the American manufactures created costume jewelry made of less valuable materials such as glass and plastic.

The first jewelers were multi skilled craftsmen and metal smiths. Each piece was made by hand, fabricated directly, shaped out of the metal and stones. As time progressed the craft of the jeweler became more skill specific and casting rather then hand fabrication became more common in the market. Jewelers became technicians to Designers. With the coming of the twenty first century came outsourcing to underdeveloped countries. Cheap labor has replaced the skills of higher waged craftsmen and artists.

Man made materials, mass production and cheap labor has made jewelry more accessible to the masses. It is in my opinion that with more accessibility and lower valued jewelry on the market, jewelry handmade by the designer in natural materials has increased in the value.

My jewelry is designed and made by myself in 22k gold with natural stones on Maui, HI. Synthetic stones are “only ” used upon request of my clients. I hand fabricate my work with the exceptional cast bead or finding such as earring post.

I enjoy working directly with my clients, creating a one of a kind piece of art. Most of the time I provide the gems stones while offering the opportunity for clients to bring their own stones into my designs.

I design and finish my gold with the characteristics of pure gold in mind. All the wear and tear that occur while wearing jewelry are considered in my designs to enhance the ancient look. I leave the metal mat finished deliberately so that over time the oils from your body will naturally polish the gold (never a high polish).

Originally from NYC I moved to Maui, HI in 1996.

I began my formal studies of fine art, contemporary and ancient jewelry in 1981.

I studied at Parsons School of Design and Jewelry Arts Institute in NYC. I worked on the bench of 47th street NYC and apprenticed with various jewelry designers and gold smiths in New York. Before moving to Maui in 1996 I lived and traveled to Japan and south east Asia for 4 years.

In 1997, I opened my own studio/gallery to the public. Where people are invited to watch me hammer and shape my creations.

Currently I live and work on Maui, HI and do private and gallery shows on the mainland USA.