The Meaning of Colored Gemstone Engagement Rings

 

 

Boucheron classic 3.91 carat briljant cut diamond platinum engagement ring

While diamond engagement rings remain as popular as ever, some people prefer colored gemstone engagement rings as a vibrant alternative. Each precious gemstone has its own meaning, with their symbolism often being a factor in selection. Here are some of the meanings behind colored gemstone engagement rings.

A true classic, for men and women: Tiffany & Co Jean Schlumberger 16 Stone Diamond Platinum Gold Band Ring

Ruby engagement rings are said to symbolize love, passion and courage – perfect for a colorful engagement ring that represents your relationship. For those born in July, ruby rings are particularly poignant. If your loved one’s birthstone is the ruby, it is worth considering whether a ruby center stone or side-stones would be a gorgeous choice for their engagement ring.

Tiffany & Co 18kt yellow gold, ruby and diamond engagement ring

Blue sapphire engagement rings  represent loyalty and devotion. As such, sapphires are a stunning and particularly meaningful choice for bridal jewelry. September’s birthstone is formed in a wide range of colors, from the popular blue to more unusual pink, yellow and purple. At 9 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are at 10, they are the third hardest mineral and are therefore durable. This means they can be worn daily, as long as they are cared for over time.

18kt White gold, blur sapphire and diamond halo ring

Representing truth and trust, pink sapphire engagement rings are a distinctive alternative to blue sapphires. These romantic gemstones are most stunning when set in rose gold, as the coppery hue of this metal accentuates the warm tones in the center stone.

18kt Rose gold, pink sapphire and diamond halo ring

The green gemstone peridot is associated with rebirth, renewal, prosperity and compassion. This makes is a stunning , yet rare, choice for gemstone engagement rings, symbolizing the next chapter in the wearer’s life. Women with August birthdays might enjoy receiving a peridot engagement rings, in particular.

Peridot diamond gold engagement ring

Blue topaz engagement rings have traditionally been believed to encourage clear, calm communication, personal growth and the desire to learn. Since communication is key in any marriage, it’s clear to see why topaz might be a wise choice for your engagement ring. November’s birthstone is naturally formed in a wide variety of colors and intensities, so it’s likely you’ll find the perfect gemstone ring for you.

14kt White gold, blue topaz and diamond engagement ring

From fiery orange to mysterious green, garnet gemstones are naturally found in a variety of vibrant hues and tones. A garnet engagement ring is said to ensure good health, prosperity and enduring happiness. Red garnets are often compared to rubies, representing passion and love with their depth of color. Orange garnets (called Spessartite) is said to channel the energy of the sun, suitable for creative dreamers. Green garnet is believed to instill confidence in the wearer. As January’s birthstone, garnet engagement rings are particularly sought after those born in the first month of the year.

18kt Rose gold, cushion cut spessartite garnet and diamond halo ring

Purple amethyst engagement rings are said to promote happiness, contentment and peace. If you and your partner value a calm relationship, free from tension and disagreement, an amethyst ring might be a style to consider. Amethyst is the birthstone for February, and thus would be extra meaningful for those born in the month.

Vintage milgrain 14kt yellow gold, amethyst and diamond engagement ring

Do you love colored gemstone engagement rings? Which gem’s meaning is most significant to you?…..

by Jean Amr

 

Guerlain Diamond Lipstick

‘Diamonds are a girls best friend’

The Guerlain brand was established nearly 200 years ago in Paris, France, and is still one of the highest end manufactures of beauty products in the entiry world today. The hundreds of perfumes that Guerlain has created are the usual trademark of the company, but a lot has changed when Louis Vuitton bought out the company to give it a wider appeal in other markets. With over a dozen stores with the Guerlain name attached, lipstick is one of the hottest items for the brand.

An amazing way to mark 100 years of lipstick

Even they treat your lips vèry well, and their truely wonderful colors , a Guerlain lipstick is far from cheap with each tube usually selling for $50. The Diamond Lipstick is the cream of the crop with almost 200 diamonds on the tube, and being handmade of 18kt yellow gold with a price tag  of $62.000. If you want red lips that look like rubys , there are actually rubies coating the inner lining of the tube to better help you to get that look.

If you drop this kind of money, Guerlain will make the lipstick in whatever color you want, wich should be the standard for anything with this high of a price tag.

by Jean Amr

 

 

 

 

 

From Paris with Love: Boucheron

Boucheron, the famous French jeweler, creator of the most precious jewels, the fantastic watches and the most delicous fragrances…. Boucheron, a magic name.

Shown here an Art Deco masterpiece: Boucheron Pearl Neckace with Rose-Cut Diamonds and Carved Emeralds

Made by the fabulous Parisian jeweler of 26 Place Vendôme,  circa 1920s, a splendid and sparkling bouquet glistening with three large rose-cut diamond flowers and crystalline carved green emerald leaves sprouting from a rose-cut centered platinum and diamond vase.  The three rose-cuts approximate weigh 2.50 carats (Click photo to enlarge).

The colorful 1 and 5/8 inch centerpiece, which does double duty as the clasp, curves ever so slightly along with the triple strand of lustrous cultured pearls, ranging in size from 4.5 to 8.5 millimeters (Click photo to enlarge).

Boucheron Pearl Neckace with Rose-Cut Diamonds and Carved Emeralds (Click photo to enlarge).

Boucheron Pearl Neckace with Rose-Cut Diamonds and Carved Emeralds (Click photo to enlarge).

Boucheron Pearl Neckace with Rose-Cut Diamonds and Carved Emeralds  Plainly signed with the magic name ‘Boucheron’ on the reverse (Click photo to enlarge).

Timeless elegance: Boucheron Pearl Neckace with Rose-Cut Diamonds and Carved Emeralds  Strand lengths gradate from 17 to 20 inches (Click photo to enlarge).

Product Details:

• Materials: platinum
• Height: 1 5/8 inch clasp
• Lenght: 17″ to 20″

Center Diamond Details:

• Carat weight: 2.50 cts
• Quantity: 3
• Measurements: 7.08 – 5.8 mm
• Cut/Shape: Rose Cut
• Clarity: VS2-SI2
• Color: I-J

Additional Gemstone Details:

• Diamonds: 26 Single Cut Diamonds
  – Diamond Total Carat Weight: 0.50 carats
  – Diamond Clarity: VS
  – Diamond Color: G-I
• Emeralds: 6 Carved Cut Emeralds
  – Emerald Total Carat Weight: 5.00 carats
• Pearls: 237 Slightly out of round Pearls
• Total Diamond Carat Weight: 3.00 cttw

A real, allmost 100 years old, timeless Boucheron Art Deco masterpiese, made for a woman with timeless elegance and style.

Wondering who is wearing it this holidays…

by Jean Amr

 

Urwerk: Light and Shadow

In a bold departure from its reputation of producing timepieces that are albeit rare, technically advanced, elaborate to the point of complexity and classy, but ultimately undisputedly, for men, comes the URWERK UR-106, known as the ‘Lotus’, the new timepiece was made especially for women.

The Urwerk UR-106 Lotus is the first timepiece that the independent brand has especially created for women (Click photo to enlarge).

The cases of both editions of the UR-106 Lotus are made of stainless steel and titanium, with an extra-coating in PVD for the black version. While the other watches of the brand are usually quite massive, this one comes with slightly smaller dimensions (Width 35 mm, length 49,4 mm, height 14,45 mm), which you’ll admit, are very far from the usual 30mm to 35mm diameter of a classical ladies’ watch.

What really is different though? What makes this Urwerk (which couldn’t be more Urwerk) a watch that is dedicated to women? First of all, the name,  that is more feminine. While the other watches from the brand are named ‘Full Metal Jacket’, ‘Iron Night’, ‘Hammerhead’, ‘Torpedo’, ‘Cobra’, Tarantula’ or ‘White Shark’, the Urwerk UR-106 is named with more subtle designations: Lotus or Black Lotus, that, you’ll admit, is less military or aggressive than the rest of the collection. The Lotus name comes from the shape of the central carrousel, with a six-lobed flower at its midst. Well, let’s agree that it is a kind of modern and stylized version of a Lotus flower.

Urwerk UR-106 Lotus (Click photo to enlarge).

“With its glittering gemstones and soft curves we created the UR-106 with one image in mind; that of the lotus flower, which in my imagination represents the beauty of women in all their complexity.”

Explaining the name and inspiration was Martin Frei, the company’s chief designer and co-founder, who described the process of creation a “a stylistic exercise that was unprecedented,” having “long considered what we regard as the ultimate challenge, because creating for women is indeed a perilous undertaking.”

Urwerk UR-106 comes in two antithetical versions: titanium and steel with diamonds on the bezel, crown and buckle or black PVC-coated titanium and steel set with black diamonds. (Click photo to enlarge).

The Urwerk Lotus relies on a fully mechanical movement, finished with circular graining, shot peening, brushing and chamfered screw heads – like every other Urwerk watches – with the extra-module that runs the satellites on the top. Again, no difference here between the ladies’ model and another model dedicated to men. The movement is automatic, very well finished and it boasts 48 hours of power reserve.

In terms of complications the watch is equipped with the satellite hours, Inside, three satellites, each with four hour numerals, sweep along the minutes scale in an analogue and digital indication of time, complemented by a moon phase in the display.

The Urwerk UR-106 Lotus is powered by the selfwinding UR 6.01 mechanical movement offering 48 hours of power reserve and features a revised version of the hour satellite hours. Three satellite, each with four hour numerals, sweep along the minute scale in an analogue and digital indication of time (Click photo to enlarge).

The carrousel and its satellites have been meticulously satin-finished by hand, and with each hour and minute numeral hand-painted. The extremely-fine minutes scale was fashioned in the watchmaker’s workshops, whilst the lapis lazuli blue of the moon specifically chosen from amongst hundreds. The front of the watch is covered with the thick sapphire crystal.

Urwerk UR-106 Lotus and Black Lotus (Click photo to enlarge).

Urwerk UR-106 Lotus.Thanks to the use of gemstones and soft style curves, the case (35 mm x 49.4 mm x 14.45 mm) nicely harmonise with the female wrist (Click photo to enlarge).

Urwerk UR-106 Lotus (Click photo to enlarge).

Urwerk UR-106 Black Lotus. (Click photo to enlarge).

Urwerk UR-106 Black Lotus. (Click photo to enlarge).

Is the Urwerk UR-106 Lotus a proper ladies’ watch? Not really. It’s a pure Urwerk that bears some feminine qualities. Is it something that we personally like? Yes, a lòt. Why women should wear terrible watches that only pop out because of the few diamonds that are set in the bezel…? They are totally allowed (and deeply encouraged) to love complicated, bold and unique creations from independent watchmakers too. In fact, this UR-106 could well be the most versatile watch of the entire collection!

Both versions are limited to just 11 pieces.

More details on URWERK.com.

by Jean Amr

White Bird: A bijoux jewelry box in Paris

White Bird, 7 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, Paris (Click photo to enlarge).

Store designers and brands often talk about wanting their shops to look and feel like apartments or homes – witness the ‘Maisons’ of the luxury brands, all of them desperate to tell you that you are at home. But most of us are never going to be living in homes that look like that, although for those of us who are lucky enough though, a smart small modern townhouse may be something to which we aspire.

White Bird, 7 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, Paris (Click photo to enlarge).

I love her shop at 38 rue du Mont Thabor, but jeweler Stephanie Roger latest store on the 7 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire in the Marais district of Paris takes the home concept and speaks to those aspirations, no lofty ceilings or grandiose rooms here. The space is like a very modern, very small stylishly lit wall with inserts where the product is displayed and the subtle wood and glass display cases for the jewelry seem incidental to that narrative.

White Bird, 7 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, Paris (Click photo to enlarge).

This is Roger’s second White Bird jewelry store in the same neighborhood. It is designed by architect Johanna Etournel in collaboration with interior design specialists En Bande Organisée and its appeal lies in its simplicity and modern good taste.

White Bird, Paris, Karen Liberman ring Ottoman silver and gold 21 ct (Click photo to enlarge).

White Bird, Paris, Cathy Waterman ring (Click photo to enlarge).

White Bird, Paris,sterling earrings (Click photo to enlarge).

White Bird, Paris,  Cathy Waterman Earrings Cut out leaf gold 22 cts, diamonds and sapphires (Click photo to enlarge).

Contact at:

7 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, 75003 Paris, France

+33 1 40 24 27 17

by Jean Amr

Royal Asscher, a fascinating history and the height of vintage style

Today’s Royal Asscher-cut diamond engagement rings, with their vintage-style design, continue Joseph Asscher’s diamond-cutting legacy.

Joseph Asscher (Click photo to enlarge)

Royal Asscher cut engagement rings may be a relative newcomer in the world of diamond cuts, but the illustrious history that led to the creation of this cut includes some of the world’s biggest diamonds, as well as royalty of both the blue-blooded and Hollywood variety.

The original Asscher cut was created in 1902 by Joseph Asscher, owner of the Amsterdam-based Asscher Diamond Company. As a renowned diamond artisan, he was entrusted to cut the largest gem-quality diamond ever unearthed, the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond. Found in a De Beers-owned South African mine near Pretoria in 1905, the enormous diamond was bought by the Transvaal Colony government and given to King Edward VII as a token of its loyalty. The rough stone was presented to the King on his 66th birthday and he commissioned Joseph Asscher to cut it into smaller gems to be incorporated into the historic Crown Jewels. After breaking the blade of the specially designed knife on his first attempt, legend has it that Asscher fainted when he managed to cleave the diamond in two with the second cut.

The Cullinan diamond was eventually cut into nine, large, gem-quality stones and 96 smaller stones. The largest stone, at 530.20ct, is known as Cullinan I, or the Great Star of Africa. It was cut into a pear shape and set into the head of the Sceptre with the Cross. The 317.4ct Cullinan II, or the Second Star of Africa, is a cushion-cut diamond mounted in the front of the circlet of the Imperial State Crown.

As the Asscher cut was never patented, over time it became a universal term to describe a stepped square cut with 58 facets. However, many of the Asscher-cut diamond engagement rings available on the market today do not adhere to the strict criteria set out in Joseph’s 1902 design. Authentic Asscher-cut engagement rings are in fact very rare.

The revival of Art Deco-style jewellery has catapulted Asscher-cut diamond engagement rings back into the spotlight and its popularity has been further boosted by celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba, both of whom opted for personalised Asscher-cut engagement rings.

The most famous Asscher-cut diamond of all was worn by the late Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor. The story goes that Richard Burton bought the 33.19ct Krupp Diamond for the actress after she beat him at a game of table tennis. The diamond was previously owned, and named after, Vera Krupp, who was part of the Krupp dynasty that supplied arms to the Nazis during the Second World War. Burton bought the diamond for $385,000 in 1968 and Elizabeth later remarked in an interview: “When it came up for auction in the late 1960s, I thought how perfect it would be if a nice Jewish girl like me were to own it”.

The amazing 33.19ct Asscher cut Krupp diamond was named after its original owner Vera Krupp, but is more commonly known as the Elizabeth Taylor diamond.

In 1980, the Asscher Diamond Company became the Royal Asscher Company after Queen Juliana of the Netherlands granted it a royal title in recognition of its contribution to the diamond industry. In 2011, Queen Beatrix extended the royal prefix for 25 years.

Almost 100 years after the original Asscher-cut was created, Joseph’s great-grandchildren Edward and Joop Asscher introduced an enhanced version, known as the Royal Asscher cut. Developed and perfected over a two-year period, the Royal Asscher cut has a high crown and 74 facets (16 more then round briljant cut!), each of which is carefully measured to ensure total symmetry. Unlike its predecessor, the Royal Asscher cut is patented to ensure other diamond companies cannot replicate the design.

Living up to its Royal moniker, in 2011 Royal Asscher Diamonds presented a spectacular bridal tiara to Kate Middleton in celebration of the Royal Wedding. Created by Toronto-based jewellery designer Reena Ahluwalia, the vintage-inspired tiara was set with 36 Royal Asscher-cut diamonds, as well as pear- and round-shaped diamonds.

Lita Asscher, president of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company, said the one-of-a-kind tiara was a tribute both to the royal wedding and to the Asscher-cut diamonds that grace the Crown Jewels. She said the company wanted to “bring back the love for royal pieces and show that the tiara does not have to be old-fashioned, but can be beautiful, romantic and modern, all in one.”

That statement also rings true for the modern-day Royal Asscher-cut diamond engagement rings featured below, which connect Joseph Asscher’s diamond-cutting legacy with a contemporary design fit for a Princess – or Prince..

Royal Asscher diamond engagement ring. Also available in platinum and yellow gold. 

Royal Asscher cut diamond engagement ring in white gold, with accompanying shoulder set diamonds. Also available in platinum and yellow gold. 

Royal Asscher cut diamond engagement ring in white gold. Also available in platinum and yellow gold. 

Diamonds are a girls best friend! ….but not only for girls! They have also an amazing collection for men…  The Asscher Collection is availble through Schaap and Citroen, the famous Dutch jeweler (since 1888), in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven

Come into the beautiful world of Schaap and Citroen

 

The high jewellery handbags

Fashion designers aren’t the only ones to unveil their most exclusive creations: English high jewellery house Asprey released limited-edition handbags embellished with precious jewels.

Detail of Asprey Private Collection 1781 Mini in sea green crocodile lined with coral rose kid suede, featuring a pave diamond lock in 18-carat white gold with a diamond and white gold charm (Click photo to enlarge).

For those who consider their handbag as prized a possession as their fine jewels, no ordinary off-the-runway sac will suffice. For no matter how much the likes of Chanel, Fendi and Yves Saint Laurant elevate their prices in order to distinguish themselves from more affordable designer lines (Michael Kors or Marc Jacobs for example), there remains a hardcore handbag fan-base for whom no four-figure sum is enough to deter them from securing whichever bag their Hollywood heroine is currently carrying. And as they’re an investment purchase which will last beyond a season or two, luxury handbags remain relatively commonplace among the masses.

Asprey Private Collection 1781 Mini in sea green crocodile lined with coral rose kid suede, featuring a pave diamond lock in 18-carat white gold with a diamond and white gold charm (Click photo to enlarge).

So what’s a bag lady to do in order to secure a tote that no-one else is toting? Going vintage is one option. With a vast array of colours, shapes and sizes manufactured in limited-edition runs, vintage Hermès  bags include some of the rarest on the market, and can command price tags of up to $95.000 as a result!!

Asprey Private Collection 1781 Mini in violet crocodile with a lilac mist kid suede lining, embellished with handcrafted pave diamond bubbles and featuring a pave diamond and white gold clasp (Click photo to enlarge).

Alternatively, one could look to the brand new but no less exclusive ranges from heritage brands such as Asprey, whose Private Collection last year comprises just 12 one of a kind crocodile handbags. Like a fusion of bag and jewellery, the pieces are finished with 18-carat rose, silver or yellow-gold hardware and embellished with precious stones such as tanzanite, sapphire, garnet, cognac, and pink and yellow diamonds. Created in collaboration with Katie Hillier, celebrated handbag designer, creative director of Marc by Marc Jacobs and founder of the Hillier luxury jewellery line, the handmade bags are created in signature Asprey styles: the Morgan, the 1781 and the 167, with each one containing a crocodile zip purse, a crocodile-trimmed sterling silver mirror and plaque engraved with its unique number.

Asprey Private Collection 167 in white grape crocodile with a cerulean blue kid suede interior, featuring an 18-carat white gold lock laid with mêlée diamonds (Click photo to enlarge).

Asprey Private Collection 167 in white grape crocodile in its wooden presentation box

Like the jewellery houses’ most exclusive collections, these handbags are available to view and purchase by invitation only. Echoing the jewels they jostle with, each one is presented in a velvet-lined, calf leather case complete with a customised kid suede pillow to maintain the handbag’s shape when not in use. Bags to cart around packed lunches and gym kits these are not.

by Jean Amr