Exclusive: Erdem, Philip Treacy, Richard Chai and More Reflect on Their Favorite Swarovksi Looks

Exclusive: Erdem, Philip Treacy, Richard Chai and More Reflect on Their Favorite Swarovksi Looks

Swarovski just announced their spring 2012 Swarovski Collective group. The lucky New York-based designers benefitting from Swarovski’s generous sponsorship and sparkly crystals this year include: Bibhu Mohapatra, Jason Wu, Juan Carlos Obando, Rebecca Minkoff, Richard Chai, and Rodarte. They’ll also be supporting Giles, J.W. Anderson, Mary Katrantzou, Craig Lawrence, Erdem, Marios Schwab, Viktor & Rolf, and Thierry Mugler at London and Paris Fashion Weeks.

In honor of Swarovski’s new spring class, the brand has put together a lovely film featuring past Collective members reminiscing on their favorite sparkly looks from seasons past. There are awesome close-ups of an ornate floral Erdem number, one of Giles’ Pac-Man dresses, and a completely blinged out Philip Treacy bowler hat that Grace Jones wore in a show (so you know it’s extra bad ass). Treacy says it’s his favorite Swarovski piece.

Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #3 : HOW TO BUY PEARL JEWELRY

PEARL JEWELRY BUYERS GUIDE #3
HOW TO BUY PEARL JEWELRY

How to Buy Pearl Jewelry

Since the vast majority of modern pearl jewelry uses cultured pearls, a solid understanding of how they are valued will come in handy when shopping for a set of pearl earrings, a pearl bracelet or some other form of jewelry that uses pearls. Here are some guidelines that will be helpful when selecting pearl jewelry:

Pearl Luster:
This is the most important feature of a pearl and should be your primary concern. Luster is the sharpness and intensity of reflections on the pearl's surface; to recognize a finer luster, look at the clarity of images that are reflected in the pearl's surface. The closer to a mirror image you see, the better the luster. Pearls with fine luster also seem to glow warmly from within.

Pearl Size:
The size of the pearls used in any piece of jewelry is important for both aesthetic and financial reasons. Larger pearls are normally preferred for necklaces, however they may be considered less desirable for earrings, since they can often divert attention away from the wearer. In addition, larger pearls integrated into pearl rings are attractive but are often bulky and difficult to wear. Finally, the larger the pearl the greater the cost, so the educated shopper should balance the size of the pearl with the expected cost.

Pearl Similarity:
When searching for pearl jewelry, one should look at how well matched pearls are when combined in jewelry. With many subtleties in color, shape and finish, even a slight difference can create an unbalanced appearance. Look for pearls that are similar, while keeping in mind that those that closely match will be more expensive.

Jewelry Style:
Finally, having settled on a piece of pearl jewelry, it’s a good idea to consider the recipient’s taste in clothing to ensure that the jewelry selected will enhance that persons' wardrobe.For example, a traditional choker of white pearls would go well with a more formal business outfit, while a pair of chocolate pearl earrings would be much more versatile. So consider how the jewelry will be worn.

Pearl jewelry is a favorite for many, however navigating the many facets of finding the right piece can often feel complicated. By learning some pearl basics and then creating a familiarity with this popular form of jewelry, you will be well prepared to find a beautiful necklace, bracelet or set of earrings and have fun doing it.


Related Links:
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #1 : Pearl Jewelry Basics »
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #2 : Classic Pearl Jewelry - Necklaces »
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #3 : How to Buy Pearl Jewelry »



credit: http://www.zales.com/

Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #2 : CLASSIC PEARL JEWELRY - NECKLACES

PEARL JEWELRY BUYERS GUIDE #2
CLASSIC PEARL JEWELRY - NECKLACES

Understandably, pearls are popular with jewelry fans across the world, but no piece of pearl jewelry has captured the imagination of women more than the traditional pearl necklace. Having always possessed a reputation for elegance, pearl necklaces captured the world's imagination with the release of 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's. In that movie, star Audrey Hepburn defined style with a stunning pearl necklace that would squarely place this piece of jewelry in American pop culture history. Ever since, the necklace has been the favorite piece of pearl jewelry.

Even though necklaces are the favored form of jewelry using pearls, there are still quite a few types. Here's a quick description of each:

Bib: A Bib necklace consists of several strands of pearls of varying lengths.

Collar: Consisting of multiple strands of pearls, Collar necklaces were very popular during the Victorian era and are worn high on the neck. Most examples of this type of necklace are 12-13 inches long.

Choker: Similar to a collar necklace, a Choker is worn somewhat lower on the neck and is 14-16 inches long.

Princess: Recognized as the classic length for a pearl necklace, the Princess lies slightly below the neck. A versatile necklace, the Princess can be matched with many different styles of clothing with varying necklines. This type of necklace is 17-19 inches long.

Matinee: This style is routinely seen in more formal and semi-formal situation with both suits and dresses. The Matinee necklace is approximately is 20-24 inches long.

Opera: Falling below the bust line, the Opera necklace tends to be worn at formal occasions. For less formal occasions and daytime wear, the Opera can be knotted or the strand can be doubled over. This necklace is 30-36 inches long.

Rope: The longest of all pearl necklace styles, the Rope necklace can be doubled, as well as knotted to reduce its length of 36 + inches long.

Clearly, some homework must be performed to find the right piece of pearl jewelry, but armed with this information your search should be much easier. Next, let's look at pearl valuation and how to make a wise purchase decision.


Related Links:
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #1 : Pearl Jewelry Basics »
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #2 : Classic Pearl Jewelry - Necklaces »
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #3 : How to Buy Pearl Jewelry »



credit: http://www.zales.com/

Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #1 : PEARL JEWELRY BASICS

Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide

A symbol of purity, virtue and modesty, pearls are a sought-after natural material which makes pearl jewelry exceptionally popular. Technically known as "organic gems", pearls are harvested from shellfish just as they have been for over 4,000 years. That said, much has changed in the millennia since the discovery of this natural treasure including the way pearls are harvested, how they are used in pearl jewelry and how that jewelry is worn. To get a strong understanding of what to look for when shopping for jewelry like pearl earrings, bracelets and earrings, let's consider: the basics of pearls, followed by the most popular form of pearl jewelry and finally how to select them.


PEARL JEWELRY BUYERS GUIDE #1
PEARL JEWELRY BASICS

Pearls are clearly one of nature's great treasures, but with a wide range of colors, shapes and sources it's easy to get confused about what to look for in pearl jewelry. Starting with the basics we'll look at how a pearl is formed, the sources and types of pearls, their valuation and how this affects the value of pearl jewelry.

How a Pearl is Formed

The creation of a pearl is remarkably simple to understand, but fairly complex to create. A pearl is formed when an irritant, such as a piece of sand, becomes lodged in the shell of an oyster. Sensing the object, the oyster deposits layers of a semi-translucent substance called "nacre" around the intruder, where it builds up over time. It commonly will take years to create a pearl of decent size and perfectly round shapes are rare. As a result, pearl bracelets and necklaces with perfectly round pearls are quite expensive forms of pearl jewelry.

Natural vs. Cultured Pearls

Unknown to most wearers of pearl jewelry, the majority of pearls used today are farmed and not naturally grown. Generally speaking, natural pearls are not widely available due to years of over-fishing and the great demand for perfectly round pearls for use in jewelry. During the start of the 20th century, a new process for growing pearls was developed resulting in what is now known as cultured pearls. Essentially the process involves inserting an irritant into an oyster and then caring for that oyster until it has developed a pearl. Today, almost all pearl jewelry uses cultured pearls.

Types of Pearls Used in Pearl Jewelry

When searching for pearl jewelry, you'll find that pearls differ in color, size and shape based on the variety of the mollusk, the growing conditions, harvesting techniques and many other factors. Akoya, Cortez, Mabe, South Sea and Tahitian pearls are some of the most popular varieties, each of which has its own set of qualities. Akoya pearls are typically white or cream, but they can also be grey or black. Cortez pearls are available in a range of colors, including a shimmering black pearl. Mabe pearls possess a very high luster, while South Sea pearls are among the largest cultured pearls and can be white, cream or gold. Tahitian pearls are naturally grey, silver or black. The most sought-after Tahitian pearl is black with peacock green overtones. As you can see, pearl jewelry choices can move well beyond the traditional white pearl necklace to include an array of choices that include different colors, sizes and finishes.


Related Links:
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #1 : Pearl Jewelry Basics »
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #2 : Classic Pearl Jewelry - Necklaces »
• Pearl Jewelry Buyers Guide #3 : How to Buy Pearl Jewelry »



credit: http://www.zales.com/

SWAROVSKI GEMS™ Lifestyle Electronics Design Competition 2011

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: Congratulations to all winners of SWAROVSKI GEMS’™ Lifestyle Electronics Design Competition 2011! The competition has been a great success, with more than 600 freely created and nearly 2.000 configured designs! Langhua Xie (China) has been awarded the prize for the overall best design for her “Lotus” design, an innovative luxury MP3-player with speakers and earphones. Check out all winners on http://lifestyle-electronics-competition.swarovski-gems.com/index.php

SWAROVSKI GEMS™ Lifestyle Electronics Design Competition 2011

Daily Business – 1st Prize 'LED induction push pins' by Herng Fuu Richard Yeh

Daily Business – 2nd Prize 'Splitter' by Li Peiming

Casual Sports – 1st Prize 'I like to move it, move it.' by Isabelle Lopes
Casual Sports – 2nd Prize 'Living colour earphones' by Csaba Hegedüs
Highly Luxurious – 1st Prize 'Beauty flower earphones' by Csaba Hegedüs
Highly Luxurious – 1st Prize 'Beauty flower earphones' by Csaba Hegedüs

Highly Luxurious – 2nd Prize, ‘Chouette’ by Isabelle Lopes
Let's Party – 1st Prize 'Cactusound' by Mariagiovanna Ruiu

Let's Party – 2nd Price 'Illuminate' by Manunya Sittisuntorn

Overall best design - 'Lotus' by Xie Langhua

credit/more info: www.facebook.com/Swarovski

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS promotion in German VOGUE

Crystal Magic - magnificently exquisite and versatile! The stunning brilliance and luminosity of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS inspires designer creations of fascinating beauty. Take a look at the latest SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS promotion in German VOGUE!

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS promotion in German VOGUE

Concealment and revelation. Along with the mask from Boutique Bizarre, she sports a stunning creation; both are beautified with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. Around her neck, ornamental headdress by Alberto Rodriguez, embellished with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and a chain (unique) SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS design. Bracelets from the current SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED™ collection (http://www.swarovski-crystallized.com/).

Like a dream from 1001 Arabian Nights. The hauntingly beautiful silk dress enchants with oriental embroidery glittering with thousands of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. A creation by the Arabian luxury label Kanzi for the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS project “Jawaher” (http://www.swarovski-elements.com/jawaher).

Belle de Nuit. Along with the expensively-staged headdress made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, she wears an elegant couture dress by Kilian Kerner, on the shoulders of which SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS create sparkling highlights. Mask from Boutique Bizarre, adorned with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

Glamorous liaison. Under the corsage by Hubert Barrere, she wears a transparent blouse by Dawid Tomaszewski. SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS lend both a remarkable sophistication. Eyelashes decorated with extraordinary lashes by Eylure embellished with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. Opulent necklaces by Philippe Ferrandis, available at SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED™ (http://www.swarovski-crystallized.com/), and an exclusive showpiece by Andy Farrow made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. Fatal Dress by Wolford.

Midnight lady. The elegant ornamental headdress from the exclusive Crystal Obsession collection is one of a kind. She is also wearing a top by Dawid Tomaszewski, studded with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. Striking ring made by Nikolas Frangos with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Jayde earrings by Melissa Kandiyoti, available at SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED™ (http://www.swarovski-crystallized.com/).

Beguiling performance. Adorned with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, the dress by Michael Michalsky is scintillating. Long necklace (unique) by Martine Wester; over it an opulent necklace by the British designer Krystal London; both made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. On her arms, she wears necklaces and bracelets made exclusively with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS by Simon Harrison and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS design (unique). Stretch bracelets by Philippe Audibert and mushroom ring from Crystal Evolution by R. Bella, available at SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED™ (http://www.swarovski-crystallized.com/).



credit/more info at:
facebook.com/Swarovski
(SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS promotion in German VOGUE)

The world's most expensive purse by Mouawad

Gemma Haines of Reuters talks with Fred & Pascal Mouawad about the Guinness award-winning 1001 Nights Diamond Purse at The Dubai Mall unveiling.

image credit: http://www.luxuo.com/

World's Most Expensive Handbag by Mouawad - This Handbag made by House of Mouawad breaks the world's records as the most luxurious and most expensive handbags valued at a whopping $3.8 million. If you love the bling bling stuff like this so you would also love this Peacock Dress. You can see many of luxurious things on our previous post.

This Handbags was Called “The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse,” the luxurious handbag was unveiled by Fred and Pascal Mouawad, the co-guardians of the House of Mouawad. Pascal Mouawad said that the Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse has been designed to mesmerize with its lavish attention to detail and elaborate workmanship incorporating thousands of diamonds. The heart-shaped purse, handcrafted from 18kt gold, incorporates 18kt gold and 4,517 diamonds (105 yellow, 56 pink and 4,356 colorless) with a total weight of 381.92 carats

This Handbags was designed by Robert Moawad and was made through a handcrafts by 10 artisans more than 8800 hours.

Fred Mouawad commented…

This breathtaking creation is a unique masterpiece. [It’s] not only is it one of a kind but it is also the world’s most valuable, intensifying its power to enchant those who have the privilege of wearing it.

image credit: http://worldmustbecrazy.blogspot.com

See The world's most expensive purse video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BuGoZJWY5g

Worth $3.8 million, Mouawad's 1001 Nights Diamond Purse has received official certification from the Guinness World Records as the most expensive handbag in the world.

The renowned jeweler's heart-shaped purse, handcrafted from 18kt gold, incorporates 4,517 diamonds (105 yellow, 56 pink and 4,356 colorless) with a total weight of 381.92 carats. It was crafted by ten artisans working for a total of 8,800 hours.

It is Mouawad's second record-breaking creation after the $11 million Fantasy bra produced in collaboration with Victoria's Secret in 2000 and certified by the Guinness World Records as the most expensive bra ever made.

http://www.mouawad.com/


info credit:
http://www.independent.co.uk/
http://worldmustbecrazy.blogspot.com
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Most Expensive Purses
15 Jan 2007 ... The most expensive purse in the world is a unique bag created by Japanese jewelry house Ginza Tanaka. It shouldn't surprise you that the ...
http://most-expensive.net/purse-handbag

The world's most expensive purse | Video | Reuters.com
28 Feb 2011 ... Feb 28 - A jeweler in Dubai has unveiled the world's most expensive purse at a cost of $3.8 million. Gemma Haines reports.
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=190760513

The $3.8 million purse: A waste of diamonds - Style Binge - The Orange County Register
25 Feb 2011 ... The House of Mouawad, creators of what should now just be referred to as “THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE PURSE” (because, honestly, ...
http://stylebinge.ocregister.com/2011/02/25/the-3-8-million-purse/52007/

The most expensive purse in the world - 02 Pics | Curious, Funny Photos / Pictures
1 Mar 2011 ... Taking its inspiration from one of the world's most epic tales of romance, intrigue and fantasy, 'The Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse' was ...
http://curiousphotos.blogspot.com/2011/03/most-expensive-purse-in-world-02-pics.html

Top Ten Most Expensive Womens Handbags
Top Ten Most Expensive Bags and Purses in the World ! We know that women love handbags, bags and purses but just why they love their handbags so much is ...
http://hubpages.com/hub/Top-Ten-Most-Expensive-Womens-Handbags

The 47th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair 2011, Thailand

The 47th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair 2011, Thailand
February 25 - March 1 , 2011
Thailand the world's Gems & Jewelry Hub

Date: February 25 - March 1, 2011

Venue: MPCT, Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi 11120, Thailand

Show Hours:
February 25 - 28, 2011 : 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
March 1, 2011 : 10.00 am - 5.00 pm

Venue: Impact Exhibition & Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani
99 Popular Road, T. Banmai, A. Pakkred, Nonthaburi 11120 Thailand
The IMPACT more information, plaese visit www.impact.co.th

For more than two decades, Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair has continued to establish itself as a professional trade event of choice. Thailand has had a reputation for its craftsmanship and the ability in applying an ancient traditional with modern technology to achieve perfection in the production of impressive jewelry and jewels this easily proves Thailand status to be The World’s Gems & Jewelry Hub.

Indeed, the best place to explore the good part of Thailand’s distinctiveness is at the bi-annual Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair. Yet it is a superb location to see the latest and unique collections, find couture designers and producers in a venue alive with multimedia presentations, dazzling fashion shows, design awards and other special events.

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair is a dynamic place to conduct good business and network with over 1,200 exhibitors in 16 key product categories and thousands of international jewelers and traders pursuing supplies. It is organized twice a year, in March and September, at the Impact Challenger, with more than 3,500 stalls spread over 80,000 square meter in a single-floor layout, BGJF has been a vibrant marketplace where over 1,200 exhibitors from over 35 countries such as UK., Italy, Russia, USA, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Israel and etc. participate in each BGJF which attracts 35,000 international delegates and visitors.

The members of Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association have worked closely with the Department of Export Promotion towards building the success of the fair and then through a unified effort to increase Thailand’s reputation as The World’s Gems & Jewelry Hub. The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair organizers are committed to make the 47th edition, scheduled on February 25 – March 1, 2011, even more dazzling than before in order to promote trade and business partnership as well as industry exchange. For more information: info@bangkokgemsfair.com Special reservation: Thai Trade Center, USA Visitor Pre-registration Form: http://www.bcis.co.th/gems/

More information at www.bangkokgemsfair.com

credit by:
http://www.bangkokgemsfair.com
http://www.thaitradeusa.com

The IMPACT Map : click the image to see enlarge

Pencil Crayon Jewelry by Maria Cristina Bellucci

Maria Cristina Bellucci worked for many years as a theater costume designer and now creates her own jewelry made from colored pencils. The pieces are made using fragments of pencils that have been attached together and formed into a variety of shapes.

The forming process reveal the interiors of the pencils, showcasing the wood and the coloured lead.

‘What characterized my early work was the use of very thin metal sheets and wires, experimenting with hollowness and fullness.
In later work, I started using even thinner metal sheets, as if working with paper sheets, creating pieces that were voluminous and light at the same time.
My more recent work is characterised by having more solid looking elements and also by the introduction of colour, not previously explored.’

http://www.mcbjewellery.com/


image credit:
http://artaurea.com/magazin/280-design-mit-kunstsinn-grassimesse-2010
http://www.klimt02.net/jewellers/index.php?item_id=11203
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/8246/maria-cristina-bellucci-pencil-crayon-jewelry.html
http://www.thedonutproject.com/inspiration/maria-cristina-bellucci-pencil-jewelry/

info credit: http://www.dsgnwrld.com/pencil-crayon-jewelry-by-maria-cristina-bellucci-13670/

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Klimt02: Bellucci, Maria Cristina jewelry design unique handmade jewelry images jewelers
Maria Cristina Bellucci presents her new collection of jewellery and other made with Maria ... Maria Cristina Bellucci defies the notion of the object by ...
http://www.klimt02.net/jewellers/index.php?item_id=11203

maria cristina bellucci: pencil crayon jewelry
22 Nov 2009 ... maria cristina bellucci worked for many years as a theatre costume designer and now creates her own jewelrymade from coloured pencils.
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/8246/maria-cristina-bellucci-pencil-crayon-jewelry.html

Pencil Crayon Jewelry by Maria Cristina Bellucci | TrendLand: Fashion Blog & Trend Magazine
22 Nov 2009 ... Italian Designer Maria Cristina Bellucci created those original pencil crayon jewelry, after working for several years as a theater costume ...
http://trendland.net/2009/11/22/pencil-crayon-jewelry-by-maria-cristina-bellucci/

Maria Cristina Bellucci Pencil Jewelry | The Donut Project
30 Dec 2009 ... Some of the most beautiful brooches, bracelets and rings I've seen in a long time from artist Maria Cristina Bellucci.
http://www.thedonutproject.com/inspiration/maria-cristina-bellucci-pencil-jewelry/

why not? » Maria Cristina Bellucci
20 Nov 2009 ... Maria Cristina Bellucci creates astonishing, unique jewels out of coloured pencils combined with wood and silver …
http://www.maricazottino.com/blog/?p=1287