Introducing...Madstone - Give In To The Dark!

Madstone fine jewelry delves into designer Kerri Halpern’s dark side. From her black minimalist uniform to her residence above a cemetery, Halpern’s fascination for skulls, superheroes, cowboys and rock & roll culminate in her first jewelry collection. 

Mysteriously eccentric and imaginatively gothic, Madstone mixes cool colors, unusual stone setting and master metalsmithing to create an edgy and evocative collection fit for any wardrobe.

Madstone’s signature Bubble collection boasts hand-cut gemstones that mirror a magnum of champagne and other effervescent cocktails while the designs of the La Cage collection mimic that of a champagne bottle cork encasement. 

Playing with unusual angles and contours, the Octagon collection revisits bangles, hoops and stackable rings through hard angles and octagonal shapes. The Carre collection carefully crafts pieces to mimic the square-shaped parks nestled in New York City’s urban jungle through an array of custom-cut gemstones including amethyst, quartz, citrine and fire opal.

Tongue-in-check sister collections, MadAnimals and MadSkulls, channel Madestone’s sinister side. 

Covet thy gemstone with ruby, tsavorite, blue topaz, amethyst, citrine, garnet and diamond-encrusted skulls, spiders, beetles and bats set in blackened, rose or yellow gold.

Rio Tinto Unveils Inaugural Bunder Diamond Jewelry

Reena Ahluwalia Designs 

'Courageous Spirit' Collection 

Rio Tinto Makes Indian Diamond History, 

Unveils Inaugural Bunder Diamond Jewelry

Mumbai, India, August 24, 2012 - Rio Tinto unveiled the inaugural Bunder diamond jewelry collection comprising diamonds from the sampling to date at its developing Bunder project in Madhya Pradesh. The Courageous Spirit jewelry collection holds a very special place in Indian diamond history as it has been at least a century since India has mined, designed and manufactured its own diamond jewelry," said Dr Nik Senapati, Managing Director of Rio Tinto India.

Madhya Pradesh-born designer, Reena Ahluwalia was commissioned to design the Courageous Spirit jewelry as a tribute to the women of Madhya Pradesh. 

“As a woman born and brought up in the region (Madhya Pradesh), creating this milestone collection is like coming a full circle. I am honoured to tell the Bunder story through my designs and be a part of this historic diamond moment,” commented Reena Ahluwalia, International Award Winning Designer.

The focus of the necklace is a stunning diamond-encrusted disc that symbolizes the natural abundance of the Bunder diamond deposit. Inspired by a compass, the disc rotates on a central axis, while a marker points to the true centre of the Bunder story - the earthly origins of the diamonds and the pioneering spirit of the people who are so integral to Bunder's development. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Bunder diamond deposit are inscribed on the back of the disc.

Titled "Courageous Spirit", the jewelry features a magnificent statement necklace and a set of complementary earrings. The collection incorporates a total of 25.34 carats of polished Bunder diamonds and 2.8 carats of rough Bunder diamonds, including a 5.04 carat round brilliant cut white diamond and a 5.02 carat round brilliant cut cognac diamond.

Maintaining the important Indian pedigree of the collection, the rough diamonds have been carefully transformed by master craftsmen in Indian cutting and polishing factories, while the innovative design has been brought to life with designer Reena Ahluwalia by Indian jewelry manufacturer Uni-Design Jewellery Private Ltd - a Mumbai-based company with a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship. 

Rio Tinto partnered with Venus Jewel and Mahendra Brothers to cut and polish the stones. Guest of Honour at the event was the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

 According to Bruce Cox, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Diamonds, "By harnessing the skill and creativity of India's respected diamond artisans, these magnificent jewelry pieces are symbolic of an important new chapter in the country's proud diamond history.

The Bunder project, likely to come into commercial production in 2016, presents enormous opportunities not only for the Madhya Pradesh region, but for the broader Indian diamond industry as well, with Rio Tinto presenting a unique opportunity for India to mine, manufacture and market its own diamonds."

The Courageous Spirit collection is not available for sale, but will be showcased at a number of events throughout the second half of 2012.

About the Bunder Diamond ProjectThe Bunder diamond project was discovered in 2004 by Rio Tinto and in 2010 a State Support Agreement was signed with Government of Madhya Pradesh as an endorsement of the mutual commitment to the development of the project. An Inferred Resource (the first quantifiable estimate of an ore-body) has been defined as 37 million tonnes, containing 27.4 million carats. The Government of Madhya Pradesh gave in principle approval to the issue of a mining lease for the Bunder project via a "Letter of Intent" in January 2012. Rio Tinto is now working on the mine plan, environmental and forestry approvals required to execute a Mining Lease. At least rupees 2200 crore (US$500M) will be required to fully develop the Bunder diamond project.Once developed the Bunder diamond mine is expected to place Madhya Pradesh in the top ten diamond producing regions of the world.

About Rio Tinto Diamonds
Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration through to sales and marketing. It is one of the world's major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and 100 per cent interest in the Bunder project in India.

Rio Tinto's share of the production from its three operating diamond mines is sold through its sales and marketing headquarters in Antwerp, with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. It also operates a niche cutting and polishing factory in Perth for the rare pink diamonds from its Argyle mine. Rio Tinto is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process, as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council. Website:www.riotintodiamonds.com

Photos: Rio Tinto Diamonds.

Couture 2009: view the most exclusive design collection in the U.S.

With over 3,000 qualified retailers already registered to attend, anticipation for Couture 2009 is building. World-class retailers come to Couture for the opportunity to excite their customers and source those collections that distinguish them as a Couture Jeweler.
Now, it's your time to view the most exclusive design collection in the U.S.
www.Couture09.com

From May 28th to June 2nd, Couture 2009 will welcome the world’s top retailers and the internationally- renowned brands, designers and emerging stars to the most exclusive and intimate destination for high-end jewelry and timepiece designs at the magnificent 5-Star Wynn Resorts. “Couture is the must-attend show in Las Vegas if you are looking for new designs and the most diversified collection of the best jewelry from the top designers in the market. The Couture show takes place in such an outstanding venue that conducting business there is just the most enjoyable, and comfortable experience.” -Jim Rosenheim of the Tiny Jewel Box in Washington, DC YOUR COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION AWAITS AT WWW.COUTURE09.COM More than 200 of the industry’s preeminent brands and designers will come to Couture, with more than 89% choosing to exclusively show their timeless classics and debut their newest collections only at Couture. In 2009, Couture will host its largest collection of international designers with fashion-forward and unique designs that are sure to dazzle all visitors in attendance. More than 25 new international designers have been added to complement the design staples of the Couture collections floor including: Buccellati, Charriol, Damiani, David Yurman, De Grisogono, H. Stern, Hearts On Fire, Jaeger Le-Coultre, John Hardy, Judith Ripka, Kwiat, Mikimoto, Roberto Coin, Scott Kay, and many more. See exhibitor list Back by Popular Demand: Couture 2009 Will Offer Retailer-Led Education Sessions In 2009, Couture is offering fantastic high-level, peer to peer, educational sessions, led by America’s Best Jeweler (ABJ) winners. They will share insights and best practices to real-world challenges including marketing, in-store operations, inventory management and more. Sessions are available on a first come, first served basis and are open to jewelry retailers only. Topics include: Friday, May 29 - The Social Media Dashboard Saturday, May 30 - Strategies for Compensating and Retaining Key Talent Sunday, May 31 - Running Successful Events Monday, June 1 - Ten Creative Ideas for Old Inventory To learn more about the ABJ program at Couture 2009, CLICK HERE Couture 2009 opens on Thursday, May 28 and is open to qualified retailers from any of the events taking place during Jewelry Market Week in Las Vegas. CLICK HERE TO CONFIRM YOUR REGISTRATION AT COUTURE 2009!

Wendy Culpepper

Wendy Culpepper

Contemporary

Handcrafted

Designer Jewelry

http://www.wendyculpepper.com/

Wendy’s introduction to the arts and metals came at the University of Florida as an Engineering and Fine Arts Student. Originally focusing on her strong drawing skills, she traveled to Florence, Italy to immerse herself in a study of diverse mediums. This search for her artistic Muse had her exploring metalsmithing and jewelry design...the perfect blend, engineering, fabrication and the creativity she craved.

Following her heart, Wendy furthered her jewelry education by completing the Fashion Institute of Technology's vigorous bench jewelry and design program, graduating with the coveted honor of top design student. With her jewelry designs and beaded work selling right from her neck, Wendy began to explore an online business for her well-received pieces.

Culpepper’s first experience in the Jewelry Industry came when she joined the product development team at Me & Ro Jewelry (famous for their numerous celebrity clients). Her success in this position encouraged Wendy to look into launching her own line...and in 2005, W. Culpepper was born!

Wendy’s work is best known for her strong, simple carvings, bold statements, wear-ability and classic elegance. Her feminine and balanced pieces have led to a strong clientele and followers ranging from editors, stylists, celebrities and popular personalities. Her pieces have been featured in Lucky, InStyle, Redbook, People, and the Rachel Ray Show to name just a few!

The collections from this artist, range from the strong yet fluid movement of the Paradise Collection to the fun and feminine florals in the Flower of Life Collection and everything between... culminating in the funky organic feel of the Alligator Collection. There is a collection that will suit the mood and style of every woman.

While it is her Jewelry that drew me in, I think it was Wendy’s Artists Statement that spoke to me...below is just a small part of that statement:
“When working on a piece, I tend to have personal battles. I put my heart into my ideas, and I put a piece of myself in everything I do. I tend to be in my work, but as each piece progresses, it’s unusual for the audience to actually see all that I intended. I find that I mask so many of the ideas I begin with. Something in me tends to hold me back from fully exposing the ideas that I want to share. This obstacle is what I am working toward overcoming.”

Infinitely wearable - W. Culpepper can be purchased through their website and in various retail outlets http://www.wendyculpepper.com/