CAROLE SHASHONA UNVEILS LATEST BLACK DIAMOND JEWELRY COLLECTION

from website information....

LAST WEEKEND JEWELRY DESIGNER AND FENG SHUI GURU, CAROLE SHASHONA UNVEILED HER LATEST BLACK DIAMOND JEWELRY COLLECTION AT BARNEY'S NEW YORK IN BEVERLY HILLS....

CAROLE SHASHONA
Spirit & Style Designer Carole Shashona is the creator of “Meditation-on-the-Go”, an effective way to meditate and quickly de-stress with her Luxurious, Black by Carole Collections. Carole’s approach focuses on the Art of Being…Spirit, Mind, and Body. Her unique Sensory Design technique interlocks all the senses to maximize the Power of Wellness.

Carole is recognized as the only Asian trained American Grand Master in Feng Shui; she was trained in both the Compass and Black Hat Tantric Buddhist Schools. Following her training, Carole partnered with Louise Hay and Barbara Brennan to establish the Center of Living in New York, a destination promoting health and wellness.

She broadened her scope assisting her clients with wardrobe styling, authored the book “Feng Shui Chic”, and had a column in Feng Shui for Modern Living Magazine in London. The Carole Shashona Black Diamond Jewelry Collection is available exclusively at Barneys New York.

Carole's book is available here: Feng Shui Chic: Change Your Life with Spirit and Style.

CAROLE SHASHONA - THE BLACK DIAMOND JEWELRY COLLECTION

Spirit & Style designer Carole Shashona redefines the purpose of statement jewelry by combining aesthetic beauty with “The Power of Wellness.” From the visual side, the luxe “Black by Carole” collection has symbolic meaning, as the pieces are rooted in the art of Feng Shui and designed to bring harmony, protection, love, health, and overall positive energy to the women who wear them.

Black by Carole, Jewelry Collections feature a signature coin with black diamonds, whether attached to the piece or as a separate charm. This special coin is a personal amulet, and fashioned to assist with meditation at home or “on the go”.

“My jewelry was inspired and designed to evoke and maintain those same meditative qualities in whomever wears it, to follow them throughout their day, and to remind them of their dreams and desires,” says Carole. “Like all of my designs, every piece in my Black Diamond Collection works like a life compass, keeping the wearer on course toward personal happiness.”

Jewelry at Barney's New York:  

Jewelry Website:  http://blackbycarole.com/

Facebook:               https://www.facebook.com/caroleshashona

Carole Shashona Brand Website:  http://www.caroleshashona.com/

Fall 2015 Gems & Gemology: Colombia’s One-of-a-Kind Trapiche Emeralds

 Press Release via GIA

Fall 2015 Gems & Gemology: Colombia’s One-of-a-Kind Trapiche Emeralds

HPHT-grown synthetic diamonds, Lesotho’s renaissance, and white nephrite origin study

The Fall 2015 issue of Gems & Gemology (G&G), GIA’s quarterly professional journal, offers a comprehensive look at a stone that intrigues many gemologists – Colombia’s one-of-a-kind trapiche emerald. The issue, which is now available in print and online, also investigates recent breakthroughs in colorless to near-colorless HPHT-grown synthetic diamonds, how Lesotho’s Let¹eng-la-Terae diamond mine became one of the world’s richest, and the provenance of dolomite-related white nephrite jade using a new method of statistical analysis.

G&G’s cover story “Colombian Trapiche Emeralds: Recent Advances in Understanding Their Formation” presents a comprehensive paper on the unique trapiche emeralds from Colombia. In fine specimens, the combination of rich, gemmy green color with the six-spoke pattern is particularly striking. The article, headed by UCLA postdoctoral researcher Isabella Pignatelli and Gaston Giuliani, director of the French Institute of Research for Development, reviews the geology of trapiche emerald, provides 3-D petrographic examination of crystals along with spectroscopic and chemical analyses, and proposes a new formation model informed by their recent work.

Next, a team led by GIA research scientist Ulrika D’Haenens-Johansson investigates the gemological properties of 44 colorless to near-colorless HPHT-grown synthetic diamonds recently produced by a Russian firm, New Diamond Technology. Ranging up to 5.11 ct, these HPHT synthetics show dramatic improvement in size, color, and clarity. The issue’s third article, by GIA’s Russell Shor and Robert Weldon and three leading diamond researchers, profiles the Let¹eng mine in Lesotho to explain how the operations have been adapted to promote recovery of the mine’s biggest diamonds and increase profitability. In the fourth and final paper, Zemin Luo, Mingxing Yang and Andy Shen from the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan apply a new statistical analysis method to the provenance of dolomite-related white nephrite. This technique could prove useful in accurately determining the geographic origin of other gemstones.

The issue also features G&G’s regular Lab Notes and Gem News International sections, which include informative entries from contributors around the world. The second installment of the G&G Micro-World column features descriptions and photomicrographs of remarkable inclusions.

G&G’s free archive containing every issue from 1934 to present, more in-depth coverage, hundreds of additional photos, and exclusive video footage are available on GIA’s website at http://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology.  

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu. 

Bring in the Holidays with Vivaan! #DesignerSpotlight

The happiest of holiday greetings from Vivaan....

There is a difference in our world,

for your presence adds the wonder.

Desire to thank you, 

your kindness touches us.  

Just as the river thanks its shores,

we thank you ever so more !

Website:     http://www.vivaan.us

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vivaanbyyny

From pieces featuring stunning Carved Gems...

...to glorious diamond slices...

and my personal FAV - this sweet paisley pendant.

#Christie's Winter Jewels - Magnificent Jewels Auction and Christie's Online Boutique #AuctionJewels

CHRISTIE'S WINTER JEWELS

IN NEW YORK, DECEMBER 2015

• MAGNIFICENT JEWELS: THE AUCTION, DECEMBER 10 

•RARE AND UNIQUE JEWELS FROM THE ESTATE OF CARROLL PETRIE 

• CHRISTIE’S ONLINE JEWELS BOUTIQUE, DECEMBER 11-21

Christie’s schedule of Winter Jewelry sales in New York, started out with a BANG with the live saleroom auction of Magnificent Jewels December 10th, that included the introduction of a companion online boutique of Holiday Jewels from December 11 – 21.  Offering a multitude of outstanding jewels at every price level, including fancy colored and colorless diamonds, rare gemstones, natural pearls, and signed creations from the most coveted jewelry houses. 

THE SALES TOTAL FOR ALL THREE SESSIONS: $59,685,125 (USD)

The top lot was the ‘Victory Diamond’,  

a D color rectangular-cut diamond ring of 31.34 carats, 

which realized $4,309,000 or $137,492 per carat.

Additional top prices were achieved for:

CUSHION-CUT DIAMOND RING OF 43.79 CARATS IN D COLOR 

SOLD FOR $4,029,000

A 103.66 CARAT SOLITAIRE DIAMOND PENDANT SET IN PLATINUM

ON A FINE NECKLACE OF PLATINUM  BROUGHT IN $3,749,000

A 28.28 CARAT RECTANGULAR-CUT DIAMOND RING 

OF D COLOR  REALIZED $3,413,000

Christie’s is proud to report impressive prices for large white diamonds and colored gemstones, which further supports the collecting trends we have seen all season in Geneva, Hong Kong and in New York. A large D color diamond of 28.28 carats set a new house record for any jewel sold to an online bidder. Strong prices were also achieved for signed iconic pieces by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and Schlumberger, among others.

December's Magnificent Jewels auction featured over 500 lots, including signed pieces from Boucheron, Cartier, David Webb, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, and prominent private collections.  Featuring some of the most important jewels to be offered this season, with jewelry from the estate of New York philanthropist and socialite Carroll Petrie and after the auction a private preview of Christie’s Jewels Online Boutique closed the evening session.

PROPERTY FROM THE ESTATE OF CAROLL PETRIE

(from the Christie's Auction Catalogue)
The collection of the late New York socialite Carroll Petrie was 90% sold by lot, and inspired late-evening bidding wars in the saleroom for her most-coveted necklaces, including a fabulous multi-gem Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. and a truly unique Tony Duquette design from the royal Collection of the Duchess of Windsor. 

In total, 11 lots realized over $1 million, and four fetched over $3 million.

From a young age, Carroll McDaniel Petrie had a strong passion for beauty and great design and an early inspiration came when her first marriage to the Marquis de Portago brought her to Paris. There she became enamored with the fashions of Christian Dior, and even collaborated with the designer in the creation of her wedding dress. Her great love of beauty and keen eye allowed Mrs. Petrie to build a remarkable collection of fine and decorative art, haute couture, and jewels.

From the late-1950s, Mrs. Petrie established herself as an icon of international society and philanthropy, living and mingling among the elite in Paris, Hong Kong, and New York. Many of the pieces presented in this sale were worn during her meetings with notable figures such as President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, just to name a few. Carroll Petrie patronized many of the great jewelers of the twentieth century, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Jean Schlumberger, and David Webb, all were represented in the auction.

COLORED GEMSTONES
As in recent auctions, Christie's presented an impressive selection of exceptional emeralds, rubies and sapphires this December. Key highlights include rare sapphires from the Estates of Beatrice Goelet Manice and Gladys (Patsy) Pulitzer Preston, an important ruby and diamond ring from Harry Winston and an extraordinary cabochon emerald of over 50 carats.

NATURAL PEARLS
Natural pearls formed part of every royal and state collection for centuries and continue to remain in high demand. The Magnificent Jewels auction provides beautiful examples of necklaces from Cartier and Tiffany & Co., matched drop earrings and an elegant antique brooch formerly owned by Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, the first woman elected to serve in the British Parliament.

DIAMONDS

Christie’s continues its reputation for offering the most important historical and rare diamonds available in the market today. We are proud to offer once again the famous “Victory” diamond, named to commemorate the Allied victory in World War II. The “Victory” was last offered at Christie’s in 1984 as part of the famous Collection of Florence J. Gould. Other notable stones include the “Petrie” diamond ring, a D color stone of 24.34 carats by Harry Winston, and a beautifully cut diamond pendant of 103.66 carats as well as an impressive selection of fancy colored pinks, blues, oranges and yellows.

SIGNED JEWELS
Unique signed pieces from top international designers including Boucheron, Cartier, Graff, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels and more are among the key highlights of the sale. A top lot from the selection includes an iconic art deco coral bracelet by Cartier, with additional highlights including a diamond and gold ballerina brooch designed in arabesque pose, and two ‘Mystery Set’ flower brooches by Van Cleef & Arpels.

CHRISTIE’S JEWELS ONLINE BOUTIQUE, FEATURING FRED LEIGHTONDECEMBER 11 - 21, 2015

Christie’s Jewels Online Boutique

Following the Magnificent Jewels live auction, Christie's will offer a beautiful selection of contemporary jewelry for purchase online in Christie's Jewels Online Boutique. Just in time for the holiday season, the sale will include jewelry ranging from classic diamond earrings to an impressive assortment of vintage-inspired pieces by Fred Leighton. The online sale is open until December 21 at www.christies.com/jewelsboutique

  

About Christie’sChristie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in the first half of 2015 that totalled £2.9 billion / $4.5 billion. In 2014, Christie’s had global auction and private sales that totalled £5.1 billion/$8.4 billion, making it the highest annual total in Christie’s history. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers around 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.

Christie’s has a global presence with 54 offices in 32 countries and 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

#Pantone #ColorOfTheYear....the Blending of Two Shades!

ROSE QUARTZ & SERENITY

PANTONE 13-1520 & PANTONE 15-3919

A softer take on color for 2016: For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as the PANTONE Color of the Year

As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association.

In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.

More from Pantone at: http://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2016

2016 #AGTA Spectrum Awards - "Best Of..." #AwardWiinner #JewelryDesign #SpectrumAwards

Best of Show and 1st Place Carving Allen Kleiman A. Kleiman & Co. San Francisco, CA Suite of Paraiba Tourmalines (58.07 ctw.) Nautilus shell carvings .
	Best Use of Color Classical Bella Campbell Campbellian Morristown, NJ 18K yellow gold earrings featuring blue-green Tourmalines (17.05 ctw.)  accented with Emeralds (4.14 ctw.).
	Best Use of Pearls Classical Naomi Sarna Naomi Sarna Designs New York, NY Strand of freshwater baroque cultured Pearls with 18K white gold and Diamonds  and a freshwater baroque cultured Pearl pendant.
	Best Use of Platinum and Color Evening Wear Andrew Costen Costen Catbalue Vancouver, BC Platinum "Symphony of Colour" bracelet featuring a 3.85 ct. green Tourmaline, a 4.88 ct. yellow Zircon, a 4.68 ct. Indicolite Tourmaline and a 3.52 ct. Rubellite Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (.70 ctw.).
	Best Use of Silver and Color Evening Wear William Travis Kukovich William Travis Jewelry Chapel Hill, NC Oxidized silver and mixed gold pendant  featuring a 4.74 ct. brown Diamond accented with rose cut Diamonds (.40 ctw.).
	Editors' Choice Business/Day Wear Eclat Jewels Eclat Jewels, Inc. New York, NY 18K yellow gold and enamel cuff featuring a 105 ct. Aquamarine accented with Diamonds.
	Fashion Forward Evening Wear Brian Cook Nature's Geometry Tucson, AZ 24K yellow gold "Wheel of Light" numinous pendant featuring an 825 ct. Quartz,  Paraiba Tourmaline, Hauyn, Ruby, Spessartite Garnet, golden Rutilated Quartz and Fire Agate beads.

#Trailblazers IAC ANNOUNCES 17TH FASHION + DESIGN CONFERENCE: “TRAILBLAZERS” NOVEMBER 13 & 14, 2015, NEW YORK, NY

Trailblazers

Initiatives in Art and Culture

Friday, November 13, 2015  8:15 AM  

Saturday, November 14, 2015  5:30 PM 

New York, NY

Register at EVENTBRITE

IAC ANNOUNCES 17TH FASHION + DESIGN CONFERENCE: 

“TRAILBLAZERS” NOVEMBER 13 & 14, 2015 NEW YORK, NY 

Initiatives in Art & Culture (IAC) recently announced the agenda for its roster of presenters at its 17th Annual Fashion + Design Conference, entitled “Trailblazers,” taking place November 13 & 14, 2015. 

Launching with a Thursday, November 12, evening reception that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Staley-Wise Gallery (560 Broadway, FL 3) in celebration of the exhibit “Ron Galella: 55 Years a Paparazzi.” The event also will feature a reception and viewing, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13, at Featherstone Fine Jewelry Atelier (17 Vestry St.).

“IAC is constantly amazed with the sheer genius that is being unleashed in the highly creative fields of fashion and product design,” said Lisa Koenigsberg, Founder, IAC. “Nothing could be more exciting than giving those involved in trailblazing innovation a showcase to present their stories. We are honored to be able to offer these presentations and hope they set off many more creative sparks.” 

Formal sessions for this event will be held at The Graduate Center, City University of New York (365 Fifth Avenue) with presenters from every area of the design field.