Rio Tinto Diamonds Design Competition Winners at Oscars

Winners of Rio Tinto Diamonds Design Competition Sparkle at the Oscars

Before the Hollywood stars sparkled on the red carpet at Sunday's Academy Awards, they first completed their look with winning designs from the Rio Tinto Diamonds Global Design Competition at the StyleLab jewelry suite in Beverly Hills.

The suite was attended by celebrities and their stylists many of whom were excited to see such innovation in diamond design from talented new designers from around the globe. Stars such as Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden, Allison Janney of "The Help", Tabatha Coffey of BRAVO's "Tabatha's Takeover", and "CSI" actress Barbara Eve Harris, tried on the stunning diamond creations and made their jewelry selections for the ultimate red-carpet appearance, the Oscars.

After receiving a record number of entries, Rio Tinto assembled an elite panel of judges who chose nine winning designers from the U.S., Canada, Australia, India, China, and Hong Kong to have their pieces made exclusively for the 2012 Oscars. The finished jewelry representing the categories of Champagne Diamonds, Silvermist Diamonds™, Canadian Diamonds, and Sustainable Jewelry were perfect for the red carpet event. The winning designs included in the StyleLab Oscars suite included:

• "Desert Rose" bracelet designed by Stacey Lindsell/manufactured by Diarough, Uni-Design
• "The World of Champagne" earrings designed by Nejal Mehta/manufactured by A'Star Jewelry
• "Rain Dance" earrings designed by Michelle Buxani/manufactured by Diarough HK
• "Canoe" necklace designed by Reena Ahluwalia/manufactured by Crossworks Manufacturing
• "The Sands of Time" cuff designed by Vijayshree Sovani/manufactured by Interjewel USA
• "Nature's Beauty" cuff designed by Joseph Weinreich/manufactured by Diamond Direct LLC
• "The Silvermist Express" bangle designed by Dean Walker/manufactured by Dean Walker Designs
• "The Creator" necklace designed by V. Saravanan/manufactured by 'TANISHQ and FOLEY Designs
• "Tyger, Tyger" fan designed by Nadia Neuman/manufactured by Mondial

After browsing the jewels in the suite, Allison Janney wore the "Nature's Beauty" cuff featuring Silvermist Diamonds™. Tabatha Coffey, who hosted the TV Guide Channel's Oscar coverage, wore "The Sands of Time" cuff bracelet to complete her look, also featuring Silvermist Diamonds™.  Actress Barbara Eve Harris looked stunning in "The World of Champagne" earrings as she accompanied Lou Gosset Jr. down the red carpet. This experience provides these up-and coming, talented designers with major exposure and the ultimate opportunity to be showcased at the Oscars.

For more about Rio Tinto Diamonds visit: www.riotintodiamonds.com

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/29/4301116/winners-of-rio-tinto-diamonds.html#storylink=cpy

2012 Governor General’s Award Visual & Media Arts Goes To...Charles Lewton-Brain!

The Calgary Herald reports:

Photo by Martin Lipman. Calgary Herald

A Calgary goldsmith, artist and educator, renowned internationally for his innovative work in the world of jewelry, will be presented with a 2012 Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts at the end of March.

Charles Lewton-Brain, 55, longtime teacher in the jewelry and metals program at the Alberta College of Art & Design (ACAD) will receive the Saidye Bronfman Award at the official awards ceremony on March 28 at Ottawa’s Rideau Hall. Along with a special issue medallion sponsored by the Royal Canadian Mint, Lewton-Brain and his fellow recipients will be awarded with $25,000.

“It’s a huge honour and a privilege because I’m representing craft, ACAD, Calgary and the west,” said Lewton-Brain on Tuesday.

The London, England born goldsmith has dedicated his life to the art of jewelry since...

Read more HERE!   

In the Footsteps of Iconic Jeweler Louis Cartier...

It is under the watchful eye of his Great-Great-Grand Father, iconic jeweler Louis Cartier that Jean Dousset, celebrated for creating engagement rings for Eva Longoria and Amy Adams, opens his first showroom. Located on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, the beautiful space presents his diamond engagement rings and jewelry collection.

The showroom is a reflection of Jean Dousset’s aesthetic and personality. Original portraits of Louis Cartier that have remained in the family hang in the showroom. “I wanted to make his aura felt discreetly. His heritage and accomplishments are purely an inspiration for me. It is certainly not an entitlement to jewelry design recognition.”

After a 12 year career honing his skills at some of the most illustrious French High jewelry houses including Chaumet, Boucheron and Van Cleef and Arpels, Jean Dousset waited 5 years working privately before stepping out to create a showroom that represents his sensibility and reflects his utmost respect for the history, tradition and artistry of jewelry. "I really am indebted to the High Jewelry Houses I worked for during my career. They trained me to be a consummate perfectionist.”

Jean Dousset’s diamond selection is uncompromising and focused on the very best cut diamonds. “The result has to exceed the customer’s expectations,” says Jean Dousset. Recognizing how much diamond selection goes “Beyond the 4C’s ™”, Dousset recently trademarked this phrase. The cut, color, clarity and carat weight commonly known as the 4C’s only determine the market price of a diamond, not its beauty.

“I work with my customers on a budget they are comfortable with, finding the stone that strikes the best balance between quality, beauty and value.”

Jean Dousset engagement rings are entirely hand crafted and custom made. “I simply do not think you can ever have the perfect ring in stock. There are too many variables to consider.”

Best of all, Jean Dousset rings offer unparalleled value in today’s engagement ring market. “Quality does not have to be expensive. It is a matter of integrity, taste and experience”, says Dousset who adds that his customer testimonials say it best.

About Jean Dousset Diamonds: 

Jean Dousset Diamonds, founded by Los Angeles based jeweler, features a collection of timeless, sophisticated and ultra-feminine engagement rings, wedding bands, and earrings. Jean Dousset has a zero-tolerance policy toward conflict diamonds. He purchases diamonds through the largest suppliers, who adhere to and enforce the strict ethical standards established by the Kimberley Process. http://www.jeandousset.com

Jean Dousset Diamonds Showroom: 

8471 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069    T: 323 944 0855

GL Gem Raman™ – now available

Gemlab Research & Technology has released its GL Gem Raman™ system.

The GL Gem Raman™ is an advanced gem testing instrument for experienced gemmologists, gem merchants, mineral collectors and others; it is also an excellent educational tool.

GL Gem Raman™ linked to database

Carved jadeite statue being tested

The GL Gem Raman™ quickly can tell the difference between diamond, cubic zirconia, glass and zircon, distinguish jadeite from nephrite, separate real from faux pearls, tell whether it is ivory or plastic. There is great potential for detecting treatments and colour enhancements in gemstones; it will help in the determination of the nature of diamonds, gemstones and minerals.

The GL Gem Raman™ software allows real-time spectral acquisition; it can be used to operate both the GL Gem Spectrometer and the GL Gem  Raman™ making them a powerful combo unit for advanced gemstone and mineral identification. It can replace other advanced spectrometer types such as NIR256-2.5 near-infrared spectrometers, FTIR (Fourier transform spectroscopy) spectrometers and temperature regulated Raman units.

The spectra can be saved and imported into a searchable database program with over 3,000 references; the database is linked to the large on-line mineralogical RUFF database for Raman spectra.

GL Gem  Raman™ users will also have access to the  C.I.G. (Canadian Institute of Gemmology) gem reference library which is being compiled from its large gem study collection. Other reference databases can be consulted on-line.

The GL Gem  Raman™ is now available for under $ 7,000 FOB Vancouver, Canada... to order go to the Gemlab on-line store.

Harry Winston An Old Favorite Making Red Carpet Dreams Come True!

Natalie Portman


Natalie Portman wore a Dior Haute Couture dress from Rare Vintage (1954 collection), Dior shoes, a Charlotte Olympia bag, and Harry Winston jewels.

at Award Show
-Platinum and diamond v-shaped cluster necklace by Harry Winston

-Platinum and oval diamond drop earrings (5.76 carats each) by Harry Winston


at After Parties

-Platinum and diamond drop earrings by Harry Winston

-3 platinum and diamond bracelets by Harry Winston

-Platinum and pear shaped diamond cluster ring by Harry Winston.

                

Jessica Chastain, Academy Award Nominee, was resplendent in a bespoke silk organza, hand-embroidered Alexander McQueen gown with $2 million in Harry Winston yellow diamond jewels.

- Pear Shaped Yellow Diamond Drop Earrings

- Stacked Yellow Diamond Bracelets

- Yellow Diamond Micropave Ring

Melissa McCarthy, presenter and nominee wore colorless diamond drop earrings by Harry Winston.

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley wears Valentino Couture as she walks the red carpet  wearing Harry Winston jewelry, Ferragamo heels, Valentino clutch, and Essie nail polish.

-Platinum and diamond wire drop   

  earrings by Harry Winston

-Mandarin Garnet and Pink 
  Sapphire Lotus ring 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (Vanity Fair party)

-Platinum and diamond bezel set drop earrings 

  by Harry Winston

-Platinum and diamond bezel set chain bracelet 

  by Harry Winston

-Platinum and diamond line bracelet by Harry Winston

                                         

Olivia Munn (Vanity Fair party)

Olivia Munn glowed as she arrived at the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at Sunset Tower on Sunday (February 26) in West Hollywood, Calif.  The 31-year-old actress wore Calvin Klein Collection and finished her look with Harry Winston jewelry.

-Platinum stud earrings on a wire with pink and white  

  diamonds by Harry Winston

-Platinum and diamond sunflower bracelet by Harry Winston

Stars Love the Red Carpet Attitude of Neil Lane Jewelry

Angelina Jolie 

Though, at this point, she will forever be remembered for an awkward leg pose (Google "leg bombing") Angelina was the picture of class. In a black velvet Atelier Versace gown, split thigh high she finished her look with Neil Lane jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo peeptoe shoes, and a Jaime Mascaro clutch. In the perfect example of jewelry becoming wardrobe, Ms. Jolie wore a pair of Brooches totaling 25 carats of diamonds in platinum at the waist of her gown...in the back!!!

-Platinum and diamond jewelry by Neil Lane
-Platinum and cushion-cut diamond drop earrings (20 carats) by Neil Lane

-Platinum and cushion-cut diamond ring (15 carats) by Neil Lane

-Pair of platinum and diamond pins worn on the back of her waist (25 carats) by Neil Lane

For a total of 2.5 Million in Neil Lane Diamond and Platinum Jewelry

        
Octavia Spencer

Remembering her red-carpet loyalties, Octavia went with her favorite designer, Tadashi Shoji, who was the only Designer that sent her gowns when she was started her acting career. Well maybe it is his experience with dressing her figure, but this silvery white beaded gown, with radiating ruched details was a knock out!!!

-Platinum and diamond briolette chandelier earrings (20 carats) by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond cocktail ring by Neil Lane

Kristen Wiig

At some point in time, someone (had to have been someone important), told Kristen that she looked great in a monotone head-to-toe look...and once again Taupe? Blush? Nude? Well they did her a dis-service, just once I would love to see Kristen in Jewel Tones. Thank God for the Jewels! The Comedian walked the carpet in J. Mendel finished with Prada shoes, Neil Lane jewelry, and a Judith Leiber bag.

-Two wide platinum and diamond bracelets by Neil Lane
-Platinum ring with diamonds, emerald and ruby by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond eternity bands by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond chandelier earrings by Neil Lane

     

Maya Rudolph

Statuesque in a plum Johanna Johnson with sparkling crystal detail across the shoulders, Maya completed her look with Neil Lane jewels, Salvatore Ferragamo bag, and Casadei shoes. 

-Platinum and diamond bracelets by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond cluster earrings by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond cocktail ring by Neil Lane

Sarah Hyland (red carpet)

-Platinum and diamond chandelier earrings by Neil Lane

Sarah Hyland 

(Elton John party)

-Platinum and diamond flower earrings by Neil Lane
-Platinum bangle with diamonds and onyx by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond ring by Neil Lane

Neil Lane Jewelry at 20th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Oscar Viewing Party 

Anne Heche

-Platinum and diamond drop earrings by Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond ring by Neil Lane

Malin Akerman 

-Platinum and Black diamond Studs by Neil Lane

-Platinum and Black diamond band rings by Neil Lane

-Platinum and diamond, Black Onyx ring by Neil Lane

-Platinum and diamond, Jade and Onyx Link Bracelet by Neil Lane

Neil Lane Jewelry at Vanity Fair Oscar Viewing Party

Abbie Cornish (Vanity Fair party)

-Platinum and diamond long drop earrings by Neil Lane
-Platinum with diamonds Ruffle cuff bracelet by Neil Lane

-Platinum, Ruby and diamond cocktail ring by Neil Lane

About the Neil Lane collection

The Neil Lane collection features world-renowned, beautiful works of art that are a direct reflection of Neil Lane, both as a celebrated designer, and respected curator of important, period jewels. From trend-setting rough-cut diamond sautoirs that sparkle on the red carpet to the most elegant engagement and bridal rings, every piece of jewelry designed by Neil Lane is a stunning fashion statement. The Neil Lane collection also includes some of the finest period jewels and designs from all over the world. Unique historical pieces have been hand-selected from the magnificent houses of Cartier, Boucheron, Mauboussin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and other manufacturers and exclusive sources worldwide. All of the glamorous one-of-a-kind Neil Lane designs, as well as the antique and estate jewels, are rare and rich with heritage.

http://www.neillanejewelry.com/

Oscars - Is The Show Going To The Dogs? Muppets?

We all love that endearing dog from "The Artist"...d
...did you know he was a rescue?


Uggie is a star! he even got his own seat at the Oscar ceremonies and he was loaned not one but two gorgeous custom made, bone-shaped pendants in 18k gold (one complete with black tie and second more casual leather version) by the exclusive 150 yr old Swiss Jewelry House of Chopard!


Following the award show the Oscar version will be auctioned off to benefit the Amanda Foundation, a Los Angeles–based animal rescue group.


According to JCK, the leading source of information in the Jewelry Industry...


“I was completely charmed by Uggie’s role in The Artist,” said Chopard co-president/artistic director Caroline Scheufele in a statement. “Knowing that Uggie is a rescue dog, it inspired me to create a unique piece to benefit an important cause.” Scheufele, who, incidentally, owns seven dogs, designed both collars herself.


Get the whole story here.

In a moment of real fun on the Red Carpet - Miss Piggy & Kermit stopped and talked to Perennial Show Host, Ryan Seacrest...and may I say she is one pampered piggy!!!



Miss Piggy is wearing a dress by Zac Posen, jewelry from Fred Leighton, shoes by Christian Louboutin, handbag from and hair styled by Kim Kimble.  Kermit is wearing a tux from Brooks Brothers.


The DEETS on Miss Piggy’s jewels:


- 1940s gold and diamond, Amethyst ring (70 ctw) –lavender is,  after all, her signature color
- 1950s platinum and diamond swirl necklace (55 ctw) matching swirl bracelet (40 ctw)


Celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble (Beyonce, Shakira, Kerry Washington) put the finishing touches on Miss Piggy by adding a diamond and platinum headband (approx. 10 carats) and 1040s clip in the back.


...as reported by Big Shiny Robot, your independent source for Nerd News & Reviews.


Early in on the "Live Tweet" event at #oscarjewelry Fred Leighton proclaimed...

Fred Leighton Jewels ‏ @LeightonJewels

•  
 

We have one #OscarJewelry confirmation... Miss Piggy! What a star! telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/o…

When I retweeted this info, Brooks Brothers responded with:

Platinum and Colored Gems ROCKED the Red Carpet!

Los Angeles, CA (February 26, 2012) – Hollywood’s most important night of the year is forever captured in memory and this year’s Oscar hopefuls and VIPs reflected the timelessness of the event with their choice of jewelry.  Platinum, the precious metal that never changes color nor fades, ruled the red carpet at the 2012 Academy Awards. 


From Natalie Portman and Cameron Diaz’s diamond necklaces, to Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez’s drop earrings, Hollywood’s leading actresses chose to showcase their jewels in naturally white platinum settings that truly enhance the brilliance of diamonds and colored gemstones.  Last night at the "84th Annual Academy Awards" in Los Angeles, Platinum was the ideal choice for life’s most unforgettable moments.

Following is a list of stars that celebrated tonight's achievements in PLATINUM:

Jennifer Lopez

-Platinum and diamond earrings by Lorraine Schwartz

-Platinum and diamond rings by Lorraine Schwartz

Cameron Diaz

-Platinum and emerald-cut diamond necklace by Tiffany &  Co.

-Platinum and bezel-set diamond stud earrings by Tiffany & Co.

-Platinum and round diamond Dome ring by Tiffany & Co.

Kate Hudson (Vanity Fair party)

-Platinum and wide diamond Zig Zag bracelet by Tiffany &  Co.

-Platinum and wide round diamond bracelet by Tiffany &  Co.

-Platinum and round diamond stud earrings (6.12 carats) by Tiffany &  Co.

Rooney Mara

-Platinum and diamond ring with a miniature portrait circa 1910 by Fred Leighton

 Penelope Cruz

-Platinum and pear-shape diamond necklace (56 carats) by Chopard

-Platinum and diamond cluster earrings (15 carats) by Chopard

-Platinum and fancy-shape diamond line bracelet (43 carats) by Chopard

Nina Dobrev (Elton John party)

-Platinum and diamond cluster earrings (13 carats) by Chopard

-Platinum and diamond cuff (18 carats) by Chopard

Brooklyn Decker (Elton John party)

-Platinum and pear-shape diamond drop earrings (9 carats) set in a 

pave diamond frame by Chopard

-Platinum and oval-shape diamond line bracelet (35 carats) by Chopard

Missi Pyle

-Platinum and pear-shaped diamond chandelier earrings (16 carats) by Chopard

-Platinum and fancy-shaped diamond necklace featuring over 80 white diamonds (34 carats) by Chopard

-Platinum and five-row diamond ring (9 carats) by Chopard.

Natalie Portman
at Award Show
-Platinum and diamond v-shaped cluster necklace by Harry Winston

-Platinum and oval diamond drop earrings (5.76 carats each) by Harry Winston


at After Parties

-Platinum and diamond drop earrings by Harry Winston

-3 platinum and diamond bracelets by Harry Winston

-Platinum and pear shaped diamond cluster ring by Harry Winston

Shailene Woodley

-Platinum and diamond wire drop earrings by Harry Winston

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (Vanity Fair party)

-Platinum and diamond bezel set drop earrings by Harry Winston

-Platinum and diamond bezel set chain bracelet by Harry Winston

-Platinum and diamond line bracelet by Harry Winston

Olivia Munn (Vanity Fair party)

-Platinum stud earrings on a wire with pink and white diamonds by Harry Winston

-Platinum and diamond sunflower bracelet by Harry Winston


Tina Fey

-Platinum earrings with sixteen oval cut blue sapphires (47.36 carats) and sixteen mixed shape emeralds (2.94 carats) by Bulgari

-Platinum ring with sapphire (15.10 carats), emeralds (3.60 carats), and baguette diamonds (0.66 carats) by Bulgari


Angelina Jolie

-Platinum and cushion-cut diamond drop earrings (20 carats) by Neil Lane

-Platinum and cushion-cut diamond ring (15 carats) by Neil Lane

-Pair of platinum and diamond pins worn on the back of her waist (25 carats) by Neil Lane

Octavia Spencer

-Platinum and diamond briolette chandelier earrings (20 carats) by Neil Lane

-Platinum and diamond cocktail ring by Neil Lane

Kristen Wiig

-Two wide platinum and diamond bracelets by Neil Lane

-Platinum ring with diamonds, emerald and ruby by Neil Lane

-Platinum and diamond eternity bands by Neil Lane

-Platinum and diamond chandelier earrings by Neil Lane

Maya Rudolph

-Platinum and diamond bracelets by Neil Lane

-Platinum and diamond cluster earrings by Neil Lane

-Platinum and diamond cocktail ring by Neil Lane

About Platinum Jewelry
Platinum is the ideal choice for red carpet jewelry because it holds diamonds and precious gemstones more securely than any other metal. It is not only the highest quality metal, but its density makes it one of the most durable and enduring precious metals. Platinum is also naturally white, unlike white gold, which means it will not cast any tint onto a diamond or gemstone, allowing the stone's genuine color to sparkle brightly.    more at:  http://www.preciousplatinum.com