Celebrity Jewel: Colored Gems Reigned at the MET Gala!

The Met's Spring 2012 Costume Institute exhibition, Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, explores the striking affinities between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. Inspired by Miguel Covarrubias's "Impossible Interviews" for Vanity Fair in the 1930s, the exhibition features orchestrated conversations between these iconic women to suggest new readings of their most innovative work. Iconic ensembles are presented with videos of simulated conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada directed by Baz Luhrmann, focusing on how both women explore similar themes in their work through very different approaches.

The 2012 Costume Institute Gala Benefit was co-chaired by CareyMulligan, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and designer Miuccia Prada.  The exhibition is made possible by Amazon, with additional support by Condé Nast.

...according to Marie Clare, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala is the fashion world's most buzzed-about red carpet event of the year that celebrates the current exhibition...so it was a given that there would be a lot of Prada!

Sofia Vergara drips in $2 million dollars worth of Harry Winston Jewels-Platinum and Diamond Feather Fashion Ring
-Platinum and Diamond Micropave 3 Stone Drop Earrings,
-Platinum and Diamond Lily Cluster Bangles
...the Modern Family actress wore a stunning Marchesa gown and Casadei crystal pumps.

Jessica Chastain stuns in $1 million dollar earrings
by Harry Winston
-Platinum and Diamond Drop Earrings with Cushion Cut Sapphire
Her corseted blue metal satin Louis Vuitton dress is made of a tulle crinoline, hand embroidered with crystals and pearls, and took over 200 hours of work.

Canadian Model Linda Evangelista sparkled in Harry Winston
-Diamond Cluster Necklace
-Diamond Lotus Ring. 

Gown:  Black Prada Peplum Gown

Russian Fashion Model Anne Vyalitsyna (Anne V.) is elegant in Harry Winston -Diamond Earstuds
Anne wore a Prada gunmetal micro glass beaded fringe dress with a stone and crystal embroidered deep V neckline, paired with Prada shoes and clutch.

Gossip Girl's Leighton Meister in Harry Winston-Yellow Diamond Pieces from Harry Winston 
The 26-year-old Gossip Girl actress wore a Marchesa gown and Tabitha Simmons shoes on the red carpet. 

Carey Mulligan turned heads in Prada and Platinum by Neil Lane

-Platinum and diamond stud earrings
-Platinum and diamond cocktail ring
Carey wore all Prada for the event she co-chaired with Anna Wintour and Miuccia Prada – she was gold and silver degradé metal paillettes from her halter neck dress to her shoes and bag.

Emily Blunt in Calvin Klein Collection picks Neil Lane
-Platinum and diamond wide cuff bracelet
-Platinum and diamond ring
-Platinum and diamond earrings

Rashida Jones in platinum jewelry by Neil Lane
-Platinum, diamond and kunzite earrings
-Platinum and diamond bracelet
-Platinum and diamond ring

Brooke Shields in platinum jewelry by Tiffany & Co.
-Platinum and round diamond Flower lever back earrings ($95,000)
-Platinum and cultured pearl ring with diamonds ($27,000)
Brooke wore a gown by J Mendel and was using a cane due to a miniscus tear while perfoming as Mortitia Addams.

Christina Ricci in platinum jewelry by Tiffany & Co.

-Platinum and Diamond Tiffany Soleste stud earrings ($3,950)
-Platinum and Diamond Ring with Pink Sapphire ($90,000)


Jessica Pare wore L’Wren Scott with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. 

-Jean Schlumberger 
Diamond ear clips 

-Jean Schlumberger 
Diamond ring
The Mad Men actress attended as a guest of Tiffany & Co.

Amber Heard paired a figure flattering Zac Posen with her Tiffany & Co. Jewelry

-Paloma Picasso® morganite and diamond teardrop earrings
-pink sapphire and diamond ring.
The actress was radiant in her fuschia gown and arrived on the arm of the designer himself!

Lea Michele is striking in a body skimming DVF gown and Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry

-diamond tassel necklace
-15-carat platinum solitaire oval diamond pinky ring
-diamond cluster earrings. 


Leslie Bibb is elegant in Zac Posen with her Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry
-blue sapphire earrings
-35-carat blue sapphire ring. 


Jessica Stam is chic in Dior and Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry
-2 armfuls of Lorraine Schwartz mixed diamond and sapphire cuffs and bangles
-white and brown diamond drop earrings
-yellow and white diamond pinky ring. 

Gown: John Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture 

Paula Patton is lovely in a Pink Custom Vera Wang and Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry

-diamond & pink sapphire dome ring 

-diamond & pink sapphire mesh earrings.

Katherine McPhee is vibrant in Tangerine Elie Saab and Lorraine Schwartz Jewels-angel-skin coral and canary-yellow diamond ring

-OFIRA gold and diamond bracelet

-diamond and citrine earrings. 

Jessica Biel looks classically beautiful in Prada wearing 

$2 Million in Lorraine Schwartz Jewels 

     -325-carat emerald, white and yellow diamond earrings

Heidi Klum is fresh faced in an Esada Lace Dress and Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry

-185-carat black diamond tassel choker 

-197-carat 3-row black diamond mesh necklace

-3 black rose-cut diamond bangles
-2 black diamond stud bracelets
-black diamond tassel bracelet
-rose-cut diamond ring
-black diamond ring.
She completed her look with Christian Louboutin shoes and clutch.

Emma Roberts was gorgeous in Escada with Bulgari jewels 
-platinum earrings with 4 cushion cut sapphires (21.57 cts)-2 pear shaped diamonds (1.80 cts) and 8 diamonds (2.06 cts) 
-ring in yellow gold 1 cushion shaped sapphire (14.22 cts) and pavé diamonds (1.39 cts) 
...and a white gold and diamond Serpenti bracelet. Escada dress and belt, Christian Louboutin shoes, and a sparklySwarovski clutch!

Jaime King was red hot in Custom Topshop and Bulgari Jewels
-Serpenti necklace in white gold with diamonds
-Serpenti bracelet-watch in white gold with diamonds and blue sapphires
...both from Bulgari’s High Jewelry Collection.
She also carried a Serpenti minaudière in gold, black and white enamel with a snake head closure to finished off her Custom Topshop Gown and Christian Louboutin shoes.

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte chose Van Cleef & Arpels 

-“Charms” pave diamond timepiece set in rose gold on a black satin strap.

Karlie Kloss in Jason Wu chose Van Cleef & Arpels 

-1957 Estate emerald, diamond and ruby earrings set in yellow gold

-1962 Estate carved emerald and diamond ring set in yellow gold The model was also escoted to the Gala by designer, Jason Wu.

Kristen Bell in Tommy Hilfiger chose Van Cleef & Arpels 

-VCA 1970 Estate “St. Thomas” bracelets set in yellow gold

-VCA 1968 Estate “Feu d’Artifice” diamond earrings set in yellow gold.

Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen chose Van Cleef & Arpels

-“Thetis” diamond bracelet set in white gold. 

Tim Tebow the 24-year-old NFL quarterback wore Ralph Lauren
-Ralph Lauren Purple Label tuxedo, shirt and bowtie,
-silver cufflinks and stud set
-Ralph Lauren Slim Classique white gold timepiece 

Camilla Belle sparkled in Ralph Lauren Collection -ivory tulle beaded dress
-Ralph Lauren Vintage Collection jewelry 

English model Rosie Huntington Whiteley wore Burberry and Irene Neuwirth Earrings.
A gorgeous copper and black draped-back tulle Burberry dress with hand embroidered glass beads and Harlow 1960 clutch.
J/Hadley oval tiger ring with pave border,
Pink Opal and Peach Moonstone triple drop earrings with rose cut stones
These are available at Capitol in Charlotte.

Ivanka Trump was a sizzling blond bombshell in a formfitting  Peter Pilotto gown. 

Wide Cuff from the Bubble Collection, 

Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry

 Actress Julianne Hough, rocked a Carolina Herrera dress, Jacob & Co jewels.

Jacob & Co. Platinum Chandelier Diamond Earrings 
Jimmy Choo shoes and a Christian Louboutin bag finished her look.


Ashley Greene is gorgeous in a Donna Karan Atelier white grecian gown at the 2012 Met Ball  

-Jacob & Co. Cluster Diamond Ring 
-Jacob & Co. Platinum Tassel Design Chandelier Earrings. 

Resident Evil Actress Milla Jovovich stunned in Prada at the Met Ball wearing Jacob & Co.

-Jacob & Co. Spiral Design Dome Ring 
-Jacob & Co. Black and White Diamond Band. 

She paired her Red Satin Prada Shredded Skirt dress with a Prada clutch and shoes.

Actress and swimsuit model, Brooklyn Decker looked gorgeous in Tory Burch 

-Multi Gem Drop Earring

House of Lavande jewels.

Brooklyn looked stunning in the knife-pleated slate blue silk tulle and crepe gown with hand-embroidered floral appliqués and was joined on the red carpet by designer Tory Burch herself.


Solange Knowles dazzled in a bright yellow strapless Rachel Roy gown and Lady Grey Jewelry
-two arms full of stacked Lady Grey Bangles
The 25-year-old singer and DJ, walked the red carpet with the designer (Rachel Roy) herself. She finished off her look with Sergio Rossi shoes and a silver and gold “Flavia” clutch by Edie Parker.

If you are a Fashionista you would probably LOVE this - the event was "streamed live" and the video is up on the Vogue, Met and Amazon websites. Here is the Vogue link:
http://www.vogue.com/videos/live-from-the-mets-2012-costume-institute-gala-red-carpet/

Jewelry Week Las Vegas: Couture

Trend setting collections or one-of-a-kind masterpieces, you’ll find it all among the over 200 companies who exhibit at Couture. 

Couture: An Unforgettable Destination

The Couture experience is unrivalled during the Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week. No other event encompasses the emotional and professional landscape like Couture. From the opening night reception to epicurean fare to evening retreats at poolside, Couture is committed to making every minute at Couture an unforgettable experience.

For more than 16 years Couture has welcomed the best of the best through its doors.  Couture attracts the top 300 Couture jewelry retailers who are recognized by the community for their progressive business mindset and leadership position and 4,000 additional retailers who aspire to become a true Couture Jeweler. Couture offers all retailers an opportunity to source collections from more than 200 international designers. At Couture you will find the names who have trailblazed the industry and names that will redefine the future of jewelry design. 

Couture 2012 - May 31-June 4, 2012 - Wynn Las Vegas

Schedule ( follow the Couture Facebook page or check their website for changes and updates):

Couture will be providing continuous transportation between the Wynn and Mandalay during show hours, May 31- June 4.  
From Wynn – 9am – 6:30pm - outside - Alsace room at Registration 
From Mandalay – 8:30am – 6:30pm - by the Shark Reef entrance
(last pick up is 6:30pm at both hotels)  

Thursday, May 31st

9:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Show Open
Show Floor features include:
•    All day beverages in Latour and Lafite
•    The Niche Lounge on the Stage in Lafite: Open 9am - 5:30pm; from 3:30pm -5:30pm 

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM - Couture’s Opening Night Party, Sunset Pool Deck *(invitation only)
For the past several years, Couture has brought you memorable and dynamic Opening Nights featuring an endless flow of food and drink and the most contemporary talent. This is the perfect way to open your week and wrap up your first day with old and new friends. 

Friday, June 1st

9:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Show Open
Show Floor features include:
•    All day beverages in Latour and Lafite
•    The Niche Lounge on the Stage in Lafite: Open 9am - 5:30pm; from 3:30pm -5:30pm 

Saturday, June 2nd

9:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Show Open
Show Floor features include:
•    All day beverages in Latour and Lafite
•    The Niche Lounge on the Stage in Lafite: Open 9am - 5:30pm; from 3:30pm -5:30pm 

Sevan Bicakci - Winner 2011 Pearl Category

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – The Couture Design Awards, The Encore Ballroom
One of the highlights of our event, and a great source of editorial coverage, the Couture Design Awards have always served to introduce the community to some of our most inspiring designers.  For the 2nd year in a row, the Design Awards will be a juried event.  Voted on by a panel of designers (for technical merit), retailers (for look and salability) and editors from the consumer and trade press (for newness and “edginess”), the winners in these categories will know that they have made it through a rigorous process and intense competition to truly deserve the title of “Award Winner.”  The “People’s Choice Award” brings the voice of the retailer into the competition as well.

Sunday, June 3rd 

9:00 AM – 5:30 PM – Show Open
Show Floor features include:
•    All day beverages in Latour and Lafite
•    The Niche Lounge on the Stage in Lafite

Monday, June 4th 

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Show Open
Show Floor features include:
•    All day beverages in Latour and Lafite
•    The Niche Lounge on the Stage in Lafite

Jewelry Week Las Vegas: ACRE American Craft Retailers Expo™

American Craft Retailers Expo™  Produced By Wholesalecrafts.Com

Wholesalecrafts.com, founded and privately owned by Nancy Vince since 1998, is the only successful wholesale web service of its kind. Members include over 1,200 juried artists and 20,000 registered retailers.

Wholesalecrafts.com has moved to the next phase by enhancing their online trade show with “real time” shows held annually in Orlando and Las Vegas. The American Craft Retailers Expo (ACRE) shows are truly the newest revolution in trade shows.

Spanning 50,000 square feet with hundreds of exhibitors, ACRE features American and Canadian made products in a full range of price points for every buyer's budget. Product lines include stationery, tabletop, jewelry, furniture, decorative accessories, seasonal and garden, toys, clothing, fashion and fashion accessories, green products and more.

SHOW HOURS:  

        Saturday, JUNE 2

           9:30am - 7pm

   (in-hall reception 5-7pm)

         Sunday, JUNE 3

           9:30am - 5pm

        Monday, JUNE 4

          9:30am - 4pm

Follow ACRE Las Vegas on Twitter ...and on Facebook!


Register today at:  http://www.acrelasvegas.com

Jewelry Week Las Vegas: NICHE - the Show

NICHE: The Show will return to the Planet Hollywood Celebrity Ballroom, June 1-3, 2012 during Jewelry Week in Las Vegas.  

The centerpiece show of Jewelry Week is JCK Las Vegas (June 1-4) attracting nearly 20,000 buyers from across the globe. Other concurrent shows include:

JCK Luxury (May 29-June 4)

Antique Watch & Jewelry Show (May 31-June 3)

GLDA Gem & Jewelry Show (May 28-31)

AGTA (May 31-June 4)

Couture (May 31-June 4)

NICHE: The Show adds handcrafted design to the show line-up on the Las Vegas Strip. ACRE (June 2-4) also takes place during concurrent dates at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

NICHE the Show Dates & Hours:

Friday, June 1: 9am-6pm

Saturday, June 2: 9am-6pm

Sunday, June 3: 9am-5pm

For the customer who doesn’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing, artisan-designed-and-produced collection of  fine handcrafted jewelry, glass, ceramic and wood objects, available to retailers from across the globe. Niche the Show is presented by the Buyers Market of American Craft...expect quality craftsmanship and exquisite design from the finest artisans in the United States and Canada.

Backed by nearly 30 years of experience in the craft industry...beyond jewelry, at Niche you will find handmade gifts, sculpture and art glass, hot categories that add beauty and elegance to your store, and are ideal wedding and anniversary gifts.  Consumers place a high value on handmade and one-of-a-kind objects that deliver style at an approachable price point.

• Follow NICHE - the Show on Twitter  ...and on Facebook.
• Register at:   http://www.nichetheshow.com/

ROYAL ASSCHER TO OPEN FIRST POP-UP STORE IN LAS VEGAS

ROYAL ASSCHER TO OPEN FIRST POP-UP STORE IN THE SHOPPES AT THE PALAZZO, LAS VEGAS 

New York, NY  (May 11, 2012) – Royal Asscher Diamonds will open the doors of its first pop-up store in Vegas to consumers on May 17^th to June 4^th to a “one-off” experience including the launch of their floating diamond collection, “Shining Stars”.  Also on hand the vintage inspired tiara designed by Reena Ahluwalia to highlight Princess Catherine Middleton’s beauty, pay homage to the Royal Wedding and to the Royal Asscher diamonds that grace so many pieces in Great Britain's Crown Jewels.

 

Visitors will have the opportunity to pose with the diamond tiara, exclusively designed for the Royal wedding of Princess Catherine Middleton now Duchess of Cambridge and wife to William, Duke of Cambridge.  The tiara was one of the few the Duchess considered for her wedding day. Like the Queen of England, she adores Royal Asscher diamonds.

Created by jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher, the bejeweled headpiece, is set with Royal Asscher Cut diamonds, as well as pear and round shaped white diamonds totaling 85 carats. Visitors will be allowed to take a picture with this unique piece.

This privilege is usually exclusively reserved for private clientele of Royal Asscher spending $250,000 and above. The Royal Asscher pop-up store welcomes guests daily from 12pm to 2pm.

Lita Asscher, President of Royal Asscher of America and 6^th generation of her family to enter the business comments, “What’s important for the Royal Asscher company is that we are not a brand, we are a family. We wish to share our history and our gorgeous diamond cut, which speaks for itself when seen in person. To say it in my grandmother’s wise words: Let’s Celebrate Everyday Moments.”

During the JCK show, the Royal Asscher family will be available for special appointments for private sales and select retailers. Please contact Nicole Porto to book diary appointments. Other VIP events to be separately announced.

The Royal Asscher boutique’s operating hours will be Sunday – Thursday from 10:00 am - 11:00pm and Friday – Saturday from 10:00am - midnight. 


For more information please email nicole@royalasscher.com or call (212) 922 – 1908 and be sure to visit Royal Asscher in Las Vegas!

For more information on Royal Asscher, visit www.royalasscher.com 

Top Names in Gems & Jewelry Speak at GIA New York Career Fair

Top Names in Gems & Jewelry to Speak with Aspiring Professionals

GIA New York Jewelry Career Fair is July 30

CARLSBAD, Calif. – May 14, 2012 – Renowned designer David Yurman, jewelry manufacturing executive Ann Arnold, retail jeweler Lex Graham and leading auction house executive Rahul Kadakia will be panelists at GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) Jewelry Career Fair on July 30 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. Aspiring jewelry professionals – including those in retail, design and manufacturing – will also be able to meet with job recruiters; attend an expert session on jewelry trends; and spend one-on-one time with volunteer career-coaches. This marks the return of the GIA Career Fair to New York for the first time since 2008.

The leading industry event is free and open to the public; anyone interested in attending is urged to RSVP prior to the event.

Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA, at the GIA Jewelry
Career Fair held Oct. 2011 in Carlsbad, CA. Baker will oderate
a panel of experts during the New York event in July.

Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA, will moderate a panel entitled “Job Success in Today’s Market.” Panelists David Yurman, founder of David Yurman Inc.; Ann Arnold, CEO of Lieberfarb; Lex Graham, a recent GIA graduate and retail jeweler at Betteridge; and Rahul Kadakia, jewelry department head of Christie’s New York will discuss the jewelry business today and their advice for newcomers. Later in the day Paola DeLuca, creative director of Trend Vision Jewellery + Forecasting, will present her fascinating findings on the socio-cultural phenomena of jewelry.

“Career Fair is a rare opportunity for people interested in a career in this dynamic industry to hear from seasoned leaders and new professionals – from David Yurman to a recent GIA grad paving his own way in retail,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice president, chief marketing officer and co-founder of the GIA Career Fair. “There are many opportunities right now in gems and jewelry, which is why we are back in New York. We encourage anyone with an interest and passion - no matter their background - to explore their options at Career Fair.”

GIA’s New York Jewelry Career Fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 30 at the Javits Center. Recruiting will occur from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is sponsored by JA New York.

For more information, visit www.careerfair.gia.edu or call (800) 421-7250, ext. 4100, or email careerfair@gia.edu.

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, Cut, Clarity 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.