Sparkle and Color - No Stranger To the CMTs

Singer Joy Williams wearing Kabana bracelets to the 2012 CMT Music Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 6th.




Kabana 14k Yellow Gold Bracelet in Onyx and White Mother of Pearl, Retail: $8,226, www.kabana.net




Kabana 14k Diamond Inlay Bracelet in Onyx and White Mother of Pearl, Retail: $2,190, www.kabana.net





Singer Jana Kramer wearing Norman Silverman earrings to the 2012 CMT Music Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 6th.


Norman Silverman 18k White Gold Diamond Earrings, Retail: $240,000, www.normansilvermandiamonds.com




Carrie Underwood sparkled in platinum jewelry by Tiffany & Co. with her Randi Rahm dress and Swarovski bag at the "2012 CMT Awards" in Nashville on June 6th:


Tiffany Jazz™  Platinum and diamond drop earrings








Hillary Scott, the frontwoman for Lady Antebellum, glimmered in an Hervé Léger by Max Azria dress and David Webb jewelry.  Later, all the members of Lady Antebellum took the stage to pick up their award for Group Video of the Year for "We Own The Night".

Grace Potter, who was nominated twice with Kenny Chesney for their "You and Tequila"video. She was head to toe in designers. A charcoal KaufmanFranco beaded backless gown, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and a black diamond ring by Itsa.




Host. Actress Kristen Bell arrived on the CMT red carpet looking statuesque in a golden Reem Acra gown, wearing Graziela earrings and a Tresor ring to the 2012 CMT Music awards at the Bridgestone Arena on June 6, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. 





Tresor Logo Collection 18 K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, Retail: $2375, www.TresorCollection.com

Celebrity Jewel: June Premieres In Living Colored Gems and Diamonds!

Charlize Theron sparkled in platinum jewelry by Bulgari at the world premiere of her film "Prometheus" in London on May 31st:

• Platinum bracelet with 100 sapphire beads (178 carats) and round diamonds (3.51 carats)

Laura Kaeppeler Miss USA Sparkles in Neil Lane Diamonds at The Annual US Army Ball - June 1st

• Diamond and platinum tear drop earrings, 
• a diamond and platinum bracelet
• a white and pink diamond and platinum ring

Actress Katherine Heigl wore Le Vian earrings to the AFI Life Achievement Awards presented by TV Land, held at Sony Studios in Los Angeles, CA, on June 7th. 

Le Vian 14k Chocolate Diamond® and Vanilla Diamond® Earrings, Retail: $7,148, www.LeVian.com

Jada Pinkett Smith donned a jangle of assorted Le Vian bangles at the New York premiere of "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted", held at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City, on June 7th.

Le Vian Assorted Bangles in Vanilla Diamonds™ and Chocolate Diamonds®, Price Available Upon Request, www.LeVian.com

At "Girl Scouts Rock The Mall", held at the National Mall in Washington, DC, on June 9th, Jessica Jarrell and Mandy Moore attended the Dove presentation of positive role models. 

Mandy Moore wore Amrapali's 14K Gold Flower Ring with Diamonds, Retail: $440, www.AmrapaliJewels.com

Beth Behrs in Neil Lane Jewelry at the 66th Annual Tony Awards

Diamond and platinum earrings and rings by Neil Lane Jewelry

TV Personality Catt Sadler dazzled in KumKum earrings to the 2012 Plush Event - L.A.'s premier luxury baby and toddler show at Vibiana on June 10, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. 

KumKum 'The X Collection' Sterling Silver Zircon Earrings, Retail: $135, www.KumKum-usa.com

TV Host Catt Sadler selected a handcrafted diamond fashion ring with pave accents from MICHAEL M. to wear on E! News on June 11th (Style R304).

  

Michael M. jewelry is handcrafted in Los Angeles: www.michaelmcollection.com 

Jada Pinkett Smith loves an arm FULL of assorted Le Vian bangles, here she is at the Capri Sun 'Super V' Launch, held at Paramount Pictures Screening Room in New York City, on June 8th.

Le Vian Assorted Bangles in Vanilla Diamonds™ and Chocolate Diamonds®, Price Available Upon Request, www.LeVian.com

Singer Alicia Keys was a golden Goddess in Hellmuth earrings and a Karine Sultan necklace while performing at the City of Hope's event at MOCA in Los Angeles on June 12, 2012. 

Hellmuth 18 K Gold Croco Pattern Diamond Earrings, Retail: $9800, www.Hellmuthusa.com

Last Tuesday night Viola Davis and hubby Julius Tennon attended the 2012 Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.   Meryl Streep presented the Crystal Award for Excellence in Film to Viola, her co-star from 2008′s Doubt.  

Viola wore Max Mara in a black strapless dress with bow accessorized with Earrings and this AMAZING Katerina Maxine 18K White Gold Scallop Bracelet with 6.87ct. Diamonds, Retail: $38,400, www.KaterinaMaxine.com

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Catherine Zeta Jones wore Adeler earrings on NBC News "Today Show" where she chatted with Matt Lauer on June 14th. 

Adeler 18k Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Black Druzy Earrings, Retail: $3,888, www.AdelerJewelers.com

Actress Camilla Luddington wearing M.C.L By Matthew Campbell Laurenza ring and handbag to the Los Angeles Confidential Magazine Celebrates Their Summer Issue Cover Party With Oliver Stone and Taylor Kitsch at Palihouse on June 14, 2012 in West Hollywood, California. 

M.C.L By Matthew Campbell Laurenza Pave Sapphire Horseshoe Ring with Decorative Enamel and Semi Preciou Stones, Retail: $735,www.MCLDesign.ne

M.C.L By Matthew Campbell Laurenza 'Jackie' Printed Handbag, Retail: $260, www.MCLDesign.net

WHEWWWWWW - well, lots of colored diamonds especially thos amazing LeVian Chocolates and some stunning colored gems...and that is just the first half of June!!!   see you again at the end of the month.

JCK’S DESIGN CENTER RECOGNIZES TOP 50 RETAILER STORES

JCK’S DESIGN CENTER RECOGNIZES TOP 50 RETAILER STORES

Norwalk, CT (June 14, 2012) – The Design Center at JCK Las Vegas held its 9th annual Designer Retailer Awards on Sunday June 3rd during JCK Las Vegas Jewelry Week. 1st place was awarded to The Clay Pot, the Brooklyn, NY institution of over 40 years, with 49 other stores also receiving accolades. The event was a celebratory culmination of what was regarded as a highly successful showing by Design Center exhibitors.

“We were absolutely thrilled to be presented with the award for the best designer retailer. We have always championed the work of innovative, up and coming designers and it is an honor to work with their exquisite products,” said so and so from The Clay Pot. “We are so pleased that they have recognized us for our efforts.”

The Design Center’s Designer Retailer Awards were created to spotlight retail stores who have exceeded the standards of excellence in the promotion, merchandising and sales of designer jewelry. The specific criteria for which the top 50 were chosen include: educating the consumer on the quality and value of designer jewelry; displaying and merchandising designer products for maximum salability and finally, their commitment to fair business practices. This year’s award ceremony was  sponsored by Berkley Asset Protection, a leader in insurance solutions for the industry.

The Top 5 Designer Retailers earning recognition are as follows: I. Gorman Jewelers, Washington D.C.; Bergdorf Goodman, New York, NY; Twist, Portland, OR; Z Folio Gallery, Monterey, CA.

The Top 10 Designer Retailers receiving honors included: Deep Blue Sea Jewelers, St. Michael, MD; Worthmore Jewelers, Atlanta, GA, Hummingbird Jewelers, Rhineback, NY; Art FX Fine Jewelry, Ashland, OR; Blanca Flor, Annapolis, MD.

The following recipients were recognized as part of the Top 50 Designer Retailer Awards presentation: Bachendorf’s, Dallas, TX; Be on Park, Winter Park, FL; Beauchamp Jewelers, Alberquerque, NM; Bluestone Jewelry, Tahoe City, CA; Day’s Jewelers, Waterville, ME; De Novo, Palo Alto, CA; DeScenza Diamonds, Boston, MA; Deva Fine Jewelry, Winston Salem, NC; Diamonds’ n Dunes, Kitty Hawk, NC;Elinoff & Co ., Telluride, CO; G. Thrapp Jewelers, Indianapolis, IN; Gallery of Jewels, San Francisco, CA;Goldsmith Gallery, Sitka, AK; Grebitus & Sons Jewelers, Sacramento, CA; Greenwich Jewelers, New York, NY; Hamilton Hill Jewelry, Durham, NC; Higashi Jewelry & Eyewear, Lemoyne, PA; HSN-Jewelry Designer Gallery, St. Petersburg, FL; Jerry Szor Contemporary Jewelry, Dallas, TX; Jewelry Art, Hudson, OH; Jewelry Designs, Danbury, CT; Joe Escobar Diamonds, Campbell, CA; Johannes-Hunter Jewelers, Colorado Springs, CO; Joseph’s Jewelers, W. Des Moines, IA; Ladyfingers, Carmel, CA; Long’s Jewelers, Burlington, MA; Louis Anthony Jewelers, Pittsburg, PA; Manika Jewelry, San Francisco, CA;Max’s, St. Louis Park, MN; Nellie Bly II, Jerome, AZ; Olufson Designs, Corvallis, OR; Oster Jewelers, Denver, CO; Patronik Designs, Burlingame, CA; Pinnacle Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ; Pistachios, Chicago, IL;Skeie’s Jewelers, Eugene, OR; Tillman’s Antiques & Collectibles, Hot Springs, AZ; Tiny Jewel Box, Washington, D.C.; Verace, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands; Ylang Ylang, St. Louis, MI.

About The Design Center: A part of the JCK Las Vegas show, The Design Center is THE destination for unique designs from up and coming designers and the latest collections from established jewelry artists. The Rising Stars showcase here, representing new talent from around the globe, and the scope of finished jewelry in this section is unmatched, with many handcrafted artisan pieces on display.

ABOUT JCK EVENTS:

JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK, the leading industry magazine in print & online, JCK offers a suite of tools, events and information to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities and essential information. 

Trollbeads Sustainable Design For Women Across The Globe

SELF-SUSTAINABLE WORKSHOPS DESIGN 

TROLLBEADS FOR WOMEN ACROSS THE GLOBE

The Malawi Universal Uniques Collection 

They are young, artistic and surrounded by an immense mix of colors. The talented glass artisans from Malawi create the most intricate and playful glass beads. Each of the beads' inspiration can be found in the everyday lives of their designers; from a pattern of a woman's vibrant dress on the street, a combination of exotic fruits in the marketplace, or a peculiar flower in the grasslands. Once trained by Lise Aagaard, Owner of Trollbeads, these skilled artisans are now running a flourishing business by designing glass beads for women across the world. 

Every story has a bead. The story behind the Malawi Universal Uniques collection is a heart-warming one that involves a joint venture between Lise Aagaard, the founder of Trollbeads, and artisans around the world. The Trollbeads Workshop concept originated out of Lise Aagaard's vision of infusing commerce, hope and new life into communities that would not otherwise have had the opportunity. In 2005 when Lise Aagaard started the first self-sustainable project she said: "I am now in a position to help others. I believe the best way to do so, is to help them create an existence for themselves - providing help for self-help is close to my heart."

In 2010 the Malawi Trollbeads Workshop was established with an unemployed group of challenged young people. Some had health issues and some had lost most of their family to AIDS. Using the same overall formula as with a similar project in India, Trollbeads gave a group of young men and women the opportunity to learn the artistry of making glass beads over an open flame. Besides providing financial backing for the project, Trollbeads also trained the staff in all aspects of running a successful jewellery business, including supply-chain management, production, design, and marketing. Today their localoperation employs around 12 people and is on the way to becoming completely self-sustainable. "I am so excited and thrilled that you can feel the different cultures in every single bead. My wish is that the charity projects we choose are as varied as possible. For everything we do, is all about the people," says Lise Aagaard.

The first Trollbeads Workshop originated on a family trip to Dharamsala, India where Lise Aagaard taught a group of unemployed Tibetan refugees how to make glass beads. The Aagaard family further helped this group of Tibetan refugees to start production and sale of these glass beads. Trollbeads provided financial support with an agreement that if things worked out, the loan would be repaid. And if things didn't work out, they would not be obliged to pay the loan. The loan was repaid within the year and the Tibetans had already begun designing beautiful, unique glass beads with designs that were not part of the Trollbeads standard collection. The success kept growing, and today Uniques and Universal Uniques are made by Trollbeads artisans from other parts of the world as well. 

As artists, we seek to express beauty through all that is magical, mystical and whimsical in the world around us... so that others may find self-expression and enjoyment through our work.As craftsmen, we seek to create jewelry from nature's finest and most durable materials, constructed of the highest quality...so that our work is considered the standard of excellence. As an enterprise, we seek to engage with those who share our vision, our passion and ideals, and to transact honestly with all... so that we are known as a company with a soul.     Trollbeads Mantra

Trollbeads Universal Uniques are designed with a larger hole to allow for compatibility with other bracelets in the market. Universal Uniques offers the opportunity for more customers to try and experience the beautiful craftsmanship and high-quality jewelleries from Trollbeads. Universally adored, every one of these glass bead kits is distinct and can be worn on other major brand bracelets.

Preview the Trollbeads Malawi YouTube Video

Connect with Trollbeads USA

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TrollbeadsUS

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/trollbeadsusa/ 

About Lise Aagaard Copenhagen: The Company behind Trollbeads USA is Lise Aagaard Copenhagen. The mission is to create beautiful, imaginative jewelry and also to involve and touch people all over the world. Each piece in the Trollbeads collection has its own history, taking its inspiration from mythology, astrology, fairy tales, fauna, flora, cultural diversity, and last but certainly not least, in the familiar things of everyday living. Trollbeads products include beads on bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and accessories. www.Trollbeadsuniverse.com  

Vendor Spotlight - Liv Haley

Have you noticed the new star in the LA sky?  Liv Haley is the creation of best friends and Sister-In Laws...drawing their inspiration from the sights and colors of Los Angeles and their piece of the sun drenched landscapes of Southern California and the local ocean shores.


Working in a full range of metals Sterling Slver, 18k Gold Vermeil and 14k Gold, the Liv Haley brand incorporates stunning gems both traditional and rare in their workshops in the Los Angeles area.


The Liv Haley Story (from their website):

before olivia thornhill and hali thornhill, co creators and designers of liv haley, became both sister n laws and friends, their individual paths were clearly and inextricably leading them to this perfect union.

olivia spent 15 years as an award winning stylist for editorial and tv, traveling all over the world with some of the top directors and photographers in the business. combining her signature touch of pitch perfect taste and a relentless need for perfection, she has styled some of the most recognizable personalities in film, television, music
and sports.

hali, an accredited gemologist who has been custom designing jewelry for the past 10 years, has had a fascination with the marriage of stone and metal for as long as she can remember. using a combination of elements from her ‘favorite things’, she made her first piece of jewelry when she was 12 years old.

the girls have taken their passion for jewelry, fashion and design to create simple yet sophisticated pieces that make up the stylish and contemporary jewelry collection of liv haley. each piece combines a balance of elegance and relaxed luxury with classic, easy to wear designs.

Red Carpet Jewels: 50th Annual CFDA Fashion Awards

Jessica Chastain and Jessica Paré sparkled in PLATINUM  jewelry at the  50th anniversary of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in New York on June 4th.

Platinum is popular with celebrities since it holds diamonds and colored gemstones most securely, and makes them sparkle. 

http://www.preciousplatinum.com/

Jessica Chastain (above left)

-Platinum and Diamond Micropave Earstuds and Diamond Crossover Fashion Ring by Harry Winston

Jessica Paré (right)

-Platinum ring with south sea pearls and diamonds and black silk tassel earrings with freshwater pearls by Elsa Peretti by Tiffany & Co.

Pomellato Tango Brown Diamond Bracelet worn by Gretchen Mol

Gretchen Mol wore a Sophie Theallet mint skirt in crepe de soie with sash and ivory top with mint strap and Manolo Blahnik for Sophie Theallet shoes. She completed her look with the Pomellato Tango brown diamond bracelet.

Swarovski & Atelier Swarovski

Swarovski Award Presenter Lily Collins wore Swarovski jewels and Jill Martin also wore Atelier Swarovski by Christopher Kane

Lorraine Schwartz:

Jessica Stam chose Lorraine Schwartz black gold and black diamond, pear shaped drop earrings with a black gold and black diamond cuff. She also wore a large black diamond and white diamond mesh ring.

Selita Ebanks in Hervé Léger wore Lorraine Schwartz diamond drop earrings, rose cut diamond bracelets, and a diamond and Onyx ring.

Sophia Bush dazzled in a David Meister Signature dress with Lorraine Schwartz yellow gold and rose cut diamond earrings paired with an armful of yellow and rose gold, thin diamond bangles.

Julianne Hough looked elegant on the red carpet in a Kaufman Franco Chinese red stretch crepe gown. She wore Lorraine Schwartz rose cut diamond drop earrings.

Sidney Garber:

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, owners and creative forces behind The Row, were named Women's Wear Designers of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers. 

Mary-Kate showed off her new dark hair color in a top, skirt and bag all from her The Row Resort 2013 collection with Sidney Garber jewelry and Louis Vuitton shoes.

Ashley wore a The Row Resort 2013 collection dress with a The Row bag,Sidney Garber jewelry, and Manolo Blahnik shoes.

Irene Neuwirth:

Designer Irene Neuwirth and actress Busy Philipps attend the 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall on June 4, 2012 in New York City...Busy Philipps wore a Martin Margiela jumpsuit,Irene Neuwirth jewels, Brian Atwoodshoes, and a Christian Louboutin clutch

Fashion information source:  Just Jared 

Photos - Getty Images 

Source: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images North America

For more coverage see:

New York Times "Inside the CFDA Awards and After-Parties":

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/06/05/fashion/05CFDAslideshow.html

OR The Huffington Post "CFDA Awards 2012: An Award-Packed Night With Fashion's Glitterati (PHOTOS)":

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/cfda-awards-2012_n_1570096.html