Couture Design Awards - The Winners!

Last night in a star studded room filled with the elite of the Jewelry Industry dressed in their finest the prestigious Couture Design Awards were handed out...


You will get to see better photos later - but here's the list - photos from the event are on the Couture Facebook Page at: http://www.facebook.com/CoutureEvent

...I couldn't resist the photo of the Pearl Winner from Sevan Bicakci...Congrats to all of the Winners!!!!

Pearl Winner: Sevan Bicakci 
Silver Winner: Atelier Zobel/Peter Schmid
Gold Winner: Elena Votsi
Platinum Winner: Isabelle Fa
Bridal Winner: Stefan Hafner
Diamond Under $20,000 Winner: Moritz Gilk
Diamond Over $20,000 Winner: La Reina
Colored Gemstone Under $20,000 Winner: Federica Rettore
Colored Gemstone Over $20,000 Winner: Shaun Leane
Watches Winner: Gurhan
Technical Excellence Winner: Speake-Marin
Watch Innovation Winner: Claret
Debuting At Couture Winner: Kamofie
People's Choice Winner: Arman Sarkysian
Human Spirit Award Winner: Cathy Tivol

Chrisites - from Hong Kong to Milan! Luxury is Alive & Well!

“With US$110 million changing hands in two days, we have just concluded our best season for jewellery and watches in Asia. The Imperial Cushions, a magnificent pair of D-colour Golconda diamonds achieved a world record price of US$200,000 per carat and the Asian market continues to grow and position itself as a major centre in the international world of auctions,” said Vickie Sek, Director of the Jewellery and Jadeite Department, Christie’s Asia.


With an 80% sell through Christies Hong Kong posted a new record for Golconda Diamonds ...and they sold some truly amazing lots...a full section of Chanel Jewelry...and offerings from most of the famous houses!

Meanwhile Francesco Alverà, Head of the Jewellery Department at Christie’s Italy, commented on the May 26th Milan Jewels Auction:

“With a total of more than €5 million, Christie's Jewelry auction in Milan achieved one of the highest results ever obtained by the category in Italy, reconfirming the absolute leadership of the auction house in this country. More than 180 different buyers from five continents pursued the sale’s 322 lots, competing vivaciously in the room, on the telephone, and online. The top lot, an important octagonal-cut diamond ring of 12.01 cts, sold to an Italian private collector for €315,800 (€26,294 per carat). Additional strong performers included a magnificent ring with a Ceylon (Sri Lanka) sapphire of 21.17 cts, which sold for €227,600 (€10,751 per carat), as well as a particularly rich section of BVLGARI jewels, and a selection of natural pearls.”

It is abundantly apparent that the luxury market is alive and well!

Christie’s, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2009 that totaled £2.1 billion/$3.3 billion. 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 conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 sales 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 $80 million. Christie’s has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

Love LUX? Love the Robb Report? There's An App For That!

ROBB REPORT EDITORS SELECT LUXURY WORLD’S

MOST EXCEPTIONAL NEW STYLE COLLECTIONS

IN 23rd ANNUAL ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ SPECIAL ISSUE

New iPad App  - Slide Shows, Video Footage Showcases Apparel, Watches, Jewelry, and Pens

The international luxury world’s most exceptional new fashions and jewelry pieces come to life, as Robb Report(www.robbreport.com) magazine today unveiled an iPad application to coincide with the debut of its signature “Best of the Best” June issue.

Available in the iTunes App Store and offered for free to existing print subscribers, Robb Report’s new monthly iPad app will deliver unique content including interactive features, hotspots, slide shows, and videos featuring the international luxury world’s most extraordinary new products and services.

The new APP is accessible at:  http://robbreport.com/ipad-download

Produced with stunning visuals utilizing the latest technological advances, Robb Report’s app content will be presented in an innovative and intuitive manner that engages the user and enhances the experience for luxury enthusiasts.

The new Robb Report iPad app will provide access to all of the print magazine’s content when viewed in “portrait” (vertical) format, and unlock a wide range of interactive enhancements when operating in “landscape” (horizontal) mode. 

The culmination of a year’s search for the most remarkable new products and services, the “Best of the Best” issue features premium-quality automobiles, yachts, jewelry, hotels, wines, fashion, and other singular items and services. 

Offering comprehensive reviews by Robb Report’s editorial staff and a team of seasoned contributing writers, the “Best of the Best” coverage spans 36 categories within six primary departments: Wheels, Journeys, Style, Leisure, Home, and Wings & Water.

Within the issue’s Style section, “Best of the Best” editorial selections include:

·         Tailored Clothing: Ralph Lauren

·         Sportswear: Brioni

·         Footwear: Berluti

·         Men’s Watches: Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Super Sport

·         Women’s Watches: Breguet Reine de Naples Sonnerie au passage

·         Jewelry Designers: Lorenz Bäumer

·         Jewelry Collections: Chanel Fine Jewelry

·         Diamonds: Graff

·         Pens: Montegrappa Icons Tribute to Muhammad Ali Knockout Edition

Now in its 35th year, Robb Report is the international authority on the luxury lifestyle. The brand, in its digital and print forms, reports on exceptional products and services for the affluent connoisseur. Coverage includes automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, art, dining, jewelry, watches, fashion, travel, homes, wines, spirits, and cigars. For more information, visit the magazine’s website at www.robbreport.com.

DEADLINE June 6th! ...for the 6th Annual Halstead Grant

Just got a great Reminder note from Hilary Scott at Halstead:

"Just a reminder that the submission deadline for The Halstead Grant is June 6^th! This long weekend is the perfect time for new jewelry designers to wrap up their submission packets. Eligibility criteria and application details are at www.HalsteadBead.com/Grant. The winning entrant will receive a $5,000 small business cash grant, $1,000 in supplies and industry recognition. Good luck to all this year’s candidates"

Competition Deadline: June 6, 2011

Halstead Bead Inc is inviting jewelry designers to enter its 6th annual grant competition for new entrepreneurs in the industry. The winner of the 2011 business development grant will receive $6,000 in cash and merchandise as well as other benefits. The award was previously known as The Jewelry Design Business Development Grant; however, it has been renamed in 2011. The award is sponsored by Halstead Bead Inc., a supplier of wholesale jewelry supplies.

Designers utilizing jewelry making techniques such as metalsmithing, lampworking, metal clay, wirework, beading, or casting are eligible to enter the competition. Candidates must be US citizens who began their businesses after January 1, 2008. Their design companies must focus on “bridge jewelry” which is the segment between costume jewelry and fine jewelry. Bridge designs are primarily crafted from sterling silver with semi-precious stones, crystal, glass, pearls and other materials. This segment is also known as “craft jewelry” or “art jewelry.”

Complete application details can be found at http://www.halsteadbead.com/Grant. Candidates are required to submit a design portfolio, resume and answers to several business planning questions. Applications must be received between April 15 and June 6, 2011. The grant website includes several helpful articles on launching a national jewelry business as well as information on past winners and finalists. Previous grant winners include Cowboy’s Sweetheart Jewelry, VOSTENAKstudios, Bridgland Studios, Belle Brooke Designs, and Ananda Khalsa Jewelry.

The Halstead Grant differs from other jewelry industry competitions because of its emphasis on small business skills. Jewelry entrepreneurs applying for the grant must demonstrate not only extraordinary design, but also a strong business strategy. The application experience promotes the small business planning required to make a jewelry brand commercially viable at the national level.

The grant sponsor, Halstead Bead, Inc., is one of North America’s leading jewelry supply wholesalers. The firm was established 38 years ago and now supplies thousands of jewelry designers and manufacturers around the globe. Halstead Bead, Inc. is wholesale only and specializes in jewelry findings, chain, wire & beads for the bridge jewelry segment.

Kim K announces Engagement!

The gorgeous Kim Kardashian announced her Engagement through a People Magazine exclusive!

I just had to give you a shot of the RING!!!

Kim's Fiancee, Kris Humphries turned to long time friend and designer for Kim, Lorraine Schwartz who talked to InStyle:

"The $2 million Lorraine Schwartz ring features a 16.5 carat emerald cut center stone flanked by two 2-carat trapezoids. “We make the metal so fine that the light shines through. Some people don’t believe it’s real,” Lorraine Schwartz told InStyle of her ethereal pieces. "

Celebrity Jewel: Zoe Saldana in Neil Lane...

One of the stand outs at the 64th Cannes Film Festival was Zoe Saldana at the premiere of the Award Winning "Tree of Life"




Zoe wore a Giorgio Armani gown and Nicholas Kirkwood heels with the most amazing, chunky faceted Citrine & Gold Bow Cuff Bracelet and Citrine Earrings from Neil Lane!

About the Neil Lane collectionThe 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.

Celebrity Jewel: Cannes Film, Fashion & Jewels

This weekend marked the end of the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival in the south of France, with the prestigious Golden Palm Award going to: Tree of Life - starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.


At the premiere of "Tree of Life" - Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain and Brad Pitt...


Jude Law, Uma Thurman, Nansun Shi, Jury President Robert De Niro, Linn Ullmann, Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, Martina Gusman, Olivier Assayas, and Johnnie To made up the Jury which bestowed awards which included the following:


Best Director:  Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive)
Best Actor:      Jean Dujardin  (The Artist)
Best Actress:   Kirsten Dunst  (Melancholia)
...with Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life  receiving the Palme d’Or.

...and you know that along with movie premieres come Red Carpets and Red Carpet Jewels!

Kirsten Dunst won Cannes’ Best Actress for her role in Melancholia, in a green wool and black dotted lace and tulle gown with Swarovskicrystals from Rodarte’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection with stunning Bulgari jewelry...


more views at JustJared: 
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/05/18/kirsten-dunst-melancholia-cannes-premiere/


Jewelry Insider noticed the abundance of Green early - it carried through all of the events during Cannes.

Here Irina Shayk attends the AmFAR Gala...
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/05/21/irina-shayk-zhang-ziyi-amfar-gala-gals/



One of my favorites was the neckpiece that Rosaria Dawson wore to the AmFAR Gala!

Jewelry Hounds can catch up with the over the top glamour
at the Jewelry Insider's blog!
http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2011/05/cannes-film-festival-jewelry-update.html

The Red Carpet looks are interspersed with shots from photo calls, casual days as celebs turn up to watch the films being presented and with the obligatory bathing suit and yacht photos - after all this is the French Riviera!

Special Events Held During Cannes:

Designer Roberto Cavalli Opened a Boutique During Cannes:
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2011/05/18/bar-refaeli-roberto-cavalli-boutique-opening/

2011 amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala:  http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2011/05/20/more-from-the-2011-amfar%E2%80%99s-cinema-against-aids-gala/

Chopard's "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" Party:
http://thestylistsite.com/2011/05/17/cannes-chopard-diamonds-girls-best-friend-bar-refaeli/

Fashion and Celebrity Blogs:

If you are all about the fashion - Red Carpet Fashion Awards posts her favorite looks of each day - you can start with Day 1 here: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2011/05/11/who-was-your-best-dressed-on-day-1-of-cannes-film-festival-2/

Just Jared  http://justjared.buzznet.com/tags/2011-cannes-film-festival/

E!Online  http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/2011_cannes/index.html