PGI PREFERS Touts Platinum Characteristics #Platinum

Platinum PREFERS Are 

Characteristics Setting Platinum Apart

Erik Stewart's Award Winning Platinum & Sapphire "Ruff" Ring

💧Purity: “Gold jewelry is often 14-karat to 18-karat, while platinum is usually at 90 percent to 95 percent purity, making it hypoallergenic” says PGI V.P., Kevin Reilly. 

💧Rarity: Reilly described platinum as simply being rarer. Both gold and platinum occur in rare quantities in the earth’s crust — 0.004 parts per million and 0.005 parts per million, respectively. However, gold is mined in much higher quantities than platinum, resulting in fewer platinum supplies.

💧Enduring quality: When platinum is scratched, the material is displaced instead of being chipped away. This leads to less loss of material.

Pioneer Gems Platinum & Moonstone Cuff Links

💧Feel of weightiness: Pure platinum (21.45g/cm3) has a higher density than pure gold (19.32g/cm3). This makes platinum rings heavier. “Heft is a luxurious feel,” states Reilly. “You want something that you know you can feel on your finger.”

💧Emotional response that it elicits: Reilly notes that platinum wedding rings elicit stronger emotional responses than other rings. “When you receive a gift that’s perceived to be more valuable, the more emotional the response will be,” he says.

💧Real whiteness: Platinum is white by default while gold is yellow. Gold has to be alloyed to achieve whiteness and even then, it will eventually fade to a creamy yellow but platinum stays white.

💧Security with which it can hold a diamond: Among jewelers, platinum is known to have the least “metal memory” among precious metals. This means that platinum prongs are less likely to lose their secure grip on diamonds compared to gold prongs.

Omi Prive's Award Winning Platinum & Paraiba Tourmaline Ring

💧One of the main messages that PGI USA wants to get across to consumers in 2017 is the importance of protecting one’s diamond with platinum.

“We’re trying to stress the importance of setting a diamond in a platinum ‘head’ — or prongs,” says Reilly.

Since the diamond is what consumers think about more than any other component of a wedding ring, they need to protect that investment and anything other than platinum is not as secure, notes Reilly, as platinum heads are less likely to snap or loosen over time.

“Our studies have shown that consumers are willing to pay $463 more on average to set their diamonds in platinum once they learn that platinum is more secure for diamonds,” Reilly says.

Information via Platinum Article in Rapaport Magazine.

#SilentSunday - Happy Easter from Ritmo Mundo!

Ritmo Mundo Asks.....

                 What's In Your Basket!
                 

http://ritmomundo.com

Alex Soldier's One - Of - A - Kind "Flower of Life"

From Press Release

Alex Soldier's Flower of Life. Made in 18 karat gold with diamonds, garnets, citirines,
rubies, peridot, iolite, and amethyst. Handmade in NYC. One of a kind.
Available for instant gratification at: 1stdibs.com. 

Inspired by ancient teachings about the purpose and effect of the chakras on the human life, Alex Soldier created a one of a kind jewelry masterpiece containing symbols of this knowledge of healthy, happy and meaningful living. The word ‘chakra’ is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘wheel’ and is described as a spinning wheel of light. A chakra is like a whirling powerhouse of energy. 

Within our bodies we have seven of these major energy centers which are represented by seven color stones that match to each chakra’s energy color. At the center of the composition is the Flower of Life with natural colored stones, each of which resonates with a specific chakra and thus balances the body's energy flow. 

The Flower of Life is considered to be sacred geometry that contains ancient spiritual value and depicts the fundamental forms of space and time. It brings clarity and deeper insight into the very fabric of life. Alex Soldier’s Flower of Life is made of 18 karat gold—a symbol of the sun known to charge us with its energy and vitality. The flower features 34 separate components that form together a remarkable composition. 

Thanks to Soldier's jewelry-making magic, the piece can be worn as a brooch or a necklace. This genius interchangeable technique is Alex Soldier's signature proprietary invention that makes transformation from one piece to another simple and effortless. Flower diameter: 53.6 mm. Handmade in NYC from responsibly sourced materials. One of a kind.

About Alex Soldier:  Known for his elaborate metalwork, distinctive style and unparalleled craftsmanship, Alex Soldier counts the most stylish tastemakers, celebrities and organizations as clients and the jewelry trade has long praised him as a leader in the field. His incredible talent and innovative spirit have captured the hearts of leading editors, style experts and buyers who often proclaim him as the most innovative designer of our time. Artisanal workmanship defines Alex Soldier’s jewelry. His work is filled with such timeless appeal, intricate detail and daring mastery that it becomes impossible to resist his magical touch. Every piece that he creates bears his signature artistry and precision and represents a constantly evolving combination of shape, color and texture—making each piece as individual as its wearer. Alex Soldier designs with a passion for distinction, using innovative proprietary techniques for decorating metal surfaces to achieve an effect of original texture and detail that surpasses the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. The beauty of Alex Soldier jewelry lies in the way it blurs the line between fine ornament and miniature sculpture. His work is precious poetry that speaks to the heart.

www.alexsoldier.com

NEW BOOK ON OSCAR HEYMAN JEWELERS VIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON, DEBUTS 

NEW BOOK EXPLORING HISTORY OF 

OSCAR HEYMAN JEWELERS

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), announces the publication of Oscar Heyman: The Jewelers' Jeweler, the first illustrated history of Oscar Heyman & Brothers, a firm that has designed meticulously crafted adornments for some of America's most elite jewelry houses since 1912. The brand's extensive clientele list includes Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, Shreve, Crump & Low and Black, Starr & Frost. Enhanced with new photography of vintage and contemporary pieces, as well as design drawings from the firm's archives that are works of art in their own right, the book reveals Oscar Heyman's important role in the story of high-style American jewelry. 

Available on April 1, 2017 in the MFA Shops, retail bookstores and online, Oscar Heyman: The Jewelers' Jeweler is produced by MFA Publications, the publishing imprint of the Museum. It was authored by Yvonne J. Markowitz, Rita J. Kaplan and Susan B. Kaplan Curator Emerita of Jewelry at the MFA, and Elizabeth Hamilton, an independent writer and researcher and a graduate of Parsons the New School for Design/Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

The book is one of several titles dedicated to jewelry that have been produced by MFA Publications in recent years, which also include Jewels of Ancient Nubia, Artful Adornments: Jewelry from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, The Jewels of Trabert & Hoeffer-Mauboussin, Jewelry by Artists: In the Studio 1940-2000and Imperishable Beauty: Art Nouveau Jewelry. Support for this publication was generously provided by Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf and Oscar Heyman & Brothers, Inc.

Marjorie Merriweather Post brooch, 

1929

Oscar Heyman Bros for Marcus & Co., 

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 

"For more than a century, Oscar Heyman & Brothers, known as 'the jewelers' jeweler,' has maintained a national reputation for outstanding ornaments set with superior gemstones," said Markowitz. "Until recently, the Oscar Heyman name was unknown outside the jewelry world, as the company preferred anonymity and discretion, but today the brand is synonymous with dazzling, high-style jewels. I'm pleased to highlight its prosperous history with the release of this new publication."

Oscar Heyman & Brothers has been a family business since its establishment, now in its third generation. The company's founding brothers, Oscar and Nathan, apprenticed at a workshop that produced high-style ornaments for the Russian court jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé before leaving Eastern Europe for New York City. Within a few years, they established their own firm, distinctive for dynamic and contemporary designs, impeccable manufacture, technological sophistication and high-quality materials. Eventually, the other Heyman brothers joined the growing business, which remains entirely autonomous-maintaining in-house production of jewelry from inception through completion-to this day.

"It's inspiring to see how far Oscar Heyman has come since my grandfather and great uncles started the business in 1912 and how it thrives today," said Tom Heyman, Partner at Oscar Heyman & Brothers. "With this book from the MFA, readers will come to appreciate our rich history and unique combination of engineering capabilities, technical skill and artistic style, which enable us to continue to create one-of-a-kind pieces. We want to thank authors Yvonne Markowitz and Elizabeth Hamilton for their dedication and passion to the art of jewelry. We applaud them for profiling the distinct art of fine jewelry craftsmanship."

Brooch or pendant, about 1929,

Oscar Heyman Bros., retailed by Raymond Yard, 

Neil Lane Collection

The new publication tells the firm's history from its beginnings at the turn of the 20th century and traces its growth and innovation decade by decade. Nearly 70 ornaments are highlighted, demonstrating how the business adapted new aesthetics in response to the changing desires of consumers. The earliest examples include a 1929 platinum, diamond and emerald brooch from the MFA's collection. Originally owned and frequently worn by the heiress and art collector Marjorie Merriweather Post, the brooch fuses design elements of Art Deco and the Edwardian era. A similar stylistic mix appears in a platinum and diamond pendant that features flanking cornucopias and a central oval element with a large round diamond, retailed in the 1920s by Raymond Yard and now in the Neil Lane Collection.

Major milestones detailed in the book include the firm's participation in two New York World's Fairs. In 1939, Oscar Heyman & Brothers manufactured ornaments for four prominent retailers on display at the House of Jewels, one of the most extravagant exhibition pavilions. Although unknown to the public, the firm's involvement in the exhibition solidified its reputation among clients, as many retailers recognized the signature floral designs, exquisite craftsmanship and superior gems. The next New York World's Fair, held in 1964, did not have a dedicated jewelry pavilion, but Oscar Heyman & Brothers designed the official commemorative necklace in partnership with the Linde Star Company.

Necklace, designed 1970s, manufactured 1980s, retailed by Robe-Rose Jewelry, 

Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection

The publication also includes 15 design drawings from the Oscar Heyman Archive. These include designs for patriotic World War II ornaments, such as brooches featuring the American eagle, as well as for a stunning diamond and emerald necklace that was made in 1956 and gifted decades later to Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor by singer Michael Jackson. The Oscar Heyman Archive is continually referred to by the firm's current designers as they reintroduce iconic pieces of jewelry and adapt designs to contemporary trends.

Jewelry at the MFA

The jewelry collection at the MFA is one of the most comprehensive in the world, spanning 6,000 years and featuring adornments that represent a wide array of materials, techniques and functions. More than 20,000 objects range from Neolithic Chinese jade to ancient Egyptian beadwork to gems and jewels from 21st-century designers, as well as the most comprehensive collection of 20th-century studio jewelry ever assembled. The first curator of jewelry in an American art museum was appointed at the MFA in 2006, funded by the Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation and named in honor of Rita J. Kaplan and Susan B. Kaplan, a mother and daughter who are avid jewelry collectors and passionate supporters of the study of jewelry history. The MFA's Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation Gallery-one of only a few galleries in the US solely dedicated to jewelry-offers a permanent space for the display of ornaments from all cultures and time periods.

About Oscar HeymanSince 1912, Oscar Heyman & Brothers, Inc. has been creating exquisite fine jewelry for extraordinary women. Oscar Heyman jewelry showcases the striking elegance of colorful gemstones and the dramatic beauty of the women who wear them. Each piece is meticulously crafted by American artisans using European techniques passed down through three generations of this family business. The result is an enduring legacy of heirloom-quality design that truly transcends time. Oscar Heyman continues to balance a rich history with a modern point of view through the beauty of their designs, which meet the most exacting standards.

About The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston -  (MFA), is recognized for the quality and scope of its collection, representing all cultures and time periods. The Museum has more than 140 galleries displaying its encyclopedic collection, which includes Art of the Americas; Art of Europe; Contemporary Art; Art of Asia, Oceania, and Africa; Art of the Ancient World; Prints, Drawings, and Photographs; Textile and Fashion Arts; and Musical Instruments. Open seven days a week, the MFA's hours are Saturday through Tuesday, 10 am-5 pm; and Wednesday through Friday, 10 am-10 pm. Admission (which includes one repeat visit within 10 days) is $25 for adults and $23 for seniors and students age 18 and older, and includes entry to all galleries and special exhibitions. Admission is free for University Members and individual youths age 17 and younger. Wednesday nights after 4 pm admission is by voluntary contribution (suggested donation $25). MFA Members are always admitted for free. The Museum's mobile MFA Guide is available at ticket desks and the Sharf Visitor Center for $5, members; $6, non-members; and $4, youths. The Museum is closed on New Year's Day, Patriots' Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The MFA is located on the Avenue of the Arts at 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. For more information, call 617.267.9300, visit mfa.org or follow the MFA on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

CORONET® AND REENA AHLUWALIA INTRODUCES ‘CORONET BY REENA’ JEWELRY COLLECTION AT BASELWORLD

    CORONET® AND REENA AHLUWALIA INTRODUCES ‘CORONET BY REENA’

JEWELRY COLLECTION AT BASELWORLD

• Hong Kong’s Top Brand Coronet® collaborates with internationally renowned jewelry designer and diamond painter Reena Ahluwalia to launch CORONET BY REENA diamond collection

• Additional to the diamond collection, on exclusive view will be Reena Ahluwalia’s 4-feet hyper-realistic Coronet® diamond painting.

Hong Kong’s top brand Coronet® of Aaron Shum Jewelry Ltd. is known for innovation and exquisite craftsmanship. In the past two editions of Baselworld, Coronet® presented the Coronet Diamond Guitar and Coronet Gemstone Guitar, the two Guinness World Records setting artifacts that inspired imagination.

This year, Coronet® is proud to unveil their partnership with award-winning Canadian jewelry designer and painter, Reena Ahluwalia, by launching ‘Coronet By Reena Ahluwalia’ line.

‘Inner Brilliance’ – a ‘Coronet By Reena Ahluwalia’ diamond jewelry collection premiered in Baselworld. The collection captures the essence of the patented Coronet setting that ensembles seven round brilliants with an elevated center diamond set without prongs, creating effect of one grand solitaire. The highlighted design element in Reena's story is a pointer that points to the true center of our being - our inner brilliance. A constant reminder to stay connected to what's most valuable to us, including pillars of our personal values - our Family, Friendship, Love, Passion, Health and Dreams. Along with the pointer design element that draws attention to the center Coronet setting, the jewelry pieces also rotate on central axis, creating a mesmerizing effect.

Aaron Shum, founder of Coronet and President of Aaron Shum Jewelry, commented, “With our continuous endeavors to breakthrough in design and technology, Coronet differentiates itself as the trend setter of the industry and this year, we are happy to further the collaboration with jewelry designer and diamond painter, Reena Ahluwalia, by launching a collection of jewelry that inspires the realignment of personal values and allowing our inner brilliance to shine through.”

The ‘Inner Brilliance’ collection comes in colorless diamonds and also in rubies and diamonds combination. There are 21 SKUs available in 18K white, rose and yellow gold. The collection consists of necklace, pendant, earrings and rings. By nature of the patented Coronet setting (where for example, 0.30ct. is able to achieve a look of 1.00ct. solitaire), the collection has a decidedly voluminous multiple-carat look, yet is affordable for self-purchasers.  

Along with the jewelry collection, a Baselworld exclusive was Reena Ahluwalia’s 4-feet, hyper-realistic Coronet Diamond Painting that showcases the true beauty and unique characteristics of Coronet® patented diamond setting.

Reena Ahluwalia said, “The ‘Inner Brilliance’ collection is all about self-expression, deep emotional connection to our personal values and a reminder to stay connected to what’s most valuable to us’.

ABOUT CORONET®

Coronet® is the signature brand of Aaron Shum Jewelry. With its worldwide patented design, each piece of Coronet® made from 7 high caliber diamonds set WITH NO PRONGS holding the center diamond, along with precision of cut, symmetry and polish, which attribute to the best fit proportion to conceiving a luminous solitaire diamond effect yet at exceptionally competitive value. Thus, this patented Coronet® technique stands out above any other similar products on the market.

To their pride and joy, Coronet® had received the Hong Kong Top Brand Awards in 2010, and it is the first and only jewelry product brand in the history of Hong Kong industry winning this prestigious award. Besides, it had won the Hong Kong Famous Brand Award in 2012 and Hong Kong Star Brand Award in 2013 respectively.

Throughout the past years, Coronet® has established a global reach of over 1000 POS. In 2015, the Coronet® diamond guitar set with more than 400 carat of diamonds on 1.6kg of 18k gold was verified as the world’s Most Valuable Guitar by Guinness World Records; in the consecutive year, Coronet® collaborated with Hollywood superstar Jermaine Jackson in creating “Circles of Life”, a Fender bass set with 16033 jewels, and attained the Guinness World Records “Most Jewels on Guitar” title.

ABOUT REENA AHLUWALIA

Reena Ahluwalia is a multiple award-winning Canadian jewelry designer and painter. Coveted internationally by jewelry and art collectors, she is recognized as one of the Top Masters of Jewelry Design in Canada. Along with creating jewelry with deep meaning and symbolism, Reena is a strategy adviser and design consultant to some of the top diamond and jewelry houses. Her career highlights include being one of handful of living jewelry artists whose work is featured on a postage stamp. She designed a historic diamond piece for the Legislature of Ontario (Canada) with De Beers Canada. Reena created the inaugural collection for India's Rio Tinto Bunder Mine, diamonds found 100 years after the Golconda mines depleted. As a tribute to the Royal Wedding, Reena created a Diamond Tiara for HRH Kate Middleton with Royal Asscher Diamonds, company that cut the largest diamond ever found, the fabled Cullinan Diamond.

As an accomplished painter, Reena paints highly nuanced, hyperrealistic diamonds with ultra-magnified facets, exploring their hypnotic depths. In Reena's paintings diamonds have stories and soul. She showcases her paintings in a select few exhibits, most recently at the prestigious Art Miami Fair. Reena's artwork benefits 'Jewelers For Children' (JFC) charity, to help children who are the victim of catastrophic illness or life-threatening abuse and neglect.

Spring Cleaning Your Favorite Spring & Summer Gems via Chan Luu (Infographic)

Cleaning most faceted gem jewelry is no real mystery most is easily accomplished using warm soapy water and a soft brush....but what about those softer opaque gems.

It is Spring and we are pulling out our Turquoise, well thanks to the fabulous Jewelry Designer Chan Luu we have a beautiful new resource.

See the latest from Chan Luu:   https://www.chanluu.com

Successful 2nd Annual Jewelry Industry Summit Closes....

via the Jewelry Industry Summit Website

2017 Final Summit Report

March 25, 2017  /  Jewelry Industry Summit

Firstly, we want to thank everyone that attended for making the second Jewelry Industry Summit a success! Nearly 150 people from 14 different countries came together to continue the work begun in New York in March of 2016, to take collective action towards strengthening our sustainable and responsible supply chain.

The goals of the second Summit included the development of a shared vision for key segments of the industry supply chain that support the broader industry vision for sustainable business and responsible sourcing.  Another important goal was to develop practical tools and strategies that are easily accessible, allowing businesses to make progress through continuous improvement.

Building on existing efforts and generating new initiatives, participants at the Second Jewelry Industry Summit engaged in dynamic and innovative ways to make their mark on the responsible jewelry movement. The initiatives created touch on a broad range of the jewelry supply chain and reflect the creative ways that anyone can participate in advancing the Summit mission, including some of the following:

• The Small Jeweler Ethical Toolkit: A virtual toolkit to aid small jewelers in understanding the issues and existing standards in the jewelry industry. It also aims to provide resources and tools to help small jewelers on their ethical journey.
• Sales Associate and Consumer Training: Getting the message out! This initiative exists to provide training and knowledge on responsible practices for retail associates in the jewelry industry. By educating those selling the products, the message and story of responsible jewelry can be further disseminated to consumers and the public.
• The Bahia Golden Rutilated Quartz Mine to Market Sustainability Model: A model to guide sustainable development in mining, environmental stewardship, value-added activity, parallel activity in organic agriculture, and geo-ag tourism. This model highlights and exemplifies the positive global impacts made possible by committing to responsible and ethical jewelry practices.

Many existing and new Initiatives are well on their way to impacting widespread positive change within the industry, and if you're not yet involved, please contact us at jewelryindustrysummit@gmail.com to find out how you can lend support. These Initiatives will be implemented throughout the coming year by a group of industry volunteers energized by their attendance at the Summit who are committed to ensuring that these projects succeed!
[To read the full report, click on the image below.]

  

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