John Hardy Reprises Earth Day Initiative with Bedarida & Lindvall Collaboration

This Earth Day, John Hardy, the sustainable luxury jewelry brand, will show its continued commitment to the environment with the introduction of several exciting Green initiatives. Guy Bedarida, Creative Director and Head Designer of the brand and supermodel and fervent environmentalist, Angela Lindvall, will present the newest styles of their jewelry collaboration, an exclusive behind-the-scenes video of Lindvall's recent trip to Bali, and the new environmentally friendly jewelry packaging.

John Hardy started its celebration of Earth Day weeks in advance with the introduction of their new recycled silver and cotton cord charity bracelet. Two hundred of the bracelets were donated to Christie's Bid to Save the Earth Event on March 29, and the bracelet was just launched on the John Hardy Online Boutique, where it is sold for $65. All proceeds will benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Lindvall and Bedarida will also unveil their Hijau (meaning "Green" in Balinese) Dua collection. The duo's sophomore collection is handcrafted out of recycled sterling silver or 18k gold and features a chic sliced bamboo motif. The collection is a part of the brand's "Wear Bamboo, Plant Bamboo" program. For each piece of Hijau jewelry purchased, John Hardy will plant a certain number of bamboo seedlings to offset the carbon emissions used for its travel and advertising.

In addition, John Hardy will debut a video diary of Lindvall's recent trip to Bali on the official John Hardy Facebook page a few days before Earth Day, April 19, 2011. Fans will learn why Lindvall is so involved in the brand's green initiatives as she kicks off the first day of planting for the "Wear Bamboo, Plant Bamboo" program; alongside Bedarida and CEO DAMIEN DERNONCOURT.

Finally, John Hardy is introducing a 100% recycled and recyclable anti-tarnish envelope to ship its goods. The packaging is expected to eliminate tons of unnecessary plastic waste and will further the company's sustainable efforts.

The launch of all three initiatives highlights John Hardy's mission to be "Greener Every Day" and continues the effort by the company to donate and plant a total of 600,000 bamboo seedlings for the Bali Province Government's "Bali Clean and Green" program.

Bracelet Blog Hop - 7000 Bracelets of Hope

Bracelet Blog Hop

7000 Bracelets of Hope

This is something new for this particular blog - but I wanted this cause to have the widest audience of jewelry creators possible!

I have "grown up" in the Artisan community with Lori Anderson and her Pretty Things Blog - whether it was Yahoo! Groups or being friends on GoodReads and Facebook, she has been a part of my journey.

Then - last week - I saw her post about the 7000 Bracelets For Hope Project. I rarely make time to make jewelry (aside from workshops) but this cause stopped me in my tracks...

Bracelet #1 - Sterling Silver with dancing crystals and Solid Sterling Starfish

First - the jewelry isn't being auctioned - "The bracelets are given to one of 7000 families having children with rare diseases to show them love and support."  When your life is about caring for a chronically ill child - you seldom get to think about "Pretty Things" for yourself...this bracelet is for you!

Bracelet #2 - Sterling Silver with Blue-Grey Peacock Pearls, Crystals and Heart Charm

Second - my friend Lori, suffers from a rare disease, IH, or pseudotumor cerebri. She was featured as the "face of IH" in an online campaign, The Wall of Hope, on February 28th, Rare Disease Day.

The following is from Lori's blog today...PLEASE take a minute to see what everyone else has done - the worst thing that could happen is that you might find a new blog to follow!  ...the best thing that could happen?  that you might be motivated to make and send in a bracelet of your own!

This is not your ordinary blog hop.  This is a blog hop that will ultimately bring a bit of beauty and happiness to over a hundred family members.  

The rules of the hop -- make a bracelet in an adult size in blue.  The bracelets will be sent to The Global Genes Project, an advocacy group for children's rare disease awareness.  The Global Genes Project then sends the bracelets to one of 7000 families having children with rare diseases to show them love and support. 

I is amazing to see the number of people who readily threw their hats in the ring to create for a cause.  Please take some time to look at the bracelets made by the following designers...and feel free to make and send your own bracelet!

 1.  Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2.  Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle 
3.  Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym
4.  Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365
5.  Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
6.  Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
7.  Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry
8.  Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
9.  Amy Severino, Amy's Beads
10.  Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride
11.  Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions
12.  Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio
13.  Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading
14.   Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl
15.  Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
16.  Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae
17.  Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium 
18.  Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
19.  Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!
20.  Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef
21.  JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
23.  Carrie Tahquechi,  Carrie T
24.  Deci Worland, Gem Trails
25.  Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium 
26.  Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
27.  Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio 
28.  Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
29.  Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady 
30.  Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs 
31.  Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux  
32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads 
33.  Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread 
34.  Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde 
35.  Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre 
36.  Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me 
37.  Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co. 
38.  Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie 
39.  CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations 
40.  Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash 
41.  Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box 
42.  Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs 
43.  Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn 
44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle 
45.  Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio 
46.  Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss 
47.  Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads
48.  Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral
49.  Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel
50.  Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry
52.  Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
53.  Andrea Robinson,  Madame Magpie's Shiny Things
54.  John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry
55.  Breana Fry, Vault 31
56.  Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
57.  Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie
59.  Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
60.  Heather Pyle, Aquariart
61.  Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs
62.  Dee Gordon, Runako Designs
63.  Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
64.  Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings
65.  Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
66.  Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
67.  Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
68.  Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
69.  Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
70.  Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
71.  Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
72.  Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads
73.  Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
74.  Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
75.  Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
76.  Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee
77.  Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
78.  Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design
79.  Sally Russick, WireWorked
80.  Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter 
81.  KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads
82.  Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana
83.  Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love 
84.  Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy
85.  Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
86.  Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures
87.  Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats
88.  Deb Beechy, Beetique
89.  Marian Hertzog, M's Place 
90.  Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
91.  Judy Riley, Three Red Beads 
92.  Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio
 93.  Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields
94.  Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
95.  Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
96.  Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations
97.  Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter
98.  Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
99.  Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio
100.  Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores 
101.  Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets 
102.  Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy 
103.  Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
104.  Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof
105.  Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals
106.  Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
107.  Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
108.  Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks
109.  Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading
110.  Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne
 111.  Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra
112.  Mary Ellen Parker,  BeeTree by m.e.

If you are just learning about this and would like to make a bracelet to send in, send your bracelet, including a business card and a note to the family receiving your bracelet to:

7000 Bracelets of Hope/Global Genes Project

24701 La Plaza, Suite 201 

Dana Point, CA 92629

From me, Lori and the recipients...thank you to everyone who participates!

The Style of Jolie - Sneak Peek!

Remember the stunning emerald drops worn by Angelina Jolie to to 2009 Oscars?   They lit up the event and hit every newspaper and fashion blog the next day - by the FAB Red Carpet Designer Lorraine Schwartz!  Memorable YES?

Well Angie partnered with designer Robert Procop to create a Jewelry Collection called The Style of Jolie...in much the same style - heavy with clean gorgeous gems!

The results of this artistic collaboration with Robert Procop was unveiled recently to an "Invitation Only" audience at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, CA.

Proceeds from the sale of this collection of "statement gems" goes to the "Education Partnership for Children of Conflict" - Jolie's Foundation which provides educational opportunities to children in conflict zones.

Bay Area Designers Partner to Build a School in Sierra Leone

Jewelry Designers Ashley Morgan and Yael Designs Partner for a Cause with Leone Collection

Renowned fine jewelry designers Ashley Morgan and Yael Designs debut Leone Collection to benefit the war-ravished Sierra Leone.

Two renowned fine jewelry designers, Ashley Morgan and Yael Designs, are proud to debut the Fall 2011 Leone Collection to benefit the war-ravished Sierra Leone.

Designed by Ashley Morgan and manufactured by Yael Designs, the Leone Collection includes rings, earrings and necklaces featuring conflict-free custom cut black diamonds set in 18K recycled blackened gold and accented with white diamonds and Japanese seed pearls. Inspired by the royal image of Sierra Leone – or Lion Mountain – the collection refashions regal images of nature found on crowns and royal architecture throughout human history.

“We wanted to create a collection that brings regal beauty to the modern age and speaks to the universal values of our world’s many cultures,” said designer Ashley Morgan.

In their first ever collaboration, the two designers saw the chance to combine the fresh aesthetic of Ashley Morgan with the craftsmanship expertise of Yael Designs to create a unique jewelry collection that gives back to the impoverished people of Sierra Leone.

“As jewelry designers, we wanted to do our part to help rebuild Sierra Leone - a country that has been so negatively impacted by the diamond trade industry,” said Yael Designs’ CEO Yehouda Saketkhou.

Percentage of the profits from the Leone Collection will be donated to Schools for Salone, a Seattle-based nonprofit that helps build schools, train teachers and give scholarships in Sierra Leone. The donation from the Leone Collection will be used to help build a primary school in Lungi Village in the southern part of Sierra Leone.

“New schools infuse villages with pride and give the people of Sierra Leone renewed hope for a brighter future,” said Cindy Nofziger, Executive Director of Schools for Salone. “We’re excited to partner with Yael Designs and Ashley Morgan to help achieve our goal of building a school for the Lungi community.”

The price for Leone Collection starts at $1,200. The collection is available online at http://www.ashleymorganyael.com and in select stores. It will be featured at JCK Las Vegas.

About Ashley Morgan:
Ashley is a San Francisco-based jewelry designer who uses her ability to evoke emotion from jewelry to craft pieces of art that are as much individual style as they are the embodiment of endless possibilities.

As a young designer, Ashley challenges the status quo. Her love for rare and unusual stones is reflected in her objects d'art. Each piece she designs is one-of-a-kind and possesses a rarefied beauty. Ashley's inspiration stems from tradition, nature and culture rather than fleeting trends.

Ashley is an artist in the truest sense of the word and her designs are intended for individuals immersed in the art of living who yearn to capture and express their unique spirit and beauty.

Her unique look has caught the attention of the Hollywood, including Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Denise Richards among many others. Ashley’s jewelry has been featured in a wide variety of magazines and she was named one of Lucky Magazine’s “Designers to Watch.”

Photos and store locator can be found on http://www.ashleymorgandesigns.com.

About Yael Designs:
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in San Francisco, Yael Designs is an award-winning design center for cutting edge, elegant and expressive jewelry. Yael Designs has produced 12 diverse collections in fashion and bridal categories.

As an innovative jewelry company, Yael Designs stands not only for unique designs and excellent craftsmanship, but also for sustainability. Yael uses conflict-free diamonds and recycled gold in all its fine jewelry and supports social and environmental organizations like the Junior League of San Francisco, Oceana and Schools for Salone.

Yael Designs’ impeccable jewelry has won numerous AGTA Spectrum Awards and JCK Jewelers Choice Awards. Yael has been featured in numerous fashion and industry publications and on the red carpet.

Photos and store locator can be found on http://www.yaeldesigns.com.

About Schools for Salone:
Schools for Salone is a Seattle-based non-profit organization committed to helping Sierra Leone rebuild the many rural schools destroyed during the country's ten-year civil war. Since its inception in 2004, Schools for Salone has built 14 primary schools, one library and numerous water wells, changing the lives of thousands of children. In addition, Schools for Salone also provides funding to support professional development opportunities for teachers, provides student scholarships and educates US students and civic groups about Sierra Leone. To learn more go to http://www.SchoolsforSalone.org.

Jewelry Expert Michael O'Connor Gives Royal Wedding Forecast

Michael in a Jewelry Suite before the Golden Globes
Photo via: The Recessionista

With all eyes watching the Royal Couple...we turned to Celebrity Stylist and Jewelry Expert Michael O'Connor for a professional's glimpse into Kate and the choices that will go down in history.

In an exclusive quote to The Daily Jewel, O'Connor says...

“Kate loves fashion and has a tailored and sophisticated style. She won’t want to be seen as the “Fairy Tale Princess Bride”. I think her jewelry choices will be much more youthful and chic, but with some dramatic elements. She will most likely choose pieces set in platinum since it maximizes the brilliance of diamonds and colored gemstones, which is important as the world watches while she walks down that long aisle.”

Magnificent Jewels & Jadeite Auction Results are up!

While not every lot sold (this is a normal issue at Auction lately), most of the ones that did, sold for the top end of the Auction estimates.


Some for WAY! over the estimate!  Which lead me to ask if people in Hong Kong just loved to spend money?!   How will you ever realize that price if you have to sell the item down the road?


Top sellers were the:


Un-mounted Stones especially the Diamonds...don't you love this photo?  The value of this diamond is equated with that of a luxury sports car!


HIGHLY IMPORTANT UNMOUNTED BRILLIANT-CUT DIAMOND

An unmounted brilliant-cut diamond weighing 25.50 carats.

30,000,000—38,000,000 HKD

Lot Sold.  Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium:  39,860,000 HKD

Jadeite pieces especially the Jadeite Bangles...


AIR OF ICY LAVENDER JADEITE BANGLES
The circular bands of highly translucent soft lavender tone. icy lavendar jadeite

120,000—160,000 HKD  
Lot Sold.  Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium:  1,820,000 HKD

Rare stones did well - I was interested in the sold price of their Covergirl!  This "sugarloaf cab" Ruby ring!


 IMPORTANT RUBY AND DIAMOND RING, BULGARI
Centring on a sugar loaf cabochon ruby weighing 27.67 carats, flanked on each side by a shield-shaped diamond together weighing approximately 3.00 carats, mounted in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold, signed

12,000,000—20,000,000 HKD 

Lot Sold.  Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium:  17,460,000 HKD

...and any piece that showed a phenomena - Cat's Eye Stones went well - but how do you even put a value on a stone with this kind of clarity?


CAT'S-EYE CHRYSOBERYL AND DIAMOND RING
Centring on an oval cabochon cat's-eye chrysoberyl weighing 20.14 carats, to a stylised mount pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds extending to the shoulders, mounted in 18 karat yellow gold, photographed unmounted.
680,000—780,000 HKD 
Lot Sold.  Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium:  932,000 HKD






You can check the results for yourself at: 
http://www.sothebys.com/app/live/lot/LotResultsDetailList.jsp?event_id=30602&sale_number=HK0359


There are two sessions - be sure to catch both!

AJALINE ANNOUNCES “JEWELERS FOR JAPAN”

Mikimoto

AJALINE ANNOUNCES “JEWELERS FOR JAPAN”

Fine Jewelry Auction to Benefit Relief Efforts in Japan

Ajaline.com, the first members-only flash-sales site devoted exclusively to fine jewelry and watches, brings together 20 luxury brands to support relief efforts in Japan with a unified “Jewelers of Japan” auction on Charity Buzz, live from Tuesday, April 5, 2011 through Tuesday, April 19, 2011.

"Jewelers for Japan is a reflection of the support of the many brands and individuals who, like myself, have experienced the extraordinary generosity of the Japanese people,” quotes Ajaline co-founder Jim Conte, who spent 17 years in Japan.  “Through this program we’re striving to give back to that kindness, and hope that we can make a difference in their lives during this time of sadness.”

Kimberly McDonald

The charitable auction offers a prestigious collection of 20 items, donated from leading fine jewelry houses H.Stern, Mikimoto, Kimberly McDonald, Jill Platner, Coomi, House of Waris, Buccellati, Paolo Costagli, Robert Lee Morris, Robin Rotenier, Lagos, Monica Rich Kosann, Charriol, Delatori, Gurhan, Yossi Harari, Sally Sohn, Emily & Ashley and Diamond in the Rough.  In addition to pledging a $1,000 gift certificate for auction, Ajaline will also be including a $100 gift certificate with each item auctioned.

“We are overwhelmed with the response of the jewelers who have pledged to participate in this important cause,” states Meeling Wong, co-founder of Ajaline.  “We hope that Jewelers of Japan will inspire others to do the same.”

Bids for each item will open at 25-30% of retail value, with proceeds from the auction going to support the ongoing efforts for relief in Japan.  

To pledge support, please visit: http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/jewelersforjapan

ABOUT AJALINE

Launched in February 2011, Ajaline is the first members‐only e‐commerce platform for limited‐time “flash” sales of the leading brands in fine jewelry and watches.  An authorized dealer for many of the most coveted designers in these categories, Ajaline offers its Members the opportunity to safely and securely acquire beautiful fine jewelry and watches at a savings of up to 70% off recommended retail prices.  For more information, follow Ajaline on Facebook and Twitter, at www.facebook.com/ajalinejewelry and @AjalineJewelry.