Royal Asscher's Limited Edition Stars of Africa for Diamond Jubilee

Royal Asscher Designs a Special 

Limited Edition Stars for the Diamond Jubilee

If you find yourself in London looking for that perfect bauble to wear to an Olympic Celebration...stop by Harrod's and pick up one of the limited edition Stars of Africa pieces!

What do you get if you combine Royal Asscher and the Diamond Jubilee? A very special limited edition of the world famous Stars of Africa collection made in honor of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s II Diamond Jubilee.

Royal Asscher is very proud to present her limited ‘Diamond Jubilee Stars’. The Stars are
made in a very exclusive edition of 6 pieces and are part of the Stars of Africa collection:
jewelry that consists of floating diamonds. All 6 pieces have their own unique serial number
and certificate and are only available at Royal Asscher in Harrods, London.

The Diamond Jubilee Stars collection is made of 18kt rose gold. The ring contains 1.32crt
white, 0.40crt blue and 0.40crt fancy pink floating diamonds. Along with the beautiful ring
comes a 18kt rose gold pendant with 3.31crt white, 0.80crt blue and 0.80crt fancy pink
diamonds. The colours of the diamonds resemble the 3 colours of The Union Jack, the British
National Flag to give that extra exclusiveness. Coloured diamonds are extremely rare, not
even 2% of the total diamond rough is coloured.

Mike Asscher, Managing director; “The passion for fancy coloured diamonds is a long lasting
passion in the Asscher family. The Diamond Jubilee ring is one of the most spectacular rings
we have created in this collection. The blue and pink diamonds in combination with the white
diamonds show mother natures true mystery”.

The Royal Asscher Diamond Company and the British Monarchy have had a long lasting
relationship since 1908 when the Asscher brothers of Amsterdam cut the biggest diamond in
the world: the Cullinan. The Cullinan I (530crts) was mounted in the head of the Scepter with the Cross, the Cullinan II (317crts) was mounted in St. Edward's Crown. Both are part of the Royal Crown Jewels and on permanent display in the Tower of London.

This relationship between the two Royal Houses is still vibrant in 2012: the Diamond Jubilee
Year. On the fourth day of the National Diamond Jubilee Celebrations her Royal Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II wore the broche set with the Cullinan III & IV. In front of a worldwide
audience her Royal Majesty appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

In 2008, Royal Asscher launched a Sierra Leone focused charity project called ‘Stars of

Africa’. The project aims to improve infrastructure in diamond producing African nations by
creating funding for education and healthcare and to establish self-sufficiency programs. The
project is named after the largest diamond ever found, the 3105ct Star of Africa (Cullinan)
diamond, cut by the Asscher family in 1908. However, the Stars of Africa initiative aims to
highlight the fact that the true Star of Africa, its most precious resource, is her people.

JCK EVENTS' LUXURY PRIVÉ NEW YORK CLOSE SUCCESSFUL SHOW

JCK EVENTS' LUXURY PRIVÉ NEW YORK SHOW COMES TO A CLOSE

Intimate Atmosphere and Networking Key to Show's Success

The Fredric Sage booth at Luxury Prive NY

JCK Events' LUXURY Privé New York has concluded its 3-day event. The Show, which featured 50 exhibitors and welcomed over 180 retailer stores and leading members of the press, was held at The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan.

The mid-summer Show was more formidable than its debut in 2011 with 15 new high-end exhibitors and an expanded Show program of daily networking events and high-end services. Amid the daily manicures and passed champagne, the Show's relaxed environment was conducive to casual industry chatter and business dealings.

In addition to the networking opportunities and luxurious amenities provided, several informative seminars took place, including TrendVision's 2014+ Update and LUXURY and AMBIO's 'Doing Business in Latin America', a precursor to LUXURY Privé Panama this October. JCK Events also hosted an Editors Preview alongside the Show, allowing a select group of brands to present holiday gift ideas to members of the press.

Feedback from the Show was positive from both the exhibitor and retail side. "We were very pleased with the caliber of brands exhibiting," said Randy Cooper of Randy Cooper in Wichita, KS. "We saw existing vendors but were also seeking out new brands. At the end of the day we met with 6 new brands, all of them pre-qualified; that is the beauty of LUXURY Privé New York. It's a relaxed, upscale environment that allows us to spend quality time at each appointment to continue relationships and begin new ones."

Gina Reneteria of M.K. Diamonds and Jewelry commented on the Show's networking benefits, saying "the show has been excellent for meeting new people and opening a dialogue. We exhibit at LUXURY and this has been a great extension of that show for us. There is so much value to showcasing here, from the timing and location in New York City to the built in networking and social components."

The good marks have confirmed JCK Event's decision to take the Privé model global, bringing the show to Panama in October 2012. Yancy Weinrich of JCK Events remarked "People have been very positive about LUXURY Privé New York experience and are now looking towards Panama. The model works well. Brands and retailers in the high-end market need a follow-up show to LUXURY in Las Vegas and at the same time are actively seeking to expand into global markets."

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. Mark your calendars as JCK Events presents its portfolio of upcoming buying opportunities:

-	LUXURY and Elite Enclave: May 28 - 30, by invitation only, and then continues as the events open their doors to all JCK retailers Friday, May 31 - Monday, June 3 - Four Seasons, Mandalay Bay, THEhotel
-	Swiss Watch: May 31 - June 3 - Mandalay Bay, THEhotel, Mandarin Oriental
-	JCK Las Vegas: May 31 - June 3 - Mandalay Bay Convention Center
-	LUXURY Privé New York: July 29 - July 31 - New York, The Pierre Hotel - Fifth Avenue
-	JCK Toronto: August 12 - 14 - Toronto, Canada, Metro Toronto Convention Centre- South Hall
-	LUXURY Privé Panama: October 22 - 24 - Panama City, Panama, Westin Playa Bonita

The First Lady Wears Azaara to Buckingham Palace Event

LONDON - On July 27th, 2012, Mrs. Obama was in London to attend opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

In a Heads of State dinner with Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace, all eyes were on the First Lady.  

First Lady Michelle Obama's legacy as a fashion icon is built on her ability to mix and match styles from various designers with diverse backgrounds.  Some of her favorite designers have been Jason Wu, Michael Kors and Narciso Rodriguez. 

This time, the first lady chose earrings from local L.A. designer Josef Arzili of Azaara.com.  Mrs. Obama's choice was  'the Vintage Glamour Earrings' by Azaara.  These gorgeous earrings are rhodium plated and feature rock crystals.

Azaara is a Los Angeles based designer line that has quickly developed a religious following amongst celebrities and high profile clientele.  Josef Arzili's distinctive jewelry has been worn by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Caroline Kennedy, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna.

"I have always admired her sense of style and I am honored that she would choose to wear one of my pieces at such an important event," stated Josef Arzili.  

www.Azaara.com

Source: PRNewswire

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/30/4673453/la-designers-jewelry-graces-first.html#storylink=cpy

Mark-Paul Gosselar Is Married!

Mark-Paul Gosselar Is Married!
One year after theFranklin & Bash star proposed to advertising executive Catriona McGinn, the couple said "I do" on Saturday at the Sunstone winery in Santa Ynez, Calif., a source confirms to PEOPLE exclusively.

"He was so excited to have found the woman of his dreams," said Neil Lane, whodesigned the couple's engagement rings and wedding bands. "He couldn't wait to propose!" 

According to People:

Next, the former Saved by the Bell star and his new bride are heading to Italy for their honeymoon. 

"Trust me, we are going to eat our a--es off!" he told PEOPLE. "We're really excited about that element." 

Designer Neil Lane talked about the "Dream Engagement Ring":

“He’s a romantic at heart and he was looking to express it,” says celebrity jeweler Neil Lane, who collaborated with Gosselaar, 36, on an ideal sparkler to give to his advertising executive girlfriend Catriona McGinn. “I worked on creating her dream ring for about a month. She had seen a ring of mine and Mark-Paul brought in a photo of it and we started customizing it, finding the perfect stone, showing sketches, discussing the mounting and how many smaller diamonds it would have and really designing it together. It’s rare to find a guy who really wants to find the perfect ring and be so very involved in the process.”


The result was a 3-carat cushion-cut center diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds in a handmade platinum setting, totaling over 5 carats. “He couldn’t wait to propose,” says Lane of the former Saved By the Bell heartthrob, who now stars with Breckin Meyer on Franklin & Bash.“He was so excited to have found the woman of his dreams,” Lane continues. “They are an amazing couple. When he talks about her, it is clear that he is so in love!”

July 30th - D.E.F. Day at the J.A. New York Summer Show

        Diamond Empowerment Fund Announces

        ‘D.E.F. Day at the J.A. Show’

        Monday, July 30

         

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is excited to announce it will be at the Jewelers of America show on Monday, July 30. DEF will be housed in a unique ‘pop-up’ space in the Italian Pavilion, showcasing its benefit products, merchandising kit, and message of helping Africans through education, with ways for the industry to get involved.

A highlight of the day will be a 2 p.m. wine and cheese reception at the Inner Circle Lounge at the JA Show.  DEF will host “Conversations with African Leadership Academy Alumni,” featuring graduates of the academy, one of the schools that receives funding from DEF.  ALA Alumni will tell their amazing stories of rising above challenges to become the empowered future leaders of their countries. The students will share their goals for contributing to the economic and social development of their countries – DEF helps support all ALA students from diamond-producing nations. ALA Alumni will also be at the booth throughout the day to meet industry leaders and visitors.

DEF will also be previewing new sales support materials to accompany its upcoming lineup of DEF-benefit products, including the Empowerment Charm, a collector’s edition charm uniquely crafted in sterling silver with genuine Swarovski Elements, offered by the Richline Group; the Empowerment Green Bracelet, an updated version of the original green malachite beaded bracelet with diamond accents on the bezel, offered by Simmons Jewelry Company; and Empowerment Rings, part of Royal Asscher’s Stars of Africa and Shining Stars Collections. These diamonds are encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome, allowing them to flow freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. Retailers are encouraged to give feedback and suggestions for the sales support materials before the final versions are printed. They will be produced in time for the fall selling season.

DEF’s mission is to raise money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, boasting an 80% employment rate among graduates.  The second is the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa. It emphasizes leadership skills, entrepreneurial skills, and African history. DEF provides scholarships to all ALA students from diamond-producing nations.  The third beneficiary is the Botswana Top Achievers program that selects the top high school students countrywide in Botswana, and affords them the opportunity to study at a university of their choice anywhere in the world. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development. 

Baccarat Introduces Two New Collections!

New from Baccarat...

International luxury label and purveyor of the French art de vivre since 1764, Baccarat, continues to reinvent its timeless, classic commissions. In tradition with its iconic legacy, the crystal jewelry pays homage to a history of exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. The latest collections, L’Illustreand Riviera, both delve into the historical context of Baccarat, reinventing staple designs with sleek modernity.

L’ILLUSTREGraphic and intimate, the L’Illustre jewelry collection draws inspiration from the signature octagonal tassel found in all Baccarat chandeliers. Made with silver and a palette of crystal colors, L’Illustre transforms crystal into a dewdrop, spherical and reflective of light. The entire collection exudes its poetic charm through its full range of pieces including a plastron necklace, an openwork bracelet, a signet ring and a pair of cufflinks.

RIVIERAAn accolade to indulgent, boundless days of Mediterranean-bound cruises and eternal sun, Baccarat launches the Riviera jewelry collection. Mounted on silver and playing with clear crystal, each piece celebrates the unique light of the Mediterranean. Ever deeper and more intense, the flash of indigo magnifies a range of rings, earrings and necklaces that shimmer like the ocean. The ultimate summer dream, the butterfly-adorned cuff bracelet and large choker necklace draw all the charms of the horizon.

2012 Teen Choice Awards - Bringing the Bling!

2012 Teen Choice Awards were held at the Gibson Amphitheatre 

Sunday (July 22) in Universal City, CA

A STUNNING Demi Lovato hosted the 2012 Teen Choice Awards on Sunday in Universal City, CA. She rocked an edgy feathered confection from the Falguni & Shane Peacock Spring 2012 Collection on the Red Carpet. Styled with Loree Rodkin jewels and black Christian Louboutin ‘Exagona’ criss-cross platform peep-toe sandals.

What do you wear to a Summer Evening Event in Southern CA?  Taylor Swift nailed it in a delicate silk mousseline dress in cream from Maria Lucia Hohan... summery, dressy and young!

Styled in pale pink neutrals...Prada slingbacks, an Edie Parker ‘Lara’ nude pearlescent clutch, diamond-and-rose quartz earrings, plus a white and multi colored bracelet from Lorraine Schwartz complete the head-to-toe neutral look.

The "Pretty Little Liars" actress, Troian Bellisario, paired a Maria Lucia Hohan nude bodysuit from the Fall/Winter 2012 collection with a tulle skirt from the designer. She styled the look with Rene Caovilla shoes, a Tresor ring and Adeler earrings.

Tresor "Interchangeable" 18k Gold Earrings with Citrine Cushion Top and Aqua Briolette

Retail: $1,700,www.TresorCollection.com

David Yurman Black Onyx Cushion on Point Ring Retail: $1,150.00

  http://www.davidyurman.com

Joined by costars Ian Harding and Sasha Pieterse, the Pretty Little Liars cast took home the Choice TV Show — Drama surfboard!

Sasha wore a Carolina Herrera Resort 2013 dress with Casadei heels. She accessorized with Tresor earrings, David Yurman ring and Salvatore Ferragamo clutch.

Le Vian 14 K Yellow Gold Chocolate Diamond Flower Earrings & Ring

The Pretty Little Liars star, Janel Parrish matched the pink carpet in her Milly dress, Le Vian jewelry and Casadei heels, brought big sister Melissa (who is serving our country in the Army) as her date. 

Lucy Hale glams up the red carpet - the 22-year-old Pretty Little Liars actress wore a Wes Gordon dress,Brian Atwood shoes, Jimmy Choo stingray clutch, Bing Bang gold spike stud earrings, and Giles and Brother bracelets.  

20-year-old "Awkward" actress Ashley Rickards wore a vibrant one-of-a-kind dress from Agua Dulce with “Gilda” earrings from Evil Pawn jewelry.

Vanessa and Laura Marano walk the pink carpet together with ABC Family's "Switched at Birth" actress Vanessa Marano  in a Ted Baker dress, Q by Pasquale shoes, Dogeared bracelets, and an 18k gold and diamond Sunstone Royal Square Erica Courtney necklace. 

"Austin & Ally" star Laura Marano in a hot pink Alice + Olivia dress, Q by Pasquale shoes, and a Platinum and diamond Cheerio Erica Courtney bracelet.

23-year-old actress, Nikki Reed wearing a Contrarian New York corset top and skirt, was up for the Scene Stealer: Female award. Nikki completed her look with Brian Atwood heels, a Jimmy Choo clutch, and jewels by ISTA, Bing Bang and stunning yellow & gray diamond "Cleo" earrings from Sorelina.

Nina Dobrev is wearing a J Mendel dress, Jimmy Choo shoes, Kotur clutch, and Coomi jewelry.

Victoria Justice lets her Gomez-Gracia dress billow in the wind  add fabulous accessories - an Effy bracelet, Lauren Merkin clutch and Schutz heels.

Adeler 14 K Rose Gold Amethyst Ring,
Retail: $8988, www.AdelerJewelers.com 

Actress Shay Mitchell was in Vivid Yellow, wearing a glorious Amethyst Adeler ring

The 25-year-old Glee actress, Lea Michele is wearing a Versace dress and shoes, a Marchesa bag, and Stephen Webster jewels.

Lea is nominated for two awards tonight for her work on the hit Fox series – Choice Scene Stealer: Female and Choice Actress: Comedy!

The Teen Wolf starlet, Holland Roden, wore an Alice + Olivia dress with Christian Louboutin heels. She completed her look with Neil Lane jewelry and a Lauren Merkin clutch.

Taylor Spreitler hits the pink carpet in a Keepsake top and Naven skirt.  

 She completed her look with jewelry by Vanessa Mooney and Beverly Jill, a clutch by FAB and Chinese Laundry heels.

Miranda Cosgrove shimmers on the pink carpet in a silver Colette Dinigan dress and Stella McCartney shoes paired with a Judith Leiber purse and Stephen Webster jewels.

Kristen Stewart appearing with both Taylor Lautner & Robert Pattinson is wearing Roberto Cavalli with a Melinda Maria sliced ring.

Lead Singer of No Doubt, Fashion Designer and Super Mom, Gwen Stefani rocks out in Black & White and a Sethi Couture Black and White Diamond Criss-Cross Ring! 

Enter Jordin Sparks wearing a Chagoury Couture dress, Prada shoes, jewels by Simon G, and a bracelet by Jason Derulo on the carpet, but changed before she hit the stage during the show putting on a bright yellow haltered dress.

On the Pink Carpet, Carly Rae Jepsen wore Karine Sultan earrings, Kabana rings and Cora bangles later the "Call Me Maybe" singer rocked the stage wearing an Ani Lee playsuit with, a Lenora Dame bicycle necklace, and POParazzi earrings.

Birthday wishes were in order as Selena Gomez took the stage to accept a Surfboard for her band and was surprised with a Birthday Cake topped with Sparklers! Her Dsquared² Resort 2013 dress looked flawless entering the matching "Pink" Carpet at The Teen Choice Awards.

Styled in a Lana Jewelry Lumen Bangle and Flash Hoop earrings that could have been the sparklers on her cake...brilliant! Cream strappy Herve Leger by Max Azria sandals added the finishing touch to a breezy summer look!

Le Vian 14 K Strawberry Gold BlackBerry Diamond Earrings

Retail: $2647; Le Vian 14 K Strawberry Gold BlackBerry Diamond 

Bracelet, Retail: $3647, www.LeVian.com

Ellen Degeneres and Portia DiRossi walked the Pink Carpet - Potia in matching LeVian Chocolate Diamond Hoop Earrings and Bangles. 

Hellmuth 18K Rose Gold Drop Earrings with Diamond Retail: $4,979Hellmuth Gold Croco Pattern Bangles with Diamond Retail: $4,850 EACHwww.HellmuthUSA.com 

The next generation Kardashians hit the pink carpet - Kendall Jenner in a Katie Ermilio dress, YSL shoes,  earrings by Hellmuth and  bracelets from LeVian.

Kylie's dress was by dress Cameo with Phillip Lim shoes and Loud Love jewelry