The Allure of the Unusual: Padparadsha Sapphires from The Financial Times
Something unusual happened in September at the Biennale des Antiquaires, the best fine art and antiques fair in the world, held in Paris every second year and featuring the most spectacular jewels from the haute joaillerie houses. The “big four” gemstones – diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires – have always dominated the show, but this year the name of the stone on everyone’s lips (and glinting in the showcases of Harry Winston, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels) was the Padparadsha sapphire. This is no ordinary sapphire. It is not even blue. More
2,000-Year-Old Earring Found in Jerusalem from The Associated Press A luxurious gold, pearl and emerald earring provides a new visual clue about the life of the elite in Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago. And its discovery was a true eureka moment for excavators. The piece was found beneath a parking lot next to the walls of Jerusalem's Old City. It dates to the Roman period just after the time of Jesus, said Doron Ben-Ami, who directed the dig. The earring was uncovered in a destroyed Byzantine structure built centuries after the piece was made, showing it was likely passed down through generations, he said. More
AGTA FedEx Program Provides Stable Shipping Solution from AGTA As you know, there are many things affecting the shipping industry right now, from published reports about the reduced capabilities of some companies to overall economic challenges. If you’ve been shipping with other couriers, you’re understandably concerned about how possible network changes will affect your service experience. And when managing costs is a primary business challenge, you need service choices, flexibility and options. In this time of uncertainty, we assure you that FedEx, the exclusive shipping provider for American Gem Trade Association remains strong, reliable and unchanging. Whether you’re a new or existing customer, you can be confident that FedEx will be there to help meet your shipping needs and reach your business goals. More
Accessorize Your Fall Fashion from The Ticker As seen on the runways of Marc Jacobs and Burberry, fall jewelry trends are all about making a statement. From necklaces to bracelets, it’s all about big crystals that add shine and bold, accenting jewelry to add a touch of color. This season, bigger is better and these pieces add a fashionable touch to any outfit, whether it’s casual for daytime or glam for a night out. More
TanzaniteOne Responds as Gemfields Offer Lapses from MineWeb TanzaniteOne Limited notes today's statement by Gemfields Resources that its offer for the purchase of TanzaniteOne common shares has lapsed. Commenting on today's announcement, Ami Mpungwe, Chairman of TanzaniteOne said, "TanzaniteOne has a clear growth strategy, which is targeting an increase in production to over 3.1 million carats of tanzanite by 2011 and gemstone diversification, with the impending completion of the tsavorite acquisition. We have an excellent team in place to deliver on this strategy and to fulfil our ultimate ambition to become the world's largest producer and supplier of premium colored gemstones." More
Recessionistas Still Shopping from The Press Association Women are not letting money worries put an end to their shopping trips but are more careful about what they buy, a survey has revealed. Although seven out of 10 women (71 percent) said they are worried about the credit crunch affecting their lifestyle with almost half (46 percent) cutting back on their spending, 83 percent of women still shop for clothes, accessories and beauty products at least once a week - up 2 percent from six months ago. The survey by Grazia magazine identified changing attitudes with the emergence of a new kind of female shopper dubbed the "Recessionista.” More
Candy Colored Fairy Tales: Lolitas in LA from LA Weekly Mention the name Lolita in the United States and people might jump to Nabokov conclusions. This isn’t that type of Lolita. This Lolita was born in Japan and headed for the U.S. underground in the late '90s with help from J-rock band Malice Mizer and Harajuku street style magazine Fruits. Its roots are in children’s literature, Rococo and Victorian period design and the staples of little girls’ wardrobes. This Lolita is about prim party dresses with fantastic details like bunny tails, wildly patterned knee socks, Mary Jane shoes with serious platform heels and elaborate wigs in unnatural colors. It’s a look that grandmothers love, while prompting pesky, uncreative passersby to ask “Little Bo Beep, where’s your sheep?” This Lolita takes staples of a conservative past and pushes them towards an extreme future. More
Counterfeit Diamond Grading Reports Discovered from AGTA A notice directed to the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) office by David Abraham, Vice President of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, urges gemstone dealers to be wary of possible counterfeit GIA diamond reports that have been found in the marketplace. According to the notice, the counterfeit reports were offered with HPHT diamonds and diamonds of a slightly different grade. Buyers are encouraged to practice due diligence when comparing diamonds to the reports as the report’s grades are very close to the actual diamond’s grades. More
Mad for Plaid from The Province Mad for a punch of plaid, lovey? Don't just leave it to the gossip girls. Channel everyone from Kate Moss to the Queen (think: Balmoral meets The Beatrice Inn) with checks, criss-crosses and contrasting weaves built to wow. Need high fashion proof? If Blair Waldorf's on-set stylings on Gossip Girl aren't enough, check in with Dolce & Gabanna, whose fall 2008 runway had more than a subtle punch of plaid. More
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