Diamond Kid!

Murfreesboro, Ark.–A 100-mile detour turned out to be a profitable excursion for the Detlaff family on July 31, when 12-year-old Michael unearthed a 5.16-carat brown diamond at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas.

The Detlaffs were traveling on vacation to Fayetteville, Ark. from their home in Apex, N.C. when they decided to visit the park. Within the first 10 minutes of scanning the search area, Detlaff found the brown diamond on the surface, the eighth largest brown diamond ever found at the park

With this diamond, the current trend continues of visitors finding diamonds on the surface of the search field. Due to good rains this spring, and some especially hard rains in July, many of the recent large diamonds were found right on the surface,” Margi Jenks, park interpreter, said. “Diamonds are a bit heavy for their size, so a good downpour will wash the dirt away, leaving the diamond exposed.”

Detlaff’s jellybean-sized stone is the 328th diamond discovered at the park this year, and the 27th largest diamond found at the site since it became a state park in 1972.

He named his find the “God’s Glory Diamond.”

The stone came from the north end of the search area, near a sign that marks where the 15.33-carat Star of Arkansas was found, a white diamond that is the third largest to ever found at the site. It was discovered in 1956 when the area was a privately operated tourist attraction.

Crater of Diamonds is the only diamond-producing site open to the public in the world. The park’s search area is a 37½ -acres of plowed field that is the eroded surface of the eighth-largest diamond-bearing deposit in the world.

In addition to diamonds, amethyst, garnet, peridot, jasper, agate and quartz also have been found at the park, among other semi-precious gemstones and minerals.

As always, Live, Life, Lamour,

R.Lamour

Hearts of Fire for Morena Baccarin

Recently, Hearts on Fire announced that Homeland’s brazilian actress Morena Baccarin will be its new brand ambassador. The actress will start appearing in magazine advertisements for the diamond brand beginning in September.

Morena will showcase Hearts on Fire’s new fashion collections in print ads in well-known fashion and lifestyle magazines such as, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and Town & Country. She also will appear on the brand’s digital and social media platforms wearing the latest pieces from their line.

Hearts on Fire first began to recruit brand ambassadors in the fall of 2011, initially hiring fashion bloggers before bringing on board television costume designer Janie Bryant and artist, actress and fashion designer Tara Subkoff. Now the brand is upping the ante with Baccarin, a 2013 Emmy nominee for her role as Jessica Brody in the Showtime series Homeland who also has appeared on popular CBS’ The Good Wife and The Mentalist.

“With the success of our bold, new fashion collections, it was the perfect time to showcase these designs on a recognizable face. Morena is the perfect representative for Hearts on Fire and we are thrilled with our partnership,” said Caryl Capeci, vice president of marketing at Hearts on Fire.

With such a healthy combination of Morena’s stunning good looks and charm, the Hearts on Fire brand is sure to attract new clientele.

 

As always, Live, Life, Lamour,
R.Lamour

 

Smash and Grab Jewelry heist

Recently, there has been a constant wave of jewelry heists. Most recently, police have been searching for a group of thieves who made off with more than $100,000 worth of jewelry in a brazen smash-and-grab robbery at a Kay Jewelers in Livermore, Calif. Despite the fact that much of the robbery has been caught on surveillance video, the police have not been able to identify the thieves, who got in and out of the store in only four minutes early Monday morning and are still on the loose.

Surveillance video released by the Livermore Police Department shows the three suspects crashing a vehicle through metal security doors at Kay Jewelers in the recently opened Livermore Premium Outlets. The footage also shows the masked and hooded thieves storming through the jewelry store, smashing open display cases with sledge hammers and taking as much merchandize as they could get their hands on in the short time.

“They tried to open several cases, and took whatever they could,” Livermore Police Department’s Lt. Mike Trudeau said. Within four minutes the robbers had looted the store and were well on their way.

Mall security, which is located on the opposite end of the building, arrived on the scene just as the thieves were making their getaway, and were only able to give a description of the vehicles, the police spokesman said.

“There is on-site security that is there 24 hours a day. They were on the other side of the mall when this occurred and did identify the two get-away vehicles as a white station wagon and a tan sedan,” Trudeau said. “We don’t have any suspects at this point in the investigation.”

Trudeau declined to comment on other specifics regarding the on-going investigation.

As always, Live, Life, Lamour,

R.Lamour

 

 

The launching of the Faith Ann Kiely Brand

Today’s post is about a former senior merchandising executive for fine jewelry corporations, Faith Ann Kiely and the launch of her own brand. Being that she no stranger to the jewelry world, the recent launch of her first collection accentuates her approach to the industry from a new angle.

In this article Kiely discusses how classical antiquity is incorporated into her work, while staying true to the identity of her brand and the reasons consumers will keep coming for silver as long as designs stay compelling.

The Faith Ann Kiely brand was started in 2011, and officially launched to the retail market in the spring of 2013. She told us that FAK uses top-quality materials, the highest quality standards and traditional manufacturing techniques of fine jewelry. What differentiates FAK from many other brands is that it offers an uncompromising commitment to design and quality and creating the product made in America.

In terms of design, FAK’s design aesthetic seems to be truly original. It is inspired through her artistic perspective on classical antiquity, Faith Ann Kiely’s jewelry motifs are derived from an eclectic appreciation of the manifestation of beauty, art and spirit in our world, which she expresses through the fine sculpted metal work of my designs. Working with 18-karat gold and sterling silver, her intricately carved pieces, resplendent with bold faceted gemstones, are reflective of ancient times and provide a distinctly modern look.

When asked what is the most difficult thing about being a jewelry designer? she told us ”I think the most challenging aspect of being a new jewelry designer is in staying true to the DNA of your brand and design vision, regardless of current trends and/or market pressures. I believe that a brand must be authentic to its identity to truly be accepted and understood by consumers.”

Here are a few of her very intricate designs below for your perusal.

 

As always, Live, Life, Lamour,

R.Lamour

Hera Arkarakas Silver Jewelry!

As the price of gold maintains remains unstable, many jewelry designers are continuously looking for new more cost effective ways of expressing their designs. One designer in particular is Hera Arkarakas of the brand Hera who absolutely loves to combine the two metals.

In her most recent sterling silver collection she features 18-karat yellow or pink gold accents, which she says allows consumers to incorporate their existing gold jewelry with new pieces to give them a fresh, modern look.

“I wanted the collection to be very versatile to give women the ability to accessorize and capture all their unique fashion looks. As women, we live busy lives–juggling our careers, family life as well as fitting in a glamorous night or two out on the town. Jewelry is an accessory that can easily take an outfit from casual day to formal evenings,” Arkarakas said.

Arkarakas also feels that her gemstone statement rings are some of her most popular pieces, because they add color and a unique flair to outfits. The hematite mist- and champagne mist-colored stones are neutral and easy to wear, Arkarakas said, while aqua mist and violet mist add a punch of vibrant color. Below are some of the best pieces from her collection for your perusal…enjoy!

From the Paradise collection, Hera’s sterling silver rings are made with 18-karat yellow gold accents, diamonds and a violet “mystic” finish (left, $1,595) and a champagne “mystic” finish ($1,595).

This Aqua Mist design set includes pieces from both the Paradise and Lido collections. The Lido sterling silver cushion ring features a “mystic” finish ($495), and the silver Lido mini cushion ring with a “midnight” and “mystic” finish ($295). From the Paradise line is a sterling silver pear-shaped pendant ($595) and pear drop earrings ($495), both with a midnight finish.

Hera’s silver and hematite cushion drop earrings with a midnight finish ($395), from the Lido collection.

From the Cocktail Stax collection, Hera’s sterling silver bangles feature 18-karat yellow gold accents with a mystic and midnight finish, with assorted gemstones and diamonds or black spinels (from $355).

As always, Live, Life, Lamour,

R.Lamour

Two watch brands To watch

Today’s post concentrates on two watch brands which  are making great strides of…..

Recently, German watch manufacturer Glashütte Original has launched a new line of ladies watches inspired by the 1920s genre, the decade in which wearing wristwatches first became popular among women.

Launched on June 20th at a party at the Waterfall Mansion on New York’s Upper East Side, Pavonina feature’s a line of Art Deco-inspired timepieces with modernized versions of the cushion-shaped cases which were popular in the Jazz Age.

The 31 mm watches have a date window at 6 o’clock and are available in stainless steel, 18-karat red gold or a combination of the two, on a satin or leather strap or bracelet. Diamonds are available on some models or through special order.

A total of 20 variations comprise Pavonina’s line, a name derived from the Latin word for peacock, with retail prices ranging from $4,900 to $39,600.

 

 

Yves “Jetman” Rossy, the Swiss gentleman who is well known for flying solo courtesy of jet engines attached to his body, will make his first public U.S. flights this summer, as sponsor Breitling recently announced.

The 53-year-old Rossy, who worked as a fighter pilot and airline captain before becoming the world renowned Jetman, will soar over the crowds at the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in, which takes place from July 29 to Aug. 4 in Wisconsin, and at the Reno Air Races in Nevada, scheduled for Sept. 11 to 15.

Exact dates of the Jetman’s performances are not yet determined.

Rossy’s secret is a carbon-Kevlar jet wing with four engines that enable him to propel himself through the air at speeds upward of 150 mph, controlled by a throttle in his hand. The Jetman uses his shoulders, body and legs to steer, pitch and descend at will.

 

As always, Live, Life, Lamour,

R.Lamour

 

Tiffany & Co. Exec Steals over $1M in Jewelry

As recently as today, a former executive with Tiffany & Co. was arrested for stealing a number of little blue box bounties from the jeweler’s midtown Manhattan headquarters and resold them for more than $1.3 million over a period of time, federal authorities said Tuesday. Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun was arrested Tuesday at her home in Darien, Connecticut. She was to appear later in the day in federal court in Manhattan to face charges of wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property.

As vice president of product development, Lederhaas-Okun had authority to “check out” jewelry from Tiffany at anytime she saw fit in order to provide to potential manufacturers to determine production costs. Authorities allege that after she left Tiffany in February, the company discovered she had checked out 164 items that were never returned.

According to a criminal complaint, the missing jewelry included “numerous diamond bracelets in 18-carat gold; diamond drop and hoop earrings in platinum or 18-carat gold; diamond rings in platinum; rings with precious stones in 18-carat gold; and platinum and diamond pendants.”

When confronted about the missing jewelry, Lederhaas-Okun claims that she had left some of it behind at Tiffany and that some had been lost or damaged, the complaint said. But in reality, an investigation found that Lederhaas-Okun resold the goods to an unidentified international dealer for more than $1.3 million.

Bank records also showed that since January 2011, the dealer wrote 75 checks to her or her husband for amounts of up to $47,400, the complaint said. Investigators also recovered purchase forms signed by Lederhaas-Okun that said the items were her personal property.

Authorities allege Lederhaas-Okun purposely checked out items valued at under $10,000 apiece to avoid detection. The company takes a daily inventory of all checked-out items worth more than $25,000. If convicted, Lederhaas-Okun faces up to 20 years in prison. The name of her attorney wasn’t immediately available.

 

As Always, Live, Life, Lamour,

R.Lamour

 

Hot Summer Designs

Summer is officially upon us and fortunately for us so are the hottest summer designs. Today’s post is centered around the top 10 emerging designers who will showcase their collections in the New Designer Gallery at the JA New York Summer Show this year, scheduled for this weekend at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The JA show is the first time these designers are participating in a trade show, which marks their official introduction into the industry.

Twin sisters Kimberly and Lucy launched Dao Fournier designed the two beauties above. The sisters have a passion for rare gemstones and grew up in the jewelry industry. The two stand by the motto that their designs are art meant to be worn by women everywhere.

Holly Dyment is a Canadian fine jewelry designer with a background as a window display artist and graphic designer. She has a “more-is-more” approach to her jewelry, offering one-of-a-kind pieces with a bold use of color.

 

David Alverado of Irthly Jewelled Adornments is the son of a master jeweler who puts his education in Chinese and European philosophy into his work, resulting in jewelry representative of his world view. Alverado’s view on sustainability becoming a global value and interdependence becoming a global creed also influence his pieces.

Kendra Lawrence works primarily in sterling silver with freshwater pearls and, occasionally, gold vermeil. She strives for a minimalist aesthetic, and each piece is crafted in San Francisco using traditional fabrication and metalsmithing techniques.

 

Maressa Tosto Merwarth was the winner of the American Jewelry Design Council’s 2013 New Talent Contest. Her jewelry is not about what she makes, but more the materials, processes and interaction between the artist and the wearer.

Ana Marie Radosta studied industrial design in Philadelphia, where she learned jewelry making, moving on to Pasadena, Calif. where she discovered metalsmithing. Her jewelry has been sold through museums, galleries and jewelry stores.

 

Rebekah Schwartz launched her brand in June 2012, and creates her pieces by hand, specializing in precious metals paired with precious and semi-precious stones. The collections reflect each environment Schwartz has lived in, from New York to Santa Fe, N.M. and Nantucket.

 

Robin Koffler began her career as a graphic designer and illustrator, and now creates jewelry inspired by art, nature and contemporary design. Her one-of-a-kind, 18-karat gold pieces feature hand-picked gemstones.

 

Orit Harel has a background in interior design and art, and now creates wearable art through jewelry. She aims to make a big, dramatic statement with her pieces, creating flamboyant one-of-a-kind pieces with gold and gemstones.

 

 

As alwaays, Live, Life, Lamour,

R.Lamour

Say Yes! A love story

After sharing her wonderful love story, a south Florida woman became the proud owner of an $11,000 pair of Erica Courtney earrings. In the story of the ups and downs of her relationship–including her fiancé’s unique proposal–for Jewelers Mutual’s “Everlasting Love” contest winnings went to her.

To enter this unique contest, contestants were asked to share what everlasting love meant to them on the contest’s website between April 30 and May 21. Americans voted on the entries and narrowed the field to just five finalists. Jewelers Mutual and Courtney herself then chose the winner based on creativity, originality, and representation of everlasting love.

Ariela Yasova shared the story of her and her fiancé Matthew’s relationship in a story titled, “For Better or Worse, We’re Always Together.”

The couple’s courtship began as a long-distance relationship, which then followed with a medical crisis–two members of Matthew’s family were diagnosed with cancer–that led them to the realization of just how strong their relationship was.

A short time later, Matthew took his girlfriend on her fist Ferris wheel ride and when the car got “stuck” at the top, Matthew pulled out his cell phone loaded with music which reminded him of his girlfriend Yasova and then proposed. She said yes.

The couple’s story received over 1,700 views on the contest website and 379 votes, enough to make them a top five finalist and eventually be chosen as the contest winner.

The pair said one of the first things they will do with their new earrings is get them insured.

As always, Live, Life, Lamour,

R.Lamour

 

 

New Star of China

As some of us have heard, Kim and Kanye aren’t the only ones attracting attention for their little one’s choice of name this week. Recently, the executive of a Chinese jewelry company announced a similar act of baby naming as she’s attached to her baby, a 75-carat briolette diamond now known as “The Star of China.” As seemingly ridiculous as this may sound, this naming bug has been something that has been a form of inspiration from many varying sources.

Tiffany Chen, vice chairwoman of China Star Entertainment Ltd., is the wonderful woman who purchased the 75.36-carat, D color, Type IIA diamond at Christie’s May 28 Magnificent Jewels sale in Hong Kong. As is the tradition with exceptional diamonds, Chen named her stone, selecting “The Star of China” as a nod to her jewelry company.

Chen who paid a whopping $148,000 per carat for her Star, set a new sale world record for a briolette diamond at auction and was just one of the latest in a line of record-setting sales. The $39.3 million sale of the Princie diamond at Christie’s New York set a new record for a Golconda diamond at auction while the 101.73-carat pear-shaped Winston Legacy raised the bar for colorless diamonds at auction when it sold for $26.7 million.

 

As always, Live, Life, Lamour,

R.lamour