RAPAPORT... As precious metal prices skyrocket, designers are thinking outside the box. Aurora, Emily Armenta’s newest collection, uses bronze with gemstones and diamonds to create beautiful jewelry at an attractive price point.
According to award-winning jewelry designer Ellie Thompson, “Love is more precious than gold.” It’s a sentiment that she has boldly engraved into the gold of her new Open Heart Pendant. The cut-out heart, available in yellow, white or rose gold, dangles from a black or red silk cord, or a gold chain.
Metallics continue to rule the fashion world and gold jewelry was a popular accessory at the Fall/Winter 2008 Fashion Week in New York City. Several designers opted to accessorize with jewelry. Venexiana designer Kati Stern chose gold jewelry to add a radiant glow to her clothes in rich fall tones of sage green, ivory and burgundy. The designer opted for mostly gold cuff and chain link bracelets, as well as short drop earrings. Designer Nicole Romano was inspired by the swinging nightclubs of the 1940s. The warm color palette of her designs was accessorized by jewelry from the World Gold Council Gold Expressions designers. Romano chose to use bangles, long chains and big earrings to add the finishing touch to her creations. Luxe designers Badgley Mischka chose to use jewelry from Zalemark to add more sparkle to their show. Among the jewelry highlights on view were a diamond and gold necklace and a ruby, diamond and gold pendant.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart donated his diamond Norman Silverman ring to be auctioned for the Darrell Gwynn Foundation, which is dedicated to finding a cure for paralysis and helping those who are paralyzed. The handcrafted ring showcases a yellow diamond center stone with white diamond accents set in 18-karat yellow and white gold. The ring boosted bidding at the auction, which raised $485, 000 for the foundation.
Rosen Block Design, an innovative design-driven firm, and Cordova, known primarily for its bridal collection, have merged their companies. Ron Rosen, designer for Rosen Block Design, has been named Cordova’s president and creative director. Cordova’s former president, Robert Kagan, in now the chairman and chief executive officer. Kagan has been a partner in Rosen Block since 1992. The new designs will be marketed under the brand name Cordova by Ron Rosen and the company plans to invest more in it marketing in an effort to expand its client base.
A diamond engagement ring from Lazare Kaplan has a supporting role in the recently released movie “Definitely, Maybe.” The lead character carries the ring around and moves the film’s plot along when he looks at it throughout the movie as part of the story he tells his young daughter.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - March 2008. To subscribe click here.