The first jewelry collection using lab-grown diamonds by Madestones

“The Promise of Created Elegance” was created by You Fine Jewellery using man-made diamonds by Madestones.

The new jewelry collection includes drop earrings, bangles, stack rings, and pendants with artificial diamonds in hues of yellow, pink, blue and cognac in 18-karat Fairtrade rose, yellow and white gold from the Peruvian mines.

Madestones produces lab-grown diamonds which have the same optical, physical and chemical characteristics as mined diamonds. Their only difference is the point of origin.

Young, light and feminine: Tamara Comolli unveils her Fairy Collection

The German-born jewelry designer has unveiled her new and shiny Fairy Collection at the 2016 Baselworld.

Tamara Comolli launched a young, light and feminine line of rings and pendants, and also added a charismatic bangle.

“Our new Fairy Collection is an ode to nature with its flowing lines reminiscent of branches with leaves,” explains Tamara Comolli, who won the 2004 De Beers Design Award.

Diamonds and gold: carat is for diamonds, karat is for gold | Photo: Shutterstock

What is the difference between a karat and a carat?

When buying or selling jewelry, we are often confronted with two very common expressions: karat and carat. Let’s learn what they really mean.

Karats and carats are two different units of measurement. They are widely confused, and sometimes mistakenly distinguished as British and American spellings.

A carat is a unit of weight used for measuring gemstones, i.e., diamonds, emeralds, pearls, etc. One carat equals 200 mg (0.2 grams, and 0.007055 oz), and it is also known as metric carat. The universal standard was adopted in 1907.

The 2016 Oscars stage had over 100,000 Swarovski crystals

It’s a record-breaking number at the Oscars. American set designer Derek McLane used over 100,000 Swarovski crystals to deliver yet another stunning stage for the 88th Academy Awards ceremony.

The stars were there. The sparkling jewelry pieces were there. And the stage of all stages was there, more effervescent than ever. McLane envisioned a golden proscenium arch with 18 panels featuring 37,000 Swarovski crystals.

The 20,000-pound structure framed the stage, in front of a giant 80-foot x 40-foot crystal closedown wall with 149 black panels emblazoned with another 22,000 crystals. Dolby Theatre’s custom-made torchieres and opera boxes were also adorned with Swarovski’s effects.

Joan of Arc’s ring bought by France

A ring that belonged to the French heroine Joan of Arc was sold for £297,600, at TimeLine Auctions, in London. The new owner is France.

The historic handcrafted silver-gilt piece was accompanied by documents which prove the authenticity of the ornament. The square-shaped ring was offered by Joan of Arc to Cardinal Henry Beaufort before she was executed.

“If there is one icon of ancient French law which excite passions today between the English and the French it is the saintly figure of Joan Dark, the 16-year-old girl who, for the benefit of France, tried her utmost to defeat the invader, the English,” notes the spokesman for Timeline Auctions.

The top jewelry trends at the 2016 Oscars

The Academy Awards ceremony is the ultimate celebration of cinema excellence and art, and a night of true glamour. On the 2016 Oscars, the elegant diamond and white precious metals ruled the red carpet.

The big winners of the 88th Academy Awards were “Spotlight” and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as “Mad Max: Fury Road”, winner of six Oscars in technical categories, and Alejandro González Iñárritu, who won as Best Director for the second year in a row.

In a night of surprises, and under the controversy of the lack of diversity among the nominees, the star’s stunning gowns were styled with statement earrings, dramatic necklaces and stand out rings, ranging from timeless traditional to vintage and contemporary shapes.

John Hardy has found his Magic Cut

Bali-based jeweler John Hardy has unveiled The Magic Cut.

John Bali has been creating handcrafted jewelry for more than 45 years in the heart of Indonesia. After visiting Bali for the first time in the early 1970s, the artisan found his spiritual home and established his brand.

Since 1975, he has been developing collections “for the seekers, the explorers, and the storytellers.” The Magic Cut aims to be “perfect in proportion, improbable in impact.”

Pamela Love designs Shinola’s first jewelry collection

Shinola and Pamela Love have teamed to develop a jewelry collection.

The American luxury lifestyle brand and the jewelry designer will produce a new line of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings in multiple metals, including 14-karat gold and sterling silver.

All products will be marketed under the Shinola brand, and will be produced in Los Angeles. The jewelry pieces will be available between $200 and $2,000.

De Beers launches the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research

De Beers has announced the official launch of the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR).

The world’s leading diamond company is setting up its own grading laboratory services for European, Indian, Middle East, and Far East markets. The newly-founded IIDGR will compete directly with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

De Beers will use its grading technology to assess, verify and/or identify natural, untreated diamonds, as well as their qualities, shapes, colors, and sizes. And they set off with a goal in mind: to deliver the fifth “C” of diamonds: confidence.

Jewelry tools: get a mallet, a chasing hammer, French shears, side cutters, and pliers | Photo: Shutterstock

Tools you need to make jewelry

Are you ready to start making your custom-made jewelry accessories? Take a look at the tools you’ll need to create your first rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.

Homemade jewelry requires basic skills and can be extremely fun. There are plenty of jewelry starter kits for beginners willing to learn more about the art of working with gemstones, gold, and silver, but you can also teach yourself at home, with the right guides and the right equipment.

Initially, all you need to start making jewelry at home is tools, metals, wires, beads, and stones. Whether you’re an amateur craftsman or an interested beginner, building your first stunning jewelry pieces is not an impossible mission.

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