News: Natalie Portman’s Rings

Did jewelry designer Jamie Wolf spill the beans about Natalie Portman’s secret wedding? That was the story carried by many of the celebrity gossip blogs after the actress was spotted wearing an extra ring at the Oscars.

According to EOnline.com, Wolf confirmed that she had created two bands to accompany Portman’s engagement ring (which was also designed by Wolf). The designer also says she created a band for Portman’s fiance (husband?) Benjamin Millepied.

Be sure to click over to E! Online to view a detail photo of Portman’s ring. It’s absolutely stunning.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news and information:

• An unlikely jewelry salesman: Warren Buffet?: Forbes.com
• Chokers make a comeback at the Oscars: The Hollywood Reporter
• Get the details on Oscars suite swag: Huffington Post

News: Argyle Pink Jubilee Diamond

The Argyle mine in Australia recently turned up an “unprecedented” surprise: a 12.76-carat pink diamond (PINK!!! Cue my “My Little Pony”-loving* inner child). Click the link for a photo.

The diamond’s cutting and polishing process will require an estimated two months of planning and ten days to execute. I’d better start saving my pennies, because the diamond (dubbed the Argyle Pink Jubilee) will be going up for sale later this year. It’s going to look amazing in my tiara…

*My favorite was a pink, winged pony named Sun Glider. Wish I still had her. And my world is now about 1,000 times brighter upon discovering there’s a website called mylittlewiki.org.

News: A Lovely Week

Kismet by Milka’s heart bracelet, $380, available at ShopLatitude.com

What a week it’s been for jewelry lovers! From receiving Valentine’s Day baubles to Grammy jewelry standouts, we’ve had a lot to take in recently.

One of the big stories this week was, of course, the gorgeous Kismet by Milka dove necklace (available at Fragments Jewelry) that Kimberly Perry wore to the Grammys. I’ve fallen in love with some of this designer’s other jewelry, too. I think the bracelet above captures the spirit of the week nicely.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news and information:

• Jewelry store hosts Valentine’s Day weddings: WSET
• Q & A with Baltimore jewelry designer Megan Auman: Baltimore Sun
• Blue Nile drops engagement ring prices: JCK Online
• Gold jewelry demand fell in 2011 due to high prices: Forbes

News: Stella & Dot’s “Retro Chic” Sales Approach

“I think of that line as reflective of the trends, not pacesetting or fashion forward, but a lot of really wearable pieces in there,” Elise Loehnen, editor in chief of Beso.com, on Stella & Dot. (As quoted in The New York Times)

Stella & Dot’s Pippa necklace, $69, from the Amalfi Collection.

I’ve been curious about Stella & Dot for a while now. The accessory company’s direct-sales approach is nothing new. But they seem to have struck a chord with women who enjoy shopping in a social setting.

The New York Times recently published a piece that takes a look inside one of the company’s parties. It was interesting to get insight from those behind the scenes.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news and information:

• Hong Kong jewelry contest winners announced: JCK Online
• Sharon Osbourne sued by jewelry company: E! Online
• Spotlight on jeweler Alexandra Moosally: The Hollywood Reporter
• Who created Miranda Lambert’s Super Bowl earrings? Find out: Chron.com

Super Bowl Bling

After yesterday’s Super Bowl win, the New York Giants will have some rings headed their way. Time will tell how much they differ from this design:

Photo from Championship-Rings.net

Following their win in 2008, the Giants received their rings at a private ceremony. The three trophies on the ring represent the team’s three championship victories. One of those rings, shown above, is currently being offered for sale at Championship-Rings.net. The previous owner’s name isn’t disclosed, and the asking price is nearly $50,000.

Although that ring was made by Tiffany & Co., the majority of Super Bowl rings – 29 of them so far – have been created by Jostens (the same company that probably created your high school yearbook and your class ring, too). See their designs in their championship ring photo gallery.

News: Valentine’s Day Gifts Aplenty

This post already makes me happy simply because I get so few opportunities to use the word “aplenty.” I apologize for the social media silence this week. Hectic week, excuses excuses, ahem. Hey, points for posting at all, amiright?

On to this week’s roundup of news and noteworthy links. Forbes contributor Anthony DeMarco has compiled a gift guide for Valentine’s Day. His comment that women want a gift that makes them “feel special and understood” was nice. If my husband is reading, however, I’d just like the record to reflect that the $1 million prosperity pink diamond ring from FancyDiamonds.net would make me feel the most “special and understood” out of all of the options.

Just sayin’.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news:

• Fashion Week head Fern Mallis announces jewelry collection: Fashionista.com
• Designer offers free jewelry for Michigan military brides: Detroit Free Press
• A Lalique jewelry revival in Paris: The New York Times
• Jewelry store raises funds for the SPCA: The Ithaca Journal

News: Accessorize for a Cause

What’s the only thing that can improve a great accessory? Having the money that you spend on that accessory go toward a good cause.

At age seven, Greer Gates began making and selling jewelry to raise funds for cancer research. Gates, now 14, was inspired to start her venture when a family friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. You can read more about her story here (Kitsap Sun).

The necklace shown below is from her Etsy shop, and additional information is available at MyJewelsofHope.com.

As you might imagine, my recent love of pink jewelry made this necklace catch my eye.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news:

• PBS Pulls ‘Downton Abbey’ Jewelry Line: MSNBC
• Police Seek Owners of Buried Jewelry: Battle Creek Enquirer
• Coach and Tony Duquette’s Estate Create Jewelry Line: Star-Telegram
• Couples Create Their Own Wedding Rings: The New York Times

News: Top Brass?

Is brass the new gold? Some jewelers and designers seem to think so. (Read the article at the Kansas City Star.) Because of the high price of gold, some are turning to brass as a more affordable alternative.

Kelly Wearstler, one of the designers mentioned in the article, sells this brass charm bracelet with cubes. I’m a big fan of Wearstler’s glamorous interiors, and her jewelry captures the same luxe look.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news:

• A look at upcoming trends in the jewelry world: JCK Online
• L.A. gallery helps male celebrities accessorize: Los Angeles Times
• 2011 celebrity engagement rings: Jewelry Information Center
• How is a diamond like a champagne cork? Find out: Wired

News: Golden Globes Jewelry Trends

This trend prediction report by style expert Michael O’Connor reaffirms what other trend predictions have stated: colorful gemstones are going to be popular in the coming months. Specifically, O’Connor predicts that colorful gemstones will be seen on celebrities at this year’s Golden Globes.

The earrings shown above (by Emitations – no longer available) resemble the ones worn by Anne Hathaway at the 2011 awards.

This year’s Golden Globes air on Sunday, December 15 at 8 p.m. EST.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news:

• Bloomingdales is “renovating and rejuvenating” its jewelry offerings: JCK Online
• U.S. sales growth weakens for Tiffany & Co.: The Washington Post
• Designer creates 3-D-printed coin necklace: ecouterre
• Diver returns lost 1923 class ring to grandson: msnbc

News: The $7,000 Paper Necklace

…I’ve never thought of my jewelry as trophies. I’m here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty. – Elizabeth Taylor

Can a necklace made from paper sell for thousands of dollars? It can if it belonged to the late actress and jewelry collector Elizabeth Taylor. A jewelry store in Virginia purchased the necklace for nearly $7,000 at an auction in New York. Taylor’s wealthy boyfriend, Malcolm  Forbes, gave her the set as a joke. Read more here and get the history (with a photo) here.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news:

• Anthony DeMarco explains a few new jewelry apps: Forbes
• Jewelry trends for the new year: JCK Online
• Man arrested after proposing with stolen ring: ABC News
• The Duchess of Cambridge has eye-catching green amethyst earrings: People (Side note: I share an appreciation for green amethysts, so stay tuned for a post about them in the near future!)