QUICKIE DIAMOND TEST

The jewelry industry standards for a diamond’s quality are the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, carat and …??? Oh, color too.  Well, let me tell you about my mother’s standard  to test a diamond for beauty, it’s real simple to remember.

Mom’s Diamond Test

This procedure requires 2 people.  One person, you, will model the jewelry; the other person will observe the intensity of the diamond’s fire, if any.

1. Clean your diamond ring or diamond earrings and put on the cleaned jewelry.

2. Now both of you go into a dimly lit room (with candles or low-watt incandescent light bulbs.)  The room should be  about the light level for a romantic dinner, at most.

3. Have the person doing the test with you, move across the room from you and stop.

4. At this point, you can model your jewelry.

Sashay

If you are wearing diamond earrings, slightly move your head a little from side to side and then up and down as if nodding agreement to something said.  If you are wearing a cocktail ring, or better yet, a solitaire, move your hand as if you are reaching out to weakly shake hands or do a slight wave.

Pass or Fail?

If the person across the room from you can see flash and sparkle, your jewelry passes Mom’s test.  But if he or she can’t see any fire… well, the diamond fails. 

According to my mother, you can see good diamonds sparkle and flash from across a room, indoors at night, even if the diamonds are small with relatively few cuts and not the best clarity or color.

Of course, where you and the other person are located in the room in relationship to the light source will have some bearing on the sparkle or flash observed.

A Diamond that Passed Big Time

Now let me tell you about a diamond that fabulously passed Mom’s test with an unearthly intensity of sparkle, flash and fire. 

I was sitting in a large auditorium of several thousand people, perhaps 5,000 or so, listening to a female guest pastor from South Africa.  The sermon was very engaging and I listened intently.

 But I became momentarily distracted by a diamond flashing on the pastor’s hand.  I continued to listen to the sermon.

Then I saw the sparkle again a few moments later. My first reaction was ‘how is that possible?’ Then, I wondered ‘how big is that diamond?’

I thought that maybe a theatrical spotlight caught the planes of the diamond’s cuts to reflect an almost laser-like light.

Then I realized I was sitting AT THE BACK of a fairly dim auditorium and I could still see that diamond.

I looked at other people near the stage but I did not see any other person’s jewelry sparkling.

Nooo… I didn’t go up to the guest pastor after the sermon to surreptitiously glance at her hand.

But I did remember my mother’s gold standard for diamonds: Their sparkle and flash should be visible from across a dim room.

Test Your Diamond Purchases

When buying diamond jewelry online or in a store, find out the cut, color, clarity, and carat and  use my Mom's standard to also quickly evaluate or test a diamond  for beauty at home. 

Pat Thomas for Jewelrystash

PEARLS AT BRUNCH

I gave the new graduate her charm bracelet watch right after the commencement ceremony.  About an hour later, she was wearing the timepiece at the brunch held to celebrate her and my nephew’s graduation.

OCEANSIDE FLORIDA

The brunch’s setting was at a locally iconic, rustic wood fish shack right on Florida’s north Atlantic coast with a white heron perched nearby posing for photographs.

Both of the graduates’ families were incredibly exuberant, with happy boisterous chatter filling the salt air, as ocean waves lapped under the dock in front of the restaurant.  We talked about Florida’s coastal tropical beauty on the Atlantic and how it compared and contrasted to our homes in mega metropolis Chicago on Lake Michigan and naturalistic Big Sur California on the Pacific coast.

While we were waiting for our food orders, the conversation turned to the big blue abalone sterling silver ring I was wearing on my right hand.

VARIATIONS ON THE PEARL

I explained that my birthstone is pearl but that I had long ago become bored with ubiquitous strands of small, round white pearls. So I began wearing some of the almost infinite number of pearl variations including south sea, black, coin, Biwa, and abalone or mother of pearl.

MOTHER OF PEARL

Actually, mother of pearl also seemed blah to me for years until I viewed a Rolex chronograph with a strongly iridescent, almost bioluminescent gray colored mother of pearl dial.  I began re-looking at the distinct color and tone differences in MOP.

I became enamored with the Mexican abalone often featured in vintage Taxco silver jewelry.  White Mexican abalone’s luminescence seems to outshine most other white varieties.

BLUE PEARLS

Recently, I happened upon a brilliantly iridescent blue pearl bracelet in my jewelry box that I had purchased many years ago.  I originally thought that the pearls were from either the coast of Baja California or the Gulf of California

Then again, I thought, maybe they were just dyed. 

 I examined the pearls’ captivating blue brilliance more closely, I concluded that either the dye job must have been extra special or that there must be a mollusk with a blue shell.

In Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, mollusks produce extremely expensive blue pearls.  The brilliant blue-colored  pearls rival Australian black sea pearls.

MAORI PAUA

Researching further, I discovered mollusks from New Zealand with seemingly glowing, inky blue-green abalone called Paua  (Haliotis iris)  by the Maori native peoples. Incredibly, Paua is produced in wavy patterns of glowing, luminous colors including azure and turquoise blue, hot fuchsia pink, blood red and opulent purple.

Each of the colors peculiarly induce soothing and tranquil feelings when I gaze at them. I believe that the combination of the wavy patterns combined with the luminescence produces the relaxed sensation. Paua is just right to wear to the beach. No wonder the Maori revere  Paua shell.

Māori Paua pieces are inexpensive, modestly priced under $50 for casual jewelry style sterling silver pieces, in a rainbow of jewel toned colors ranging from the blues to the pinks.  I have never seen Paua in a jewelry store but it is readily available online at many internet retailers.

Paua is manufactured into rings, pendants, and earring.  Abalone  has a hardness of about 2 so I only wear the rings on special occasions.

I doubt that a nice, quiet looking strand of white pearls would have been a conversation starter at the graduation brunch like my tranquil Paua deep blue sea abalone ring.

ENDANGERED

Note: Most of the abalone species discussed in this article are endangered due to poaching, overfishing or disease.

Pat for Jewelrystash

Here is the link to the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries website about Paua

http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Recreational/Most+Popular+Species/Paua/default.htm

Here is a link to a blog about Mexican Sea of Cortez pearls:

http://www.perlas.com.mx/blog/tag/gaston-vives/

TOO CHARMED

My nephew's girlfriend is so charming, disarming and smart, as in smart enough for NASA.   Did I mention that she's sooooooo charming?

She's graduating from college this month, so I did some online shopping to find a gift for her.

The timepiece in the photo is the latest new hot jewelry trend, a charm bracelet watch.  I think that it makes the perfect jewelry gift for a young woman.

MOTHERS DAY JEWELRY – QUICK GO SHOPPING IDEAS!

Here are stylish, hot jewelry trends for a Mothers Day present you can find quick and easy at most stores: Black sapphire stud earrings, pearl studs in soft colored hues, diamond hoop earrings, bangle or charm bracelet Swiss watch, oval or round gold dangle hoops and large sterling silver statement ring.

Here's the link to more shopping ideas, more  trends and the latest jewelry styles for Mom, in a March blog I wrote.

MOTHERS DAY GIFTS – NOW  OR, UGH, LATER!

Also, the easiest shopping, to avoid crowds and to quickly find the exact jewelry you want to give as a Mothers Day gift, is online shopping.

 “Surprise your priceless lady” as I said last month.

CELEBRITY JEWELRY STYLE - WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS 2012 DINNER

And the winner is…Oval or round dangle hoop earrings with diamonds or gemstones for celebrities wearing jewelry. This was the clear celebrity style jewelry trend at the 2012 White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) Dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Washington D. C.

Here are some celebrity style jewelry details:

First Lady Michelle Obama sported gemstone studded dangle hoop earrings.  She wore a strapless, jewel tone multi-colored, floral print, ball gown.  The strapless gown featured a shirred bias bodice and full skirt.

Charlize Theron, the face of Dior’s J’adore perfume, was attired in a stunning black lace fitted gown with a cut-out back and fishtail hem.  She wore little visible jewelry.

Cynthia McFadden from ABC’s Nightline wore chunky green emerald gemstone oval dangle earrings to accessorize her off-shoulder black ball gown.  The dress featured  a very low-cut sweetheart neckline.

Reese Witherspoon, the Legally Blonde actress, had on large turquoise gemstone oval dangle earrings to set-off a black, strappy cut-out one-shoulder, gown.

Diane Keaton, the Annie Hall actress, displayed her trademark white pantsuit with black pinstripes.  She didn’t wear any visible jewelry but did have on her white bowler hat and amber tinted glasses.

Goldie Hawn, looked demure in a diamond station necklace featuring a 2 inch diamond dangle drop and small diamond hoops.  She wore a black lace slip gown topped with a white fur stole.

Deborah Roberts, former ABC 20/20 correspondent and also Al Roker's wife was colorfully dressed in a flowing fuchsia silk halter gown,  goddess style.  It featured black and white crystal beaded applique at the neckline and was tied at the neck with a black silk bow.

She wore large diamond oval double hoop earrings.

Alien actress Sigourney Weaver’s jewelry included chunky chain bracelets and large dangle cognac diamond earrings.  She wore a black satin gown with a flounced V-cut neckline.

Mary J. Blige sparkled in a tight-fitting, knee length dress, with a high side-slit black satin skirt.  The dress’s sheer black chiffon  silk top bodice was pinstriped with silver sequins.

She wore little visible jewelry.

Kim Kardashian wore conspicuous diamond studs to accessorize a demure, emerald green velvet sleeveless gown.  The dress featured white sparkling sequined appliques on the shoulders and a sequined belt.

Kris Jenner wore lengthy diamond dangle earrings with oval diamond drops.  She also sported large diamond cuffs and chunky chain bracelets.

Jenner’s dress was an one-shoulder, flowing red silk, goddess gown.

Demure, simple jewelry or little visible jewelry was the celebrity style choice for many actresses and news correspondents on the red carpet procession for the dinner.

Many attendees were sans jewelry, conceivably a political statement about the state of the economy. Also,  I didn't notice anything like Harry Winston's trademark jewelry style accessories.

President Baraka Obama attended the dinner along with  the First Lady. The WHCA dinner  is a scholarship fundraiser for awards to aspiring journalism students. The dinner was broadcast on the CSpan cable channel.

Will and Kate’s Ring – The Fairytale’s Anniversary

The fairytale goes on… What a thrill that the English royal couple, William and Kate, is celebrating their 1^st anniversary.  The story began with Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring. 

Time is life and so Will goes on with his bride.

It’s so poignant that William gave Kate the sapphire ring that belonged to his mother.

As Diana’s marriage dissolved she continued her humanitarian work.

One of her visits was to the hospital that I worked for at the time. Our hospital was known for treating patients regardless of their ability to pay for services.  Diana had specifically requested that our hospital be put on her official itinerary.

I only saw a fleeting profile view of her.  But luckily, my co-worker, a wannabe paparazzi, got a much closer look at Diana. 

In fact, he was able to take one of last photographs of Diana wearing the sapphire and diamond ring:  She and her husband announced their divorce shortly after she left town and went back home to England.

I’ve always felt that fairytales have some basis in reality. 

Diana's humanity seemed so touching. I did not know Diana, but I read the following news story about her.

Shortly after becoming seriously involved with the Prince of Wales, Diana left her humble babysitting job.  Soon after she married, she traveled on official engagements with her husband.

One visit on the social calendar was a royal visit to Washington D. C. While on official business, Diana decided to look-up an American family and their child that she had babysat when the couple lived in London.

What other royal or celebrity would be humble enough to “drop by” the people they used to babysit for?

 I know of only one other “royal jewel” of a man who made strong efforts to keep in-touch regularly with all his friends, connect distant relatives and reach-out to acquaintances. 

Everyone lamented how much they sorely missed the way he connected us all when he was gone.

ENGAGEMENT RING PRICING – 10 FACTORS FOR “WOW!”

If Angelina Jolie’s engagement ring is too pricey, how much can you afford for a diamond with good clarity, decent size and a flashy cut? Learn about engagement ring pricing from this unique 10 point guide, by Huffington Post, to finding diamond savings. 

Link:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/19/cheap-diamonds_n_1438678.html

BULGARI: EXPENSIVE JEWELRY - TIMELESS, PRICELESS DESIGNS

Bulgari 's "The Art of Jewellry Making" is a sumptuous visual of the Italian premier jewelry designer’s behind-the-scenes story. It features stunning vintage designs of expensive jewelry, contrasted with the personal styles of contemporary celebrities.

Sharon Stone, Angeline Jolie, Julianne Moore and Madonna are included.

Here’s a good starting place to get new ideas to update your own personal fine jewelry style right now.

The visual documents Bulgari’s design and manufacturing of opulent creations from the chalkboard to custom goldsmithing for settings. 

My favorite part:  Unpolished almost raw yellow diamonds, rubies and emeralds, laying in tentative designs on whiteboards like just finished puzzles.

Oh...! What a job-brainstorming with expensive jewels!

Link: The Art of Jewellry Making

BRAND NEW WATCH TRENDS FLASH

Fanciful watch rings, watch charms, pendant timepieces and opulent brand new wristwatch models for men were recently featured  in NYT’s T Magazine and Sunday Styles.

Links: tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com  and nytimes.com/tmagazine  

TAXCO! FUN, QUIRKY & COLLECTIBLE JEWELRY

Decades before NAFTA became law in the 1990s, my mother made her own trade arrangements with her Mexican-American co-workers to occasionally buy a few pieces of Taxco sterling silver jewelry.

My mother didn’t buy much of the silver. She simply doesn’t wear much of any jewelry except for her wedding ring.  But many of her silver pieces are representative of some of the major styles of handcrafted Taxco.

For example, a pair of pierced earrings she bought is modernist geometric Taxco. The earrings are very large, double hoops.  The lower hoop on each earring balances like a Calder mobile kinetic sculpture.

Funny, my mother’s ears weren’t pierced when she bought the earrings.  Later in life she did have her ears pierced, but not for long.  Never really an earring wearer, let alone large hoops, my mother let her tiny holes close.

So my mother has never worn the Taxco mobiles.  I wear them. They are big fun and capture a lot of attention.

Besides the modernist geometric Taxco silver styles, some other

MAJOR CLASSES INCLUDE:

· Faun and Flora

· Whimsical

· Aztec, Mayan or Native Mexican

· Non-Jewelry Items

· Gemstone

TAXCO BIGGEST PLUSES

· The bright white color is easy to clean with a soft cloth.

·  The silver color is whiter than silver from other countries, in my opinion.

· The amount of the precious metal is always substantial and heavy. The only exception is a pair of earrings I purchased from a TV shopping channel.

· The modern silver pieces are 0.925, usually marked but not always.  Some vintage jewelry is an alloy blend of non-silver metals marked “alpaca”.

· It’s modestly priced-even with the silver spot price tripling over the last 2 years.  Right now there are items being sold online for less than $20 (with the Taxco hallmark). The prices on TV shopping channels seem higher because of the delivery charges.

This is a first in a series of periodic posts about Taxco artisan sterling jewelry.  Check back for more details.

HUMONGOUS BIG JEWELRY: 2 RULES

A young female medical student looked over the waiting room while I was waiting to be called by my physician. She appeared neat, meticulous, and serious, except for her watch. 

It was a red gold dress watch, with a simple link bracelet and bright white diamonds surrounding the dial.

 But it was the BIGGEST WATCH DIAL I’d ever seen, far bigger than any divers or pilots watch. 

That timepiece would have made Flavor Flav proud.

The medical student was wearing a conservative but trendy black flared skirt, with a white shirt under her student jacket. She wore nude hose with black velvet flats.

Her stethoscope was draped around her neck.

EVERYBODY can wear at least one fun piece of jewelry. Whether it’s, for example

• A stupendous pair of 14K gold diamond hoop shoulder dusters, or a
• Saucer-sized turquoise pendant, or a
• A statement ring with a Ping Pong ball sized crystal gemstone
• Quirky fashion or costume trinkets
•  Handcrafted jewelry and artisan-made pieces especially reveal a fun personality.  This is true whether you are young or feeling young.

THE RULES:

1.  “HAVE FUN”  within reason, and 
2.  Wear 2 pieces max.

YELLOW GEMSTONES - GET THAT GOLDEN LOOK

Is the gold in your suntan or skin tone best accentuated by glistening 14k or 18k gold earrings?  Maybe you don’t want to go near a jewelry counter because of the rising price per ounce of gold.

Well, here are some yellow gemstones which will flash that golden look and punctuate the gilt on your skin:

AMBER – Widely available everywhere, usually set in silver.  Try Dominican Blue Amber which has an amazing fluorescent optics property: The color shifts  from golden brown to a bluish sunlit color when you wear it in the sun.

Actress Zoe Saldana as Uhura in the 2009 version of Star Trek appears to be wearing Dominican Blue Amber dangle earrings in the role below her “bluetooth” device.  Saldana is of Dominican ancestry.

Prices range between $25 and $50.

CITRINE – this yellow-bronze gemstone is widely available at department stores, art fairs featuring handcrafted jewelry and mom-and-pop jewelry stores.  It’s usually set in silver, for less than $25.

YELLOW DIAMONDS – Apparently these are Rihanna’s favorite. Small irradiated golden-colored diamond earrings are widely available at online stores.  Larger stones can be found at premier jewelry and department stores for viewing.

Fine gemstone prices range from $1K to $15K but modestly priced yellow diamond beads are also sold for DIY jewelry crafting.

YELLOW SAPPHIRE – Smaller, treated gemstones are widely available at online stores.  Larger, natural colored stones with a flash factor comparable to diamonds can be purchased from  online stores specializing in unheated sapphire gemstones. 

Be sure to check the return policy because cut, polish and lack of treatments are the most important price factors. 

Yellow sapphire is my choice because the pure, absolute yellow color seems ethereal or otherworldly.

Good quality gemstones can be found for less than $1K.

Golden Sea pearls are a softer colored option. Other yellow gemstones include TIGER’S EYE, MEXICAN OPAL and TOURMALINE.

Some jewelry designers consider 10K GOLD  the new 18K because the spot gold price has been trending between $1600 and $1700 over the last 30 days. The spot price will be  edging  close to $1800 before long.