Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Unofficial Shoe Brand Ambassadors

sarah jessica parker with nicholas kirkwood

eva longoria in brian atwood

blake lively with christian louboutien


vanessa hudgens with sergio rossi

selena gomez with giuseppe zanotti

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Carnival Shoe by Coloriffics




Showstopper hologram colored platform sandal.

Glory Evening Shoe





This happens to be Night Moves best selling shoe. This silk satin shoe bursts with multicolored stones in all shapes and sizes and boasts a 3.5” heel on a leather sole.

Candy Lace & Patent Spike Pump


Christian Louboutin Barcelona Gladiator Platforms








# Ancient metallic leather
# Woven strap detail along vamp.
# Peep toe. Buckled slingback.
# Straw-covered platform and 4 7/10" wedge heel.
# Signature red sole

Monday, March 21, 2011

Metal Prices Changeable Following Japan Quake

Earthquake and tsunami in Japan have an impact on changes in market prices of precious metals. The gold price is schdeuled to gain for a second day as unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, and Japan’s nuclear crisis boost demand for a protection of wealth. Platinum and palladium have touched three-month lows, reports Bloomberg.

Immediate-delivery gold bullion in fact declined $1.24, or 0.1 percent, to $1,397.64 (£865) an ounce according to the FTSE in London this morning. Gold for April delivery was 0.1 percent higher at $1,398 (£866) an ounce on the Comex in New York.

Demand for precious metals has been changeable in the past few weeks, with demand for silver rising 0.4 percent to $34.3625 (£21.28) an ounce. The silver price has dropped 6.5 percent since climbing to $36.7525 (£22.76) last week, the highest level since February 1980, when the metal reached a record $50.35 (£31.19) in New York.

Palladium was up 1.3 percent at $707.50 (£438) an ounce after earlier today falling to $688.25, the lowest level since November 30. Palladium had slumped 18 percent since hitting its highest price in a decade last month.

Bloomberg also reported, Platinum has dropped as much as 2.2 percent to $1,657.75 (£1,026) an ounce, the lowest price since December 1, and was last little changed at $1,695.57 (£1,050) yesterday.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Lady Gaga Creates Bracelet for Japan

Pop star Lady Gaga has showed her support for victims of the tsunami in Japan by creating a fundraising bracelet.

The star, famous for hits such as Poker Face as well as her outrageous sense of style, is now selling a simple white bangle on her website with the message “Pray for Japan” in English and Japanese and an image of a hand.

The price has been set at US$5 but the site is urging shoppers to increase the amount they pay at the checkout to help raise cash for Japan relief efforts, to which it claims all the proceeds from the bangles will go.

Lady Gaga’s website sells a vast selection of official merchandise, including jewellery. Some of the jewellery on sale at the site ladygaga.shop.bravadousa.com, includes necklaces with key, moniker, telephone and cross charms, as well as a rose motif ring in the style of Lola Rose.

Angelina Jolie co-Designs Charity Jewellery Collection for Asprey

World famous A-list actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie is to co-design a range of statement jewellery with former Asprey CEO and friend, Robert Procop.

The line, named The Protector, will be designed and sold with all of the proceeds going towards Jolie’s charity, the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict which helps child victims of war and natural disaster. According to reports however, the pieces will not be available in even the most high-end shops and will instead only be available if you are a customer of Procop.

The pricey pieces from the "jewelry celebrities collection" reportedly include a pale green 353-carat pendant and a tablet-shaped 12.02-carat emerald ring set in rose gold.

Angelina Jolie has long been a fan of Procop, recently being pictured in one of his pieces, a faceted black necklace set in rose gold, at the Berlin premiere of the film Salt earlier this year. This is the second time Jolie has collaborated on a jewellery line, after she and her partner Brad Pitt designed a capsule collection for Asprey last year.

Japanese Diamond Industry Escapes Deadly Tsunami

The earthquake and resulting tsunami that swept through Japan has caused thousands of fatalities. No members of the Japanese diamond industry have been hurt by the tsunami that has ravaged the country, according to the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB).

The WFDB said that to its knowledge no members of the Japanese diamond trade have been affected by the earthquake and resulting tsunami that led to the death of thousands of Japanese people last week. The WFDB added that it would be offering support to the Tokyo Diamond Exchange.

WDFB president Avi Paz said: "We have all been shocked and horrified by the pictures we have seen following the earthquakes and the tsunami. Our hearts go out to the people of Japan at this terrible time, particularly to the families of those who have perished.

"The WFDB is a global family and we all come together at times like these. On behalf of the WFDB, I would like to send my heartfelt best wishes for a speedy recovery, and to offer any help and support to our colleagues in Japan, particularly to our friends and colleagues at the Tokyo Diamond Exchange."

Friday, March 18, 2011

Top 5 Famous Jewelry Thefts

Most people love the thought of owning a closet, or even room, full of gold and jewels. In fact, some people love the thought so much, that they are willing to steal for it. While most thefts are petty, poorly planned, and highly unsuccessful, others are grand enough to make history. Even though today there are many jewelry insurance, however, the discovery of the theft of the Jewels in another side caused great concern and sometimes become an interesting story and full of mystery for some people. These five thieves were so maliciously cunning that they will be remembered, however spitefully, for years to come.

#1 The Harry Winston Robbery. The Harry Winston store in Paris was robbed in the December of 2008. The Harry Winston boutique is on a street off Paris' famed Champs-Elysees Avenue dotted with fashion houses and fashionable cafes. The robbery, carried out while Christmas shoppers strolled outside, was among the most audacious in France in recent memory. What sets this robbery apart, aside from the fact that over $108 million of jewelry was stolen and not known the value of 'jewelry insurance' company losses due to this theft., was the fact that the three robbers came in disguised as women. However, these “women” were not very lady-like, as they forced the salespeople to loot the store at gunpoint. To this day, these “ladies” roam free, perhaps even wearing their plight.

Media crowded preach that armed men dressed in wigs and women's dresses entered the store on Avenue Montaigne near the Champs-Elysees shortly before their closing time. They took nearly everything on display and forced staff to hand off diamonds stashed away in the back. No one was injured and no shots were fired.

Some stolen rings, necklaces and watches were recovered when police rounded up 25 people in a June 2009 sweep and eventually charged nine of them. Among those charged was the heist's suspected mastermind, who had been sentenced to 15 years in prison in a drug trafficking case. Police found stolen jewellery and 760,000 euros ($A1.05 million) at this house. A guard at the Harry Winston boutique put police on the trail of the suspects. When investigators learned that an Israeli was expected in Paris to buy some of the stolen jewels, police moved in to make the arrests.


#2 The Damiani Jewelry Showroom Robbery. The Damiani showroom, located in Milan, was robbed in 2008. These thieves also showed some creativity and careful planning, as they accessed the showroom by slowly drilling a hole in the showroom’s basement through the basement of a construction zone next door. These thieves entered Damiani during a private showing, dressed up as hired police help, and walked away with over $20 million worth of gold and jewels.


#3 The Antwerp Diamond Center Robbery. In Feburary of 2003, the Antwerp Diamond Center in Antwerp, Belgium, was robbed of over $100 million worth of diamonds. The Antwerp Diamond Center holds 160 underground vaults that are used to hold diamonds. In this robbery, 123 of the 160 vaults were emptied, by a group of burglars known as the School of Turin. While many of the the robbers were caught and punished, the jewels were never found.


#4 The Museon Museum Robbery. The Museon Museum of Science, located in the Netherlands, housed an exhibit that showcased a number of royal jewels. These jewels, which were worth around $12 million, were stolen in the December of 2002. No alarms were ever set off during the theft and the only damage to the museum was the shattered glass of the exhibit that held the jewels. To this day, the theft completely baffles the local authorities.


#5 The Schiphol Airport Truck Hijacking. While traveling to the Schiphol Airport in 2005, a KLM Cargo truck carrying approximately $118 million worth of diamonds was intercepted and hijacked by men wearing authentic KLM uniforms. While the exact amount of diamonds that were stolen was never determined, if it was, in fact, $118 million, this robbery would rank in as the largest diamond theft to date and may also to the rank of the jewelry insurance losses that must be shared.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

How to Treat Jewelry Allergies

Jewelry allergy is one of the most common allergies we see, particularly with all the body piercing case that we've seen lately. If you suffer from jewelry allergies you are likely to develop symptoms such as rashes, swelling and itching when coming into contact with jewelry. This is usually caused by the nickel in the metal from which the jewelry is made of. Individuals who are allergic to metals such as nickel may develop conditions such as contact dermatitis, which is a skin inflammation that is a form of irritation caused by foreign substance.

Nickel is a silvery-white metal found in nature. It is usually mixed with other metals to produce alloys. For example, nickel-iron, which is used to manufacture stainless steel, is the most common nickel alloy. In the jewelry world, Nickel is found in many forms of jewelry and is used as the alloy that add stability to soft metals such as silver. The reaction is most usually not to the pure silver or gold, but to the metal additive.

What can you do to fight this distressing condition? The first step is to recognize the various signs of jewelry allergies or metal additives. These "allergy alert jewelry" include:

• Skin rashes as well as itching around the piercing site. This reaction typically remains at the area of the jewelry but may occasionally spread.

• An itchy, tingling feeling when the jewelry is worn for over 20 minutes. An allergic reaction to nickel can occur quite fast and presents itself as a rash or blisters within only a couple of days.

If any of these symptoms arise, you should visit with a dermatologist (a physician specifically trained to diagnose and treat skin disease and allergies) so that you make sure that the diagnosis that is made is accurate. As the form of "allergy alert jewelry", it's important to have an accurate diagnosis before beginning treatment.

After determining whether or not you are suffering from an allergic reaction, you should decide which treatment option is the best for use. Methods for treating an allergic reaction include:

• Use earring sleeves or another coating to prevent jewelry from coming into contact with the skin.

• Visit a dermatologist to receive a prescription for a medication to treat the dermatitis which is caused by your allergy to jewelry. This includes topic corticosteroids which are used to reduce the inflammation.

• Depending upon the extent of the allergy, the condition may require antibiotics.

• Do not scratch the area surrounding the jewelry. This may cause the skin barrier to break which might allow any bacteria to pass into the bloodstream through the skin.

• Wear metals such as 18K gold, sterling silver, or stainless steel. This type of jewelry does not contain nickel. It is more expensive but is certainly worth it.

• Make sure that the skin heals thoroughly prior to using any other form of jewelry. As soon as an allergic reaction occurs, cease wearing the jewelry immediately.

In addition to avoid jewelry allergies, you should be careful with soap you used because when you use soap you are breaching the protective barrier of the skin. This will better enable the nickel in the metal of your bracelets, earrings and necklace to be absorbed. Therefore, do not use soap in the area you are wearing jewelry. However, please be aware that the "Jewelry allergy" information above is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

How to Measure Finger for Ring Size

Measuring finger to determine "ring size" is important. Knowing your ring size allows you to purchase the jewelry with confidence even if don't have the option of trying it on beforehand. This is especially true if you want to "buy jewelry online". Your ring should fit your finger comfortably - snug enough so that it will not fall off, but loose enough to slide over your knuckle.

To measure your finger, wrap either a strip of paper or string around your finger’s base, below your finger’s joint and near your knuckle. Mark the place where the paper or string overlaps and forms a circle. With a ruler, measure the section up to the mark. The following are measurements for the United States and Canada and their coinciding ring sizes:

Size 1 is equal to 40.8 mm or 1.61 inches
Size 2 is equal to 41.9 mm or 1.65 inches
Size 3 is equal to 44 mm or 1.73 inches
Size 4 is equal to 46.5 mm or 1.83 inches
Size 4.5 is equal to 47.8 mm or 1.89 inches
Size 5 is equal to 49 mm or 1.93 inches
Size 5.5 is equal to 50.3 mm or 1.98 inches
Size 6 is equal to 51.5 mm or 2.03 inches
Size 6.5 is equal to 52.8 mm or 2.08 inches
Size 7 is equal to 54 mm or 2.13 inches
Size 7.5 is equal to 55.3 mm or 2.18 inches
Size 8 is equal to 56.6 mm or 2.23 inches
Size 8.5 is equal to 57.8 mm or 2.28 inches
Size 9 is equal to 59.1 mm or 2.33 inches
Size 9.5 is equal to 60.3 mm or 2.37 inches
Size 10 is equal to 61.6 mm or 2.43 inches
Size 10.5 is equal to 62.8 mm or 2.48 inches
Size 11 is equal to 64.1 mm or 2.52 inches
Size 11.5 is equal to 65.3 mm or 2.57 inches
Size 12 is equal to 66.6 mm or 2.62 inches
Size 12.5 is equal to 67.9 mm or 2.67 inches
Size 13 is equal to 69.1 mm or 2.72 inches


Warnings and Tips to Measure Ring Size :

• Men’s and women’s ring sizes are exactly the same.

• Half sizes are for those whose measurements fall in between whole numbers.

• The best time of day to measure your finger is late afternoon or evening, because your fingers swell. Finger size changes depending on the time of day and the weather. For best results measure your finger size at the end of the day and when your fingers are warm. Fingers are smaller in the early morning and when cold. Measure finger size 3 to 4 times will be better to eliminate an erroneous reading. Avoid using string or paper to measure ring size as these materials can stretch or twist, yielding an inaccurate measurement.

• If you want to be completely certain that you have your ring measurement correct, then you should go to a local retailer, such as Walmart or Target, and have the clerk at the jewelry counter measure your finger for you. They will tell you your size without pressuring you to buy anything, whereas if you go to a jewelry store to get your measurement, they will persistently try to sell you rings.

For the most accurate reading, measure the finger at the end of the day when the finger is the largest. After sliding the ring sizer on, make sure it slides off fairly easily over the knuckle, and remembers do not measure cold fingers because this is when fingers are their smallest. Although, in most cases, you can have a ring re-sized by a jeweler after it has been purchased, it's still a smart idea to know what your "ring size" is before exchanging money.

Tips for Buying Jewelry Abroad

When "shopping jewelry" online you may find that the store you are buying from is located in a completely different country to yourself. Buying jewelry online from a different country you may find that you have made a great saving on your purchase but then realize that the saving you have made has just been spent on shipping the item to you. So, if you have the opportunity to visit it directly, at once as your next vacation plan, why not? Shopping overseas for the holidays affords you with a wonderful opportunity to purchase unique jewelry without worry about the shipping cost, unless you are "buying jewelry abroad" in large quantities.


These following guide will assist the traveling shopper with what jewelry to buy where for the best cost possible.

Turkey
While in Topcap castle, you may try on jewelry which sultans gave to their wives. The largest diamond in the castle was discovered in a giant pile of old things. The main shopping region in Istanbul is the tented market at Grand Bazar. The selection is vast and rich. Laleli, however, is smaller, and the risk of buying jewelry of unknown origin is greater.

Thailand
The risk of getting a counterfeit in this country is high, so be wary. However, Thailand does sell the cheapest and best genuine pearls. Millionaire’s Island offers great bargains, and visitors can see the act of the pearls being cultivated. Many jewelry experts agree that Thailand’s gems are colored nicely but that the processing is not the best. They suggest buying local trinkets gemmed with genuine small granites.

Jerusalem, Israel
Israel has long been the world’s leader in the processing of gems. The best place to invest in jewelry here is the National Center of Diamonds or the Stern chain. Gold in Israel is more costly than in Emirates or Turkey. In Israel, you can find the globe’s latest trendy and classic jewelry collections. A unique opportunity in Israel is the option to buy souvenir-jewelry from the local galleries and museums.

New York City, The United States
New York City is considered the jewelry center of the world. The greatest designers, makers, and top-rate watch companies make their headquarters there. Tiffany’s and Cartier at the crossroads of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue contain jewelry masterpieces. However, the shops on 47th Street offer more acceptable prices, and their quality is next to that of Tiffany’s and Cartier. Guggenheim Jewelry Museum has a gift shop with a great selection of jewelry. Metropolitan Museum Shop offers excellent counterfeits. The quality and look rivals that of genuine pieces.

Paris, France
Women of Hollywood have made Paris the place to buy accessories to complement their celebrity outfits for public appearances. French residents always buy something for each new season. Chain stores with lower prices than boutiques include C&A, Samariten, and Lafaette. Samariten is a Parisian favorite.

The glittery appeal of jewelry has conquered the entire world. In nearly any city of any country, fine pieces can be found without having to travel in quest of luxurious jewelry. If you do wish to make jewelry purchasing while on vacation part of your adventure, then the jewelry will bring you joy with its beauty and always call to your mind the exhilarating experience of finding the treasure.

If you are interested in buying jewelry abroad during vacation, do your research at home. Learn about the stones and what to look for. Search the internet for reputable dealers - they're out there. Being a tourist can put you into a special state of mind and you're in the mood to indulge yourself, and jewelry can be quite a temptation. You won't get the bargain the others are touting, but you will pay fairly for the real thing. "Buying jewelry abroad" can give you a fantastic souvenir, just be aware of the pitfalls!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Story of The Diamond Engagement Rings

The story of the engagement rings begin in 1215, when the engagement period was born. Pope Innocent III announced that the Catholic people were to wait an adequate amount of time between the times of the proposal to the time of marriage, which was known as an engagement period. Because the marriage ceremony did not directly precede the proposal, the couples were to wear rings on their third finger as a symbol of their commitment to each other. The third finger was chosen, as a vein in the third finger was thought by the Romans to run directly to the heart.

However, the first diamond engagement ring was not given until 1477, in the country of Austria. In 1477, the Archduke Maximilian gave a woman by the name of Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring while asking for her hand in marriage. This is particularly romantic, as the diamond was thought to be a gem that had the power to strengthen the bonds of love and marriage between a man and a woman. Therefore, this creative take on the engagement ring was not only a beautiful idea, but also a symbol of the Archduke’s love and devotion to Mary of Burgundy.

After the gift of the first diamond engagement ring, diamonds were discovered in Brazil, as well as large findings in Africa. This increase in the supply of diamonds, along with advancements in technology, marketing, and jewelry design, helped launch the diamond ring into popularity. However, the diamond engagement ring did not truly become popular until 1947.
In 1947, a company called DeBeers launched a full-blown campaign to catapult the diamond engagement ring into high demand. The ever-popular slogan, “A Diamond is Forever” was born and brought into homes across America. Soon thereafter, diamonds were the most popular stone featured in engagement rings, with 80% of engagement rings featuring diamonds today.

In current times, the proposal and engagement period is one of the most anticipated times of one’s life, especially to most women. Men are expected to get down on one knee, confess their love and endless devotion, and bestow a dazzling, diamond ring upon the woman of their dreams. How to propose to a woman has even became somewhat of an innovative and over-the-top event, with men proposing on Teleprompters during sports games, on romantic getaways, and even by renting planes to carry the question across the sky. While the words “will you marry me” instantly remind listeners of diamond rings and white dresses, the "diamond engagement ring" has a long history that is as much romantic, as it is interesting.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Choosing Perfect Gothic Wedding Rings

Choosing the perfect wedding ring for your Gothic Wedding will most likely require time and efforts on your part. Most of the traditional jewelry store do not carry a Gothic style wedding ring. Available at stores that specialize in Gothic type jewelry, beautiful rings exist on the best online jewelry store or local jewelry stores and shops or if you want to personalize more you can contacting the "custom jewelry designers". Although you may not find a wedding ring, often other Goth style rings are acceptable wedding ring replacements.

Specially for custom jewelry design there are many people choose to design their own symbolic Goth wedding band using metals such as black titanium and colored gemstones such as black diamonds. Durable metals including titanium and tungsten will easily withstand an active lifestyle.

Although many modern cultures may describe Gothic as dark, dangerous, and brooding, nothing is further from the truth. Strongly influenced by both the Victorian and Elizabethan eras, Gothic designs feature beautiful, intricate patterns that present a medieval romantic look. These patterns may include flowers, gemstones, or fantasy jewelry designs. With such a wide variety of interpretations, Goth style wedding rings feature some of the most stunning designs.

Whether designing your own or buying Gothic jewelry, couples need to make certain that the ring will appropriately represent their wedding vows to each other. Although appealing now, the rings you choose need to keep their appeal for many years to come. It can be difficult to clean the fine, delicate engravings and precious details, so it is equally as important to choose a style that will withstand daily wear and routine cleanings.


Purchasing a wedding ring that features the intricate details usually found in Gothic styles, paired up with stunning black diamonds will not only create an elegant and unique ring, but it will never go out of style. Couples may choose to personalize more by adding other stones such as garnets or white diamonds to enhance the style and compliment the whole ring.

While Gothic wedding rings and black diamonds may not suit everyone’s tastes, however, they are the perfect choice for those couples that want to wear something that is unique. These wedding rings whether it is Gothic, Victorian or Celtic wedding rings, although unique, also represent symbolism that goes beyond the meaning of the traditional style wedding ring.