Jaeger-LeCoultre at the 2013 Venice Film Festival

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso engraved 70 Mostra

Today I will be leaving for Venice to cover the About J luxury jewelry show, perhaps the most exclusive jewelry show in the world. About 30 luxury jewelry brands will be exhibiting. Then I will be covering VicenzaOro Fall, the most prestigious collection of jewelry tradeshows for Italian jewelry industry.

Actress Sarah Gadon wearing Jaeger-LeCoultre La Montre Extraordinaire La Rose  while attending the Emergency charity VFF 2013. Photo credit: Getty images

However, I am arriving a few days early and as luck would have it, it happens to be during the 70th Venice International Film Festival (August 28 – September 7. Luxury watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre, which is celebrating its 180th anniversary, is a sponsoring partner of the festival and has been hosting events and creating products for the event.

British actress, Sophie Kennedy Clark was on the red carpet with Laurent Vinay debuting the Reverso Cordonnet Duetto watch made its debut on the Red Carpet as B Sophie Kennedy Clark. The actress stars in the film, Philomena, which will premiere during the Festival.

The Swiss luxury watch brand has created a personalized Reverso watch to the winners of the Best Film (Leone d’Oro, Golden Lion Award) as well as the Best Actress and Best Actor of the year (Coppa Volpi Awards). The watches will feature a lacquered engraving depicting a lion, the symbol of Venice, handcrafted in accordance with the finest traditions, and bear the inscription “70. Mostra” (top photo).

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso engraved 70 Mostra Eemergency

For the third consecutive year Jaeger-LeCoultre will use its products and brand to support the Emergency, a non-governmental organization that helps civilian victims of wars and poverty. This includes the creation of a personalized Reverso watch with the same engravings and symbol as the official Venice Film Festival watch, with the addition of “Emergency” as part of the inscription (pictured above).

La Montre Extraordinaire La Rose

Jaeger-LeCoultre will also release a new collection called Jubliee. From the opening day to closing of the festival the company is hosting events throughout Venice. I will be attending two events during my short time at the festival going attending the jewelry shows I came to see.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Cordonnet Duetto

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

SUPERMODEL

Photos via: Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott

Stunning black and white portraits of Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, Stephanie Seymour, Daria Werbowy, Amber Valetta, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell for Interview Magazine's 'Supermodel' issue. Such beauties! Christy Turlington kills it every time. On a side note... my first fashion magazine purchase ever had Christy on the cover and I have loved her ever since.

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CROCHET + CUT-OFFS

Photo via: Arty Filles

Another great look from Arty Filles. This time instead of minimal chic, she's festival cool in a white crochet top and black cut-off shorts. Make sure to check out her full look here- she tops it off with some cute studded western boots.

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US Sales Remain Strong At Signet Jewelers While UK Sales Disappoint

Signet Jewelers, the largest specialty retail jeweler in the US and the UK, said Thursday that second-quarter year-over-year sales increased 3.1 percent to $880.2 million. Same store sales for the period increased 3.6 percent year-over-year while eCommerce sales grew 7 percent to $31.2 million.

This was offset by a 1.2 percent decline in net income to $67.4 million. During a conference call Thursday, Mike Barnes, Signet CEO, said the decline was primarily due to the costs associated with the acquisition of the Ultra outlet jewelry store chain and the conversion of many of them to Zale Outlet stores, and lower gross margins compared to other Signet holdings. Without Ultra, earnings per share were up 5.9 percent.

In the company’s US division, which now accounts for nearly 85 percent of total sales for the company, sales increased 5.6 percent to $741.1 million. Same store sales increased 4.9 percent for the period. Sales increases were driven by strength in bridal, colored diamonds and watches. Signet owns 1,449 jewelry retail stores that operate under the brand-names Kay, Jared, Kay Outlet stores, Ultra and stores and some regional brands.

Kay and Jared experienced increases in both transaction counts and average transaction value. Meanwhile, eCommerce sales increased 36 percent to $25.3 million.

In the UK division, total sales declined 8.5 percent to $139.1 million in the second quarter. Same store sales decreased 2.4 percent. The company said the sales decline was primarily due to a same store sales decrease of $3.4 million, the impact of closed stores of $5.6 million and currency fluctuation of $3.9 million. Signet owns 500 retail stores that operate under the H.Samuel and Ernest Jones names.

The company said that at Ernest Jones, the number of transactions increased driven primarily by strength in branded bridal and watches, excluding Rolex, and the average transaction value was lower, primarily due to the impact from Rolex being offered in fewer stores. In H.Samuel, the number of transactions declined, primarily due to store closures and lower traffic. This resulted in lower sales across many merchandise categories, partly offset by strength in branded bridal products. Sales in both businesses were impacted by lower bead transactions. UK eCommerce sales in the UK increased 5.4 percent to $5.9 million, which include 45 percent coming to the websites through mobile devices, Barnes said.

Barnes noted during the conference call that Signet is in the process of updating its websites and mobile presence to take advantage of the increased traffic.

Other second quarter highlights:

* Gross margin declined, falling to $309.7 million or 35.2 percent of sales, compared to $311.2 million or 36.4 percent of sales in the second quarter fiscal 2013. The includes the results for Ultra increased gross margin dollars by $5.7 million; however, it reduced the consolidated gross margin rate by 50 basis points and the US gross margin rate by 70 basis points. The Ultra gross margin is lower than the core US business due to lower Ultra store productivity and the impact of the Ultra integration.

* Gross margin dollars in the US increased by $1.3 million compared to second quarter of fiscal 2013, reflecting higher sales offset by a gross margin decrease of 180 basis points. The company said the lower gross margin was primarily attributed to a gross merchandise margin decrease by 50 basis points, attributed to Ultra; and store occupancy and operating costs deleveraged by 70 basis points, of which 40 basis points was due to Ultra. The remaining 30 basis point change was due to the increase of new store openings.

* The US net bad debt ratio increased to 4.9 percent of sales compared to 4.5 percent of sales in prior year second quarter. The increase in the ratio was primarily due to the growth in the outstanding receivable balance. In addition, the US division experienced a “slight decline in collection efficiency” and a change in the credit mix. In the UK, gross margin dollars decreased $2.8 million, primarily reflecting the impact of decreased sales and currency fluctuation offset by a gross margin rate increase of 40 basis points.
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* Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 4.2 percent to $250.5 million. As a percentage of sales, SGA increased by 40 basis points to 28.5 percent. This includes the results for Ultra, which increased SGA by $13.5 million and increased the consolidated SGA rate by 70 basis points. The company said Ultra’s SGA is expected to decline as the final steps of the integration are completed.

* Operating income fell 4.9 percent to $105.5 million. Operating margin declined 100 basis points to 12 percent.

* The US division’s operating income including Ultra declined 4.9 percent to $111.5.

* Operating margin for the US division including Ultra was 15 percent, compared with 16.7 percent in fiscal 2013, down 170 basis points. Excluding Ultra, the US division’s operating income was $119.3 or 16.8 percent of sales, up 10 basis points.

In its guidance, the company said it expects same store sales to rise in the low-single digit for the third quarter.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

REBECCA HALL | ASYMMETRICAL BOB

Photos via: Refinery29 | Zimbio

Came across Rebecca Hall's new asymmetrical bob on Refinery29 - Love! It's a fresh change up from her usual long hair. Wish she would get more recognition. I was hooked after seeing her in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Sandra Bullock Wears Martin Katz Jewels for 'Gravity' Premiere at Venice Film Festival

Photo credit: Getty Images

Sandra Bullock was one of the star attractions during the Wednesday night opening of the Venice Film Festival. On the red carpet she wore a pair of 23.58-carat black spinel briolette earrings and an 18k white gold clip-on bangle bracelet by Beverly Hills jewelry designer, Martin Katz.

The earrings are set in 18k gold and micro set with 184 diamonds weighing .86 carats on lever back tops (retail price, $9,500). The bracelet was accented with three emerald cut diamonds weighing 1.01 carats, two round diamonds weighing 0.26 carats, and microset with 96 black diamonds weighing 2.26 carats (retail price, $14,500). The pieces were designed to complement her red J. Mendel gown. 

Photo credit: Getty Images

The 49-year-old actress was at the festival to promote the film, “Gravity,” which she stars with George Clooney. The film opened the film festival Wednesday.

Katz and Bullock have enjoyed a close relationship since the jewelry designer to the stars first started his business in 1988. 

The Martin Katz bracelet worn by Sandra Bullock.

“Sandra is one of my favorite Actresses whose humor and lightheartedness are the perfect complement to her grace and elegance,” Katz said, “Her style and sophistication embody the spirit of our brand."

Martin Katz jewels are available exclusively at his Beverly Hills salon on Brighton Way and at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. 

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

19.51-Carat Harry Winston Diamond Ring May Fetch $1.8 Million

A Harry Winston platinum ring centered with an emerald-cut 19.51-carat diamond will be one of the top items being offered at Sotheby’s New York Important Jewels auction on September 24.

The ring, flanked by two triangle-shaped diamonds weighing 2.92 carats, has a pre-auction estimate of $1.2 - $1.8 million. It is from the family of George Rothman, the successful real estate developer and philanthropist who created the Rothman Foundation. It is the top lot among a collection of jewelry the family has put on sale that include pieces by Bulgari, David Webb and Van Cleef & Arpels.

The Harry Winston ring is one of three such rings that have high estimates of more than $1 million at the upcoming sale. The others are:

* A pear-shaped diamond weighing 15.10 carats, flanked by two smaller pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 2 carats will also appear in the sale with an estimate of $1.25 million - $1.75 million. The ownership is identified by the auction house as being from a New York estate.

* A 9.77-carat, cut-cornered rectangular step-cut diamond accented by small round diamonds weighing approximately 0.70 carat, and mounted on platinum. The ring, which is identified as the property of a lady from Texas, has an estimate of $800,000 to $1.2 million. 

Fancy colored diamonds have made their mark in recent years on the auction market and Sotheby’s leader in this category for the upcoming auction is a 1.08-carat pear-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond (pictured above), on a platinum mounting accented by round near colorless diamonds. This item has an estimate of $450,000 - $650,000.

The upcoming auction will also feature several pieces from the collection of Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt, featuring custom-designed and period pieces by French jewelers such as Schlumberger, Suzanne Belperron and René Boivin. Items of note from the Lewyt collection include:

* A platinum, palladium and diamond triple-band cuff-bracelet by Belperron (pictured above). It was worn by Elisabeth Lewyt on her wedding day. The bracelet has three tapered rows set with 75 old mine-cut diamonds weighing approximately 16.95 carats. It has an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000. 

* An 18k yellow gold reclining Labrador retriever brooch by René Boivin (pictured above). The torso, ears, paws and tail of the dog are set with numerous round and single-cut diamonds of near colorless, brown and yellow hues weighing approximately 28.95 carats. The collar is set with 19 buff-topped rubies. The eyes are made of two cabochon citrines and the nose and pads on the back paws are accented by a blackened gold. Its estimate is $70,000 - $90,000.

* A platinum and diamond double-clip pendant-brooch by Schlumberger, set with marquise-shaped diamonds weighing 5.22 and 5.28 carats, both E color, VS1 clarity; estimate $200,00 - $300,000.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

Zale Q4 Comps Up 5.6%, Revenue Loss Narrows to $8 Million

Comps at Zales Jewelers (pictured) and Zales Outlet increased 8.1%.

Fine jewelry retailer Zale Corp. said Wednesday that year-over-year revenues for the fourth quarter increased 2.4 percent to $417 million. Comparable store sales for the period increased 5.6 percent. This increase follows an 8.3 percent rise in the same period last year. At constant exchange rates, comparable store sales increased 5.8 percent.

Net loss in the fourth quarter for the company, which owns retail jewelry chains in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, narrowed to $8 million, or 25 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $20 million, or 61 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

Other fourth quarter highlights include:

* Zales branded stores, Zales Jewelers and Zales Outlet, posted a comparable store sales increase of 8.1 percent. This follows a 12.3 percent rise in the same period last year.

* U.S. fine jewelry brands, including Zales branded stores and regional brand, Gordon’s Jewelers, posted a comparable store sales increase of 7.2 percent. This follows an 11.2 percent rise in the same period last year.

* Peoples branded stores posted a comparable store sales increase of 5.6 percent. This follows a 4.7 percent rise in the same period last year. At constant exchange rates, comparable store sales increased 7 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, following an increase of 9.9 percent in the same period last year.

* Canadian fine jewelry brands, Peoples Jewellers and Mappins Jewellers, posted a comparable store sales increase of 3.3 percent. This follows a 2 percent rise in the same period last year. At constant exchange rates, comparable store sales increased 4.7 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, following an increase of 7.1 percent in the same period last year.

* Piercing Pagoda, Zale’s kiosk jewelry business, posted a comparable store sales increase of 0.3 percent. In the same period last year, comparable store sales rose 2.7 percent.

Gross margin on sales rose sharply to $222 million, or 53.1 percent, compared to $210 million, or 51.6 percent, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. Operating margin increased 120 basis points.

Operating loss was $3 million, or 0.7 percent of revenues, compared to an operating loss of $8 million, or 1.9 percent of revenues, in the fourth quarter of the prior year.

For the 2013 fiscal year, the company reported a six-year high in net earnings of $10 million, or $0.24 diluted earnings per share, up $37 million, or $1.09 per share. The company said this is a six-year high.

Comparable store sales rose 3.3 percent for the year with Zales branded stores up 4.7 percent and Peoples branded stores up 4.8 percent at constant exchange rates. Gross margin was up 60 basis points to 52.1 percent and operating margin increased 90 basis points to 1.9 percent.

“For the year we achieved a significant milestone by delivering our highest net income in six years,” Theo Killion, Zale Corp. CEO, said in a statement.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

TWO WAYS: EFFORTLESS GRAY DRESS

Came up with two ways to style this effortless gray dress, but couldn't decide which to share with you guys, so I went with both. Which do you prefer?

1. CLU Ruched Cotton-Jersey Dress
2. The Row Oversized Round Sunglasses
3. Lionette by Noa Sade Byron Bay Earrings ••• Lionette by Noa Sade Tahiti Earrings
4. 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Shark-Embossed Bag ••• L'AGENCE La Ville Satchel
5. Laura Lee Face Coin Ring
6. HIPP x RGB Nail Foundation in F2
7. Kelly Wearstler Ettore Cuff ••• Kelly Wearstler Kazan Cuff
8. Alexander Wang Lovisa Point Toe Pumps

Tiffany Q2 Earnings Up 16%, Global Sales Up 4%

Exceptional growth in China along with improvements in operating margins led to a better-than-expected 16 percent net earnings increase to $107 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, in the second quarter for Tiffany & Co.

Worldwide net sales for the New York-based luxury jeweler rose 4 percent to $926 million. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, worldwide net sales rose 8 percent, and comparable store sales rose 5 percent due to sales growth in most regions.

As a result, the company raised its year-end outlook to $3.50-$3.60 per diluted share, from $3.43-$3.53 per diluted share in its first quarter outlook. It also plans to continue its worldwide expansion of stores unabated.

In addition to regional growth, product categories also performed well, according to Tiffany’s second-quarter earnings report released Tuesday. The results were dampened a bit by lower-than-expected sales growth in the US and the drastic decline of the Japanese Yen.

Mark L. Aaron, Tiffany VP-Investor Relations, said in a conference call Tuesday that growth in fine jewelry and statement jewelry were extremely strong and outperformed modest growth in fashion jewelry. He added that diamond jewelry, led by colored diamonds, did well particularly well for the period.

Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net sales) increased to 57.5 percent in the second quarter from 56.3 percent a year ago. Aaron said this was the result of diminishing product cost pressure and price increases taken earlier in the year. This help lead to a “better-than-expected” improvement in operating margin.

“We were pleased with the results of our efforts to improve gross margin which, combined with well-controlled expenses, yielded a solid increase in operating margin,” added Michael J. Kowalski, Tiffany chairman and CEO.

Sales by region are as follows:

* In the Americas, total sales increased 2 percent to $444 million in the second quarter. Comparable store sales were unchanged in the quarter, led by growth in Tiffany’s New York flagship store sales. Aaron noted that sales in the US were lower than expected and were mixed throughout the country with no discernible pattern.

* Total sales in the Asia-Pacific region rose 20 percent to $208 million in the second quarter. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, total sales also rose 20 percent and comparable store sales increased 13 percent, “led by especially strong sales growth in Greater China,” the company said in its report.

* Aaron focused a great deal of time on Japan where the company operates 54 stores. The negative translation effect from a substantially weaker yen caused total sales to decline 14 percent to $136 million in the second quarter. However, he noted that on a constant-exchange-rate basis, total sales increased 7 percent in the second quarter, due to comparable store sales growth of 8 percent with strong growth in engagement and higher-end jewelry categories.

* Total sales in Europe rose 11 percent to $111 million in the second quarter. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, total sales rose 10 percent and comparable store sales rose 7 percent due to sales growth in the United Kingdom and most of continental Europe.

* Sales classified as “Other” sales increased 33 percent to $26 million in the second quarter, primarily reflecting the conversion in July 2012 of five Tiffany & Co. stores in the United Arab Emirates from independently-operated to company-operated. The company said it expected to increase its presence in the Middle East.

Tiffany opened three stores in the second quarter, including its ninth in Hong Kong store. Other openings were in, in Verona, Italy and in Villahermosa, Mexico. The company closed a store in Tokyo, due to the mall the store was in closing for long-term renovations, Aaron said.

The company in the second quarter operated 277 stores (116 in the Americas, 67 in Asia-Pacific, 54 in Japan, 35 in Europe and five in the U.A.E.), versus 260 stores (106 in the Americas, 61 in Asia-Pacific, 55 in Japan and 33 in Europe and five in the U.A.E.) a year ago.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

COOL + CLEAN

Photos via: My Blomquist

Love everything about My Blomquist's cool and clean look. And how perfect is the minimal concrete and leafy backdrop? Spot on.

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10.6-Carat Fancy Blue Diamond Has an Asking Price of $9.8 Million

The "Royal Blue" diamond

A 10.6-carat fancy blue diamond known as the “Royal Blue” is available through M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans. The asking price is $9.8 million.
 
Blue diamonds are among the rarest in the world so it seems unusual that this cut-corned, modified brilliant cut gem is the second significant blue diamond to appear on sale in August. A week earlier, Sotheby’s Hong Kong announced that it is offering a 7.59-carat round fancy vivid blue diamond that is estimated to fetch $19 million.

This stone has a VVS1 clarity grade, notable for having “very, very slight” inclusions, according to the report from the Gemological Institute of America. It is one step away from being graded as “internally flawless” under the GIA scale. The chemical that creates the blue in diamonds is boron, which this gem has.

The diamond is set on a platinum and rose gold ring surrounded by vivid pink and colorless diamonds.

Fewer than 0.3 percent of all colored diamonds graded by GIA were predominately blue. Gem expert and dealer Robert Procop, also the co-designer of Style of Jolie jewels with Angelina Jolie, knows as much as anyone when it comes to the rarity and historical significance of these gems.

“Blue diamonds are rarely discovered and only a few have been found over centuries of mining, making it one of the rarest gems of the world,” he said. “(They) have also been the most gifted by royalty and historical figures making them the most mysterious and precious of jewels. I rarely see a blue diamond that I do not admire.”

Large fancy blue diamonds have been sold for record-breaking figures at auctions and other sales, several have had illustrious provenance through its mine origins and ownership throughout centuries. The most famous blue is the Hope Diamond, last purchased by famed luxury jeweler, Harry Winston, who donated it to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1958.

The asking price for the “Royal Blue” ring is more than $924,500 per carat, which seems a bit steep, particularly since it has no known provenance. However, it is only about half of the per-carat price of a 5.30 blue diamond purchased by another famed jeweler, Laurence Graff, at a Bonhams auction in London in April 2013. The final price was $9.6 million or $1.8 million per carat.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

SLEEK SEXY SUNGLASSES | PRADA F/W 2013

Sleek, sexy sunglasses... I'd expect nothing less from Prada. The squared tort style in the first shot and the thick cat-eyes in the last, are my favorite from the F/W 2013 eyewear collection.

EASY CHIC | CÉLINE GOLD PLATED OXFORDS

Photos via: Jordan Makarof // Style Heroine

Uh yea, Evangelie is killing it in this easy chic look. I was already crushing on those Céline gold plated oxfords, but she just made me fall even more for them- now that is a statement shoe.

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NAIL ART INSPIRATION: LEOPARD PRINT PINK

Photo via: Burkatron

How cute are Caroline Burke's leopard print pink nails? Make sure to check out her blog for other great nail art inspiration, including these bright graffiti splatter nails.

GÉRALDINE SAGLIO | T-SHIRT + SKIRT

Photo via: Dana Paun // The Color Stalker

Géraldine Saglio in another of her signature effortless Parisian chic looks. This isn't the first time she's rocked a t-shirt and skirt combo- check out two of her other takes, here and here.

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PLAID + JEWELS

I was browsing Pinterest yesterday and came across this J.Crew look from their September style guide. Love the low bun, the chic round sunglasses and the fun mix between the blue plaid shirt and jeweled cashmere sweater.

Get the look...
+ Cutler and Gross 0734 sunglasses
+ J.Crew Acropolis Blue Plaid Flannel Shirt
+ J.Crew Collection Cashmere Jeweled-Shoulder Sweater

I would complete the look with a pair of white MiH jeans and classic Jenni Kayne d'orsay flats.

Lev Leviev Wants His Jewelry Returned

Platinum necklace with 41 square emerald cut diamonds, 73.64 ctw. Photo credit; Jewelers' Security Alliance and SW Associates

Images of several luxury jewelry pieces stolen from a Cannes hotel are now available for view. The items were taken July 28 in a brazen daylight robbery at the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel, the center of life in the luxury resort city. The value of the jewelry stolen, first estimated at $53 million, was upgraded to $136 million, making it the largest jewelry theft in France and one of the largest in the world. 

55.38-carat flawless emerald-cut diamond ring flanked by two tapered baguette diamonds mounted on platinum. Photo credit: Jewelers' Security Alliance and SW Associates

The photographs of the 30 jewelry items are now available on Forbes.com
 

The diamonds used to create this necklace include: A 6.52-carat pear shaped radiant drop, 15 radiant-cut fancy, vivid yellow diamonds (12.38ctw), with oval, pear-shaped and marquises (37.73ctw), accented with 12 baguettes (0.23ctw) mounted on platinum and yellow gold. Photo credit: Jewelers' Security Alliance and SW Associates

SW Associates, a Paris-based loss adjuster and risk manager working for Lloyd's of London, is offering a million-euro reward ($1.34 million) “to the first person who provides information which leads to recovery of the goods." 

Earrings featuring 14 oval sapphires (18.01ctw), eight marquise-shaped diamonds (4.64ctw), carre-cut diamonds (3.81ctw), round brilliant diamonds (3.90ctw) on platinum and 18k white gold. Photo credit: Jewelers' Security Alliance and SW Associates

Pictures of the jewelry were released publicly Tuesday on the Roskin Gem News Report, a blog owned and operated by gemologist and gem writer, Gary Roskin. It is accompanied by story written by veteran jewelry and watch writer, William George Shuster. The photographs were originally posted on the Jewelers' Security Alliance website. 

11.4-carat fancy, intense, blue, oval diamond on a ring surrounded by pink and colorless melee set on platinum and 18k rose gold. Photo credit: Jewelers' Security Alliance and SW Associates

 
All of the jewelry belonged to the Leviev diamond company, owned by billionaire diamond merchant, Lev Leviev. The hotel was showcasing a temporary exhibit of Leviev jewelry. 

Necklace with a 3.27 Trapezoid-shaped diamond, a 1.02-carat vivid yellow trapezoid diamond and a 1.59-shield-shaped diamond with emerald and diamond beads throughout (110.00ctw). Photo credit: Jewelers' Security Alliance and SW Associates

 
The photographs of up to 36 of the jewelry pieces stolen will soon be available on this page as well. The jewelry in the photographs includes many high-karat, internally flawless colorless diamonds along with large pink and yellow diamonds, and emeralds and sapphires, set in platinum and 18k gold. 

6.17-carat oval-shaped light-pink diamond on a ring surrounded by diamond melee and set on 18k pink gold and platinum. Photo credit: Jewelers' Security Alliance and SW Associates

Reports estimate that 72 pieces (including rings, pendants and earrings) were stolen, with 34 items considered “exceptional.” The thief lost some of the jewelry while fleeing. 

23 pear-shaped diamonds (14.18ctw) 128 round brilliant diamonds (28.65ctw) set in platinum.
29.04-carat sapphire on a ring accented with round brilliant-cut diamonds (2.08ctw). Photo credit: Jewelers' Security Alliance and SW Associates

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

13.22-carat fancy deep brownish, greenish, yellow diamond ring flanked by two bullet-cut diamonds and set in 18k yellow gold and platinum. Photo credit: Jewelers' Security Alliance and SW Associates

FOOT CANDY: NASTY GAL | SHOE CULT

Nasty Gal's Shoe Cult launches today and I spy some serious foot candy. So many beauties to choose from. I've got my eyes on the strappy red pumps in the first shot and the cut-out black ankle strap boots in the last- They need to get in my closet, stat!