STREET STYLE: VINTAGE HIGH-WAIST JEANS | PARIS FASHION WEEK

Photos via: Collage Vintage | Stockholm Streetstyle | Style.com

Stylist Chiara Totire and models Camille Rowe and Daria Werbowy in one of my favorite street style trends from Paris Fashion Week- vintage high-waist jeans.

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Only Watch Charity Timepiece Auction Raises $6.85 Million

The fifth edition of the biennial Only Watch auction held September 28 at the Hermitage Hotel in Monaco raised a record of more than 5 million euros (more than $6.85 million), with all proceeds benefiting research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 

You can view all the watches from the auction by following this link.

The auction, part of the Monaco Yacht Show, attracted competitive bidding from China, Belgium, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, the United States, Monaco and many other parts of the world, according to the statement from Antiquorum Auctioneers, one of the event organizers. The other organizers were Association Monegasque Contre les Myopathies, the Monaco Yacht Show and the 33 watch brands who created one-of-a-kind timepieces for the event. Also up for bid was a selection of 14 vintage champagne bottles from Lanson. 

Participating watch brands were: Backes & Strauss, Bell & Ross, Blancpain, Breguet, Chanel, Chopard, Chronoswiss, Christophe Claret, Corum, Cyrus, deLaCour, De Bethune, DeWitt, Frédérique Constant, Girard Perregaux, Harry Winston, Hublot, Ikepod, Jaquet Droz, Julien Coudray, Laurent Ferrier, Louis Vuitton, Maurice Lacroix, Montblanc,  Patek Philippe, Piaget, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Armin Strom, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels and Zenith.

The auction was preceded with a worldwide preview that made stops in Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, New York City, Geneva and finally at the world renowned Monaco Yacht  Show.

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INSTA LOOKS | PART 1

+ Theory sweater | Elizabeth and James sunglasses | Proenza Schouler case | Valentino heels | Mother denim


+ Genevieve Jones Safety Pin Earrings


+ T by Alexander Wang tee | E&J sunglasses | CCSkye bracelet | Michael Kors watch | Zara flats | Asos jeans


+ Oasis blazer | Gorjana necklace | Rodarte 'Radarte' tee


+ COS sweater | Céline sunglasses | Pamela Love Necklace | Joie flats | AG Jeans


+ Gorjana star bracelet


+ Zara sweater | E&J sunglasses | Luv AJ earrings | Proenza Schouler case | Jenni Kayne flats | Vince pants

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Some of my recent looks on Instagram- Follow me there for a glimpse at my personal style.

SILVER LINING

1. Sass & Bide Nobody's Joker Foil-Print Turtleneck Sweater
2. Ray-Ban Outsiders Oversized Wayfarer Sunglasses
3. Rebecca Minkoff Pave Curved Earrings
4. Topshop Animal Chain Box Bag
5. Helmut by Helmut Lang Skinny Legging Jeans
6. Michael Kors Brookton Watch
7. Iosselliani Set of 7 Rings
8. Alexander Wang Anouck Chelsea Booties with Tonal Hardware

Found: Long Lost Gems From Plane Crash on Mont Blanc

A French mountain climber scaling Mont Blanc came upon gems worth approximately $333,000, according to reports in The Guardian and other publications.

The precious stones almost certainly belonged to someone on one of two Air India flights that crashed into the famous mountain in 1950 and 1996, according to the reports. A total of 165 people were killed in those two crashes.

The gems, around 100, were found neatly packed in bags that were marked, “Made in India,” according to The Guardian report. The mountain climber immediately turned the stones over to local French authorities.

At 15,781 feet, Mont Blanc, which borders France and Italy, is the highest mountain in the Alps and the European Union. The summit is ascended by an average 20,000 mountaineer-tourists each year. 

A special thank you to independent jewelry designer, Etienne Perret, for altering me to this story.

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BLACK / WHITE / ARMY GREEN

Photos via: Polienne | Vanessa Jackman

Loving the black, white and army green mix on Paulien and Daiane- Perfect for fall.

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New Italian Jewelry Designs from VicenzaOro

The subtle differences of the two tones of gold color and the texture of the precious metal are the hallmarks of Anna Maria Cammilli. The simplicity of this nature-inspired motif is used throughout the collection in complicated ways. Diamond accents enhance the design.

The recently concluded VicenzaOro Fall jewelry tradeshow may have marked a turning point for the Italian jewelry industry, which has been suffering due to the global recession, the spike in gold prices and high labor costs.

The butterfly from Damiani uses yellow gold accented by brown and white diamonds, and amethysts. Each butterfly is made with a variety of material combinations and can be worn as a pendant, brooch or set onto a ring.

At this year’s show, held September 7 -11, approximately, 1,200 Italian and foreign brands from 30 countries presented a breadth of jewelry products to more than 18,000 buyers (10,879 from Italy and 7,160 from 111 other countries).

18k yellow gold cuff with diamond pavé accent by Chimento.

Show officials were particularly excited about the “return” of some Italian retailers, seeing it as “an encouraging sign considering the much-desired end of the most critical phase of the recession.”

A silver star-shaped ring with a white pearl by Mayumi.

The show numbers coincide with data from the Italian government reporting second quarter growth for Italian jewelry exports, after two years of decline. Growth was recorded in terms of value (6%) and quantity (2.6%) over the same period of the previous year. Exports to the US, the world’s largest jewelry market, increased 12 percent in value in the second quarter.

From Fope’s Flex’it collection, patented ‘roll on’ mesh chain bracelets are crafted in 18k gold and fully flexible, without clasps. The Niue line is designed with a refined version of the classic gold mesh, enriched with black or white diamonds, multiple rondels and limited edition pink sapphire or gold cognac diamond balls.

“Among the industry players there is an atmosphere of moderate confidence,” show officials said.

Rose gold bracelet in a flowing design partially covered with white diamond pave by I Gregori Milano.

VicenzaOro, held four times a year, serves as a showcase of beautiful objects that combine artistry, international fashion trends and technical knowhow. Italian fine jewelry in terms of design and craftsmanship is unparalleled in the world of jewelry making. On this level, the show did not disappoint.

Inspired by the Boboli Gardens this collection of handmade jewellery by Nouvelle Bague uses in gold and diamonds, combined with colored enamel.

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

Rings from Porrati with white pearls and rose gold; with pink sapphires set on rose gold; a rose gold ring; and a thin rose gold band set with pink sapphires.

 

I added a piece from Brazilian designer Carla Amorim who was inspired by the formation of sand dunes for these rose gold earrings.

ROMANTIC EDGE | WES GORDON S/S 2014

Photos via: Style.com

The Wes Gordon S/S 2014 show was one of my favorites from NYFW. All of the looks had a romantic edge, especially the first look. Obsessed with the satin rose-colored coat, the black midi lace skirt and strappy black patent sandals.

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Sotheby’s To Sell ‘Most Valuable Diamond Ever to be Offered at Auction’

The 59.60 carat Pink Star may fetch $60 million.

Sotheby’s Geneva will offer a 59.60-carat internally flawless vivid pink diamond at its Magnificent Jewels sale on November 13. Known as The Pink Star, the auction house says it is the most valuable diamond ever to be offered at auction. It is estimated to sell for more than $60 million. For those counting that’s more than $1 million per carat.

The oval cut gem is the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond that the Gemological Institute of America has ever graded, the auction house said.

David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Division in Europe and the Middle East and chairman of Sotheby’s Switzerland, said the diamond is one of the most important gems he has ever seen in his 35-year career.
 

“Its exceptional richness of color … combined with its extraordinary size, are characteristics that surpass those of any known pink diamond in state, royal, or private collections,” he said. “It is difficult to exaggerate the rarity of vivid pink diamonds weighing only five carats, so this 59.60 carat stone is simply off any scale, and passes, I believe, into the ranks of the earth’s greatest natural treasures.”

The diamond is also graded as Type IIa, rare for a pink diamond of this size and color. Cut over a period of two years, The Pink Star is still more than twice the size of the Graff Pink—a 24.78-carat fancy intense pink diamond that established a world auction record for a diamond and any gemstone or jewel at $46.2 million, at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2010.

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

STRIPES + SPOTS | MIH JEANS

Major crush on these two shirts from MIH Jeans. The stripe button down with the open back is classic, yet the unexpected detail in the back gives it a sexy touch. The shirt with painted spots is one of my favorites this fall. The whimsical print was created by one of my favorite illustrators and stylists- Bernadette Pascua. You can find this shirt here, here and here.

Gemvara Names Janet Holian CEO

Janet Holian

Gemvara, an online retailer of customizable fine jewelry, said Tuesday that it has extended Janet Holian’s role as interim CEO to a permanent position.

In Holian’s permanent role as CEO, “she will focus on distinguishing the Gemvara brand and seeing out founder Matt Lauzon’s vision to show consumers that jewelry customization leads to pieces that are uniquely personal and valued,” the company said in a statement.

The company added that Lauzon, "knew from the start of their professional relationship that she was the best person to lead the burgeoning jewelry company."

Prior to joining Gemvara in 2011, Holian spent 11 years at Vistaprint as president of the company’s European business, executive VP and chief marketing officer of Vistaprint USA, and various marketing roles for the corporation since being hired in 2000. 

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

Frederic Cumenal Named President of Tiffany & Co.

Frederic Cumenal

Tiffany & Co. said Tuesday that it has named Frederic Cumenal as president and also appointed him to a newly-created seat on the company’s board of directors.

Cumenal, who was executive vice president responsible for international retail, joined the luxury retail jeweler in March 2011 as executive vice president with oversight for the Asia-Pacific, Japan, Europe and emerging markets. In 2012, the Americas region was added.

Prior to joining Tiffany he held senior leadership positions at LVMH Group, most recently as president and chief executive officer of Moët & Chandon.

“Frederic has made important contributions to the operational and strategic development of our business,” said Michael J. Kowalski, Tiffany chairman and CEO. “He has brought a global luxury perspective to our brand management initiatives and, in particular, has led the evolution of our regional organizations to support our continued worldwide expansion.”

In his new role, Cumenal, 54, will retain his regional responsibilities and will assume responsibility for Tiffany’s  design, merchandising and marketing functions. He will continue to report directly to Kowalski.

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

Haute Jewelry On Display at About J Jewelry Show

Unique Cobra necklace by Roberto Coin made of white gold with colorless and black diamonds, blue sapphires and rubies.

It was hard to tell that the About J jewelry show was an exclusive event. Buyers were constantly filling the booths of the 34 selected brands, making it a little difficult for me to spend time with exhibitors.

Nodo cuff by Vendorafa in 18k hammered gold with diamond accents. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Most vendors reported good sales and at least strong interest for their products. Buyers will often use this show for intimate conversations with vendors before placing their orders at VicenzaOro Fall, which immediately followed About J.
 

The Couture Paradis earrings from SHO are made of platinum and 18k rose gold with brilliant cut diamonds and conch pearls. Founded by Macau native and London resident, Sarah Ho, she produces jewelry that reflects her life and experiences.

This international haute couture jewelry show combines luxury and fashion with art and design. It is likely the most exclusive jewelry tradeshow in the world. A total of 197 invited buyers from 39 countries attended this year’s event, held September 4 – 7, in Venice, Italy, a jewel of a city.
 

The Plié collection by Luca Carati allows the same jewel to be worn in three distinct ways as the three pictures demonstrate. This piece is shown first as a flower made of black rhodium gold and sapphires. It is then turned over to the opposite where the same flower shape is now made of yellow gold with white and yellow diamonds. Finally, the shape of the piece changes completely using all of the materials, brown gold, yellow gold, diamonds and sapphires. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

I did manage to see most of the exhibitors and despite being so few there was a great deal of variety in artistic and finely crafted items on display. They included hand-made gold pieces from Vendorafa, the colorful creations of Casato Roma, the distinct and versatile pieces of Luca Carati, the personal objects of Sarah Oh, and the colorful and whimsy animal shapes of Roberto Coin.

Delicate 18k rose gold bracelet by Casato Roma with champagne and white diamonds.

A few of the brands focused on high-end pearl pieces and there was even jewelry for men. There’s a lot of optimism this year in the jewelry industry and the vendors at this show were certainly eager to put their highly creative pieces out in front.

Pair of diamond earrings by Sutra Jewels in rose cut blue sapphires and faceted rose cut diamonds.

This story contains photos of just some of the product highlights, where just about every brand featured the best of their best.

Unique bracelet by Utopia made of 18k white gold Gold with diamonds, moonstones, multicolor Tahitian pearls.

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18k white gold ring paved with white diamonds with enamel details inside the band Marco Valente Design.

Titanium men's rings with gold and diamond accents by Zancan.