Luxist

Michelle Trachtenberg Designs For Coach

Deidre Woollard — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST

This has been a big week for celebrity jewelry lines. We've seen Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt announce a line with Asprey, Alica Keys has a new line and now actress Michelle Trachtenberg has designed a line of jewelry for Coach's youth skewed Poppy Line. Trachtenberg's line in bright and colorful with big crystals, faux pearls and metal charms. Our sister blog Styelist spoke with Trachtenberg who said that her spring line was inspired by a mixture of romance and edginess that she described as having a very "Marie Antoinette meets Blondie" vibe.

Michelle Trachtenberg Designs For Coach originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Digit Watch # 27 Ring For Men Or Women

Ariel Adams — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces

Watches in rings have been done before, but not quite like this. This is a new approach and quite interesting. The Digit Watch is design to appeal to both men and women, and given its high level of customization - the company can make one for you. Produced in London, the Digit Watch takes existing mechanical watch movements from major luxury watch brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Blancpain, and others (buyer can choose), and places them inside of an 18k white gold ring with an Aquamarine jewel face, decorated with 142 diamonds. The ring has a watch face on it, and a crown for winding and setting the movement.

The concept is nifty for women who want something different, and as a second timepiece on ones hand for men who want the bling of a pinky ring. That rhymed... "Yo, look at my ring... I'm talking here!" I like who the movement is actually special and often a bit unique. It would have been easier to just put in a quartz movement, but that is not what the designer wanted to do. You can see in the image gallery who the small 17 jewel manually wound movements are inserted into the watch. An interesting idea and available starting at about 8,000 British pounds.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Digit watch

Digit Watch # 27 Ring For Men Or Women originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Billionaire Johann Rupert New CEO Of Richemont Group

Ariel Adams — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces, Wealth

Frequent among the Forbes Magazine list of world's richest people, South African native Johann Rupert has been appointed the new CEO of the Richemont Group, who is owns a bevy of world-class watch and jewelry labels. Among these are Cartier, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and A. Lange & Sohne. It is unclear to me why Richemont Group's previous CEO left (sources say he retired), but with Rupert's history in the luxury realm, as well as charismatic personality, he seems like a good fit. Plus, he is wealthy enough to afford his company's own products.

One thing that Rupert made clear, is important for the company's future. Unlike the recent increase of detailed oversight of the brands under the Richemont umbrella, Rupert has indicated that he desires autonomy for the group brands. This is one of the major reasons we saw a rash of CEO resignations from Richemont brands (such as A. Lange & Sohne and Baume & Mercier). Hopefully Rupert is aware of the fact that micromanaging didn't do anyone any good, ever.

Rupert is not exactly a self-made man, but has done well with the incredible wealth that he inherited. His business record is quite impressive. It is well known in the watch industry that times are tough for luxury items. Richemont Group and main competitor Swatch Group have been hit hard, so it will be interesting to see their plans for recovery over the next few years.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Billionaire Johann Rupert New CEO Of Richemont Group originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Green Diamond Sets World Record

Deidre Woollard — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry

Natural colored diamonds and other colored stones did very well at the Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels" sale in Geneva this week. The Roxburghe Rubies, a parure of a ruby and diamond necklace and earrings brought $5.77 million, five times the set's estimated price. A rare 2.52 carat vivid green diamond sold for $3.08 million. It was the largest vivid-green diamond ever to appear at auction and the sale set a new world-record price per carat for a green diamond at auction. Swiss jeweler Chatila paid $2.52 million for a 3.17-carat fancy intense blue diamond which set a new world-record price per carat for an intense blue diamond sold at auction. Chatila also paid $3.13 million for a 74.8-carat fancy vivid-yellow diamond ring. The sale brought in $36.68 million putting it safely above the pre-sale low estimate of $29.5 million. A total of 79 percent of the lots up for sale sold.

Green Diamond Sets World Record originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Color for Christmas, Lola Jewelry

Deidre Woollard — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry

LOLA Jewelry gets its name from Lots of Little Accessories, a nod to the undeniable desire to pick up a handful of tempting gems. This is a jewelry line that really celebrates color in the form of tourmalines, sapphires, beryls and many other beautiful gemstones. The brand is the creation of creation of Stacey Vance and her partner Kim Wilson and is based is based in Dallas, Texas. Jewelry from the LOLA collection is crafted out of 18k yellow gold, 14k white gold or platinum, and piece start around $400 but go much higher. Custom designs are also available.

Luxist asked Stacey Vance about which colored gemstones are most popular. She says that sapphires remain the most popular but that what many people might not know is that sapphires come in many colors beyond deep blue. The necklace above, which is made of sapphire and ruby briolettes, shows just some of the colors this stone can come in.

For those who are unsure about purchasing colored stones, Vance says that while the internet is a great research tool its important to be able to trust your jeweler. She says that at LOLA she likes to have a personal relationship with customers so that she can advice pieces for their particular wants/needs and budget. As she puts it: "once you buy a piece of LOLA Jewelry, I consider you part of the family - even if it's a one-time purchase. Whether it's an engagement ring, a new mother's gift, or a pair of exquisite earrings to show someone how you feel about them, I love being part of life's special occasions; it makes every piece wonderful and exciting!"

Gallery: Lola Jewelry

Color for Christmas, Lola Jewelry originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alicia Keys Creates Inspirational Necklace For Keep A Child Alive

Deidre Woollard — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Charity

We've written about Alicia Keys's charity work with Keep A Child Alive before so its no surprise that one of the core pieces in her new jewelry line is devoted to the cause. Keys is launching a new jewelry line, The Barber's Daughters, with jeweler Gisèle Theriault. The collection will be displayed at a pop-up shop at the Collette Blanchard Gallery in New York City on November 23 and 24. The inspirational jewelry line features precious metals inscribed with poetry, prayers and other words.

The special design for Keep A Child Alive is a sterling silver double tablet necklace on an oxidized rope chain features the Gandhi quote which says: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." The design is inspired by ancient Inukshuk rock sculptures used to alert others they were on the right path. The necklace sells for $295 and Keep A Child Alive receives $100 from each one.

Alicia Keys Creates Inspirational Necklace For Keep A Child Alive originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McTeigue & McClelland Designs Necklace to Help Afghan Children

Carrie Coolidge — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Charity

A necklace may be the key to a child's future in war-torn Afghanistan.

Indeed, McTeigue & McClelland, a New York-based jeweler with roots dating back to 1895, has designed a necklace, called "The Ariana Necklace," with all of the proceeds donated to the Rebuilding Afghanistan Foundation. The foundation is a U.S.-based 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to bringing education to Afghan children by building schools and developing educational programs in Afghanistan. The proceeds from each necklace will provide enough funds to educate three Afghan children for one year at the foundation's Mayor Elementary School in the province of Wardak, Afghanistan.

The butterfly design was inspired by the Micropsyche Ariana species, which is the smallest butterfly in the world. The butterfly is unique to Afghanistan while its name translates to "tiny souls of Afghanistan." The pendant measures 1.5" in length and 1" in width and comes with an 18" sterling silver chain.

McTeigue & McClelland handcrafted the necklace in sterling silver. It will retail for $250 and is available by placing an order at http://www.rebuildafghanistan.org. The necklace is available for a limited time only.

McTeigue & McClelland Designs Necklace to Help Afghan Children originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt To Design For Asprey

Deidre Woollard — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Charity, Celebrity Design

Can two of the hottest stars in the world pep up an esteemed but faltering British jewelry line? WWD announced that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have created a capsule collection of gold jewelry and silver snake-themed accessories called The Protector. The collection was conceived and designed by Pitt and Jolie and will go on sale at Asprey stores in London, New York, Beverly Hills, Tokyo and Dubai later this week. All net proceeds from the pieces, which include a serpent-handled baby spoon for $525, will benefit Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, a nonprofit Jolie cofounded in 2006. Jolie, who is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency, has a deep interest in aiding young victims of war, conflict and natural disasters.

Brad Pitt has designed pieces for Damiani when he was married to Jennifer Aniston. Jolie has worn Asprey on the red carpet before and both Jolie and Pitt have also commissioned pieces privately from Asprey. WWD has a gallery of the pieces which include silver baby gifts, pendants and rings features micropavé diamonds and gemstones.

As WWD mentions, the collection should bring some attention to Asprey, which has been struggling to find its niche lately. Last year the brand decided to narrow down its offerings and to focus on bridal and high-end jewelry. In September after Hermes bought out the Asprey store on Bond Street in London rumors swirled that Hermes might buy the entire Asprey business. Asprey had two consecutive loss-making years with sales dropping from £17 million to £13 million but the tremendous star power of Brangelina might mean happy days are here again for the brand.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt To Design For Asprey originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Evening Star Crowns Important Collector's Jewelry Sale

Deidre Woollard — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions

You have to be a very important collector to get your own sale at Christie's. Most collections are amassed into larger sales but a single owner collection of 10 jewels is set for December 10, is set for the same day as the New York Jewels sale at Christie's New York. This smaller sale features some big stones. The most important is the "Evening Star" diamond, a pear-shaped, 39-carat, D-color diamond mounted in a platinum pendant. This stone is a type IIa diamond the type which was found in India's famous ancient Golconda mines. It is certified to be VVS1 clarity and is accompanied by a working diagram indicating that the clarity may be potentially internally flawless.

The Evening Star alone is estimated at $3.6 million to $5.5 million. The name comes from the owner's habit of wearing the stone to evening galas. She wore the stone suspended from a diamond necklace that consisted of 68 graduated pear-shaped diamonds. That necklace is also for sale with an estimated value of $400,000 to $600,000. And to complete the parure you can pick up the matching pair of diamond ear pendants with two pear-shaped, D-color diamonds of 10.21 and 10.51 carats. The earrings which are also type IIa stones are estimated to bring in $1.7 million to $2.5 million.

Other diamond pieces in the sale include a diamond bracelet by Van Cleef and Arpels and a 36.78-carat, rectangular-cut, D-color, internally flawless diamond ring mounted in platinum with an estimated value of between $2.75 million and $3.5 million. If diamonds aren't your favorite you can bid on an a rare color-change alexandrite ring. The 3.6 carat stone show teal in daylight and purple in incandescent light.

[via National Jeweler]

Evening Star Crowns Important Collector's Jewelry Sale originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stock up on Jewelry: Hyperinflation on the Way

Tom Johansmeyer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Lux Tips

If the fears of hyperinflation are realized, you'll look back with pride on your luxury purchases. All that money you've sunk into custom jewelry and top-of-the-line stones will make you look like an absolute genius. Well, that's the position of South African billionaire Johann Rupert, and I'd take the advice of a guy who can be described that way.

According to Bloomberg News, the told investors, "If we enter hyperinflation, you're going to be so glad that you bought that stuff two months or six months ago." He added, "If inflation picks up, you're going to see people running into your stores, buying high jewelry."

Will inflation cause a mob to form outside the Cartier store on Fifth Avenue? Well, I don't think I'd worry too much about the pushing and shoving, but being ready to throw an elbow probably isn't a bad idea.

Of course, Rupert has something to gain - his company, Richemont, is the world's second largest luxury goods maker (behind LVMH). In his talk with investors in the company controlled by his family, he forecasted "normal growth" with luxury sales showing signs of recovery this month and next.

Continue reading Stock up on Jewelry: Hyperinflation on the Way

Stock up on Jewelry: Hyperinflation on the Way originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maya Brenner State Necklaces

Deidre Woollard — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Celebrity Shopping

Love your state? Maya Brenner's state necklaces are a unique way to show your love for your home turf or maybe the place you'd most like to be. The necklaces are hung on 16-inch 14K gold chains and show the outline of the state. For a little personalization you can add a small diamond mounted anywhere along the outline. The pieces are available in 14K gold or sterling silver, with or without the small diamond. The Texas necklace shown at right sells for $300 and is a favorite with Texas natives Eva Longoria Parker and Jessica Simpson.

Maya Brenner State Necklaces originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kwiat Buys Fred Leighton

Deidre Woollard — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry

If you've ever seen celebrities on the red carpet at one of the major awards shows you've probably seen Fred Leighton jewels. The estate jeweler routinely outfits many top stars with glittering jewelry for special occasions. It's been a tough year for the jeweler, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2008 but now rescue comes from diamond jewelry brand Kwiat. National Jeweler reports that Kwiat Enterprises, LLC and two other partners have purchased the assets of Fred Leighton in a $25.8 million deal.

Kwiat will take over the Fred Leighton business, including its boutiques in New York City and Las Vegas, continuing to run them under the Fred Leighton name. Kwiat's other partners are Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC--partnering as FL Acquisitions LLC and FOF Inventory Holding, which consists of four estate and jewelry dealers including Windsor Jewelers, Robert Sadian and Mark Emanuel of European Arts and Antiques, Sima Ghadamian of Sima G. Ltd., and Moonbeam Consulting, whose principal is the company's original founder Fred Leighton.

Greg Kwiat, who will be chief executive officer of Fred Leighton, told National Jeweler that he see Fred Leighton as a "very complementary acquisition for Kwiat." After all both brands court the favor of Hollywood stars and both have retail stores on Madison Avenue in New York City and in Las Vegas. Kwiat hopes to boost Fred Leighton's retail presence and its wholesale presence in fine department stores and independent jewelers.

Jewelry collector and Fred Leighton owner Ralph Esmerian who filed the bankruptcy petition, bought Fred Leighton for $100 million in 2006 using a $178 million loan from Merrill Lynch and Co. Last year he planned a Christie's auction to recoup some of the brand's outstanding debt claims. Esmerian relinquished control of the company to a restructuring officer in January 2009 and earlier this month a bankruptcy judge signed an order that authorized the sale to Kwiat and the other two companies of Fred Leighton's assets, free and clear of all liens, claims, interests and encumbrances. The company's main creditor, Merrill Lynch will be the first beneficiary of the proceeds of the sale. In a press release issued by the company, Fred Leighton himself expressed enthusiasm that the Fred Leighton Madison Avenue store will continue to remain a New York landmark and that the brand "will continue to be the preeminent antique jeweler in the world."

Kwiat Buys Fred Leighton originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bvlgari Save The Children Auction At Christie's

Deidre Woollard — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions, Charity

Bvlgari's work with Save the Children takes center stage at Christie's New York during a special auction to benefit the Rewrite the Future campaign. The campaign has a mission of providing quality education for 8 million children living in conflict-affected areas. To celebrate their 125 year anniversary, Bvlgari will auction an extraordinary collection of 11 one-of- a-kind jewelry creations and 7 limited edition timepieces. The jewels' overall value is estimated at around $4 million and all proceeds will be donated the campaign.

The collection was officially presented to the public on May 20, 2009 at a private celebration inaugurating Bulgari's first-ever retrospective museum exhibition at the prestigious Il Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. From June until November 2009 the collection will tour the world's greatest cities, where they will be presented at a series of high-profile events. The international tour will culminate with the New York auction in December when the pieces will be sold at Christie's.

You can also still participate in this important campaign by buying the Bvlgari Save the Children ring which is on sale until the end of the year.

Gallery: Bulgari Save The Children Auction

Bvlgari Save The Children Auction At Christie's originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most Expensive Christmas Ornament Valued At Over $130,000

Deb West — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Decor, Jewelry

In England, specifically Titchfield, Hampshire a small family jeweler has taken it upon themselves to create the most expensive Christmas ornament in the world.

According to Mark Hussey as reported in the Telegraph, a partner in Hallmark Jewellers he had a vision about making something special and had done some research into the priciest ornaments currently available. He had been working on the piece for almost a full year starting just after Boxing Day 2008, which is traditionally the day after Christmas. Even though they would love to find a buyer for the fabulous piece he did mention that he wouldn't mind finding this special ornament on his own tree come Christmas Eve.

The ornament itself is composed of 18 carat white gold and is studded with over one and half thousand diamonds. Two rings consisting of 188 red rubies surround the body of the ornament. It took over 130 hours just to set the gems in the piece. The National Association of Goldsmiths independently valued the bauble at 82,000 British pounds which depending on the exchange rate is just over $130,000. All of this hard work and expensive gemstones are not going unprotected. In something out of a James Bond movie the decorative ornament is encased in a special container framed in steel an 6mm thick laminated glass. If the alarm is triggered a internal signal will fill the shop with smoke.

Will the name Hallmark become associated with Christmas the way Faberge is permanently linked to gorgeously designed and bejeweled Easter eggs? Only time will tell, but if you'd like a very splashy ornament for your tree you know where to look.

Most Expensive Christmas Ornament Valued At Over $130,000 originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cara Couture's Pretty Headbands, With Crystals and Pearls

Lisa Palladino — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry

I wrote about headbands once before on Luxist, and didn't expect to again. But then I found these pretty accessories at Henri Bendel and thought they'd be nice for a holiday or New Year's fete. Cara Couture's Satin & Crystal Headbands feature offset crystal and pearl adornments and come in four colors: gray, $88; red, $78; black, $88; and purple, $118.

Cara Couture's Pretty Headbands, With Crystals and Pearls originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Felix Rey "Bling" Travel Jewelry Case

Lisa Palladino — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Journeys

When I was a child, my Aunt Jean gave me one of the best gifts I ever received -- a travel jewelry case. It wasn't kiddie-ish, and I use it to this day to keep my jewelry clean, safe, and uncluttered when I'm away from home. Need a gift idea of your own? Felix Rey makes a travel jewelry case with a bit of glam. The "Bling" Travel Jewelry Case is a zip-around case with four compartments and a mirror. It has "bling" printed on one side and a smiley face on the other and is made of nylon with brass hardware. It's 3.5 inches deep and the compartments are approximately 1 inch deep. $90

Gallery: Felix Rey "Bling" Travel Jewelry Case

Felix Rey "Bling" Travel Jewelry Case originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeweler Wendy Brandes To Open NYC Pop-Up Store

Deidre Woollard — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry

A little shopping inspiration can be found in New York City when jewelry designer and fashion blogger Wendy Brandes will open a popup store in the West Village for two days this holiday season. The Wendy Brandes popup store will be open on November 20th and 21st from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at 48 Greenwich Avenue near Perry Street. Wendy will be on hand both days to showcase her detailed handcrafted pieces. Hear straight from Wendy about the rich and witty inspirations for each unique piece. In addition to being a talented designer Brandes has an abiding love of history which manifests in unique pieces like a tiny sarcophagus that opens to reveal a mummy with diamond eyes or her popular poison rings which have secret compartments. Her collections have been inspired by a variety of historical figures including an Anglo-Saxon Queen, an Empress of Rome and the Queen of Scots.

The Wendy Brandes Popup Store will also have styles from her friend Zang Toi's collection available for shoppers interested in clothing to go along with their jewels. Zang Toi established the "House of Toi" collection in New York in 1989, and was awarded the 1990 Mouton Cadet Young Designer of the Year award, which recognizes the top young US designer of the year. Over the years, his design has evolved from the bright and decadent of the 1990s to the timeless yet modern lines of the turn of the country.

Jeweler Wendy Brandes To Open NYC Pop-Up Store originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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True Blood Jewelry Designer Wants to be a Vampire - Exclusive Interview

Annie Scott — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry

The hit HBO vampire series True Blood has a terrific new collection of modern goth jewelry designed by Udi Behr (right), the Chief Designer for Love Peace and Hope. We attended the launch party for the fierce new True Blood line and chatted with Behr himself about all things jewelry and vampires. Read the interview to find out why Udi Behr wants to be a vampire, and then check out the gallery of the sexy bling True Blood inspired.

Luxist: Do you like True Blood?

Udi Behr: I love True Blood! I don't do anything I don't love.

L: What's your background? Where are you from?

UB: My background is very confusing. My father is Dutch, my mother is English, and they met in Israel, so I was born and raised in Israel. I moved to New York 26 years ago on Halloween Day.

L: Perfect.

UB: My first night in New York was the Village on Halloween night.

L: How old were you?

UB: I was 23.

L: Oh my gosh, that must have been the best night of your life.

UB: Exactly -- if you ask me what happened, this is all because of that first night in New York. I blame it all on the first night in New York! I live near the village today, and I still remember what I saw 26 years ago, but I don't remember what I saw last year.

L: So your True Blood designs are based around the infinity symbol?

UB: The infinity symbol and two fangs that link into it. If you look at my line, a couple of the specific iconic shapes are teardrops of blood with rubies, I'm doing the 8, eternity, and the chains. I use either leather or stainless steel, because vampires get very damaged if they wear silver, so, just in case Louisiana vampires or Texas vampires want to buy jewelry, tada! They can!

L: So, there's no silver in the collection?

UB: The rings are silver, and the earrings are silver.

L: So the vampires should shy away from those.

UB: Yes -- but there are people who want to protect themselves from vampires, too. Not all vampires are great. But, on a serious note, it's hard to manipulate stainless steel in rings, so all the rings and earrings are silver, and all the chains are stainless steel or leather.

L: So, who's your favorite True Blood character?

UB: That's a good question. Let's see, everybody likes Eric. Everybody wants to be Eric, he's the coolest vampire. He's so cool, you know? He's not in love, he doesn't want a girlfriend, and Tara, I like Tara very much, she's a really cool girl.

L: What do you think of her boyfriend?

UB: Well, for me, he just pisses me off every time I go to the gym. It's hard for guys to compete, you know?

L: I would imagine!

UB: I want to be a vampire. That's why I'm doing this. You sleep all day and you party all night! And you live forever! Only one thing: I like to go to the beach.

You can shop for Udi Behr's hot new True Blood collection at TrueBloodJewelry.com.

Gallery: Udi Behr's True Blood Collection

True Blood Jewelry Designer Wants to be a Vampire - Exclusive Interview originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Courtney Cox And David Arquette Collaborate On Charity Jewelry Line

Deidre Woollard — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Charity, Celebrity Design

Hollywood couple Courtney Cox and David Arquette have become the latest celebrities to have a jewelry line, but theirs is for a good cause. The pair have collaborated with Satya Jewelry on a line of butterfly-themed pieces to raise awareness of a genetic condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Courtney Cox told Vogue that the couple got involved when the son of a close friend was born with the condition which manifests in extremely fragile skin and recurrent blister formation similar to the look of a third-degree burn. The young sufferers are known as "butterfly children" because their skin is as fragile as a butterfly wing.

The Satya Foundation donates 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the jewelry to the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, which supports the fight to find a cure for this rare childhood skin disease. Pieces range in price from $24 for a silver pendant to $348 for the gold version shown above.

Courtney Cox And David Arquette Collaborate On Charity Jewelry Line originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to Clean Diamond Jewelry

Carrie Coolidge — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry

Diamonds are among the hardest of all minerals. Still, they require special care to keep them looking their absolute best.

The brilliance of any diamond depends on the amount of light that can enter the stone and reflect back to the human eye. However, the smallest deposit of grease on the surface of a stone can dull its reflection. Even a touch from a finger will leave a smudge of natural oil, according to De Beers, one of the world's leading diamond companies.

Clean your diamonds with a simple mix of six parts water to one part ammonia and apply with a soft, natural bristle brush. If you have no ammonia in the house, you can substitute with a mild liquid detergent. Rinse with fresh water and dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. If your diamond has a crack or inclusion, De Beers advises owners not to use ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations of the cleaners can enlarge flaws.

A few words of warning. De Beers recommends that jewelry not be cleaned in or near the sink. If there is no better location for the cleaning, be sure the plug is in, to avoid the jewelry going down the drain. If you are using a brush, be gentle: diamonds can work loose from their settings if treated roughly, warns De Beers. If you use hand lotion, wait for at least 10-15 minutes before putting your rings back on, as the ring might easily slip off.

While most people believe that diamonds are impervious to scratches, that simply is not the case. Indeed, another diamond can easily scratch another. To prevent such scratches, separate diamond jewelry in your jewelry box, advises De Beers. Diamonds also can scratch other gems or jewelry, especially soft items like pearls. And even though diamonds are hard, they can be brittle, especially along thin edges. Try not to wear your diamond when it might be struck sharply, and if you have an especially thin cut, keep it protected. If you are traveling, use a secure travel pouch, which will keep individual pieces safely apart, according to De Beers.

De Beers recommends having important pieces of jewelry checked quarterly to be sure the stones are secure in their settings.

How to Clean Diamond Jewelry originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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