Diamonds

Breguet Marine Tourbillon Ref. 5839 High Jewellery Chronograph Watch

In the watch world diamonds seem to make just about everything better. This Ref. 5839 Marine Troubillon High Jewellery watch is a diamond encrusted version of the Ref. 5937 from a few years ago. Breguet outfitted the watch case and dial with an impressive amount of diamonds, but still was able to retain that signature Breguet Marine watch look.

The 43mm wide 18k white gold case as about 11.77 carats of stones on it. One of the neatest parts is how Breguet was able to maintain the coined edge of the case using specially cut diamonds. Also not the unique pattern the diamonds create for the bezel. On the dial smaller diamonds are set in the middle of the dial and don't overshadow the hands. The dial itself is silvered 18k gold. Overall Breguet did a great job giving a men's jewelry watch a functional face.

Inside the watch is a Breguet caliber 554.4 manually wound tourbillon movement with the time and a chronograph complication. The watch has 50 hours of power reserve with special features that include a silicium balance spring and escapement wheel.

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

Tags: 5839, 5839BB6D9ZU DDOD, breguet, diamonds, high, marine, tourbillon, watch

Girard-Perregaux Cat's Eye Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

For half a million dollars you can get a lot of watches or this lovely new high jewelry watch from Swiss Girard-Perregaux. The Cat's Eye Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie timepiece has an 18k white gold case and is 32mm wide by 38mm tall in the typical Cat's Eye oval shape. It has a stunning amount of large diamonds all over it. According to Girard-Perregaux the watch required over 700 hours of work to create, containing over 20 carats of diamonds. The precious stones come in various cuts and are placed all over the case, crown, and dial.

Inside the watch is a Girard-Perregaux in-house made caliber GP09700-0006 manually wound tourbillon movement. The Tourbillon escapement is visible on the dial using a traditional GP style bridge. The movement has a power reserve of about three days. Attached to the strap is a gray satin strap with a white gold buckle... and more diamonds. Price for this very impressive haute joaillerie watch is $490,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews website aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: cats eye, diamonds, girard-perregaux, haute joaillerie, tourbillon, watch

Chopard Happy Sport La Vie En Rose Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Chopard expands on its Happy Diamond Sport collection with a summer offering called the Happy Sport La Vie En Rose. The famous Edith Piaf song lends itself to these timepieces that have silhouette style roses on the dials - with or without diamonds. Perhaps this is also an unofficial watch from Chopard to its fans in France.

The 36mm wide watches are in steel or 18k rose gold (or steel with an 18k rose gold bezel). The loveliest models have rose colored sapphires set in the bezel - as well as diamonds mixed into the decor on the dial. Like all Happy Diamond watches, a few floating diamonds are sandwiched between two sapphire crystals and move around freely over the dial. The collection has a few dial styles and straps to choose from, presumably all in tones that will match rose colors. The entire Happy Sport La Vie En Rose collection will be limited to about 525 pieces total. Inside the watches are Swiss quartz movements. Look for them soon.

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

Tags: chopard, diamonds, happy, la vie en rose, sport, watch

Graff BabyGraff Collection Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Cute watches such as this are deceptively expensive. Graff does amazing things with precious stones and this one is charming and extremely feminine. The cases of these BabyGraff watches by Graff are 21mm wide in white gold. The straps or bracelets are very thin and done to emphasize the bracelet like quality and delicate nature of the design. If you opt for a strap they are matching galuchat (stingray) or lizard skin. The more luxurious models have the full diamond and precious stone bracelets that match the motif of the case and dial.

The cases are available in a few styles that emphasis either only diamonds, or diamonds and rubies, sapphires, or emeralds. The time is displayed via a pair of dauphine style hands and a Swiss quartz movement. There is a triangular cut stone in each as the 12 o'clock marker, and more more hour indicators in a small flange ring around the dial. I appreciate the extra effort used to make the as legible as possible. What is also interesting is that the watches feature an array of stone cuts, including baguette, princess, trilliant, trapeze, and triangle. Look for them soon where Graff watches are sold.

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

Tags: babygraff, diamonds, graff, watch, watches

Costco Selling $1 Million Diamond Ring

by Hilary Moss (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

96-count package of toilet paper? Check. A massaging recliner chair? Check. A casket? Check. A $1 million diamond ring? Why, check. Check, indeed.

The Consumerist points out that everyone's favorite discount store, Costco, is now shilling a 6.77 ct solitaire. Yes, there's only one available, but like everything else lining the store's shelves, the piece of bling is being offered at a steep price reduction -- original IGI (International Gemological Institute) value: $1,601,875. That's over $600k in savings (roughly one million rolls of toilet paper if we did the math correctly, and there's no promises we did).

Aside from wondering who will buy the hunk-o-jewelry, we are curious about what's going on chez Costco these days.

Just last month, the mass-market retailer announced it would be collaborating with designer Kirstie Kelly on a collection of six wedding dresses, priced from $699 to $1,399. Costco: your one-stop wedding destination? Or your wannabe bridal salon?

Source

Tags: 1 million, Costco, diamond rings, diamonds, jewelry

Piaget Launches Limelight Garden Party Collection

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Luxury Shopping

Piaget Limelight Garden Party Collection Ring

With a series of events that included the Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, a Champagne toast at their New York boutique, and an outdoor celebration in Palm Beach, Piaget launched their spring-themed Limelight Garden Party collection.

In New York, the Piaget boutique on Fifth Avenue took on a terrarium look for the evening's event, with the collection set in cases decorated to look like a wood nymph's jewelry box.

Cradled amongst the various faux flora, 18-white gold pieces sparkled under the display lights.

A miniature, diamond-encrusted bird perched itself on a ring, seemingly ready to dip its beak into a cushion-cut rubellite gem. Other birds perched on a white gold sprig of diamonds and pearls, while a floral ring bloomed diamonds, emeralds and pink sapphires. One necklace's 289 brilliant-cut diamonds seems to represent drops of dew caught on a diaphanous spider web. Another sprouted buds of pink tourmaline and pink sapphires, reminders that spring is, finally, here at least.

(On view by appointment only.)

Gallery: Piaget Limelight Garden Party Collection

Piaget 18-carat white gold and diamond watch

Piaget 18-carat white gold, diamond and pearl earrings

Piaget 18-carat white gold, diamond and pearl necklace

Piaget 18-carat white gold, diamond and emerald earrings

Piaget 18-carat white gold, diamond, pink sapphire, pink tourmaline, white chalcedony and pearl necklace

Tags: Collections, diamonds, jewelry, jewerly collection, Limelight Garden Party, necklaces, piaget, Piaget Limelight Garden Party Collection, rings, watches

Perrelet Turbine XS Ladies Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The oft talked about Perrelet Turbine watch collection gets its first ladies model with Turbine XS. It looks to use the original Perrelet Turbine case that was about 43mm wide - though it could be smaller. The case is in either steel or titanium and DLC black coated. The design is a fascinating mixture between sport and luxury. With the spinning dial turbine allowing diamonds set on the dial to flash with movement of the wrist. More diamonds are set in the bezel and on the lugs. Instead of the original rubber strap a satin one is used.

The black on black dial is sporty for sure, but the diamonds are formal. I just can't figure out what to call the watch (sporty or something else) - though I think the type of woman who likes wearing aviator gloves with high heels will pull this timepiece off smashingly. The movement is a Swiss made automatic. The watch will be officially debuted soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: diamonds, ladies, lady, perrelet, turbine, watch, xs

World's Most Expensive Poker Set for $7.5 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Men's Style, Wealth

World's Most Expensive Poker Set for $7.5 Million

Talk about high stakes – Geoffrey Parker, London-based maker of the finest games on the globe, is offering the world's most expensive poker set for $7.5 million. The bespoke set comes housed in a genuine alligator skin case finished in any color the client chooses, fitted with 18k white gold combination locks and hardware. The case' suede lining features an 18k gold and diamond frame holding 384 18k white gold chips, each inlaid on both sides in shagreen (stingray skin). The chips can be in any currency and denomination the client desires; the display set features chips marked €100,000 – or about $140,000 at today's rates.

The edge of each chip is set with precious stones – white diamonds for the white chips, sapphires for the blue, rubies for the red, emeralds for the green and black diamonds for the black. The dealer button is be a larger 18 karat white gold chip set with two rows of diamonds to the edge. The set will feature an estimated 22,364 stones in all, totaling 1,012 carats. Finally there are four platinum-plated decks of poker cards. Orders are now being taken with an expected delivery time of six to nine months; the price may go up if the precious stones and metals market fluctuates.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: alligator, alligator+skin+poker+set, alligatorskinpokerset, bespoke, cards, diamond, diamonds, exotic leather, gambling, game sets, games, Geoffrey Parker, gold, gold and diamonds, London, mens style, most+expensive+poker+chips, most+expensive+poker+set, mostexpensivepokerchips, mostexpensivepokerset, platinum, playing cards, poker, precious stones, shagreen, UK, white gold, worlds most expensive

The $66,000 Gold & Diamond Samurai Lighter Set from S.T. Dupont

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Writing Instruments, Men's Style

The $66,000 Gold & Diamond Samurai Lighter Set from S.T. Dupont

S.T. Dupont, founded in Paris in 1872, is one of the few luxury firms that still makes exquisite accessories for that endangered species, the smoker. Their latest ultra-stylish offering is a limited edition lighter and fountain pen set designed in homage to the storied samurai, the military nobility of feudal Japan. The Samurai Prestige Lighter and Pen set, limited to just 20 pieces, is priced at about $66,000 and comes complete with a display stand and matching katana or samurai sword letter opener. The items are hand-crafted from a chiseled piece of solid rose gold set with hundreds of white diamonds and textured black leather and silk ribbon accents, and are made to resemble the katana and traditional samurai armour.

[via JustLuxe]

Gallery: S.T. Dupont Samurai Prestige Set

Tags: cigarette lighter, diamonds, Dupont lighters, dupont+lighter, dupont+samurai+lighter, dupontlighter, dupontsamurailighter, fountain pen, Japan, leather, lighter, lighters, mens style, Paris, S.T. Dupont, samurai, samurai sword, smoking, st+dupont, stdupont, sword, writing instrument

Rare Purple-Pink Diamond Up For Sale At Christie's

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions

Sales for pink diamonds have been rising and rising over the past few years. The larger rare stones aren't just beautiful to look at, they are considered money in the bank for investors. The market gets another test next month when Christie's brings a 10.09 Fancy Vivid purplish-pink diamond up for sale as part of its Magnificent Jewels sale in New York April 12. JCK Online reports that the diamond is estimated at $12 million to $15 million. The record for pink diamonds belongs to a 24.78 carat stone which sold for $46 million at Sotheby's last year.

Tags: christies, diamonds, pink diamond

How to Clean and Store Diamond Jewelry (with video)

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Video

How to clean and store diamond jewelry Even a small amount of grease or oil can dramatically dull the brilliance of your diamonds. This is why it is important to clean your diamond jewelry regularly, advises Philip Press, president and chief executive officer of Renaissance Platinum (see video below).

"I find the easiest way is to either use a specialized jewerly cleaner or a straight clear, ammonia," says Press. "Let the piece of jewelry soak in the solution for an hour or more. Use an old toothbrush and clean the sides and bottom of the diamond and then rinse it very well under hot water. Don't be afraid of over cleaning your diamonds." Be sure to be gentle with the brush, however, as diamonds can become loose from their settings if they are treated roughly.

A few words of warning: Jewelry should 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.

Also, it is very important that you to store your diamond jewelry separately, such as in individual compartments or pouches so they do not touch other gemstones. "Because a diamond can scratch another diamond," advises Press. "It is even more important to keep your diamond jewelry separated from your other gemstone jewelry because diamonds will certainly scratch other gemstones."

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Tags: awards-main, daimond+jewelry, daimondjewelry, diamond, diamond jewelry, diamonds, do+not+clean+jewelry+with, donotcleanjewelrywith, how to clean diamond jewelry, how to clean diamonds, how to clean jewelry, how to store christmas cookies, how+to+clean+and+store+diamond+jewelry, howtocleanandstorediamondjewelry, luxist-awards, video

De Beers Valentine's Day Offerings In Hearts, Pink Gold And More

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

De Beers has a variety jewelry options for Valentine's Day that feature diamonds in a variety of ways. Building on the idea of coin jewelry, De Beers launched the Lucky Coins Collection, which includes different coins each with different symbols including hearts, stars, clovers and more. The Heart Coin shown above with five carats for a total of .3 carats in diamonds is $850 at De Beers online.

In time for Valentine's Day and Spring, De Beers has added special editions in pink and yellow gold for various lines including the delicate Adonis Rose collection and the popular Clea and Reverie Collections. Have a look in the gallery below.

Gallery: De Beers For Valentine's Day

Tags: de beers, diamonds, jewelry, pink gold, valentines day

Harry Winston Diamond Ring Tops Sotheby's Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions

harry winston diamond ring at sotheby's new york

The icy sparkler shown above was the top lot at Sotheby's Important Jewels auction in New York earlier this week. The auction brought in $8,897,278 tipping it toward the high range of the pre-sale estimate of $6.8 million to $9.4 million. The ring above, a 15.98-carat platinum and emerald-cut diamond (I color, VS1 clarity) ring from Harry Winston, sold for $662,500, beating its pre-sale estimate of $300,000-400,000. Other highlights included a 3.52-carat platinum and round diamond ring, which sold for $290,500 and a Harry Winston 5.7-carat platinum and emerald-cut diamond ring, which sold for $242,500.

"We are delighted with the success of today's sale, which demonstrated the continued strength of the market for jewelry," said Gary Schuler, Senior Vice President and Head of Sotheby's Jewelry department in New York. "We saw bidding from a truly international audience, with many clients embracing participation through our online BidNow program, adding an exciting new element to our salesroom."

[via Diamonds.net]

Tags: diamonds, harry winston, sothebys

Blockbuster Pink Diamonds For Sale At M.S. Rau Antiques

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

There's no question that pink diamonds are hotter than hot lately. Last month a modified rectangular-cut fancy vivid purple-pink diamond of 6.89 carats sold for $6.91 million at Christie's New York Jewels auction on December 7. You won't have to pay quite that much to make the Cassel Pink Diamond yours. The Cassel Pink Diamond was once owned by the famous English banker and royal financial advisor, Sir Ernest Cassel and is a 4.71 carat purplish-pink diamond. It is GIA certified Fancy Purple-Pink with SI2 clarity. The center stone is set in 18K rose gold with .79 carats of pink diamonds. It is for sale at M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans for $1.4 million.

A lighter stone, a 10.02 carat, cushion-cut, "Natural Fancy Light Pink" diamond ring is also for sale. This one is also set in 18K rose gold and surrounded by 1.00 total carat of round brilliant pink diamonds. It sells for $1.3 million.

Tags: diamond ring, diamond rings, diamonds, M.S. Rau Antiques, pink diamond, pink diamondsd

JeanRichard Aquascope Lady Night Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Handling the new for 2011 JeanRichard Aquascope Lady Night (and light model as well) I wondered who the type of woman to wear this watch might be. It could also be a man - given the fact that JeanRichard used the same 44.5mm wide steel case for this women's model as the men's model. The differences are the dial and the bezel - also the available black satin fabric strap. Development costs for this watch weren't high, but it is nice. The most appealing aspect for women will be the diamonds used on the dial for many of the hour markers. The dial is also given a new treatment, having a sort of retro 1960s look to it.

No amount of diamonds or satin straps can take away the fact that this is a dive watch at heart. It has 300 meters of water resistance and a rotating diver's bezel. Put a rubber or leather strap on it and I think men will take to it in Asia. Inside the watch is the JR1000 automatic movement that JeanRichard uses in most of its three-hand watches. As I said, the watch is available in this "Night" version, as well as a white model. Look for the JeanRichard Aquascope Lady watch soon.

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

Tags: aquascope, diamonds, jeanrichard, lady, watch