SwarovskiCrystals

Oscars Stage Design to Be More Glamorous and Fantastic Than Ever

The Oscars are a glitzy event, there's no doubt about that, but after last years low key approach stage designer David Rockwell isn't holding anything back for this years event. Described as "bigger, shinier, and with more moving parts than ever before," the stage will feature a stunning quarter-moon curtain hung with 100,000 glittering Swarovski crystals, plus three moving platforms, several rotating LED panels, and other effects like mirrors and metal architecture. The whole thing is inspired by the basic elements of movie making -- light and movement -- and is meant to show off the event's hosts and winners in the best possible way.

How impressive and beautiful it must to stand on that stage and look up into that amazing curtain!

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Tags: academy awards, AcademyAwards, celebrities, david rockwell, DavidRockwell, oscars, swarovski, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

Commission A Portrait in Gems

by Deb West (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Art

To be filed under bling with a capital B or even lite-brite gone luxe; Gemstone Creative has come up with a concept to provide bespoke mosaic artwork to those who have cash to burn.

To be fair, the art of making mosaics has been around for centuries and has always had a tradition of patron sponsorship. Taking their inspiration from the Moors, the Mughai Emperors and the powerful Byzantines, whose completed mosaics often contained precious stones and gold leaf, Gemstone Creative's bejeweled mosaic concept does not seem quite so outlandish. The roots of the idea can be found in historic practices around the globe.

The London based company is the brainchild of Mark Hirschel and Sarah Stultman who have assembled talented individuals in the fields of mosaic art and jewelry setting to be able to bring this unique concept to the marketplace. The artists including, Adrian Firth, Tessa Hunkin and Claire Milner are classically trained, have their art in private collections and in international shows such as the London Art Fair. The pieces can be fashioned from diamonds of various colors, rubies, emeralds, sapphires as well as a selection of semi-precious stones such as peridot, and amethysts. They make a promise to consumers to use only ethically sourced stones in their mosaics. For the most part, if you can dream it up the artists can make it happen, although the company does need to be able to acquire the correct volume of stones for your piece.

So how much does all of this cost? Well it does depend on the size of the piece, as well as the market price of the stones and setting you choose. As an example, an 8inch x 8inch piece will contain at least 2,600 stones while a larger piece measuring 24inch x 24inch would contain over 22,000 individual stones. As an estimate one can figure on the smaller portraits starting at £25,000 and easily surpassing the £1 million mark if a piece is made entirely of diamonds and set in platinum. It is no wonder the company states in its press release that the portraits are the "ultimate luxury possession".

If your pockets aren't as deep and you like the concept they will also make pieces out of Swarovski Crystals that start at a much more reasonable £2,750.

Gallery: Gemstone Creative

Tags: Adrian Firth, AdrianFirth, Bejeweled, diamond art, DiamondArt, diamonds, Gemstone Creative, GemstoneCreative, mosaic, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

Colette Store Showcases Swarovski Crystal Treasures

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

We never tire of Swarovski crystal bedazzled items. If you are of a similar mind then the Colette shop is pretty much heaven right about now. They currently have a variety of tempting Swarovski collaborations up for sale featuring some of the most exciting names in design. There are curving jewelry pieces from Zaha Hadid, Cinderella-worthy pumps from Maison Martin Margiela, a surfboard from Quiksilver, water corks from Evian and baroque brooches from Christopher Kane. The glittering sneakers shown above are a special edition of the Jeremy Scott x adidas J-Wings and sell for 2,500 euros (only one size available).

[via The Pitch]

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Tags: colette, evian, quiksilver, sneakers, swarovski, swarovski crystals, swarovskicrystal, SwarovskiCrystals, zaha hadid, ZahaHadid

M. Sturman Jewelry on the Set of the New Sex and the City Movie

by Deb West (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

M. Sturman Jewelry may not yet be a household name, however should the pieces that were sent to the set of the newest Sex in the City movie make final cut that should change. Nothing seems to stamp an item as a "must have" faster then when it is seen adorning Carrie or one of her closest friends on their glamorous romp through life . The fictitious foursome have become a hallmark of what constitutes high end fashion.

It was exciting to learn that not all the pieces selected for the movie, and possibly destined for stardom themselves, are already part of the fashion elite's wardrobe. This New York City based jewelry designer uses a collection of unique pearls, stones, beads and vintage pieces, including Swarovski cabochons and blown glass to create the unusual items in her collection. A stand out piece features Swarovski stones ordered by Christian Dior prior to World War II. Inspired by the colors, shapes and textures of the raw materials the designer painstaking crochets or weaves each piece in her New York City Studio.

The designer Peggy Sturman has a background in art history and floral design which is easily seen in her work. Will she be the next "it" girl of the fashion industry? Only time will tell, but Carrie and the girls could certainly give her a leg up. All the pieces featured above and in the gallery are currently on the set of the new movie.

Gallery: M Sturman Jewelry

Tags: Christian Dior, ChristianDior, jewelry, sex and the city, SexAndTheCity, swarovski, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

9½-Foot Swarovski Star To Adorn Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events

9½-Foot Swarovski Star To Adorn Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Too much Swarovski is never enough, especially during the holidays, when we all want sparkle. And during the holidays in New York City, the most popular sparkle can be found at Rockefeller Center, where each year gaggles of locals as well as tourists stop by to view the Christmas tree, which has been topped by a Swarovski star each year since 2004.

This year's star is 9½ feet in diameter, 1½ feet in depth, weighs a whopping 550 pounds, and comprises 25,000 crystals with 1,000,000 facets. The star is high-tech and low-cost (energy-wise): It has enhancements such as a new cutting-edge computerized lighting system and energy-efficient LED bulbs. The star's 12 rays are outfitted with 720 bulbs on 3,000 feet of wire to create a twinkling effect through customized light sequencing programmed by a complex computer system.

Rockefeller Center officially began the Tree Lighting Ceremony in 1933, when a Christmas tree was erected in front of the then-RCA Building and covered with 700 lights. This is the first year, however, that the Swarovski star will feature dynamic light movement. A team of nine artisans and engineers spent three months (1,200 hours) installing, programming, and testing the star to ensure the effects would withstand the challenging winter weather conditions 76 feet above Rockefeller Center.

A replica of the Swarovski Star will be on display in Rockefeller Center to allow visitors to get a closer view of the detailing and craftsmanship. Swarovski is even offering a selection of star-themed holiday jewelry and ornaments on sale at the Swarovski holiday kiosk at Rockefeller Center, at Swarovski boutiques nationwide, and online.

The 77th Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, December 2, from 7-9 p.m. The ceremony will be televised live, locally on WNBC-TV from 7-8 p.m. and nationally on NBC from 8-9 p.m. Spectators can view the lighted tree each day from 5:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.; all day (24 hours) on Christmas Day; and from 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The last day to view the tree is January 7, 2010.

Sources: LuxuryLaunches.com and PR Newswire

Tags: Christmas, holiday, New York, New York City, NewYork, NewYorkCity, NYC, Swarovski, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

Hello Kitty Celebrates Turning 35 with Bling

by Deb West (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Art, Charity, Children

Hello Kitty is one of those unique brands that never seems to go out of style and manages to appeal just as much to 3 year olds and 13 year olds as it does to the 30 year old set. One way it stays hip and popular is pairing cute with sophistication, a combination that seems irresistible to fans. To celebrate the brand's 35th birthday this year Sanrio is putting out something for everyone; the young, the young at heart and those who view Hello Kitty as art.

For those in the teen or tween set there is the sparkly Hello Kitty music player. This electronic gadget is decorated with 300 Swarovski crystal elements and shaped in the traditional Hello Kitty face. A second option is the Limited Edition pendant set. Again this is a collaboration between the D. Swarovski Co. of Wattens, Austria and features five crystal studded pendants each accented with a different color to match your mood or your outfit. Although at a price of $6,000 for the set I'm not sure that this jewelry collection isn't more appropriate for some of the slightly more mature Hello Kitty fans.

Another collaboration launched to celebrate the 35th Anniversary is a Judith Leiber bag collection. The line includes a "Retro Kitty" curved oval clutch, the "Pink Tulip" airstream, new "Hobo" style with silver handle shown above which will retail for $3995. These items are definitely a nod to those customers who have been fans of the Hello Kitty brand since its inception 35 years ago.

For those more artistically inclined there is the Three Apples art exhibit in Los Angeles, California curated by Jamie Rivadeneira the owner of Japan L.A. at the Royal/T space. The event is free of charge and over 80 artists display their Hello Kitty inspired pieces through November 15, 2009. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the art will benefit Sanrio's charitable partner LA Works a non-profit organization that promotes community volunteerism.

Tags: hello kitty, HelloKitty, Japan LA, JapanLa, LA Works, LaWorks, RoyalT, Sanrio, swarovski, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Nail File

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

You'll never be able to go back to 10-pack cheapo emery boards after having this beautiful accessory in your purse! The Swarovski Nail File, created by designer Craig Coulton for the design competition organized by Designboom, consists of two filing blades (regular and smoothing) that fold out to reveal a shining layer beneath them. Crystals are embedded along each side of a silver, gold, or platinum body. Seems there's just no end to many ways that crystals can beautify everyday objects.

Gallery: Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Nail File

Tags: beauty, beauty products, BeautyProducts, nail file, NailFile, swarovski, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

Clara Kasavina - This Stuff is Gorgeous

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Jewelry

I had never heard of Clara Kasavina when I met Clara herself (right) at a recent event for BagTrends in New York City. Now, I'm a little obsessed. It wasn't just the fabulous handbags which caught my attention, it was the amazing work they do with crystals. I can't wait for you to look through the gallery and see the lavishly encrusted minaudieres and accessories, but first, here's a bit more information.

Clara and her husband Misha have been making handbags for 15 years. Clara designs the bags -- with resplendent taste -- and Misha is the model maker, whose superb craftsmanship is evident in each of their stunning final products.

The bags are made in a variety of jewel tones with different shapes and materials. "Usually we choose to match our python, so we have it in the python, we have it in satin," said Clara. Their other unmistakable feature is their dynamic and opulent use of Swarovski crystals, packed tightly but unevenly, like a mosaic. "They are like a skin almost," explained Clara, quite rightly. The result is bags and accessories with an extremely opulent vintage feel -- your bag may be new, but it looks like a hand-me-down from Princess Grace.

We see a lot of handbags, but we rarely see old-school glamour like this, and with the season's return to flashy, speakeasy styles, you'd be smart to pick up a Clara Kasavina for the holidays.

Gallery: Clara Kasavina

Tags: accessories, Clara Kasavina, ClaraKasavina, designer, handbags, jewelry, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

Swarovski-Crusted Switch Plates

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

When we moved into our new house we immediately replaced all of the off-white, cheap, plastic switch plates with brushed-silvertone covers to give each room a clean and modern feel. Even the smallest of changes in a room can add to the ambiance. Too bad I didn't know about the glamorous Swarovski-crusted switch plates from Diametral. These glittery covers add sparkle to any space -- although putting them in every room of your home might be a bit much. Available in fifteen different colors including gold, silver and leaf motifs, these switch plates are anything but bland.

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Tags: diametral, light switch plate, LightSwitchPlate, swarovski, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals, switch plates, SwitchPlates

Aristabrat Crystal Pacifier

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Children

For any parent with an infant or toddler, a pacifier can be a blessing and your worst nightmare. In times when your little one may not be able to settle themselves down, pacifiers seem to work their magic instantly. Thank goodness! In other times, it can be your worst nightmare. For example - when you can't find a pacifier at all or when you have lost their favorite binky and according to your crying baby no other one will do. And it can be especially problematic when you are trying to ween your little one off the pacifier's magical spell. During the tumultuous times of your little one having a meltdown and you feel as though your head will jump off your body, take a nap and never return, a little humor to lighten the mood may help. The Aristabrat Crystal Pacifier incorporates a bit of fun by extravagantly adorning the typical pacifier with colorful Swarovski crystals and a mad face that will make any baby, parent and passerbys put a smile on their face. Available in blue and pink. Price: $120.

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Tags: Aristabrat, babies, binky, crystal, infants, pacifier, Swarovski, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

Krigler Sparkling Diamond No. 22

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Venerable perfume company Krigler has set up shop in the Plaza Hotel in New York City offering not just scents but also candles, scrubs, lotions and other body care items. The perfumes come in old-fashioned glass bottles with simple golden tops. The brand's most famous scent is Sparkling Diamond No. 22. The scent was created in Monte Carlo in 1922 and the original had a diamond in the bottle. Now the scent of champagne, strawberry, musk and coconut (it's actually more subtle and less fruity than that description makes it sound) comes in a bottle that has Swarovksi crystals bouncing around in the bottom. Other scents to try include the Dolce Tuberose which is full of summer's heady deep florals. The Sparkling Diamond No. 22 is $170 for the 3.4 eau de parfum. Other scents including Mediterranean Peach and Manhattan Rose are $110.

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Tags: fragrance, krigler, perfume, sparkling diamond, SparklingDiamond, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

A La Vie Minaudiere, Handbag of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Cross artist Damien Hirst with Judith Leiber and you might end up with Sylvia Toledano and artist whose chosen medium is the Swarovski-encrusted minaudière. Her pieces range from cute pandas to the tree of life clutch we covered previously to today's vibrant offering. Her A La Vie collection features skulls done in various color combinations. This one has a bit of a space alien vibe with piercing aqua eyes. The purse comes with a glittering pen and a detachable silvertone chain with a 47" drop. It sells for $1,400.

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Tags: clutch, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, miniaudiere, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals, sylvia toledano, SylviaToledano

Swarovski Crystal-Encrusted Cat Flap

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Pets

Finally, some bling for cats! UK pet door manufacturer Doors4Paws now offers a Swarovski crystal-encrusted cat flap decorated with more than 1,000 crystals. The Hertfordshire-based firm sells a number of standard designs as well. Sarah Gildersleeve, Doors4Paws co-owner, told The Daily Mail, "We've already received a barrage of calls, and people are requesting all sorts of individual designs -- from getting their cat's name painted on the top to the crystals. ... At the end of the day, they're a bit of fun. There's so much doom and gloom these days. We want to put a smile on people's faces." £1,000, or about $1,407, based on today's exchange rate. Not yet available on the company's site, but check back -- the company seems to be just getting going.

Tags: cat, cat door, cat flap, CatDoor, CatFlap, pet bling, PetBling, pets, Swarovski, Swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

Too Much Sparkle: Swarovski Crystals in Design 2008

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

When I did a post on ridiculous uses of diamonds in 2008, reader Miss Ruby's comment inspired me to do one on uses of Swarovski crystals, starting with the crystal stopper on a luxury wine barrel. The crystals, which are relatively inexpensive and come in a multitude of colors and shapes, lend themselves to design more readily than diamonds. Watches, phone cases and perfume bottles are the among the usual uses for these sparkling doodads but just about any thing can be bedazzled as we'll see in the gallery below. Will these new restrained times bring about an end to covering available surfaces with twinkly bits in 2009?

Gallery: Too Much Sparkle, Wild Uses of Swarovski Crystals in 2008

Tags: swarovski, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals

Limited Swarovski Edition Slant Tweezers

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

It's getting a little tight now for stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts but if you're looking for something sparkly and last minute for someone else, or a totally over-the-top splurge for yourself, consider these Limited Swarovski Edition Slant Tweezers from RonRobinson. Voted a 'Best of Beauty' winner by Allure magazine 7 years running for the perfectly angled and hand-filed slant tips, these tweezers are used and recommended by beauty professionals (although presumably without the bling). Shown here in Devine White, the tweezers are covered almost completely with Swarovski crystals and come with a coordinated leather case. $100

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Tags: beauty, swarovski, swarovski crystals, SwarovskiCrystals, tweeze, tweezers

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