rings

Jewelry Store Surprises Firefighter In Unique Event

Some people love surprises, some people hate them. To me it always seems to be more fun to be the person planning the surprise which is why I decided to tag along when the engagement jewelry store Robbins Brothers decided to help young bride-to-be Christin Mora enact a little friendly revenge on her fiance. Michael Knobbe, a reserve firefighter in Vernon, California had proposed by pulling up in a firetruck with a 23-foot long "marry me" sign. The proposal later appeared in a Robbins Brothers commercial. But Knobbe, who recently returned from Iraq got a big surprise last week when he thought he was heading off to a fire (at the fire station no less) only to find his fiancee and the folks from Robbins Brothers waiting on a second floor balcony with wedding rings. Perhaps the most fun part of watching the surprise was the delight the Vernon firefighters took in setting it up. A smoke machine poured fake smoke onto the balcony creating a convincing spectacle. Convincing enough to fool a very confused Knobbe who climbed up to the balcony in full firefighter gear only to be greeted with laughter, balloons and TV cameras. He took it all in good stride and seemed to appreciate the fact that his wife-to-be has a great sense of humor too. I'm predicting a very lively marriage for these two. Check out the cuteness in the video above.

Tags: california, diamonds, firefighter, rings, robbins brothers, RobbinsBrothers

The Mediterra Collection From Kurtulan

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Turkish brand Kurtulan is bringing the exotic lure of ancient Byzantium to life in their Mediterra Collection of jewelry this fall. Kurtulan won a 2008 World Gold Council Award and does designs in rich 24K gold with gemstones (the metal is labeled 985K gold representing that some pieces are welded together using a gold-solder alloy that is 985/1000 which is approximately 23,64K). The designs are available at the fashion boutique Martier in New York City. The Mediterra Collection begins at $700 and includes rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces and jeweled cufflinks.

Gallery: Mediterra Jewelry

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Tags: gemstones, jewelry, kurtulan, martier, mediterra, necklaces, rings

Iridium Now Available In Rings

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Gold, silver, platinum and even other metals like palladium and titanium have made their way into rings. Now, for the first time, Los Angeles based rare metals manufacturer, American Elements is selling jewelry made from pure iridium metal. The challenge for working with iridium is that it has an extremely high melting temperature (4,435° F), more than 2,000 degrees above gold and 500 degrees above platinum. It is also very hard and brittle. American Elements designs parts for the NASA space program so it has the technology to work with this metal. The deep gray metal has a high luster and is the lowest tarnishing element. It is also extremely corrosion resistant and will not react with any acid. American Elements reports that one of the first buyers was a Rothschild banker in London who chose one for his wedding band. The pure iridium 6mm ring shown above sells for $2,530.

This isn't iridium's first foray into the luxury goods market. Iridium recently has also made its way into watches and has been used for years with other metals to strengthen the nibs on fountain pens.

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Tags: iridium, jewelry, metal, rings, wedding bands, WeddingBands

Ongwat Tiger's Eye Ring

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

This may be one of the more unusual rings featured on Luxist but one that captures a stone in its beautiful and natural state. The Tiger's Eye Ring by Ongwat is simply constructed and minimal is design, yet with such a large stone (measures at 2 1/2") being the focal point, this ring stands out. Although tiger eye may not be considered the most luxurious of stones to choose from, the various hues that come through against a gold plated setting is very complimentary. Price: $300.

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Tags: gold plated, GoldPlated, jewelry, Ongwat, oversized stones, OversizedStones, rings, Tigers Eye, TigersEye, unique

Damiani Offers Travel As Gift With Purchase

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Italian jeweler Damiani is pulling out all the stops to get customers buying in this tough economy. National Jeweler reports on a couple of new promotions designed to get people excited to make a purchase. Buy one of Damiani's "Gomitolo" rings shown above, and you can get a one-week vacation in Italy that includes the cost of the flight and hotel stay. The Gomitolo rings feature pave set diamonds and gemstones in ribbon-like patterns with prices ranging from $7,740 to $15,690 and each one represents a different Italian city. A minimum purchase of $6,000 of any combination of Damiani jewelry, nets the buyer a weekend stay at a suite in any Mandarin Oriental hotel in the Americas. For smaller purchases buyers receive treats of lesser value. Any buyer of a Damiani piece will get a gift certificate for a massage at the St. Regis Hotel Spa in New York, the Montage Spa in Beverly Hills, California or the Moana Lani Spa at the Westin in Honolulu. Sounds lovely, but will it be enough incentive to prompt a splurge?

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Tags: damiani, jewelry, rings

Engagement Rings Changing In The Recession

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

I've always thought that when it comes to jewelry, the bridal market was a safe bet even in bad times. After all, people will always fall in love and get married even during a recession. But a new report from the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council indicates a bit of weakness in the wedding market. Their June Bridal Study" shows that while most people are still going through with their weddings, ring budgets are shifting. Grooms seem more ready to downsize the ring than brides. Of the grooms surveyed, 36 percent have said that their ring budget is lower by fifteen percent or more due to the recession but only 23 percent of brides thought the budget for the rings would be lowered that much.

This isn't the first time I've seen information on scaled back ring budgets. ABC News had a piece earlier this month on the same topic which featured interviews with young couples. Prospective grooms are getting creative, buying rings off Craigslist or swapping out the diamond for something a little less pricey. Some are cutting back on the quality of the ring, sacrificing color and clarity so that they don't have to scale back the size.

Of course you could always try your luck at winning one. GemEx(R) Systems, Inc. has launched the Rock the Recession, Pop the Question contest where couples upload a video showing their most romantic and persuasive plea to get engaged for a chance to win a prize package worth $10,000, including a one carat GemEx certified diamond engagement ring. Submissions will be accepted until July 31.

Tags: bridal, diamonds, engagement, rings

Robbins Brothers Peps Summer With Diamond Promotions

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

It's been a tough year for the jewelry business and for Robbins Brothers in specific. The company, which specializes in engagement and wedding rings is making a fresh start after emerging from bankruptcy. Last month the company completed the sale of its assets to a purchaser owned and controlled by a significant equity holder of the company. The new legal entity, Robbins Brothers Jewelry, Inc. will enable the Robbins Brothers team to continue business. Andy Heyneman, president and CEO of Robbins Brothers called the recent moves " a humbling experience and an emotional rollercoaster for all involved" but has said that he's excited to have Robbins Brothers get back to the business of helping couples with their ring needs.

The company has created a couple of fun new promotions. They are holding a Diamond Dig in conjunction with Southern California's Orange County Flyers baseball team, after a doubleheader game July 5, 2009. After the game registered contestants will dig for 10 Robbins Brothers lighted ring boxes buried somewhere between first and third bases. The boxes will contain gift certificates, diamond pendants and earrings and one box will hold a .5-carat solitaire ring.Contestants can register at one of four Robbins Brothers locations in the area--Fullerton, Mission Viejo, Riverside or Montclair until June 29, 2009. Registrants will be given a complimentary ticket to the game.

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Tags: diamonds, engagement, rings, robbins brothers, RobbinsBrothers

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Pretty things from Andrea Lucille

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Andrea Lucille is an up and coming jewelry designer with an intricate, elegant collection.

Educated at Rhode Island School of Design, Andrea Lucille Shin moved to NYC in 2000 and started Andrea Lucille Designs. "To me," says Andrea, "I reach the epitome of design achievement when my novel artistic concepts elicit reactions of astonishment and intrigue; I know then that I have succeeded."

We are certainly intrigued by this ring from the Willow Collection. This 18k yellow gold is set with white cultured pearls and diamonds with an approximate total weight of 0.15 cts. We love the coral style, which makes it look as though the gold and jewels are just budding out of the ring.

Andrea Lucille Designs range in price from $60 - $6,000, and can be purchased from her website, as well as these stores. See the gallery below for a look at more of her luscious pieces.

Gallery: Andrea Lucille

Tags: andrea lucille, bracelets, jewelry, jewelry designers, JewelryDesigners, necklaces, rings

Tournaire's Dream House Rings

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

I've seen a wide variety of rings but none quite as arresting as the dream house rings from Philippe Tournaire. The rings are miniatures of actual buildings rendered in 18-karat gold and platinum rings. The brand which has a boutique in Paris is bringing its creations to the U.S. The Villa de Reve collection of rings may not be the most wearable pieces I've ever seen but who can argue with this level of craft. The brand will also make custom pieces, tiny metal and gemstone versions of private homes for clients. The ring shown above is the Maison Lafitte.

[via National Jeweler]

Gallery: Tournaire Dream Home Rings

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Tags: design, gold, rings

Daniel K Pret-A-Porter Stackable Rings

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Last year, jeweler Daniel Koren launched his Prêt?à?Porter Collection with black and white diamonds and colorful stackable bangles. Now he's continuing his quest for color with a line of brilliantly colored rings that can be worn singly or stacked. The rings and bangles feature pave diamonds and gemstones such as tsavorites, rubies and many colors of sapphires set in 18K white, rose and yellow gold depending on which colors of stones are used. The new pieces range in price from $2,850- $10,050 for the stacking bands and $7,200 - $23,600 for the bangles.

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Tags: daniel k, DanielK, eyecandy, gemstones, rings

Sterling Silver Diamonds

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

They don't look like diamonds and they certainly aren't diamonds, but these Sterling Silver Diamond rings could still have their place in your jewelry box. Designed to be worn alone or stacked in multiples, the design also comes in acrylic colored versions for a completely different fashion statement. I'm not sure if I would wear a ring like this or not (they look a little immature somehow) but then often it's more about how you wear it than anything else when it comes to pulling off something like this. $160 - $260

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Tags: jewelry, ring, rings, sterling silver, SterlingSilver

Idalia Launch

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Holiday Guides

Idalia is a new website for the true jewelry connoisseur.

The Black Diamond Snake Ring (right) features black and contrasting white diamonds: 1 pear shaped diamond, carat total weight 0.38; 77 round black diamonds, carat total weight 2.01; and 17 round brilliant white diamonds, carat total weight 0.38; all set in 18k gold for $3,350.00.

Because the brand name is young and there is no showroom to support, their stunning pieces cost a fraction of what they would from other designers. I had the privilege of viewing the collection in person and was inspired by the variety, elegance, and exceptional quality.

Idalia diamonds are the best of the best - for example, the Double Diamond Square Set Eternity Necklace features diamonds with a total carat weight of 19.04, color grade F-G, and clarity grade VVS set in 18k white gold.

People are becoming more comfortable doing their shopping online, but to spend thousands on jewelry you've never seen in person might feel like quite a risk. From what I saw today, Idalia is one site that won't let you down. See the gallery below for a closer look at one of the most exciting new jewelry lines of 2008!

Gallery: Idalia Show in New York City

Criss Cross Diamond Cuff and Gold and Diamond Lattice Cuff (left to right)

Some of the items were so sparkly they appear slightly blurred in photos. Trust me, the effect was dazzling.

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Tags: bracelets, carat, carats, desginers, diamonds, gold, idalia, idalia.com, jewelry, necklaces, pink gold, PinkGold, rings

Angular Momentum Artisan Rings

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Angular Momentum has taken their signature look of ornately detailed watch dials under sapphire crystals and transposed them to new "artisan rings." There are four styles in white gold accented with diamonds and set under curved sapphire crystals. Each style highlights one of Angular Momentum's techniques for watch decoration. They are beautiful but the Angular Momentum website doesn't give a size on these but they seem a bit large for comfortable wear.

The Guilloche Negoro Artisan Ring "Negoro Koi" features a hand-carved Japanese lacquer medallion of a Koi carp on a guilloche ground.
The Guilloche Noir Artisan Ring "Koi" has a similar carp but done in black.
The High Relief Artisan Ring "Oriental Blossoms" has a hand carved medallion in 18 Kt. yellow gold.
The Verre Èglomisé Artisan Ring "Peony" has a "Verre Èglomisé" miniature painting of a peony on the reverse of the curved sapphire crystal.

Gallery: Angular Momentum Artisan Rings

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Tags: angular momentum, AngularMomentum, jewelry, rings

Bibigi Fashion Collection Rings

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Bibigi has many unique jewelry designs but their Fashion Collection rings are my absolute favorite because I love gardening, flowers, and the outdoors. Featuring an obvious floral theme, the collection is bright with colorful leaves, petals, and the occasional dragonfly or butterfly. Featuring white gold and yellow gold with diamonds, black diamonds, and enamel accents, the collection has a definite whimsical vibe. One of my favorites is this Van Gogh ring, of which there are four designs including a coordinating necklace and earrings.

Via JustLuxé

Gallery: Bibigi Fashion Collection Rings

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Tags: bibigi, diamond ring, DiamondRing, diamonds rings, DiamondsRings, fashion collection, fashion rings, FashionCollection, FashionRings, jewelry, ring, rings

Art For Your Fingers: George Sawyer Mokume Rings

by Meg Massie (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Art

When you go to a jewelry store, almost everything you're looking at is mass produced. Each gemstone has its own distinct, microscopic qualities, but other than that, you're going to find the same selection just about everywhere. That's why George Sawyer is a true artist among jewelers.

Sawyer's art is called mokume. Taken from the ancient Japanese art of folding metal for swords, Sawyer uses metal folding to create beautiful, unique pieces of jewelry. He uses several different types of metals in each piece to create a romantic, swirling design that is as unique as a fingerprint.

Sawyer works primarily in golds, using 14K yellow, white, and rose gold, but also works with silver, copper, palladium, and other metals to produce the wide array of colors in his palette. Many of his designs call up the image of tree bark, and with a hint of gray green color, these rings have a very earthy look.

Sawyer showcases his work at craft and jewelry shows all over the country, and many retailers sell his pieces. To find a dealer near you, click here.

Gallery: George Sawyer Rings