Design Art and Photography

Hollywood, Fla.—Natural-colored diamonds got an exclusive in the limelight at the 2008 Billboard Latin Music Awards, where the Natural Colored Diamond Association (NCDIA) served as the event’s official jewelry sponsor. Kat de Luna, Fanny Lu, Olga Tanon and Yuridia were just a few of the Latin-music luminaries to hit the April 10 red carpet in natural-colored diamonds. Prior to the awards show, the NCDIA hosted a celebrity jewelry suite on April 8 and 9 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
(Full post NCDIA sponsors Billboard Latin Music Awards…)

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By Mary Wisniewski Dublin, Ireland—Jewelry designer John Christopher Condron always wanted to be involved with jewelry and he didn’t wait long to explore his interest. After graduating from high school, Condron immediately went to work for a jewelry manufacturer, and he has been at the bench ever since. His latest enterprise is John Christopher, a Dublin-based brand featuring various jewelry collections that pay tribute to the Irish heritage—with a luxury twist.
(Full post Luxe of the Irish…)

Geneva—Swiss luxury jeweler Chopard is getting prime placement on the cover of Madonna’s much-anticipated new album, Hard Candy. The reigning Queen of Pop dons the brand’s “Happy Diamonds” cross as well as a personalized diamond knuckle ring that was designed by Chopard Co-President Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele. The ring, crafted in the spirit of Hard Candy—which the singer describes as “a juxtaposition of tough and sweetness”—spells out Madonna’s hip-hop pseudonym, “M-dolla,” in 258 brilliant-cut white diamonds.
(Full post Chopard in ring with Madonna on new album…)

By Mary Wisniewski New York—Jade Jagger might not sing “Satisfaction” like her father, Mick, but she hopes to bring that very sentiment to the stylish with Jezebel, a new jewelry and clothing line that pays tribute to her Rolling Stone dad’s famous pucker via a series of pink enamel lips.
(Full post Big bangles, neckwear on tap for spring…)

By Mary Wisniewski New York—Fashion is indicative of the times, and with the headlines portending a tough year ahead, expect a departure from the predominant baby-doll look and a return to grown-up chic next autumn. Designers tapped into their serious side, sending sleek silhouettes down the catwalks at 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. This doesn’t mean all-black looks (although it can), but rather the polished appearances that dark tones tend to imply, with purple hues infiltrating many of the collections.
(Full post Designers stick their necklaces out…)

By Mary Wisniewski Billings, Mont.—As precious metal prices continue to break records, and consumers cut down on luxury spending, designers and manufacturers are moving toward lower-cost options such as lighter-weight designs and less expensive metals—including palladium and silver. Seizing on the price-conscious trend is Palladium Alliance International (PAI), which recently hired DJS Marketing to design a new multiyear, global palladium campaign.
(Full post Palladium finds niche amid record-high metal prices…)

By Mary Wisniewski New York—Spring was in the air at the JA New York Winter Show, with whimsical designs topping the trends, along with nature-inspired pieces and romantic themes. From leaf motifs to subtle butterflies and bold serpents, designs capturing flora and fauna popped up at a plethora of designers’ booths. Flower-themed jewelry bloomed throughout the show too. Romantic flourishes such as bows, hearts, stars and wings were also in full force.
(Full post Whimsical jewelry tops trends at JA NY…)

By Mary Wisniewski Milan, Italy—About J, a brand-new by-invitation-only show created and organized by the The Vicenza Fair, debuted this weekend in luxury capital Milan, boasting the best of the worldwide jewelry industry. The March 2-4 event, held at the trendy Superstudio Piu, drew a select 60 Italian jewelry brands and 20 international brands, along with 150 invited buyers and representatives from 350 high-end Italian retail outlets.
(Full post Milan’s ‘About J’ show debuts…)

Los Angeles—Crimson gowns and showy jewelry ruled the red carpet at the 80th annual Academy Awards last night, firing up an otherwise lackluster fashion parade. The diamond statement necklace showed a tremendous resurgence, with many of Hollywood’s leading ladies draping their necks in diamonds and colored stones. Most notable was Nicole Kidman, who absolutely glittered from neck to waist in a rough- and polished-diamond Sautoir necklace by L’Wren Scott showcasing 7,645 diamonds totaling nearly 1,400 carats.
(Full post Statement necklaces steal show at Oscars…)

New York—Jewelry hits the beach big-time in the 2008 edition of Sports Illustrated’s famous “Swimsuit” issue, with Lana Jewelry and Michael Spirito for Exhibitionist as two of the featured designers. Sporting everything from layered necklaces and cocktail rings to stacked bangles and drippy earrings, the beautiful models in their barely-there bikinis often take a backseat to bling. The is the first year for Spirito’s designs to be featured in the magazine and the second year for Lana Jewelry, whose “Petite Boheme Necklace” and “Affinity Ring” have their day in the sun.
(Full post Some swimsuit with your jewelry?…)