ACADEMY AWARDS 2012: JEWELRY

For the Academy Awards jewelry designers and dealers loan the pieces in order to gain visibility for their companies, and so do fashion designers. They allow celebrities to choose what they'd like to wear from the inventory the designer wants to promote. Many of the designers work with multiple celebrities, so they must be careful not to duplicate an item.

Harry Winston is a company that's been associated with celebrities since its beginnings, so you'll always see their pieces on those who are Oscar-bound. Another is New Yorker Fred Leighton, whose rings you see on the right hands of the Sex In the City ladies. Other famous and less well known designers are represented too, such as Swiss company Chopard and designer Neil Lane amongst others. Famous European designers were notably scarce this year; Bulagari, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, etc.

Natalie Portman in Harry Winston

The trend this year seemed to be diamonds, diamonds, diamonds with a splattering of color: emeralds and sapphires. Platinum, the precious metal that never changes color nor fades, ruled the red carpet at the 2012 Academy Awards. From Natalie Portman and Cameron Diaz's diamond necklaces, to Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez's drop earrings, Hollywood's leading actresses chose to showcase their jewels in naturally white platinum settings that truly enhance the brilliance of diamonds and colored gemstones.  Platinum is the ideal choice for red carpet jewelry because it holds diamonds and precious gemstones more securely than any other metal. It is not only the highest quality metal, but its density makes it one of the most durable and enduring precious metals. Platinum is also naturally white, unlike white gold, which means it will not cast any tint onto a diamond or gemstone, allowing the stone's genuine color to sparkle brightly. 

Cameron Diaz in Harry Winston

Gwyneth Paltrow in Anna Hu-Stunning! My favorite look

Penelope Cruz in a 56 carat diamond necklace by Chopard

Angelina Jolie in Neil Lane

Berenice Bejo in Chopard emeralds

Viola Davies in Lorraine Schwartz emeralds

Michelle Williams in Fred Leighton

Leslie Mann in stunning sapphire earrings by lorraine Schwartz

Milla Jovovic in Jacob & Co.

Jane fonda in the most stunning bib necklace by Chopard

Meryl Streep glittered in Fred Leighton gold earrings

                               
And last, but not least...

Miss piggy in Fred Lrighton

MARCH

A member of the beryl family, the aquamarine name means "sea water", which is an apt description of the colors of many aquamarine seen on the market.

It has long been considered the symbol of happiness and everlasting youth.


Aquamarine exists in many shades of blue, from pale versions to the color of the sky, and some stones are tinged with green -- it owes its color to the presence of iron. Deeper colored aquamarines have the highest value.

Aquamarine is a durable gemstone, and is rated at 7.5 on the Mohs scale (compared to diamond at 10).

Aquamarine with Emeralds, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz and Apatite

Aquamarine has long been considered a lucky stone, especially by sailors, who carried it to keep them safe at sea. It is said to bring peace and calming to its owner, relieving stress and enhancing intuition. Crystal healers use aquamarine to harmonize diseased areas of the body. Aquamarine is said to do many things metaphysically; it is often thought of as a universal sign of hope, health, and youth and is said to specifically bless all those born in March who wear it. Here are a few of the other spiritual properties of this beautiful gemstone:

It is supposed to help with anxiety, fear, and restlessness by creating a peaceful stillness like the flow of a forest stream. Dreaming of Aquamarine signifies new friendships.
Wearing Aquamarine earrings is said to bring love and affection.

Healing Properties

Aquamarine is said to help reduce addiction, and to help eliminate fluid retention by strengthening the kidneys, liver, spleen and thyroid, thus purifying the general body. At one time, long ago, eyeglasses were made of aquamarine as the stone is soothing to the eyes.

It is told that this stone placed on the neck or worn as a short necklace will treat many neck and throat problems. Placed on swollen glands or worn around the neck it will reduce swelling. Chronic tonsillitis may be relieved by wearing a necklace of aquamarine together with turquoise, sodalite, chalcedony and blue topaz. This stone also has a beneficial effect on the thyroid, and is helpful is most all throat and neck ailments.