What the Stars wore... Jewelry at the Oscars 2013

Fred Leighton, Harry Winston, Neil Lane and Lorraine Schwartz were all represented, however, there were some new names on the red carpet, including jewelry designer Cindy Chao, Sutra, Louis Vuitton and Brazilian jeweler Brumani.

Catherine Zeta-Jones in Lorraine Schwartz

There were diamonds and more diamonds, however not only brilliant-cut white diamonds, but rose-cut multi-colored diamonds, champagne, yellow, brown.

and earrings

                  

 Heidi Klum in Lorraine Schwartz multi-colored diamond rings

  

    Anne Hathaway in Harry Winston Jewelry

 

  Charlize Theron wore Harry Winston Jewelry

                         

                                             Jennifer Garner in Neil Lane Diamond and Platinum

Zoe Saldana in Neil lane Jewelry

     

             Jennifer Lawrence in Chopard

Long, delicate diamonds in necklaces and earrings. Also diamond necklaces at the back were worn by both Jennifer lawrence and Anne Hathaway.

Jennifer Aniston in Fred Leighton Jewel

                  

                   H. Stern bracelet              Kelly Lynch in a gold cuff                       

Jennifer Hudson in Sutra Jewelry

Some favorite Jewelry from the past:

  

Angelina Jolie in Emerald earrings at the Oscars in 2009 and Keira Knightly in 2006 in a vintage Bulgari necklace. (Getty images).

Jessica Alba at the Golden Globes in Harry Winston

2013 The Year of the Snake

Gemme Couture snake ring 2013 Year of Snake 2013 is the year of the black Snake begins on February 10th shortly after the New moon in Aquarius. This 2013 year of Snake is meant for steady progress and attention to detail. Focus and discipline will be necessary for you to achieve what you set out to create. The Snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 Animal Signs. It is the enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and collected of the Animals Signs. Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means that your family will not starve. Common Characteristics of People Born in the Year of Snake People born in the Year of the Snake are reputed to be thoughtful and wise and to approach problems rationally and logically, seldom instinctively. Such people are complex beings, they are       clever and men of few words from their birth. Their business is always going well, but they are stingy very often. They are sometimes egoistic and conceited. However they can be very active in their friends’ life. They are often too active, not believing other people and relying only on themselves. Snakes are also very insightful and naturally intuitive. If anyone has a sixth sense, it's those born in the Snake year. This is partly what makes them so mysterious.Snakes come in all varieties of colors and patterns. And maybe that's why people born in the Snake year love to appreciate beauty. People with the Chinese zodiac snake sign are very stylish, fashionable and have exceptional taste. People born in the Year of the Snake also have a sure touch in money matters but are also inclined to be greedy and somewhat egoistical. Determined and ambitious characters of Snakes take their failures hard. They are usually very attractive on the outside and inwardly, that, taking into consideration their frivolity, can lead to some family problems.

Valentine's Day with Gemme Couture

Gemme Couture bracelets

A Gemme Couture fine jewelry gift for Valentine's Day

      The history of Valentine's Day is shrouded in mystery, however there are many stories telling the tale of how it came to be. Some are European Pagan myths, others originate from the Roman Empire and early Christians. 

It was probably a combination of the two that created Valentine's Day that we know.

     The first legend, and perhaps the best known, began in Rome, when the Emperor, Claudius II, was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. “Claudius the Cruel” as he was called, was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. So, he cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome!

Ruby pendant with diamonds by GC

     Valentinus, who was a priest in Rome in the year 269 A.D., defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

      When Valentine's actions were discovered, he was sentenced to death. 

But while in prison, it is believed that Valentinus fell in love with a young girl, Julia, who may have been his jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. 

GC bracelets

GC long necklace with ruby and diamond pendant

On the eve of his death Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God.   He signed it,  " From your Valentine."  His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory. He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome.   It is said that Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave.   

GC Ruby berry earrings

Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. 

GC Ruby ring

In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.

Another legend says that Valentine's Day started ...

in ancient Rome, on February 14th, a holiday to honor Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. Then, the following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia. 

GC Ruby and diamond earrings

GC Ruby bracelet

In those days, the lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, on the eve of the festival of Lupercalia, the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

GC ruby and diamond necklace

  Today, all over the world on each February 14, Saint Valentine's Day, gifts and messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world. 

The color red has become the symbol of love and is often gifted for Valentine's Day: red roses, chocolate-dipped strawberries, rubies, tourmalines, red spinel...

What better way to show your love than with a gift of Gemme Couture fine jewelry.

February’s birthstone: the Amethyst

The amethyst, was the stone of royalty, representing power. 

Amethyst and Green Amethyst

Amethysts contain quartz and its color can range from a faint mauve to a rich purple as well as green. They are very sensitive to heat. When heated, an amethyst’s color changes to a brownish-yellow or red. And even without heating, the violet color of an amethyst may fade over time.

Amethysts are mined mainly in Brazil, Uruguay and Africa. 

The Amethyst's history can be traced back as far as 25,000 years ago in France, where it was used as a decorative stone by prehistoric humans. It has also been found among the remains of Neolithic man.

Gemme Couture pendant

Gemme Couture Amethyst bead ring

It is said to be the stone of Saint Valentine, who wore an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid. Saint Valentine’s Day is still observed in February.

The word amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethystos” meaning “not drunk,” and was believed to prevent its wearers from intoxication. 

The following is a story from Greco-Roman mythology, as quoted from Birthstones by Willard Heaps:

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Gemme Couture double Green Amethyst ring

“Bacchus, the god of wine in classical mythology, was offended by Diana the huntress. Determined on revenge, he declared that the first person he met as he went through the forest would be eaten by his tigers. As it happened, the first person to cross his path was the beautiful maiden Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. In terror, she called upon the goddess to save her, and before his eyes, Bacchus observed the maiden changed to a pure white, sparkling image of stone. Realizing his guilt and repenting his cruelty, Bacchus poured grape wine over her, thus giving the stone the exquisite violet hue of the amethyst. The carryover to non-intoxication was quite logical, and in ancient Rome, amethyst cups were used for wine, so drinkers would have no fear of overindulgence.”

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The early Egyptians believed that the amethyst possessed good powers, and placed the stones in the tombs of pharaohs. During the Middle Ages, it was used as medication, believed to dispel sleep, sharpen intellect, and protect the wearer from sorcery. It was also believed to bring victory in battle. In Arabian mythology, the amethyst was supposed to protect the wearer from bad dreams and gout.

January's Birthstone: Garnet

January’s birthstone, the garnet, symbolizes a light heart, loyalty and enduring affections. 

Gemme Couture Garnet
Sweetheart bracelet

The name “garnet” is derived from the Latin “granatum” meaning “pomegranate” because the crystals resemble the red color and seed-like form of this fruit. Most people think of the garnet as a red gemstone, but in fact, it exists in all kinds of colors, such as black, many shades of red and green, or even colorless. The garnet’s variety of colors comes from metals such as manganese, iron, calcium, and aluminum. Some varieties even contain mineral fibers that produce the illusion of a four- or six-rayed star within the stone. Green garnets are most highly prized but are very rare. Emerald green and colorless stones are highly valued, followed by pure red garnets.

Gemme Couture Tsavorite Garnet bracelets

Garnets are commonly found as small pebbles in streams, where the igneous and metamorphic rocks that contain them have weathered away. They’re found in many places around the world, including North and South America, Australia, India, Asia and Spain. 

Ancient warriors believed that garnets brought victory. The Crusaders used them as protection against wounds and accidents during their journeys. In contrast, Asiatic warriors believed that glowing garnets, used as bullets, inflicted more severe wounds.

Gemme Couture bead
Garnet bracelet

Evidence of garnet jewelry dating to the Bronze age was found in ancient graves in Europe. Garnet jewelry has also been discovered dating back to 3100 B.C. in Egypt, 2300 B.C. in Sumeria, and 2000-1000 B.C. in Sweden. Garnets were treasured in 3rd and 4th century Greece, and continued in popularity during Roman times. Across the Atlantic, Pre-Columbian Aztec and Native Americans also used garnets in their ornaments.

As with many precious stones, garnets were once believed to hold medicinal powers. In Medieval times, it protected its wearer against poisons, wounds and bad dreams, and cured depression. Red garnets relieved fever, hemorrhages and inflammatory diseases.

Almondine garnet,  Mandarine Garnet, Garnet,
Color-change Garnet, Grossular Garnet, Tsavorite Garnet

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.