The sighting: Superstar Rihanna was spotted in Las Vegas wearing a very sparkly watch in an unexpected way.

The jewels: Rihanna is wearing a custom watch anklet by Jacob & Co. The watch is valued at $400,000 and is covered in emerald and round cut white diamonds.

I think she may also be wearing some pearls under that jacket , but it’s hard to tell.

The trends: If Rihanna keeps wearing watches everywhere but on her wrist, other people are going to start getting more creative with their watch-wearing, too – it’s inevitable. Rihanna is just too influential for her style to not spread.

What do we think? When Rihanna wore a Jacob & Co watch as a choker, I appreciated the creativity but wasn’t overly excited about the look. It felt a little forced, more gimmicky than natural.

The ankle watch styling works much better for me. I’m not even entirely sure why: maybe the cleverness of switching extremities appeals to me more than just slapping a watch on a random body part? But this feels spontaneous and fresh and chic, much more than the watch choker ever did. It’s not any more practical than the watch choker, but I find it much cooler.

Judgement: 16/10 for super fun, creative styling.

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 appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

The Jewelers Circle has launched a new direct-to-consumer platform! The first international e-retail portal dedicated to vintage and rare jewelry, The Jewelers Circle is powered by a growing global network of passionate experts. It’s an opportunity for leading vintage dealers from around the world to share their rare treasures with a global audience. jewelerscircle.com

Eyes on Your Site

DDK Marketing, a pioneering force in direct response consumer marketing campaigns for jewelry retailers, has launched their new product, OnSite. OnSite is patented marketing technology designed to capture the attention of consumers searching for jewelry. Some retailers already using OnSite are reporting at least a 5X return on investment, more cost effective than Google Pay-Per-Click advertising. themveye.com

Diamond-Worthy Education

The Natural Diamond Council’s Education Program for retailers and jewelry professionals is designed to designed to accelerate natural diamond knowledge beyond the 4 C’s and convert sales. Catering to both veterans and newcomers, the program offers interactive learning with infographics, downloadable social media assets, articles, industry research, curated workshops, certificates of completion, and more. naturaldiamonds.com

A Podcast to Watch

The Accutron Show has announced a new co-host for the popular podcast’s fourth season. Multi-disciplinary artist, celebrity photographer, filmmaker, TEDx speaker, and social justice advocate Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri will join current host, writer and editor David Graver for another chapter of conversation about American consumer culture with an outstanding lineup of influential guests. accutronwatch.com

Ethical Assistance

Ethical Metalsmiths’ Responsible Sourcing Committee is making their Gemstone Supplier Conversations Guide available to the public! The resource provides starting points for industry professionals to use to assess the ethical positioning of suppliers and players they interact with in the mining, metal, and gemstone industries. Find it on the EM website under “Resources.” ethicalmetalsmiths.org

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The sighting: Actress Michelle Williams attended the recent Gotham Awards in a black Schiaparelli gown with Belperron jewelry. Let’s take a look!

The jewels: Williams is wearing one necklace and one large cocktail ring. The necklace is Belperron’s Spiral Torque Necklace in virgin gold with South Sea cultured pearls. It’s an extremely sophisticated piece featuring a double row of creamy white pearls suspended from two swirls of gold.

The spiral motif is an iconic Belperron signature, one that the designer first experimented with in 1918.

I bet the ring is fantastic too, but you can’t get a clear look at it in any of the photos so we’ll just have to imagine.

The trends: Wearing fewer, bigger pieces of jewelry is absolutely a red carpet trend right now, and this Belperron necklace with single statement ring combo nails both the pearl trend and the quiet luxury trend perfectly.

What do we think? Normally I’d complain about Williams’ naked earlobes (honestly, I would add earrings if it were up to me) but the necklace is so good that I’ll allow it, just this once. Pairing this understated, impactful necklace with the actress’s ethereal pixie cut and sculptural, minimalist black gown is just perfection. This could not be more chic.

Judgement: 1,000/10 because Belperron on the red carpet makes me so so happy.

 

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IT WAS A regal event: the state banquet for the first official visit to the U.K. by South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee. And two legendary tiaras appeared at the event, pieces that date back to Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.

I am a huge fan of tiaras, so seeing these awe-inspiring royal ones out and about again was a real treat.

Let’s start with the one worn by Queen Camilla, a tiara that I wrote about in my book If These Jewels Could Talk: The Legends Behind Celebrity Gems (ACC Artbooks, 2015). It was the Burmese Ruby Tiara from Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection. The story goes like this: In 1973, Queen Elizabeth II wanted a tiara designed with rubies, so the palace approached the oldest jewelry house in the world, crown jewelers Garrard. The use of rubies and the fact that the queen commissioned, rather than inherited, the piece rendered it distinct from the other tiaras in her collection, which were been passed down to her from Queen Mary and Queen Victoria. The tiara’s motif is a wreath of red roses; the roses are made up of 96 Burmese rubies and gold, and the petals, crafted of diamonds, are set into silver. The cache of gems was originally a wedding gift from the people of Burma to then-Princess Elizabeth in November 1947, with the number of stones representing the number of diseases that, according to Burmese tradition, can afflict the human body. The rubies were meant to protect against illness and evil. Camilla wore the tiara with a red velvet dress by Fiona Clare.

Kate Middleton’s choice of tiara was even more compelling, as it had not been worn for nearly a century. Named the Strathmore Rose Tiara, it was originally gifted to the Queen Mother when she was still Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, in 1923. It bears its name due to the fact that she was the daughter of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. And the tiara was a gift from her parents before she married the Duke of York.

The piece, created with five diamond flowers stretching across a vine-inspired design, is convertible and can be worn low on the forehead as a bandeau as well as a traditional tiara. The Queen Mother wore it as a bandeau several times in the early years after receiving it, and it also has fittings so the flowers can be worn as brooches. Middleton chose to wear it upright with a Jenny Packman white gown with intricate gold details.

Both tiaras are head turners that will live on as part of the royal family’s history.

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• Midas Chain gold is selling as it is always on trend. Marathon has a large assortment of product offerings. — Brandy Pavlich, Kingston Fine Jewelry, Kingston, NY
• Custom was still really popular and mostly remounts of customer’s own stones using options available from Stuller. They have such a wide variety of options that we can typically get in exactly what the customer wants without having to CAD/CAM. — Becky Bettencourt, Blue River Diamonds, Peabody, MA
• Bassali fashion, Ti Sento fashion, and bridal from Sylvie Jewelry. — Trevor Williams, Leitzel’s Jewelry, Myerstown, PA
• Interestingly, pearl restringing was a major factor in October. I did an appraisal day at the beginning of the month, saw quite a few strands of decent cultured pearls, all of which were broken or frayed, some were unfashionably long. All were restrung, many new clasps (thank you Stuller for having a wide variety), some became two strands or, in one case, a double strand. And one long strand became two different length strands (with matching bracelet), all with identical diamond clasps so they can be connected in various ways. — James Doggett, Doggett Jewelry, Kingston, NH
• Large jade pendants in silver. — Showy and affordable. Susan Maxon, Honors Gran, Dunedin, FL
• Custom, lab-grown diamonds, Allison-Kaufman, Bassali. — Erika Godfrey, Hawthorne Jewelry, Kearney, NE
• Stuller, Allison-Kaufman (just took on the line), Teva Lab-Grown Diamonds,previously owned jewelry. — Edwin Menk, E.L. Menk Jewelers, Brainerd, MN
• Sylvie bridal, Fischler Diamonds and Breuning fashion. — James Wolf, James Wolf Jewelers, Mason, OH
• Custom redesign of customers’ heirloom jewels into simple, wearable everyday pieces, a result of the pandemic’s erasure of dressed-up needs. — Eve J. Alfille, Eve J. Alfille Gallery & Studio, Evanston, IL
• Alongside our regular winners, we had an estate trunk show from Beneficial Estate buyers that did very well. It was our first time hosting an event like that and I expect the next one to be even better! — Kyle Bullock, Bullock’s Jewelry, Roswell, NM
• Allison-Kaufman, quality for special events. Ostbye, bridal. Carla Corporation, everyone loves the quality and the lifetime guarantee. Revelation, lower price points for lab-grown. — Cindi Haddad-Drew, Cindi’s Diamonds & Jewelry Gallery, Foxboro, MA
• So many custom engagement rings this month! All with lab-grown diamonds in the 2 1/2-to-4-carat range. Hidden halo styles in 14K yellow gold are popular, as well as very personal details in the designs. — Beth Cevasco, Scott’s Custom Jewelers, Dublin, OH
• Thanks to the Barbie effect, we sold a really beautiful Omi Privé pink sapphire ring and matching pendant. #barbiepink. — Melissa Quick, Steve Quick Jeweler, Chicago, IL
• Colored Stone Rings by Yael and Quality Color have been fantastic. Interchangeable bracelets by Alamea are heating up, and Shula NY sales are perpetual. — Rick Nichols, Nassau Jewelry, Fernandina Beach, FL

• Lab-grown diamond studs. Same look for 1/10th the price. People have started to understand that jewelry and diamonds are fashion, not an investment. People are scared of wearing expensive items. — Jeremy Auslander, Roxbury Jewelry, Los Angeles, CA
• Ania Haie and Sterling Reputation … great price points. — Paul Krueger, Krueger Jeweler, Fort Atkinson, WI
• We’ve done great with Midas Chain products lately. Also doing very well with Allison-Kaufman. Great new designs out from them. Yellow gold is way outselling white and platinum, but rose gold is coming back from the ashes into nice looks with rubies and tanzanites. Meredith Young and Lord Jewelry sold a huge amount of jewelry in our store in October and really made our month. We’ve been searching for nice men’s bracelets and have some hot sellers from Samuel B. — Andrea Riso, Talisman Collection, El Dorado Hills, CA
• Benchmark tantalum men’s wedding bands. — Scott Lefcourt, Scottsdale Fine Jewelers, Scottsdale, AZ
• Charms!!! Lots of silver. Rembrandt Charms is always great when it comes to charms and charm bracelets. — Liliana Martinez, Patchogue Jewelers, East Patchogue, NY

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The jewels: Gladys Russell, played by actress Taissa Farmiga, wore Hayley Elise Jewellery’s Amaryllis earrings in Season Two, Episode One of The Gilded Age. This floral-inspired style features marquis-cut green tourmaline and diamonds in 14K yellow gold and is listed on the brand’s website for $3,275.

This isn’t pictured in the above Instagram post, but Hayley Elise Jewellery let me know that Gladys Russell wears several more of their pieces later in Season Two, including the Venus Drop Earrings (rhodolite garnet and diamonds in 14K, listed for $2,800) and the Dark Opal Cuore Wand Pendant (opal rhodolite, and diamonds in 14, listed for $3,100).

The trends: The biggest two trends here are green gems (very popular right now) and textured, touchable-looking gold. They may be featured on a character from the past, but these beauties are perfect for the current moment.

What do we think? This delights me. When I featured Hayley Elise Jewellery’s Amaryllis earrings in Instore Magazine in early 2021, it was the brand’s very first appearance in the press. Now they’re on a popular HBO show, in multiple episodes! I love to see it.

There are two ways for any period costume drama to go when it comes to jewelry: they can use period-appropriate antiques and reproductions, or they can ignore anachronism and use new jewelry that has the right vibe. I haven’t followed along as some of my jewelry friends have, but it is my understanding that The Gilded Age has chosen to alternate between the two approaches, mixing period-appropriate pieces with both modern designs and vintage finds from other eras.

In general, I’d prefer for the show to pick a lane and stay there: I like it when a costume drama either uses interestingly curated modern pieces or period appropriate styles, rather than switching between the two and mixing in other vintage eras. But I love that they chose Hayley Elise Jewellery as one of their modern designers to feature!

Judgement: 14/10 for gorgeous earrings getting the attention they deserve.

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TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET, an ambassador for Cartier, has been spotted in some iconic pieces from the brand, including a vintage diamond and ruby clip brooch at the 2020 Academy Awards and a panther necklace at the 2022 event, along with Juste un Clou bracelets and vintage tank watches. But the necklace he wore to the Wonka world premiere in London was perhaps the most distinctive. As Cartier’s official press release stated, “The white gold with rotating precious stones piece was created by the Cartier Jewelry ateliers with Timothée’s creative input.” While no other details were given, myriad gemstones seemed to echo the candy theme of the film and popped from the vibrant pink Tom Ford suit that Chalamet wore. While trying to get more scoop on the one-of-a-kind necklace, I stumbled onto a Vogue article that described the necklace as having  964 gemstones, including emeralds, rubellites, pink tourmalines and blue opals. Chalamet reportedly spent hours combing through archive Cartier imagery before traveling to Paris to meet with Marie-Laure Cérède, creative director of jewelry and watchmaking, at the atelier months before the premiere.

CREDIT: CARTIER © MATTHIEU LAVANCHY

Chalamet has set the style for genderless dressing for some time. He has also worn a variety of jewelry styles, from classic to edgy, both in everyday life and to red carpet events. The Wonka necklace will become part of the Cartier Collection and will go on display at jewelry exhibitions around the globe.

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The jewels: Oprah is wearing Katherine Jetter’s emerald and pearl hoop earrings, a design that features an outer half-hoop of freshwater pearls backed by an inner half-hoop of vivid green emeralds (7.70 TCW) set in darkened 18K white gold.

The style is currently listed on Katherine Jetter’s website for $14,800.

The trends: Green jewels of all kinds have dominated color trends recently and pairing them with the also popular pearl in white metal, a material that has just started regaining ground against the ubiquitous yellow gold, makes these earrings at least a triple trend threat.

What do we think? What I think about this is YES. I love a fun hoop, and the fact that these have both a hidden pop of emerald color inside and the luscious texture and luster of pearls outside makes them truly special.

The fact that Oprah paired these babies with an all-purple ensemble just makes me love them more! That hint of green from the emeralds is so good against that monochromatic amethyst outfit.

On a personal note: I’d wear these earrings any day, anywhere. They’re fantastic.

Judgement: 16/10 for gorgeous earrings styled well.

 

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The Kross Studio Star Wars watch roll collection is the perfect gift for the Star Wars-loving watch enthusiast in your life. Each watch roll is crafted of 100% vegetal leather screen printed with a character and complementary colors and patterns, including C-3P0 in yellow, Boba Fett in green, Darth Vader in black, Chewbacca in brown, the stormtrooper and R2-D2 in white, and Yoda in tan.

$250

kross.studio

More Mysteries

Good news for fans of Rob Bates’ Diamond District Mystery Series: Book three is here! SLAY IT WITH A DIAMOND is a follow up to >A MURDER IS FOREVER and NOT GIRL’S BEST FRIEND but can also be read as a standalone story. Inspired by classic gothic fiction, the story involves SUCCESSION-style intrigue, a bitter family feud, and a supposedly cursed gemstone.

$16.95

robbatesauthor.com

It’s Elementary

The Yehuda Dr. Watson is the ultimate lightweight lab-grown diamond detector. The enhanced interface is easy to use: just one click to see the test results in seconds, no calibration or changing platforms. This little powerhouse can check eight rings at a time and has the same 100% detection rate as the larger Sherlock Holmes 2.0.

$2,795

sykessler.com

Color Therapy

Manifest Jewelry in 50 pages: A ZEN ADULT COLORING BOOK TO MANIFEST JEWELRY AND HELP WITH ANXIETY, RELAXATION AND STRESS RELIEF is a fantastic new coloring book inspired by Jamie Geller Jewelry. Fifty gorgeous pages of jewelry illustrations featuring work by Harwell Godfrey, Jacquie Aiche, Retrouvai, Storrow and more, just waiting for you to bring them to life with color while you relax and relieve stress.

$32

themanifestingjournal.com

A Kiss From Paris

J’amois’ spectacular jewelry boxes are as eco-friendly as they are gorgeous. Made from genuine silk velvet sourced from France and Italy, J’amois uses Parisan supplies to find the most extraordinary and high-quality deadstock fabrics. We have a particular affection for the adorable kiss-shaped Bisous box.

$137

j-amois.com

The post A Diamond Murder Mystery Sequel, A Lightweight Lab-Grown Diamond Detector, and More Gear for Jewelry Pros appeared first on INSTOREMAG.COM.

Jewelry by King Baby includes small diamond link necklace, $895; diamond star ring, $615; small black leather braid bracelet with crowns, $425; 10mm black onyx bead bracelet with skull, $275; large infinity link bracelet, $1,100; liberty stackable ring, $250; and studded skull guitar pick pendant, $495. Visit kingbabystudio. com or call (310) 828-4438 for more information. MODEL: Rhett Wellington. PHOTOGRAPHER: Erik Bergamini. AGENCY: Do Less.

Jewels for Gents

There’s so much more to men’s jewelry than the unadorned basics! These gentleman’s jewels use engaging texture, pops of color, powerful symbolism, and thrilling contrasts to make head-turning statements. Every one of these pieces is subtle enough to wear to any occasion and special enough to make a lasting impression once you’re there.

Chris Ploof

Damascus steel and 18K yellow gold pendant with diamonds on 18K yellow gold chain.

$2,550

info@chrisploof.com, chrisploof.com

King Baby

Sterling silver ring.

$590

(310) 828-4438, kingbaby.com

Midas Chain

14K yellow and white gold bracelet.

$4,690

(201) 244-1150, midaschain.com

Phillip Gavriel

Sterling silver bracelet with malachite.

$600

(800) 622-0960, phillipgavriel.co

INOX

Stainless steel necklace with sapphire and 18K yellow gold.

$175

(203) 803-148, inox-us.com

Lassanai

18K yellow gold cufflinks with aquamarine.

$4,995

(917) 324-9449, lassanainyc.com

K. Brunini

18K yellow and white gold cufflinks with Tahitian pearls.

$11,650

inquiries@kbrunini.com, kbrunini.com

Mission Atelier

14K yellow gold and sterling silver ring with blue enamel.

$2,111

info@missionatelier.com, missionatelier.com

Jewelry Innovations

Serinium ring with engraving.

$444

(800) 872-6840, jewelryinnovations.com

Wrist Watch

Any good watch can tell you the time, but a great watch tells everyone you meet that you’re a force to be reckoned with. A timepiece can be a simple tool, or it can be an irrepressible declaration of luxury and style. Does your customer already have a great watch? Introduce them to other styles, colorways, and features — or introduce them to jewelry that goes with their go-to timepiece.

Kenneth Cole

Stainless steel watch.

$285

(212) 221-1177, genevawatchgroup.com

Citizen Watch

Tsuki-yomi A-T Super Titanium watch with world’s first light-powered atomic timekeeping moon phase movement.

$850

citizenwatch.com

BENRUS

Stainless steel watch with acrylic crystal and optional nylon dive strap.

$1,095

support@benrus.com, benrus.com

Accutron

Stainless steel watch with alligator leather band, electrostatic movement, and sapphire crystal.

$3,950

luxuryretail@citizenwatchgroup.com, accutronwatch.com

Bulova

Stainless steel watch with rose gold plating.

$1,395

becomeadealer@bulova.com, bulova.com

Arnold & Son

18K white gold watch with alligator leather strap and diamonds (2.57 TCW).

$67,000

(213) 622-1133, arnoldandson.com

Lebois & Co.

Stainless steel watch with leather strap and sapphire crystal case.

$2,570

+31 20 800 5046, leboisandco.com

Sevenfriday

Stainless steel, carbon fiber, and resin watch with sapphire crystal case.

$1,628

+41 44 542 92 02, sevenfriday.com

Bering

Stainless steel watch with sapphire crystal.

$349

(310) 417-5025, beringtime.com

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