The Italian Connection

Rare Bulgari Blue Diamond Ring

Whether it be fashion, exotic sports cars, or jewelry, the Italians possess a certain style and class that seems to be inherent in their national character. Bulgari, established in 1884, is a jeweler whose name carries a cache that can only be achieved following almost a century and half of producing some of the most fantastic jewelry created. Purveyors to royalty, actors, and the rich and famous; owning a piece of Bulgari jewelry means that "you have arrived."  

In yet another sign that "diamonds are forever," a fifty year old blue diamond ring commissioned from Bulgari in the 1960's, that has never been sold at auction, is scheduled for auction at Bonhams Fine Jewellery Sale in London on September 21, 2011.
With an estimate of USD960,000 to USD1.28 million, the ring is being sold by the offspring of the couple for who the ring was commissioned.

A stunning example of the period, the crossover-style ring is set with two large pear-shaped diamonds that face away from each other - a 3.72 carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond and a 3.93 carat, D color, VS2 white diamond. The band is embellished with smaller white diamonds. It is a superb example of Bulgari design and craftsmanship, with the blue diamond adding an extremely rare touch to an exemplary piece of jewelry.
 
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The Tiffany Yellow

The Tiffany Yellow

Mention the name Tiffany's to almost anyone and their first reaction is the iconic 1961 movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's, starring Audrey Hepburn. Dig a little beneath the surface though and there are an abundance of valid reasons for Tiffany's having achieved a reputation for luxury, decadence, and class. One of the perhaps lesser known assets of Tiffany's is a yellow diamond known as The Tiffany Yellow.

Believed to have been discovered at the Kimberley mine in South Africa in 1877, with a rough weight of 287.42 carats, the Tiffany Yellow is one of the largest canary yellow diamonds ever discovered. It was acquired by Charles Tiffany for $18,000 and cut in Paris by Tiffany's gemologist, George Kunz, in 1879 into a cushion shape of 128.54 carats.

Kunz studied the stone for a year before cutting it cut into a cushion shape with an amazing 90 facets - 48 on the pavilion, 40 on the crown, plus the table and culet - 32 facets more than the accepted square antique brilliant cut. The crown is stepped, which involves splitting the main facets, which was standard procedure for the day. However, the pavilion received three steps, one more than what is standard. This is unique. It is claimed that this cut was made to make the stone smolder or glow rather than sparkle.

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Celebrity Corner

Pick a Color, Any Color

Her love don't cost a thing; the $1.2 million Harry Winston 6.1-carat pink diamond ring from Ben Affleck did not do the trick, and now it seems as though the $4 million, 14-carat solitaire blue diamond anniversary ring from Marc Anthony was also inadequate. Really, what's a girl to do? 

J-Lo Anniversary Ring

J-Lo Engagement Ring

     
The paparazzi,  fashionistas, and diamond dealers must be waiting with baited breath to see Lopez's next move. What color diamond will next grace her finger?

It seems as though pink was not enough to get J-Lo to the altar and blue could not survive the seven year itch. So what do you think will really stand the test of time for Jen? The choice of colors is almost endless.

Perhaps Jennifer is seeking something rarer than a pink or blue. A red, violet, pure orange, or purple diamond would fit that description but I do not fancy her chances of finding a 14-carat stone in those colors. Green would contrast nicely with her big brown eyes.

Auction of the Century

Hot on the heels of confirmation that Christie's had won the right to auction the estate of Elizabeth Taylor, including her extensive jewelry collection; the esteemed auction house has released further details pertaining to the viewings and auctions.

Christie's has organized a three month world tour highlighting Taylor's incredible collection. Starting in September 2011, the tour will include stops in the following cities: Moscow, London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva, Paris, and Hong Kong. The tour will climax in New York in early December. For ten days, beginning on December 3, Christie's New York will dedicate its entire Rockefeller Center gallery space to the public exhibition of Taylor's jewelry and other collectibles. This will be followed by four consecutive days of auctions. Enormous public interest is anticipated in this extravaganza and celebration of art and life.
 
In keeping with Taylor's devotion to humanitarian causes, part of the funds raised from exhibition admission, events, and publications related to the sales will be donated to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). 

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