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It’s been more than 80 years since Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the pioneering French fashion designer, popularized the little black dress, which has since become a wardrobe essential for women in all corners of the globe. The LBD, as it is often called, exists in many variants, and can be worn on almost any occasion that calls for style and elegance.
Like the LBD, the little black gem — otherwise known as the LBG — is also classic, yet versatile. The varied LBG collection consists of diamonds, pearls, opals, onyx, and other unique stones, ranging from the most affordable to the most precious gems available. No matter what their price, these stunning stones connote affluence while complementing the LBD as well as many other colours and styles of clothing.
Today, the black diamond represents the ultimate LBG. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), black diamonds get their colour from the presence of numerous inclusions, often consisting of graphite. Due to the dense concentrations of these dark inclusions, sometimes lining the stone’s cleavages and fractures, black diamonds are generally opaque and difficult to cut. Some notable black diamonds are the Black Star of Africa at 202.00 cts. and the Black Orfloff, at 67.50 cts.
Near the top of the LBG list are natural black pearls, which represent one of the rarest and most exotic of gem materials. Tahitian cultured pearls are among the most popular of the black pearls. Known for their deep luster, these pearls can range from a soft dove grey to a deep midnight ink colour.
Other LBG stones to look for include shimmering tourmaline, glassy obsidian, and hematite, which is a favourite of lawyers because it is fabled to bring the wearer success in litigation. No matter which LBG the wearer may choose, they can be assured that it will meet their requirements for versatility and style — proof that the little black dress has finally met its match.
Visit: GIA
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The distinctive star logo that appears on Montblanc's stationery, is a fitting symbol of what to expect from a prestigious brand that sets the standard for luxury, excellent craftmanship and superb design.
Now celebrating its 100th Birthday this year, Montblanc has (for the first time) created a comprehensive fine jewellery collection, that consists of more than 65 models made of 18-carat gold — enriched with the sparkling radiance of diamonds. The designs for these four new collections called: La Dame Blanche, Magie en Blanc et Noir, Étoile Secrète and Montblanc 4810; incorporates timeless elegance with traditional (handcrafted) workmanship that maintains Montblanc's reputation for quality.
Montblanc Diamond Fine Collection, will be available from select Montblanc boutiques.
Pictured left: Montblanc La Dame Blanch Ring — Black Jade with White Diamonds | Price: £3,700
Addresses: 151 Sloane Street Tel: 020 7730 7681 | Selfridges Birmingham Tel: 0121 600 6835 | 13 Old Bond Street Tel: 020 7629 5883 | 60-61 Burlington Arcade Tel: 020 7493 6369 | 6 Canada Place Tel: 020 7719 1919 | 10/11 Royal Exchange Tel: 020 7929 4200 | Harvey Nichols Manchester Tel: 0161 828 8847
Visit: Mont Blanc | Stockist's Tel: 020 7730 7681 |
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Drawing inspiration from her travels around the world, Madeleine Thompson jewellery is a true fusion of vintage design and modern simplicity. Her signature East-meets-West style creates a subtle feminine look, that can be worn during the day or as a statement piece to complete an evening outfit.
Madeleine sources only the finest products; pearls, sea bamboo, giant clam shells, onyx, crystal, jade and semi precious beads. However, she maintains an ethical approach to her craft, opting to work with air brushed resin, treated to replicate antique ivory as can be seen in her current collection. Madeleine is also keen to preserve traditional crafts, employing ancient techniques by skilled craftsmen in the Hu Bei Province of China who meticulously hand carve embroidery for her collections. Madeleine said: "The materials are very important to me. I like to experiment with different textures, as they reflect the light in various ways. Another factor is how the pieces feel against the skin."
Her simple yet elegant designs have attracted a number of high profile celebrity clients including: Kate Moss, Renee Zellweger, Venus Williams and Anouska Hempel — to name a few.
Madeleine Thompson jewellery is available from: Harrods | Harvey Nichols | Selfridges and selected boutiques in London, nationwide and internationally.
Prices start from: £80
Visit: Madeleine Thompson |
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Fancy adorning yourself with pieces of jewellery heaven, that do not prick your conscious when you wear them? If the answer is yes, then Kira Bella is worth investigating.
With more-and-more women shunning jewellery manufactured in countries that exploit the lives of the people and the environment, Kira Bella's A/W '06 collection offers a welcomed alternative. With each piece built on an ethical responsibility policy, the collection resonates degrees of femininity, sophistication and style that makes it highly wearable for modern women.
Founded in 2004, by a young British woman called Lisa Weaver (who has designed collections for major retail brands — including Nicole Farhi), Weaver travelled the world to combine the best of British fashion with a global vibrant attitude. The result, a stunning range of original jewellery (and handbags) which provide a dynamic expression for the fashion conscious who like to dress her look up or down.
"When I create the collections, I like to feel that each piece expresses femininity and a unique personality. Whether you're at the office at home, out with the girls or on a hot date, Kira Bella's got those pieces that finish your look," says Weaver.
The current range includes: garnet circle earrings, boho inspired necklaces, gold bangles and mixed stoned necklaces at prices which start from £40.
Pictured left: Kira Bella Gold & Mixed Stones Necklace (TE CL594MS) | Price: £191
UK Stockist's: Nicole Farhi | Musa London | Paul & Joe | Paul Smith | Red Direct | The Cross | Anna | Graham & Green
Visit: Kira Bella |
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As always, Dyrberg/Kern's forthcoming Autumn/Winter '06 collection doesn't disappoint. Comprising of five distinct themes, there's plenty of jewellery to choose from.
Mosaique, Styled With Lots of Love, is just one of the themes, yet it has a glamorous feel that fits in perfectly with the fashion for the season.
The collection incorporates unique beads and vintage pearls from all over the world like Chinese cloisonné, Venetian gold leaf glass, South American precious stones and Japanese raku ceramics. Rich autumn colours in: red, purple, green and black shades; are mixed with antique bronze and silver. Key pieces include: over-sized necklaces with plenty of carefully selected junk pendants that are perfect for putting the finishing touches to any outfit.
Prices: Ring £55 and Necklace £235
Visit: Dyrberg/Kern | Stockist Tel: 0800 169 3647
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Pictured above:
Seashell Pearl Wrap Bracelet
Price: £19.99
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Jewellery designer John Yakas has produced two handcrafted, innovative and continually evolving collections called Perla Di Marina and Jools consisting of an exotic array of stunning pearls, semi-precious stones, crystals and unique beads.
Inspiring and yet affordable, both collections offer stunning pieces and are distinctive in their use of sumptuous colours, a trademark of Yakas's designs. He has sourced an eclectic mix of natural and manmade materials with Perla di Marina focusing more on freshwater and sea shell pearls. These pearls come in a myriad of colours from palest pink to hues of deepest blue and he has made extensive use of the broad range of colours now available. Freshwater pearls are a natural pearl whilst sea shell pearls are manmade using crushed shells and sand, but offer the feel, weight and appearance of a perfect, round Tahitian pearl, but at a fraction of the price.
For the Jools range, John has broadened the design thinking and used only the best quality materials. Working with Murano hand blown glass beads from Venice, sparkling Austrian Swarovski crystal, semi-precious stones, sterling silver and freshwater and seashell pearls in a spectrum of colours from Asia, he has created a truly unique range.
Most pieces come with matching bracelets and earrings.
By Appointment Tel: 01483 722977
Visit: Perla Di Marina to view and purchase the collection directly. |
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Left:
Ladies 1924 Bracelet DLB00013/21
Price: £370
Stockists: Tel: 020 7434 7544
Right:
Available in two models
Visit: Omega |
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| The A/W '05 season marks the 20 year anniversary for the brand DYRBERG KERN. The Treasure Box collection is divided into three timeless moods: Chateau, Penthouse and Salon. Pictured above:
Valentine Honour Pendants, Unity Chain Visit: Dyrberg Kern |
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Central St Martins graduate Laura Tabor continues to borrow forms from nature particularly Peacock Feathers and semi-precious/precious gemstones in her collection.
Pictured above: Peacock Feather earring in silver
Visit: Laura Tabor |
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Pilgrim's autumn collection contains a myriad of elements ranging from the highlands to the animal kingdom.
Gold, leaf, burgundy, dark green and lime are teamed with cold petroleum, white and silver in classic and contrasting designs. Visit: Pilgrim |
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Pictured above: A Piece from Amrapali's Collection
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One of London's best kept secrets has opened its Beauchamp Place boutique to fine jewellers Amrapali.
The move has resulted in a breathtaking collection of exquisite day and eveningwear jewellery all under the same roof as Indian designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla's works of art.
The design duo (who have been based in Knightsbridge for five years) offer illustrious clientele — from screen and stage as well as international society and royalty — traditional Indian clothing that features intricate beading and crystal work.
Amrapali's coveted necklaces are a key feature of every collection and command similar respect. Created in gold and silver, Amrapali combine a range of native gems such as: rainbow moonstone, ametrine, labrodorite, crystal quartz and rubillite with the finest diamonds and rubies from around the world.
Both Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla and Amrapali have avoided the traditional constraints of the fashion calendar, electing instead, to continually present a portfolio of stunning new pieces throughout the year, each one handcrafted and unique.
Amrapali Jewels 55 Beauchamp Place Knightsbridge London SW3 1NY
Visit: Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla and Amrapali Jewels
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Pictured above: Sumerian Multibird Necklace from Acienne Ambiance
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If you have a taste for the past then the new Ancienne Ambiance Collection of luxurious consumer products (which includes a line of antiquity inspired scented candles by Adriana Carlucci) is for you.
With so many film releases based on historical hero's and heroines like Troy and Alexander, it is no wonder there has been an increase in demand for authentic pieces. Founder/owner of artemission.com Antoine Karawani says: “For generations, my family has been known for offering authentic statuary, vases, coins and other rare, high-quality artefacts from the ancient Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Byzantine and Medieval periods through the traditional channels of specialised galleries, auctions houses” He continued: "There’s a real and growing ‘antiquities sensibility’ among the public that goes beyond collecting and studying ancient artefacts."
Pictured left is a striking, multistranded necklace with ten Sumerian bird/eagle mother-of-pearl amulets in exceptional condition c. 2500 BC.
Modern 18k gold chain and hallmarked 18k gold clasp, a small modern mother-of-pearl either side of the clasp.
Designed by the talented London based jeweller, Claire van Holthe.
All items come with a Certificate Of Authenticity.
Price: £3200 approx.
Visit: Ancienne Ambiance |
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EB Self Select by Erickson Beamon, Savannah Shell and Diamonte, Long Necklace - Price: £25
Short Necklace - Price: £30,
Hoop Earring - Price: £15
Stockist Tel: 08445 616161
Visit: Debenhams
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Wooden Cuff with Silver Edging (B102) - Price: £96
Large Tooth Pendant on Silver Chain (PN3) - Price: £48
Visit: The Branch |
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Diamonds and Mother of Pearl Gucci Timepiece
Visit: Gucci |
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Tomfoolery by Theo Fennell
Ballz Ring Price: £65
Nutz Bracelet Price: £125
Visit: Debenhams |
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Modern Vintage Earrings
Price: £7.99
Visit: River Island |
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Pictured above: Pilgrim Necklace |
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Spring is all about growing power and so is Pilgrim’s S/S '05 collection. It’s a powerful new collection focusing on simplicity, with the designers finding inspiration in the graphic flowers of the late 60’s and early 70’s, in nature’s own flowers, in poetry and the elegance of the swallow.
This elegance is also obvious in the widespread use of semi-precious stones, glass, gold, silver and enamel. The colours are soft pastels of mint green, lavender, off-white, peach, light rose and yellow, occasionally contrasted with bright multi colours.
Price: Approx. £37
Tel: +45 6333 3333 Visit: Pilgrim |
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Pictured above: Gucci Timepiece
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The new Gucci Timepieces collection takes inspiration from iconic Gucci design. Rooted from the bestselling original “G” shape rectangular watch, Gucci launches four new models which transform the letter “G” into distinctive, innovative designs. Highly contemporary timepieces, these four new styles use colour, strong design, and material to make modern statements. A multitude of shades, from pale pastels to deep reds, and a wealth of precious materials, from soft satin to solid gold, give the collection a significant diversity.
Diamonds and mother of pearl are combined to create jewel-like evening pieces for women. Patent crocodile or perforated calfskin straps, gold or stainless steel bracelets, bangles, and soft, black satin ribbons all convey contemporary luxury.
Gucci watches are supported by Swiss-made quartz mechanisms.
Gucci Timepieces reflect the true spirit of Gucci: modern design, unique craftsmanship, and the highest level of luxury, in perfect equilibrium.
Visit: Gucci |
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Pictured above: Mallory Original Silver Leaf & Flower Bracelet |
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Mallory And Company have been creating unique, one of a kind bodyware and art since 1972 and offer a custom designing and carving service in all mediums.
The American artists work has been shown in Rochester art gallery in New York City and the Copley Art Plaza in Boston, Mass.
Cat No: 200427 Page No: 7
Price: $150 (Please specify whether it is for a male or female wearer)
Tel: 1-800-680-4849 (free order line) Visit: Mallory And Company |
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Pictured above: Iplik by Blue Eye Design |
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Fine, electrically coloured threads, confetti paper and silver and gold leaf are suspended in translucent coloured acrylic and clear Perspex armlets.
Commissions welcomed
Prices: From £20 to £1000
Tel: +44 (0)20 8525 0920
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Pictured above: Omega Aqua Terra Watch |
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Omega has launched a new addition to its Sea Master collection called Aqua Terra. A line that adds a further touch of refinement to Omega's sporty and rugged watches born by the brand's long-standing association with ocean exploration.
The Aqua Terra gents and ladies models are available in 28mm and 35mm case sizes in 18-carat yellow gold or stainless steel. The white mother-of-pearl dial is adorned with 11 large diamond hour markers.
Price: £3650
Visit: Omega Watches |
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Pictured above: Ieneke Boissevain Necklace
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IENEKE BOISSEVAIN
Collection includes beautiful, innovative designs for necklaces, lariats, bracelets, earrings and brooches.
Email: ienekeboissevain@cwcom.net
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Pictured above: Patek Phiippe Watch |
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PATEK PHILIPPE watch.
- 18K Rose Gold
or
18K White Gold
- 34 Round Diamonds
Ref. 4908/20 (Wht Gold)
Ref. 4908/11 (Rse Gold)
Visit: Patek
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