18th Aug. '08 · Category: Fashion & Beauty · Tags: birthstone, green, jewelry, peridot
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
Pure and pretty peridot is a perpetual pleaser. It’s palette is paler than precious emerald and tourmaline, however; by no means paltry.
For many it is preferable, perhaps because picking peridot for a bit of panache will not empty your purse. (more…)
31st Jul. '08 · Category: Fashion & Beauty · Tags: birthstone, ruby
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
Would Dorothy’s shoes have been as powerful if they were lemon yellow? I think not.
Snow White’s lips against her “skin as white as snow” wouldn’t have excited the imagination as much if they were petal pink. (more…)
29th Jun. '08 · Category: Fashion & Beauty · Tags: birthstone, June, pearl
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
Cherished as symbols of purity and perfection, pearls are the ultimate symbol of good taste.
I adore pearls. As a jewelry designer I love all gems, their color and beauty is an inspiration. Brightly colored stones really get me, however; I am equally drawn to the subtle color of pearls. Their lustrous hues come in gold, aubergine and pistachio to platinum, white, and peacock.
For many years I have had a love affair with pearls. Sadly I overlooked them for a long time. I saw my fill of the small white choker length strand, paired with matching studs as the finishing touch to the sweater set. Unless you are going for “straight laced,” I suggest avoiding this look. For so long pearls just came across to me as “strict.” (more…)
30th May. '08 · Category: Fashion & Beauty · Tags: birthstone, emerald, green, jewelry
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
Are you green with envy?
I am because emerald is not my birthstone. Don’t get me wrong, I love garnet, my birthstone; but emerald is the epitome.
Green is my favorite color. This is one of the reasons emeralds are high up in my “gemstone love” top ten.
Green is not the easiest color. (more…)
8th Apr. '08 · Category: Fashion & Beauty · Tags: birthstone, fashion, jewelry
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
The French are glad to die for love.
They delight in fighting duels
But I prefer a man that lives
and gives expensive jewels.
A kiss on the hand
May be quite continental
But diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
The ultimate, it is rare and revered. As close to perfection as a gem can be.
After gazing into a diamond and experiencing it’s sparkling spectrum of light within, it is easy to see why we have been entranced by this rock since man first laid eyes on it. (more…)
26th Mar. '08 · Category: Fashion & Beauty · Tags: aquamarine, birthstone, gemstone, jewelry
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
What a gorgeous gemstone. From the family of minerals called “beryl,” it is one of the most stunning of earth’s creations. Aquamarine literally translates to “sea water” and that is what comes to mind when you look into the depths of this gem.
It’s lucid color is reminiscent of the clear turquoise water of the Caribbean Ocean. A close relative to emerald, it has a slight greenish tint mixed into the most beautiful transparent blue. (more…)
29th Feb. '08 · Category: Fashion & Beauty · Tags: amethyst, birthstone, jewelry
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
Amethyst’s month has come to an end. March is here and I hope the “comes in like a lion” won’t be too ferocious, I look forward to the “goes out like a lamb” part.
As we flip the calendar page, I want to share with you a few of my favorites - amazing amethyst and amazing people. (more…)
18th Feb. '08 · Category: Fashion & Beauty , Category: Messages & Meanings · Tags: amethyst, birthstone, jewelry, purple
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
Why is it that you either love or hate amethyst? Is it what the color purple connotes? Do we associate purple with Donny Osmond’s socks, wizard robes and disco sequined tube tops? A color choice for over the top theatrics- Prince and the God Father of Soul both had a penchant for purple. Personally I love amethyst, and purple in general.
Behold one of the most flattering colors in the spectrum. From the lilacs we will see this Spring and Summer to the rich aubergines coming in Fall, purple is the sophisticated color of choice. Amethyst comes in varying shades, so it will fit nicely with the seasons and your taste. (more…)
28th Jan. '08 · Category: Fashion & Beauty · Tags: birthstone, diamond, garnet, jewelry, Tiffany
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
As January comes to an end I will be saying adieu to my lovely garnet. Before I explore February’s stunner - amethyst, I want to show the beauty of my birthstone one more time in a cut that is making a big comeback.
One of my own designs featuring a cushion cut garnet
Simply put a cushion cut stone resembles an over stuffed seat cushion. It is a square with soft rounded corners. In the 18oo’s it was commonly called a “pillow” cut or “candlelit” diamond. Prior to the advent of the electric bulb, diamonds were cut for optimum brilliance in candle light.
The cushion cut is not just for diamonds. I love this cut for colorful gems. It is the perfect shape for a solitaire stone ring. A four prong setting is best for the cushion. Garnet and other dark stones work beautifully as a cushion, vibrant colors are subdued a touch by the soft shape. Pale stones like Aquamarine would also showcase exquisitely.
The unique shape of this cut was very popular after it’s discovery in the 1700’s till the early 1900’s. Cutting diamonds perfectly round had yet to be invented. Progression in stone cutting techniques resulted in intricate shapes with multiple facets allowing more sparkle and fire, leaving the cushion in the dust.
Once considered old fashion, it is now making a huge comeback. Angelina Jolie and Kate Walsh chose this cut for its unique shape and subtle beauty.
It has become a sophisticated alternative to “flashier” diamonds although I don’t know how much flashier you can get than some of the world’s most famous diamonds– the Hope Diamond, the Cullinan II and the Tiffany Yellow– all of which are cushion cut.
The Yellow Tiffany Diamond
A publicity photo of Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film ‘Breakfast At Tiffanys’
In the photo you can see the Yellow Tiffany stone set in the “Bird on the Rock” brooch designed by the famous Tiffany jeweler Jean Schlumberger. The piece is the Tiffany Yellow’s most well-known setting, and is the setting it remains in to this day.
The Hope Diamond
The world’s largest deep blue diamond is more than a billion years old.
A record breaking discovery on January 26 1905 in a South African mine yielded a breathtaking 3,106 carat diamond. The owner of the mine; Sir Thomas Cullinan had it cut into nine famous stones.
Three being the “Cullinan” cushions. The Cullinan #2 weighs in at 317.40 carats! A huge, gorgeous rock residing in the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain. The Cullinan #4 is a 63.60 carat beauty happily perched in Queen Mary’s crown. #8 is 6.80 carats [not too shabby] and is the center of a brooch worn on occasion by Queen Elizabeth.
The Cullinan II Diamond
Note the two tiny platinum loops on the edges. This is so the stone can be worn as a brooch, alone or with the Cullinan I attached. However, it usually resides in the front of the Imperial State Crown.
Remember the saying “size doesn’t matter”. Hmmm, we may all scratch our heads about that one however regardless of the size a beautiful cushion cut stone is a wonderful addition to your jewel box.
So be your own queen of the castle and consider this modern classic for an engagement ring, over sized cocktail ring or take Angelina Jolie’s cue and wear them as stud earrings.
The cushion cut style isn’t going out of fashion this time around. Once again old is new.
Resources:
11th Jan. '08 · Category: Fashion & Beauty · Tags: birthstone, garnet, gemstone, gold, jewelry
Authored by Kimberlin Brown
I started collecting owls as a child. I think they are such amazing creatures of the night. Very wise and revered, their beauty so austere and “oh, what big eyes they have!”
About a year ago I met Jody Wolfe a stunning woman with a great sense of style. Her taste in fine jewelry is impeccable. When she commissioned me to make a special piece for her daughter’s graduation, I was very flattered and excited. Her daughter Olivia’s nickname is “owl” - I had the perfect piece in mind.
I hand crafted a ring in the shape of an owl’s face, paying special attention to the intricate detail of the feathers. Using the ancient “lost wax” process - I caste the owl in 18k gold. Once polished to a lustrous glow, it just needed the finishing touch of gemstone eyes. This was the hard part!
I showed Jody an array of colors - blue sapphires, pink rubies, citrines, garnets and tourmalines. After some deliberation she decided on two luscious garnets. After setting the deep red faceted gems, we knew we made the right decision - the owl “came to life”
I was so happy to know she LOVED her gift.
Small world coincidence - after graduation Olivia moved to NYC, one street from my studio! A literal hop, skip and jump away. I saw her recently and was delighted to know she wears the owl all the time. I asked her if it brings her good luck? She said, “So far living in New York has been a great experience. That means yes!!”
Folklore about the owl dates far back in history. In ancient Greece the owl was very revered and powerful. It is the symbol for the goddess Athena; the favorite daughter of Zeus. Athena was the goddess of wisdom; a trait often used to describe owls. She was referred to as “bright eyes” - another parallel to owls. The mysterious bird was believed to be a strong protector. Encouraged to live amongst the citizens, they inhabited temples and the Acropolis in great numbers.
Do you still have a big owl necklace from the 70’s, or ever see them at a flea market? Don’t be shy, give it a try!! Be as bold and wise as Athena. It’s a fun fashion trend and “hoo” can’t use a little something extra looking out for us.
These are two from my collection. You can “update” the chunky gold chain with a ribbon, silk cord, or leather in any color. I paired black ribbon on one of my favorite for a more subtle look.
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