For many it is preferable, perhaps because picking peridot for a bit of panache will not empty your purse.

Peridot is the translucent green gem stone variety of the abundant mineral olivine. It forms during volcanic eruptions. Small pieces of peridot can be found scattered along the beaches in Hawaii. Folklore tells the story of how they are crystallized tears from the Goddess of Volcanoes, Pele.

Ancient Greeks and Romans admired this beautiful stone. Most of the pieces found among their ruins were from the island of St John in the Red Sea. It use to have an abundance of a highly prized dark green variety. Today, the most desirable colors are bright lime greens – the more vivid the better.

This simple setting with a flattering cushion cut peridot, showcases the clear lime green color and luminosity.

You don’t have to be green with envy.

The price is pleasing, making peridot plausible for everday pizazz!

When thinking about sapphire, the color that most comes to mind is blue. ‘Sapphirus’ means blue in Greek. September’s birthstone can be a deep, velvety blue like an evening sky or the ocean at dusk, to the vivid blue of the sky on a clear summer day.

We associate the color blue with peace and harmony. Like diamonds, sapphires are given to strengthen love and trust. It is the stone most associated with mutual understanding and faithfulness, making it a popular choice for engagement rings. At the moment I am on the hunt for the perfect sapphire for this very reason!

Yesterday I held a gorgeous 1 carat Ceylon blue sapphire, remarkable to say the least. Today I was in awe when I saw these beauties, each over 2 carats. One is velvety, the other bright and I adore them both.

I will keep you posted on the ring’s progress, of course it is a surprise so keep it a secret!

Blue is by far sapphire’s most popular color, however; only one of it’s beautiful hues. The palette ranges from bright pink and mandarin orange [a personal fave], to pale green, lilac, vibrant yellow, and luscious red [that sapphire is called ruby- another story and month all together.]

I use all the colors. I find each one unique and inspiring to create with.

My newest ring showcases sapphire in blues and greens, it also has a special story.

While my parents were on vacation in Italy my mother bought a stunning souvenir from a shop on the famed Ponte Vecchio in Florence. This medieval bridge spanning the Arno River is renowned for the best goldsmiths in Italy.

My brother, sister and I were very young and it was the first time my parents had gone away together since their honeymoon. My grandmother took care of us and as a thank you my mother gave her the souvenir – a beautiful ring. I based the design on the structure of the original ring. Rather than 18k gold, my interpretation is in silver and set with cool tones, pale green and deep blue sapphire. The cluster of gemstones in the center resembles a flower. I love how tall it sits on your finger. Che bella!

I hope all you September babies had a very happy birthday. Perhaps a gift of sapphire was something you received?

Snow White’s lips against her “skin as white as snow” wouldn’t have excited the imagination as much if they were petal pink.

Ruby, the bold and beautiful birthstone of July is truly iconic. The ancient Hindus called it “Rajnapura” meaning King of Gems.

With its deep red color it evokes love and passion. Ancient cultures believed it’s warmth and luminosity came from an internal flame, similar to the passions of the heart; making it a perfect gift for lovers since it’s discovery over 2,000 years ago.

Part of the family of minerals called corundum – which encompasses all sapphires. It is only separated from other sapphires by it’s color. A green sapphire is an emerald and a red is a ruby. It is considered one of the four precious gemstones, together with diamond, emerald, and sapphire.

In an area called Mogok in Burma the earth is rich with the most beautiful red rubies. With a deep purple red it is called “pigeon’s blood.” Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and recently Kenya also bear rubies. With any purchase of a gem quality stone there are many things to consider. One very important question being- are they conflict free? Currently the dictatorial regime in Myanmar [Burma] makes conditions for the miners unsafe. Recently Tiffany’s and many other jewelers have banned the use of Burmese rubies until conditions improve.

read more about Tiffany & Co.’s policy on Burmese gemstones

If looking to buy a Ruby for yourself or a loved one, choose from other sources where the rubies are just as gorgeous and do not bear the mark of human suffering. If you are lucky enough to have rubies as a family heirloom, wearing them is most certainly “conflict free.”

My dear friend Laura inherited her grandmother’s ruby ring and earrings. Grandma Fran’s birthday was in July. Her grandfather “Bud” was a New York Yankee who in the 1940’s helped win 4 World Series! He clearly had his “eye on the ball” when it came to giving delightful tokens of love. Birthdays, Valentines and their 40th anniversary were all celebrated with rubies.

Color Maven Julie also has rubies on her finger. Bright, clear rubies are hugging each side of a diamond in her engagement ring. Her husband Tony knew the power of rubies everlasting love. They are also the perfect color stone to compliment Julies fair complexion and red hair.

I designed this big beauty using a large cabochon cut ruby. Obviously rubies come in a wide range of quality. This piece is opaque and not “gem” quality. It is from India and galaxies away from the two beauties above, however; it is still a fun everyday ring at an affordable price.

I feel like a queen in my king of a gem.

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.”

I soon learned it was the opposite, pearls are vibrant and full of life. I had an “epiphany” about 8 years ago when I held a strand of Tahitian pearls. They were the size of jaw breaking gum balls – smooth, round and the most unbelievable colors! I have been seeking out unique pearls since, creating some of my favorite pieces.

Pearls are the only gem that doesn’t need to be cut or polished. If you are lucky and are vacationing in Tahiti order oysters on the half shell, if you are VERY lucky you may find a “ready made” miracle of a gem. This scenario is highly unlikely [although it has happened.] It takes thousands of oysters to find one pearl.

After a small irritant, like a grain of sand, gets into a shell it takes 4 to 8 years for a pearl to form. Most pearls found today are “cultured” pearls; meaning man “impregnates” the mollusk with a small bead of a shell rather than hoping for that stray bit of sand. Cultured or naturally formed the process is the same- protecting their soft body. The oyster builds up thin layers around the foreign object. These microscopically thin layers become the “nacre,” which creates the pearl’s unique color. It lets in and diffuses light creating an iridescent glow.

Pearls are found in freshwater rivers and lakes in America to the turquoise lagoons of the South Seas. The oceans near Australia, Tahiti and Fiji are home of my all time favorite pearls. A black lipped oyster the size of a large dinner plate called “Pinctada margaritifera” creates the silver and black “Tahitians” while the white lipped “Pinctada maxima” bears the white and golden “South Seas.”

“Akoya” are white perfectly round orbs. Indigenous to the waters around Japan, renowned as the “quintessential” pearl. “Kasumiga” and “Biwa” pearls are named after the freshwater lakes in Japan where they were discovered. Their pink, white and brown colors are so rich and their versatile shapes make them very fun to design with. Someday I dream of going on a “pearl tour” to visit all of these destinations.

Here are a few pearls of wisdom:

Pearls started being made in prehistoric oceans a long time ago. The oldest known pearl is a fossilized discovery from over 90 million years ago.

Many ancient cultures exhibited a robust appreciation for pearls, and pearl artifacts date back over 5,ooo years.

From 200B.C. to A.D. 500 the Native American Hopewell Culture of southern Ohio accumulated prodigious quantities of pearls. Many beautiful examples of freshwater pearls strung on sinew and worn as necklaces have been discovered. Their radiant luster unharmed after being buried for thousands of years.

The ancient Greeks and Romans treated pearls as a commodity and were “obtained” from the far reaches of their empires. The whole Mediterranean caught on to the “craze” and a wide variety of jewelry and artifacts have been found embellished with pearls. A unique Roman characteristic is their taste for mixing pearls with emeralds.

The courts of Persia and India were resplendent with pearls. The Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Mannar were rich with these aquatic gems. Clothes and jewelry were lavishly adorned. The Hindu’s believed the pearls represented the moon, while in Islamic thought- pearls represented perfection and completeness. The Emperor Bahadur Shah II was always draped in many strands of ornate pearl necklaces.

Russia in the 17th and 18th century was opulent in the use of pearls. Steeped in Byzantine tradition, decorative fabrics and artifacts were heavily embellished with pearls. Noblewoman wore large headdresses, or kokoshniki, adorned with pearls, lace and colored gems.

Queen Elizabeth I was always painted in her famous ruffled collar and many strands of pearls.

Johannes Vermeer’s famous portrait- “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” is one of the most intriguing paintings, often called the Dutch Mona Lisa. The pearl is an anchoring part of the composition. The paint creates a “life-like” luster that draws your eye in.

Coco Chanel made wearing many strands of pearls “in vogue”. She loved mixing real and fake together in a long layered look.

One of the most famous pearls,”La Peregrina” has a very rich history. It fell into obscurity for some time then regained it’s reign as “most famous pearl” when Richard Burton presented it to Elizabeth Taylor as a birthday gift.

I can keep on going…There is so much that surrounds this true natural wonder. I will stop my rambling and leave you with two last “pearls of wisdom.” Always put on pearls last, they do not like perfume or hairspray, however; they love water. Salt water pearls should be rinsed in salty water on occasion. Often wipe your necklaces with a damp cloth before putting them away.

I recently took a trip to the Caribbean. On the first day I put pearl earrings on [with very secure safety backs], I swam every day in the ocean and my pearls loved it!

Photo credits:

• Pearl jewelry except earrings designed by Kimberlin Brown are from Princess Pearl
• Elizabeth Taylor wearing La Peregrina is from Kari Pearls and there is a fun story about Elizabeth losing and finding this famous pearl
• Pearls in many colors from ebay pearl buyers guide
• Segment of ancient Roman pearl & emerald necklace from the American Museum of Natural History

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. Some hues are very bright and eye catching. Less is more with these hues- best to use as an accent color for accessories, fashion and decor.

I enjoyed reading color maven Barbara Jacob’s paint suggestion for a sage, wheat, and raspberry color combo, it sounds beautiful AND yummy.

Wearing green is a different story [or a horse of a different color]

Beware head to toe green- not an easy shade to pull off. Worse is the green on top and brown slacks – the fashion equivalent of the “tree” in a school play.

Of course it is effortless to wear green when it is bright, sparkles and set in gold.

Left is the original ring that John F. Kennedy presented to Jackie in 1953 and on the right is a reproduction of what the stone looked like when they had it reset in 1962.

Wikipedia color charts showed me all the shades green has to offer and the ones I am drawn to most are the springs, hunter, kelly, chartreuse and emerald.

For me emeralds are the perfect shade of green. They never stray, green always, vibrant and full of life- a color only “Mother Earth” can create.

Speaking of mothers – my mom says ” It’s not that I want emeralds, I need emeralds.” She treated herself to an emerald ring years ago and wears it everyday.

How about the “Emerald City?” Can anything be more exotic or alluring? What a memorable scene when Dorothy comes upon the poppy fields and looks ahead to the bright and towering city at the end of the yellow brick road!

The ‘Grotta dello Smeraldo’ (Emerald Grotto) is not a fictional place. Nestled in the Amalfi Coast it is a true natural phenomenon rivaling Emerald City!

In my new issue of “In Style,” Vincent Longo’s liquid eyeliner in “Emerald” looks amazing on Selma Blair’s big brown eyes.

I got caught up in the way the “color” emerald is so striking. Back to emeralds – the stone….

It is a true gemstone, by definition not a semi-precious. Most emeralds carat for carat are more valuable then diamonds.

Cleopatra was a huge fan. The earliest known discovery was in Egypt near the Red Sea and the mines were named after her.

The best emeralds, however; are from South America. The early mines of the Aztecs and Incas are stilled bearing the most beautiful gems on the market today.

The only thing “wrong” with emeralds are the imperfections. It is far from a “perfect” stone- another reason why I love them so much. Past it’s faceted exterior lies many fractures and fissures. The French word for garden- “jardin” is how these crystallized striations are described- the natural “foliage” within the stone.

These inclusions make the emerald very hard to work with- cutting and setting can be catastrophic. Be careful when thinking of resetting an old stone, discuss with your jeweler the possibility of it cracking.

Green is the color of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

It is the color most representative of life, springtime and eternal love. A fresh vivid color that is soothing and harmonious. Wouldn’t it be soothing to put emerald studs in your ears? I know I would feel in harmony with nature sliding an emerald ring on my finger.

Are you like my mom and “need” emeralds? I am!

Sources:

• International Colored Gemstone Association…
• Green horse painting by Susana Arias…
• Picture of the Jackie Kennedy and rings from Wedding Bee…
• Picture of Emerald Grotto from Cassiopea-Positano…
• Painting of Cleopatra from Alibaba…

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.

There are many “facets” that sets the diamond apart from the rest. The most obvious is it’s flash and fire. The ancient Hindus called them “Vajra”, meaning lightening. In ancient Greece the word invincible – “adamas” described them perfectly and is the root of the word we use today. The Greeks believed this gem came from the heavens as splinters of stars that fell to the earth, tears of the Gods or crystallized lightening.

Oddly, diamonds have been found in South America and Africa that came from outer space! The extraterrestrial diamonds were possibly created in Super Novas and carried in asteroids that impacted the Earth some 3 billion years ago. Pretty mind boggling, right? The ancients Greeks were once again spot on, however; the diamonds they discovered were created deep within the Earth.

You know the saying “dig a hole to china” well, get 1/2 way there and that is where diamonds were formed. Intense heat, pressure and carbon is the recipe. Billions of years ago all the bubble, bubble, toil and trouble of center Earth, compounded with a pressure cooker turned up to 11, created compact crystallized carbon – otherwise known as diamonds. Volcanic activity brought the gems to the surface, hooray!!

Did you know that diamonds are the hardest natural substance known to man? Only another diamond can scratch a diamond. Due to it’s unequaled strength it is used as an abrasive material. For many centuries it has been an engraving tool for cameos, cutting stones and drilling pearls. I use diamond tipped drills often in my work. Without them it would be impossible to drill other stones.

In 16th Century England uncut diamonds were set into “scribbling rings.” The exposed points were used by lovers to etch romantic vows into the window panes of their beloved. Very romantic but, the association with diamonds and love dates back much further.

In 1477 Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy as a promise for their future marriage. The trend began then and continues today.

The Trendsetter

9 billion dollars of diamonds are sold each year, many ending up in engagement rings. The finger chosen for such a special ring is traced back to the belief that the “vena amoris,” or vein of love, runs from the heart down to the tip of this finger.

The notorious winged matchmaker was no stranger to this stone. Cupid’s arrow was said to be tipped with a sharp diamond.

The “sensational color” of diamonds is because they are colorless. Their absence of color is why they pull in and send out a virtual rainbow. These white diamonds are the most popular, however; they do come in some varying hues.

Other elements trapped in diamonds like nitrogen and boron can cause diamonds to take on yellow, brown, or black hues. One very rare diamond of an intense blue fetched 8 million dollars!

I don’t want to get on my soap box BUT, we do have ethical obligations when making choices in this day and age. Obviously if you want to purchase a fur it should not be from an endangered species. One would have to be a modern day “Cruella de Ville” to think of wearing baby seal or lynx.

There was a time when ivory jewelry was popular, now purchasing ivory would be a sin. It is also a sin not to treasure an old piece from a grandmother – we have evolved but can still appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty in antiquities. That leads me to the quandary that surrounds diamonds.

Diamonds are a sensitive issue. It is hard to know what the sale of these innocent beauties have supported. When you are looking to make that special purchase make sure the dealer/retailer abides by the laws and only uses “conflict free” diamonds.

To look into this further you can research the “Kimberley Process,” and other restrictions placed on the sale and import of diamonds. Something that represents “everlasting” love should not fuel warlord’s atrocities.

Now, that being said, let me end on an high note -

To quote the glamorous Zsa Zsa Gabor, “I have never hated a man enough to give him back his diamonds.”

I can’t agree more. How about you?

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.

Lucky you if you were born in March! Complimentary to all skin types and admired around the world, aquamarine is a gem that everyone should have in their jewelry box.

Many centuries ago tales were told of this stone being found in the treasure chests of mermaids.It was also known as the sailors “good luck” charm. Superstitious sea faring men kept them under their pillows to protect them from shipwrecks and the hypnotic songs of the sirens.

It’s light blue color arouses feelings of sympathy, trust and harmony. In many cultures it has been a gift given to brides to ensure a happy marriage. What’s great is the bride is also covered for the “something blue.” Dreamy, spiritual and flowing the aquamarine is symbolic of true love. The traditional gift given for the 19th wedding anniversary it works to re-awaken love and to deepen love.

In symbolic terms the ocean is associated with the unconscious, intuition and procreation. The woman in the marriage is like the mermaid, a lover calling to her sailor to abandon ship and join in the sea – a place of emotion.

Aquamarines are found primarily in Russia and Brazil. Interestingly, the mines are no where near the sea.

I love the way aquamarine compliments pearls and turquoise. I took a mixture of loose faceted teardrops and strung them into pearl strands.

The result is a necklace crying out for a day near the sea in a white sun dress. I can’t wait to put this around my neck instead of the wool scarf.

Mermaids wall mural by Dennis Poitras

As we flip the calendar page, I want to share with you a few of my favorites – amazing amethyst and amazing people.

Color maven April Clark is a dear friend, partner in business [we just launched the coolest keepsake purses for children] and partner in crime. She is gifted in many ways. A great designer, she makes amazing clutch purses and constructed a pair of shoes she can actually wear!!

Her taste in music is superb and she has turned me onto many great artists – chanteuse Kate Nash being the most recent. When you are with April you are sure to forget any problems, she will have you laughing in no time. She has the greatest sense of humor I know.

I adore this gift April made for me. Buttery soft kid skin leather clutch with pink velvet and rose gold leather interior.

One of our nights on the town. Me on top, April with coquettish grin, and smiling Simone.

I have never seen April without fabulous jewelry on. She is always in her staples – eye catching earrings and an array of cool rings. Her style is far from “matchy matchy”, you will never see her in a sweater set with pearl stud earrings. This is her favorite ring.

It was a gift given to her many years ago. An intricate basket setting holds a big oval cut amethyst. She says, “It makes me feel like a princess when I wear it.” With it’s deep, regal purple hue I can see why.

Roberta Greene is one of those really special people that “hits the nail on the head.” She just gets it. If more people had her outlook on life the world would be a much better place. She is a top notch corporate and entertainment public relations, promotions and marketing specialist. She has represented Catherine Deneuve, Town and Country Magazine and The Barbie Doll – just to name [drop] a few. She is a great friend. Her support of my work has been inspiring and I have sought her advice often.

Roberta has an amazing jewelry collection. She has a way of layering many of her pieces resulting in a sophisticated and unique look. Following her rules, works very well – she owns her style. This necklace is a “makeover.” We revamped two separate pieces. I took her large smooth amethyst beads from one necklace and added the pendant from another. I set a faceted white topaz into the rock. I love the glitz of the topaz set in gold against the rough cut amethyst. Born in February, this necklace has special significance for Roberta.

Victoire de Castellane is sensational. The genius behind Dior fine jewelry, she seems like she is having lots of fun at her job.

When I look at her whimsical designs it makes me happy.

On the Dior jewelry website you can see how she builds a story around the collections. “Fiancee du Vampire” is an amazing fairytale of a woman engaged to a vampire. As the pages of the book turn a lovely French accent narrates. The jewels and the lives of these lovers are intertwined, a touch macabre but so cool.

When comparing American and French woman’s style, she said “French woman dare! They are not afraid of mixing different textures with materials” She would love Roberta and April’s style!!

J’adore the “Oui” collection. I covet the amethyst ring. The script word is the setting for the stone, tres chic, no? If you want to subtly answer a question you can just point to your ring.

These are a just a few of my favorite things.

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.

At one end of the spectrum it can be a pale, slightly pinkish violet or be turned way up to a deep grape. The most desirable grade of amethyst is “Deep Siberian.” Recently discovered in Russia, it is a rare mix of lush purple and blue with a touch of red flash.

Ancient Greeks and Romans made intaglio’s from slices of amethyst. Catherine the Great sent thousands of miners into the Ural Mountains in search of this gem. Roman Catholic priests had large cabochons set into papal rings. 7th century Anglo Saxon graves contained many necklaces of amethyst beads. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that it “dissipates evil thoughts and quickens intelligence.” Jackie O loved to wear a graduating necklace of faceted amethyst teardrops that sold at Sotheby’s for $55,000. I can safely say all the above had a heightened sense of culture and taste. Worn with black or gray this unique quartz looks very sophisticated and modern.

The stone most closely associated with the heavens and spiritual thought, amethyst is a great protector from negativity. As legend has it, Dionysus- the God of wine and merriment, was in hot pursuit of a fair maiden called Amethystos. Upon refusing him she prayed to the Gods to remain chaste. Artemis granted the prayer and to protect her turned her into a white stone. The humbled Dionysus poured wine over the statue as an offering and apology, turning it purple. Since this tale it has remained a strong talisman against intoxication. The greek word “a” means not, and “methustos” – to intoxicate. Wine goblets were carved from amethyst and small crushed crystals of the rock were added to wine to keep from overindulging. [I would not try this at home]

In this month of Mardi Gras celebrations maybe opt for an amethyst strand of beads instead of the plastic gold and green, then drink till your hearts content, just have some aleve on hand in case the ancient Greeks had their heads in the clouds. Resources:

• Amethyst Gem from Love to Know
• Amethyst Shades from Rajasthan Art
• Religious ring from Mondera.com
• Sotheby’s catalog showing Jackie O’s necklace from Ebay

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:

• More from Kimberlin on garnet
• Earrings similar to those worn by Kate Walsh and Angelina Jolie at Eminations,com
• Modern day gorgeous cushion cut diamonds at BlueNile.com
• More about the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian Online
• More about the Tiffany Yellow Diamond at the Smithsonian Online