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!

I last went into the J Adler store (my Mecca of sorts) and knew I was home when a framed picture of Bea Arthur was at the register , with a lit candle , fashioned into a makeshift altar. It’s refreshing to find a place that really resonates with both your love of color and “Golden Girls”.

Decorative pillows are no longer resigned to just stripes, floral, or solids anymore. The trend is to have more elaborate pillows that make a statement. You can make these pillows yourself (a worthwhile project), buy them at DIY artist sites for under $30, or spend hundreds on the fanciest of decorator websites. This story is to incite you to go beyond and embrace the new graphic trends by some of today’s most prolific artists.

Jonathan Adler pillows (www.pillowsandthrows.com), Avanessi ring (www.shoprumor.com)

While looking at the home sites, themes started to crop up when I remembered popular jewelry trends seemed to be following these pillows. I started to see words when Dior came out with their plain but WOW “Oui” ring. The above styles are an expansion of this word graphic trend.

A current obsession of mine is sea life and ocean creatures , in all things. These delightful treats can hang around long past Labor Day to remind us of the beauty under the sea.

Oceanic charm bracelet by Coach (www.coach.com) , Tentacles ring (www.anthropologie.com) , sea life collection pillows (www.potterybarn.com) , Thomas Paul blue crab pillow (www.pillowsandthrows.com) , ray pillow (www.dermondpeterson.com) , and octopus hook pillow (www.beachchouselinens.com).

I recently went sailing with some friends and ever since, I fashion myself a seafarer. What better way to show my sea legs than with some vintage looking whaling graphics ? Ahoy.

Thomas Paul Moby pillow, Loyalty and Blood Whale Necklace (www.urbanoutfitters.com) , Jonathan Adler whale pillow (both pillows at www.pillowsandthrows.com).

Mammals other than whales are easliy acquired, too. My favorite is elephants – making me feel as though I’ve just been to India or Africa.

Fauna baby elephant form pillow (www.designpublic.com), Thomas Paul Red Bali pillow, Koko Company “Match Company” pillow (both on www.pillowsandthrows.com), Kenneth Jay Lane elephant necklace, and Juicy Couture Elephant Necklace.

So, an elephant never forgets…but I do. Well I remember faces, but my brain has a hard time with names. No problem when you just focus on faces…another graphics trend in home and jewelry.

Apollo pillow by Thomas Paul and Apollo necklace (www.lantuch.com). Fornasetti pillows (www.unicahome.com) and Fornasetti necklaces.

Just don’t find yourself talking to your new pillow and necklace friends…or people may talk. Unless of course , you host a cocktail party (they are , of course, invited.) I often dream of the “Bewitched” trend of cocktail hour. Samantha always had a fresh martini for Darren and with these pillows and necklaces – we can have more than a few.

Cocktail pillow (www.swizzlestix.net), Diamond and sapphire martini necklace (www.diamondharmony.com), and Marimekko Kippis pillow (www.pillowsandthrows.com).

As a former bartender I know the importance of a fruit garnish with all cocktails. This is actually one of the biggest trends in graphic art. Whether you like the juicy citrus fruit or the splendid pear..all tastes can be satisfied.

Full pear pillow (www.piecesinc.com), Kenneth Jay Lane pear jade pendant, Jonathan Adler sliced pear pillow, Marc Jacobs pear watch necklace, lemon pillow by sugarandfig (www.etsy.com) , enameled lemon charm by Thomas Sabo (www.rockokojewellry.com), lime pillow.

Ok – let’s recap. You’re a free loving sailor that loves all creatures great and small , you talk to yourself (and random printed faces) and love cocktails a little too much. You’re a little fruity too …Is losing your keys next or being locked out ? No worries, you’re covered.

Regency skeleton key pillow by Room Service (www.pillowsandthrows.com) , single skeleton key by Ophelia’s Art (www.cafepress.com) , printed key collection by sugarandfig (www.etsy.com), and key necklaces by Tiffany.

Whatever your interest, trust that modern designers have a pillow or necklace to cater to your taste. Boldly display your treasures around or under your neck . You’ve got good taste, great friends, fond memories, a key to my heart, and of course, Golden Girls on DVD.

What other trends have you seen that are so closely related ?

Rico’s is hosting a Holiday Trunk Show with sample sale prices for the public to introduce Kimberlin Brown and Jessica DeCarlo two phenomenal jewelers.

The show is at their store in Boerum Hill, 384 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY so if you are in the area between 1p and 6pm please stop by to see them.

For more information contact Rico’s at 718-797-2077.

You know when you notice something, then see it again and again? It’s like rewinding a scene in a movie but it looks a little different each time. Kinda like deja vous, but you have been there before.

The sturdy table by Ironies Inc. is rooted in the Jerry Pair showroom of the infamous D&D building. Chock full of amazing furniture, walls of lush fabric, and everything imaginable in between, the D&DB is a Mecca for the design world.

The intricate details of a tree trunk slice are cast in iron then plated with a silver finish. It work as a beautiful rustic plateau.

The legs are knotty branches reaching out to the floor.

I’d like to see the table in a modern Tribeca loft instead of a cabin upstate. Better yet, I’d like to see it in my apartment.

Jessica de Carlo is an up and coming designer.

Vivacious and talented, I suggest keeping an eye out for her designs. Her newest pieces are wonderful tree trunk slices fashioned into pendants and earrings. The textured edges resemble bark while the center spiral pull you in. Cast in both solid silver and bronze plated in warm 18k gold, each metal has a different season. The bronze feels like an Autumn day while the silver has a cool Winter feel.

See more of her designs at www.jessicadecarlo.com.

The Diane von Furstenberg sample sale is an annual event I look forward to. In anticipation I mark the days off like an advent calendar. The first dress I was drawn to was a wrap dress, I know predictable. At first I saw an abstract pattern of swirls and spirals, however, upon closer examination guess what it was? Little tree trunk slices! An interesting color combination of dark brown, gold and pink- it was a very pretty dress. It was like an omen, I had to try it!.

There was a little slice of my day.

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?

It would stop me in my wet sneaker tracks. I would duck down and move side to side trying to see the full spectrum. It was momentarily mesmerizing.  I imagined scooping it up and taking it home.

My fascination with iridescence hasn’t wavered since a girl. It has only grown into a bit of an obsession.

I adore butterfly wings, peacock feathers, pearls, antique glass and really just about anything with that glowing rainbow spectrum.

“A favorite find from a second hand shop, the opalescent glow caught my eye”

I am very lucky to have met and designed jewelry for a great artist, George Lois. www.georgelois.com . He has shaped our culture with his powerful ideas. The influential Esquire covers he created are in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art. If you live in NYC or are planning a visit, it is a must see!!

George and Rosie are perfect for my series about people and their jewelry collections. I am fascinated by individuals who create a style truly their own. People that seek out objects that “speak” to them or the ones they love.

My favorite pieces I have designed are for the Lois’ collection. George’s keen eye has found some amazing pieces of glass made by Louis Comfort Tiffany. These ‘gems’ were created as singular objects. They were either enjoyed on their own, used in larger stained glass pieces, set into lamps or used as tiles around fireplaces. Holding one for the first time was an ‘experience.’

Tiffany lamp with set glass ‘gems’

What is so unique about the glass is how Tiffany created them.

Louis traveled to London in 1865 where he went to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The extensive collection of Roman and Syrian glass made a huge impression upon the young artist. When he returned home he began attempting to replicate the antique glass. The desired effect, “The glass itself transmitting texture and rich color” was achieved. Unbelievable results came by mixing different colors while the glass was still hot. He patented this new glass in 1880 calling it ‘Favrile’, meaning hand made. The glass is unbelievable! The iridescence causes the surface to shimmer.

I get lost in the colors. I love turning the glass in my hand to see how the light reflects on the surface. Then my mind wanders back to 1880 and I imagine Louis holding them in awe, like me, at what he created.

Tiffany pendant

Up close of amazing flash and fire

Rosie

Pendant I designed using a Tiffany glass gem

George and Rosie

Opening at MoMA doing a “Vanna White”

In front of the greatest magazine covers EVER

Lately there has been a crispness in the evening that reminds us summer is nearing an end, but the peaches are still plentiful.

Yesterday, after a very juicy bite, I was looking at the fruit’s gorgeous hue. The blush is somewhat yellow, a touch of gold, lots of pink and maybe some orange?? Really a hard color combination to describe!!

It reminded me of one of my favorite semi-precious stones, Imperial Topaz.

Clearly Mother Nature used peach’s palette for other beautiful things.

Imperial topaz is the rarest of all topaz. Discovered in Brazil, it was named after the monarchs who admired it’s golden-sherry hues.

This stone mixed with 18k gold is gorgeous. Flattering for all skin tones, it gives warmth and a rich luminosity. The saying ‘blushing bride’ can take on a modern twist by using this unique stone as an accent piece in bridal jewelry. It’s soft pink color mixes perfectly with the creamy glow of pearls.

These are two pieces I made using the luscious topaz.

If imperial topaz is not on your shopping list this week at least indulge in a few peaches and try this simple recipe.

Peach Cubes
Combine 4 pitted peaches and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in blender; puree. Pour into ice cube trays; freeze. Use in smoothies or cold drinks. Be creative.

My favorite is to plunk one cube into a chilled glass of Prosecco for a refreshing Bellini.

How nice does this sound? Putting on some imperial topaz jewelry, then sipping a Bellini while admiring those last golden sunsets of summer.

Sounds peachy keen to me!!!

Sources:

Rough cut gemstone from Crystal Cure

Three variations of the gem from The Collector Fine Jewelry

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…

Photos: necklaces: Anthropologie, Vera Wang, Elle Tahari , Anthropologie, spring runway looks: Dries Van Norten, Marni, Vera Wang, necklaces: Candace Ang Silk Charmeuse, Stella McCartney, J.crew, on the red carpet: fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker makes a statement this spring, spring looks; Marni, necklace by Phillip Ferrandis, Emilio Pucci, necklaces high priced and low priced: Tom Binns and Surbversive for Target, runway look from Marc Jacobs for Louis vuitton, necklaces continue to make a statement into fall: fall 2008 runway looks from Louis Vuitton, Vera Wang, and Givenchy

As far as necklaces go my motto has always been “the bigger, the more attention getting- the better”! So as you can imagine I’m thrilled with this trend.

For years I’ve scoured estate sales and thrift stores and have uncovered some real “gems” and now it seems as if my arsenal of vintage statement necklaces will be having their day in the sun all spring and summer long! Plus I can’t wait to add a few “newer” models to my collection as well!

Just a few of my “faves”!

An accessory that goes as easily with jeans and a tank by day as it does with a sexy little cocktail number by night- the bold necklace- really stands by itself- i.e. once it’s clasp you’re good to go (a big relief to those of us slightly accessory challenged!)

Investment wise, these superstar necklaces will be super trendy well into next fall. So if you fall in love with one- buy it now and take comfort in knowing that come next fall it will be just as cute paired with a turtleneck or wrapped in layers as it will be this summer paired with a colorful tunic!

Is this a trend for you? If so, what kind of “statement” will you be wearing this spring?

fashion images: Style.com

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?