Jewelry Business Articles & News

Created Gemstone Jewelry

Moissanite is a created gemstone that was born from a rare geological find more than 110 years ago. Discovered by French scientist Dr. Henri Moissan, Moissanite can trace its origins to particles found in 1893 in the Canyon Diablo meteor crater in Arizona. These natural Moissanite crystals were too scarce and tiny to set into jewelry. For years, scientists tried in vain to re-create these rare and extraordinarily brilliant crystals. Only recently, through the power of advanced technology, is Moissanite now available to you.

14K Gold Moissanite Round Pendant
Indulge in a bit of luxury for everyday life with this .5ct round Moissanite pendant, in your choice of yellow or white 14K gold. A round, created Moissanite (approx. 5mm) takes center stage, bezel-set in an elongated U-shaped frame. The hidden bail accommodates an 18″ rope chain with a spring ring clasp, which accompanies the piece.
$499

Composed of carbon and silicon, the Moissanite crystal is one of the hardest on earth, making it extremely resistant to scratching, chipping, and breaking. Unlike other brilliant stones that cloud and dull with time, Moissanite is guaranteed to never lose its optical properties. Therefore, it will be every bit as beautiful, fiery and brilliant generations from now as the day you purchase it.

Moissanite Round Stackable 14K Gold Band Ring
Available in yellow, white, or rose gold, you’ll love the simple elegance of this Moissanite Round Stackable Band Ring. Four round .28ct created Moissanite stones (approx. 2.5mm) set the stage for a mood-lifting experience as they shimmer from pavé settings on the ring’s front.
$279

The fact that Moissanite has more brilliance and fire than diamonds, and is harder than rubies, sapphires and emeralds, is just the beginning of why people love Moissanite. Properly cut by master cutters, Moissanite has incredible fire and brilliance, exceeding that even of diamonds. These faceted jewels are nearly colorless to very slightly tinted and are available in round, oval, marquise, pear shape, radiant cut octagon, heart shape, triangle, trillion, brilliant cut squares, and antique squares.

14K Gold Moissanite Circle Pendant
Trendy circle pendant captures the radiant beauty of Charles & Colvard created Moissanite.
Stone: 1 carat total weight Moissanite
Metal Color: 14K Yellow Gold
Length: 18″ box chain
Closure: Lobster
Metal: 14K gold
$710

Combining 21st century science and the age-old art of fine stone cutting, today Moissanite is created in all its original wonder and available to the world in exquisite rings, pendants, earrings, brooches, and bracelets. The finest jewelry fashioned by old-world craftsmen is today adorned with gorgeous Moissanite.

Source: www.jewelry-weblog.com

Add comment January 2nd, 2009

Swarovski descendant launches crystal jewelry line

By Associated Press
DALLAS – As a member of the famed Austrian crystal family, Vanessa Swarovski Piedra grew up around beautiful sparkling objects. Now she’s creating a few of her own.

Swarovski Piedra, the great-great-granddaughter of Swarovski Corp. founder Daniel Swarovski, launched a jewelry collection this fall featuring Swarovski crystals under her own brand, VSP. And plans for the brand extend beyond jewelry, including candles, crystal-studded pashminas and throws, and crystal-adorned furniture.

Swarovski Piedra grew up near the Swarovski headquarters in Wattens, Austria, located just outside of Innsbruck, surrounded with that tradition every day: Her father is chief executive officer of Swarovski.

At age 14 she spent a summer learning goldsmithing at the Design Institute of Rome.

“When you’re around it so much, you just grow up looking for it,” said Swarovski Piedra, 40.

Her collection is playful and young: shimmery bracelets featuring tiny crystals that can link together to create necklaces or belts, crystal pendants hanging from cords, even children’s pieces.

Bob Maxwell, who has carried VSP jewelry since November in his Warwick, N.Y., boutique Style Counsel, said the pendant – which comes with or without a diamond – makes a bold statement but isn’t overpowering.

“It can be dressy or they can wear it casually with jeans and a white shirt,” he said.

Another line features crystals backed with faces from old master paintings. “It’s such an untraditional use of the product. You’re wearing art,” said Colleen Brennan, creative director of VSP and a partner, who came up with the idea.

The collection, which debuted this fall at the Dallas Apparel and Accessories Market Show, is already being carried by several boutiques across the country. This spring it will be available in Macy’s Herald Square location in New York City, Swarovski Piedra and Brennan said.

The pieces range from about $60 to $600. Swarovski Piedra and Brennan aren’t too worried about the effect of the ailing economy, saying that crystal jewelry allows people to get a quality item without the cost of more expensive fine jewelry.

Designers are more often mixing fine jewelry – precious metals and gemstones – with less expensive materials, said Helena Krodel, spokeswoman for the Jewelry Information Center, a trade association.

She said the combination helps keep prices down, resulting in more sales.

Maxwell said that in a troubled economy, it helps to offer something new.

“It really has to be something that grabs people,” Maxwell said. “I don’t think people are looking for something they’ve had already.”
© Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Source: http://www.bostonherald.com

Add comment January 2nd, 2009