Monday 25 December 2017

GET THE LOOK…MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE SPANISH STEPS OF ROME

You make the stars shine brighter and the winter days warmer just by being in my life, thank you. Merry Christmas from the Spanish Steps of Rome, which have been restored by Bulgari.

SHOP THE LOOK:

BAG BY BULGARI

SKIRT BY ALAIA

SHADES BY BALENCIAGA

EARRINGS BY SUSU BIJOUX

BOOTS BY NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

GEMOLOGUE by Liza Urla features exquisite global discoveries, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews – a celebration of fine jewellery, fashion jewellery and vintage jewellery.

*Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.

Material on this website may not be copied, broadcasted or adapted without written consent.

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source https://gemologue.com/get-the-look-merry-christmas-from-the-spanish-steps-of-rome/

Sunday 24 December 2017

KATHERINE PARR JEWELRY DIVERSITY ROCKS BRACELET REVIEW

In the spirit of Christmas and giving back, I’m bringing you this beautiful Katherine Parr agate bracelet called Diversity Rocks. Handcrafted by talented Turquoise Mountain artists living in Kabul, Afghanistan, this bracelet is not just a fabulous statement piece, it represents a vivid culture of artisans whose success has been recognised by the Smithsonian and the United Nations.

I love this multi-coloured bracelet. It stands for style, substance, and sustainability; it’s for girls like you and me who were born to dazzle and intrigue. And while I’m ‘rocking’ this Katherine Parr bracelet, I love that I’m giving back to the artisans of Turquoise Mountain.

A not-for-profit organisation founded by HRH The Prince of Wales, Turquoise Mountain has been honoured by the UN for its success and sustainability initiatives. The organisation helps local, talented artisans do something they love like creating jewellery, and make a living at it. I love how these artists use traditional jewellery techniques and one of the oldest gemstones on earth – agate – to craft pieces like this fabulous multi-coloured bracelet from Katherine Parr.

Diversity Rocks is part of the Unity and Diversity collection from Katherine Parr that celebrates cultural and national pride. It’s that special, you won’t find it on the GEMOLOGUE Christmas Gift Guide 2017! It’s one of those last-minute gift ideas, perfect for Christmas or New Year’s. It might not be haute jewellery, but it’s precious to me. Its beauty stands out in tradition, sustainability, diversity, and style. It symbolises global hope and unity in a troubled world where we need to come together and give back to the community by supporting talented artisans.

A fabulous statement piece, certain to catch everyone’s eye this festive season.

Katherine Parr Diversity Rocks bracelet is set with natural rock style multi-coloured polished agate with bar slide clasp in sterling silver.

Katherine Parr Diversity Rocks Bracelet is available online for  $1500.

GEMOLOGUE by Liza Urla features exquisite global discoveries, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews – a celebration of fine jewellery, fashion jewellery and vintage jewellery.

*Photographed by Julia Flit. Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE. Make-up by Viorela Calota.

Material on this website may not be copied, broadcasted or adapted without written consent.

The post KATHERINE PARR JEWELRY DIVERSITY ROCKS BRACELET REVIEW appeared first on Gemologue.



source https://gemologue.com/katherine-parr-jewelry-diversity-rocks-bracelet-review/

Sunday 17 December 2017

THE JEWELS OF…BINA GOENKA, DIFFICULT TO DESCRIBE, EASIER TO EXPERIENCE

The Jewels Of… is a new series by GEMOLOGUE, featuring my latest discoveries from the world’s most exciting jewellery designers and their spectacular creations – stunning jewels you will want to add to your own personal jewellery collection. Discover why I love The Jewels Of Bina Goenka.

THE DESIGNER:  Bina Goenka is a qualified lawyer, who started her jewellery career in 1990, working with a local craftsman to create pieces for herself and her friends. She is self-taught and draws her inspiration from the simple pleasures of life. She loves to take a walk in London’s Hyde Park, where the natural beauty surrounding her gets her creative juices flowing. Her sole focus is creating works of art, recognised the world over by a loyal clientele. Bina uses the world’s finest gems for her creations, settling for nothing but the best. India is where Bina likes to work, whereas her daughter, Avanti Goenka, works from their private showroom in Knightsbridge, London. With a family background in jewellery production, she possesses a true understanding of luxury and rarity in jewellery.

THE DETAILS:

I love how original these pieces by Bina Goenka are, especially the exclusive, new collection of Prêt jewellery that I am wearing in the photos. She uses only the rarest of materials to handcraft timeless jewellery with emeralds, rubies, diamonds and rare green tourmaline. Indian jewellery is traditionally wrought in gold, but Bina doesn’t let that stunt her creativity. Her designs are innovative and bold, a combination of fluidity, volume and colour. In a recent collaboration with Gemfields, Bina created the Ruby Lariat necklace, a priceless piece using Gemfields unheated and untreated rubies. It is a stunning collection of rare clam pearls that took years to source and six craftsmen to assemble.

WHY I LOVE IT:

I met the elegant Bina at her exclusive presentation of exceptional necklaces with conch pearls at the Four Seasons Hotel in London. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed. In a private meeting with Bina’s daughter, I learned about her family legacy of supporting local craftsmen. Her daughter speaks with so much inspiration and admiration for her mother’s creativity and ability to create something so magical. It is impossible not to fall in love with the Goenka family and Bina’s elaborate jewellery.

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Bina Goenka_GEMOLOGUE_Liza Urla_jewelry blogger_Fine Jewellery_Indian jewellery designer_Indian jewellery_jewellery collection_unique earrings_

SHOP THE LOOK:

GEMOLOGUE by Liza Urla features exquisite global discoveries, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews – a celebration of fine jewellery, fashion jewellery and vintage jewellery.

*Photographed by Julia Flit. Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.

Material on this website may not be copied, broadcasted or adapted without written consent.

The post THE JEWELS OF…BINA GOENKA, DIFFICULT TO DESCRIBE, EASIER TO EXPERIENCE appeared first on Gemologue.



source https://gemologue.com/jewels-bina-goenka/

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS’ ENCHANTED GARDEN & THE LUCKY ANIMALS COLLECTION CLIPS

It is always a pleasure to visit Van Cleef & Arpels’ Bond Street Boutique, especially when they have a surprise on the top floor. Transformed into an enchanted garden full of new jewellery pieces in creative nature displays, I found one of my most favourite collections, the Van Cleef & Arpels’ lucky animals. These wonderful creatures first came to life in 1954, when Van Cleef & Arpels opened La Boutique at 22 Place Vendôme in Paris. Hoping to capture a younger clientele with a more accessible line of jewellery, these cartoon-like animal clips added a playful note to the Maison’s repertoire. They make the most charming and delightful gifts, and were favoured by Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy.

These happy creatures have always been my favourite and I was so happy to find out they’ve launched some new pieces. Nature is a great source of inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels, and The Lucky Animals collection capture this style perfectly. Nine new models have been added to the collection, including a cat, a lion, a hummingbird and a rabbit. My favourite is the lion clip in yellow gold, tiger’s eye, and onyx. Playful jewellery guaranteed to make you smile and perfect for everyday wear.

You might remember my visit last year to Paris to discover the High Jewellery collection L’Arche de Noé racontée par Van Cleef & Arpels. Always elegant, the animal theme is one that has endured many years, and Van Cleef & Arpels always find new ways to express this love of nature. The Lucky Animals of today are a cheerful celebration of colour that evokes a gentle and poetic nature.

Each animal clip has its own unique personality that shines through its onyx eyes, looking at the observer with intent and curiosity. Lustrous mother-of-pearl and brilliant hard stones crafted with delicate marquetry, adorned with a contour of golden beads and intricate details – a beak, a muzzle, whiskers or a mane – add a tender charm to these lively and graceful animals.

Hard stones such as tiger’s eye, malachite, lapis lazuli, carnelian or onyx capture the natural hues of these furry and feathered creatures. Tiger’s eye is so beautiful with its shimmering play of light that looks like golden fur. The perfect choice for a lion or tiger with stripy golden-brown bands, set perfectly to mimic the coat of these beautiful animals. The deep and brilliant black of carefully polished onyx evokes the sheen of a black cat. Lapis lazuli and malachite enliven the hummingbird in flight, and carnelian captures the tawny hue of a squirrel’s beauty.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS LION CLIP IN YELLOW GOLD, TIGER’S EYE, ONYX, £5,600

Van Cleef & Arpels uses their special expertise to make the most of the brilliant hard stones and luminous mother-of-pearl. Only the best stones are chosen. For tiger’s eye and malachite, they must have a bright, even colour, with veins evenly spaced across the entire gem. The rarest varieties of white mother-of-pearl are chosen for regular and cloudless overtones; the grey mother-of-pearl are selected for their sheen and subtle blue or pink hues. These are then arranged with intricate detail and precision to capture the magnificent qualities of each gem.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS DOG CLIP IN YELLOW GOLD, WHITE MOTHER-OF-PEARL, ONYX, £5,600

Cut and polished with extreme care and the Maison’s excellent craftsmanship, the stones and mother-of-pearl reflect a gentle brilliance that come to life in a frame of delicate gold beading. The result is a collection of precious, playful, and lighthearted creatures, sure to capture your heart.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS  RABBIT CLIP IN PINK GOLD, TIGER’S EYE, WHITE MOTHER-OF-PEARL, ONYX, £5,050

While I was here, I had to check out the Maison’s other collections and new pieces. You can see these below. Let me know in the comments which is your favourite.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS PERLÉE COULEURS VARIATION RING IN YELLOW GOLD AND MALACHITE

SHOP THE LOOK:

GEMOLOGUE by Liza Urla features exquisite global discoveries, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews – a celebration of fine jewellery, fashion jewellery and vintage jewellery.

*Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. Make-up by Viorela Calota. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE. 

Material on this website may not be copied, broadcasted or adapted without written consent.

The post VAN CLEEF & ARPELS’ ENCHANTED GARDEN & THE LUCKY ANIMALS COLLECTION CLIPS appeared first on Gemologue.



source https://gemologue.com/van-cleef-arpels-lucky-animals-collection-clips/

Thursday 14 December 2017

VN JEWELLERY CRYSTAL EARRINGS REVIEW

Not all jewellery has to be pricey to be precious. I bet you didn’t expect me to say that! You know how much I love jewellery, whether it is fine, fashion or antique. These fun VN Jewellery gold plated Cubic Zirconia Crystal Earrings feature a long tassel with a chandelier-like style. Earrings like these are so fun, because they move and sparkle when you do, so you can party all night long without the worry of losing them. They make the perfect travel companion when you’re travelling to not-so-safe places like Brazil or Cape Town, where I am headed for New Year’s Eve.

I think chandelier earrings are the most glamorous thing with their flirtatious sparkle and at a great affordable price, VN Jewellery Crystal Earrings are the perfect choice. I love how they mirror my every movement and catch the light with my every stride. A superb way to give yourself extra charm during the Christmas season. In my photos you can see how they reflect my every move, capturing my mood when I’m dancing and swirling during the holiday season .

I always have to think carefully about which jewellery pieces I’ll take with me on my travels. I never check in my jewellery. I prefer to wear my most precious pieces or carefully hide them in my travel jewellery box by Smythson. My fiancé does not let me travel with my diamond jewellery to places like Brazil and Cape Town. I leave my diamonds behind in a safety deposit box. Never, ever leave fine jewellery at home! Instead, look for alternatives like these stunning earrings that will give you sparkle without the hassle. That why VN Jewellery Crystal Earrings are the perfect party fix.

VN Jewellery Crystal Earrings are made from sparkling, clear crystal and are gold plated in a long tassel chandelier style. These dangle/drop earrings are sure to make a statement wherever you go and will become your dazzling go-to piece. Also these VN Jewellery Crystal Earrings are lead, nickel and cadmium free, which is very important.

VN Jewellery Crystal Earrings are available online for £26.79

 

GEMOLOGUE by Liza Urla features exquisite global discoveries, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews – a celebration of fine jewellery, fashion jewellery and vintage jewellery.

*Photographed by Julia Flit. Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE. Make-up by Viorela Calota.

Material on this website may not be copied, broadcasted or adapted without written consent.

The post VN JEWELLERY CRYSTAL EARRINGS REVIEW appeared first on Gemologue.



source https://gemologue.com/vn-jewellery-crystal-earrings-review/

Wednesday 13 December 2017

GEMOLOGUE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2017

Choosing the perfect Christmas gift for a jewellery lover is tough… Living and breathing jewellery, I know what I am talking about! Gifting on any occasion, and not just Christmas, is very personal and sometimes challenging. I hope in this guide you will find discover something new and get inspired!

Here are the 10 gifts I recommend to celebrate Christmas this year. Different options for any jewellery lover, most of which will not break the bank and are fun and creative ideas.

SHOP GEMOLOGUE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE:

1. DIAMOND & PEARL RING FROM ANISSA KERMICHE

What else could you desire for Christmas if not a contemporary diamond and pearl ring? Pearls are given a modern edge in the hands of Anissa Kermiche, as illustrated by this unusual sculptural ring. The perfect gift for a lady with an effortless sense of style to be worn on a special occasion.

2. SMYTHSON JEWELLERY BOX

Your collection of beautiful jewelry deserves to be stored in the most luxurious way, don’t you agree? Smythson‘s nubuck-lined ‘Grosvenor’ box has been crafted in Spain from textured-leather and flawless gold hardware and has a removable tray with compartments for rings, bracelets and necklaces.

3. RUBY: THE KING OF GEMS

A beautiful new coffee table book from Joanna Hardy, commissioned by Gemfields. The book explores the long history of this fiery gem, which is traditionally associated with love, prosperity and protection. The author Joanna Hardy believes that no other coloured gemstone fuels passion more than this stone, so this is the perfect gift for your loved one, even if a real-life ruby is out of your budget.

4. RED NAIL POLISH FROM CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

A perfect little Christmas gift for your sister or even yourself! To get in the mood for Christmas, paint your nails with Christian Louboutin Beauty’s nail colour in ‘Rouge Louboutin’, the same shade as the brand’s iconic lacquered soles. Inspired by calligraphy and paintbrushes, the long tapered bottle top is a reference to the ‘Ballerina Ultima’, the highest heel Louboutin has ever designed.

5. PRIVATE V&A JEWELLERY TALK

Victoria & Albert museum houses one of the most spectacular jewellery collections in the world. Treat your loved V&A organises private jewellery talks and tours. Perfect gift for a jewellery lover, if you are after an experience. To organise, email info@gemologue.com

6. RENT TIARA FROM BENTLEY & SKINNER

Many girls have dreamt of wearing tiaras. Now you can make your childhood dream a reality thanks to the Hire service from Bentley & Skinner. To make a special event a truly memorable occasion, Bentley & Skinner has a few gorgeous tiaras available for hire. Our favourite is a late Victorian diamonds foliate tiara.

Tiaras and other items of jewellery may be hired from Bentley & Skinner at a charge of 1% of the retail value plus VAT for every period of 24 hours or part thereof. A full refundable deposit to the retail value of the item in cleared funds is required upon hire.

7. HAVE YOUR DIAMOND PAINTED BY ANGIE CRABTREE 

Here is a rather unusual idea for a creative gift for any jewellery lover. During Couture in Las Vegas, I met met a lovely artist San Francisco- based artist Angie Crabtree, who paints portraits of diamonds. So why not paint the stone of your engagement ring or an important keepsake on a large canvas or your phone case? This is certainly something unique and special .

8. LANVIN DOLLS

I was recently gifted an exquisite Miss Lanvin doll that I absolutely love! If you thought you or your loved one were too old with dolls, think again and look at these gorgeous creations from Lanvin. Over the last few years, Alber Elbazhas has designed several miniature porcelian hand painted dolls showcasing Lanvin fashions, perfect as an accessory for your stylish home. The rendition of their jewellery is just as exquisite as the rest of their outfits. These collector’s items are presented in an exclusive Lanvin boxed set, making it the perfect Christmas gift.

9. NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD PEARL SANDALS

A prefect gift for a sophisticated lady that likes to dress up from one of my favourite shoe designers, Nicolas Kirkwood. These elegant sandals feature Nicholas Kirkwood’s signature pearl design that I cannot get enough of.

10. GUCCI GOWN

I recently laid my eyes upon the most breath-taking embellished red tulle Gucci gown that will certainly  break the bank, but sometimes breaking the bank is worth it, isn’t it? This excite dress has been carefully embellished with glistening crystals, beads and sequins to depict tigers and sun rays on the bodice and skirt. You will certainly not go unnoticed at any Christmas party.

The post GEMOLOGUE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2017 appeared first on Gemologue.



source https://gemologue.com/gemologue-christmas-gift-guide-2017/

FREYWILLE HOMMAGE A ALPHONSE MUCHA BRACELET REVIEW

This jewellery review is inspired by the famous Slavic artist Alphonse Mucha (Google it now!) You can see what an impression this artist has made on the design of this  FREYWILLE Donna Bordered Bangle. Modern and timeless, this bangle is crafted in rose gold with a softly hued fire enamel that I’ve interpreted in my own artistic way to capture the essence of Mucha’s language. To learn more about FREYWILLE, read my designer profile post.

I love art-inspired jewellery and this FREYWILLE Bangle is definitely my favourite. FREYWILLE has such an enthusiasm for pure art, it is amazing! I like the FREYWILLE interpretation of Alphonse Mucha’s work and how unique it is. It feels like you’re wearing softly coloured gemstones, such as emerald and rose quartz. So reminiscent of Mucha’s characteristic motifs such as peacock feathers and decorative headpieces. His art is so contagious, even I got inspired; and what fun it is to be a painting! I hope you find my interpretation creative and a little crazy too! Alphonse Mucha had a symbolic style, uniquely decorative that brings harmony and balance to a world of ethereal beauty. I hope you appreciate it as much as I do.

If you were to ask a jewellery lover about their favourite art movement for jewellery, from Edwardian, Georgian, Art Deco and Art Nouveau, I think many would say Art Nouveau is the most interesting. During the industrial revolution in the late 1800s, Art Nouveau really took off, as artists turned away from the soulless life of technology, productivity, and science and sought inspiration in nature and natural forms. Influenced by the art of Japan, India, and Africa that was seeping into the culture at the time, the Art Nouveau Movement became a combination of all of these things and inspired those who yearned for a simpler way of being.

In the comments below, let me know your favourite designers who are inspired by the Art Nouveau movement.

The Art Nouveau movement comes alive when you wear this gorgeous FREYWILLE Donna Bordered Bangle. The design incorporates elements that are typical of Art Nouveau, together with individual notes of their own. The bangles are handmade in Vienna using a fire enamel that is applied in many layers before firing. It’s painstaking work that can take up to 100 layers to achieve such delicate colours. The finished work is fixed into a mounting of rose gold, a theme that is picked up within the enamel design itself.

FREYWILLE Donna Bordered Bangle in rose gold is available online for £877.

GEMOLOGUE by Liza Urla features exquisite global discoveries, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews – a celebration of fine jewellery, fashion jewellery and vintage jewellery.

*Photographed by Julia Flit. Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. Illustration by Anastasia Zanadvorova. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.

Material on this website may not be copied, broadcasted or adapted without written consent.

The post FREYWILLE HOMMAGE A ALPHONSE MUCHA BRACELET REVIEW appeared first on Gemologue.



source https://gemologue.com/freywille-hommage-a-alphonse-mucha-bracelet-review/