Diamond & Estate Trust , a trusted name in Southern California estate jewelry and diamond buying, has initiated a campaign aimed at purchasing luxury jewelry and gems directly from members of the public. Diamond & Estate Trust’s unparalleled expertise allows it to offer individuals up to twice as much as competitors would for gems or estate jewelry. Founder and CEO Anup Jogani’s vast knowledge of period pieces from Georgian to Art Deco to mid-century modern gives Diamond & Estate Trust expert capabilities in spotting rare signatures and unique jewelry with value that might be overlooked by less skilled buyers. The Diamond & Estate Trust team’s breadth of experience in diamond cutting and gemstone improvement enables it to maintain its dedication to providing fair offers for its clients in the diamond valuation process. Diamond & Estate Trust specializes in acquiring diamonds; gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires ; designer pieces; watches such as Rolex, Cartier and Audemars; and antique/vintage jewelry of all price points. It prides itself in professionalism and providing its best offer up front to make the jewelry appraisal and selling process as convenient as possible for its clients. Individuals interested in selling antique jewelry, signature pieces, diamonds or gemstones, or who wish to have jewelry or diamonds appraised should contact Diamond & Estate Trust at (213) 622-9700, mail@diamondestatetrust.com or through www.diamondestatetrust.com. See the rest here: Diamond & Estate Trust Launches Vintage Jewelry, Diamond Buying Campaign
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7.18 Carat Radiant Cut Diamond – Cut Cornered Square Modified Brilliant Cut
When it comes to fiery flash, few gems compare to the stunning radiant cut diamond. A hybrid of the emerald cut’s clean lines and the brilliant cut’s megawatt shine, the radiant cut has been coveted this season by fashion icons who want their diamond rings to have a chic modern shape and brilliant flash. Drew Barrymore, recently engaged to art consultant Will Kopelman, couldn’t have chosen a more gorgeous engagement ring for her third trip down the aisle. The diamond engagement ring strikes the perfect balance between traditional and modern design: the ring’s classic, delicate pave band is a timeless flash from the past, and its stunning 4 carat radiant cut white diamond is a bold, 21 st Century statement. Drew Barrymore’s engagement ring shows the rectangular radiant cut at its brilliant best. How does the radiant cut get its shine? From its expertly cut, gorgeous 60-70 facets. A radiant cut gem features the step-cutting of the emerald cut diamond (which gives it its long facets) and the triangular facets of the brilliant cut. The multifaceted look of the radiant cut makes it look a bit like a princess cut , but with the addition of blocked corners. Whether you opt for a rectangular, square modified or cut-cornered radiant cut diamond (also called the cut-cornered square modified brilliant cut), this diamond cut is gorgeous on a ring flanked by side stones such as baguettes. Because it lets the depth and color of a gem shine, the radiant cut is also a popular cut for colored diamonds . (Did you see how Jessica Chastain’s radiant cut yellow diamond solitaire ring and Penelope Ann Miller’s radiant cut pink diamond ring lit up the 84 th Annual Academy Awards ?) Given the radiant cut’s beauty and popularity among fashion icons, Diamond & Estate Trust was thrilled to discover this one-of-a-kind 7.18 carat radiant cut diamond . This precious gem — GIA certified with an F color grade and perfect symmetry — has a luminous color that’s the perfect mix of cognac and rosy pink. It’s a soft yet striking shade that evokes romance from the moment you first see it. This cut-cornered square radiant diamond would be gorgeous flanked by half-moon or baguette white diamonds in a simple, vintage-inspired ring . Once you add this exceptional 7.18 carat radiant cut diamond to your collection, the experts at Diamond & Estate Trust can help you create the perfect custom design that lets both your personal style and this gorgeous gem shine. Diamond & Estate Trust is Southern California’s most trusted estate jewelry and loose gem buyer and seller . With an exquisite collection of loose gems such as white diamonds , colored diamonds , rubies and sapphires , and truly unique vintage jewelry including designer watches , Diamond & Estate Trust has an exceptional gem or piece of jewelry for every occasion. Go here to see the original: 7.18 Carat Radiant Cut Diamond – Cut Cornered Square Modified Brilliant Cut
Huguette Clark Christie’s Auction – Art Deco Jewelry and Gems
Less than six months after Christie’s held the record-breaking auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry , the legendary auction house has another major celebrity sale on its hands: the sale of reclusive copper heiress Huguette Clark’s stunning diamonds and Cartier and Tiffany jewelry, all from the Art Deco period. Christie’s says the collection could fetch $9 million to $12 million when it goes up for auction in April. The last known photo of copper heiress Huguette Clark When Christie’s jewelry department head Rahul Kadakia saw the contents inside the jewelry vault of Huguette Clark, who died last year at 104 years old, he was stunned at the gorgeous jewelry and gems, all in their original boxes, that the heiress had stowed away since the 1940s. “It was like chasing a rainbow and finding a big pot of gold at the end of it,” Kadakia said of discovering one exquisite signed designer piece after another. So which of Huguette Clark’s pieces will go on the auction block at the April 17 th Christie’s sale? The most exquisite piece is a 9 carat cushion cut pink diamond ring that Huguette inherited from her mother. Given the huge price tag of the last pink diamond auctioned by Christie’s — a 5 carat pink diamond that sold for $ 2 million per carat – the auction house expects this gorgeously cut, perfect condition pink diamond from 1910 to sell for $10 million to $15 million. Another of Huguette’s gorgeous diamond rings is expected to fetch $2 million to $4 million at the April Christie’s auction. The spectacular GIA certified 19.86 carat rectangular cut white diamond has the best color grade, D color, is internally flawless and was cut in the 1930s by famed jeweler Cartier . Christie’s officials said that even in the dimly lit bank vault, they immediately knew the colorless diamond was a spectacular stone. And given the world’s fascination with Art Deco jewelry, two 1920s signed Cartier diamond bracelets will likely be hot items at the Huguette Clark sale. The first, a gorgeous geometric link diamond bracelet circa 1925 bearing the Cartier signature, is expected to sell for $300,000 to $500,000. The second, also circa 1925, is a sleek Art Deco Cartier diamond bracelet with chic rectangular emerald accent stones, valued at $50,000 to $70,000. Huguette was wearing these two exquisite Cartier Art Deco bracelets in her last known photograph. (The Tiffany & Co. single-strand pearl necklace also featured in that photo is set to sell for $20,000 to $30,000.) Other items up for auction Some of Huguette’s other pieces up for auction include an Art Deco Mother of Pearl, coral and diamond desk clock from Cartier , which could fetch $15,000 or more; a diamond , ruby and sapphire American flag brooch by Cartier, worth $30,000 to $50,000; a ruby , sapphire and emerald gold Tiffany & Co. bracelet circa 1915, estimated at $30,000 to $50,000, and possibly made by Louis Comfort Tiffany; and an onyx, turquoise and diamond photograph frame by Cartier with a portrait of Huguette’s younger sister inside, worth $5,000 to $7,000. Art Deco and Diamond & Estate Trust Huguette Clark’s collection showcases the best of sleek, geometric Art Deco jewelry design from some of the most chic designers of the era. Want to own a piece of vintage 1920s jewelry but can’t make it to the April auction ? Diamond & Estate Trust has an exquisite collection of Art Deco bracelets, including gorgeous sapphire and diamond bracelets , brooches , and rings that will add vintage flair to your collection. And with the 1920s roaring back into vogue lately, there’s no better time to treat yourself to a piece of Art Deco jewelry. Want to hear more about Huguette’s jewelry and gems? Here’s a video of Christie’s jewelry department head Rahul Kadakia talking about the amazing pieces found in Huguette’s vault! Diamond & Estate Trust is the most trusted diamond and vintage jewelry seller in Los Angeles and Southern California. With an exquisite collection of diamonds , rubies , sapphires and emeralds, estate jewelry and watches, Diamond & Estate Trust can help you find the perfect vintage or signature piece for any occasion. Read more: Huguette Clark Christie’s Auction – Art Deco Jewelry and Gems
What Are The Best Diamond & Gem Certification Agencies? – Jewelry 101
When you’re looking to buy, sell or know more about a particular gem , a certification report is the best starting point. A certification can help you understand a gem’s cut, clarity, carat, clarity and other qualities — all important when determining how much a diamond or other precious gem is worth. Here’s a quick guide to the most trusted gem certification institutes and how they evaluate a diamond , colored diamond , ruby , sapphire or emerald. Two certified gems from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection: a diamond, left, and a sapphire. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) The GIA is the most well-known institute for grading and evaluating diamonds , colored stones and pearls. A nonprofit institute, GIA has been providing reports on the quality of diamonds, colored stones and pearls since 1931. It’s considered to have the highest standards of all the major gem certification agencies. What you’ll find in a GIA report The GIA objectively compares and evaluates diamonds using the 4 C’s : carat, color, clarity and cut. It developed the 4C system in the 1940s, and has been using it ever since. The GIA’s color grading scale for diamonds ranges from D to Z, with D, the closest to colorless, being the most coveted grade. The GIA determines how many blemishes and inclusions a diamond has on a scale of flawless (most desirable) to included (least desirable). The institute grades cut based on how a diamond reflects light, the dispersion of that light, and the how much a diamond sparkles when it’s moved. You’ll also find grading for polish, symmetry and fluorescence in a GIA report. The GIA grades colored gems including colored diamonds , rubies and sapphires based on weight, facet angles and proportions. It also determines the gem’s origin and whether the gem was heated, or artificially treated, to achieve its color. The GIA has a separate color grading system for colored diamonds that ranges from vivid (most valuable) to light (least valuable). A GIA report also includes a diamond’s shape, measurements, weight, depth percentage, table percentage, girdle thickness, culet size, and general comments about the gem that was evaluated. A certified pear shaped diamond, left, and a certified ruby, both from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection. American Gem Society (AGS) The AGS is a nonprofit trade organization founded in 1934. Its membership includes fine jewelers, jewelry designers and jewelry suppliers throughout the U.S. The AGS has been certifying and grading diamonds and other gems since 1996. What you’ll find in an AGS report The AGS uses the 4C criteria for determining the quality of a diamond or gem. But one aspect that makes the AGS different is that it uses a scale of 0 to 10 for its cut, color and clarity grades. For cut, 0 is ideal and 10 is poor; for color, 0 is equivalent to the GIA’s D colorless grade; and for clarity, 0 matches the GIA flawless/internally flawless grade (I/IF). A colorless diamond with the finest cut grade and no blemishes or inclusions would get the “000” AGS grade. AGS also provides information on shape, weight and measurements. It gives a more in-depth view than the GIA on pavilion and crown angles. Gueblin Gem Lab The Gueblin Gem Lab dates back to the early 19 th Century, and has been providing scientific evaluations of gems since the 1960s. Two of the lab’s first gem report clients were luxury jewelry auction houses Christie’s and Sotheby’s. What you’ll find in a Gueblin report For diamonds, Gueblin uses the 4C scale developed by the GIA. It also provides table and depth percentages, information on girdle and culet, and a commentary on a diamond’s fluorescence. Gueblin also identifies origin , species and treatments (if any) for colored gems such as rubies and sapphires . A certified Asscher cut diamond, left, and a certified Kashmir sapphire, both from Diamond & Estate Trust. European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) The EGL is a for-profit company that certifies diamonds and colored gems around the world. It is known for having less strict standards than the GIA when evaluating a diamond or gem. Like the GIA, the EGL grades diamonds , colored diamonds , rubies, sapphires and other colored stones. What you’ll find in an EGL report An EGL report grades a diamond on the 4Cs using the same scales developed by the GIA. It also provides an in-depth look at a gem’s proportions, including its depth, table, crown, pavilion, girdle and culet. International Gemological Institute (IGI) The IGI is the largest independent laboratory for grading and evaluating jewelry and gems, and has been in existence for about 30 years. It’s considered to have more lenient standards than the GIA. What you’ll find in an IGI report The IGI grades using the same 4C scales as the GIA. Like the AGS, the IGI also provides more in-depth information on a gem’s crown and pavilion angles than the GIA does. Looking to buy a certified diamond , ruby or sapphire ? Diamond & Estate Trust has a wide range of certified diamonds and colored gems that you can trust to be of the highest quality imaginable. We use our discerning eye to select only the most exquisite gems for our collection , which is one of the finest examples of luxury jewelry in Southern California. Read more from the original source: What Are The Best Diamond & Gem Certification Agencies? – Jewelry 101
Mad Men Jewelry- Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Earrings
Ever since its debut episode way back in July 2007, AMC’s Mad Men has been giving viewers a vivid, high-drama glimpse into 1960s culture , sexuality and style. From Season 1 Episode 1 all the way through Sunday’s Season 5 premier, we’ve been enthralled with all things Mad Men . In honor of the new season, here’s a quick overview of the gorgeous jewelry the women of Mad Men have worn over the last five seasons. Source: AMC Joan Harris, Sterling Cooper’s confident, feisty office manager, is the epitome of 1960s mod chic. Every time Christina Hendricks walks onto the screen, we’re blown away by her jewelry: gem-studded brooches , intricate diamond and pearl earrings , and her signature gold pen necklace all reflect Joan’s undeniable confidence. Source: AMC And with the brooch coming back into vogue at Red Carpet events and beyond, Joan Harris’ style has never been more modern. Source: AMC And then there’s Betty Francis (Draper), Don Draper’s ex-wife and mother of three whose style still reflects her former calling as a model. Actress January Jones always looks vogue and sophisticated in her strand of pearls and oversized diamond stud earrings . Source: AMC Don Draper’s secretary, Peggy Olson, played by Elisabeth Moss, doesn’t take as many jewelry chances as Betty or Joan, but her classic feminine style is still worth mentioning. Like the other Mad Men women, Peggy looks current and chic in pearls and intricate drop earrings . Source: AMC Just take it from Joan Harris, Betty Francis, or Peggy Olson — nothing says 1960s quite like a pair of sophisticated, ultra-feminine pearl earrings. Let Diamond & Estate Trust help you capture this Mad Men signature jewelry look just in time for Season 5. These romantic South Sea pearl earrings from renowned designer Van Cleef & Arpels are as stunning today as they were decades ago. In these earrings from our collection , diamonds of various cuts form delicate petals around show-stopping South Sea Pearls , gems highly coveted for their magnificent size and soft luster. With two large, exquisitely matched pearls on each earring, this pair makes a quintessential vintage style statement. Still in their original box, these Van Cleef & Arpels earrings boast a timeless design aesthetic that accents the beauty of these exceptional pearls and diamonds. When you wear these vintage pearl earrings, you will embody the feminine flair of Joan Harris, Betty Francis, and Peggy Olson. And with Mad Men Season 5 just getting heated up, 1960s jewelry will continue to make a chic comeback among A-List celebrities and other fashion icons. For those of you who can’t wait until Sunday for your next Mad Men fix, here’s a sneak peak of what’s in store for the rest of Season 5! Diamond & Estate Trust is Southern California’s premier vintage jewelry buyer and seller. With an exquisite collection of estate pieces including brooches , necklaces , bracelets , watches and rings , Diamond & Estate Trust can help you find your inner vintage vogue. And for the client looking for a truly unique piece, our experts can create a custom piece using one of our exemplary loose diamonds or gems . Go here to see the original: Mad Men Jewelry- Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl Earrings
Pear Shaped Diamond Ring – 9.36 Fancy Brown
A colored diamond is the ultimate symbol of rarity and exceptional beauty. Each of the world’s colored diamonds possesses a unique hue and vibrancy, making a piece of colored diamond jewelry the ultimate statement in individuality. Of all the variations of colored diamonds , the brown diamond has quickly achieved a new level of affection from the world’s fashion and jewelry icons. You’ll be the vision of extraordinary sophistication in this GIA certified 9.36 carat fancy brown pear shaped diamond ring from our collection . This stunning diamond ring has all the hallmarks of a timeless statement piece. Its most striking feature is the large, 9.36 carat yellow-brown diamond, which has a deep fancy natural color grade found in few colored diamonds. But what makes this cognac colored diamond absolutely breathtaking is its perfect pear modified brilliant cut . Intricate, precise facet work brings out the depth and vibrancy of this yellow-brown diamond’s striking hue . By bringing together the best aspects of the round-brilliant and marquis cuts, the fiery pear cut adds a sophisticated flash to this already stunning brown diamond . This 9.36 carat fancy yellow-brown diamond ring also features white marquis diamonds that form a sophisticated border around the center gem. The colored and white diamonds are married gorgeously in a high-quality mount that matches this ring’s classic design aesthetic. It’s a timeless piece that will always be in vogue. For the true diamond aficionado, this ring is the best of both worlds: a case study in both the vibrancy of colored diamonds and the elegance of white diamonds . Let Diamond & Estate Trust help you discover the perfect diamond ring for any occasion. With a wide selection of white and colored diamonds across the color spectrum, we offer the most exquisite luxury jewelry collection in Southern California. Like this cognac diamond ring , each piece in our collection is carefully chosen based on its quality, rarity and design aesthetic. Visit link: Pear Shaped Diamond Ring – 9.36 Fancy Brown
The Center for Public Integrity: Los Angeles moves haltingly toward ending fines for truancy
By Susan Ferriss , iWatch News LOS ANGELES — Fifteen-year-old Juan Carlos Amezcua was just five minutes late for school, and already at the corner by
Listage : Andrew Zimmern Eats LA; How To Drink In a Craft Cocktail Bar
Outside Handsome Coffee Roasters, Downtown. [Photo: R. E. ~ / Eater LA Flickr Pool ] · Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern’s Recent Foodie Foray Through L.A. [HR] · Bill Introduced to Improve Welfare Standard for Egg-Laying Hens [FSN] · How To Drink In a Craft Cocktail Bar: Five Tips [OCW] · Steve Albini Has A Food Blog [LAW] · Best White Russian Cocktail at 320 Main [CoC] · Flat White at Two Guns Espresso [LAW] · Mozza Cookbook: Exploring Italian Cuisine from Crust to Crostini [Food GPS] · Klatch Coffee’s Mike Perry on winning awards, and expanding to LAX [TT] Read this article: Listage : Andrew Zimmern Eats LA; How To Drink In a Craft Cocktail Bar
Sandra Thomas: PHOTOS: A Taste Of The Islands At A Hawaiian Food Festival
Staring down at the roasted pig’s head adorning a kiosk at the Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agricultural Festival at the Hilton Waikoloa on the Island of Hawaii, I had no idea the wild bore I had just happily sampled would mark the start of a weekend I can only describe as the ultimate foodie fantasy. After flying in from Seattle, we checked into our room at the neighboring Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort with just enough time to shower and change before heading to the Taste event. The rush was worth it. The event showcases everything that’s great about the local Hawaiian food/agriculture scene, including luscious organic produce and top chefs who bring the best out of locally raised (or wild) pig, beef and lamb. The event has a nose-to-tail philosophy which, depending on the luck of the draw, sees chefs creating delicacies from not only the most popular cuts of meat, but also the least appetizing including tripe and the now infamous mountain oyster, aka bull calf testicles. Each year participating local chefs draw to see which meat they’ll prepare for Taste about a month prior to the event in order to come up with a concept designed to wow the large crowd of foodies who attend annually. This year the mountain oyster challenge was presented to chef Jayson Kanekoa and his chef de cuisine Raylynn Kanehailua from the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, who came up with a kind of bull testicle tamale, which I wasn’t brave enough to try — but fed to my more adventurous partner who gave it a big thumbs up. I did indulge in a taste of heart sausage created by the chefs from Roy’s Waikoloa and it opened my eyes as to how the less-noble cuts of meat can be transformed into something delicious. The next morning I was scheduled to take part in the Chef Shuttle tour offered as part of a package at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and was surprised to see my personal guide for the day was Chef Jayson Kanekoa of mountain oyster fame whom I’d spoken to briefly the night before. Chef Jayson and I embarked on our foodie travels at 7 am and headed for two farmers markets in Waimea. On the way, we stopped for breakfast at a local institution called Hawaiian Style Café, where particularly large Hawaiian men cooked up pancakes the size of hubcaps and where you can order the Internet Loco Moco featuring Spam, Spam and more Spam. (My partner and I ended up driving to Waimea twice more to the café for breakfast in the all too-short week we spent on Hawaii.) Fortified with breakfast, Chef Jayson and I headed for the Hawaiian Homesteaders Farmers Market and Town Market where together we sourced out ingredients for what would later become dinner for a group of us back at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. Market-goers and vendors alike greeted Chef Jayson with alohas, handshakes and hugs. Maybe it was being in the company of a celebrity chef, but I found the vendors exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable about the organic produce, fish, meat, flowers, treats and coffee they were selling. I met a coffee grower who had a photo album on display detailing the history of his family’s plantation from its start two decades earlier, as well as Mike Hodson, a retired vice cop who now owns and operates one of the most successful organic farms on the island, Wow Farm. Hodson told me that after surviving two decades on the force, there was no way he was going die from spraying chemicals on his tomatoes. The end result? Juicy, delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes. By the end of our tours of the farmers markets, Chef Jayson and I had chosen the main ingredients for a four-course meal I will never forget. Our dinner, a deliciously divine example of the farm-to-table philosophy driving the agricultural tourism industry in Hawaii, began with seared ahi tuna accompanied by roasted garlic, Kamuela tomato gazpacho, followed by some of those Wow tomatoes served with the macadamia nut, basil-infused goat cheese I had earlier chosen at the farmers market. Our entrée was a veal chop with poha berry jam, local mushrooms and purple sweet potatoes from the neighboring island of Molokai. Dessert was coffee crème brulee with a cup of brew hand-pressed at our table — both made from beans purchased earlier from that same grower. Even more delightful was the line printed at the bottom of our menu, “Prepared for Ms. Sandra Thomas…” This personalized touch is part of the Chef Shuttle package. Completing our foodie fantasy weekend was Sunday night’s Sunset Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott during which we indulged in Kalua pig, which had slow roasted in an underground oven all day, Lau Lau chicken and numerous mai tais. Sure there was talented fire knife dancers, beautiful hula dancers and traditional Hawaiian music, but on this foodie weekend, it was all about that sumptuous buffet. And here’s a brief look at Chef Jayson during one of his Chef Shuttle Tours: More: Sandra Thomas: PHOTOS: A Taste Of The Islands At A Hawaiian Food Festival
Police Drug Dogs Outweigh Education at Beverly Hills High Rights, what are those again?
While known for its infinite riches, a recent press release issued by Beverly Hills Police tells of a multi-agency law enforcement raid on the city’s high school with drug dogs. See more here: Police Drug Dogs Outweigh Education at Beverly Hills High Rights, what are those again?
