April 5, 2012
History is filled with famous families such as the Kennedys, the Rockefellers and the Rothschilds. But in the world of luxury jewelry , one family towers above the rest. With six generations of renowned diamond cutters in its family tree, the Tolkowsky family has been synonymous with some of the world’s most beautiful gems since the 1800s. Marcel Tolkowsky The Belgian Tolkowsky family first got involved in the precious gem industry in the 1800s (when Abraham Tolkowsky began trading gems), and was credited with its first major diamond invention in the 1870s (when Maurice Tolkowsky created the diamond bruting machine). But it was a generation later that the first Tolkowsky gained worldwide fame. Marcel Tolkowsky is known as the father of the modern round brilliant cut diamond, one of the most popular diamond cuts today. A mathematician at heart, Marcel discovered the most ideal symmetry for cutting diamonds to achieve maximum brilliancy . This measurement, which included 58 facets to maximize the amount of brilliance and reflected light, is known as the Ideal Cut, Tolkowsky Cut or Tolkowsky Brilliant. Marcel died in 1991, leaving behind a legacy of diamond cutting expertise that is still carried on today by his nephew Gabriel Tolkowsky. Gabriel (Gabi) Tolkowsky Trained primarily by Marcel, Gabriel Tolkowsky is one of the world’s foremost diamond cutting experts. The master diamond cutter invented flower cuts in the mid-1980s, and has been one of De Beers’ go-to gem consultants ever since. Gabi gained worldwide recognition for his work as master cutter for the Centenary Diamond . At 273.85 carats, the gem is known as the world’s largest internally flawless diamond. It took Gabi and his team three years to cut the Centenary Diamond into its intricate, 247 facet shape, and the team reportedly hand cleaved the massive gem in order to avoid heating-related damage that often results from using saws or lasers. The Tolkowsky’s De Beers Centenary Diamond was unveiled to the world in 1991 and has since joined the ranks of the world’s most exquisite diamonds . Gabi also designed and cut the Golden Jubilee Diamond, a magnificent 755.5-carat rough stone that was presented to the King of Thailand. The final version of the Golden Jubilee Diamond is one of the most stunning examples of a cushion cut that the world has ever known. Boasting 545.65 carats and 148 precisely cut facets, this diamond furthered Gabi’s reputation as the world’s foremost diamond cutter. Gabi also developed the first triple brilliant cut diamond, displayed in the famous Gabrielle Diamond, which has 105 facets and striking brilliance and fire. When it comes to diamonds , rubies , sapphires or other gems , nothing is more important than a quality cut . Diamond & Estate Trust’s collection is filled with exquisite, hand-picked loose gems that exhibit perfect facets and fire. In honor of Marcel Tolkowsky’s celebrated round brilliant cut, consider adding one of our round diamonds to your personal collection . Diamond & Estate Trust is Southern California’s premier luxury jewelry buyer and seller . Our gem experts only select the most beautifully cut diamonds for our exquisite collection . Read more: Diamond Cutters – Tolkowsky Family
Tags: cut diamonds, diamond, gem industry, golden, history, master diamond cutter, news los angeles, world
Posted in Local News | Comments Off on Diamond Cutters – Tolkowsky Family
April 3, 2012
On Sunday night, country music’s brightest stars gathered in Las Vegas for the country music equivalent to the Grammys : the 47 th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. And when it comes to jewelry and fashion, three of country music’s heavy hitters stole the Red Carpet. Blonde bombshells Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood chose warm neutral tones and gorgeous diamond jewelry for their ACM Awards Red Carpet looks . This 5.69 carat radiant cut diamond would be the perfect complement to Taylor Swift's white dress at the ACM Awards. Taylor Swift, who won the ACM award for Entertainer of the Year, wore a stunning, white J Mendel gown with subtle metallic piping and daring side cutouts when she hit the ACM Red Carpet . And her jewelry mimicked the gold flashes in her gown perfectly: The singer’s Lorraine Schwartz diamond drop earrings added just the right amount of shine, and her chunky gold and diamond bracelets softened the tone of her sophisticated look. Carrie Underwood always looks feminine and sophisticated on the Red Carpet, and this year’s ACM Awards was no exception. The two-award nominated singer wore a custom strapless Abed Mahfouz gown with chic beaded embellishments and sheer detailing. To complement the buttery yellow hue of her couture gown, Carrie chose classic Jonathan Arndt jewelry. Her diamond and platinum cluster earrings were subtle against her gown’s heavy beading, and her oversized platinum flower ring was a funky statement piece fitting for the Red Carpet. This cushion cut diamond with a striking blue fluorescence is similar to the diamonds in Carrie Underwood's 2012 ACM Awards Red Carpet earrings. Miranda Lambert left the 47 th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards with the award for best female vocalist and mixed reviews for her gold glam Randi Rahm gown. The floor-length heavily embellished dress had enough shine to fill the entire Red Carpet, so the singer made the right choice by wearing soft gold and diamond chandelier earrings that didn’t compete with her dress’ megawatt shine. To complete her Fred Leighton jewelry look, the singer (and wife of Blake Shelton, the night’s Best Male Vocalist winner) chose a striking gold and diamond bracelet featuring two gold bands and a diamond-studded bird motif. A classic, pear shaped diamond from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection. White and gold were by far the most popular shades of the evening at the 2012 ACM Awards, and nothing accents these soft colors like brilliant diamonds . Diamond & Estate Trust’s collection includes exquisite loose diamonds in a variety of cuts and carats; once you select the perfect diamond to suit your style, our experts will create you a custom piece as striking as the statement jewelry on the 2012 ACM Red Carpet. Need help picking the perfect diamond ? Why not take a look at these three recent additions to our collection : a classic 6.25 carat pear shaped diamond that would make a romantic ring; a 4.01 carat cushion cut diamond with a striking blue fluorescence; or a 5.69 carat radiant cut diamond that would amplify any simple setting. Diamond & Estate Trust is Southern California’s premier buyer and seller of loose gems , vintage jewelry and signed designer pieces. Have a piece of jewelry worthy of the Red Carpet? Let our experts give you a fair appraisal on your vintage and luxury jewelry. More: 2012 ACM Awards – Jewelry on Display
Tags: acm, acm award, annual-academy, carpet, dress, earrings, gold, jewelry, lorraine schwartz, news, vintage, vocalist
Posted in Local News | Comments Off on 2012 ACM Awards – Jewelry on Display
March 31, 2012
Lately, we’ve spotted a host of A-List celebrities — including Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Richie , Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lopez — wearing ruby rings on the Red Carpet. There’s no denying that the ruby ring is surging back into vogue just in time for spring, and the ruby options on the jewelry market are endless. But take it from the gem experts at Diamond & Estate Trust : although it can be difficult to find, a no-heat ruby is by far the most exquisite choice. Rubies have long been considered royal gems, both for their mythical healing properties and central role in the jewelry of some of history’s most famous nobility . When you’re looking to buy a ruby ring , the most important quality to consider is whether the ruby has been treated. Most low-value rubies on the market have been artificially heat-treated to improve color, usually by removing blue or purple hues. These rubies are the ones to avoid, as their value and beauty are both low-quality. A no-heat ruby – one with a naturally coveted hue not achieved through a treatment process – is truly an exquisite gem with unparalleled natural beauty. Why purchase something artificial when the natural version is much more gorgeous, rare and coveted? This 5.09 carat Burma no-heat ruby ring from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection is the epitome of modern luxury. The rich, full red color and slight blue tint make the Burma ruby highly coveted throughout the world, and this stunning, no-heat 5.09 carat ruby boasts all those exceptional qualities. This massive oval Burma ruby has a natural color and clean facets that make it shine vividly under any light. The white diamonds that surround the ruby are as delicate and chic as this ring’s modern platinum setting. It’s a vivid, lively ring that is just as vogue today as when it was handcrafted. And because this Burma ruby is a certified no-heat gem, you can be sure that it is of the highest quality imaginable. With an exquisite collection of luxury gems such as diamonds , colored diamonds , no-heat rubies and no-heat sapphires , Diamond & Estate Trust is Southern California’s premier luxury jewelry buyer and seller. We hand-pick each gem and piece of vintage jewelry in our collection based on quality, design and natural beauty. Link: No-Heat Ruby – 5.09 Carat Burma Ruby Ring
Tags: celebrities, collection, estate, estate-trust, jennifer-lopez, nicole-richie, no-heat rubies, rubies, vintage jewelry
Posted in Local News | Comments Off on No-Heat Ruby – 5.09 Carat Burma Ruby Ring
March 30, 2012
Of all the gorgeous ruby hues in the world – the slight purples and strong purples, the slight oranges and strong oranges, and, of course, the spectrum of reds – there is undoubtedly one ruby color more valuable, beautiful and regal than the rest. The pigeon blood ruby, mined primarily in Myanmar’s Mogok’s Ho Mine, is the epitome of regal luxury. When you’re ready to make the ultimate jewelry statement, there’s nothing more exceptional than a pigeon blood ruby ring . (And if you need another indication, check out this list of recent A-Listers wearing ruby rings on the Red Carpet!) It’s not everyday the world comes across a pigeon blood ruby , which makes the 5.29 carat no-heat pigeon blood ruby in this ring the discovery of a lifetime. Rubies are by far the smallest of the precious gems , but this magnificent oval African ruby is a stunning exception to that rule. With a brilliant cut crown that emits sharp flashes of light and a luxurious, natural hue full of warmth and fire, this gem is the epitome of passion. And the two cushion modified cut diamonds that flank the pigeon blood ruby are equally stunning. At a perfectly matched 1.02 carats each, these diamonds have a coveted E color grade that contrasts beautifully with the ruby’s red hue. This 5.19 carat oval no-heat African ruby ring has a classic setting that will be vogue in any era. Its simple yet impactful design aesthetic makes this estate piece the perfect choice for a romantic engagement ring or another lasting symbol of passion. Diamond & Estate Trust is the premier buyer and seller of gems and vintage jewelry in Los Angeles and Southern California. With an exquisite collection of bracelets , rings , Art Deco jewelry , luxury watches from Rolex , Audemars and Patek Philippe , brooches and necklaces, we deliver the world’s most exquisite jewelry to our international clientele. Make Diamond & Estate Trust your trusted jeweler when you’re looking for a loose diamond, colored diamond , ruby or sapphire . Read the original here: Pigeon Blood Ruby Ring – 5.19 Carat Ring
Tags: ca news, classic-setting, epitome, estate, indication, magnificent, myanmar, news, world
Posted in Local News | Comments Off on Pigeon Blood Ruby Ring – 5.19 Carat Ring
March 29, 2012
[Photo: 2011 People’s Choice Winner, The Spare Room. Elizabeth Daniels 1/11 ] Six days remain to register an eatery or drinkery for the AIA|LA ‘s (America Institute of Architects: Los Angeles) 8th annual design awards. Nominate through April 2 , 4PM. As in years past, this competition honors excellence in restaurant , cafe/bar , and lounge/nightclub design. Restaurateurs, designers, and architects are invited to submit nominations. All establishments must be located in the US or the design firm must be US-based. As previously mentioned , this year’s judges are KCRW’s Good Food host Evan Kleiman , Rios Clementi Hale Studios principal Mark Rios , and ink.’s Michael Voltaggio . Here’s who won last year. · All AIA|LA Coverage [~ELA~] Continue reading here: Awards Season : Six Days Left for AIA/LA Design Award Nominations
Tags: 8th-annual, architects, choice-winner, competition, coverage, design-award, food, la food, miss-seeing, people, season, standard, steve-skorupa, works
Posted in Local News | Comments Off on Awards Season : Six Days Left for AIA/LA Design Award Nominations
March 29, 2012
While some schools around the country are pushing to ban the sale of soda to children, Jamba Juice is trying to get its beverages in school doors . According to NRN, JambaGo kiosks are expected to hit 400 to 500 schools by the end of this year. Jamba Juice CEO James White says he is “excited because we think we’re one of the solutions to the current fight .” [NRN] Excerpt from: Food Revolution: While some schools around the country…
Tags: architects, around-the-country, ca news, current, design, does-the-space, excited-because, jamba, los angeles food, malibu, missing, restaurant, season, solutions
Posted in Local News | Comments Off on Food Revolution: While some schools around the country…
March 29, 2012
Click here to view the full photogallery. [Renderings: Studio PCH ] Studio PCH , the design firm responsible for the new Nobu Malibu, is also behind the look of next door neighbor Malibu Cantina , a beachy keen addition to the previous PierView restaurant site. The two floor eatery is clad with blonde wood, doors that open out to the ocean, breezy curtains, and Knoll-style Risom chairs. Does the space scream Malibu? Yes. Malibu Cantina’s ground floor offers extensive patio seating, in addition to a bar and small lounge space. Meanwhile, a second lounge area plus fireplace and dining room exist upstairs. The Studio PCH website states claim to a “Spring 2012″ debut, but like Nobu Malibu, the restaurant is still under construction and thus will likely open later this year. · Malibu Cantina Will Open Next to New Nobu Malibu [~ELA~] See more here: Sneak Peek : A Look Inside The Sleek New Malibu Cantina
Tags: breezy-curtains, ca news, country, design, does-the-space, los angeles food, malibu, restaurant, season, spring collection, studio, the-current
Posted in Local News | Comments Off on Sneak Peek : A Look Inside The Sleek New Malibu Cantina
March 29, 2012
Spring 2012 is finally here, and that means one thing — it’s time to pack away your winter accessories and make room for your spring collection. Do you need a new gorgeous gem to breathe life into your spring jewelry collection? If so, there’s no better guidepost than the Pantone Color Institute’s Spring 2012 colors list. Here are last five hues on Pantone’s Spring 2012 color palate, each paired with a gorgeous gem of a similar hue! And be sure to check out Part I of this series for a recap of the first five colors on the Pantone Color Institute’s Spring 2012 color list! Margarita This dusty green shade is all about a soft glow — and you’ll add the same soft radiance to your look when you wear a Peridot ring or earrings . Just look for a more subtle Peridot hue that matches the pastel aspects of the Margarita shade. Sweet Lilac This fresh baby pink shade adds whimsical romance to Pantone’s Spring 2012 colors list. And there’s undoubtedly only one choice when it comes to pink gems: the pink diamond . This gorgeous fancy pink radiant cut diamond in Diamond & Estate Trust’s collection is the vision of springtime romance. Driftwood This charcoal grey neutral brings to mind the beautiful, dark luster of grey diamonds . And if a grey diamond doesn’t suit your sense of style, Driftwood is a perfect complementary color to any brighter hue, making a yellow, green or blue colored diamond a striking choice for pairing. Bellflower Of all the colors on the Pantone Color Institute’s Spring 2012 color list, Bellflower is probably the hue that will transition most seamlessly into the fall season. Just at this ornamental purple shade can carry you through the year, this gorgeous vintage amethyst ring from our collection will be in vogue no matter the season. Cockatoo Our favorite color on Pantone’s Spring 2012 list is this tactile blue-green shade. When you’re in the mood for some Cockatoo flair, an aquamarine ring such as this 30 carat vintage stunner in the Diamond & Estate Trust collection is sure to make your spirits soar. Let Diamond & Estate Trust help you find the perfect piece of jewelry to match the beauty of each Pantone Spring 2012 color. Whether you’re infatuated with Cockatoo, romanced by Sweet Lilac, or knocked out by Cabaret, we have the perfect gem with a vibrant hue to match. And for the ultimate jewelery look inspired by Pantone’s Spring 2012 colors, we will create you a custom piece that embodies your style and the spirit of the season. Diamond & Estate Trust’s collection of loose gems such as diamonds , colored diamonds , rubies and sapphires , as well as estate jewelry make us Southern California’s premier luxury jewelry buyer and seller . Excerpt from: Pantone Spring 2012 Color Guide Inspired Jewelry – Part II
Tags: ca news, color-guide, diamond, green shade, luxury jewelry, mood, news, perfect, pink, season, spring, spring collection, style, winter
Posted in Local News, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Pantone Spring 2012 Color Guide Inspired Jewelry – Part II
March 29, 2012
It’s no secret that the Burma sapphire is one of the most coveted, celebrated and valuable sapphires the world has ever known. With its highly concentrated blue hue, undeniable regal quality and extreme rarity, the Burma sapphire captivates the world each time it appears at a luxury jewelry auction . When you add a Burma sapphire to your personal jewelry collection, you are choosing a gem with timeless beauty and unparalleled impact. At 22.76 carats, this GIA certified Burma no-heat sapphire from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection is the discovery of a lifetime. From its color and cut all the way to its massive carat count, this gem is the epitome of what makes Burma sapphires so striking. This sapphire has a velvety, midnight blue color and endless depth, both of which are rarely seen in any no-heat sapphire , let alone one this large. But its most exceptional quality is its near-perfect clarity, which magnifies the color and depth of this stunning sapphire . This Burma sapphire’s perfectly symmetrical emerald cut makes it ideal for a wide array of jewelry styles and settings. For the ultimate bold statement, make this sapphire the focal point of a ring with a platinum setting that amplifies its deep blue color. At nearly 23 carats, this sapphire could also be a stunning pendant on a statement necklace. Sapphire necklaces and rings are both classic luxury looks that will put you in the company of some of history’s most vogue nobility and today’s foremost fashion icons . And if you want a piece to reflect the uniqueness of this exceptional Burma no-heat sapphire, collaborate with the experts at Diamond & Estate Trust to create a custom piece perfectly suited to your style. With an exquisite collection of hand-picked loose gems including sapphires , diamonds , colored diamonds and rubies , and gorgeous vintage jewelry including watches by Rolex , Audemars and Patek Philippe , Diamond & Estate Trust is Southern California’s premier luxury jewelry buyer and seller . We provide Los Angeles, San Diego and Southern California with an unparalleled collection of luxury jewelry. See the original post: 22.76 Carat No Heat Burma Sapphire
Tags: burma, california, estate, estate-trust, exceptional, news, sapphires, victoria-bekham
Posted in Local News | Comments Off on 22.76 Carat No Heat Burma Sapphire
March 29, 2012
Given the vibrancy and elegance of the sapphire , it’s no surprise that the sapphire ring has become a Red Carpet staple in 2012 among some of the world’s most revered fashion icons. And when it comes to selecting a sapphire ring, there is no choice more exquisite than this 10.16 carat no-heat Burma sapphire and diamond ring from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection. If there’s one place in the world synonymous with gorgeous sapphires, it’s Burma . Many of history’s most exquisite sapphires have been discovered in Burma’s famed Mogok mine, which is renown for producing sapphires with an unmatched, superbly concentrated blue hue that shines brilliantly from every angle. Along with the Kashmir sapphire , the Burma sapphire is one of the most coveted sapphires in the world. One look at the magnificent no-heat Burma sapphire in this ring and you’ll know why the Burma sapphire has been captivating jewelers, nobility and fashion icons for more than 1,000 years. At a magnificent 10.16 carats, this Gueblin certified no-heat sapphire is one of the largest Burma sapphires we’ve ever seen. Striking facet work brings out all the depth and dimension in the sapphire’s perfect powder blue hue. This stunning ring also features a strong classic mount and two lustrous white shield-cut diamonds , which flank the Burma sapphire in pure elegance. This ring’s luxury and bold flair are unmistakable. This Burma no-heat sapphire and diamond ring would make the ultimate luxury statement day or night. And with spring finally here, this ring’s vibrancy is even more chic. When you wear this piece from the Diamond & Estate Trust collection , you’ll join the likes of Beyonce , Jay-Z, Victoria Bekham , Penelope Cruz , Kate Middleton and other celebrities who have made a sapphire ring their favorite Spring 2012 jewelry accessory. Diamond & Estate Trust is the premier buyer and seller of luxury jewelry, including estate pieces, signature pieces, designer jewelry and watches, and loose stones such as diamonds , colored diamonds , sapphires and rubies . We scour the globe to ensure the gems, jewelry and estate pieces in our collection are the most exquisite the world has to offer. Go here to see the original: 10.16 Carat Burma No Heat Sapphire Ring
Tags: beverly hills, burma, diamond rings, kashmir, news, scour-the-globe, spring, victoria-bekham
Posted in Local News | Comments Off on 10.16 Carat Burma No Heat Sapphire Ring
