Archive for the ‘ buy diamonds ’ Category

More Details on Christie’s Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Auction

And as the best kind of details are visual, enjoy the gorgeous photos of some select items int he collection, courtesy of AP Photo/Richard Drew. To view the entire album at CBS News’ site, click here.

Liz Taylor's jewelry, Christie's, Auction, Raymond Lee Jewelers, Estate Jewelry

Liz Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Jewelry, Estate Jewelry, Christie's Auction

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Christie’s Announces Details of Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry Auction

Hello lovely Raymond Lee fans and readers. Today’s buzz is all about the newly released details of Christie’s auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection. Not too long ago, we paid homage to some of Liz’s most famous baubles and showcased what would be in our fantasy Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Auction.

Now that Christie’s has announced what jewels will actually be up on the block, we thought we’d share the dazzling results of our predictions. Read on for the inside scoop, courtesy of National Jeweler.

The Taj Mahal diamond is up for grabs, and is expected to fetch between $300,000  and $500,000 on its December 13th Christie’s debut.

This Van Cleef & Arpels 8 carat ruby and diamond stunner was Richard Burton’s Christmas gift to Liz in 1968. The ring is estimated to realize $1 million – $1.5 million at the first of two days of Christie’s auctions, Dec. 13.

These rings are Burtona nd Taylor’s wedding bands (from at least one of their fabled marriages). They are estimated to go for between $6,000 and $8,000 at their December 14th auction.

Finally, the star of the show is the Krupp/Elizabeth Taylor diamond. This 33-carat, D color, VS1 clarity, potentially internally flawless stone, was a gift to the actress from Burton “and is the perceived top lot of the auction, estimated to realize $2.5 million – $3.5 million at auction Dec. 13,” according to National Jeweler.

François Curiel, international jewelry director and president of Christie’s Asia, says of the lot:

“Elizabeth Taylor’s passion for jewelry was well-known, but it is her depth of knowledge about fine jewelry that truly impresses. She collected the best pieces from the best periods, and as a result her collection boasts exquisite examples from the most celebrated jewelry designers.”

Partial proceeds of the auction will benefit the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, founded in 1991 to provide funding to AIDS service organizations throughout the world to assist those living with HIV and AIDS.\

Liz for Raymond Lee Jewelers, your trusted source for industry news and estate jewelry.

Industry Update: Diamonds May Surpass Gold for Investing

A scattering of "brilliant" cut diam...

Image via Wikipedia

According to David Parkinson of The Globe and Mail , there’s a sly little gemstone sneaking up stealthily behind gold to become the big-ticket investment grab of the year. While gold can’t seem to stay out of the headlines, diamonds have been steadily gaining Wall Street-cred in their own right.

Traditionally, diamonds and gold move in the same direction on the charts, but since the 2008 financial crisis, gold has skyrocketed thanks to its reputation as a solid way to store wealth. Diamonds, meanwhile, experienced “a recession-driven drop-off in jewellery sales” that weighed heavily on their market value. But over the course of the last year, diamonds are again trending upward as investors start to realize that diamonds may just be an even better investment than gold.

“Diamond companies look underpriced versus gold, [platinum group metals] and silver (SI-FT) stocks on a [price-to-net-present-value] basis,” wrote Edward Sterck, diamond-producer equity analyst for BMO Nesbitt Burns in London, in a recent research report.

Whether diamonds are actually a sounder investment than gold is debatable, but according to analysts “the outlook for gems looks strong on a good old fashioned supply-and-demand basis.”

Since 2006, the mining and production of diamonds has dropped off significantly. Diamond producers aren’t actively seeking new mines, or even doing much with those they’ve already established. Rather, they’re depleting the existing supply of diamonds, while a new demand lurks on the Eastern horizon.

China and India are producing a surge of new consumers eager to buy jewelry, which is viewed as a long-lasting investment especially in their cultures. According to the Globe and Mail, “Last year, diamond demand jumped 31 per cent in India and 25 per cent in China.”

Meanwhile, in the U.S., the diamond demand jumped 7% in 2010 – solidifying diamonds as a sound investment for wealth and not just the jewelry box.

To read more, visit The Globe and Mail’s website.

Liz for Raymond Lee Jewelers, your trusted source for jewelry industry updates, news and trends.

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Industry Update: Jessica Simpson to Debut Fine Jewelry Collection

When Jessica Simpson stepped onto the scene in the late 90’s as one of the day’s pop-starlets, not too many people would have guessed that a decade later she’d be at the helm of a fashion empire.

Jessica Simpson, jewelry, raymond lee jewelers

Courtesy of US magazine

The blonde beauty has turned her Jessica Simpson Collection company into a billion-dollar firm, encompassing clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. Her denim line is sold in more than 650 department stores, and apparently consumers truly cannot get enough of the J. Simps brand.

Zales announced earlier this week that in October 2011 it will debut a collaboration with Jessica Simpson and Firestar Diamonds called “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

“Jessica Simpson is viewed as the girl next door, and our guest is a midmarket guest and we believe she is someone that they can identify with. She has great reach and great power across a number of different categories, so doing a diamond fashion collection made perfect sense,” Zales’ CEO Theo Killion tells Women’s Wear Daily.

The line will feature pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings, and bangles in gold, silver and diamonds, and prices range from $79.99 to $999, making the line easily accessible to Simpson’s enormous fan base.

White gold and diamond heart pendant from Simpson's collection

Jess tells Woman’s Wear Daily: ““I love that a piece of fine jewelry can be passed down from generation to generation. I cherish the pieces that were given to me, so it is really special to be able to design my own.”

RLJ readers, are you excited to see this line of fine jewelry? Are you a fan of Jessica Simpson’s fashion empire?

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Wedding Wednesday: Engagement and Wedding Jewelry Trends for 2011

Key Trends from The Knot & WeddingChannel.com’s Bridal Jewelry Study

engagement statistics, average cost of engagement ring, raymond lee jewelers

Stats via MarketWatch.com

Yesterday, TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com released the results of its Engagement & Jewelry Study, which surveyed more than 10,000 U.S. brides and 1,000 U.S. grooms engaged or married in the past year. This study is the most comprehensive survey of wedding jewelry purchases, and shows some clear trends for 2011 – Raymond Lee Jewelers breaks it down.

Most Grooms Aren’t Basing Their Budget on the Economy

With the economy making a measly recovery (on a good day) one would think that engagement ring sales would have taken a big hit, but grooms aren’t skimping on the most important purchase of their lives. Only 14% of men said that they had purchased a less expensive ring due to the shaky economy. The average cost of an engagement ring is around $5200, down only $600 from 3 years ago, while the luxury engagement ring segment spends an average of $13,500.

Round Rings Rule

Rounds remain the most popular choice for engagement rings with 53% of brides opting for a round diamond. The luxury segment prefers rounds even more, with 57% of luxury engagement rings featuring round diamonds. And while princess remains the next most popular cut, cushion cut diamonds are trending for both the typical engagement segment and luxury segment.

Among the Luxury Segment, Tradition is Tops

Perhaps the reason that rounds shine brighter among the luxury segment is their classic shape. Also, luxury engagement rings feature larger center stones and might only require one large, solitaire round to make a statement. Another tradition among those who live luxe? Grooms asking the bride’s father for permission – a whopping 80% of them asked Pops before popping the question. One tradition that spans across both segments? Getting down on bended-knee: 77% of grooms opted for this.

Uniqueness is Prized

Grooms are choosing to add personal elements to pre-existing ring designs or to commission original designs. 41% of grooms, and 59% of grooms within the luxury segment, are adding to or creating new designs. Additionally, while white gold remains the most popular metal, grooms are favoring metals like tungsten and titanium in their rings.

Grooms are Sticking to Brick and Mortar Stores

Only 9% of grooms purchased their rings from online retailers, while 35% of them bought the ring at a national jewelry chain. Local and independent jewelers, like Raymond Lee Jewelers, accounted for 39% of all groom’s engagement ring purchases. And regardless of the name on the receipt, brides are gently nudging their beloveds towards “The One”, with 65% admitting to being “somewhat involved” and 31% “very involved.”

Jewelers, what kinds of trends have you noticed in engagement and wedding jewelry sales? Brides & Grooms, share with us your purchasing process in the comments below.

Liz for Raymond Lee Jewelers, South Florida’s choice for pre-owned luxury engagement rings.

Wedding Wednesday: The Right Jewelry for your Dress

No doubt, the most important element of your wedding day will be your dress (except for your groom that is!) It reflects the tone, formality and mood for your wedding and ensures that all eyes are on you on your big day. So what’s a girl to do when faced with accessorizing the most important outfit of her life? Turn to Raymond Lee Jewelers, of course, bridal jewelry experts.

If your gown is…

 Strapless

Monique Lhuillier

Play up an elegant neck with stunning drop earrings and an up-do. This is the perfect opportunity to incorporate color into your wedding day look with any number of colored stones. Complete the look with a bracelet in coordinating stones. The same rules apply to one-shouldered gowns as well.

14K White Gold and Micropave Diamond Drop Earrings

14K White Gold, Diamond and Garnet Drop Earrings

Sweetheart

Allure Couture

A unique pendant necklace on a short, delicate chain is a timeless way to let your gown shine, and won’t be hidden if you decide to wear your hair in beachy waves or retro curls. Likewise, a textured, thick collar necklace will perfectly offset the gentle curve of this gown’s neckline.

18K White and Rose Gold Irradiated Pink Diamond Pendant

diamond necklace, raymond lee jewelers

Lace Collar 18K White Gold Three Row Diamond Necklace

V-necked

AgapéEver via Brides.com

Bold brides wanting to show off their décolletage must adorn all that skin with a necklace. Pair an intricate drop necklace with a chic satin gown, or a lacy number. Add sparkling studs and a simple, feminine bracelet to complete this look.

Platinum and Diamond (28.8CTW) Y-Necklace with round, pear shaped and oval diamonds

diamond drop necklace, platinum, diamond, raymond lee jewelers

Platinum and Diamond Micro Pave Necklace

High-necked or backless

wedding dress, high collar

Lo-Ve-La by Liz Fields via Brides.com

Princess Kate’s return to fuller coverage has sparked new waves of bridal fashion trends, as has the couture world’s new attention to the beauty of the back. We say that for these styles, brides should take the opportunity to don stunning dangling earrings, as long as you’re comfortable with, and pair with a gorgeous and unique bracelet.

Tiffany, diamonds, earrings, Raymond Lee Jewelers

Tiffany & Co. Garland Collection Platinum Earrings

pave diamond, diamond bracelet, raymond lee jewelers

18K White Gold Wide Pave Link Bracelet

Pure White

Olia Zavozina via Brides.com

The best metals to pair with this color are platinum, white gold and silver, as yellow gold or rose gold may look too brassy in contrast to your snow white gown.

raymond lee jewelers, Tiffany, Tiffany & Co., diamond, platinum, pink sapphire, necklace

Tiffany & Co. Platinum, Diamond and Pink Sapphire necklace

Off White

wedding gown, raymond lee jewelers

Jenny Peckham via Brides.com

Nearly every and any metal works with this shade, but our picks are platinum, white gold and rose gold to complement the blushing bride.

rose gold, pearls, raymond lee jewelers

14 kt rose gold pearl starburst pin

Ivory

ivory wedding gown, wedding dress, ivory, wedding, dress, raymond lee jewelers

Demetrios via Brides.com

Bring out the warmth of this hue with yellow gold accessories, cognac diamonds and yellow stones.

yellow diamonds, diamond bracelet, raymond lee jewelers

18kt yellow and white gold bracelet with yellow and white gold diamonds

Retro

tea legnth wedding dress, short wedding dress, raymond lee jewelers

Oleg Cassini at David's Bridal via Brides.com

If you’re a bride who craves a throwback to the heyday of 50’s fem, 20’s art deco or 60’s mod, consider adding to your gown’s one-of-a-kind vibe with a unique brooch, hair piece, or statement necklace. Try to incorporate either contemporary jewels or pieces from a different period than your dress to avoid a costume look.

yellow gold, pin, diamond, raymond lee jewelers

18kt yellow gold and diamond pin

Classic

1 Wedding by Mary's Bridal via Brides.com

If your gown hasn’t changed a stitch since you first imagined it when you were 6 and every detail of your wedding will ooze timeless charm, stick to the bridal standby’s of diamonds and pearls. You’ll love your look, on the day of your wedding and in photos, no matter how many years pass beyond your big day.

diamond, pearl, earrings, raymond lee jewelers

Platinum Southsea Pearl and Diamond Earrings

The most important part of choosing your wedding day jewelry is being true to yourself. Your wedding day will be the happiest day of your life, especially if you’re 100% in love…with your accessories.

Liz for Raymond Lee Jewelers, South Florida’s choice for pre-owned bridal jewelry and engagement rings.

Tubular Tuesdays: In The Shop

A Picture Perfect Peek at Three Tremendous Timepieces of the Raymond Lee Jewelers Inventory… Today.

The Rolex Submariner 16610

The Rolex Submariner 16610 is the classic diving watch.  It’s 904L stainless steel case is able to withstand depths up to 300 meters (1,000 feet).  With a 40mm case it is on the larger size for gents watches.  As a standard, men’s watches are usually 36-40 mm.  The Submariner remains one of Rolex’s most popular watches. Not only is this gorgeous timepiece classic, it’s also on-trend; GQ’s September cover features Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez wearing this bright, modern timepiece.

The Rolex Datejust Masterpiece 81339

This 18K white gold stunner features a Tahitian Mother of Pearl dial that lends an air of sophistication and uniqueness. Add to this the double row of diamonds encircling the face of the watch, the scratch resistant sapphire crystal, and the diamond dial, and this watch becomes a true collectors piece.

The Rolex Daytona 116589

Introduced in 1963, the Daytona collection was designed to fit the needs of racecar drivers. Whether you’re looking to perfectly measure your lap time, or you’re simply a fan of beautiful timepieces, this particular Daytona is in a league of its own. Cased in white gold, the dial is mother of pearl with diamonds, surrounded by a bezel of diamonds, and capped off with a supple black leather band.

Readers, which of these pre-owned luxury watches would you most like to own?

Liz for Raymond Lee Jewelers, South Florida’s choice for pre-owned Rolexes and luxury timepieces.

Jewelry Appraisal- Appraise! Appraise, and Re-Appraise!

Jewelry Appraisal – Appraise! Appraise! and Re-Appraise!

Have your jewelry appraised! Theft is on the rise and if your jewelry hasn’t been recently appraised, it needs to be! Diamonds, gold and platinum have made huge gains over the last couple of years and if you haven’t had your jewelry updated with your insurance, you could be potentially loosing more than  your jewelry if stolen!

jewelry appraisal

Have You Appraised Your Jewelry Lately?

Diamonds have increased in value almost 50% while platinum and silver have seen historical jumps in value as well.  Once you have had your appraisal, you need to call your insurance agent right way to update and validate the new value of your precious jewelry.  For example, if you paid $5,000 for a diamond necklace more than 5 years ago, it could cost you $10-$15,000 today if you had to replace it!  Of course non of us want to think about our homes being broken into, but it is a common occurrence and we can never be too careful.

Where can you find a reputable appraiser that you can trust?  One suggestion is to go through either THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF JEWELRY APPRAISERS or THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS. These professionals are considered ethical and are required to be continuously educated.  Or you can go to your Boca Raton, FL own Raymond Lee Jewelers to meet with their own in-house expert and can help guide you to ensure protection and appraisal accuracy.

 

jewelry appraisal 

Also, please remember to contact your insurance agent to be aware of your insurance policies and making updates to policy to be ensure you are most protected.

By Raymond Lee Jewelers. For information regarding jewelry appraisal!

Jewelry Education: HOW TO SELL OR BUY JEWELRY

“WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT JEWELRY 

when I go to sell or buy it?”

Good question! 

Florida Jewelry Store

POINTERS TO HELP YOU SELL OR BUY JEWELRY

Here’s a quick checklist of knowledge you should have before you go shopping for expensive jewelry.

  1. What is a Karat? It’s a good idea to know that gold karat number varies with weight, design, finishing and country of origin. Finishing can be done by hand or by machine, and this makes a difference. 24 karat gold, or pure gold, is too soft for molding into wearable jewelry, thus it needs to be mixed with other metals to strengthen it. The metal used to mix into the gold can change its color. WHAT TO KNOW if it’s less than 10kt (roughly 42% gold), than it can’t be sold as gold legally. You’ll hear these terms: “fill”, “electroplated” or “overlay” and that means it just has a thin gold coat on the piece of jewelry.
  2. What are the four C’s? Don’t expect to read this and have a working knowledge of the four C’s, but I can at least acquaint you with the language. WHAT TO KNOW – the four C’s are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. If a jeweler can’t discuss these in great detail, they don’t know enough to be selling you jewelry, keep shopping.
  3. Be aware of chain stores who employ retail sales clerks AND have no actual jewelers on staff. WHAT TO KNOW  – Local jewelers will almost always have a more educated and knowledgeable staff.
  4. If you are going to purchase a really expensive piece of jewelry, USE A MAJOR CREDIT CARD AND HAVE IT APPRAISED immediately.

Now, you officially know more than most people about jewelry shopping! Enjoy ~

By Raymond Lee Jewelers. For information and news regarding fine jewelry and/or luxury watches!

Nothing says style like, Cartier

Nothing says style like, Cartier

As seen here, Camilla Belle is shopping in Beverly Hills at her favorite shop, Cartier of course and with her timeless beauty next to the sign makes her all the more beautiful and classy!  Since she comes with a background of fashion, it makes sense!  And it is because of mom’s Latin fashion expertise, I can’t wait to see her next move, “Prada to Nada”.
Camilla Belle is shopping in Beverly Hills

Too bad she wasn’t in Boca Raton, FL shopping for a Cartier! Raymond Lee Jewelers would know exactly which watch would add to her classy and sophisticated style!  I would pick this elegant Cartier Panther Vendome TT watch for her! Yes, Raymond Lee Jewelers has this available to sell right now!cartier watch
My personal favorite, is this amazing Cartier Ballon Blue with white gold, diamonds and the very stylish pink band! (see below) Oh, a girl can dream, right?!!

Reported by Miyoshi K., for Raymond Lee Jewelers Blog. Raymond Lee Jewelers is Boca Raton’s Luxury Watches and Fashion Handbags Store!

ALL ABOUT THE IWJG AND THEIR UPCOMING SHOW IN L.A., CA

ALL ABOUT THE IWJG AND THEIR UPCOMING SHOW IN L.A., CA

So on August 22nd and 23rd, the world greatest and best watch and jewelry membership guild for buying, selling and exchanging collectibles and antiques all over the world.  

BURLEY BULLOCK

BURLEY BULLOCK

They were founded in 1988 by Burley Bullock who is the corner stone  for one of the successful watch exchange in the U.S.A.  Now a family affair, exhibits and shows are held year round in major cities across the states.  These shows are not open to the public, only serious collectors and re-sellers are allowed, so the members are guaranteed to get a captured audience with serious buyers.

IWJG

CLICK FOR MORE EVENT LISTINGS

The main attractions will be held at the Hilton in Universal City and within walking distance to the famous Hollywood! It doesn’t get anymore glamorous than this!  For protection for the exhibitors and attendees, security is on hand to ensure a safe and happy time for all.  Members will also receive several newsletters informing them of the latest prices and trends so they can keep updated in one easy and convenient source.

CLICK FOR MORE EVENT DATES AND LOCATIONS

Raymond Lee Jewelers will be on hand of course to look for the unique and true “works of art” to bring back and showcase in their Boca Raton, FL location.  We have developed the reputation of being the best, are not going to let anyone down this time either.

By MK, writer for Raymond Lee Jewelers, Boca Raton’s premier Jewelry Store and Luxury Watch Store!

WHERE TO WATCH YOUR WATCH AND POLISH YOUR DIAMONDS

On August 21 st and 22nd, Los Anglees, CA

… will be host to the world of watch and jewelery dealers! Asia, South America, even your favorite retailer, Raymond Lee Jewelers!  So wish I could be there also! Nothing I love more than fun in the sun AND beautiful works of art in watches and jewelery design.

See What Other Events We Have Coming Up!

The Hilton Hotel at Universal City will be the main focus of all watch and jewelery dealers and resellers everywhere!  Many trends are discovered and “inspired” by these shows, and LA promises nothing less! Glamour in LA, where else can the center of the world bring everyone in to show off their very best!

mira dragonfly, luxury watches, raymond lee

See more like it, click here!~

Maybe we will also see the some great pieces from the “New Boy on the Block”, Antione Martin.  His first watch with his own design of Swiss club-tooth escapement movement has finally hit the market and is all the rave among the exclusive watch enthusiasts! What a piece of art this new watch is!  There are so many new and innovative designs to keep the younger generation interested in buying and wearing a watch vs using the phone for their main time keeper.  Look at these ladies watches from Mira in the Celestial Collection.  AMAZING!