Archive for the ‘ estate jewelry ’ 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.

Wedding Wednesday: Kate Moss Wedding Photo Recap

When Kate Moss wed the Kills guitarist Jamie Hince last month, giddy anticipation spread throughout the blogosphere awaiting what was sure to be a wedding fit for, well, rock stars. What resulted, as evidenced by these incredible photographs from Moss’s long time friend Mario Testino, was an ethereal, enchanted fairy garden wedding brought to the English countryside.

As told by Kate to Vogue, “I wanted it to be kind of dreamy and 1920s, when everything is soft-focus. The Great Gatsby. The code name was GG for a while. That light and that kind of fun decadence. It’s rock-’n’-roll Great Gatsby!”

To see more photos, click here, and to see Testino’s photos in all their glossy goodness, pick up the September issue of Vogue.

Liz for Raymond Lee Jewelers, your trusted source for bridal and diamond jewelry.

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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.

Christie’s Announces World Tour Schedule for Dame Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewels

In a few short weeks, fans admirers and mourners of the late, fabulous Elizabeth Taylor will be able to view her treasured collection of the items she held dearest – her jewelry.

Elizabeth Taylor was an icon renowned as much for her beauty and acting as she was for her affinity for luxury. Taylor exuded an air of effortless glamour, helped along by the carats upon carats of precious jewelry that she often wore.

Beginning September 15th, Christies will showcase Liz’s famed jewels on a world tour. Exhibits will begin in Moscow’s Red Square before the tour continues to London, L.A., Dubai, Geneva, Paris and Hong Kong before finally stopping in New York. There, from December 3rd through the 12th, Christie’s will present the collection before its 5 part auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s estate.

Marc Porter, Chairman and President of Christie’s America states: Christie’s is honored to have been entrusted with this important role in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Elizabeth Taylor. The global tour and exhibition of her collection at Christie’s will be a window into the world of a true icon, a rare woman who was at once an international film and fashion star, loving mother, successful businesswoman, and generous humanitarian.  This collection of her many cherished possessions will bring us closer to the essence of Elizabeth Taylor’s unique spirit, and promises to inspire admiration, delight, and at times, sheer wonder, in all who come to see it.”

First up is Liz’s collection of Legendary Jewels: “In what promises to be remembered as one of the most remarkable jewelry events in auction history, Christie’s will open the sales series devoted to Ms. Taylor’s collections with a gala Evening Sale of her most magnificent jewels on December 13, followed by two additional sale sessions on December 14.”

What will be included in this auction? One can only speculate at this point – which we did, naturally. Here are the gems that we think will absolutely be up on the auction block.

The Krupp Diamond

The first item of jewelry that Richard Burton gave her, this Asscher-cut diamond became a daily adornment for Taylor, at a more demure 33.19 carats.

La Peregina

Once owned by Anne Boleyn and Queen Mary Tudor, Taylor prized this pear-shaped pearl. Once owned by the Queen of Spain, it was nearly swallowed by one of Talyor’s dogs.

Cartier Ruby and Diamond Necklace

Given to Taylor by husband #3, Mike Todd, the necklace, bracelet, and earrings feature oval and cushion-cut rubies and baguette-cut diamonds set in platinum.

The Taj Mahal Diamond

Originally given to Shah Jahan by his father, the diamond was the presented to his wife Queen Mumtaz – the very same Queen Mumtaz that the Taj Mahal was built for. Burton bought this heart-shaped, yellow stunner for Liz’s 40th birthday. She promptly removed the silk cord it hung from and commissioned a diamond-studded chain.

The Taylor-Burton Diamond

The 69.42-carat Cartier diamond gifted to Talyor by 5th husband Richard Burton. Sadly, this – the most famous of Liz’s baubles – won’t be for sale at the auction, as it was last bought by Robert Mouawad.

Partial proceeds from the auction will benefit the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, created in 1993 to provide critically needed support services for people with HIV/AIDS.

Beaded Jewelry – Jewelry Trends of 2011

Beaded anklets & Beaded Jewelry

Ankle bracelets are nothing new, right? So why is the beaded anklets so popular? And really, beaded jewelry altogether is popular right now.

It isn’t just anklets, certainly, beads are EVERYWHERE. Fun, fancy and fabulous. Beads just make jewelry more fun and interesting! Do a quick Google search and you’ll find things like this (courtesy of SWCReations):

Take them in any form or fashion. You can get beads of glass, or metal… plastic, china, pottery… well, you get the point. There’s a huge variety to play with.

In fact, it’s the material of the bead that will dictate the cost. Check out this fun necklace from our eBay store today that illustrates the cool classy of  colored beads ~

14K Yellow Gold Bead and Lapis Endless Strand

14K Yellow Gold Bead and Lapis Endless Strand

A quick look around sites like http://www.jadesbeadedjewelry.com/ and others like it reveal products like these: 

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About Us: Raymond Lee Jewelers is one of South Florida’s biggest buyers and sellers of jewelry, always offering the highest, most competitive prices for estate jewelry.

Raymond Lee Jewelers for accessories, luxury watches and beaded jewelry.

Antique Jewelry & Retro Shades

Retro-Modern Shades & Antique Jewelry

Is retro-modern even a thing? If it wasn’t it is now, because that’s what these shades from Miu Miu are. Pink or blue lenses in HOT colors and retro patterns… cool.

Check out these Miu Miu photos from fashionista.com ~ 

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So, it’s a 40’s vibe with a hint of “now”. We’ll take it. I love this look. What’s missing are some loud ear rings and a necklace that really pops!

But, hey, that isn’t Miu Miu’s thing, that’s our thing. Come in and we’ll talk about it.

Miu Miu Shades

Miu Miu Shades, photo from fashionista.com

We like cool fashion and these shades are fun, but you have to back up a statement like these shades with 40’s looking antique jewelry that screams about your personality! Come on in anytime and check out

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!

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!

IWJG: The International Watch & Jewelry Guild embarks on the LARGEST show ever in NY! July 27th and 28th at the Metro Pavilion

Sold Out IWJG Show in NY

International Watch & Jewelry Guild

Beginning today, IWJG (The International Watch and Jewelry Guild) hosts its largest show in New York… ever! From July 27th – 28th at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York, NY.  The best of the best in fine vintage jewellery, luxury timepieces and diamonds have gathered from all around the world for the sold-out show.

Real Time ‘Rapid Reporting’ Photographs:

The sold-out IWJG Show has attracted jewelers from all around the world, as we heard from our VP yesterday, who chatted with a few other exhibitors who had flown from Asia to be part of the incredible event. While the event coordinators provided exhibitors with their badge and security essentials yesterday, visitors crowded around in an apparent foreshadowing of the record-breaking turnout!

Raymond Lee Jewelers at the Largest IWJG in NY Show... Ever!

Raymond Lee Jewelers at the Largest IWJG in NY Show... Ever!

From the expert, himself…

We predict the hottest items at this show will be Patek Philippe watches, Rolex Watches, loose diamonds and signed designer jewelry.Lee Josephson, Vice President

About the International Watch and Jewelry Guild (IWJG)

Since 1985, the IWJG has been conducting 12 annual cash and carry trade show events throughout the US. The members only shows are supported by over 5,200 of the world’s foremost professional watch and jewelry dealers from 57 countries. The IWJG members and shows stake claim to billions of dollars in watch and jewelry inventory. For general questions or information on becoming a member visit our website www.IWJG.com or call toll free 800-554-4992.

Visit The IWJG on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theiwjg

Follow The IWJG on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/iwjg

 

‘Rapid Reporting’ JA New York’s new designers | National Jeweler Reports on JA NY Summer Show

Rapid Reporting

JA NY Summer Show

Raymond Lee Jewelers attends JA NY Jewelry Trade Show  Takin... on Twitpic
Welcome to the JA New York Summer Show "The variety of e... on Twitpic
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Raymond Lee Jewelers ‘Rapid Reporting‘ takes a surprise turn today,

with time to visit the JA NY Summer Show!

Venue: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Country: New York, United States Of America
Start Date: 24-JUL-11 End Date: 26-JUL-11
Exhibitors: 810 Visitors: 1,500
Industry: Gems & Jewellery

JA New York Summer Show

JA New York Summer Show

For more than 100 years jewelry professionals like you, have looked to JA New York to keep them competitive in the jewelry retail marketplace.  And in today’s market, staying competitive, relevant and separating yourself from the crowd can make all the difference! With an estimated 13,000 jewelry industry professionals attending, and more than 1,200 of the world’s finest jewelry and luxury gift suppliers exhibiting…

Strategically Located in the Jewelry Capital of the World…JA New York means business.
With more than fifty percent of jewelry retailers located in the northeast corridor of the U.S., there is no better location to serve the jewelry industry than New York City! Accessible by car, train or plane, JA New York is the most comprehensive, cost-effective and convenient jewelry show for your business.

It’s all about location, convenience and cost.  
JA New York Summer Show is situated in the most convenient and accessible location for domestic and international retailers.  Over 78% of Northeast retailers surveyed said they will not travel outside of the region for their buying in 2009.* There’s no reason to go anywhere else other than New York City, especially if you are in the jewelry business. Information Courtesy of: http://www.ja-newyork.com

Raymond Lee Jewelers at JA Summer Show

Introducing JA New York’s new designers | National Jeweler

National Jeweler published an article featuring the emerging jewelry designers that will be featured at the JA Summer Show, currently taking place at The Javits Center, New York, NY.  With enough time in between the NY Antique Jewelry & Watch Show and the IWJG Show, we were able to sneak in some time at the JA Summer Show.  Lucky us, we’ll have a sneak peak at the up and coming hottest trends in jewelry, and be able to say a quick hello to some vendors we’ve worked with in the past.

JA Summer Show

Of the jewelry designers featured in the article,G & G Creations stood out with some of the most incredible approaches to jewelry design that I’d ever seen. In fact, I’ve written fan mail already…

With a combined seven decades of experience in jewelry design and manufacturing, the newly formed Boston-based G&G Creations is a force to be reckoned with. In 2010, Vahe Ghazarian and Esin Guler and master gem setter Mihran Guler banded together to launch G&G Creations, a fabricator of high-end silver and karat gold designs.

Collections to date total four: Imprint features organic-looking lily pad shapes; Scroll features timeless swirl effects; Nyx, named for the Greek goddess of the night, showcases contrasting dark and light motifs (like skulls set with yellow gold accents); Faith pieces pay homage to religion. Couture or one-off pieces are also available.

All merchandise is made in the United States and starts at less than $1,000 retail. G&G currently has two retail accounts, including Boston’s Barmakian Jewelers. Fun fact: Sevan Biçakçi is a family friend of Esin and Mihran! – JCK 

G&G Creations JA NY