Archive for the ‘ wedding rings ’ 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.

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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: Neutral Bridesmaids Dresses are a Hot Trend

A recent, lovely recurring theme cropping up on wedding blogs across the net is the emergence of bridesmaids in subdued, neutral hues. Whether a bride opts to dress her girls in varying shades or one tone for a monochromatic look, this trend allows the ladies to create a soft, beautiful addition to the altar. Here are some of our favorite looks:

Mastin Studios via Style Me Pretty

These ladies look lovely in this warm shade of ivory. Varying styles allow each bridesmaid to show off her personality, while the different textures on the dresses add interest both on the big day and in the photographs that will last for decades.

Michael & Anna Costa Photographers Ltd. via Style Me Pretty

For a sophisticated take, turn to fall’s staple neutral slate gray. These bridesmaids look chic and effortlessly elegant in these flattering long gowns. With each maid in the same dress and tone, everything from hair to jewelry to accessories can be left up to the bridesmaids to select to suit her own tastes.

Jose Villa photography via OnceWed.com

These ‘maids complement the blushing bride in, what else? Blush! The diaphanous gowns add whimsy while the lilac undertones of the blush add an extra layer of femininity.

Braedon Photography via Project Wedding

These bridesmaids shine in stone colored chiffon, and add pops of color with jewel-toned shoes and colorful bouquets.

Riso Studio via Style Me Pretty

Another bunch of bridesmaids in blush, each maid has customized her look to reflect her style while staying in the same color family. The different shades and materials could lack cohesion otherwise, but the careful pairing of neutral shoes is both flattering (hello longer legs!) and unifying. The short length of every dress also helps tie all these different looks together.

Basing your bridesmaids’ dresses off of a neutral color palette is both beautiful and a lifesaver for your maids. Regardless of your love for fuchsia, your bridesmaids are the ones shelling out for a new gown to suit your Big Day desires; they’ll love you (even more than they already do) if you select, or let them pick, a dress in a classic neutral they’ll really wear again. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to gift fun, patterned or bright accessories to your bridesmaids, should you choose. And if your brides will be donning colorful jewelry for your wedding? Well we’ve got a post for that too!

Liz for Raymond Lee Jewelers, your trusted source for wedding day tips, trends and jewelry.

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.

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Tiffany & Co. Platinum, Diamond and Pink Sapphire necklace

Off White

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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.

Reality Royalty Ratings – Kardashian-Humphries Wedding-wear

Reality Royalty  Ratings

IN REALITY, IS THIS WEDDING JUST ABOUT RATINGS

It’s hard to know if there’s really anything other than creative “reality” t.v. behind this wedding. We’ve seen love affair after love affair spawned by shows like The Bachelor and its spin offs and predecessors… so is this reality show romance more than the usual love-spam we get thrown at us daily? Will this marriage thrive in the glow of the studio lights or will it wither on camera as the ratings crave a bitter break-up? Whatever it becomes, one thing is for sure… we’ll all be watching. 

Wedding Wear

Vera Wang, Front And Center

kim kardashian

In Reality, this wedding means 'RATINGS'

That’s what Kim will be wearing, and the bridesmaids will be in green! Really? Green? OK…

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The groom will be a towering coat rack for Ermenegildo Zegna.

The Grooomsmen… Is this the Groomsmen rags? And can we just be honest? Does anyone care what the groomsmen wear?

Groomsmen Who? All eyes will be on the bridal party.

 

By Raymond Lee Jewelers, where wedding and engagement rings rain from the retail ceilings ~

For new or antique wedding rings, we are your #1 Florida resource!

Royal Wedding vs. “Reality TV Royalty” Wedding

2011 will forever be remembered as The Year of the Royal Wedding. However, one more day of regal nuptials will take place this year, and this particular wedding boasts a decidedly more Hollywood Bride – it’s a reality royalty wedding this Saturday as the queen of unscripted television, Ms. Kim Kardashian weds New Jersey Nets player Kris Humphries.

kate middleton, kim kardashian, wedding, royal wedding, kris humphries, prince william

courtesy of HollywoodLife.com

But ultimately, which K-named bride wins the contest of THE Royal Wedding of 2011?

The ring

engagement ring, sapphire ring, kate middlteon ring, kim kardashian ring, kim kardashian engagement ring, kate middleton engagement ring

Wedding Rings! Kate’s is a family heirloom imbued with sentimentality, once worn by style icon Princess Diana. It has spurred the creation of thousands of knockoffs, and single-left-handedly created an enormous demand for blue sapphires. Kim’s is mind-blowingly huge weighing in at a whopping 20.5 carats. Kim wins this round, if only because we applaud her ability to keep her left hand from dragging on the ground whilst wearing that thing.

The Groom

kris humphries, prince william, duke of cambridge, kim kardashian

Kate’s husband is a prince. Kim’s is a basketball star…in the midst of an NBA lockout. Although Humphries does boast the better hairline, Prince William’s got the better bloodline. Kate, now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wins this round.

Sibling rivalry

This round might at first appear to be a TKO for Kim with sheer numbers on her side, but Pippa’s bringing up the rear (of the bridal party) has surpassed even Kim’s world famous asset in internet searches as of late. Plus, Harry is the roguish younger brother that Disney prince protagonists are modeled after. Namely because he’s an actual prince. We say round 3 is all Kate’s.

Media Spectacle

paparazzie, kim kardashian, kate middleton

On April 29, 2011, an estimated 2 billion people tuned in to watch Kate Middleton marry Prince William. In the months leading up to the nuptials, Royal Wedding fever swept the globe, creating one of the most anticipated events of the decade. Kimmie, despite her best efforts to create “the other royal wedding”, has not licensed the rights for her ceremony to air live on any of the major news networks, and the only people waking up at 4 am to catch a glimpse of her will be the paparazzi. However, she has developed reality spin-offs (of spin-offs, of spin-offs) to cover the planning and events of her big day. Still, 2 billion, with a ‘B’. Kate wins again.

Star Power

justin beiber, ryan seacrest, david beckham, victoria beckham, posh and becks, kardashian wedding guests, kim kardashian wedding, royal wedding

To be fair, The Duke and Duchess did count David Beckham in attendance at their wedding. But there’s no way they can touch the Hollywood turnout sure to be present at Kim and Kris’s. The fashion and jewels alone are sure to be jaw-dropping. We’re imagining luxury watches galore, solid gold wedding presents, and more vintage and heirloom jewels on the bridal party and guests than you can shake a stick at. This round is all Kim’s.

By our powers of addition…it’s a tie! While Kate’s the future queen of England, we’re sure that Kim will still feel like a queen on her big day. What do you think? Which royal wedding has captured your attention more? Would you wear a luxury diamond engagement ring like Kim’s, or prefer vintage bridal jewelry more?

By Raymond Lee Jewelers, your wedding ring resource for new or antique wedding rings!

Curating Pearltrees: Vintage Jewelry Clustering!

Just click… and the cluster is yours!

Vintage Jewelry & Fashion Blogging Galore!//

Vintage Jewelry & Fashion Blogging Galore

Kat Von D ‘Too Much Drama’ Jesse James Tweets: Is The Inked Up Engagement Over?

Jesse James and Kat Von D 2011

Various reports have been published this month from People and Life & Style Magazine, with conflicting announcements about the engagement between Kat Von D and Jesse James. In fact, since we first reported the engagement back in February the media has announced several splits between the high profile couple. 

Jesse James and Kat Von D are engaged, according to People.

The Engagement Ring: Kat Von D 2011

Almost five months after announcing their engagement, friends tell Life & Style magazine that James has told them the romance is over.

One insider tells the publication, “He says there’s too much drama for him.”

And the reports are supported by tweets James and his inked lady have posted on Twitter.com in the last week.

The roller coaster romance may be just fine, as both have reported separately that rumors of a split ‘couldn’t be further from the truth’ says Kat Von D and James lashes out at the trash talking tabloid rumors. The couple went on a mutually defensive strike Thursday evening, assuring the public that rumors of a split are nothing more than silly.

Kat Von D and Jesse James: June 2011

Now.. A bit about the JEWELRY!

Kat Von D Engagement Ring

The gorgeous vintage engagement ring that Kat has been sporting since early 2011 is a piece from Neil Lane’s archival collection. Lane was quoted earlier this year saying, “She [Kat] absolutely loved her ring.”

US Weekly reported that the ring is a 4 carat-plus platinum and diamond piece, featuring a unique filigree pattern with outer scroll designs. The center stone is surrounded by smaller diamonds, leading out to the vintage filigree pattern. The center stone is surrounded by smaller diamonds and accented by the outer delicate filigree pattern.

Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Booth #1455 in Action

Raymond Lee Jewelers: Booth 1455

The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Raymond Lee Jewelers in Trade Show Action

Vintage Omega Constellation

Vintage Omega Ladies

Vintage Rolex