Swarovski Christmas Jewels Collection 2008

As Christmas is approaching, what better sparkling companion of this special holiday than Swarovski. Whether you want to decorate with crystals or give someone special something just as special, Swarovski has it all. The Christmas Jewels Collection for 2008 features many jewels inspired by snowflakes and stars, in silver, gold and clear crystal shades.

This beautiful star hair clip has a shimmering design with Black Diamond, Silver Shade and and clear crystal pavé and it is priced at CAD $105. This would not only make a great gift for someone over the holidays but it is also a beautiful accessory that would give some sparkle against the winter cold weather outside. One of the most beautiful pieces in the collection are the set of gold plated necklace, earrings and bracelet with bezel set clear crystal chatons and antique square cut Moonlight and Silver Shade crystals. The necklace is priced at CAD $220, the earrings at CAD $65, and the bracelet at CAD $260.

If instead you wish to have something even more gentler or are looking for something extra loving to give, heart pendants and swan engraved rings are your choice. The Signature Ring is not only appealing because of its classy shape but it offers something dreamy and magical with the Swanflower(TM) motif gleaming in clear crystal pavé. It is priced at $ CAD120. The mini heart and butterfly pendant is an excellent choice for any occasion. The heart is in faceted clear crystal and butterfly in Light Rose crystal and it is priced at CAD $55. You may also like the Emotion Pendant which is Rhodium-plated with open heart in clear crystal pavé and smaller heart-cut crystal. It is priced at CAD $105.

Louis Vuitton’s Diamond Flower Collection

Louis Vuitton have launched two patented diamond cuts based on their infamous monogram flowers; the round cut flower diamond and the pointed cut flower diamond. These stunning cuts took over three years to develop and have between 61 and 77 facets, which is absolutely amazing as a typical diamond has about 58 facets! The diamond beauties were mixed to create the collection Les Ardentes, which means “the blazing.” The sparkling collection features a bracelet, two brooches, a pair of earrings, a necklace and a ring. The collection is really beautiful and I especially love the bracelet which combines a diamond ribbon as well for the ultimate French romantic elegance.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s Pearl-Rock Exquisite Bracelet

Leave it to designer Jean Paul Gaultier to create something desired and unexpected! His collection are exquisite and always inspired by the most beautiful places and things on Earth. And his jewellery doesn’t fall much behind either. This pearl-rock bracelet mixes up the gentle pearls with the rock heavy chain. The bracelet costs $499 and it is made of a silver tone metal with crystal beads in either black or pewter. Available here.

Trend Spring 2009: Huge Earrings!

It is no secret that I love huge jewellery, anything from enormous necklaces, rings, bracelets and of course earrings! So, you can imagine how excited I was that huge earrings are the next major trend for Spring/Summer 2009. Also featured on the British Vogue Loves, these Zac Posen Spring 2009 earrings are a grand highlight! The chandelier style beauties are danggling, huge and a definite show stopper. Whether you chose silver styles, Swarovski sparling crystals or tribal colored stones, do not be afraid to experiment and let your imagination fly just as long as they are large. In fact, the larger, the better! Just remember to pull your hair back either in a French chic ponytail or styled into a quiff like in the Zac Posen fashion show. And of course, do not over-accessorize when you wear these beauties: chose simpler clothes and only one more accessory so that their magic appeal takes center stage.

Swarovski Pink Hope Crystals 2008

October is the international breast cancer awareness month and we can all join Swarovski in their fight against cancer by wearing pink! Swarovski Pink Hope 2008 features three special jewellery pieces that would contribute to this important cause; the lovable Nirvana ring in soft pink crystal, the elegant Evita sparkling bracelet in pink crystal mesh and the tender pink Love pendant covered in crystals. Swarovski will donate 20% of the proceeds from the sale of Pink Hope creations to the Krebsliga Switzerland (Swiss Breast Cancer Awareness Association). These three products are available in Switzerland only. Swarovski has dedicated the last five years in supporting the fight against breast cancer with its line “Pink Hope.”

Other products of Pink Hope from the past include the pink hope charm and the love faith hope pink heart mirror compact, both of which can be found on Ebay.

Caribbean Blue Beauty: Larimar

Larimar is one of the most unique and rare gemstones in the world as it can be found in only one location on our planet; the Dominican Republic. This Caribbean Island is a jewel on its own with its white, soft sandy beaches and unspoiled, rich nature but it is also the only home of the blue jewel beauty. The legend of Larimar has it that people on the island used to collect the blue gemstones on the beach until one day they could not find them anymore. Therefore, they started to explore upstream and came across a rock formation which was the source of the precious beauties. The natives called the stone “Blue Stone” as they believed that it came from the clear blue sea. But in 1974, the Dominican Miguel Méndez while walking on the Dominican beach saw a flash of the blue gemstone and called it Larimar, taking his daughter’s name Larissa and combining it with the Spanish word for sea “mar.”

Larimar is a variety of pectolite and it is thought that the stones may have formed as a result of volcanic eruptions. Although pectolites may be common, the unique blue color, also called the volcanic blue, is what makes Larimar so incredibly precious. The rare jewel is used in jewellery for necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets. It is usually combined with silver but higher grade stones can be also produced in gold. The colors of Larimar vary from white, light blue, green-blue and deep blue also known as volcanic blue. The quality grading is according to the color, with white being the lower grade and volcanic blue is the highest grade. Larimar is a true Caribbean beauty. Its blue charm and rare quality will make an everlasting impression on you and having this jewel will forever remind you of the turquoise waters of this far paradise.

Water Jewellery: Carolina Bucci Exclusive Limited Edition

The Florence-born and raised jewellery designer, Carolina Bucci has created a limited edition collection to support WaterAid’s work. WaterAid is a charity which helps some of the world’s poorest people to have access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. The exclusive jewellery Italian designer has created two pieces; a drop pendant necklace and a bracelet, both of which will be on sale from the end of July until the end of December of 2008.

The lucky tie bracelet is made of 18 carat gold and soft grey silk and it is priced at £295. Each bracelet bought would guarantee safe water and sanitation to a family of four. The drop shaped pendant necklace is made of 18 carat gold and covered with white and blue diamonds, costing £2595. An entire village is equipped with a lasting supply of safe water and sanitation when somebody buys one of these necklaces.

“I am really excited to be collaborating with WaterAid on these pieces of jewellery”, says Carolina. “WaterAid’s vision of a world where everyone has access to clean water and sanitation is one which I believe passionately in.”

The beautiful pieces are available from the Carolina Bucci boutiques, Browns and other selected retailers worldwide. For more information, visit her website.