Archive for the ‘Diamond Jewelry’ Category

Gold, Silver, and Diamond Studded Guns Retrieved in Mexico

silver, gold, and diamond guns

A house in the Jardines de Guadalupe area of Zapopan in Mexico was raided by Mexican soldiers who uncovered an odd stash of gold and silver-plated guns as well as other diamond encrusted weapons. They believe the opulent weaponry belongs to Oscar Nava Valencia, or “El Lobo.” El Lobo is the presumed head of the Milenio Cartel, but was detained in December 2009 by the authorities.

Federal authorities showcased the findings to the media over the weekend. Included in the unusual haul were 38 guns, 75 magazines, hundreds of cartridges, 25 Rolex, Mido, and Cartier watches, some cash, and a Cadillac truck. Most of the guns were gold or silver plated and several had an inscription of the word “Lobo,” which means wolf in Spanish, or indeed a picture of a wolf.

Besides the decorated weapons, a portrait of Valencia was also found. It was a strange picture of him riding a black horse, wearing a white sombrero and a cowboy shirt. Intelligence believes the house possibly belonged to his sister. Valencia is currently at the Altiplano prison in Mexico, their highest security penitentiary.

The New Diamond And Platinum MacBook Air

The New Diamond And Platinum MacBook Air

Want to get your hands on the all new, gem encrusted, pure Platinum MacBook Air? I’m sure you do…but you’ll have to fork over $208,000! That’s right, the Über rich have yet another toy to play with and it’s completely blinged out. Most people fantasize about owning the regular MacBook Air, but one covered in diamonds is bound to make anyone drool.

With only ten of these gorgeous beauties being made, $208,000 seems like a steal for something so rare. Aptly named the Macbook Air Supreme Ice Edition, this Apple laptop is the same high performing computer as any other Apple laptop, but with a little added sparkle on top. The sparkle in question, 25.5 carats of ‘I’F’ flawless diamonds and a total of 53 individually set gems sit comfortably inside the Platinum Apple logo on the front. The computer’s shell is one single piece of polished Platinum, weighing a heavy 5.5 pounds.

The designer, Stuart Hughes, explains, “This superior laptop has brought together the subtle beauty and elegance of platinum, with the magical radiance of diamonds, and created an exquisite work of art. There is no finer relationship than platinum and diamonds. They are pure, rare, and eternal.” That is of course until Apple upgrades their line of laptops. Then it’s back to the drawing board for Hughes.

Newest Member of Real Housewives of New York Sonja Morgan

Sonja Morgan Real Housewives of New York

Sonja Morgan, the Newest Member of the Real Housewives of New York

The newest Real Housewife of New York, Sonja Morgan, is not afraid to make waves. She describes herself as “the straw that swirls the drink.” That’s a bold statement, but it comes from a bold woman. Sonja is the quintessential housewife who loves to shop, spend all her ex-husband’s money on diamonds and high end designer labels, and shag new and younger men. She’ll add some much needed spice to the Housewife dish.

Morgan, the former wife to the heir of J.P. Morgan, won the ex-wife lotto. But that being said, she still came up through her own determination and smarts. A mere 12 years ago, the then Sonya Tremont was just a hostess at a midtown restaurant. She made a name for herself amongst the New York money men as being beautiful, charming, and savvy. She used these connections to build a network all over the world and made her way into business…as well as into the arms of a very rich ex-hubby.

It’s about time the show picked up someone with some sass and verve. The cattiness was starting to drive everyone nuts. Jill needs to get over Bethenny already. Come on Sonja, we’re ready for you!

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Diamonds

Diamonds

We all know a few things about diamonds. They are beautiful, shiny, a girl’s best friend, and most importantly, expensive. But there’s a lot more to diamonds than meets the eye. Here’s a list of 5 facts about diamonds you probably didn’t know.

1. Before 1990, De Beers owned 90 percent of the diamond market. You didn’t even have to buy directly from De Beers for them to make money.

2. Only 20 percent of mined diamonds are cut and sold as whole diamonds. The other 80 percent are made into diamond powder. Diamond powder is melted into drill heads, saws, and knives.

3. You’ve most likely tasted a diamond. Dentist drills are a popular place for diamonds to go.

4. Australia is home to most of the world’s pink diamonds. The Argyle Mine in Australia is home to almost all natural pink diamonds.

5. And the fun fact about diamonds – The word diamond translates literally into “indestructible.” The word “diamond” is a take on the Greek word “adamas.” Adamas is said to be at the heart of “adamantium,” the made up alloy in X-Men Wolverine’s body.

Lara Bingle’s New Ring

Lara Bingle

Lara Bingle

After a tough couple of weeks following the split from her fiance, Lara Bingle seems to have taken an important step to try and move on. The Australian beauty and cricketer Michael Clarke called it quits after coming face to face with some irreconcilable differences while engaged. Although the heartbreak is far from gone, Bingle decided it was time to say goodbye to the $200,000 engagement ring Clarke bought her.

Bingle has been spotted wearing a new ring. No, not another engagement ring, but a gold, heart-shaped ring on her wedding finger. This replacing the beautiful 4.7 carat sparkler Clarke put there originally. The tip of the heart ring was seen pointing outwards, which usually indicates that the owner’s heart is available.

While Bingle is on the lookout for new love, she’s also on the lookout for a new place to live. Currently, she’s still living in Clarke’s apartment while he is away playing cricket in New Zealand. Reports say she is close to signing a 1.5 million dollar deal for a 3 bedroom apartment in beautiful Bellevue Hill in Sydney.

Michelle Obama Gifts Gown and Jewels

Michelle Obama Inaugural Ball

Michelle Obama Inaugural Ball

Michelle Obama donated her inaugural gown to the Smithsonian yesterday to join other first lady’s frocks for the exhibit “A First Lady’s Debut.” The collection also includes gowns from Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Helen Taft. Although she wasn’t buying into all the hype surrounding her dress, she felt the exhibit was important. “It’s a visual reminder that we each come from such different backgrounds, from different generations, and from different walks of life.”

The first lady also praised the designer, young Taiwan born immigrant Jason Wu, for his vision and hard work. Wu made no secret of how life changing this event was and declared it his “greatest personal and professional accomplishment” to date. Obama’s decision to choose a young, unknown, immigrant designer exemplified her belief in the American dream and how anyone that comes to this country and works hard can be whomever they want.

Although the first lady was sad to see her beautiful dress and Jimmy Choo shoes go, she was most upset to say goodbye to her stunning diamond jewelry. For the inauguration, she wore diamond bracelets, gorgeous hanging diamond earrings, and a diamond ring. The first lady proves she has style, class, and a love for bling!

Oscar Winner Mo’Nique has an Open Relationship with Husband!

Mo'nique and Barbara Walters

Mo'nique and Barbara Walters

If you’ve been following this year’s award season, then you’ve seen Mo’Nique win just about every best actress award there is, including the Oscar on Sunday night. After watching her numerous acceptance speeches, one thing was clear; her everlasting love and gratitude for her husband, Sid Hicks. With tear filled eyes she glanced down at her wedding ring and thanked him at every opportunity, and he was by her side every step of the way. Seems like a perfect relationship…Or is it?

One thing you may not know is that Mo’Nique and her husband have an open marriage! On Sunday’s Oscar Night edition of The Barbara Walters Special, the Precious star honestly said, “Could Sid have sex outside of his marriage with me? Yes. That’s not a deal-breaker. That’s not something that would make us say, ‘Pack your things and let’s end the marriage.’” And to top it off, the number of infidelities is inconsequential. She’s not bothered if he has one affair, or 20!

Thus far, the marriage is in tact, with Mo’Nique secure enough with her husband to allow such behavior. But how does she keep his interest? “He loves the hairy legs,” she commented, adding that she never shaves. “And if Sid likes the hairy legs, there you go…I’m 42 and very hairy.” Don’t worry Mo’Nique, not many women are going to give up the razor anytime soon, Sid’s all yours!

Diamonds at the Oscars 2010 Red Carpet Bling

The Oscars

Oscar Statue

It’s that time of year again. The biggest award show on the planet has just finished and although the winners are basking in the glow of a gold statuette, we’re still focused on all the stunning jewelry that was on display. Every year, the bling gets better and better. This year was no exception, and the red carpet beauties opted for stylish and understated pieces to compliment their beautiful gowns.

The female oscar attendees stuck with their usual fare of white diamonds and platinum settings for their jewelry, but colored diamonds, onyx, emeralds and sapphires made appearances too. We take a closer look at some of our favorites of the night.

Kate Winslet’s platinum and yellow diamond pendent necklace, loaned from Tiffany & Co., was a particular favorite of the fashion police. She looked absolutely stunning (as usual!) with the necklace, totaling 19 carats, and complimentary bracelet. Beauty at any age was personified by Helen Mirren as she waltzed down the red carpet in a 125-carat diamond and platinum necklace, 9-carat diamond earrings, and a platinum and diamond cuff, designed by Chopard. But the big winner of the night, best actress Sandra Bullock, looked gorgeous in her diamond and platinum bracelets designed by celeb designer Neil Lane. Unlike most of the guests, she gets to keep them as they’re a part of her personal collection!

The Oscars This Sunday…And The Bling Goes To

The Oscars 2010

The Oscars 2010

The Oscars are here again, airing this Sunday from the fabulous Kodak Theater in Los Angeles. While some people are interested in who actually wins, I think most of us are really interested in what the winners are wearing. The jaunt down the red carpet has become as anticipated as the actual awards themselves. This year will prove no different as we take a peek at the jewelry the A-list celebs will be flaunting.

Red carpet stylist Phillip Bloch, who famously styled Halle Berry in 2002, breaks down the cost for the evening. He reckons the dress is $5000-$20,000, shoes $700-$1,000, hair and makeup $2,500-$5,000, and jewelry, wait for it – $100,000 to a few million! A few million is indeed the exception, and on average it is usually around half a million. While this sum may be paltry to the A-listers, almost all of them will borrow jewelry on the big night.

So for this week leading up to the Oscars, all the big jewelers come out to play by holding events at which their show-worthy pieces were on display in an effort to get their bling on the right celeb. From Harry Winston to Swarovski to Cartier to Tiffany, they are all vying for the spotlight. Because, let’s be honest, who wants to see celebrities anyway? Just give us the bling!

Average Cost of an Engagement Ring in 2009 $5,487

The Knot Wedding Report

The Knot

According to the Knot Annual Wedding Survey, budgets for weddings last year fell 5 percent, but the engagement ring budget held strong. The average cost of an engagement ring in 2009 was $5,487.

“Approximately one third of brides who had a wedding in 2009 said that the economy had impacted their overall wedding plans.” Carley Roney, editor in chief of The Knot Inc. commented. But despite brides carefully cutting costs, one cost remains the same.

Although the importance and pomp that surrounds a wedding is still a priority, most couples need to make sacrifices. It makes complete sense that one area no one would touch would be the element that is supposed to last the longest, (besides the actual marriage of course), the engagement ring.

As the ring is the symbol for the lifelong vow couples make to each other, it will always be the most important factor in a wedding budget. I think brides everywhere will agree.