Archive for December 2012

Home Archive for December 2012

Christmas is just around the corner, so all my friends and clients have been asking me what would make a great gift. This week I have chosen pearls, because of their organic nature. I also happen to think that white is a great color for Christmas. Expertly crafted in 18kt rose gold, rose cut diamonds and a single baroque pearl, my Perla ring is today's perfect present.

Named after one of my very best friends, the Perla ring is a unique piece that any woman could wear over and over and over again. I love the Perla ring so much, I almost kept it to myself when I saw the final piece. When I designed the ring I was looking to get that same feeling of a solitaire but without using a faceted gemstone. I actually almost went for a single cabochon cut gem, but saw this phenomenal baroque pearl, and it sealed the deal for me.

Cradled by two cuts of superior quality diamonds, rose cut and micropavee, the silvery pearl really stands out. This time, even though it's very trendy and I have used it in a lot of my latest pieces, it was the actual grey tones of the pearl that made me choose the rose gold. The pink delicately complements the light grey very much, making the ring a gorgeous and feminine statement.

Pearls are some of my favorite jewels, and I think that every woman should have at least one string of pearls or piece of pearl jewelry in their arsenal. Sometimes, when I'm thinking of a specific look, only pearls will do. People often think that pearls are dowdy or old fashioned but they are mistaken. Pearls are iconic and classic and look great on women of every skin tone or hair color.

But pearls are not only beautiful and wearable. They are also considered to offer the power of love, protection, and luck. Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experience, to quicken the laws of karma, and to cement engagements and love relations. In other words, pearls make a great gift for anniversaries, engagements, or for anyone you want to show affection and love to.

Early Chinese myths told of pearls falling from the sky when dragons fought. For the Greeks they were the tears of the gods. Today, they are associated with great virtue and everlasting love. Whichever the reason, pearls are a perfect present, and the Perla ring is a great choice for this Christmas.

Love Always
Dani K

According to Harper's Bazaar, the black and white look is taking over for winter. Considered the height of contrast, and the chicest of trends black and white is not going anywhere. An answer to spring's bright colorblocked hues, the achromatic opposite is a perfect way to take your jewelry collection to the next level, and have more fashion forward pieces in your arsenal for holiday parties and new year's festivities.

But black and white is not only hot for fall and now winter. The trend has already been seen at all the spring 2013 shows, and is going strong all throughout the coming year. Check it out.

Designing jewels that are on trend, in addition to the classics I am known for, is a very important thing to me. I often do research and am in the know of all the latest fashion trends. I love moving forward, and I sincerely believe that staying ahead of the trends and looking towards the future is one of the main reasons for my success and rise to stardom.

For my black and white pieces I chose white agate and black diamonds. I have worked with these gems before, but never together until this year, and never with such a dramatic effect. Take a look at this fabulous "Cuore" pendant from my "Charmed" collection. The chain is in rose gold, which brings an unexpected femininity to the back and white combination.

Below is my "Zebre" statement ring also in white agate and black diamonds. For this piece I selected black gold for that bit of edge so true to the "Zebre" pieces. As you can see, every detail in this piece has been very thought out. Even the back of the ring has an intricate design, which is not only beautiful but also functional at the same time. The geometric black gold web has a purpose, to hug the finger and to protect the white agate from impact. It also lets the finger breathe, as well as allows for the special shape that I have designed. Without this innovation, the ring would be just a fantasy, as it would not be able to hold itself or any of the diamond

details.

As you know I always have something to say about the properties of all the gems I work with. Today is no different. As far as magical properties go, agate is the must have protection stone. It protects from stress, from bad dreams and is said to even protect children from danger. It enables the wearer to distinguish between false friends and true ones. It brings prosperity and creates an appreciation of nature.

Black diamonds are also a very special gem with its own set of magical properties. I have always loved the exotic magic and allure that black diamonds invoke, and I have worked with them for years in most of my collections, but, make no mistake. It's 2012, and black diamonds are definitely having a moment.

I love working on pieces solely made with black diamonds, but I also am very fond of using them as a complementary element in my designs, like I did with these pieces. Take for example the elegant white agate earrings above and below. Black is the perfect companion to any opaque gemstone, because it brings out the smooth nature that most opaques are coveted for, and adds the sparkle and shine element that keeps it interesting.

A lot of people worry that black diamonds won't be as valuable in the future or that they are too trendy. I say, together with the celestial white agate, that they are pure magic. Scientists even attribute to them extra terrestrial qualities because some of their geological material is only found in space and meteorites. They have even found that black diamonds were formed in a carbon rich supernovae explosion before the formation of the Solar System!

Hope this post helped you a bit with some ideas for holiday looks and of course presents. Everyone loves to receive a piece of jewelry and these beauties will not disappoint. Till next time.

Love Always
Dani K

Hello my gems! Hope you had an amazing weekend, and if you were here in Miami, that you got down with the Art Basel festivities and enjoyed some great art. I had a great time this weekend, but I'm back to work today with more panther jewelry for you. Friday's post was so popular, that I decided to continue with the feline theme and show you more of my "catty" pieces.

Pantera bracelet in 18 kt rose gold,
micropavee diamonds and rubies.

First up is the classic Pantera bracelet. This gorgeous bracelet is made of 18kt rose gold and is covered in in rows and rows of sparkly diamonds. The eyes are made of rubies, which are of course red, the universal color of love and passion.

I love this bracelet as an amulet for protection. A panther signifies a beautiful woman fiercely guarding her young, so this piece would actually be a great gift for a mother, too. In Christian mythology, panthers are known to represent Christ overcoming the powers of evil. It's said that its tender breath and multicolored coat are also reflective of the many wonderful attributes of Christ.

Next are my "Panther's in Love" rings, in both white and rose gold. Inspired by the feminine power of the panther, and the beautiful panther jewels by Cartier, these ravishing twin rings are to die for. If I had to pick just one, I would not know which one to choose.

Both versions share the sam characteristics, yet offer very different looks. The beautiful rose gold version (first one below) comes encrusted in diamonds, both champagne and white, with eyes of ruby like my Pantera bracelet above. The white gold "Panthers in Love" is also detailed in champagne and white diamonds, and its eyes are also rubies. I went with rubies because I thought it might give the pieces a bit of an edge, since they are after all supposed to depict sexy, wild creatures.

Rose gold "Panthers in Love" ring,
with champagne and white diamond detail, and ruby eyes

White gold "Panthers in Love" ring, with
champagne and white diamond details, and ruby eyes.

The feline motif has often been synonymous with devastating seduction, exotic beauty and a mysterious untamed character. The next piece, my Pantera ring is the perfect companion to the Pantera bracelet above. If you want to go full feline, then be bold and wear the earrings below too.

Pantera ring in chocolate diamonds, white micropavee
diamonds and ruby eyes.
As always this ring is handmade in 18kt gold

The panther is a fierce beast, and no other piece represents that agile physique and attitude better than this ring. With fluid lines and impeccable design, the Pantera ring is quite sexy and super stylish. Even though it is a very strong image, this phenomenal ring is nothing but delicate details. When I was designing it, I was very intrigued with the juxtaposition of the two, and that is how this piece came to be.

Last but least, are the cutest pieces of the bunch, my Pantera earrings in 18kt rose gold, diamonds and rubies. These gorgeous handmade beauties are dramatic enough for evening, while being small enough for daytime looks. These fabulous earrings are so wearable that they have sold out not once or twice, but three times since I debuted them at my jewelry store. I actually did not take a picture of them before because they got snatched up before I ever even had any time to take one!

Pantera earrings in 18kt rose gold,
white diamond micropavee, and
beautiful ruby eyes.

Chicer than chic, my Pantera earrings make a lovely present for anyone on your list, naughty of nice. I love the movement they have courtesy of the disc that they are each holding. The smooth and round shape, is a perfect complement to the textured heads, and makes them have that special quality only found in haute jewelry.

Panthers have been very prevalent in jewelry throughout history, with the most famous piece belonging to Wallis Simpson. Her famous Cartier panther bracelet was known all over the world, and rightfully so. It symbolized the infamous love affair she had with
the Duke of Windsor, who later abdicated the throne for her.

It is this type of passion that the panther image brings forth. A feminine being, with strength and slickness to boot. Powerful and fabulous, the panther is a classic theme that will continue to cycle in and out in jewelry, but will always remain a true classic.

Love Always
Dani K

New for Christmas and Chanuka these year are the popular pieces from my "Charmed" collection, this time in clear quartz, black diamonds and white gold. This is a big departure for me since I have always used bright colors for my charms. I have also never used the black diamonds, sticking with classic white ones. I guess this year I have been feeling a big edgier. Black and white is a big theme this season, and this piece is an ode to the chic and iconic color combo.

I have worked with different colors of quartz before, but this is the first for me using the stunning gem in this clear color. I love it because it has the same look a diamond would, but at the fraction of a the cost. A diamond, if you could find one in this cut, would be too costly to use. With the quartz you get the famous charmed look you want, with the added bonus of making people guess.

In case you did not know, quartz is the most varied mineral on earth, occurring in different colors and habitats. There are more variety names given to quartz than any other mineral, and many times forms in the inner linings of geodes. In addition to its practical uses, quartz is essential to the gem trade. It is also very collectible because of all of its different varieties.

For these pieces I went with rock quartz, which is then polished into a faceted gemstone and then cut to have a particular shape. This flawless rock crystal is of exceptional quality, making it a very special gem indeed.

Quartz is known for bringing good luck to the wearer. It also has been known for its healing properties for centuries. Clear quartz is known as the master healer and will amplify energy and thought and make the healing properties of other quartz worn (at the same time) even more powerful. It also absorbs, restores and releases energy, making an excellent gem for yoga practitioners like myself.

Clear Quartz also draws off negative energy of all kinds, neutralizing background radiation, including electromagnetic smog or petrochemical emanations. It balances and revitalizes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes, at the same time that it cleanses and enhances the organs and acts as a deep soul cleanser, connecting the physical dimension with the mind. Clear Quartz also enhances psychic abilities. It aids concentration and unlocks memory. Stimulates the immune system and brings the body into balance. Clear Quartz (Crystal Quartz, Rock Crystal) harmonizes all the chakras and aligns the subtle bodies.

Although clear quartz is the tenth anniversary gemstone, these sensational necklaces would make a fantastic gift for any occasion. Just look at how they shine, and imagine how they would look on the lucky person who received the gift. Truly something of class and good taste, no?

Love Always
Dani K

Stunning Turquese Ring in
turquoise, blue sapphire and diamonds

It's the last month of 2012, and even though I had an amazing year both personally and professionally I am so happy to say goodbye to this year. Now that December is upon us, I am going to share with you our bling of the month, the turquoise.

From my "Wanderlust" collection,
fantastic turquoise, diamond and pink sapphire cocktail ring.
A must have.

Since ancient times, turquoise has been used by indigenous people of Mexico and the U.S.. Worldwide, turquoise has been coveted for thousands of years, and it is believed to be one of the first minerals ever mined. It is often noted that turquoise has healing properties and a deep metaphysical meaning. People also believe that this gem can reveal the physical and emotional well being of the wearer by the way it changes hues.

Love this color combination!
Pink sapphires and turquoise are sprinkled
with white diamonds, in these chic and
elegant earrings.

These pieces, part of my "Wanderlust" collection are inspired by all my travels and, the fusion of different cultures. Turquoise is the perfect gem to work with, since it has been used by many cultures as a talisman for centuries. From Native Americans to Persians, turquoise is an important gemstone historically speaking because it was always present in ancient jewelry. I was known to ward off evil spirits, attract money, and garner success. Its powers also include healing, protection, courage, friendship and luck. And if that doesn't turn you on to this magical gemstone, maybe knowing that it eases tension and relaxes the mind, will.

Fabulous drop turquoise, sapphire and diamond
earrings will take you from
day to night in a flash.

Turquoise has also inspired many other mythological properties through the centuries. For example it is believed to ward off the evil eye, and protect the wearer from falling or a fall. Some people believe it can help cure depression. Whatever the reason you choose, make sure you buy it from a reputable jewelry dealer. Because it is a popular gem, it is also one that is often imitated.

Matching statement ring also in turquoise, diamonds
and blue sapphires
In the Orient a turquoise ring such as the one above,
would be used to protect from all evil.
.

I feel calmer just looking at the picture!
Chic "Jazmin" earrings, handmade in turquoise,
diamond and 18kt rose gold.

If you already have turquoise jewelry or are thinking of spoiling yourself with pieces such as the ones above, make sure you care for it adequately. Even though it is a summer gem, make sure you don't expose it to direct sunlight for too long. This might actually discolor and dehydrate the turquoise, making it brittle. Perfume, sunscreen and cosmetics can also attack the finish of turquoise, so watch out! Take extra care when wearing this or any other type of gemstone.

The epitome of elegance.
Stunning turquoise and coral drop earrings,
surrounded by what else, diamonds, diamonds, diamonds.

For an eclectic look try these!
One of each, turquoise, diamonds and yellow gold;
rock crystal, diamonds and white gold.
Both lovingly handmade in 18kt gold.

Hope you had fun with December's birthstone, and my designs. I love working with turquoise because it is so very versatile, and I think it shows.

Love Always
Dani K