Archive for July 2013

Home Archive for July 2013

Inspiration can come in many ways, and sometimes it can be from something unexpected like a great meal, a beautiful opera or even an engaging conversation. I have been into white agate lately and my inspiration for this very special piece, the "Gio" ring, comes from the milky color and smooth texture this fabulous gem exudes, as well as the clean lines of the geometric shapes of my childhood.

I went with the name "Gio" as a play on word in relation to the geometric shapes that inspired this design. Circles and triangles and squares all came together in my mind and this design was born. Since black and white is the hottest trend in fashion right now, I thought it would be an appropriate combination for my newest statement ring, and boy was I right. Just look at how the white and black contrast emphazises the clean, crisp lines in the design. Stunning!

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 this ring. 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.

As you know I always have something to say about the properties of all the gems I work with, and 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.

Agate derives its name from the river Achates in Sicily. Greek philosophy described this gem as early as 300 B.C. It was the stone of warriors in ancient times. The famous ancient Egyptian scarabs are made of agate. Agates come in many forms and colors and are among the earliest stones used for healing and bringing good luck.

For healing purposes, agate is used to treat dizziness, headaches, as well as skin problems. It is essential that the stone should be in contact with the skin near the organ that needs healing.

This is why jewelry is so great. You can have and wear something beautiful, which is also beneficial. Tired or inflamed eyes may also be alleviated by applying a disk of agate to them. Agate has also been used for countless decades to lessen discomfort experienced during certain days of pregnancy.

Like white agate, black diamonds are also a very special gem with their 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.

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 you enjoyed reading about the "Gio" ring, as much as I love sharing with you the history of what I do and the materials I use.

Love Always

Dani K

If you are a fashionista, have a Pintrest board, or follow me on Instagram, you already know that the hottest trend this year is the chunky bracelet or an entire army of them.

Statement bracelets have been a staple on the red carpet for sometime, and they are now finally being seen on the street and at your favorte shots. Of course we at Daniella Kronfle Jewelry have been heralding their beauty for some time now. Take for example one of my favorites, the "Miami' bracelet, which I debuted last summer, and which I am showing here in rose gold and diamond pavee.

I love this piece to death because no matter the occasion, I always look perfect. It goes from urban chic to rock and roll to Park Avenue princess in a hot second. It just depends on your clothes or your attitude. This bracelet is just that good.

Beautiful "Miami" bracelet in
rose gold and diamond pavee.

Another fabulous bracelet is the very lavender "Violet" cuff in amethyst and quartz with diamond details. Alone or in a group this fabulous bracelet is just one of my summer staples. I love the lollipop quality of the gems and how beautifully the diamonds sparkle next to the shades or purple. I guess I am biased since purple is my favorite color.

Wonderful "Violet" cuff in white gold,
amethyst, quartz and diamonds.

Here is a funkier version of the "Miami" bracelet, alluring in rose gold and hot pink sapphires. The idea for this bracelet came to me while thinking about adding a signature piece to my collection that was a little funky, something like my Miami hoops but for those who love to wear bracelets or cuffs. I poured over my old archives and magazines and I was smitten with the idea of a big link, except it had to be dripping with more sparkle than gold alone could provide. The result is this gorgeous piece, which not only comes in the pink sapphire and rose gold combination, but also in ruby, and in blue and yellow sapphire.

"Miami" bracelet in pink sapphires
and rose gold. Love it!

If you like a more classic take there is always this Art Deco beauty, the "Daisy" diamond and white gold bracelet. Inspired by the book "The Great Gatsby" this timeless piece is just marvelous, and does a great job at holding its own against all my more modern bracelets. I sometimes wear it with only the "Lila" and the results are breathtaking.

Inspired by Gatsby, here is the "Daisy" in
white gold and diamonds

Another bracelet I love is "Violet's" little sister, "Lila," also inspired by my favorite hue. In case you did not know, purple is the color of royalty, so there's that. For "Lila" I also added some different colors of quartz namely smoky and rose quartz, as well as some pink tourmaline. Isn't she beautiful?

Sparkly "Lila" bracelet in a plethora of quartz,
amethyst, tourmaline and white gold.

Last but not least is yet another version of the "Miami" bracelet, this time in white gold and diamond pavee. Like I said above, this piece is both up and downtown, as well as being a swell addition to your jewelry box. I prefer the two together, but one of them works just as well.

As I was coming up with the design and the actual shape, I looked at other links available and even tried some on. I was really concerned that a piece so massive be also delicate and easy to wear. If it was uncomfortable, then my design would fail, and I was very aware of that. My priority then became making it look gorgeous and feel beautiful on the wrist. It had to have the right amount of weight, not too much, not to little, and it had to be able to be stacked, in case that was the look the owner of the piece was looking for. The results are just amazing. See for yourself.

"Miami" is white gold and diamond pavee

I love bracelets. I usually wear them stacked with other link bracelets or even chunky bangles, but I prefer them worn the more elegant way, alone, as a statement. Whichever way you choose, there is only one thing you need to know: thanks to the boldness of the pieces above and below, you (like the celebs who favor them) will not go unnoticed.

So what are you waiting for? Run to my boutique and get your hands, or wrists rather, on one of this years hottest pieces. I predict this trend will only get stronger.

Love Always
Dani K

Summer is in full swing and so is this beautiful gem, the turquoise, which is, at this time, having a moment. One of my favorite, all time gems, the turquoise is always a go to gem for summer. It always brings me joy and even when I am not thinking about it, tons of complement because I believe it not only makes the wearer happy, but also those who are around it.

Turquoise is the perfect gem to work with. I use it all the time, since I love that it has been used by many cultures as a talisman for centuries, I alway include it in my collections. From Native Americans to Persians, turquoise is an important gemstone, historically speaking, because it was always present in ancient jewelry. It 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.

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.

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.

In this beautiful ring below from my "Wanderlust" collection, I used turquoise together with blue sapphires which I sprinkled with white diamonds for added flair. I used white gold because in this case it was perfect for the cool and calm vibe of this smooth and delicate ring.

These earrings below are very special. It is not often that you see turquoise used with such artistry and good craftsmanship. For this piece I used rose gold and diamonds as the complementary materials and the results are spectacular. As you can see, turquoise in itself is very versatile because its hue goes with all colors of gold, and gemstones as varied as sapphires of any color to tsavorite, and of course the classic diamonds.

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. You won't be sorry and you will preserve your pieces for many generations, which to me is the point of having such precious pieces of wearable art.

Love Always

Dani K

Nature and its elements has always been a design inspiration for me. Since the beginning of my career, I have included pieces with either flora or fauna in my collections, and this year's summer offerings are no different.

Although in the past I have had similar flower rings, it is their beautiful floral design and unexpected materials that have made these become instant classics.

Named after one of my favorite flowers, the fabulous Jazmin rings and matching earrings are a one of my most popular pieces. They have already been a hit in turquoise and diamonds, and onyx and diamonds, but for this this year, I re-invented them in the hottest new gems.

From the top: Jazmin ring in tiger eye and pink sapphires set in rose gold, next is the version in lapis lazuli, white diamonds and 18kt rose gold. On the bottom we have Jazmin rings in white agate, black diamonds and white gold, folowed in black onyx, pink sapphires and 18kt rose gold, and lastly Jazmin earrings in malachite, white diamonds and 18kt yellow gold.

I love working with onyx because it is a very special gemstone, so this is the first ring I will show you. Onyx was used traditionally in jewelry design for carving cameo brooches. Onyx is also a very romantic gem with a lovely myth attached to it. The myth of the origin of onyx says the goddess Venus was sitting on the banks of the Indus river. While she slept, Cupid gave her a manicure. As her heavenly nails fell to the water, they became onyx, which also means "claw" in Greek.

Onyx is also used for protection, when used to face adversaries in battles and conflicts of all kinds. It is also a defense against negativity. In India, it is recommended for harmony in romantic relationships.

The next version of the Jazmin earrings comes to us in malachite, yellow gold and diamonds. I chose malachite because of the deep hunter green color, which reminds me of the colder seasons of fall and winter. The most beautiful specimens of malachite have these bands of different hues of green, like in my ring below.

Like the onyx above, malachite also has special powers, and it is known to promote peace, love and success in business. It is also used for protection and to help detect impending danger. My favorite myth is that it is the guardian gemstone of travelers, and helps provide protection and security on long journeys.

In the ancient world, lapis lazuli was considered as valuable as gold, and has always been a sacred gem. The Egyptians used it to carve scarabs and other religious amulets. It was also used in the robes of Hebrew patriarchs, as well as being the material in which the Ten Commandments were inscribed in. Since it has always been considered a divine gem, why not make it into divine rings?

My next Jazmin ring comes to us in white agate and black diamonds. 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.

Last but not least is the tiger eye version of the Jazming ring, which is accented by pink sapphires and set in rose gold. When designing my collections I take very seriously the magical powers and healing qualities of gems, before I choose what materials I am going to use. Many legends about quartz say that wearing tiger's eye (which is a form of quartz) is beneficial for health and spiritual well being. Legend also says it is a psychic protector, great for business, and an aid to achieving clarity. Tiger's Eye lets you see everything. Use it for insight and you can be a very lucky person. When used in jewelry, tiger's eye may bring good luck and protection from the evil eye to the wearer. Not that you need an excuse. This ring is amazing.

But history and myth and gemology are not the only things I think about when I am designing my rings. Like I said in earlier posts, when I am designing I think of every woman. The rings above represent very different styles of the same statement ring. The black onyx one on the top is all about the bling, while the tiger's eye one at the end, is like a small piece of wearable art. Two very different feels, one
fantastic look!

Love Always

Dani K

Summer is almost over, so I wanted to do a post on one of the great gemstones of summer: Coral.

Even though it's not really a gemstone (chemically it is similar to the pearl), coral is the "stone" of the sea. It is also one of the most ancient gems, having been used since prehistoric times. Coral ornaments have been unearthed in tombs dating from 500BC. Ancient Chinese cultures used them to signify wealth and power, and oftentimes the emperors wore red coral in their belts and headdresses. In Ancient Rome, it was a custom to hang red coral from the necks of children to protect them from harm. This is how we get to the coral jewelry we wear today.
Coral comes in a ranges of colors, with red and pink being some of the most popular for jewelry designs. The two pieces I'm showing today illustrate this last point. The earrings are very much pink while the ring is very much orange. It is usually cut into bead or cabochons for use in the jewelry design trade, and its organic characteristics inspire what some call a natural or even summery look.

Although coral has been historically used by many cultures for it's healing properties, it is still used today for the same purposes. It is said to help keep harmony, relieve tension and reduce fear. These are all very good reasons to wear coral jewelry year round, but I love coral because it has, from a design viewpoint, a lot of versatility. Coral can appear, depending on the design of the piece, exotic, elegant, natural, earthy classic or ethnic. In the earrings below, you can clearly see that this is an elegant and timeless piece, with the coral adding a splash of modern color and texture.

If you prefer smaller pieces or are still afraid to wear a lot of color, the ring below is an option so you can at least have some coral in your jewelry box. The coral ties in perfectly with the theme, looking very natural and earthy, without loosing that touch of femininity. The diamonds take this piece from day to night in a flash, making this a very versatile ring.

Coral is much softer than other gemstones, so you do have to treat it with extreme care. Be careful around hot water, perfumes and chemicals, as coral is porous and may change in texture or color. Coral should always be stored properly, and protected from scratches or blows. Cleaning it is very simple, just wipe with a clean damp cloth, dry and store to keep its unique qualities.

Hope you are enjoying your summer. Here in Miami it seems to last forever, so don't forget to keep cool and hydrated.

Love Always

Dani K

Hello my gems and July birthday babies! Hope you had a great holiday, and are enjoying the summer. For this month's birthstone we have the ruby and all of its super interesting myth and power, which were actually very influential to me when I was choosing my jewelry look for my wedding a month ago.

For this special ocassion I wore a ruby and diamond choker worn as a crown around my chignon, and diamond solitaire earrings. I went with rubies because they are the gem of passion and love, and because the ruby is the most prized gem. Here is a close-up of the gems I chose for wedding look and everything you would ever need to know about the "king of gems", the ruby.

Pigeons blood rubies in diamonds in
perfect harmony in this gorgeous choker by
Daniella Kronfle Jewelry

These "Illusion" diamonds studs
are the best complement for the choker.

Aren't they all sooo gorgeous? Loved having this special gem on such a special day. This is one of the reasons I love jewels. We can remember meaningful time we have had by the jewels we had on, or given as a gift they can be a forever reminder of a beautiful experience. But now back to one of my favorite gems to work with, the ruby, which was the only gemstone I could use when I was designing these glamourous pieces below.

Gorgeous pieces in rubies and diamonds:
These beautiful earrings and drop style
necklace are handmade in 18kt white gold

The history of Ruby mining dates back more than 2,500 years ago. The most beautiful crystals are thought to be from Burma, but quality Rubies are also found in India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States.

Ruby from Tanzania

The word Ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red. It is a variety of the mineral Corundum, and is found as crystals within metamorphic rock. Corundum is the second hardest mineral, after Diamond. It comes in a variety of colors, and is considered a Sapphire in any color except red, which is designated as a Ruby. Rubies range in hue from an orangey red to a purplish red, but the most prized gems are a true red in color. Large sized Rubies are very rare and valuable.

Called the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems by ancient Hindus, July's birthstone is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil. It was thought to grow darker when peril was imminent, and to return to its original color once danger was past—provided it was in the hands of its rightful owner!

Ruby engagement ring. Very in right now.

Rubies were thought to represent heat and power. Ancient tribes used the gem as bullets for blowguns, and it was said that a pot of water would boil instantly if a Ruby was tossed into it. Ground to powder and placed on the tongue, this crystal was used as a cure for indigestion.

It has been said that the Ruby's red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished, making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love. With its hardness and durability, it is a perfect engagement gem. And if worn on the left hand, ancient lore has it that the Ruby will bring good fortune to its wearer, too! Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby's rich color speaks of love and passion.

Fabulous earrings in rubies and
shiny diamonds. Handmade as
always in 18kt white gold

I love working with rubies because today they are not used very often, making them very special and unique. For those of you born in July, this gemstone represents devotion, integrity, courage and happiness. It is also supposed to signify vitality, confidence and strengths, all great qualities to have a jewelry piece.

Love Always
Dani K