Fashion Life

History shows that emeralds have been worn by some of the most influential women in time, like Jackie Onassis Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II, just to name a couple. Our search takes us a little further back in time, to some of the biggest and boldest emerald pieces known to man.

The Chalk Emerald

The superb clarity and color of the Chalk Emerald ranks it among one of the world’s finest Colombian emeralds. This 37.8-carat emerald exhibits the velvety deep green color that is highly prized. According to legend, the Chalk Emerald was once the centerpiece of an emerald and diamond necklace belonging to a Maharani of the former state of Baroda, India. It originally weighed 38.4 carats, but was recut and set in a platinum and gold ring designed by Harry Winston, Inc., where it is surrounded by 60 pear-shaped diamonds totaling 15 carats. It was donated to the Smithsonian by Mr. and Mrs. O. Roy Chalk in 1972 and is on display in the Gem Gallery at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.

Diadem of the Duchess of Angoulême Marie Thérèse of France

The history of this exquisite tiara is almost as complicated as that of its famous owner, the Duchess of Angouleme. It’s value is immense not only because of the exceptional stones used for its creation but also because of the fact it is one of the few pieces of jewelry of the period that remain in their original state.

This tiara was commissioned in 1819 by Louis-Antoine, the Duke of Angouleme for his wife Marie-Therese, the Duchess of Angouleme. According to Bernard Morel’s masterpiece “Les Joyaux de la Couronne de France” (Crown Jewels of France), pictured below. The final work on the tiara was completed in late 1819 or early 1820. After a long list of owners the diadem finally became the property of the Louvre Museum, where it is displayed today.

The Moghul Emerald

Indian culture has a long tradition of appreciating gems and jewelry, and emeralds were no exception. The rulers of India were passionate about the green gem which was supposed to bring good luck. One of the most unique artifacts from India is the Moghul Emerald. Dating from 1695, The Moghul Emerald is a 217.80 carat square gem which was carved on both sides. The front side features an elegant Arabic script with a Shi’a Muslim prayer. On the reverse is a naturalistic floral carving design of a rosette surrounded by poppies. As the Moghul rulers were Sunni Muslim, the carved emerald talisman is not thought to have belonged to the Emperor himself, but rather to one of his officers. The gem itself is believed to have been mined in Colombia. It was sold at auction by Christie’s of London in 2001 for $2.2 million.

The Guinness Emerald Crystal

The Guinness Emerald Crystal was discovered in the Coscuez emerald mines. It is one of the largest gem-quality emerald crystals in the world—1759 carats—and is the largest emerald crystal in the collection of emeralds belonging to the Banco Nacionale de la Republica in Bogota, Colombia.

The Seringapatam Jewels

One of the most breathtaking suites of emerald jewelry in existence is the Seringapatam Jewels, which is housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in England. The ornate set consists of a necklace, brooch, bracelet, and pair of drop earrings created from emeralds, diamonds, gold, and platinum. The emeralds were originally a reward given to British Major-General George Harris, following a victory at the Battle of Seringapatam in India in 1799. The emeralds remained in the family, and were eventually set into the spectacular suite of jewelry for the wife of the fourth Lord Harris, Lucy Ada. The gems were made into jewelry over a period of years, beginning with their marriage in 1874 and continuing until 1887.

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If you find yourself questioning whether the beautiful women on the street are regular Miami citizens or if there are thousands of models just wandering the streets, the answer is: both. Miami is home to models and fashion worshippers alike.

A Fashion Capital

Miami is a fashion capital for several reasons. It has warm weather year-round, it boasts luxury boutiques and designer stores galore, and it is known as an international center of commerce.

Miami may be teeming with fashionable people in all corners, but it’s fair to say that South Beach is the capital of this fashion capital. Home to hubs for every major worldwide modeling agency including Wilhelmina Models, Elite Model Management, and William Morris Agency, along with renowned local agencies like The Green Agency, Miami plays host to models from around the world who move here to pursue their dreams.

The tropical climate lends itself to the perfect backdrop for photo shoots for commercials, magazine editorials and fashion shows. Photographer Bruce Weber, who has shot for the likes of Vogue, W, Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair, to name a few, is enamored with Miami. He’s made it his home and shoots most of his photos here. He even filmed a short documentary about Liberty City titled Liberty City Is Like Paris To Me.

Designers and Influencers

Bruce Weber isn’t the only fashion bigwig to call Miami home. Most famously, Gianni Versace fell in love with Miami and transformed a 1930’s apartment building on Ocean Drive into his own ornate mansion in 1992. Gianni Versace was tragically murdered at that location in 1997 as he returned home from a nearby café where he read the Italian newspapers every morning. The shooting sadly cemented the location as a fashion lovers’ landmark where people regularly pay tribute to the much revered designer. Versace’s brand, now helmed by his sister Donatella, has since remained one of the top in the world. Today, the Versace Mansion is known as The Villa by Barton G, an upscale hotel, restaurant and venue. The intimate 30-seat dining room serves The Villa Martini, their signature drink, in a Versace martini glass.

Miami has played host to designers and influencers from afar who are drawn to its weather and trendy scene. It has also grown its own crop of talented fashion people, such as Lazaro Hernandez, a young Miamian who has made a huge splash on the fashion scene, earning one of the most esteemed awards in the industry, the Perry Ellis Award for new talent from the CFDA, for his label Proenza Schouler. Lazaro’s skyrocketing career was launched in 2000 at Miami International Airport when he ran into Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. He nervously slipped her a note on a napkin through the flight attendant and she hooked him up with a job at Michael Kors. The rest is history. Proenza Schouler is a hip, haute label that designs perfect looks for a Miami vacation. Its womenswear and accessories reflect Miami’s colorful, tropical vibe.

Alejando Ingelmo, of his eponymous shoe label, has shoe design in his blood dating back to his great-grandfather in Salamanca, Spain, but it was in Miami where Ingelmo was born and raised. Ingelmo’s shoes and accessories are architectural and beautiful, exhibiting a high level of craftsmanship.

High Fashion Shopping Destinations

The Webster Miami is a luxury boutique that resides in a 20,000-square-foot Art Deco building in Miami Beach. The Webster is run by two fashion veterans who cut their teeth at the likes of Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci and Jil Sander, and has grown into a destination of its own for stylists, editors and fashion insiders. The Webster is a mega-center of fashion on South Beach, housing nearly impossible to find brands like Balmain, as well as designer exclusives from Alexander Wang, ACNE, and Lisa Marie Fernandez.

Miami’s Design District has a crop of high-end designer boutiques all located within a few blocks of each other. Maison Martin Margiela is a must-see in this area, as much for the beautiful interior in classic Margiela style, a blend of avant-garde museum worthy and scientific, as for its clothes in the same style. Margiela’s “temporary” boutique has been in the location since 2010, and hopefully will find a permanent home there, making it only the third retail location in the United States. At Margiela, everything is worth a second look; a seemingly simple T-shirt is sure to have a hidden detail or two. Even the staff’s uniform is double-take worthy; they wear scientist cloaks, only amplifying the bizarre aesthetic the designer has made his own.

Other noteworthy stores in the Design District include En Avance, a boutique showcasing global designers including Yigal Azrouel and Robert Rodriguez and Marni, the eclectic Italian men’s and women’s fashion label. Another stop to make in the area is Nektar De Stagni, a concept boutique that collaborates with artists on projects and houses its own label of interesting and beautiful accessories with a Miami flair like Shark “Pearl” Earrings, genuine shark teeth coated in pearlescent enamel.

Pop-up Shops

Miami’s has some fashion staples, but it’s also home to loads of pop-up stores and fashion shows. Some of the best pop-ups happen during Art Basel in December, where designer Mara Hoffman collaborated with artists for a collection that featured bathing suits and beachwear. Another pop-up highlight of Basel 2011 was the Pringle of Scotland and Webster collaboration, showcasing a collaboration between Central Saint Martens, the esteemed London design school, and Pringle of Scotland. Miami’s fashion scene is a friendly and collaborative one; the pop-up shops continue to exhibit new and interesting concepts for ever curious fashionistas to talk about.

Fashion Weeks

Miami plays host to a worldwide showcase of fashion in three major fashion weeks: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, Miami Beach International Fashion Week and Funkshion Fashion Week. In July, March and October, respectively, there are major showcases of swimwear, international design, resort and lingerie happening throughout the city.

Malls

Of course, any major fashion city is going to have some stellar malls for the vacationing shopper. If you’re looking for brand names that rival the Champs Elysees and Manhattan’s 5th Avenue, try Bal Halbour Shops and Village of Merrick Park, both beautiful open-air malls with fine dining and shopping that includes labels like Chanel, Prada, Lanvin, Trina Turk, Burberry, Carolina Herrera and more. Another outdoor shopping stop is Lincoln Road, a strip of stores and eateries that includes everything from an independent bookstore to an antique market on Sundays. For a more all-American mall experience, there’s Dadeland, The Falls, and Sunset Place, where you’ll find shops like Zara, Macy’s, and The GAP.

There are plenty of places to find some steals too. Dolphin Mall is the largest shopping destination in Miami and a major bargain mall. Dolphin Mall is a “retail value shopping center” and a must-stop if you’re looking for some serious outlet digging including Banana Republic Factory Store, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, Lord & Taylor Outlet Store and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, just to name a few. Barneys CO-OP, a younger, fresher take on Barney’s located on Miami Beach, is an in for a lesser price point with the same fine curatorial taste as Barney’s.

There’s no shortage of style in Miami, the only problem with this fashionable warm weather city is that there isn’t really much opportunity to show off winter and fall styles… but is that really a problem?

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With 70s chains, body piercings and the 90s revival, this is our edit of the most out-of-the-ordinary jewelry seen on the runways of Menswear Fashion Week.

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One look at the getups on a sunny, Miami afternoon, and it’s clear – you’re in the swim fashion capital of the world. With panoramic views of bold hues and even bolder bikinis, Miami’s white-hot beaches could easily double as fashion-forward catwalks. But if you want the real thing, an actual white catwalk with lights, velvet roped and lists at the door, we’ve got that too. Miami Fashion Week, Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach, and Art Basel make a splash on the global fashion stage year-after-year. Between sparkling poolside soirees, world-renowned tradeshows, pop-up shops and nocturnal after parties, Miami’s fierce fashion scene never closes shop.

The Spring Spectacle

Miami Fashion Week

Each March, the Miami Beach Convention center welcomes Miami Fashion Week – an institution in international trendsetting. The influence of Miami Fashion Week reaches beyond the expected swimwear. As the longest running fashion week in the region, Miami Fashion Week turns out a staggering amount of Caribbean and Latin American designs in the evening wear, denim, jewelry, and children’s clothing departments. Miami Fashion Week’s Wedding Pavilion is an invaluable resource for brides-to-be, bridal buyers, or eager, early-planner types. General ticket prices start at $50 per show, whereas front row VIP treatment runs $500 a show and includes a backstage experience.

Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach

During the spring, bright, edgy patterns are in full bloom at Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach. This four-day event fuses music and fashion for one sizzling sartorial showcase. Funkshion’s tented exhibition runs parallel to, and only a few blocks from, Miami Fashion Week. Here, emerging designers receive unprecedented media exposure. Established labels like Chloé use the Funkshion platform to present their secondary collections, which tend to be more accessible and moderately priced. Music factors heavily into each runway presentation, as designers hand-select the DJ’s their models will walk to. Accompaniments often honor the artist’s origins — Latin America, New York, Milan, or Paris. Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach puts the purchasing power in the public’s hands, as entry to the shows are free and items on display are made immediately available in stores.

The Summer Set

SwimShow & LingerieShow

Also in late July, industry professionals dive into a sea of lifestyle attire at the SwimShow & LingerieShow inside the Miami Beach Convention Center. This 400,000 square foot exhibition features over 2,500 retailers in the resort, swim, lifestyle, and intimate apparel categories. Accessory designers round out the beach-goer look with summery shades and sandals while Maidenform and other leaders in lingerie offer alluring options for when the sun goes down. There’s a high-end section reserved for pricier labels like Nanette Lepore and Oscar de la Renta but sporty mainstays like Roxy, Body Glove and Oakley are also in the mix.

Fall Into Fashion

Jewelers International Showcase

The Jewelers International Showcase is the largest tradeshow of its kind. At any of its three shows, around 4000 jewelry buyers flood the Miami Beach Convention Center. The October show boasts the largest vendor attendance with some 1,200 booths flaunting hundreds of blinding baubles. Almost half of the retailers represent 50 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Unique to JIS, delivery is available right on the show floor, eliminating shipment time. Products usually hover in the mid-to-high price range, but competitively priced, everyday items are also on display.

Whimsical Winter Wear

Art Basel

On paper, it’s not a fashion event. But Art Basel makes a strong case for art’s influence on fashion and vice versa. Especially when luxurious labels – Chanel, Dior, Valentino – roll into Miami every December for this star-studded art fair and host extravagant themed parties that are harder to score tickets to than a White House affair. Famed fashion photographers like Terry Richardson and Bruce Weber mix-and-mingle with fans at book signings while fashion name brands like Net-a-Porter and Harper’s Bazaar offer attendees a rare, in-person shopping experience. Vogue, W, and Vanity Fair hijack the city’s galleries to host packed invite-only fetes, teaming with inventive Basel-goers – all vying for the attention of street style photographers with their outrageous street style. Where else would you see fashion superstars, Mickey Mouse shoes, graffiti and Prada sharing the spotlight at a single party?

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From the Taino cotton loincloths to the Chanel 2016 Show in Havana, dressing in Cuba has dramatically evolved in the last 500 years. However, traditionally drawn towards European and American styles, it has taken its time to adapt again to the island’s environment and weather. Furthermore, fashion in Cuba has suffered the influence of historic affairs; and the crucible of races and cultures that have shaped the island’s idiosyncrasy along its history, has also shaped the garments worn by its inhabitants.

The mild though often unstable climate of the Caribbean has set the tendency of its people to go light when it comes to clothing. As a matter of fact, the most primitive inhabitants of the Cuban archipelago, the Guanahatabey, wore almost nothing, while the most culturally advanced Ciboney and Taino, of Arawak stock, wore only cotton-woven loincloths and, in the case of women, short open skirts. All this changed abruptly when the first Spanish settlers began to colonize the region. The inherent puritanism of the Catholic Church dictated that the body should be fully covered, despite the high temperatures that dominate most of the year.

However, the pre-Baroque intricate garments worn by the first Spanish settlers soon proved unfitting for the country’s weather. Cotton and linen replaced wool and felt, and, as it happened with architecture, an inclination towards the more appropriate Andalusian styles overcame the dominant Castilian-court fashion. Furthermore, with the extermination of most of the Taino population –due to hard labor, despair, and European diseases—the introduction of African slaves brought also a tendency towards simpler, yet colorful and highly decorated garments. African patterns mingled with Andalusian, gypsy-like robes –mostly in the case of women– and the carnivalesque rumba dress, known as “Bata Cubana” was born.

Among the upper classes, however, the trend was more into European fashion, at least during the XVII, XVIII, and XIX centuries. French couture, along with Italian style, predominated in the country’s fancy ballrooms and elitist reunions. The ban upon non-Castilian settlers for the American colonies was lifted in the late 1700s, and the subsequent waves of Catalan, French and Italian immigrants brought a taste of Mediterranean exoticism.

It is during the XVIII century, however, that another piece of Cuban traditional garment supposedly appears. The cotton or linen shirt, known as Guayabera or Guayavera, consisting of an often white, pleated shirt with its iconic four pockets seems to be European in its origin –specifically Spanish– but in the New World it developed its typical shape. Based upon the traditional Spanish men’s undergarment, its complicated embroidery suited the shirt for special occasions, religious and folk festivals, weddings, etc. Closely related to the Mexican wedding shirt, the specific origin of the Guayabera is uncertain, though, and many legends and folk stories propose different possible explanations for its particular design.

The most plausible of these stories, however, explains both its name and birthplace. According to some, the origin of the Guayabera can be located in the area of Sancti Spiritus, in the former province of Las Villas, located in more or less the center of the island. In the mentioned town, a local museum exhibits very rare and old specimens of the shirt, together with more modern Guayaberas that have belonged to both local and nationwide personages. The museum itself is situated close to the town’s center, just by the river Yayabo putting an explanation of the name –Guayabera—which would have been originally called Yayabera –from the Yayabo River—but only after the name became meaningless for people abroad the province, it started confounding with its actual name due to the similarity with the word “guayaba” –guava. A legend even tells the shirt was designed in order to keep, in its pockets, as many guava fruits as possible.

Notwithstanding, the use of Guayabera spread across the country and, by the end of the XIX century, right after the Cuban Independence War, it had become, along with the Yarey straw hat, a national costume and a symbol of Cuban-ness worldwide. Nowadays, it may be seen, no matter the occasion, worn by government officials in State receptions or assemblies, by proud Cubans in national celebrations or family reunions, and/or by common people on their way to work.

Both the XX and XXI centuries have seen a decrease in the use of both the Guayabera and the Bata Cubana, aside from very special circumstances and/or picturesque representations. The upper classes and the youth have favored more western-like American fashion, even after the Cuban Revolution of 1959. During the years of Soviet influence in the island, between 1961 and 1991, however, the trend was more oriented towards Eastern Block manufacturers, by one side, and local solutions, by the other; the latter being clearly more appropriate for the Caribbean. Nevertheless, casual jeans and t-shirts have become the omnipresent daily garment for most Cubans, in spite of ages or gender.

Cuban fashion designers, by their side, have been periodically reinventing traditional dresses, sometimes with great doses of imagination, However, the lack of raw materials and the governmental policy of limiting and substituting importations, and even foreign influences, have been capital in the designers’ choices. But the sad truth is the people –and predominantly the young people– often prefer imported designs, despite it sometimes unfitting for the country’s climatic and cultural characteristics. Foreign mainstream media, however not having a direct presence in the island, together with tourism, and a certain contempt –among many of the youths for Cuban autochthonous culture, have sentenced the fate of traditional dresses, which only survive –as with old cars– as a picturesque product for tourists.

The sudden boom of Cuba in the world’s eye has, however, changed that scenario. Foreign designers are choosing Cuban motives for their newest collections, and Havana has become a fashionable place even for fashion shows and catwalks. Some of those designs have even revisited and reinterpreted some features of traditional dresses like the Bata Cubana and the Guayabera, and somehow the island has set a new trend for, mostly, European fashion. Cuban dress has taken from the world what beauty it had to offer. Now it’s time for Cuban dress to return some beauty and style to the world.

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We have talked about wearing pearl necklaces before, but we focused on casual outfits and pairing pearl necklaces with specific types of dresses, among others. Today we will take a look at the etiquette of wearing a pearl necklace in various everyday life contexts, including, of course, formal events, office days, date night and business meetings. Wearing a classic pearl necklace is a pride and a privilege for many women of all ages. Designers together with fashion experts cannot emphasize enough the fact that wearing pearls in this day and age has nothing to do with you looking like your grandma. On the contrary, your grandma would be proud, as pearls are indeed some of the most precious weapons in a woman’s arsenal of beauty and seduction.

Wearing a pearl necklace in a classy design can accompany any type of outfit – and it has to accompany certain outfits too. A mix of demure sophistication and glamorous modernity, a designer white Freshwater pearl necklace can look fabulous and modern if you pair it correctly with your clothes and other accessories. The beauty of pearl necklaces is that they can be worn every single day giving you a different look and attitude every single time. Whether you are into more classy combinations or modern-chic ones, it is indeed your best friend. Let’s take a look together at some tips, tricks, and rules of wearing a pearl necklace and rock every given occasion!

1. KNOW YOUR PEARLS

This goes without saying, but before fully embracing the miraculous sophistication of pearls, you should know them and learn everything you can about them. First and foremost, you need to play around with their color and hue, as pearls come in white, gray, pink, lavender, black and everything in between. The second thing you need to know is how to match pearls to the color of your skin, eyes, and hair. If you master these little tricks, you can further delve into choosing the best pearls for different outfits.

The classic single strand white Japanese Akoya pearl necklace is the accessory du jour to compliment and style up any types of outfits, be them formal, casual or elegant. A white pearl necklace is probably the most versatile piece of pearl jewelry, as it works well with all skin tones and personal fashion choices, allowing a myriad of styling options. White pearls are a classic, having been worn since the 15th While indeed associated with old Hollywood glam, fancy grandmothers, and weddings, we will see in a minute that a white pearl necklace can be the highlight of a formal business suit if worn correctly.
A pink pearl necklace plays on the romantic and bohemian side, highlighting the skin tone and hair of blonde women and ladies with light skin and hair tones. A pink pearl necklace goes well with softer, more romantic occasions, highlighting a woman’s femininity and soft side.

A lavender pink pearl necklace compliments women with darker skin tones and hair who want to add a dash of glamor to their outfits. Lavender pearls are elegant and sophisticated by definition – you need to pair them really well with your outfits, so they don’t clash with your clothes.
A black pearl necklace is the epitome of sophisticated, seductive elegance. Usually worn in formal occasions (black-tie events), they can compliment any evening gown, perfectly blending in the overall attire. They make a gorgeous contrast with lighter skin tones and hair colors and add a dash of mysterious appeal to ladies with darker skin tones and hair.

2. THE ETIQUETTE OF WEARING A PEARL NECKLACE

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. office days: If your day job requires formal attire such as suits, jackets, trousers and formal shoes, then your best option is a single strand white pearl necklace with a shorter length to complement a crew neck blouse, a buttoned shirt or a slim fit jacket. If you are the bolder type, you can also pick lavender or even golden South Sea pearl necklace. However, when pairing a pearl necklace to your outfit, make sure it’s understated enough not to make your outfit look busy. Also, make sure you never wear two pieces of pearl jewelry together, even if a casual office outfit with jeans allows you to wear an opera pearl necklace you can knot or overlay.
Casual-chic days: for everyday life activities such as errand running days, school days, casual gatherings with friends, visits and city breaks, a two-strand pearl necklace works great with jeans and sneakers, midi dresses paired with leather jackets or cardigans, casual sporty outfits and virtually anything that is not formal or high-end elegant. Young and modern ladies can also spice up their outfits with contemporary-chic pearl necklaces, such as a refined pearl pendant, a lariat necklace, a modern choker pearl necklace or even a stylish designer necklace such as an illusion pearl necklace in a bold color.

High-end formal events: your evening gown is the perfect canvas to paint on with a pearl necklace in a color that appeals to you the most. This is the right moment when you can step up your game and start wearing a pearl necklace, like a multi-strand pearl necklace, multicolored, styled up with a brooch or any of the modern, or chunky and massive pearl chokers that are all the rage right now. The rule here is to wear elegant but understated gowns and outfits in precious fabrics and solid colors to highlight an opera necklace or a massive pearl choker adorned with rhinestone or diamonds. If you want to wear a pearl set with necklace and earrings or bracelet, make sure these are the only jewelry pieces you have and the dress doesn’t clash with the pearls in model or An embellished dress asks for a more demure pair of pearl studs or a pearl bracelet. A monochrome dark dress goes well with either a classic white pearl necklace or a colored one.

3. EXTRA TIPS TO CONSIDER

If you prefer to wear pearls more on glamorous, elegant events and occasions, you should be aware that long pearl necklaces must be chosen in accordance with your body type. If you are busty, a 30-inch long pearl necklace may not flatter you at all. Longer pieces, above 36 inches long are the preferred choice as they make your body look longer and slimmer. Also, long necklaces can be worn with a loose knot or wrapped around your neck a few times to add more sophistication to your overall look.

Massive, statement pieces go extremely well with strapless dresses, off-shoulder ones, spaghetti strapped dresses and crew neck blouses or dresses as long as the gown’s fabric is a solid one and doesn’t present patterns or other embellishments.

Wearing a pearl necklace is possible for any given occasion. Everything you need to worry about is choosing the right one for you depending on your skin tone and hair color, body type and your favorite occasions to wear it.

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Generally speaking, it isn’t a great idea to travel abroad or go on a vacation with your diamond jewelry but I know there are times when you want to. So, if you’re a new owner of a piece of diamond jewelry and intend to bring them along with you on your honeymoon or business travel, what are things you can do to keep them safe?

Things You Can Do Before You Travel

When you’re going to travel with valuables, never skimp on buying a suitable insurance policy to cover them. This is the best guarantee you can have in any eventualities where you may lose your jewelry.

Obviously, you need to acquaint yourself with the correct type of insurance policies that cover losses during travel. Now, I want to highlight that the majority of basic travel insurance don’t cover huge jewelry claims and you may need a separate policy to do that. If you are unsure, spend some time to do research or call up your agent to clarify details.

For overseas travel, I think it is good practice to create a list of jewelry items you intend to bring along. Duplicate a copy of that list and pack it together with your belongings. Next, you should take pictures or short videos of your jewelry and keep them in your camera. These will come in handy in the event you need proof of identification.

Tips For Being Street Smart And Carrying Jewelry Around

For your own safety, you probably want to apply some common sense in the things you do while traveling abroad.

Obviously, you want to avoid wearing jewelry in public areas during flight transits and at your destination. You see, there’s no better way to be attracting people’s (including robbers) attention when you adorn flashy jewelry at the airport or out on the street in a foreign place.

Next, do not keep expensive jewelry in the checked-in luggage when using public means of transport like air-flights. Security guidelines may require your luggage to be inspected and this puts your jewelry at risk of theft. Instead, place them in a hand luggage which you can carry around in person.

It is also a good idea to keep your jewelry in a carryall case specially built for storing jewelry. I recommend investing in a jewelry box with storage compartments that can pad loose items during movement. This can prevent scratches and dents since it prevents your jewelry pieces from coming into contact with each other.

Beware Of Leaving Valuables In Hotels

Having loose jewelry lying around in the hotel room is simply begging for it to be stolen. Statistics show this is the most common reason for stuff to go missing because of dishonest hotel staff.

When you check-in at a hotel, ask whether they have a facility for safe-storage. This could either be an in-room safe or a security box at the reception. Use these secure methods to deposit your valuables before you leave the hotel room.

If secure storage isn’t available, you are better off carrying your precious items with you instead of leaving them in the room. I want to reiterate: never leave valuables in your hotel room unattended.

Remember, hotel cleaning staffs have access to your room when you’re not around. Door security can also easily be compromised if thieves believe there are prized items in the room.

Leave It At Home And Save All The Troubles

Unless you absolutely have to bring your jewelry along for events or special occasions, the best advice I would give is to leave them at home when you travel. There’s really no need to expose yourself to unnecessary risks in a foreign land.

While you are away from home, here are tips for safekeeping your jewelry.

– You may want to suspend newspaper deliveries and get a neighbor to help you clear your mailbox daily. Having newspaper strewn at your doorstep is essentially the same as a broadcast to tell everybody no one’s home. Also, announcing to the whole world on Facebook that you are going away on a vacation isn’t a smart idea too. Tech savvy thieves can easily glean and exploit such information when choosing targets.

– Choose a safe and an inconspicuous place in your house to keep your jewelry. In the event a burglar breaks into your house, the first place that thieves will check would be your dressing drawer, jewelry box and other obvious places in the bedroom. A fire proof safe that is firmly installed into a wall makes it really hard for thieves to get away with your valuables.

– I know this may sound weird. Based on police investigations and past statistics, many owners admitted to making things easy for the thieves to get their way. Simple things like forgetting to latch a window’s lock or leaving spare keys on the outer premises were actually the common causes of burglaries!

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Classic style affairs between Liz and Bulgari, Grace and Rolex.

Take it from these extremely stylish women: The key to looking timeless is a classic timepiece. Iconic watches like the Rolex Datejust look as contemporary today as they did decades ago, underscoring the impressive staying power of a good time-teller. Below, Hollywood legends and stylish royals who have come to be associated with a classic watch. Each offers visual proof that sleek lines with a touch of glamour are always chic (a few styles included here are more than 100 years old).

1. Verdura + Greta Garbo

It’s hard to top a legend like Fifth Avenue jeweler Verdura. Funded in part by Cole Porter and Vincent Astor in the late 1930s and headed by designer and society man-about-town Fulco Verdura, these spectacular creations have gone on to acquire almost mythical status among the world’s fashionable elite. The brand’s classic yellow gold “Curb Link” watch was designed for Greta Garbo (seen wearing it in 1941) and crafted to be supremely comfortable, allowing the actress to wear it regularly for decades.

2. Van Cleef & Arpels + the Duchess of Windsor

Prince Edward, the Duke of Windsor, commissioned Van Cleef & Arpels to create a number of h istorically important items for Wallis Simpson, The Duchess of Windsor. The Ruby Cadenas timepiece, whose design was said to be overseen by the Duke himself in 1935, recently returned to the house’s collection, further cementing the official relationship between woman and brand.

3. Cartier + Catherine Deneuve

The recognizable shape of the Cartier Baignoire helps give the watch its name; it translates literally to mean “bath,” a la its oval face. The style, created in 1906, matches actress Catherine Deneuve’s timeless Parisian style perfectly. Prior to the actress’ adoption of the style, the house had been an exclusive jeweler known only to those well-heeled enough to be a customer; with the popularization courtesy of Deneuve, it morphed into more of a global luxury brand.

4. Rolex + Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, is still famous for her flawless style. Equal parts Philadelphia pedigree, Hollywood glamor, and European royalty, she’s a triple threat of unbeatable iconic status. Her watch of choice, the Rolex Lady-Datejust, was introduced in 1957 as a scaled-down version of the brand’s sporty chronometer. The men’s original was intended for diving, climbing, and exploring; it’s easy to imagine the women’s style was crafted for women like the princess who needed a watch for seaside vacations. That mix of elegance and sport is still coveted by those looking to echo her classic vibe.

5. Bulgari + Elizabeth Taylor

The use of snakes in jewelry dates back to ancient times and has roots in almost every culture and religion on earth. It also serves as creative inspiration for Italian jeweler Bulgari (the brand has been incorporating serpents into their designs since the 1940s). The coiled Serpenti watch, gifted to and worn by Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Cleopatra in 1962, hasn’t let go of its sartorial hold since Taylor—her personal life in the spotlight due to the beginnings of a rampant affair with Richard Burton—made it famous.

6. Piaget + Elizabeth Taylor

Introduced in 1957, the Piaget Altiplano is best known for its precise, ultra-thin movement. Glamorous stone dials are also a hallmark of the brand, with a new opal and diamond Altiplano style similar to the one worn by the mega-star while vacationing with Richard Burton in Sardinia in August 1967. (That Taylor, a renowned jewelry lover, should make the list twice ought to come as no surprise).

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Today’s jewelers have access to an astounding variety of metals in different colors. While options such as platinum and palladium are becoming more popular, gold is always a fantastic choice. Learning about the differences between yellow gold vs. rose gold vs. white gold rings is a great way to narrow down your options when deciding which metal to choose for the jewelry that ultimately represents the love in your life. Here, we take a closer look at different types of gold with the goal of helping you to make a well-informed decision.

Yellow Gold

While we often think of yellow gold as being pure, the yellow gold used for rings is an allow made by combining pure gold with metals such as zinc and copper. As with other gold colors, the higher the karat amount, the higher the actual gold content, but the less durable the piece of jewelry is. Therefore, 18K or 14K gold is used for wedding and engagement rings. This gives them a beautiful golden hue while helping them to stand up against the demands of everyday wear.

Yellow gold looks nice on anyone, but is particularly beautiful when contrasted with olive and darker skin tones. It looks less impressive on pale to rose skin tones, meaning white or rose gold might be a better choice for someone with fair skin.

Some other considerations to keep in mind when comparing yellow gold with rose gold and white gold is that yellow gold, particularly high-karat yellow gold, can be easily scratched and dented. It needs to be cleaned and polished regularly.

Yellow gold ring settings look fantastic for all kinds of wedding and engagement rings, and make a lovely choice for modern and vintage-inspired styles. It is historically the most popular metal for wedding and engagement rings, and as it is the most malleable, or easiest for jewelers to manipulate, it is also a good choice for rings that may have to be resized at a later date.

White Gold

The main difference between yellow gold and white gold is that white gold is an alloy of gold and a white metal such as palladium, manganese, or nickel. Like yellow gold, white gold’s purity is defined in karats. White gold rings often contain nickel, which provides the strength needed for a durable setting that lasts.

If you like the look of platinum but want to spend a little less, white gold is a fantastic choice. When comparing white gold vs. yellow gold, white gold is stronger and more durable, meaning it is less susceptible to scratching and denting. Like all precious metals used for rings, white gold requires some maintenance. Cleaning and polishing is a must, and this metal needs to be dipped every few years in order to retain luster and color. This service is inexpensive; in fact, many jewelers offer it for free.

On the downside, white gold that contains nickel can cause allergic reactions in some people with sensitive skin. If you have a nickel allergy and want to wear white gold, you will need to choose jewelry made with a nickel-free alloy.

White gold has a cool, sophisticated gleam. When you look at white gold vs. rose gold and yellow gold, you’ll find that it looks nice with all skin tones, but is particularly complementary to fair and rosy skin tones. If you are looking for rings that complement olive or darker skin tones, consider yellow gold or rose gold.

Rose Gold

Next, let’s take a look at rose gold vs. yellow gold vs. white gold. Rose gold is a gold and copper alloy that is sometimes referred to as red gold or pink gold. As it was popular in Russia at the turn of the nineteenth century, was once commonly referred to as Russian Gold, although the term is rarely heard these days.

Like yellow gold and white gold, rose gold is a very popular choice for rings. Though it is seen less often, it is gaining popularity, particularly among people who want their wedding and engagement rings to have a unique, romantic look. Rose gold works well in all types of settings but is particularly appealing in vintage-inspired engagement rings and wedding rings. It can be combined with white or yellow gold to create a unique multi-colored setting that appeals to the wearer’s artistic side.

Durability is another consideration to keep in mind when comparing rose gold vs. yellow gold vs. white gold. Incredibly, this softly romantic colored gold is the strongest of the three, as copper is very sturdy and the resulting alloy is tougher than yellow or white gold. On the downside, copper can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and is not considered to be a hypo-allergenic metal. If shopping for someone with very sensitive skin, yellow gold may be your best choice.

If her style leans toward classic or vintage looks, she may prefer rose or yellow gold.
Rose gold is a fantastic choice for people with warm skin tones as well as for those with cooler skin tones. The rose color stands out beautifully against pale skin, however it might not look as lovely as yellow gold does against darker skin tones. If your skin tone changes seasonally, rose gold might be a great choice.

Additional Considerations

Now that you know the basics concerning white gold vs. yellow gold vs. rose gold, there are a few other things to consider before beginning the actual process of shopping for wedding rings or an engagement ring.

• Type of jewelry recipient prefers – Some people simply prefer the look of one type of metal over another. If a woman has a tendency to wear a lot of white gold, for example, it is likely that she will appreciate a white gold engagement ring over one in rose or yellow gold. If she likes to mix things up with different colored jewelry, a ring that combines different colors might be in order.
• Recipients Lifestyle – Women with very active lifestyles often prefer jewelry that offers some durability. Remember that white gold and rose gold are strongest, while yellow gold is most susceptible to scratches, dings, and dents.
  Recipient’s Sense of Style – If the ring’s wearer is always on trend, it’s likely that she will appreciate a ring in white gold rather than rose or yellow gold, as this is the most popular color. On the other hand, if her style leans toward classic or vintage looks, she may prefer rose or yellow gold.
• Type of Stones – If you are going with white diamonds, you’ll find they look lovely in setting made with all three types of gold. Fancy colored diamonds and colored stones often look best in rose or yellow gold settings, although some, such as sapphires, look absolutely magnificent in white gold settings.
• Price – Finally, price is a consideration. Regardless of budget, you really do want to get the best quality you can afford. As it turns out, yellow, white and rose gold have their pros and cons, and all are available in affordable settings. Yellow gold vs. white gold prices vary by actual gold content, as do white gold vs. rose gold prices. Armed with the details we’ve provided, you’ll find it is easier to make a well-informed decision.

Whether you prefer white, yellow, or rose gold, you’ll find all types at Brilliance, where engagement rings and wedding rings are our specialty. With incredible pre-set options plus a free interactive tool for designing your own custom wedding and engagement rings, you’ll find that comparing different styles and gold colors is fun and simple, with options to suit every budget.

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After a week of being inundated with some of the world’s most fabulous jewelry at the Las Vegas trade shows, it’s not easy to come back down to earth.

I’m embarking on the process gradually, my first step being to pick my favorite jewelry looks from Sunday night’s Tony Awards show.

Overall, the jewelry styling seriously lacked in creativity, but the evening was redeemed by a few stellar vintage and antique jewelry moments.

Here are the pieces that stood out among an otherwise demure group of necks, wrists, fingers and ears.

Cynthia Nixon in Fred Leighton

Actress Cynthia Nixon took home a Tony award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for “The Little Foxes” and likely gave back this Fred Leighton 18-karat yellow gold and diamond necklace from the 1950s after playing dress-up for the night.

If I was her, I’d attempt to trade the statue for the necklace but that’s why I write about jewelry for a living—I have a one track mind when it comes to diamonds and gems.

She also sported Fred Leighton yellow gold and diamond rings, not pictured.

Rachel Bay Jones in Cadar

Rachel Bay Jones was a vision in 18-karat yellow gold and diamond jewels from Cadar.

The actress wore the Couture Design Award-winning brand’s ring, bracelet and earrings, as she claimed an award for Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in “Dear Evan Hansen,” the most celebrated Broadway show of the night.

Uma Thurman in Fred Leighton

Brava to Uma Thurman for delivering exactly the type of bejeweled drama worthy of the biggest night on Broadway.

Thurman was at the Tonys to present and kept her outfit toned down, which made her statement Fred Leighton jewels stand out all the more.

She wore a dazzling 19th century amethyst rivière and cross pendant, accompanied by a 19th century diamond star bracelet and Edwardian three-stone diamond and platinum ring, not pictured.

Sarah Paulson in Irene Neuwirth

Those waiting for their Irene Neuwirth awards show red carpet fix weren’t disappointed. The always impeccably attired Sarah Paulson wore a pair of Neuwirth earrings that complimented her white lace Rodarte gown.

Set in 18-karat rose gold, the earrings featured rose-cut rainbow moonstone, accented with diamond pave.

Condola Rashad in Fred Leighton

Not to sound like a broken record but, clearly, Fred Leighton had a bit of a monopoly on Sunday night’s best jewelry looks.

Case in point is actress Condola Rashad, who was nominated in the Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play category for her role in “A Doll’s House, Part 2.”

Rashad sported a veritable stash of Leighton treasure, the most prominent being her 18-karat yellow gold pendant earrings with diamond and black enamel, which complimented her gold-embellished hairstyle.

Jenna Lyons in Buccellati

Jenna Lyons made headlines when she parted ways with J. Crew this year, but it seems the designer won’t be shrinking away from public view.

Lyons loves her loungewear, and I adore how she paired her robe with exquisite Buccellati jewels.

Lyons piled on 18-karat yellow and white gold diamond cuffs and rings accented with diamonds, and topped off her entire look with a show-stealing 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace, which retails for $145,000.

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