Random Jewels
Did you know?
Burmese rubies are the finest and most exquisite in colour. They fetch a price much higher than rubies mined elsewhere!
The Jewel Box Burmese rubies with diamonds
Just for laughs…
The three rings of marriage are the engagement ring, the wedding ring and the suffering
The Jewel Box bridal ring with baguette diamonds in 18k white gold
A gem for thought!
Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Seize the day, persevere through hard moments because you will be rewarded at the end of the day!
Jewellery Must-haves!
Colour, wackiness and fun!
Follow this essential tip and you will never go wrong.
Over the past months, we have seen fashion runways decked in citrus bright hues with the Jill Sander runway pleasantly surprising the audience with bold usage of colours like lemon, neon pink and electric green. Raf Simons, its creative director explains “The idea of couture for me is the uniqueness and the uniqueness here is the colour”
So with colourful clothing, you absolutely need to have jewellery in colourful blocks. Try jewellery with gemstones in different colour tones like red rubies and green sapphire set together in a ring or blue tanzanites and green tourmalines on a neckpiece. Colour is key.
The Jewel Box Pearl Ring
Apart from colour, we have the blossoming of flower accessories such as nature-inspired rings. Flowers be it lilies and roses, mark the season of spring and summer and bring out a feminine touch of flirty-fun and sweetness. The Jewel Box has a between-the-finger ring in 18k white gold and diamonds with black and gold pearls. This uniquely shaped ring complements the season’s fashion style with the mix of flower motifs and different colours.
According to an article in Harper’s Bazaar June 2011, they cite fashion leaders putting on quirky, non-subtle prints at the recent fall shows 2011. Examples include Celebrity editor Anna Dello Russo with Prada Baroque monkeys and Charlotte Olympia holding a banana clutch. Fashion styles are moving towards a mix of loud colours and fun prints like never before.
The Jewel Box amber earrings in 18k gold
So if you want to ride along with this fashion bandwagon, The Jewel Box has a few suggestions for you. You can consider The Jewel Box earrings that slightly resemble a bee’s honeycomb. They are amber earrings in 18k gold with round brilliant diamonds as shown on the left, definitely a perfect pair to add a touch of eclectic fun.
The Jewel Box jade earrings
If you tire of flowers, why not try The Jewel Box jade earrings in the shape of leaves. Still nature inspired but with a twist and in a deep green colour. A combination of nature and quirky; You’d be ahead of everyone in terms of fashion 
Jewellery, a worthy investment for life?
Jewellery and Investment.
These are two words that may not strike a harmonious chord in your heart. For many, jewellery is commonly associated with fashion, trends, accessories while investment may be associated with money, wealth managers, funds etc. With that, you would think that both are entirely different in nature but if you take a closer look, you’d find that jewellery and investment do indeed overlap!
One example of how they overlap can be illustrated by fine jewellery comprising gold. With the value of gold steadily increasing from approximately USD 300 per oz in 1992 to approximately USD 1539 per oz in June. The value of jewellery has also correspondingly increased in proportion to the amount of gold it contains. So then, it actually does seem like a good investment monetary-wise.
On the contrary, this issue for some is debatable. Money Week, the UK’s best selling financial magazine stands on the side that jewellery definitely should not be bought as an investment. They cite how jewellers often mark up the prices of jewellery over the actual gold content or precious metal value. The initial amount that you pay for the jewellery is sometimes not justified by the resale value.
However, that being said, not everyone buys jewellery with the aim of reselling in mind. If your piece of jewellery is made of high quality diamonds and precious metals, it has a value stored and retained. The true worth of your metals and stones is definitely encapsulated. Also, when we think of investment, it is not always about the dollars and cents. For us, it revolves around the highest utility, the joy and delight upon its purchase!
Take for example, a young man buys a diamond engagement ring for his fiancée. He invests money in a ring which he knows will “buy over” his wife who is able to be his companion and lover for life. We are not saying that money can absolutely buy happiness, but it definitely has a part to play. The ring marks a lifetime of commitment and love, definitely a worthy investment in our opinion. The symbols and connotations attached to jewellery, albeit exaggerated by the media, still retains a traditional fairy-tale like romance and charm to it; something all women dream of from time to time!
And when women buy jewellery, it is all about the beauty and touch of fashion. Nobody wears jewellery to look ugly. And with that, the amount spent on the piece brings about satisfaction like no other when a woman feels gorgeous like royalty. The money spent in this case is a worth-while investment for ladies who take pride in looking and feeling good.
Furthermore, these jewellery pieces can also be passed down across generations as family heirlooms and can carry a meaning and tradition that no one else can. Such is the value that can be tagged to fine jewellery. It is an exclusive luxury with an ability to tell stories about the past and the people who owned it.
As such Jewellery plays a multi-purpose role. It is an advocate of beauty, meaning and love. That over money, is the greater investment one can have.
Men and Jewellery
They say men who wear earrings make good husbands. For one, they have experienced pain and secondly, they have bought jewellery. Well, if that is a measurement towards finding a good husband, it may not be too hard to find one after all. With men increasingly taking a liking to jewellery, men and jewellery have become all too common. Gone are the days whereby it is taboo for men to wear them.
David Beckham with ear studs (taken from (taken from living.oneindia.in/)
In the past decade, there has been a rising popularity of jewellery among men. Such men were not always positively associated, as in the cases of homosexuals who had single ear piercings on their left ear lobe. These men used jewellery as a form of communication to send out statements that they had freedom over their choices. Other than that, we have male celebrities like Kanye West and David Beckham seen in ear studs, punk rock singers wearing silver rings, leather strapped bracelets and the hip hop wannabes clad with their “bling”. The most common jewellery associated with men would be cuff-links and tie pins. With those, males are able to maintain a look of masculinity yet add on a touch of glistening finish to their look. Jewellery has now become a fashion accessory and a form of status and identity. It serves as a platform for the expression of male individuality.
Pirates of the Carribean: Johnny Depp seen with rings, beads and bracelets (taken from filmofilia.com)
However, men and jewellery did not start out only recently. In fact, they go way back to primitive tribal times where jewellery was sometimes made of wood, stone and ivory. Vaguely remember cavemen scenes in movies where they would wear necklaces with animal’s teeth? Jewellery then was viewed with significant cultural meanings. Different gemstones were also thought to be able to dispel evil thoughts, unwarranted anger and to give serenity. Superstitious tribesmen wore them to guard themselves and to boost prosperity. Apart from wearing those stones, certain tribes adopted jewellery styles such as enlarged ear lobes. Archaeologists discovered a mummified corpse in Australia in 1991 with ears enlarged and pierced.
Besides the tribes, the Egyptian men were also famous for their jewellery. They often used stones to adorn their breastplates, wristbands and gold headbands. They were rather extravagant with their jewellery for it was a sign of prestige and power. Sailors were another group who wore them. Many had pierced ears with studs made out of gold or silver in studs or hoops. Some believed that it was to be taken as a form of payment for those who buried them if they were to be found after shipwreck. It was also said that it marked the achievement of having sailed around the world. Whatever it may have been, jewellery and men started a long time ago.
It is interesting to see how jewellery has evolved over time and how men never fail to put them on no matter the reason. Time has proven that jewellery is meant to be embraced and they are not only meant for the women. So to all the men out there, don some jewellery today!
Jewellery to match!
Be it for work, a casual breakfast appointment, or a cocktail party, a woman needs an assortment of jewellery. Some women like jewellery that is versatile and classy, one they can never tire of. However, there is a time and place for everything. Perhaps splashes of colour and quirky designs are befitting when the occasion calls.
At work, you’d probably like to keep things minimal. Diamond ear studs or perhaps Tahitian pearls to exude sophistication and elegance. The key to office jewellery is simplicity and comfort. A glistening touch can serve to refresh your look as you work those long hours every day.
Tagua nut ring in 18k rose gold with round brilliant diamonds
For the “jeans and tee” women, we understand that casual is your style. What better way to match your look than to don on something from our Vintage or Theme Collections. The Vintage Collection comprises rose cut diamonds in 18k gold. The flat cut of the diamonds add a “rough it out feel” to the jewellery; Perfect for those who want their jewellery different. Part of the Theme Collection, we have the chikka ringscarved out of a South American Tagua nut. Exquisitely handicrafted and encrusted with a diamonds, these rings bring out the best in any casual outfit.
Of course, for the parties and social events, go for the humongous cocktail rings adorned with coloured gemstones such as rubies, emeralds and sapphires! Flirty and fun, you’d steal the limelight of the night. If you don’t fancy those, why not try something unconventional. As mentioned in the previous post, there are gems by the names of Kunzites, Morganites and the like. These parties are the time to stand out from the crowd. Dare to put on unusual stones in loud colours.
And for the formal events such as weddings and red-carpet-like ballroom glam, it is time for the unique neckpieces that are slightly chunkier and more elaborate. At The Jewel Box, we call these jewellery masterpieces. They are bigger pieces designed to take your breath away.
Whatever the occasion, whatever type of dressing you love; there is always the suitable jewellery to match. Need some advice? The Jewel Box is always here for you!
Unconventional Gems
The search for unique jewellery is on the rise. With that comes the sourcing of special stones. Apart from emeralds, sapphires and rubies, women are increasingly taking a liking to other precious stones such as Kunzites, Tanzanites, Morganites, Onyx and the blue topaz. These stones have a hidden beauty waiting to be unearthed and discovered.
The Jewel Box's Kunzite ring with Diamonds
The Kunzite is a pink gem variety of the mineral Spodumene and was first discovered in the United States. It got its name from George Kunz, jeweller and gem specialist, who discovered the stone. The pink hues of the stone change colour when you look at it from different angles, sometimes appearing violet or colourless. The Jewel Box has a kunzite stone in a unique 3d setting as part of our collection. The pink hues of the stone, together with the diamonds make it a ring absolutely irresistible.
Often associated with the kunzite, we have the Morganite, This stone has a pastel pink hue and was found in California. Its name was derived from JP Morgan, a customer of Kunzite founder George Kunz. Morganite is a variety of beryl and the presence of manganese in the beryl will lead to a richer pink hue. The colours of both Kunzite and Morganite have a calming effect to sooth stress-related problems.
The other stone by the name of Tanzanite is found only in one place and that is the East African state of Tanzania, of which it got its name. Initially, it was named “blue Zoisite” but due to its close resemblance to the word suicide, “Tanzanite” was chosen as its name. Legend says that once a fire across grassland caused brown stones to turn violet blue. Cattle Herders found these stones and were their first collectors. Tanzanites have to be heated for the original orange brown to turn colour.
Besides these, there is the oynx which is a black chalcedony quartz. Onyx means claw or nail and is a stone popular with the Greeks and Romans. Myths say that cupid once used an arrow to snip of the fingernails of Venus. These black stones are a result of the clippings which fell to earth. This stone is popularly used as a backdrop for colour play in jewellery.
The Jewel Box's blue topaz in 18k white gold with round diamonds
On top of that, there is the blue topaz which is an alternative to blue aquamarine. Topaz originally exists as amber gold or peach coloured and some say it got its name from the Sanskrit word “tapas” which means fire. New to our collections, The Jewel Box houses a pair of blue topaz earrings in 18k white gold. Suitable radiation and heating processes have turned the topaz blue, a gorgeous shade to complement fair skin.
George Elliot once said “These gems have life in them, their colours speak, say what words fail of”. With the colours and stories so vibrant and attractive, it’s no wonder we have this affinity to them. Gemstones can only get more exciting when we uncover them!
Diamonds and their myths
According to a National Geographic article entitled “Diamonds; The real story” by Andrew Cockburn, there is a Hindu shrine with a Balaji god adorned with a glistening crown of diamonds. His hands are covered with more diamonds, his ears hang enormous diamond earrings and he has diamond encrusted accessories. According to the Balaji devotees, this god loves diamonds and they often worship him with jewelled gifts. Supposedly, a devotee once promised a diamond ring but couldn’t bear to part with it, only to have the ring sucked out of his finger into the collection sack by a supernatural force.
Hope Diamond (taken from cursedobjects.com)
Apart from that, we too hear about the curse of the black Orlov diamond and the blue Hope diamond. Both these diamonds were supposedly stolen from idols in Indian temples and have brought about calamity to those who owned it. Legend says that Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI who once owned the Hope diamond were both beheaded. When the Hope diamond was under the care of the Garde-Meuble, jewels in the place were repeatedly stolen while the Hope diamond remained. Now, the Hope diamond is part of the Robert Mouawad Collection.
As for the black Orlov, Princesses who both owned it committed suicide. The diamond dealer who imported the diamond also jumped to his death. In order to break the preconceived curse, this diamond has since been cut into 3 separate gems and owned by separate owners. So far, we have not heard any more stories and we sure hope we don’t.
Black Orlov (taken from gemstones-magic.com)
Perhaps you might be fretting over such superstitions and wondering if the black or blue diamond you currently own is cursed. Well, sometimes the greater curse lies in believing a curse that doesn’t exist. As for the benefits and ill will associated with diamonds, we are unable to fully substantiate them. All we can say is that the mind is a powerful force and soon preconceived notions can become a reality. A fate of coincidence or truly the work of the supernatural, we leave to your digression!
A Colourful Story of Diamonds ;)
Red and yellow and pink and green, purple and orange and blue…
The colours of the rainbow are colours of diamonds too!
- Coloured Diamonds (taken from diamond-s.org)
Diamonds are intriguing stones formed within the crust of the earth and they come in an array of colours. It is the presence of certain impurities and defects during formation that causes the different colours. It is said that out of every 10000 diamonds, one will be coloured. This rarity has led to premium prices and prestige hence we have frequent sightings of celebrities with these coloured stones.
The Jewel Box earrings with black diamonds in 18k white gold
A celebrity black diamond would be one from the movie Sex and the City 2. It was a 5 carat black set in 18k white gold and 80 round diamonds of 0.35 carat each. It was designed by Itay Malkin in collaboration with Sarah Jessica Parker. Black diamonds get their colour from black mineral inclusions, the polycrystalline structure or cracking. If you would like to purchase black diamonds, The Jewel Box also has them in chandelier earrings as shown on the left.
The Jewel Box earrings in 18k white gold with yellow diamonds
If you dont fancy black diamonds, you can also opt for yellow diamonds! At The Jewel Box, we have earrings in 18k white gold with yellow diamonds. Yellow diamonds emerge yellow because of the nitrogen in the ground during formation. People have been mesmerized by its colour and that includes Pop star Usher who owns a yellow diamond encrusted watch with the diamonds forming his self-portrait.
Recently, Cognac diamonds are all the rage. They are a form of brown diamonds, only marketed as Cognac. The colours of brown diamonds range from champagne to deep chocolate. In the past, brown diamonds were very unattractive. However, they are gaining appeal and many celebrities are choosing to don them. Kim Kardashian wore champagne diamonds to the 2010 Emmys while Taylor Swift recently wore a Lorraine Schwartz Brown Diamond Mesh Bracelet to the 2011 Billboard Awards.
And of course, there is a diamond known as the Chameleon diamond which has a special ability to change colour under different lighting. In its normal state, it appears to be grayish green however when kept in the dark or heated to moderate temperatures, the colour changes to intense yellow.
Just like the Chameleon diamonds, there is a side to diamonds that we may miss. They are precious stones and each beautiful in their colours. Jaclyn Smith, American Actress, once said: “Angels are like diamonds. They can’t be made, you have to find them. Each one is unique”
Yes, diamonds are forever, they may be a girl’s best friend but above all, diamonds and their colours have an unmatchable brilliance and beauty to them.
Are fashion trends seasonal?
Bold Colours (taken from instyle.com)
Spring 2011 fashion trends were all about boldness. Neon colours, bright colour blocks, you name it. Courtesy of instyle.com, we see that clothing lines are bursting with vibrant colours such as electric blue and citrus hues. If you previously feared wearing your hot pink skirt, spring would have been a fantastic time! Other trends included the return of the three quarter skirt, floral and animal prints as well as tailored bootleg pants. Also, designers have infused bootleg style with 2 tone coloured hues to accentuate the length of one’s legs.
With spring coming to an end and fall looming ahead, we see the stylists scrambling in a fury to anticipate the trends to come. Trends are the general direction in which fashion tends to move. Every season, signboards and magazines shout “new look must-haves” and people ravish over the latest fad. But is this fad new or simply re-used and repackaged?
To illustrate my point, I bring out the example of bell bottom jeans that were so popular in the 70’s and associated with disco dancing. Now, bell bottoms are in again, albeit with a different name- the bootleg cut. Vintage styles of bold neon colours and bucket bags of the 80’s came back. Tights, leg warmers and fishnet stockings now come in an array of colours and prints and have been worn in recent times. Also, blazers and flower prints of the 90’s became popular again. We start to wonder if fashion is indeed moving forward or in a cyclical motion.
What was cool last decade may come back again this season. It seems we never completely break free from the past but have our looks built upon styles that were once in fashion. We take the old look and add some modern twist to it; just like how bucket bags are adorned with floral motifs to suit the spring summer look.
Bill Blass, American Fashion designer once mentioned that “a major component of fashion is nostalgia, reacting to the styles of the past. But the role of the designer is to refresh and change that look for the present.” We copy and adapt to suit our tastes by using the styles that were ever so popular. Sometimes, the designers add special touches and little changes before calling them the new look for the season.
And this is Fashion for you.
A blast from the past!
In the fashion inspired industry, change is the only constant. Jewellery trends change so swiftly that once you catch onto a fashion wave, a new one hits you. In the attempt to keep up with the styles, we end up with a trove of jewellery be it classic, contemporary, colourful or dramatic. At the end of it all, we ask ourselves, what next? And we anticipate future trends by keeping an eye on modern fashion styles. We ask the designers, we ask the fashion magazines but do we ask our mums?
According to an article dated April 7 2011 from the Herald-dispatch 2011, jewellery experts are looking to the trends of the past; trends our mothers used to spot. If you think your mum is old fashioned, think again. The jewels they used to own are now stealing the limelight of fashion runways and are the source of design for future jewellery. Perhaps it is now befitting that we consult our mums about old jewellery trends.
Presently, elegant designs from the past such as Chandelier Earrings and strand necklaces with pearl or brilliant cut diamond are popular. Tribal and antique jewellery are also increasingly favoured.
Moreover, besides being an accessory to changing fashion trends, jewellery can be an object of value across generations. Brides these days are opting for family heirloom engagement and wedding rings. It is said that the royal family of England has also used a gold nugget belonging to Queen Elizabeth the second for various wedding bands.
Therefore, jewellery remains versatile over time, it’s worth encapsulated within the stones. So the next time you look at old jewellery, do not dismiss it with a look of disdain. In fact, with some refurbishment here and there, the design and stones can be re-used and its value restored. For all you know, this piece of jewellery may become the next big thing!
