Sapphire Slices - Hot Jewelry Trend, Spring 2013

 

Beautiful 18k Gold, 79.42 Sapphire, .10 ct Diamond earrings, by Shannon Green, $8700. 

Available at Shannon Green Collection

 

 

Throughout our history, the Sapphire has symbolized truth, sincerity and faithfulness in relationships and is believed to bring peace and wisdom to the wearer and owner. Most commonly found in Sri Lanka and Madagascar, Sapphires are also sourced in Australia, Tanzania, Thailand, Cambodia and in the USA (Montana).  Second only in hardness to diamond, Sapphire is notably also the blue sister of Ruby.

 

You may already be aware that a Lapidary is an artisan who cuts, facets, forms and polishes gemstones into decorative items such as jewelry.  However, new technological innovation in lapidary equipment has produced new and interesting techniques, such as Gemstone Slicing.   

 

 

 

"Todays jewelry takes advantage of many of the new technologies that never existed before." Gem slices "...speak to 21st century design, which values innovation, inventiveness and sustainability."

 

Ellen Siden, CEO of Trend Forecasting Firm, ESPTrendlab in NYC

 

 

Gem slicing is the hot new trend.   Designers find the unconventional and non-uniform stones inspirational and they address our current desire for the distinctive.  Each slice is unique in size, shape and color, reminding us of the nature and origin of the gems.  The irregularly shaped stones have a raw, sculptural, organic, natural beauty - unlike the traditional precision cut gems.  Slicing is also an ecofabulous technique, leaving less gemstone waste after traditional faceting.

 

14k Gold, 61.50 Green Sapphire, .85 ct Diamond earrings, by Shannon Green, $3000. 

Shannon Green Collection

 

 

18k Gold, 46.23 Sapphires, 2.00 ct Diamond earrings, by Shannon Green, $6400. 

Shannon Green Collection

 

The flatness of sliced gemstone allows light to pass through the piece in the same way light shines through a stained glass window, showcasing their brilliance, brightness and intensity.

 

The Greek translation of Sapphire is literally 'blue' stone, but as you are probably aware, they come in a variety of beautiful colors and hues, making them a popular choice for slicing.  Color experimentation among Jewelry designers has been steadily rising in the past 5 years, with a growing tendency for utilizing more colors, types and combinations. The impact of color is transforming the jewelry business as we know it.

 

 

14k Gold, 30.00 ct Blue Sapphire, .35 ct Diamond ring, by Shannon Green, $2395. 

Shannon Green Collection

 

 

14k Gold, 22.50 Green Sapphire, .31 ct Diamond ring, by Shannon Green, $2300. 

Shannon Green Collection 

 

To produce my sliced sapphire collection featured in this blogspot, I enlisted an incredible master lapidary artist to assist me in creating a luxurious and elegant range, albeit wearable for every day.  Each untreated sapphire is sliced from the finest gemstone and exquisitely set and crafted by hand around the sapphire.  It is an important note to finish, that untreated sapphires are significantly more valuable than treated sapphires, which dominate the market.

 

Be inspired!

 

Shannon.

 

 

Tassels and Fringe, The Trend for Spring - Urban Gypsy

"...tassels and fringe are back"

via examiner.com

 

Fine tassel jewelry modelled by Indian catwalk sensation, Lakshmi Menon. via Elle

Way back in the 16th century, the first guild of Passementiers was created in France to document 'Passementerie', which is the art of making decorative trimmings, such as fringes and tassels.  Both have been used extensively in interior design, on textiles and clothing since the Victorian era.  Fringing and tassels are making a huge comeback and dominated the catwalks for the Spring 2013 collections.

 

Tassel jewelry is right on trend and currently being championed by fine jewelers Oscar de la Renta, David Yurman and Vera Wang, amongst others.

18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Handmade Tassel Necklace, by Abel & Zimmerman, $12,000.  Shannon Green Collection

 

Pearl, Diamond & Sterling Tassel Necklace, $1850.   Shannon Green Collection

Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond Sterling with Lapis Lazuli Beads Tassel Necklace, $2750.  Shannon Green Collection

 

Sterling and Diamond Fringe Vintage Earrings, by David Yurman, $2950.  Shannon Green Collection

Fringe and tassel detailing on handbags and shoes are also key for this Spring, championed by the likes of Tracy Reese.  Vogue UK hails fringing as the trend for Spring, exemplified in catwalk collections by Versace, Stella McCartney, Bottega Veneta, and many others.

Tracy Reese tassel handbags for S/S 2013 collection, New York fashion week

 

SGC Tassel Cocktail Bag, $255. Shannon Green Collection

 

Alberta Ferretti fringe and tassels on clothing, S/S 2013 collection

Shoe legend Jimmy Choo presented fringe and tassels galore at Milan fashion week. The inspiration and mood behind the collection, a modern gypsy vibe

Have fun and embrace your inner Urban Gypsy this coming Spring!

 

Shannon.

The Master of Contrast - Luis Morais

Brazilian born, Miami-based Luis Morais discovered his talent in 1998. Luis had a magazine image of a bracelet he wished to purchase-but could not locate, so decided to handcraft the piece himself.   After countless compliments from family members, boutique owners in the local area began to ask him for his jewelry.

 

This event marks the start of his story....

 

Today, his handmade collection masterfully juxtaposes skulls and crosses embellished with diamonds (Morais signature) and leather mixed with pearls, and explores the duality of blending light with dark. His pieces are synonomous with luxury and inspired by life, culture and vibrancy.

As featured in Vogue - Hand-carved Ametrine skull and diamond gold ring, by Luis Morais, $11,000. Available to order from Shannon Green Collection

Beautiful 18k gold 'Angel Wings' cuff embellished with diamonds, by Luis Morais, $11,500. Available to order from Shannon Green Collection

Morais draws particularly on the mysticism and spirituality of his home country, Brazil and his collection blends a casual rock-and-roll vibe with faith and superstition. He incorporates a unique assortment of precious metals, stones, Brazilian ebony, woven hemp, crocodile and lizard skins. His popular beaded bracelets and necklaces strung out of sandalwood beads are finished with hand-carved energy charms.  

Sandalwood beaded bracelet and 18k gold fire charm, $1400, Shannon Green Collection

Ebony beaded bracelet and 18k gold moon and stars charm, $900, Shannon Green Collection

Antique African wedding beads with 18k gold diamond shell charm, $3300, Shannon Green Collection

 

The collection is sold Worldwide for men and women and adorns celebrities including Madonna, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Ingrid Casares gave Madonna a piece of Luis' jewelry and was so taken with it, she ordered plenty more.  Tokyo to New York, London to Paris, everyone from boutiques to leading department stores, (such as Bergdorf Goodman) all queue to stock his creations.

"I love seeing people wearing my jewelry. It always brings about this deep awareness of how connected we all truly are. It is just so fascinating to try and grasp the realization that the seperation of my designs and the people I see wearing them ceases to exist."

Luis Morais

 

An inspirational talent.  Beautiful jewelry, luxurious and thought provoking.

Shannon

The Stylish World of India Hicks on Harbour Island

India Hicks leads a beautiful, full and creative life.

 

 

Born into British royalty, she is the daughter of famous British interior designer David Hicks and Lady Pamela Mountbatten, (not to mention second cousin and goddaughter of Prince Charles). India made her debut on the world stage at age 13, as one of Princess Diana's bridesmaids. 

A life filled with travel and adventure, she is recognised globally for her impeccable style, easy elegance and design sensibility.

 

India Hicks has been a top fashion model for Ralph Lauren and Tods amongst others, an entrepreneur who created a line for Crabtree and Evelyn and a TV personality.  She is also a hotelier, an author and co-owner of the Sugar Mill Trading Co.

India and her family have lived for the past 11 years in a 1950's Bahamian beach house on Harbour Island, which is a mix of colonial and laid back island style. Just steps from the ocean, everything she does is based on island life. The Crabtree and Evelyn line involves flowers and plants indigenous to the Caribbean, her books are entitled 'Island Life' and 'Island Beauty' and she designed a collection of stunning vacation properties on Harbour Island, including boutique hotel, 'The Landing.'

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, India has introduced 3 new collections of fine jewelry, to reflect the diverse influences that define her life. Created in collaboration with the distinguished M. Suresh (one of the largest DeBeers site holders worldwide), they are destined to become signatures for stylish women worldwide.

Love Letters pay homage to the famous geometrics that launched her father's branded business. A distinctive collection of 18K gold, sterling silver and diamonds. Each love letter is one of a kind, the collection includes pendants, bracelets and cufflinks.

 

 

 

Love Letters, available at Shannon Green Collection. 
Pendants start from $115.

Island Life is a sea-inspired collection reflective of India's own love for Island life in the Bahamas, crafted from sterling silver and diamonds. 

Silver and diamond Starfish wrap cuff, available from Shannon Green Collection

Hicks on Hicks is heavily inspired by her fathers famous hexagon pattern in a modern collection using iconic symbolism. Collection includes medallions, cufflinks, earrings and statement rings.

One cannot write a post on India Hicks, without pausing to dwell on the beauty of Harbour Island. It is truly a glamorous, celebrity-spotting, spectacular hideaway in the Bahamas. A bevy of boutique hotels include the antique-filled India Hicks retreat mentioned earlier, 'The Landing' and the ultra cool 'Rock House Hotel.' The main town on the island (only to be reached by water taxi), is Dunmore and boasts picture perfect pastel painted cottages with white picket fences.  

 

Oh, and if that isn't enough to get you packing, the beaches are the color of candyfloss!

 

 Be inspired...

 Shannon