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.

Have a Sparkling 2013!

In the closing moments of 2012, I consider my amazing journey since starting my collection in 2012 and eagerly anticipate all that lies in store for 2013. 

One company I am delighted to be partnering with in the New Year is Anatol, an inspirational fine Jewelry company based in Greece.

'Wishing you Health as solid as Diamonds, success as bright as Gold' - Anatol. 

Founded in 1974 by designer Rouli Anatol, she has become famous for her meticulous attention to quality and craftmanship. Her sparkling collections explore a woman's sensuality and femininity and capture a womans desire to sparkle!!!

A beautiful gift to wish a Happy 2013.

Anatol bracelet - 18k rose gold, Black diamonds and white Diamonds.

Available to order at Shannon Green Collection.

 

A Prosperous, Healthy and Happy 2013 to you all.

 

Shannon.