Habari Gani (the traditional Swahili greeting on Kwanzaa – Swahili for “What’s the news?”)! Joyous Kwanzaa, everyone!

Kwanzaa was created to help African-Americans reconnect to their African heritage, but has evolved into a holiday celebrated by people of all races that believe in the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba).

We’ve found some jewelry this Kwanzaa that embodies each of the Seven Principles so that you can show your solidarity through jewelry!

1. Unity (Umoja)

This Ippolita ring looks like a bunch of stackable rings, but is actually one ring. What a beautiful symbol of many people coming together as one on Kwanzaa, a holiday that celebrates unity!!

2. Self-Determination (Kujichagulia)

This principle stresses the importance of knowing thyself. And we’ve found these beautiful earrings by jewelry designer Jeanine Payer with a poignant quote by Henry David Thoreau: “Morning is when I am awake and there is a dawn in me.” Feel the dawn in you through jewelry this Kwanzaa.

3. Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima)

When two people work together, the collaboration can often be a beautiful marriage of two different styles. This is certainly the case for my favorite collaboration in jewelry history – that of Tiffany & Co. and architect/jewelry designer Frank Gehry. I think that Gehry’s Flux Cuff illustrates my point. What an appropriate Kwanzaa jewelry gift!

4. Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa)

It’s not only important for people within a community to work together, but also for them to build and maintain businesses together. The business collaboration between San Francisco’s Art People Gallery and jewelry designer John S. Brana is a symbiotic relationship. They help each other, and the consumer gets great jewelry, like this amethyst pendant. Jewelry lovers always win on Kwanzaa!

5. Purpose (Nia)

If we want to do anything positive with our lives, we need to remember that we have a purpose on this earth. And the Karma necklace by Dogeared is a great jewelry reminder that “what goes around, comes around.” So maybe we should do our best this Kwanzaa to give as good as we want to get.

6. Creativity (Kuumba)

This Kwanzaa, leave our world a more beautiful place than when you came into it. One of the best ways to do this is to go green! These Coffee Cuffs by Bentwood for Contexture Design are made from reclaimed architectural veneer offcuts, so you know that no trees were cut down to make them. And since they’re formed around real coffee cups, they’ll slip easily from your wrist to your morning latte, so that you can save a few trees from being turned into coffee cup sleeves. What a creative way to combine jewelry and eco-awareness!

7. Faith (Imani)

Regardless of your political affiliation, you have to admit that the election of our country’s first African-American president is a monumental event. And if you believe that our nation can become a better place, then you have to have hope. ALF Jewelry and Metals has created an exclusive Hope pendant based on Barack Obama’s campaign logo (the entire Obama family sported them on Election Day). Show your faith in our great nation! This Kwanzaa, that you have hope for a bright future!

Even if you aren’t African-American, you can still celebrate Kwanzaa. And, better yet, you can celebrate Kwanzaa with jewelry!

Joyously,
Olivia

Remember how I said that I love candy-inspired jewelry? Well, here’s my favorite way to wear it.
There are few things in life I love more than a good cocktail ring, and there are few people that can do it better than Tiffany & Co.

I absolutely love Tiffany & Co.’s Legacy Collection. Each ring features a legacy cut gemstone surrounded by round brilliant diamonds.

One look at these brilliant gems and I’m immediately transported to a swanky club, wearing a slinky LBD, with a cocktail in my hand. Oh, what I wouldn’t give for a cosmopolitan right now.

So sparkly!! Who could resist such a shiny bauble? Certainly not I.

Like a Moth to a Rainbow Flame,
Olivia

Pavé diamond jewelry is the trend of the moment!

This sparkly setting has been around for ages, but we’ve only really been seeing it in engagement rings until now. But the trend we’re seeing now really explores the versatility of this setting in jewelry. It can be used in so much more than just engagement rings and wedding rings!

These days we’re still seeing this beautiful setting in rings – but we’re also seeing this trend in all kinds of other jewelry: earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

You’d think that pavé jewelry would be expensive, but it’s actually not as expensive as you might think. Since the setting uses diamond chips instead of whole diamonds, it is totally affordable. Talk about getting more bling for your buck!

I personally like this new trend best when it is part of a contemporary look – sharp contrasts and clean lines. I think that it’s because contemporary jewelry design doesn’t get in the way of the diamonds – it just lets them shine.

And, since this lovely trend doesn’t get in the way, it will help to make sure that you to shine, too.

Sparklingly,
Olivia

“Woo” hoo!

Blogger Jewelz first wrote in October about Victoria’s Secret’s 2008 blinged-out Fantasy Bra and the history of Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bras, which have premiered at VS fashion shows dating all the way back to 1996!

Well, the 2008 Fantasy Bra was unveiled to the world on December 3 when CBS aired the Victoria’s Secret 2008 Fashion Show!

There was plenty of bling to behold – jewelry fashioned from golden metal feathers to traditional (but decadent) necklaces, positively dripping with diamonds.
The fashions themselves didn’t escape the blingage, either. Some pieces sported some subtle sparkle while others were completely bedazzled with genuine Swarovski crystals.

But nothing could hold a candle to Victoria’s Secret’s 2008 Fantasy Bra.

Boasting 3,900 gemstones (including 3,575 black diamonds) and costing a whopping $5 million, this year’s Fantasy Bra was a sight to behold. Model Adriana Lima had the privilege of strutting down the runway, showing off the world’s most expensive (and sexiest) piece of lingerie.

When Victoria’s Secret puts on a fashion show, everyone expects it to be beyond sexy. Well, to say that this year’s show exceeded expectations would be an understatement. Fortunately, the last thing the show suffered from was “understatement.”

Decadently,
Olivia

P.S. Check out Adriana’s thoughts on being chosen to flaunt the 2008 Fantasy Bra!

Happy Black Friday!

I’ve already told you that I’m thankful for Black Friday, but now it’s time to get some deal details! I put on my shopping shoes and dug up five “diamonds in the rough” for Black Friday jewelry deals!

5. Target

The Details: Target is giving out a whopping 50% off of select jewelry this Black Friday! What a deal!

We Recommend: The Sterling Silver and 10k Gold Genuine Blue Topaz Necklace and Earring Set. It makes a great gift and, since it comes in a set, it’s a steal of a jewelry deal!

4. JC Penney

The Details: JC Penney is having a Black Friday “SALE-ebration,” featuring watches and fine jewelry from 40-70% off their regular prices! The Sale-ebration deals are only good online!

We Recommend: The Diamond Journey Squiggle Pendant: “With every step, love grows.” But why pay full price for diamond jewelry to express your growing love?

3. Kohl’s

The Details: Kohl’s has Early Bird Special deals (Black Friday only, from 1am-4am EST online and 4am-1pm local time in stores) of an extra 20% off of fine jewelry that’s already marked down 60%. For every $50 you spend, you get $10 in Kohl’s Cash back – and free shipping on purchases over $100!

We Recommend: Apt. 9 Silver-Tone Crystal Bow Pin. You know that brooches are back in fashion – keep up with the trend on the cheap!

2. Macy’s

The Details: Macy’s Black Friday offering is 20-50% off all jewelry, plus an additional 15% and bonus cash on certain jewelry.

We Recommend: We showed you Macy’s Black Friday deal on the Diamond Sterling Silver Diamond Bracelet yesterday, but there’s a hidden gem attached: make a qualifying purchase (like the bracelet) and get the 14k White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings for just $99! A little something for someone you love, and then a little something for you – a double diamond deal!

1. Amazon.com

The Details: Amazon is dishing an extra 30-40% off their regular prices this Black Friday!

We Recommend: The 10k White Gold Black and White Diamond Ring. This black diamond ring is a sumptuously sexy accent to any holiday outfit! Live a little this holiday season – it’s a great deal on luxury bling!

That ought to satisfy your jewelry craving. Even if the Black Friday jewelry deals we found aren’t for you, get in the holiday spirit of giving with financial savvy – take advantage of all the jewelry deals you can find this Black Friday!

Festively (and Frugally),
Olivia

Tis the season to be thankful!

I’d like to take this opportunity to fulfill the purpose of this lovely holiday by giving thanks for the many blessings in my life.

1. Black Friday

My favorite thing about the Thanksgiving holiday is the day after Thanksgiving. That’s the real holiday for me because “Black Friday,” as the day has been dubbed by retailers, means that I can get tons of cute holiday gifts (including jewelry) that my friends will love – at sale prices that I love!

And since online retailers are participating, too (everyone from Macy’s to JC Penney), you won’t have to wait in the long lines that make Black Friday so black – you can order your favorite jewelry from the comfort of your own home!

I think they should make it an official holiday and change the name to “Gold Friday.”

2. Birthstones

I was thankful to finally learn to love my birthstone! Opals (the birthstone for October) are so versatile – there’s an opal for every occasion. If anybody wants to know what I’d like (and even love) for the holidays, there’s your answer.

3. Jewelry Designers

I’m thankful to know so many people with so much imagination and creativity that truly love what they do. They are as varied as the materials and methods they use, and it’s my privilege to write about their work and hear about what projects they’ve got coming up next.

A lot of them have holiday discounts, too, so check out their websites!

4. Jewelz

I’m so privileged to be friends and colleagues with fellow blogger Jewelz! Her knack for finding gems off the beaten path is unparalleled. We who love jewelry are lucky to have her! Happy Holidays, Jewelz! We love you!

5. WooMeOver

Most of all, I’m thankful for WooMeOver. The site has given me a unique opportunity to learn about jewelry and share my knowledge with an audience that loves jewelry as much as I do. It’s so nice to share my love with others.

I hope you have much to be thankful for this holiday season as well. Wear your thankfulness like jewelry – it’s the most beautiful holiday accessory you could flaunt.

Thankfully,
Olivia

Attention J. Lo and Mrs. Kobe Bryant: A huge behemoth of a gem stone, possibly the largest polished round diamond in history has been discovered, sadly not by me.

The massive stone is the 20th largest rough diamond ever found, weighs 478 carats and is said to be of outstanding clarity.

It was recovered earlier this week at the Letseng Mine, in Lesotho, a small kingdom in  South Africa. The mine, owned by De Beers for many years and now owned by Gem Diamonds, had already delivered three of the world’s largest diamonds: the 603-carat Lesotho Promise, the 493-carat Leteng Legacy and the 601-carat Lesotho Brown.

It is hoped that the uncut diamond will be capable of producing a 150-carat polished gem stone, dwarfing the current largest Koh-i-Noor diamond (round cut; 105 carats) on the Crown Jewels.

The biggest mother of them all was the Cullinan Diamond, discovered in 1905. At 3,106 carats, it was the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, producing the teardrop shaped Great Star of Africa at 530 carats.

Youtube video (REUTERS report) about the newly excavated stone

Tidbit: Carat represents the most important factor impacting the price of diamonds: weight. This is why some diamonds have a poor cut just to retain a bigger carat and thus a higher selling price. To learn all about diamonds, consult WooU. Class dismissed!

x o x o
~ jewels