Jewelry Biz - We Get Quoted...Sometimes

Just to let you know that occasionally someone does take our opinion seriously...

as this is the second article in Rapaport where we've been quoted.

Sorry, but we can't let you know what we actually said...because you have to have an account

with the top secret 'to the trade only' Diamonds.net.

We just want to know when the Wall Street Journal is going to call us for a quote....

We are patiently waiting.....

My Weekend Indian Wells Fantasy

It has been such a long cold winter and spring that I just want to jump start summer
with a little weekend getaway to Indian Wells
where I would lay by the pool with a good book
and wear something like this.

Milly Floral Bikini at Neiman Marcus
(is it just me or didn't we all have a bikini like this at summer camp when we were 11?)

Milly Floral Tunic at Neiman Marcus

Multi-gemstone Ring at Beladora2.com

Multi-gemstone Hoop Earrings at Beladora2.com

Anyone care to join me on a little desert jaunt?

Around Town - The VRG Patron Gala

Every year I always try to attend the VRG patron gala at the Virginia Robinson estate in Beverly Hills because it is one of the most beautiful events in Los Angeles. This year's "Jewels and All That Jazz" gala was stepped up a notch because the "Spirit of Beverly Hills" award was presented to the Kazanjian family for their years of philanthropy through their Kazanjian Family Foundation and their "Jewels for Charity" program.

So in addition to the usual cocktails and silent auction prior to the dinner, the Kazanjian group had set up a special display in the pool house of some of the pieces from Foundation Collection as well as some stunning estate jewelry that was being offered for sale with the proceeds going to benefit the VRG group.

After drinks on the sunken tennis court at the back of the estate, the dinner was served in a huge tent on the lawn. The party was elegant, especially given the well heeled patrician patrons of the group. The tables were lovely with centerpieces with yes...even more jewelry....because you can never have enough.
And that wasn't all. During dinner there were gorgeous models traipsing around the room in couture evening gowns by designer David Tupaz and bedecked with estate jewels from Kazanjian.
After dinner there was a live auction by Ryan Kavanaugh
who could easily go into the auction business if he ever decided to give up his day job.
Finally, there was dancing...with a band that gave us some seriously bad cover music. Really, there's like nothing more pathetic than seeing a group of middle aged white people, clad in their black tie best, dancing to "Play That Funky Music White Boy"...and yes, I was one of those pathetic people.
So what did I wear...I thought you'd never ask.
Well primarily I wore big hair...thanks to Miguel at the Lab Salon in BH who put so much product and spray in my hair that if I had been anywhere near an open flame there would have been spontaneous combustion on my head.

And, I wore a few simple diamond pieces, including a big diamond brooch in my big hair.

The outfit was a larkspur blue BCBG silk gown ($325) with simple black mules with crystal accents and my vintage Martin van Schaack evening bag. Oh, and a borrowed black mink jacket because it is cold at night at this time of the year. Hey, I figured that if I wore $300,000 in diamond jewelry, I could pull off a $300 dress!

So here's the post party, after midnight, still a little tipsy, photo...big hair and all.

The organizing for this event has been going on for weeks by Kazanjian, which of course is our partner business. Liz, Renee and Stephanie, from team Beladora, stepped up to help at the party with the baubles, and they did an amazing job. Nice work team!

In Sunny South Beach

Being from Southern California I never understood the whole Miami Beach thing. It is so built up and crowded and just not my idea of a vacation destination. I had never been particularly impressed by the few times that I had been in Florida before. But now that I realize how nice the weather is in mid-winter, I would so want to vacation here if I lived in the snowy North East.

And today after staying out a little too late last night I would just love to lie on the beach and sleep in the sun....but it's back to a day spent indoors at the antique and estate jewelry show.

Cynthia Sliwa's Jewels on Jewels

Diane de Poitiers

I know that we all have lot's of fabulous blogs on our blogrolls to peruse daily and so little time but I'd like to introduce you to one of of the best style blogs out there.
JCK's Jewels on Jewels extremely well written (unlike this humble blog) by Cynthia Sliwa

Here's a fine example of her writing about modern day trophy wives and Diane de Poitiers, who was alas only a kings mistress not his wife

Gold in Jest & Gold Ingested: A Cautionary Tale of Two Gold Diggers

And another great post with circular motifs in jewelry and Kandinsky

More on Circles & Spheres: Synchronicity & Snow Globes

While I should have been reading the JCK blogs all this time I actually found out about Cynthia's blog from my favorite client Sherry who reads about all things jewelry-ish and is even a bigger authority on estate jewelry than I am!
Sherry just emailed me an told me that Cynthia's blog was named one of the Top Ten Blogs To Read in 2010 by Pierce Mattie PR.
Congratulations Cynthia!

I'm sure that you'll agree that her blog is worth adding to your blogroll.

Jewelry Biz- Kwiat Buys Fred Leighton

From JCK Online

Kwiat Buys, Will Run Fred Leighton
Kwiat, the diamond and jewelry company, recently purchased and plans to manage and operate Fred Leighton, the estate and antique jewelry retailer that was recently in Chapter 11.

Kwiat made the purchase together with Och-Ziff Capital Management Group, and FOF Inventory Holding. It is valued at $25.8 million.

"Even through this bankruptcy, the core of the brand has remained exceptionally strong," Kwiat said. "The customer knows Fred Leighton. They know that Fred Leighton is all about fine estate and antique jewelry. They have a strong connection to the customer through their appearances on the red carpet."
In the near term, Kwiat will concentrate on its existing stores. But in the long run Kwiat says he plans to expand Leighton's wholesale business and well as its "retail footprint."

From a valuation of over $100 million to $25.8 million...what the hell happened to this company...Oh, I forgot, Ralph Esmerian was running the business.

So now there are a lot of smart people behind this brand, not just the Kwiat group but the FOF investors, so there should be a revitalization of this brand.

But having jewelry on the red carpet doesn't necessarily translate into sales

so we shall see how Fred Leighton fares in the future...

Just The FAQs Ma'am

Hoping that I would get tagged with random questions about things like what's my favorite color
and where's my favorite place to party.
But no tagging for BHB

Instead it's all questions about Beladora...

FAQ:
Why are there two websites
Beladora.com
and
Beladora2.com
and what's the difference between them?
Answer:
Having never had a retail store because Kazanjian & Fogarty, the renown estate jewelry firm, was a wholesale business that dealt only with the jewelry trade and select private clients, the brain trust at K&F decided to create a website that would bring K&F's incredible collection of antique and estate jewelry directly to the public.

But, since there was such a broad selection within the collection, from the "affordable for all" to the "princess" or "couture" jewelry, it was decided to create two websites;
Beladora that showcased the rare antique, signed, and couture pieces
with most items priced at above $1000
but also a large selection of jewelry priced below $1000
and
BeladoraII that offered vintage fine jewelry affordable for all
with most jewelry priced below $500

For example, here are a couple of Edwardian pins in silver and mother of pearl, circa 1905
and a vintage pendant and earrings in sterling silver
all priced below $200 on BeladoraII

Vintage Antique Edwardian Cat Pin in Silver, Marcasite and Mother of Pearl $195

Vintage Antique Edwardian Turtle Pin in Silver, Marcasite and Mother of Pearl $195


Vintage Emerald and Filigree Pendant in Sterling Silver $195

Vintage Emerald and Filigree Earrings in Sterling Silver $195

FAQ:

Where does Beladora get all of that jewelry?

Answer:

Beladora (Kazanjian & Fogarty) purchases jewelry everyday from private clients, estates, auctions and dealers.

FAQ:

Does Beladora own all the jewelry shown on the websites or is most of it just on consignment?

Answer: Beladora doesn't take any jewelry on consignment. The company owns outright all the jewlery that it shows on both websites.

FAQ:

Does Beladora or BeladoraII ever have sales?

Answer:

Yes but infrequently because prices are already way below what you would find in an estate jewelry store.

If there is something that you see on either website that isn't on sale, but you would like to buy, send an email to sales@beladora.com and ask if they can give you any special discount. I'm pretty sure that they will try to give you the best price possible.

FAQ:

What is Beladora's return policy?

Answer:

The Beladora staff understands that jewelry really needs to be seen in person and tried on, because even the great photography on the website doesn't always show the size and scale of the jewelry. So, Beladora has the easiest and friendliest return policy of any online jewelry store. If a client isn't happy with their purchase, for any reason, they are welcome to return it for a full refund.

FAQ:

Does Beladora sell estate jewelry on any other websites?

Answer:

NO.

If Beladora listed its inventory on other websites, such as Amazon or 1stDibs, those sites would take a commission on sales and Beladora's jewelry prices would have to be raised to cover these additional selling costs.

FAQ:

Does Beladora work with an affiliate program?

Answer:

Yes...and No.

Beladora doesn't work with any large affiliate organizations like Link Share or Commission Junction because they charge huge fees, require long term contracts and add additional selling costs.

But, Beladora would love to have a bevy of bloggers as affiliates and and would be more than happy to pay commissions to any blogger who refers a client through linking from their blog. Individual affiliate code can be set for both Beladora and BeladoraII. You can become an affiliate by signing up here and here and you will receive your individual affiliate code.

FAQ:

What does "princess" jewelry mean?

Answer:

Jewelry purchased from a princess...of course!

If you have any questions about Beladora or estate jewelry

leave a comment or

email me at belledeville@gmail.com

Vintage Value Venture - Getting Red-y For Fall

A little Fall Fantasy Fashion

Givenchy Couture Red Suit from AntiqueDress.com $865

Manolo Blahnik Red Patent Shoes from Rodeo Drive Resale $229

Vintage Elizabeth Arden Red Alligator Bag from Vintage Skins $2475

Gold Dome Earrings from Beladora.com $1350

(note, the earrings are similar to the buttons on the jacket)

22 Karat Gold Chain Necklace from Beladora.com $3950

Yeah, it's a great look....but where would I wear it?

Savvy Shopping - Bring On The Retro Brooches

Staying quiet and cool in the air conditioning yesterday I finally got around to reading the new September issue of Vogue with the cover photo of Charlize Theron looking just a t'wee bit alien-ish.
The multi page Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue ads left me uninspired.


But the editorial featuring the 1940s inspired looks photographed by Steven Meisel was simply brilliant. I particularly loved the black and white photo of the two models (Karen and Liya, if you must know) in the Thomas Maier for Bottega Veneta dresses. That photo was museum worthy.

What I just don't get it this.
Vogue's website Style.com, the Forties Trend featured Ben-Amun costume jewelry.
So the print magazine encourages its readers to buy outfits in the $2500-$3500 range, with $1000 shoes and $2000-$3000 handbags, but the website promotes $98 costume jewelry.

Hey, if anybody gets the whole 'look for less thing" it's moi.
But $2500 dresses and $100 brooches....in terms of intrinsic value makes absolutely no sense.
Flat out, the better investment in terms of long term value is, of course, estate jewelry.

Vintage Tiffany Retro Aquamarine Brooch from Beladora.com




Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Retro Ruby and Diamond Brooch from Beladora.com

I love big bold Retro brooches. These two just happen to be signed so definitely more on the pricey side. But there are lots of magnificent un-signed Retro brooches on Beladora.com that are perfect for a lifetime, and not just for this year's Forties trend.

Playing With Polyvore - Magritte Mania

Miss de Ville stepping up the creativity.
This one of course reminds me of Magritte.

Jewelry News - From Christies London To An LA Quonset Hut

From Idex Online
Christies London Vintage Auction
(June 3, '09, 8:22 IDEX Online Staff Reporter)
A selection of vintage jewels and diamonds will be offered next week at Christie’s Vintage Auction in London. The lots span jewelry from the late 18th century through to the 20th century; consisting of more than 170 rings, bracelets, necklaces, pearls and single stones together with name brand pieces. Estimates range from £1,000 to £250,000 ($1651-$412,775).

Among the jewelry is an Art Deco colored diamond and onyx pendant, circa 1925, containing a 44.14 carat fancy yellow circular-cut diamond, estimated at: £200,000-£250,000 ($330,260-$ 412,825).

Another item of interest will be an antique natural pearl, diamond and ruby necklace with a provenance believed to trace directly back to Marie Antoinette, estimated at £200,000-250,000 ($330,260-$ 412,825).

Buyers will be drawn to the brand names being offered; a Cartier ruby and diamond necklace that converts into a brooch and pair of bracelets. Another highlight is a Cartier, circa 1925 gem-set pendant featuring emerald beads, cabochon sapphires, diamonds and onyx rondelles, estimated at £35,000-£45,000 ($57,795-$74,300).

(Note: if you are looking for natural pearl necklaces...without the questionable Marie Antoinette provenance and the $300k-$400k price, Beladora.com has a nice selection)

The Deep Glamour group is discussing watches

Statement Watches: Messages, References, and Vintage Styling

Watches as Markers: An Eye for Style and Design

Mechanical Watches: Symbols of Status, Power, and Conquest

Watches as Erotic Glamour

and...

The Prom

From Idex online

Lone Gunman Robs Chopard in Paris
(May 31, '09, 6:03 Edahn Golan)
A man pulled out a gun in the Chopard store on Place Vendome in Paris and stole jewelry worth millions. The Saturday afternoon heist was over in just minutes, after the well dressed robber pointed at a number of items and then strolled out of the store.

“According to the first set of information we received, it was a man in his fifties, dressed in a chic costume and wearing a Borsalino (fedora) hat,” said Olivier Lebon of the Alliance police, who estimated the value of the loot at €6 - €6.5 million ($8.5 - $9 million.)

“He came in like any other customer, pointed his gun at employees and asked for about fifteen pieces.”

In 2004, a white 47 carat diamond worth an estimated 6 million euros ($7.37 million) and a blue 15.74 carats diamond worth 5.5 million euros ($6.75 million) belonging to Chopard were robbed from the Louvre Museum grounds during an antique dealers show. The two diamonds were left unguarded in a glass display case for 15 minutes.

Moral: Beware of men in fedoras

Danielle, the Gem Gossip blogger has been on a road trip to Southern California. Instead of stopping by the Beladora HQ she visited the Quonset hut, yeah you read that right, of jeweler to the hip, Hoorsenbuhs. Here is what she found.

What I Am Not Doing In Las Vegas

Vintage Lapis Jewelry

Recession Vegas Style

Recession...what recession?
The Bellagio was so packed with people yesterday that I had to stand in line for at least 1/2 hour to check in, and they didn't even have a room ready....and how many rooms are there in this hotel.... Admittedly the casino looks a little quieter that usual but there are still loads of the people here, wedding parties, business groups, guys on golf trips, poker players and the usual tourists.

Playing With Polyvore - Happy Horticulturist

"You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make her think." - Dorothy Parker

(yes...how could we have not used this Dorothy Parker quote?)

Mixing It Up For Mother's Day

Beladora.com Blue Topaz Briolette Earrings in 18K $995

Beladora.com Blue Topaz Briolette Bracelet in 18K $995

Beladora.com Pink Tourmaline and Blue Topaz Ring in 18K $695

So here we are...Mother's Day already. I've already given my bambinos a hint of what I would like and I'm trusting that they'll come through for me. Instead of doing the traditional Mother's Day brunch, this is how we're gonna roll....my son's idea obviously.

And if I didn't have music on my mind right now I would have suggested to the de Ville brood that they check out Beladora's Gifts Under $1000

for a little something shiny by Temple St Clair, David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Tiffany, C. Ellen, D. Grisogono, John Hardy, Rhonda Faber Green, Mikimoto, Greg Ruth, Zolatas, Cynthia Bach, Kisselstein-Cord, Laloaounis, Chaumet, Bvlgari or Cartier.

Playing With Polyvore - Angelskin Coral

A Little Beladora2 Beauty

Miss de Ville modeling the goods
Because even grown up girls like to play dress up

Opal and Diamond Ring and Opal and Diamond Dangle Earrings

Pink and Blue Sapphire Pendant

Edwardian Diamond and Seed Pearl Ring

Art Nouveau Style Butterfly Pendant

Citrine Bracelet and Citrine and Reticulated Quartz Dangle Earrings

Vintage Fine Estate Jewelry from Beladora2.com
Beladora2.com = Beladora on a Budget!

Playing With Polyvore - Pink Tourmaline Dream

Around Town - Kazanjian Red Diamond at the Museum of Natural History

I love the comments by the children in this video
especially "it makes me happy"

If you happen to be at the Natural History Museum check out the Kazanjian Red Diamond in the Gem Vault.

Vintage Value Venture - Lilac and Green for Spring

This Spring
The clothes and accessories that I won't be wearing...as modeled by Heidi Klum on Rodeo Drive

(although this is totally Daphne Guinness isn't it?)


The clothes and accessories that I will be wearing...

Woodlawn Vintage Floral Silk Dress $125

Woodlawn Vintage Silk Dress Bow Back Detail

Amethyst Ring in 14K on Sale at Beladora2.com $396

Amethyst Earrings in 14K at Beladora2.com on Sale for $396

Le Silla satin shoe at Yoox $295