Jewelry In Film - 'The Earrings of Madame de'

Reading this review of Max Ophuls great 1930's film set in Fin de Siecle Paris 'The Earrings of Madame de' reminded me that I wanted to do a series of posts on films where jewelry was part of the plot or just beautifully filmed.
From the WSJ review
The story girding such extravagance may seem simple, but glossy surfaces tend to obscure what lies beneath. The drama centers on a loveless but not unhappy marriage whose delicate balance is upset when a foreign nobleman unexpectedly falls in love with the flirtatious Madame de. . . and she reciprocates his affections. The earrings—costly diamond hearts that were a wedding present from husband to wife—are the tale's catalyst: Unwisely sold by Madame de. . . to pay debts she hopes to keep secret from her husband, they return to the household repeatedly, like the proverbial bad penny, always bringing with them some new twist in the fortunes of the three main characters.
I haven't seen the entire film but it is on my Netflix que
So voila, here is the first 10 minutes of the great Ophuls film.

Idiocy Is Cross Cultural

Dog Jewelry
Positive proof that people across cultures are freakin' idiots.

Light, Bright and Just Right

OK, so I wasn't impressed by Michelle Obama's choices in dresses for the Inauguration.

But...I was impressed with her jewelry.

Long, lean and brimming with briolettes!

Big, bold, and gorgeous!

Multiple bangles of bling!

Loree Rodkin - Designer to Rock Royalty and Michelle Obama

I'm not a huge fan of jewelry designer Loree Rodkin because her pieces tend to be a little too Rock & Roll for me....you know what I mean, all Maltese crosses, black diamonds, and trying too hard to be hip.

Let's put it this way...if it's the kind of thing that Madonna wears....I won't be wearing it.

But, Rodkin has toned it down with her new designs.

I love the way that Michelle Obama looked...in terms of the subtlety of her diamonds.

She sparkled without being overwhelmed by her jewelry.

Very classy indeed.

(photos snagged from Jewelrywhore blog)

The Big Spin on the 2009 Spend

Finally...The Death of The Art Project Statement Necklace -

Fashion Not Quality

From Forbes.com
In Depth: How The Luxury Consumer Will Spend In 2009

This is one of a handful of habits luxury buyers are expected to embrace in 2009. Wealthy consumers will spend, but differently than before. Exclusivity will be embraced as will quality and dependability. What's more, luxury brands will begin offering discounts and incentives--something many have never done before.
"The days of shopping 'til you drop are over," says David Lamb, chief strategic officer at diamond giant De Beers, which, with London-based market research firm Ledbury Research, recently examined the changing demands of the high-net-worth customer. "Instead of seeking out novelty, they're exploring authenticity," he says. "In this kind of economic climate, you literally can't afford to make a mistake."

Real Jewelry With Intrinsic Value, Not Fashion Statements, Will Sell

"This income bracket is very aware of the public backlash against them. In many respects, those that have the wealth played a role in the economic turmoil that has erupted," says Brian Sozzi, a retail analyst at Wall Street Strategies, a New York-based independent stock market research company. "So, there is no need to throw it in the face of someone shopping at Wal-Mart by showing off the new Louis Vuitton bag."
Yet Sozzi and others believe that conspicuous consumption will never entirely fade.

Shireen El Khatib, CEO of Al Tayer Insignia, the luxury goods arm of the Al Tayer Group, which inked a deal to bring Bloomingdale's to Dubai in 2010, says that while the number of tourists in her stores--including Yves Saint Laurent and Italian cashmere brand Loro Piana--this November were down, sales among locals were up. (She would not reveal specific numbers, but she did say growth has slowed from double digits in 2007 to single digits in 2008.)

"The consumer is becoming more and more sophisticated and brand savvy--looking for limited editions and other timely items," she says, "but [in the Middle East], they're still shopping."

Or not...

However, Ron Kurtz, founder of Alpharetta, Ga.-based market-research firm the American Affluence Research Center, says this might not be the case for long. As the oil that has made many in the Middle East so wealthy loses its value, those who he calls the "new rich" may begin to cut back, including those in Saudi Arabia, Brazil and China. New initiatives--such as Saks Fifth Avenue's Jan. 12 announcement that it would open a store in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, its second in the country--might be postponed due to a decline in overall consumer confidence.
"The wealthy citizens of the countries now experiencing recessions and declines in oil and commodity prices will contribute to the decline in sales of 'true luxury' brands," says Kurtz.

My take on all of this is that the affluent will cut back substantially but the ultra affluent will alter their spending habits only slightly....they will still spend, but discreetly.

And finally they won't be dropping $2500-$10,000 on those ridiculous statement necklaces that were all the rage in the 2008 collections....they will go for quality and intrinsic value.

Purely Pathological - More On Madoff

OK so much for that New Year's resolution.
I can't help but have righteous indignation when I read the news about Bernard Madoff.
Yeah, I know, I wasn't an accredited investor who had money with this creep. But I'm still pissed off that he knowingly screwed over so many people and philanthropic organizations. And he got away with it for so long.
And I'm pissed off that at least one honorable man commit suicide over his clients' losses from the ponzi scheme while Madoff continues to live in his Manhattan flat and break the law by defying court orders.

From Bloomberg
Madoff Sons Told Prosecutors of Jewelry, Lawyer Says

Madoff mailed five packages of items, including “some very valuable jewelry,” after his assets were frozen by a judge in a related civil lawsuit, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Litt in court today. Defense lawyer Ira Sorkin said the objects, which included pens and $25 cuff links, were heirlooms innocently sent to Madoff’s children and brother, Peter.

I don't care if the jewelry was worth $50 or $50,000, there was a freeze on all of his assets and this guy needs to be in jail

now

Savvy Shopping - The St John Suit For Status

Christina Binkley in the Wall Street Journal article

The Suit That Turns Me Into A VIP

writes about the transformational value of clothing, a fundamental principle that while true, it hard to define. We've always known that "clothes make the man" but which clothes exactly are the key to being treated like a VIP.

Maître d's are expert decoders of social rank. When I dine with CEOs at Michael's in New York or Spago in L.A., we score the best tables. On my own, I wind up seated near the kitchen doors.
Unless I wear my St. John suit.
It is very understated, with no logo. The navy blue knit tank dress hits right at the knee. A zipper up the front of the jacket adds a modern edge, but the look is timeless. That is what St. John is famous for -- and it is why the brand is often disdained by the trend-conscious fashion cognoscenti.

Yet when I wear my suit, maître d's snap to attention, sales clerks rush to assist me and people I barely know offer me favors.
What is it about the cut of certain clothes that signals "VIP"? Men's Brioni suits and Charvet shirts are famous for it. Bottega Veneta and Akris have it. Their head designers can tell you the fabric cost the moon and the tailor apprenticed for three years, but it's more difficult to define what conveys the effect of Somebody. As with pornography, you know it when you see it. Delivering that cachet -- that power -- is the promise of the luxury business.

The cost of luxury can seem outlandish -- particularly now, in an uncertain global economy. Clothes are particularly hard to value. While cars and high-tech gadgets -- Maseratis, Audemars Piguet watches and first-generation iPhones -- offer not only performance but the cachet of a visibly rich item, clothing does less to convey what you spent on it. Clothes get stained and snagged, and they go out of style quickly.
But clothes also have the power to transform you.

Most important, clothes can speak the secret language of status.

At this point I have to say that clothes alone don't make the difference. It's the entire package that matters and accessories are a big part of the package.

Sorry Christina, but a well fitted classic black suit from a mid priced line such as Tahari, Theory or yes even Banana Republic, in a good fabric with fine jewelry, a high end watch, classic Cole Hahn black pumps and a good handbag will get you more play with the Maitre D's at Spago and Michaels, that this St. John Suit with no jewelry and the wrong bag and shoes.

And...when the St. John Suit that you paid thousands for is out of fashion, you'll still be wearing the fine jewelry and the high end watch.

Even you state that paying a lot for designer clothes doesn't necessarily bring value.

These days, getting value for money is more important than ever. But spending money on hot designers doesn't guarantee you'll impress others. My green-gray Marni suit, which cost about $675 at the brand's Milan outlet, garners compliments but no restaurant-table upgrades. My cropped Stella McCartney jacket, $304 on sale at Barneys, has led to no adventures.

Is The The Statement Necklace A True Trend?

After years of seeing celebrities and socialites wearing chandelier earrings and cuff bangle bracelets, but nothing around the neck, I've been keeping an eye out for "The Statement Necklace" which has been the trend on the runway...since at least 2005.

From the WSJ's Heard on the Runway

Since the early 2000s, necklaces from Lanvin and Vera Wang to Prada have taken on more and more heft with each passing season. The unapologetically chunky jewelry , featuring stacked, oversized beads and pendants, can offset minimalist or demure designs. Another sales appeal: It’s more likely to be more comfortable, and sometimes less overtly recognizable, than the season’s “It” heels (just look to Prada’s stumbling shoes for spring).

I just perused the red carpet photos from the the Emmys and "The Statement Necklace" definitely wasn't an integral part of "The Look".

Come to think of it, I'm only seeing this look in magazines....I haven't even seen any of the serious fashionistas on Rodeo Drive sporting this look.

Is this something that only exists in the minds of designers and accessories editors?

Vintage Value Venture - Yummy Yurman

Ages A Go Go Jean-Louis Scherrer Dress $90.00

David Yurman Enhancer at Neiman Marcus $1,995.00

David Yurman Enhancer at Beladora.com $895.00

What's the Story Morning Glory...a little Vintage Value Venture for a sunny Saturday.

I love the morning glory print, the cool color palate of this vintage designer dress...and the $90 price.

This silk dress has such a pretty neckline, perfect for a David Yurman blue topaz pendant...the discount priced pendant from Beladora.com, of course.

Going Green the Gazillionaire Way

Ferrari

Escada Pre Fall Collection
Beladora Ruby Bead Necklace

Well finally...those Green Gazillionaires can finally put their money where their mouth is and roll in style without the guilt! Ferrari is developing a Hybrid car.

Formula One is introducing a hybrid-drive system for the 2009 season, but the first road car to benefit from the trickle-down effect may come from Ferrari. In an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, Ferrari President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said the company is planning a Ferrari model powered by a Formula One-style hybrid powertrain. Di Montezemolo said Ferrari aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 percent between now and 2012.

These Prius with power Ferrari are certain to sell out immediately so order yours now in Racing Red to go with your Escada red dress and ruby bead necklace from Beladora.com.

Savvy Shopping - Cool Blue

Since it has been seriously sweltering this past week I've been thinking how nice it would be to have cocktails outside on a lovely patio next a turquoise pool. And I've found the perfect outfit in the coolest of blues. This Norma Kamali dress from Nordstrom is perfect with these blue topaz and diamond pieces from David Yurman. The Silver Ice bangle, the Albion earrings and the Renaissance pendant from Beladora.com.

Gems Take Vegas - The JCK Report

Gems Take Vegas
Another year of Vegas jewelry shows has come to an end and, as JCKstyle editors nurse sore feet and overtaxed livers, we reflect on new trends. Happily, in the area of fall fashion, there was much to be found. Among the top trends:

Watery Stones. Faceted gemstones so light they are nearly transparent. Green and purple are the most popular colors, and topaz and amethyst the most popular stones.

Hip Pearls. Black or white, pearl designs are anything but traditional. Keshi and baroque varieties are hot in designs that emphasize their unique shapes.

Stone Layering. Gemstones of all varieties are being dressed up with stone-on-stone creations or metalwork that lies over (or under) gems to add interest to the already-hot color category.

Weekly Gem. The Vegas shows were a week for stargazing. Among the celebs were Russell Simmons, the keynote speaker for the JCK ~ Las Vegas Show, Christina Aguilera and Seal, who both performed for jewelers, and the designers from Badgley Mischka, both on hand to launch their new fine jewelry line.

Spring Trend - The Green Goddess

Spring Trends 2008.

In Style is showing that the Goddess Dress is still going strong. I'm not surprised...we are all Goddesses and sometimes we need to show it.

This lovely green Goddess Gown is by Phillip Lim and will look luscious with these peridot chandelier earrings with the blackened gold detail and Mauboussin peridot ring from Beladora.com.

Elizabeth Gage Retrospective - The Unconventional Gage

More Jewelry News.

Master goldsmith and jewelry designer Elizabeth Gage is celebrating 40 years in business in London this summer with a retrospective exhibition "The Unconventional Gage". The retrospective will be repeated in New York at the Four Seasons Hotel in November.

Known for her handcrafted pieces influenced by Classical, Medieval and Renaissance styles and prominent use of large gemstones, Elizabeth Gage's jewelry has a unique signature style.

If you'd like an Elizabeth Gage ring but $14,000 plus is a little over your budget, your can find several rings for about half the retail price at Beladora.com.

Savvy Shopping - For Summer in Sunny Spain

Well London isn't in my plans for this summer but I do expect to take a little trip to the south of Spain. This will be a super casual trip with a simple wardrobe for relaxing on the beach and watching the sunset with a glass of sangria.

So what to pack....here's a tank top ($5.90) and shorts ($22.90) and espadrilles ($59.90) all on sale from Nordstrom.com. Of course there's got to be a little something from Beladora.com. This Judith Ripka "JR" bracelet in black alligator and gold with diamond detail will be perfect.

Cartier's Bel Air Road Show

Courting the Superwealthy at Cartier Atelier
Eager to Keep Its Luster, The Jeweler to Maharajahs Takes Its Cases on the Road

Christina Binkley in yesterday's Wall Street Journal reported on Cartier's new strategy to reach high end clients.

Anxious about losing its luster, however, Cartier is aggressively stalking the superwealthy in their own natural habitat. Cartier's U.S. chief executive, Frédéric de Narp, last year recruited art adviser Carl Adams from Christie's auction house, where Mr. Adams had assembled an enviable Rolodex. As Cartier's vice president of business development, Mr. Adams organizes 18th-century-style salons that give Cartier access to the nation's leading socialites in their own homes. "We want these influential women to understand the heritage of the brand," Mr. de Narp says.

The luxury house doesn't sell anything at the events. Rather, it aims to build relationships with future customers so that when someone wants to buy a $150,000 bracelet, she thinks of Cartier first.
"I'm trying to build an awareness that Cartier -- at a certain level -- still exists," Mr. Adams says.
Last Thursday afternoon, 44 bejeweled women gathered at the Bel Air home of Carla Sands, wife of real-estate mogul Fred Sands. The guest list was chosen jointly by Cartier and Mrs. Sands. "I've known the hostess for years, and I knew the caliber of the people she would invite," Mr. Adams said. He'd already held "Cartier ateliers" in Costa Mesa, Calif., and Palm Beach, Florida.

Now just in case you weren't on the guest list for Cartier's Bel Air Road Show...and you aren't in the market (just yet) for that 51 carat yellow diamond ring....Beladora.com has some great vintage Cartier baubles like this sleek Ellipse ring.

Loulou de la Falaise Jewelry for Oscar de la Renta

Last night I was invited by fashion blogger and all around girl about town Kristopher Dukes to the Oscar de La Renta boutique on Melrose Place. The Bag Snob girls were there too but I ducked out before I had a chance to meet them.

What was the occasion? The presentation of the new line of jewelry designed by Loulou de la Falaise of course. The store was full of pretty young things in their Jimmy Choos who were more interested in chatting with each other rather than perusing the collection.

Of course Eliza Reed Bolen, the step daughter and face of Oscar de La Renta was there as well the famous french fashionista Loulou de Falaise, best known for being the muse of Yves St. Laurent. Oddly, she didn't seem to be wearing the jewelry from this collection but she was rocking some major bangle bracelets.

Now to the jewelry. Here's what W Magazine had to say about it.

The line to debut this fall exclusively at Oscar de La Renta boutiques, is mostly made of single-and multi strand beaded necklaces - a de la Falaise trademark- each and eclectic hodgepodge of stones in varying textures and sizes.

Look, I like bold chunky bohemian gypsy chic as must as the next person, but not at those prices. When I see something that cost $2000-$4000 to manufacture priced at $20,000-$40,000... I just shake my head and wonder who buys this nonsense?

After all, this isn't Cartier, Weingrill or Van Cleef quality, this is typical product out of India.

Bling Biz News

A couple of interesting things are happening in the Bling Biz.

From Women's Wear Daily:

One Sparkling Sector: Demand Stays Buoyant For High-End Jewelry

— Top-tier jewelry companies aren't flinching in the face of the U.S. economic slowdown — and are proceeding full-speed ahead with their store expansion programs.

So even in this economy Graff, Chanel, Bulgari, Van Cleef and other high end jewelers are expanding. Recession or not, the expectation is that highest end luxe client will continue to shop.

But on the lower end, things sales aren't so sparkling.

From Idex:

Online super jeweler, Blue Nile reported that US sales were down 1% in Q1, compared to a 34% gain in Q1 of 20078. Demand for diamonds in the low end of $5,000 and below remains strong but in the $100,000 plus level demand is weak. Has the high end customer stopped shopping or just opted for the retail store schmooze rather than online efficiency?

While the company reported that first quarter revenues were $70.5 million, up 3.8 percent from the prior year, all of the increase came from sales in international markets, including Canada, the U.K., Western Europe, and to a lesser extent, market tests in Eastern Europe and Asia. Sales in non-U.S. markets were $5.7 million, up 124 percent from last year’s $2.5 million in the first quarter.

I think that the trend for international sales will stay strong due to the weak dollar.

Then again...some super smart people I know are starting to short oil and euros...maybe we're in for a stronger dollar soon.

Savvy Shoppping - Sizzling Spring Sale

Smart online retailers such as Bluefly.com are making the move to mark down prices early as reported by Christina Brinkley in the Wall Street Journal.

Early Markdowns Mean Springtime for Shoppers

In many places, spring styles have been marked down before it's even warm enough to wear them. Finally, fashion's seasons -- which always feel somewhat premature -- have gotten so out of whack that they actually work in shoppers' favor!

The early markdowns are largely a result of flagging consumer confidence. With home foreclosures, sky-high gas prices and financial-industry layoffs making headlines, many middle-class consumers sharply cut back their spending, particularly avoiding splurges on high-priced shoes, handbags and designer fashions. Stores, though, made their purchases of spring goods early last fall, when the luxury industry was still enjoying double-digit sales amid an orgy of interest in such frivolities as ostrich handbags and Louboutin platform sandals.

All the off-kilter fashion timing plays into the hands of Internet discount sites, which are already busy selling designers' current spring and summer collections. Melissa Payner, chief executive of Bluefly.com, says this spring's retail slump has enabled Bluefly to sell current-season designer fashions at 40% or more off. Ms. Payner notes that Bluefly is seeing more inventory than usual this season.

While department stores launched spring and summer collections in January, Bluefly waited until March to buy and took the luxury of reading trends when they were already happening. That enabled the site, among other things, to order more blue than yellow after early predictions that yellow would be big failed to come true. And thank goodness, because yellow is a hard color to wear, no matter what the price.

In addition to the regular sale on Bluefly.com there is an additional 15% markdown on sale dresses through May 19th. With the scorching heat outside today, I'm liking this cool blue Shoshanna silk dress on sale for just under $200. Naturally, I've found the perfect Judith Ripka blue ring to go with it from Beladora.com.

Crowning Glory - The Ideal Accessory

Tosca, so lush, so lovely, but soooo long. I adore Puccini's operas, La Boheme, Carmen, Madame Butterfly and Turandot....what's not to love?

But for some reason Tosca, that old war horse, just doesn't rock my opera world. Maybe it's because I've seen it too many times. Or maybe it's because after I saw Placido Domingo and the memorable Hildegard Behrens sing it in the sublime Zeffirelli Met production in New York (way back in the day) complete with a back stage tour by the lighting designer Gil Wechsler, I just decided that I would never see a better Tosca.

Well the LA Opera, which staged the magnificent Dwarf this year is bringing back Tosca...again. But this year they are adding some bling to bring some sparkle to the production. As reported by the LA Times

For its latest revival of “Tosca,” opening Saturday, Los Angeles Opera has obtained a rare stage artifact – the jewelry worn by Maria Callas in 1956 for her Metropolitan Opera debut as Giacomo Puccini’s tragic heroine.

Made of nearly 200 tear-shaped Swarovski crystals, the jewelry was created specifically for Callas by the Atelier Marangoni in Milan, Italy.
The three-piece set, which consists of a tiara, earrings and a fanned-out necklace, is worth approximately $85,000, according to Swarovski, the current owner.

Of course you don't need to be a tragic heroine who throws herself off the Castel Sant'Angelo to sport such bling.

The Kazanjian Foundation has the perfect tiara for you...an Edwardian tiara circa 1910 which was worn by Madonna for her wedding to Guy Richie. This beautiful crown has 768 old cut diamonds, approximately 78 carats which can be converted into a necklace.

Come on, you know you always wanted to be a princess. Well here's your chance to buy a tiara and know that the money that you paid went to charity. I call that a win-win for everybody.

Vintage Value Venture - Sexy Sarong Dress for Summer

Having seen one shouldered gowns all over the red carpet this season, worn by everyone from Anne Hathaway to Gweneth Paltrow, I've found a bight multi-colored Angelo Tarlazzi silk sarong dress from Retro Dress with sexy cut out sides that would be a perfect look for a summer party. Add a big bold fancy cut amethyst ring from Beladora.com and you'd be ready for the red carpet too.