Ho Ho Ho Holiday Designer Trunk Shows..this weekend.

Amazing Cuff Bracelets from the WJA Diva Awards

Two of my favorite artists, Pamela Froman and Annie Fensterstock took top awards at this years 2012 WJA Diva Awards, now in it’s 15th year. The craftsmanship is truly top caliper, excellent work ladies.

Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry palladium "Ice Princess" cuff, featuring rainbow Moonstones (15.00 TCW) accented with diamonds.

Annie Fensterstock blackened sterling silver and 22K yellow gold cuff, featuring white and fancy colored diamonds (11.91 TCW) and Sapphires (7.30 TCW).

On The Bench: Tulip and Leaf Basket Prong Settings

The ideas sketched out for the ring settings....and

The gorgeous hand made, recycled 14k royal yellow gold prong style bridal settings shown still in the fabrication process. These settings will now be mounted onto the ring bands and set with conflict free, socially responsible diamonds right here in Boston.

Interview with Laura in 'Cocktails and Joints' Magazine

Twinkle, Twinkle, Shooting Star
An Interview with Boston Jeweler Laura Preshong

Recycled Gold Infinity Solitaire Ring

The newest piece in the Laura Preshong Ethical Fine Jewelry collection, a hand made recycled 14k white gold infinity solitaire ring. Set with a stunning 1.24 c-4 SI champagne diamond, 48 1-mm brilliant cut G SI diamonds,  for a total diamond weight of 1.59 carats. In the gallery as shown for 8800.00.

Wedded Bliss: Amaya and Dave, Jessica and Jamie

Amaya and Dave wearing alternative bridal by Laura Preshong Boston. See the full post here.

Jessica and Jamie saying "I do" with Laura Preshong's twig band. See more photos of the happy couple here.

Inspiration: The Artisan Styling of the Late 1800's

Plunking around the internet this morning catching up on my favorite blogs, I came across this images of a pair of 18k yellow gold row boat earrings c.1880. Gasp. The 1800's were the hay day of hand made, the craftsmanship sublime, and these earrings truly inspirational. See more here.

The first Gibson Guitar 1894. See more here.

Mansard roof first designed by Francois Mansard (1598–1666). It became especially fashionable during the Second French Empire (1852–1870) of Napoleon lll.Read the history of a Jamaica Plain Massachusetts Mansard here.

Wednesday Wedding Inspiration: The Four C's

One thing to keep in mind when buying a diamond is that no two are alike, think crystalline snowflakes glistening on a sunny day. Diamonds are complex, learn what you have time for and so your up on the lingo and hit the streets. If you can't see the actual diamond for yourself, you should choose to use a person you can communicate directly with, who based on their experience can select stones for you based on your budget. It's tough to describe the fire of a diamond in NYC from a call center in Seattle. 

In addition to the fab 4 C's of diamond grading to consider are table and depth percentages and the part she admires the most, the fire or sparkle. The Four C's refer to quality grading, and is a system developed by the GIA (Gem Institute of America) as a fair and consistent way to grade diamonds.

Read about the 4 C's on the GIA's web site.

In Addition to the Kimberly Process...

The Kimberly Process is an International plan used to control the sale and distribution of conflict diamonds coming from parts of Africa. I am behind the ideals put forth by the Kimberly Process and completely support the endeavor, I also recognize the complexity of a multifaceted subject. Beyond the horror of war and humanitarian injustices that had befallen the people of the Congo is the knowledge that many of the victimized families depend(ed) on mining diamonds and minerals for their entire economic support and daily survival. Who's responsible for the deterioration of a cottage industry gone way wrong. In my opinion, the classic green eyed monster scenario... giant corporations do so much harm worldwide like De beers diamond mining in Canada, Apple and Foxconn humanitarian issues in China and AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Merck drug testing in Asia and India. And then there's oil.

The new effort approved by Jewelers of America is called the Diamond Source Warranty Protocol, you can read more about it here.

Today's Inspiration: Lou Reed in 1972

I love this album today and 40 years ago. Lou Reed Transformers, a classic. Have a roll down memory lane here with some free sample tracks on CD Universe.