Cartier, Harry Winston, Fred Leighton, Tiffany…..there were some gorgeous baubles on display at the Oscar Ceremony earlier this week. Host Anne Hathaway got to borrow a stunning $10 million, 94 carat Tiffany Lucida Star diamond necklace. Other honorable mentions include Nicole Kidman’s 150-carat 19th century Riviere diamond necklace by Fred Leighton; Gwyneth Paltrow’s refreshingly playful, multi-toned Louis Vuitton earrings; Reese Witherspoon’s classic 35-carat emerald drop earrings, courtesy of Neil Lane; and Amy Adams was adorned in a spectacular display of bling from Cartier, reportedly worth $1.35 million. Here’s some Oscars jewelry trivia for you; the most expensive single piece of jewelry ever worn to the Oscars was a Harry Winston 15-carat blue diamond necklace worth $20 million. Gloria Stuart, nominee for best supporting actress for Titanic, wore it in 1998.
Jewelers dressing stars for an event isn’t anything new. It is said that Harry Winston began the practice of loaning jewelry to the stars in the 1943 Academy Awards. The lucky wearer was actress Jennifer Jones. She went on that evening to win the Best Actress Award, and a tradition was born.
Great bling isn’t just reserved for Red Carpet Events. Stylists, whether they work for a celebrity, or are a self fashonistas, are always looking at jewelry designers trying to find the right look. I had the pleasure of seeing several of up and coming talented designer’s lines during Fashion Week, and I would like to introduce you them in upcoming blogs. Here are two of my favorites.
Soffer Ari
The Soffer Ari (www.sofferari.com) collection encompasses not only jewelry but clothing and accessories. The entire line is made entirely by hand in Los Angeles. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other precious stones are hand chosen. Even the buttons and hardware used for clothes and accessories are solid .925 sterling silver or solid gold. Their leathers come from Europe and the US and are always the finest available.
There are black diamonds, bracelets, earrings, cufflinks, leather bags and bracelets, belts and buckles, furniture and lifestyle, custom pieces galore….it is easy to see why the line is a favorite of rockers and celebs, and treasured by clients around the world! I certainly found many pieces that I loved and indulged any inner rock star goddess personas that I have! All items in the Soffer Ari line are available in select stores around the world and directly from their flagship store in Los Angeles.
Noor Fares Jewelry
Lebanese jewelry designer Noor Fares has had an extraordinary international upbringing having lived in traveled in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. She has been able to take her range of inspirations, both in the artistic and architectural worlds and incorporate them into her jewelry. Noor’s creations can be identified by the mark of a small secret protective eye, the eastern symbol of good luck. She has taken the concept of wearable art to a new level and every piece is created with meaning and beauty.
Currently Noor’s pieces are available only in the UK and in Lebanon, but I expect after seeing the interest in pieces during Fashion Week, we can expect to see her line in the states. For more on Noor’s line see http://www.noorfares.com.
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