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Most expensive bridal gown in Vietnam

 

We have already seen some very expensive wedding wear, including the $1.5 million Peacock dress, Swarovski-encrusted wedding gown collection, $250K platinum wedding dress and the $12 million wedding gown designed by Martin Katz Jewelers and Renee Strauss. Pictured above is a white silk and satin bridal gown from Vietnam, which is decked out with 222 diamonds and 100 red rubies. Valued at equivalent to US $117,000, the “Bach ngoc xiem y” is the most expensive bridal gown in Vietnam. Showcased at the Ruby Plaza trading centre in Hanoi on June 28, this shimmering gown is a creation of young fashion designer Huy Vo. The gemstone-made flower on the gown has 22 big rubies and 8 big diamonds. A big water drop-shaped ruby that symbolizes love has been used for the pistil. It took 40 days to complete this unique gown.

Perfectly Pink: 2009 Summer Has it all

 

Pink is really great for any time of year but there’s just something about the warmth and opulence of summer that really makes it sizzle and somehow more flirty and enjoyable to sport. 2009 summer designers really have come up with completely new kinds of fashion fun using all of the pink palette choices along with some sparkling diamond accessories. Of course we don’t advise all at once (you do not want to be a Barbie look alike) but we have assembled a mix of pink fashionista items below to keep your girly side trendy this summer in something spectacularly pink.

 

 

 

WhiteFlash A Cut Above Hearts & Arrows Diamond

Why “go green” on your special day?

Green weddings are believed to influence the bride and groom’s future lifestyle. The trend of going green is on the rise although statistics are hard to find. Of the 2.5 million weddings that take occur each year a small percentage have considered going green by purchasing conflict free diamonds for their wedding and engagement rings.

Jewelers can now provide Kimberly certificates as proof of a “clean” diamond which they can declare as conflict free, The Kimberly process – created in 2003 – is a voluntary, self-regulated system that established standards for certifying diamonds. A diamond with a Kimberly certificate guarantees that sales of that diamond did not go to finance the civil war.

You can also feel good knowing that 100% of Whiteflash Dreams of Africa collection profits go to communities impacted by jewelry trade (WCCCI).

Some initial questions to ask a jeweler regarding conflict diamonds are…

-What is your company’s definition of conflict jewelry?

-What are you company’s conflict diamond policies?

-Can you provide official certification from an established grading lab?

-Where do you source your diamonds from?

  

Jewelry Insurance

Jewelry Insurance

 

If you’ve recently ponied up for an engagement ring, then you know the stress that goes along with making such a high dollar investment. Whether you went with the traditional “two months” salary or something more in a realistic price range, you’ve made a substantial investment and you should take the steps to protect her new finger candy.

Most jewelers or engagement ring websites offer insurance through their store or can point you in the right direction. For example, our friends at WhiteFlash.com offer tips right on their website.

Here are five quick tips!

1. Research cost – Just like you compared pricing for rings, do the same for insurance. There are deals to be had.

2. Appraise – Either get an appraisal from a jeweler. Oftentimes, the ring insurance company can provide one as well.

3. Coverage – Determine if your ring is being covered for the purchase cost or replacement cost.

4. Traveling? – Check with your insurance company if you’re going to be liable for damage or loss that occurs while on vacation. You may have to purchase separate traveler’s insurance in some cases.

5. Review details – Make yourself as familiar as possible with the policy info. Things to think about are who repairs the ring in case of damage, how much is paid upfront if you have to repair or replace, and who specifically will do the repairs.

Cheers!

crystal-studded in-car accessories

 

Me-Mo, an online car accessory store aimed primarily at girls, is now offering a range of Swarovski-studded in-car accessories. Me-Mo has lately added the brand Isotta Fraschini, and is selling their , an online car accessory store aimed primarily at girls, is now offering a range of Swarovski-studded in-car accessories. Me-Mo has lately added the brand Isotta Fraschini, and is selling their Urban Glow Swarovski crystal embedded in-car accessories. The new sparkling range includes leather, chrome and crystal drinks holders, leather and crystal gear knobs and leather gear boots. All these items are available in a range of colors that mimic the brilliance of Swarovski crystal embedded in-car accessories. The new sparkling range includes leather, chrome and crystal drinks holders, leather and crystal gear knobs and leather gear boots. All these items are available in a range of colors that mimic the brilliance of super ideal cut diamonds. The ‘Moon Unit’ handbrake from the line comes embossed with 304 Swarovski crystals and costs £170 ($275). A crystal-studded pink leather and chromed aluminum steering wheel is selling for £400 ($650). These blinged items will appeal to those who think that their car’s leather upholstery is not just enough to make a dazzling statement.

David Webb Files Chapter 11

 

Another iconic jewelry company has filed Chapter 11. It has been announced that David Webb filed Chapter 11 yesterday reporting assets of $10.3 million and liabilities of $6.9 million. Diamonds, net had a look at the documents which show that while gross sales for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, were $13.2 million, total sales for the coming fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 were not expected to top $5 million. The company estimated operating expenses for the next 30 days at $377,927 with expected sales of approximately $400,000. The “Silberstein Family Partnership” is listed as sole owner of the company. The company has been in business over sixty years and has provided jewelry for some of the most legendary jewel connoisseurs in the world including Elizabeth Taylor, The Duchess of Windsor and Princess Grace. David Webb pieces which often feature animals and naturalistic themes remain some of the most collectible pieces in the jewelry world.

Afghani Treasures at the Met

On June 23, a new exhibit opened at the Met: Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul. History and fascinating story of the treasures’ discovery aside I was wowed by the gold. Much of what’s on display was discovered either in archeological digs or in a vault in the presidential palace, where citizens with foresight hid the treasures to protect them from war: jewelry, a belt, an amazing crown (shown here; it breaks down into six pieces for easy transport), a dagger sheath, clasps, anklets, diamond rings, pendants, bowls … the list goes on.

My favorite item, just for the sheer excess of it all — and proving that showing your status via footwear is not a new thing — was the pair of gold shoe soles designed to be placed with a body when buried. I guess mere sandals wouldn’t do in the afterlife.

My friend and I really enjoyed the exhibit, which features many more items, gold and non-gold, such as glass, ivory and gemstones. But the gold alone is worth seeing if you are in NYC or planning a visit this summer. The exhibit will be at the Met until September 20 and is included in the price of admission to the museum.

 

Hidden Treasures from the National Museum

Hidden Treasures from the National Museum

 

Online Diamond Buying Perfected

 Already known for carrying the largest in-stock inventory of the highest quality branded WhiteFlash ACA ideal and “superideal” Hearts and Arrows diamonds on the internet, WhiteFlash (www.WhiteFlash.com) announces their acquisition of online diamond e-tailer GemDiamond.com. Along with this groundbreaking acquisition, the appointment of Bryan Boyne as their newest Vice President further increases the unquestionable strength and ever-evolving multiplicity behind the WhiteFlash.com brand.

The decision to acquire GemDiamond.com was one that owner and president of WhiteFlash.com, Debi Wexler, did not take lightly. “It’s always a little nerve-racking when you are considering altering an established and flourishing brand like that of WhiteFlash.com. What solidified this decision was when we tapped into the natural synergy and even more importantly that we had the same commitment to providing a brilliant and unmatched buying experience for our customers”, confides Wexler.


 

WhiteFlash.com is the first company in the U.S. to offer an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamond and bring the sheer beauty of “super ideal cut” to the Internet. Debi Wexler, founded WhiteFlash.com in 2000 bringing an expansive selection of loose diamonds to the Internet, including an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds. WhiteFlash (ACA(TM)) is unmatched in its brilliance, fire and sparkle and remains the only Hearts & Arrows diamond sold online with advertised standards and a “true patterning” guarantee. Hailed as Lord of the Rings on Line, by Kiplinger’s Magazine, WhiteFlash.com also offers original, handcrafted platinum and gold settings, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, custom designs and specialty jewelry.

For more information, log on to   www.WhiteFlash.com or call 877.612.6770. 

 

A Ritz-y Wedding

 
The package is more than just a high-priced luxury wedding tied up in a bow. Actually, a lot of the services are free! The Reconnect package includes:
 

 

  • Ceremony Location (such as the above)
  • Wedding Specialist
  • Wedding Concierge
  • Minister
  • Signature Bouquet
  • Signature Boutonniere
  • Signature Location Décor
 
What’s more, your wedding guests will enjoy a $100 daily resort credit for use at restaurants, the spa, and for recreation activities such as the Culinary Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, where guests can explore cooking, wine, and Mexican tequilas, the award-winning White Witch Golf Course at The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica, Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, BLT Steak at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino, and sailing on the Lady Lynsey at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Now if the only included that diamond ring…..not everything is perfect!
 

Read the full posting here!

 

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Flickr Photos

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Conflict Diamonds: News and Updates via DreamsofAfrica.org

Conflict Diamonds: News and Updates via DreamsofAfrica.org

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