Talking about “Paraiba” Tourmalines

One of my favorite gemstones is the “Paraiba Tourmaline”. I love that incredible “Windex” color, there is nothing like it. Copper in high concentration is responsible for the neon blue that is coveted by so many. A truly rare stone, Paraiba Tourmaline was first discovered in the 80′s in Paraiba, Brazil. Within a very short time, the world market soaked up the modest supply of gemstones. In 2001, more of these stones were found on the African continent, specifically, Nigeria and Mozambique. Interesting enough both stones had the same chemical composition where copper and manganese were present.

Over the years we have bought a few of the African Paraiba Tourmalines. It’s a thrill to shop for the perfect stone. The best cut, and the most brilliant with enough saturation will give you a high when you lay your eyes on it.

Valentine!

Valentine’s! Valentine’s Day is tomorrow……

Oh how I remember all those Valentine’s Days…. Elementary school Valentine’s days, Middle school Valentine’s days and High School when real Valentines were around……and evolved into College when my boyfriend always had something and then my husband….who never forgets Valentine. One year it might be some awesome chocolates, one year it might be some unusual flowers and one year it might be a symbolic piece of Jewelry, but everytime I feel that he is expressing more of his love. This year I will be celebrating my 30th Valentine with my husband and I LOVE to be surprised!

Emerald Green Pantone color of the year!

Emerald green 2013 color of the year! It took me by surprise…. such a classic lush color, especially after last year’s bold Tangerine Tango .  According to the official announcement on their website the color is “Lively. Radiant. Lush…A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.”  So I asked myself why would Pantone land on this hue to represent 2013, when researching for this post I really fell in love with the color and all its different shades. At the Presidential  inauguration Beyonce seems to be the right ambassador of the Pentone Institute. I guess we will see a lot of this lush color this year.

The Golden Globes

Did you watch the Golden Globes on Sunday? It was an all Diamond show.I don’t think I have seen so many stars studded with diamonds. Jessica Alba wore a beautiful Harry Winston Necklace.

                                             

Julianne Moore dressed in Tom Ford, one of my favorite fashion designers, stood out from the rest. Her Bulgari diamonds earrings were in rose gold, a trend on the rise.

                                             

I can’t wait to see all the diamonds at the Oscars. Below is an incredible diamond necklace we were recently commissioned to design and fabricate for an international client, hope she makes it to the Oscars!

                                             

2013: Year of the Snake

Symbol of rebirth and renewal, symbol of immortality. Ever since man started working in metals we have seen serpents, wether they were meant to protect, shield or bring good luck to the wearer, the symbols that are attach to it have been very powerful. Let us celebrate the snake in honor of the Chinese Zodiac!

Cheers to a Happy and Healthy New Year!

We are all getting ready for the New Year with new plans, new resolutions, new dreams and new ideas….
It is nice to reflect on what we would like to accomplish.
For us it’s more creativity…. on all levels. We like to simplify objects that are complicated to create, strip the design to a pure level until it’s beauty becomes very satisfying. We want to feel more connected to people who we are creating something special that will enhance their lives and become heirlooms.
We hope that this New Year will bring more peace and love on earth, that people from all different backgrounds will benefit from each other cultures by giving birth to new ideas instead of oppressing each other.
Let’s hope this New Year is the Year of tolerance, inspiration and freedom for all.

So many choices! Where to start?

Choosing your wedding band may seem like a difficult decision, but it should be one you approach with excitement!  This is a ring that you and your fiance will choose together and wear for the rest of your lives, and the choices are endless.  There aren’t really any rules when it comes to picking the one, but here’s a list of things to keep in mind when shopping around:

1. Decide the basics before you shop – Which metal? Diamonds? Eternity or half-way around?
2. Start your search early!  Remember most rings can take up to a month to be created, you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute.
3. Be practical in your choices, don’t choose a wedding band that you wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing each and every day.
4. Set a budget, and stick to it.  All metal bands can be anywhere from $500 – $1,000 depending on thicknesses and metal choice, adding diamonds is only going to further increase the price!
5. Dare to be different.  There’s no rule book for picking out a wedding band.  If you don’t want it to match your engagement ring it doesn’t have to.  If you do, there’s most likely a matching style out there and your decision is easy!  You can mix metal colors and different styles.
6. Have fun and go WITH your fiance!  Chances are he’ll want and appreciate your help when choosing his ring out and is excited to help pick yours.

 

click to see these wedding sets by Mark Patterson Jewelry