Oscar's best (and worst) Jewelry moments!

Hello there! It's that time, my Oscar's review of the best and worst jewelry moments. I was really pleased with the red carpet this year. The gowns were beautiful and the jewelry was finally back on the red carpet. I know the dresses are the main show, but jewelry sure gave dresses a run for their money. Maybe stylists are reading my blog?? Yea, probably not, but one can dream!

I didn't find too many jewelry "misses" this year, but don't worry, I will get to them. These are the top trends this red carpet.

Jewelry AS your dress

Lupita nyong'o

http://www.eonline.com/news/628222/lupita-nyong-o-hits-the-2015-oscars-red-carpet-in-pearl-embellished-calvin-klein-collection-gown-take-a-look

There are no words. I squealed with delight when I saw her get out of her car. There are witnesses to this, you can ask them. I lost it. THANK YOU! A fashion risk, a jewelry statement, and now an Oscar moment. It is a Calvin Klein gown with over 6,000 real and man made pearls. She is the perfect woman to wear this dress, and she looks perfect.

Statement Necklaces 

Margot Robbie

http://www.eonline.com/news/628191/margot-robbie-debuts-shorter-haircut-at-the-2015-oscars-stuns-in-plunging-black-gown-massive-vintage-necklace-look

Margot was stunning in this Van Cleef and Arpels vintage zipper necklace. Its 18 Karat yellow gold with diamonds and a show-stopping sapphire tassel! Yes a TASSEL! It feels like a dream. Her stylist could have easily went for a giant diamond pendant but no-one would have remembered that. This necklace completes her look and pushes her into style icon status.

Cate Blanchett

Staying with the statement necklace theme, Cate Blanchette and Scarlett Johansson were the queens of the statement necklace.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/02/22/cate-blanchett-oscars-2015_n_6723298.html

 Cate was adorned with a Tiffany & Co. turquoise, aquamarine, and diamond necklace. It was the perfect amount of bling and color to bring life to her dress. For such a classic woman, she really knows how to punch it up with jewelry.

Scarlett Johansson 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/22/statement-necklaces-oscar-photos_n_6732314.html

Scarlet was being smothered by a Swarovski crystal giant choker. I did love Scarlet's look, I really do, but looking back it seemed so uncomfortable. Could she breath? Ehh who cares, she looks beautiful! I don't know about you, but breathing is my top requirement in choosing jewelry. Seems like a normal request.

Statement earrings

Jennifer Hudson

http://perezhilton.com/cocoperez/galleries/oscars-2015-shoes-jewels-hair-makeup/?id=448621#.VOvIu1PF-hg

Jennifer was rocking some HUGE emerald and diamond earrings and a HUGE emerald ring too! She always surprises me. Her jewelry game has been on point, and I'm just excited to see more. She is not afraid to take risks. Keep it coming!  

Ocatavia Spencer 

http://perezhilton.com/cocoperez/galleries/oscars-2015-shoes-jewels-hair-makeup/?id=448621#.VOvA8FPF-hg

Octavia rocked these beautiful Jade and diamond earrings. They are stunning, the perfect length, and matched her dress pretty much perfectly. She knows how to rock a statement earring without them taking over her face. Sadly, I can't say the same for Gwyneth Paltrow...

 Gwyneth Paltrow

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/02/22/gwyneth-paltrow-oscars-2015_n_6723478.html

Ok, look. You can't have like five statements going on at the same time. The rose, beautiful, the earrings, beautiful, the long dress, beautiful. All together, not so much. I don't know how else to explain it. Too much of a good thing? Less is more? Look in the mirror? The giant, and I mean GIANT Rubellite earrings, just compete with her dress. And that's just not fair to the dress, or the earrings! Sorry, Gwyneth, you just Gooped yourself a big weird pink mess.

Small diamond stud earrings

Patricia Arquette

http://www.businessinsider.com/photo-of-jared-leto-as-jesus-and-patricia-arquette-2015-2

You can tell I'm not a huge fan of small jewelry on the red carpet, but I do appreciate it when the jewelry matches the personality of the woman. Patricia has always been understated in her jewelry and fashion. I love this look, because its wearable on a daily basis. Lets wear drop diamond earrings rather than diamond studs! Also, that golden Oscar is the best accessory she could ever ask for. Congrats to her!

Dakota Johnson

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-2015-red-carpet-jewelry-776855

Dakota has decided to wear diamond studs, and a bunch of bracelets, and a giant diamond ring. It's nice, not stunning, but nice. Maybe diamond hand-cuffs? Too on the nose? How fun would that have been?!?!!

Over all I was very pleased with this years Oscars. The past few years have been a bit boring, and now everyone is getting excited about jewelry again! 

Let me know in the comments what your favorite jewelry moment was!

Jewelry at the 2015 Grammys

The Grammy's were last night, and no one watched it. This is one of the only award shows that I don't get really excited about. I do, on the other hand, LOVE the red carpet on Grammy night. This is a night where artists throw caution to the wind and wear something straight off the runway or crazy couture. Most people roll their eyes and freak out that Rihanna was wearing a giant puffy pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture dress and Chopard jewelry. 

http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/08/entertainment/gallery/grammys-2015-red-carpet/

Why not?? Hello, she is Rihanna. 

Who else is going to get to wear this?

I am also more excited to see the jewelry on this red carpet because this is where risks are taken. This year was a little tame, but there are still some great looks that I just have to share. It is looking like the year of the statement earrings.

My favorite look of the night was Taylor Swift. Her dress is Elie Saab (LOVE him, he is one of my all time favorites) and her jewelry is Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira.

http://tomandlorenzo.com/2015/02/taylor-swift-in-elie-saab-at-the-2015-grammy-awards/#!prettyPhoto

Black Opal earrings, surrounded by what looks like blue zircon and sapphires (I don't know for sure, but that is what it looks like). 

http://tomandlorenzo.com/2015/02/taylor-swift-in-elie-saab-at-the-2015-grammy-awards/#!prettyPhoto

Her rings were a bit boring, but they are a very wearable look. Side note, she couldn't have done her nails though? Doesn't she have a nail lady who could have painted those guys? It's not like you won't be the most photographed woman at this event or anything.

http://tomandlorenzo.com/2015/02/taylor-swift-in-elie-saab-at-the-2015-grammy-awards/#!prettyPhoto

The next thing I'm going to say, I have very rarely ever said. I loved what Lady Gaga was wearing (see, I told you). 

http://okmagazine.com/photos/lady-gaga-rocks-the-red-carpet-at-the-57th-annual-grammy-awards/photo/1001205891/

Her dress was edgy enough to be at the Grammy's while standing next to Tony Bennett. What really caught my eye were those Emeralds! One didn't need a reason to be looking in her general boob area, but that giant pear shaped Emerald sure did the trick! Also, her makeup was stunning and married the silver and emerald colors of her entire outfit perfectly.

http://www.popsugar.com/beauty/Katy-Perry-Purple-Lob-Grammys-2015-36818156#photo-36818156

One of my favorites of the night has to be Katy Perry. Girl was not afraid to rock some giant earrings, even though her dress was full of sparkle and bling. Her hair was fun and youthful, and she knew to tone down her makeup to make everything else shine. 

I would be doing this entire post on the Grammy's a disservice if I didn't mention the amazing, all powerful, and beautiful Beyonce. Bea did not disappoint! She was hiding some stunning earrings, and from what I can tell they are Emeralds, diamonds, and HUGE. 

http://theboombox.com/beyonce-wins-drunk-in-love-best-r-and-b-performance-2015-grammy-words/

A huge trend I'm noticing is the giant earrings and a ridiculous amount of rings that your little hand can carry. If Beyonce is doing it, and has done before, than I'm all about it. She was rocking only 150 carats...only. 

http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2015/02/09/grammys-2015-beyonce-150-carats-lorraine-schwartz-jewelry-manicure-exclusive/




Last year I was lucky enough to attend the Grammy's, and I thought it would be fun to show you some pics of what I wore! I took my youngest sister and we were both decked out. 

This is a full shot of my outfit :) Notice I was wearing Black Opal and diamond statement earrings and a huge Black Opal ring. Setting trends people! 

5 ways to survive Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Can you believe its already Valentine's Day season?? I still have a Christmas decoration here and there still up in my house! Either way, the day of love is upon us, and if you don't show up with something, you may as well just not come home. Ok, its not that serious, but you get my drift. From a wife/mother/long time jeweler, I'm just trying to look out for you guys.

Now as this is a jewelry blog, naturally I'm going to be dropping a bunch of diamonds on you right now. Do you need to get her diamonds? No. Should you get her diamonds, YES. She deserves it. 
Lets jump right in! 

1. Diamond heart pendant

A classic, and if she doesn't have one yet, get on it. 

If she has one that you gave her YEARS ago, get her a larger one.

2. Diamond stud earrings

99% of women with pierced ears want diamond studs. Her personality/lifestyle/your budget will dictate how big the diamond studs will be. If she has more than one ear piercing, think about getting one small pair to go with the larger ones she has (or vice versa).

3. Infinity symbol jewelry

I really love this in place of a heart for Valentine's. If she is a modern fashionista, she will be all about this! It can be made into a ring, a pendant, or even a bracelet. Also, consider getting it in Rose gold. Mixing color medals is hot right now, and you want her to be on trend don't you?

4. Statement ring

So this option doesn't need to be diamonds, it could be a great big gem stone...with some diamonds on the side, of course. 

Get her a ring that when she wears it, she will remember that Valentine's Day that you truly surprised her and got her a ring that she doesn't need but really really loves!

5. THE ring

Ok, maybe its a little cliched to propose on Valentine's Day, but who cares?? Once she sees that beautiful engagement ring, she will be so happy she won't know what year it is. It's ok to be romantic on the day we are all suppose to be romantic.

Hope this post has given you some gift ideas that will WOW your love. If you are not in a relationship, and want to just admire the jewelry, I say treat your self! There are no rules to Valentine's Day. Buy yourself something sparkly, a box of chocolates and use this holiday as an excuse to spoil yourself! 

*Message me if you are interested in any of these pieces. We have them all at our store Y2K Jewelers in San Dimas CA :)

Diamonds on the red carpet, how original

Happy 2015! Its a new year full of possibilities, hope, weight loss, personality changes, and the reign of diamonds as the gem of choice for all celebrities. Well, the last one is true if anything.

As I was watching the Red Carpet for the Golden Globes this year, I was extremely underwhelmed with the lack of eventful jewelry. Sure Naomi Watts in the snake Bulgari necklace was fun, but not a huge statement. Who doesn't love diamonds?? I am very guilty of it, but come on people! Where is your sense of adventure?! I saw a nice handful of beautiful gowns in yellow and chartreuse, like Naomi was wearing. How about Emerald green? Or a classic dark blue Sapphire? That would have looked amazing, and taken her look to a whole new level.

http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015011/rs_634x1024-150111161450-634.Naomi-Watts-Jewelry-Golden-Globes-Red-Carpet-011115.jpg

The only color stones I saw that stood out were Emily Blunt in her Black Opal and diamond chandelier earrings. Very lovely! Effortless, unique, and still classic. Thank you Emily!

http://www.allure.com/images/beauty-trends/2015/01/golden-globes-2015-emily-blunt.jpg

Also Jennifer Aniston in her yellow gold and Onyx chandelier earrings. Not so modern, or on trend, but at least it was something unique. It didn't work too well with her halter neckline. Maybe a stud or cuff earring! You know, something from this decade. Although, its Jen, I can't be mad at her for anything.

http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2015012/rs_634x1024-150112111035-634-jennifer-aniston-golden-globes-jewelry.jw.11215.jpg

Don't get me started on the "too cool for jewels" look. I'm looking at you Katie Holmes.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/thr_style_news_image/2015/01/katie_holmes_horiz.jpg

I did notice a lot of stud clip on style. The women who rocked this look are Tina Fey (who can do no wrong in my book) and Claire Danes. Claire went with beautiful clip-on style earrings. They were a nice change, but for some reason just not right. Maybe her blue sparkly eye shadow didn't help, but these earrings are more matronly than a fashion statement. I do appreciate the attempt though! If I saw one more diamond chandelier earring, I would have screamed, so thanks for sparing me that agony.

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2478454/thumbs/o-CLAIRE-DANES-facebook.jpg

 I do have to give a shout out to Amy Poehler for going big with that great Irene Neuwirth labradorite statement necklace. It really made Amy memorable, aside from her hilarious intro with Tina Fey.

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2479502/thumbs/o-TINA-FEY-AMY-POEHLER-facebook.jpg

Over all, these are all beautiful women, who are immensely talented and should not be judged on their appearance or what they wear. I am more concerned with the range of the stylists of these brilliant woman. There are more than diamonds in this world, and they are much more exciting and memorable. Hit me up if you need some help, I know a great jeweler that has some amazing one of a kind pieces ;)

Here's hoping the up coming red carpets are just as stunning as the actors are themselves.

How to find the perfect diamond cut- Part 2

Hello there! Finally, Part 2 of how to choose your diamond cut is here! Let's not get into the excuses (work, kids, the JCK Las Vegas show, life, the Fifa World Cup etc.) but I have been one busy lady lately. Don't fret, I didn't forget about you out there. Now this article is about more "fancy" cut diamonds that you may or may not have considered for your engagement ring. I really thought I could make it short, a part of me really believed this, but then I realized there are so many cuts out there! The term "fancy" cut is a jewelers term for "not round or princess cut". That's pretty much it. We jewelers are a simple folk, and try to keep things pretty self explanatory. As you might imagine, a "fancy" cut stone will also usually be more expensive. They are harder to find because they are not as in demand as a round brilliant or princess cut is. So lets jump in shall we!

Radiant Cut 
I love love love a radiant cut diamond. This is also known as a modified princess cut diamond. It is more rectangular. So basically its a rectangular princess cut. It's a nice change, and if you want to be unique, but not too crazy out of your comfort zone, this is the cut for you.

It can often be confused with an Emerald cut diamond. The difference between the two is how the diamond is cut, facets and such. A radiant cut has many more facets, giving it a more brilliant sparkle, like a Princess cut diamond.

Emerald Cut

Now an emerald cut diamond has a cut known as a step cut. It looks like long facets that step up like stairs. This results in a very unique shine, and it is beautiful. There are a few negatives to a step cut.

1. The lack of facets won't hide any flaws that are natural in a diamond. An inclusion can almost be magnified if there are not too many facets to distract your eye.

2. Since you cannot hide an imperfection, you will want a flawless (or as close to flawless) stone, hence being way more expensive than a stone that may have a flaw but is not noticeable. 

3. For this same reason your stone will always need to be cleaned. A step cut is not a friend of soap and lotion.

How awesome is this Blue Diamond?? There's your something blue!

Cushion Cut

http://www.modernjeweler.com/web/online/Diamond-Gem-Profiles/Cushion-Cut-Diamond/2$282 

Another favorite of mine, and I am still trying to get my hands on a good one, is a cushion cut. This is known as the jewelers cut. For a long time this cut was only known by jewelers, but I think when the antique jewelry trend hit, more consumers became aware of this awesome cut. Now everyone, and their stylish mothers, wants a cushion cut. Let me give you the low-down on this hot cut. So to explain it simply, this cut diamond looks like a princess cut with the ends cut off. That's not the scientific explanation, but its the best way that I describe it that really paints a picture for people who have never seen one.

http://www.ascotdiamonds.com/blog/index.php/cushion-cut-diamonds-antique-brilliant-and-modified-brilliant-cuts/

This cut has a few negatives.
1. The way the diamond is cut, the point at the bottom of the diamond is really deep and fat. The problem with this? A lot of the weight of the stone is on the bottom, and it looks a lot smaller when it is set. If you were to look at a round brilliant cut that was 1.00 carat versus a cushion cut that is the same weight, the round brilliant will look WAY larger.
2. This results in you wanting a larger stone, which in turns means you will need to spend more money.
3. This cut is in such demand, it is harder to find, and when you do find them you may be paying a premium for it.

If money is no object, and you want to be on trend, then honey we found the cut for you!

Marquis Cut

Ahh the Marquis cut diamond. This cut is not really in style right now, but you know it will come around again. Your mom, or aunt who got married in the late 70's or 80's was totally rocking this cut, set in yellow gold of course. It was the princess cut of its day. Although, just like high waisted jeans and jelly shoes, the reign of the marquis cut diamond will live on. Maybe you received your mom's first wedding ring, the one she had before she upgraded to a 2.00 carat Princess cut, and you want to wear it for sentimental reasons. This cut can for sure be modernized in a halo setting or worn simply as a solitaire and pair it with a fun wedding band, or even play with it in a 3 stone setting. A diamond is a diamond, clean it up, find a new setting, and make it your own.

Heart shape

For all you romantics out there, this is the perfect cut for you. This is defiantly a fancy cut, and it takes a very fun hearted girl to wear this cut. Some people wear their hearts on their sleeve, you wear it on your finger as a huge diamond.

Pear cut

This cut has its moments of popularity, and it's making a splash again. I personally have a soft spot for a pear shape. The most classic, and I feel flattering, way to set a pear shape is in a 3 stone setting with two trillion (triangle cut diamonds), or with Baguette cut diamonds, and even smaller pear cut diamonds! A Pear cut will elongate any ladies finger, and looks great on everyone. If you are going for a large Pear cut (2.00ct and up), then I feel this looks best on ladies with longer fingers. When the stone is too large, and its long and pointy, it will obviously take up a lot of space. If you have short fingers, this will just make your fingers look smaller.

Who needs a diamond? Emerald is a beautiful and unique way to show your personality in your engagement ring.

How to make your mother/wife/grandmother proud on Mother's Day

Happy May everybody! I can't believe April just flew by. Between business trips, baby Gymboree classes, and Easter, this month was gone in a blink of an eye! What is even scarier is that this means Mother's Day is right around the corner. It's less than a week away people, how does this always happen? Wasn't I just planning Valentine's Day gifts?? Don't be worried, I am here with 5 amazing jewelry Mother's Day gifts that can go for any budget and will please any mom. These are all things that I would love to get, this is my second Mother's Day (yes, I had my first Mother's Day while I was still pregnant) so I'm a pro.

1. Gemstone ring/bracelet/necklace

This is the #1 jewelry style that we are asked to make around Mother's Day. Usually people order a "mother's ring", which has a mix of birthstones of all her children in one ring. Sometimes the father and mother's birthstones are also included, but that is all up to the design. This is also a fabulous gift idea for grandmother's! Combine all of her kids and grand kids birthstones into one fabulous ring. It is always a hit, and you can always get all the kids and grand kids to chip in and really make an awesome piece of jewelry.

Now if you want to get creative, its fun to apply the same concept to make a mother's pendant or bracelet. Put all the birthstones of the kids into a necklace or bracelet. It's that simple.

2. Initials charm bracelet

Sticking with the personalization theme, I'm loving anything with initials. Initials of your children, your husband and yourself, all hanging from a delicate gold bracelet. Simple, easy to wear, and custom made for you and your family. I have seen this done many ways. We can either go very glam with diamond pave initials, or more casual, almost rustic and organic feeling, with round disks with an initial engraved on it.

Side note of why I love charm bracelets. A charm bracelet is always growing and changing. So at any holiday or after a special event, you can always commemorate the occasion with a gold charm. This is fantastic for the mom who has everything.

3. Stackable birthstone bands

One more personalized family jewelry idea, I promise its my last. A thin band that is only the birthstone of each child. So if you have 3 children, you need 3 bands (as well as a medal! 3 kids must be exhausting) each band with the birthstone of the month each child was born in. Also, if all of your children are born in April, you have 3 diamond bands you lucky duck. Now this can be acquired over time. Maybe every Mother's day after a new child is born the mother gets a shiny new ring? After being pregnant and giving birth to your child, jewelry is most defiantly called for.

4. Statement necklaces

This is a look that I am so happy to see as a trend. Big, huge, colorful necklaces are in! And in such a big way. There isn't any woman that this look doesn't look good on. Every age woman can pull this off, its not just for the hipsters of the world. A statement necklace can jazz up a boring sweater, spicy up a little black dress, or add a pop of color to a white button up shirt.

Making the statement. Check out more at
http://blog.choisr.com/lustworthy-statement-necklaces/ 

5.  ANYTHING WITH DIAMONDS

This is pretty self explanatory. Does she already have a mother's ring? Then something with diamonds. Anything with diamonds. The guy who said "Diamonds are a girl's best friend" has life figured out, and probably a very happy wife. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out, just an amazing jeweler ;)

*For prices or any inquires on anything that you see here, email me at elissasommers@gmail.com