A history of colored gemstones and elegant cocktail rings

A history of colored gemstones and elegant cocktail ringsEye-catching gemstones like diamonds and emeralds have been a mainstay in societies around the globe ever since the rise of civilization, especially after the foundation of marriage. While it's true that new trends are constantly coming out of the woodwork, there are some traditions that will simply never change.

Designers and collectors around the world are becoming more passionate about various colored gemstones like amethyst and aquamarine. Although it seems like these materials were overshadowed by diamond engagement rings for the past few centuries, you might be surprised to learn that aquamarine cocktail rings had been revered by the Romans and Greeks thousands of years ago. These cultures believed that the gem had the power to accentuate feelings of love, making it a popular choice for eternity bands, promise rings and pre[-]owned engagement rings.

Aquamarine rings are typically set with luxurious precious metals like sterling silver or various shades of gold, meaning that they can easily complement a wide range of clothing styles. In addition, these pieces are sometimes accented with diamonds, giving wearers a necessary boost of sophistication.

Audrina Patridge uses vintage necklace to accommodate vibrant semi casual outfit

Audrina Patridge uses vintage necklace to accommodate vibrant semi casual outfitAudrina Patridge, the charming actress, TV personality and model who broke the ice with her participation in MTV's The Hills, has since ventured into the film industry with her roles as Megan Blair in Sorority Row and Kelsey in the sequel to Into the Blue. With the wide range of talents under her belt, it should come as no surprise that she has more than a few clever tricks up her sleeve when it comes to exquisite fashion accessories and fine jewelry.

Patridge made a ravishing appearance at Sizzling Daylife Affair at MGM Grand's Wet Republic in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 12, when she wore a dazzling semi casual outfit that consisted of a two-piece sleeveless dress with vibrant colors and meandering linear patterns. She topped off this eye-catching ensemble with a pair of burgundy high heels, gold and white gold bracelets, as well as a vintage necklace with a circular pendant at the bottom.

Ladies who wish to make waves at top-notch formal events might want to rely on the sophistication of antique pieces to accentuate the glamour in any particular outfit.

Vintage jewelry and fashion show in San Francisco is expected to promote mainstream retailers

Vintage jewelry and fashion show in San Francisco is expected to promote mainstream retailersSpringtime is a popular season for designers and collectors around the globe, as this is when next year's trends begin to ease their way into the mainstream. If you're interested in learning more about estate jewelers and the process of obtaining such lavish pieces, you might want to stay informed about upcoming exhibits and auctions.

According to Diablo Magazine, San Francisco residents can look forward to the Alameda Point Antiques Faire, which is a biannual show that celebrates the resurging popularity of vintage clothing and jewelry styles, including Art Deco engagement rings. The highly-anticipated event will take place on the weekend of May 18, showcasing mainstream national and regional fashion retailers like J Fein Designs, Daughters of Simone and Susan Lemon. Every time the fair returns to its location, the event typically attracts more than 800 vendors.

"Every May it's more popular," event organizer Sandra Michaan told the news source. "Dealers bring items you don't normally see at antique shows. Everything is at least 20 years old, and if it's repurposed, it must use vintage components."

Yankees present Tiffany & Co charm to war hero during pregame ceremony

Yankees present Tiffany & Co charm to war hero during pregame ceremonyAlthough a simple thanks is often valuable enough when it comes to expressing gratitude, practically nothing shows appreciation more than a precious jewelry gift. Medals and fine jewelry can typically be used to honor tremendous achievements, which is why one of the most prominent teams in Major League Baseball held a special pregame ceremony for a war hero who recently returned from duty in Iraq.

According to the New York Daily News, Marine Corporal Megan Leavey from Rockland County was awarded the Purple Heart medal after serving multiple tours as a bomb specialist in the Middle East. She and her bomb-sniffing dog Sergeant Rex, who worked together for more than 100 missions, made a special appearance at the Yankee Stadium before the home game on May 13. Nick Swisher gave her a jersey autographed by all team members, and Alex Rodriguez presented her with a heart-shaped charm from Tiffany & Co. The piece had the word Rex engraved on it.

If you're thinking about wowing a special someone or relative with a heartfelt sentimental gesture, you might want to rely on the reputations of prosperous mainstream designers who have spent decades diversifying their craft.

Boone ArtWalk event attracts vintage jewelry designers from across the country

Boone ArtWalk event attracts vintage jewelry designers from across the countryAntique jewelry buyers are typically forced to wait for their city's annual jewelry exhibition or summer festival in order to obtain priceless pieces. If you're looking for more ways to get your hands on items that are truly unique, you might want to use ongoing regional events as references.

According to Mountain Times, a gallery known as ArtWalk, which is located along King Street in downtown Boone, North Carolina, features a wide variety of both local and national vintage jewelry designers – from "mom and pop" vendors to successful franchises. Open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., ArtWalk features artists like Lorraine Wilson, who operates out of Nashville, Tennessee. Wilson's highlighted pieces include watch faces from the Victorian era, necklaces infused with collectible coins and pearl statement rings.

"One of Wilson's distinctive handmade pieces makes an excellent Mothers' Day gift," a representative from ArtWalk told the news source. "Surprise and delight your mom with a bracelet or necklace just as unique as she is."

By staying informed about publicized events such as ArtWalk, your online gifting decisions might be significantly simplified.

How American Lera Lee designer draws inspiration from Italian fine jewelry

How American Lera Lee designer draws inspiration from Italian fine jewelryMany jewelry designers who begin as local manufacturers eventually expand their business to the global marketplace, especially as old trends merge with the complexities of modernity. There is one particular designer from Texas who caters to international buyers by implementing traditional elements into every piece.

According to JustLuxe.com, Lera Lee, who hails from the Lone Star State, has fallen in love with the prospect of creating jewelry after living in Italy throughout 2001. After partnering with Camilla Raggi de Marini in Florence, Lera eventually moved back to the United States to launch her own Italian-inspired lines. Most of her collections capture the essence of elegance, including vintage cocktail rings with various shades of gold and popular colored gemstones. The designer also specializes in vibrant belly button rings and chalcedony antique necklaces.

"While in Florence, I was pregnant with our third child and I was desperate for a certain designer ring – a baby gift so to speak of," Lera Lee told the news source. "That is when the light went off. I knew that with all the wonderful craftsmen in Florence, I could source the stones and have a similar ring made."

How symbolism can sway your engagement ring or eternity band choices

How symbolism can sway your engagement ring or eternity band choicesCouples have been interested in symbolism for centuries, using fine jewelry as a way to surpass verbal promises and display unwavering dedication toward one another. Although the industry has progressed in many ways since antiquity, shoppers are still relying on traditional symbols for memorable gifting ideas.

When it comes to vintage engagement rings, you might want to think along the lines of a white gold or platinum setting and diamond accents. Instead of opting for the largest possible rock, you might want to consider multiple prongs that form a unique shape.

Even if your wife already has a beautiful engagement ring, you might want to mark your anniversary by purchasing an eternity band with heart-shaped accents or a personal engraving to show her how much she truly means. While diamonds, emeralds and sapphire are currently some of the trendiest centerpiece choices, you might want to make a sentimental gesture with birthstone gems.

If you're trying to take your relationship to new heights, nothing says "I love you" like customized symbols and eye-catching gemstones.

Christina Applegate uses antique pendant to glam up her semi casual outfit

Christina Applegate uses antique pendant to glam up her semi casual outfitChristina Applegate, the charming actress who caught the world's attention after landing the roles of Sue Ellen Crandell on Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead and Kelly Bundy in Married…with Children, has been in the spotlight ever since she appeared on Days of Our Lives as a baby. It should come as no surprise that she has more than a few clever tricks up her sleeve when it comes to exquisite fashion accessories and fine jewelry.

Applegate made a stunning appearance at the The Paley Center for Media's presentation of Up All Night in Beverly Hills, California, on May 8, when she wore a dazzling semi casual outfit that included a glamorous white dinner jacket, a black shirt underneath and matching denim pants. She topped off this eye-catching ensemble with a pair of contemporary black boots and gold jewelry pieces inspired by nature. She wore two gold chains with antique pendants at the bottom – one had a simple circular design while the other was shaped like a half-moon.

Ladies who wish to make waves at top-notch formal events might want to consider taking cues from Applegate by using gold jewelry to add an extra touch of sophistication.

Jessica Alba uses vintage earrings to accommodate traditional outfit

Jessica Alba uses vintage earrings to accommodate traditional outfitJessica Alba, the lead actress in hit TV series Dark Angel, broke into the film industry with stand-out roles like Nancy Callahan in Sin City and the Invisible Woman in the Fantastic Four movies. She has also been graced with a placement in FHM magazine as one of the "Sexiest Women in the World." It should come as no surprise that she has more than a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to exquisite fashion accessories and fine jewelry.

Alba made a ravishing appearance at the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations costume institute gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 7, when she wore a dazzling traditional gold-colored gown, which she paired with elegant gold jewelry. She topped off this lavish ensemble with a vintage bracelet, a statement ring and a pair of antique gold teardrop earrings with a unique web-like design.

Ladies who wish to make waves at top-notch formal events might want to consider color-blending by pairing gold jewelry with metallic dresses and traditional styles.

Chicago Antique Jewelry and Watch Show helps collectors decipher new trends

Chicago Antique Jewelry and Watch Show helps collectors decipher new trendsItems like estate cocktail rings continue to grow in popularity, especially now that many traditional blends are bouncing back. Although you can learn about modern trends by simply browsing fashion magazines, you might want to be more proactive with your search by staying informed about recent publicized exhibits like the Chicago Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, which took place from April 22 to April 24.

Sponsored by U.S. Antique Shows, a major organization responsible for inciting more public awareness in the fashion world, this event took place at the Chicago Hotel and Towers, where more than a hundred dealers from various corners of the globe promoted antique jewelry collections from numerous eras. Some of these pieces, which included major brand names like Tiffany & Co[.], Rolex, David Webb and Harry Winston, were previously owned by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Mae West and Elvis Presley.

"We were overwhelmed by the antique and jewelry communities' excitement as we entered into the Chicago market," the fair's director, Andrea Canady, announced to the press. "It's evident by the attendance numbers that this show was successful for its first appearance in the windy city."