RAPAPORT... Watching television just became more scintillating. Philips Electronics released its one millionth Ambilight FlatTV adorned with 225 carats of diamonds. The electronics firm created the television in conjunction with New York–based diamond jewelry company A.Link. Set in a floral pattern, 2,250 diamonds turn the 42-inch Ambilight LCD HDTV into a work of art. Later this year, the television will be auctioned off, with the proceeds donated to a charity.
Multiple-award-winning designer Mark Schneider has once again been honored. This time it was by the Contemporary Design Group, which named him Designer of the Year at its annual awards dinner held this year in Tucson during the shows. Schneider is the recipient of more than 36 design awards that recognize his contemporary style and creative use of diamonds and colored gemstones. His work has been displayed at the Smithsonian Institution’s Gem and Mineral Gallery and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Expect to see more gold jewelry on the boardwalks in 2007, as swimwear takes on a new glow with its newest accessory: gold jewelry. Yellow gold bangles, pendants and hoop earrings brought a kiss of sunshine to swimwear runway shows, glamming up the 2007 season’s beach and resort fashions, courtesy of the World Gold Council.
Speaking of gold, Tiffany Koury, named as one of the “Top 10 Dress Designers to Watch” by the Doneger Group in 2006, accessorized her fall 2007 “Bombshell” collection with gold jewelry. The collection, inspired by glamorous leading ladies of Hollywood’s golden era, was on view at a World Gold Council-sponsored event, which welcomed retail buyers, press and socialites. Gold jewelry was supplied by 25 designers, including Alex Woo, Robin Rotenier, Susan Suh and SeidenGang.
Spring is in the air and so are Giovanni Design International’s 18-karat gold and diamond birth flowers. The tradition of birth month flowers started during the ancient Roman Empire, when it is thought that birthdays were first celebrated. Giovanni has interpreted these flowers into jewelry with a powerful sentiment. Each flower can be worn as a pendant or brooch. Retailers who purchase the entire 12-month program will also receive a complete product-support package that includes marketing materials.
GoldVish, a Geneva-based firm specializing in personal communication gadgets, debuts the ultimate cell phone, crafted in 18-karat yellow, white or pink gold and sparkling with diamonds. Transcending the mere functionality of an electronic device, diamonds catapult this cell phone into the ultimate luxury of jewelry.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - April 2007. To subscribe click here.