RAPAPORT... Italy is known for it trendsetting gold jewelry and for its fine leatherwork. Now Italian goldsmith Pietro Balestra has combined these two arts into a collection of handbags, Oro Pelle/Jazz 24-karat gold leather handbags and accessories. Distributed in the U.S. exclusively by Herco, each handbag is handmade and one of a kind. Balestra developed and patented a technique for spattering 24-karat gold on leather that allows the leather to remain soft. Working with Italian leather company Sirena, each bag is made unique by the application of Italian newspaper to the surface of the leather, creating an original design on each bag.
When it comes to love, nothing says it quite like diamonds. Diminico has introduced Mi-Amor — My Love — a collection that is all about passion and perfection. The line is comprised of all pavé and micropavé diamond jewelry. Each of the diamonds is a hearts and arrows ideal cut, right down to the tiniest gem of 1 mm or less. The classic styles are described by the designers as combining “the sophistication and stylized beauty of European romance and design in jewelry that speaks to perfection.”
“Dare to be Elegant” is the challenge offered by Los Angeles–based Supreme Jewelry in its new consumer advertising campaign. The diamond jewelry collection is worn in the ads by actress/model Donna Feldman, of the television series “Fashion House.” She is also named on Maxim magazine’s “Hot 100” list.
As a tribute to the ever glamorous and humanitarian actress Angelina Jolie, Bochic donated for auction pieces of their jewelry that she wore at the Golden Globe Awards. The proceeds benefited the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) World Refugee Day. The pieces were auctioned off by charityfolks.com and proceeds went to UNHCR programs in Chad for refugees from the Darfur region.
Several designers were honored with the Town & Country awards for design excellence during the Couture show in Las Vegas in June. Congratulations to the winners: Shaun Leane, Bridal; La Reina Collection, Diamonds; Sevan, Colored Gemstones: Erich Zimmerman, Gold; Yossi Harari, Haute Couture; Yvel, Pearl; Steven Kretchmer, Platinum and John Hardy, Silver.
For 30 years, the New Designer Gallery has supported and encouraged up-and-coming jewelry designers. This year the JA New York Summer Show is recognizing those who have made this an essential and prestigious forum for those artisans. At this summer’s show, the New Designer Gallery will feature a Designer Showcase Lounge with photographs and memorabilia from the past three decades. There will be a special silent auction to raise money for the Mort Abelson scholarship at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. A special ceremony at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 30, will take place in the New Designer Gallery to honor the work of new talent.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - July 2007. To subscribe click here.