RAPAPORT... Diamond jewelry design firm Kwiat kicks off its 100-year anniversary with top honors from the Jewelry Information Center (JIC). The company was recognized with the JIC Gem Award for Enduring Achievement, celebrating Kwiat’s success in marketing and product design across four generations. Kwiat will celebrate its centennial with a number of events, including the launch of the Decades Collection of diamond jewelry created especially for the anniversary by Janice DeBell, Kwiat design director. The collection is comprised of ten one-of-a-kind diamond jewelry pieces,inspired by each decade the firm has been in business.
The Diamond Information Center (DIC) introduced its “Raise Your Right Hand Ring for Africa” initiative in Los Angeles at the InStyle Golden Globes Luncheon. Hollywood hotties nominated for, or presenting, an award are invited to wear a diamond Right Hand Ring to the Golden Globes, Academy Awards or Grammy Awards and a $10,000 donation will be made in their name to a project or cause of their choice in Southern Africa. Some of the designers involved in the campaign include Martin Katz, Neil Lane and H. Stern. The DIC hopes to increase awareness of the importance of diamonds to the economies and the people of Southern African nations.
Inspired by humanity and compassion, designer Tanya Farah introduced the Language of Peace Collection of pendants. Born in Iran to Jewish Iraqi parents, Farah understands firsthand the issues in the Middle East, which resulted in creation of a collection of circular pendants crafted from 24-karat gold and etched with the words faith, peace, love kindness and respect in English, Hebrew and Arabic. Each pendant showcases a gemstone dangling from the center. Through this collection, the designer hopes to show the world that we are all humans wanting similar things in life; if communication could be opened up, it may be possible to improve the situation. A percentage of sales from the collection is donated to Seeds of Peace, an organization that encourages Israeli and Palestinian youth to communicate and better relate to each other as individuals.
Backes & Strauss, in coordination with Franck Muller Group, launched its eponymous luxury diamond watches. All watches feature the Backes & Strauss Ideal Cut diamonds. The watch designs are inspired by London’s Regency architecture, especially the work of John Nash. There are three collections: The Berkeley, The Piccadilly and The Regent, crafted in 18-karat white or rose gold. The watchcases were designed to enhance the fire of the diamonds by optimizing the light reflected by the stones. The dials are engraved with a signature pattern inspired by brilliant cut diamonds. Each timepiece has a diamond set subtly in the crown as a brand signature.
Chad Allison debuted its new bridal collection for the New Year. The engagement and wedding rings complement the fashion collection by incorporating the romantic and intricate details into the designs for which the company is known.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - February 2007. To subscribe click here.