Perfect diamonds and burning hearts. That is the dream of every couple. Like the one formed by Glenn and Susan Rothman, husband and wife, who in 1996 founded Hearts on Fire, a New York company specializing in jewelry with the most loved stone by women. Fast scroll: in 2014 the brand was bought by the largest Chinese jewelery group, Chow Tai Fook, based in Hong Kong. The company then launches several stores in mainland China. But the starting idea, that is to use high quality natural diamonds, transparent and without inclusions, remains the same.
Diamonds that meet these standards are one-tenth of 1% of rough diamonds mined. Not only that: a particular patented Hearts On Fire cut has been designed to let as much light as possible into the stone and increase its reflections. It should also be added that the diamonds are guaranteed 100% compliant with the Kimberley Process (i.e. of controlled origin also from an ethical point of view). In 2012 Hearts On Fire hired Ilaria Lanzoni as the first official director of Design.
How does Hearts On Fire differ from others? The Maison explains that the cutting process of a diamond, which favors the round or square shape, which amplifies the beauty of a diamond, is particularly scrupulous. A precise formula is used for the cut of the diamond, which takes into account the symmetry, proportions and specific shape of each diamond. A process is so rigorous and demanding that it takes four times longer to cut a Hearts On Fire diamond than it takes to cut a diamond in the traditional way.
Laurent Gandini’s twisted jewels
Torsade, collection signed by Laurent Gandini, is one of the typical elements of Baroque architecture. Just think of the columns surrounding the altar inside St. Peter’s Basilica, designed by Bernini in the first half of the seventeenth century. But the twist is an element that is also well suited to jewelry, for example with the use of intertwined gold threads.
And also in the Torsade collection of the Milanese jeweler there are edges in 9 carat rose gold that form an endless spiral and that enclose natural stones of different colors. For example, amethyst, prasiolite, blue London topaz, square or octagonal cut, are surrounded by a twisted gold motif.
There is little information about Laurent Gandini. He apparently studied medieval history at university, but then he chose to be a jewelry designer. He worked for Missoni, but in 1990 he went on his own and launched his range of jewelry made in Milan. It is inspired by popular tradition motifs, such as ex-votos, but also by architectural styles, such as the rose windows of medieval Lombard churches. I expect him not surprising given his youth studies.
How to choose an engagement ring
How to choose an engagement ring? We have asked several people, men and women.
Once upon a time, engagement rings were only made of yellow gold. It is the most traditional gold, the one that signals the value of the metal. Today, however, a yellow gold engagement ring has a slightly vintage feel, even if it always remains a classic. Someone prefers it this way, precisely because of its taste of a jewel from other times, but with a value that will remain intact for the future as well. In this case, however, it is better to choose a simple design, perhaps with a small diamond set.
Yellow gold. Once the engagement rings were made in yellow gold. It is the more traditional gold, which indicates that the value of the metal. Today, however, an engagement ring in yellow gold has a vintage feel. Some people prefer it so, just for its flavor jewel of other times. In this case , however, better to choose a simple design, perhaps with a small diamond.
White gold. Beware: in reality there is the white gold. It is, you know, gold mixed with some metal without color, such as silver, nickel, manganese and/or (more rarely) palladium. Beware, then by those who proposed a ring in “pure white gold”. It is often coated with rhodium to give it a patina whiter and a brilliant finish. This type of ring after a few years it should be dipped again in a solution in order to maintain its white color and luster and replace the rhodium plating, otherwise it will return to the color of its main ingredient: yellow gold. It’s a hassle, but in reality the process is relatively inexpensive, and many jewelers offer this service for free.
Red and rose gold. The red gold is a alloy with copper. It’s not used traditional for engagement rings, less than complicated processes that combine white gold or yellow. An engagement ring in red gold, which is very fashionable for other types of jewelry, it is considered a bit too bling, inelegant. Of course, the design of the ring counts for a lot in the final judgment.
Platinum. This means that it has a natural white color, although slightly greyish. To be sold as a platinum ring should be composed of at least 90-95 per cent with this metal. Over time the color of the platinum does not tend to yellow, as for the white gold. But loses its glossy finish: some like it because that, by contrast, makes the diamond even more sparkling. Platinum, in any case, can be professionally polished to restore its original splendor, a process that is comparable in terms of cost of care for the white gold. In general, the color of white gold and platinum are similar, but not exactly the same thing: try to put a ring type on the same hand and you will see. White gold is more silvery, while platinum is more gray. The white diamonds beautifully complement them both, but beware: if your engagement ring is platinum, do not add a wedding band in white gold. Remain coordinated with the metal selected the first time is a better idea.
The price. The biggest advantage of white gold than platinum is definitely the cost. Platinum is more expensive because it is more rare than gold. Every year there are only extracted 160 tons of platinum against 1,500 tons of gold. In addition, platinum is denser than the yellow metal: the same size ring will weigh significantly more platinum than gold (and precious metals are valued by weight). Broadly speaking, a gem in white gold costs about half an equivalent in platinum. So if you like the white and want to save, choose the gold.
Which gold to choose. Most of the engagement rings in gold are a 14 or 18 carat , usually marked with the initials 14k or 18k . The letter k means carat. The 14k gold is only 58.3 percent pure. The one on the 18k is 75 percent pure. The greater the amount karat, the purer the gold, but it is also less resistant. The gold in its purest form, in fact, is at 24k, but that state is too soft to use for jewelry complex: it deforms. Must be alloyed with other metals in order to harden and become resistant. To reinforce the gold is usually used in alloys nickel, but sometimes causes allergy. Platinum, however, is a strong metal, stronger and heavier than gold. Among other things, the platinum is more pure and is considered hypoallergenic. You can, however, also find white gold without nickel.
Symbols. Gold historically indicates wealth, wisdom, and divine power. Remember the golden rules of the Bible? Or, the golden age or the golden years, which signify good times. And the 50th wedding anniversary is said to be one of the golden wedding. Gold is also considered by many as the traditional metal for wedding rings and engagement rings. Since it does not oxidize over time, helps to symbolize the pair of eternal harmony. Yet now it is platinum that seems to be the new symbol of wealth and prestige. Think of the “platinum credit card” which often has better benefits and privileges that the “credit card of gold.” The choice is yours.
Can an engagement ring be colored?
A ring with a colored gem instead of the classic white diamond? You can.
Perhaps it will be surprising for many, but the engagement ring must not necessarily be linked to the classic white diamond. Mind you: a rim in white gold with a brilliant and fourteenth -century diamond or six rebbi (the Tiffany frame) that block the gem, are fine. Indeed, such a ring has the advantage of being able to be worn on any occasion, with any dress, at any phase of life. It is necessary to know, however, that this type of ring is a fairly recent convention.
1 When do you give an engagement ring as a gift?
2 The 10 etiquette rules for the engagement ring
3 How to choose the engagement ring
4 Engagement ring: 5 things to know
5 Women dissatisfied with the engagement ring
6 Women willing to pay for their engagement ring
7 Colored Engagement Rings
The rings that for centuries have accompanied a request for engagement, a commitment for marriage, or simply were a testimony to the love of a man towards a woman, they were not the solitaire. Indeed, more often a colorful gem was chosen, from ruby to sapphire. It was, and it is still, a choice appreciated by women, the more the ring is made with generous size stones.
Therefore, it is completely legitimate to give an engagement ring with a precious or semi-predious gem. Just remember Diana Spencer’s famous engagement ring, with a large blue sapphire surrounded by a diamond crown. But it is not the only example of engagement ring with colored gems. Although there are also those who, like Jennifer Lopez, have received a ring with diamond, but of green shades, a very rare color for this type of gem.
However, the choice of an engagement ring with colored gems must be performed carefully, because there is the danger of exaggerating. A ring full of colorful gems, very lively and flashy is not indicated as an engagement ring. Rather, it is what is called a cocktail ring, which suits, precisely, for parties or worldly occasions. An engagement ring, however, will often be worn on several occasions: it will therefore have to be sober, without excess, to be able to combine with any dress, both during moments of leisure, and in the office or during a ceremony.
Cristiana Perali, the spirit of Rome
A small goldsmith shop set in Old Rome, between a bend in the Tiber and Campo dei Fiori, between the Vatican and Piazza Navona: Cristiana Perali‘s jewels are the legacy of a century spent working with metal and stone. In fact, that of Cristiana Perali is a small goldsmith company with a great tradition: it dates back to 1907 when Carlo, the grandfather of the current owner, started the business by opening a jewelery shop with attached precision watchmaking laboratory and goldsmith’s workshop.
In 1945 Carlo Perali was joined by his son Paolo, who in turn passed on his passion for jewelry to his daughter Cristiana, a third generation jewelry designer and stylist. It is inevitable that the spirit of the Eternal City is part of the inspiration of the shop’s goldsmith production, but without it manifesting itself in jewels that can be associated with a tourist appeal. Cristiana Perali’s city is simply introjected, as in the Roma collection, which incorporates the design of the ancient stone road pavements. Also for this reason, her jewels have been exhibited in museums and high jewelery exhibitions and have paraded on high fashion catwalks in Rome, Beijing, Shanghai, Chicago, New York, St. Petersburg and Mexico City.
The Icelandic wind on the rings of Aurum
Aurum, an Icelandic jewelery brand that pays particular attention to the aspect of sustainability, launches an extraordinary new range of engagement rings and rings to celebrate anniversaries. The collection features an array of lab-grown gems, such as diamonds, opals and spinels, emeralds and sapphires. the stones have a baguette, pear or oval cut. The stones are set in 14k yellow or white gold. The designer is the founder of the brand, Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, who draws inspiration from Icelandic nature, from the landscape contested between fire and ice, and from the rare Icelandic flora and fauna. This is why the new jewels have names like Eagle, Ice, Asterias, but also Kolga and Rán, like the ancient deities of the Norse tradition.
The rings coordinate with the brand’s existing solid gold and 925 sterling silver ranges and can be mixed and matched. Aurum is a brand launched in 1999. All jewels are handcrafted in Reykjavik, the island’s capital, using exclusively recycled gold and silver, laboratory-grown diamonds and precious gems.
Atelier Vm rings with fingerprint
Fingerprints are not necessarily only important at crime scenes. Even in love, the imprint of the fingertips can be a sign to be preserved. The Milanese brand Atelier Vm thought of this, offering a series of jewels whose protagonist is the curved lines of the hands that characterize the identity of a man or woman. Atelier Vm presented two new wedding rings, which follow a chevalier ring and pendants to add to a necklace or bracelet. Their peculiarity is that they can be personalized with the fingerprints of the person you love, or of the person wearing the jewellery.
The wedding ring is 3 millimeters thick and can accommodate more than two fingerprints, perhaps four or even five, depending on the space available. The price is around 900 euros, 1000 pounds or 1200 dollars. The imprint is imprinted in the 18-karat gold seamlessly and, obviously, makes the jewel unique. In the case of wedding rings it is also a symbol that seals the life of a couple. The digital impression is acquired at all Atelier Vm sales points, where the cast of the fingers is made. There are no limits for those who want a jewel with a fingerprint, except age, which must be over five years.
The simple success of Maman et Sophie
It’s called Maman et Sophie but, despite the French name, it is an Italian jewelery brand, Florentine to be precise. And it is also a phenomenon: in a few years it has become one of the most popular brands in Italy, thanks to the formula adopted. The jewels have very affordable prices (from 50 to 300 euros on average), the style is very simple and immediate, the wearability is guaranteed. The jewels are also sold online and having immediately focused on e-commerce was one of the keys to the success of the brand.
The idea of Maman et Sophie is by the Florentine designer Elisabetta Carletti, who founded the jewelry company with the help of her husband and partner of the Maison, Federico Lastrucci, who passed away in 2019. The adventure of Maman and Sophie began in 2008, when Elisabetta Carletti decided to leave the profession of lawyer started in a large Florence firm. The birth of her first daughter, Sofia, left her time to reflect: she started designing jewelry, her passion, and making the first prototypes in silver rose gold plated. The name of the company, Maman et Sophie, is the photograph of that period. And the formula chosen, simple jewels, at a reduced price, with light and minimal style, was successful.
James Taffin, a Frenchman in New York
The elegant, eclectic, geometric jewels of James Taffin de Givenchy ♦
Take a look at this unique jewel: two topaz stones mounted along with diamonds on a thin flexible 18K rose gold. The necklace has been drew by a French transplanted to New York, James Taffin de Givenchy, grandson of the legendary Hubert. James fell in love with stones after being at the head of the jewelry department of Christie’s on the West Coast of the US. His work is inspired by that of the great French designers of jewelry, such as Raymond Templier and Suzanne Belperron. He opened his boutique and studio on Madison Avenue, in the Big Apple. With this shape, the necklace published by the New York Times, it can do without the clip.
James Taffin is skilled in reinterpreting the ancient stones and rare to new forms, in very original way. For example, in the intentions of the designers this necklace reminds an exclamation mark abstract. The two pink topaz are, from the Victorian era, they are with slightly different shades: one is pear-shaped, 3.5-carat; the larger one with shades of mauve, 39 carats, has an oval cut. Nestled in the jewel there are also 105 diamonds. To set up this piece of jewelry, it took 60 hours. But the designer has other interests: true to its French origins and at its name, he’s interesting to environmental scents and fragrances. In 2011, Barneys New York has launched a capsule Taffin Home Fragrance collection of scented candles handmade in France and presented in containers bakelite designed by Givenchy.
Baby by Poesia Gioielli in four colours
A Baby collection that adults like. It is the one proposed by Poesia Gioielli, a young brand from Crieri. The Baby collection focuses on the colors of the stones mounted on rings, earrings and necklaces with pendants. The line is built around the navette cut of stones such as amethyst, peridot, aquamarine and rhodolite. The gems are used together with an 18-karat rose gold with a very strong nuance. The whole, shades of stones and very pink gold, offers a clear and linear impression. The rings are offered in different versions. All have the navette-cut colored stone in pride of place. In some models the stone is accompanied by a small diamond placed close, next to the gem or a little further away.
Furthermore, the stones can obtain light, and greater brilliance, even from the lower surface thanks to the particular setting of the ring. The earrings are button-shaped, while the necklaces follow the same style as the rings, with the addition of a small brilliant stopped by four prongs, as well as the main colored stone.
Wedding rings, how to choose
Wedding rings, guide to choosing it (and 5 ideas to find the right wedding ring for you) ♦
Jewels have always played a decisive role in relationships, not only from the most frivolous point of view, as one of the most appreciated gifts a man can give a woman, but also from a much deeper aspect, of union between two people. That’s why choosing a wedding ring to share with your life partner shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The ring for the couple’s most important day, in fact, will be worn (hopefully) for a lifetime. In short, the choice must be decided after thinking well. And also keep in mind that the ring must be combined with different clothes, different seasons, in the evening as in the morning. In short, it must always go well.
So, is it better to choose a classic wedding ring, in simple yellow gold? Or in rose, white or platinum gold? A shiny, satin or diamond wedding ring? Here is a selection of what you can buy on the internet: the wedding ring, like love, has no boundaries. And for the measure? The size of the ring can be easily determined by following these instructions.
1 yellow gold ring. It is like a gray suit, which is good for all occasions. A classic. It never clashes, no one will notice it too much, but don’t think you stand out. There are those who choose a yellow gold band ring precisely because it is a little anonymous, no one will ever have anything to say about your choice, and in 20 years it will do the same. Others, however, find the yellow gold wedding ring too boring. To you the choice.
2 rose gold ring. Years ago, rose gold was considered too flashy and not suitable for marriage. Today this is no longer the case: those who choose pink gold appreciate the warm color of the metal. Among other things, there is not just one type of rose: the color, in fact, depends on the amount of copper that is used in the alloy with gold. The brighter the pink, the more copper will have been used. To be precise, pink gold is usually composed of 75% gold (yellow, therefore), 6.5-5% silver and 18.5-20% copper. Of course, you don’t have to have copper allergies.
3 white gold ring. Discreet, classic, perfect even when complemented by a small diamond set in the band: white gold continues to have a good number of admirers. However, its luster depends on the type of rhodium plating used (this also applies to the other colors of gold). When white gold loses its luster with wear, it risks being confused with silver. But don’t worry: just take it to a jewelry store for a new quick rhodium plating and it will be as good as new.
4 diamond rings. The classic solitaire is usually a ring intended for engagement. In that case, however, the diamond is branded on the outside of the gold band. Nothing prevents, however, that small diamonds can also be used for wedding rings. But in this case they must be placed very discreetly on the ring so as not to become excessively showy.
5 platinum rings. There is not only gold: platinum is a great metal for wedding rings. In addition to being very chic, platinum is also a metal that does not easily cause allergies, and is very resistant. However, it is a little more expensive than gold. Not only that: once worn it is not distinguishable from a normal white gold ring: therefore, if you choose platinum, you don’t have to worry about showing the price.
The creative vision of Kimy Gringoire Jewelry
The jewels of the Belgian designer Kimy Gringoire Lejeune and her brand Kimy Gringoire Jewelry ♦
Her name is Kimy Gringoire Lejeune and she founded the Kimy Gringoire Jewelry brand. Kim Hye Mee is a designer of Asian origin, but she is a naturalized Belgian: she married a tattoo artist, Alex Lejeune. Wedding rings and crosses were the first step in jewelry.
Then, she widened the field, with an eclectic and counter-current style, which includes jewels such as handcuffs (in rose gold), which are opened by pressing a diamond. There are two different sizes, for him and for her. Boucle Diamant is a rose gold earring that can be transformed into a minimalist ear stud studded with diamonds. Now it offers One Swing earrings, with hoops that are worn in an unusual way. Or a ring with a double evolution in rose gold, which embraces the fingers and ends with two small globes studded with diamonds. Also innovative are the earrings that rest over the ear (hoping they don’t fall?). In general, the jewels have a very minimal design, but also with new ideas. If you like jewelry with a Nordic atmosphere, Kim Hye Mee’s jewelry could be for you.
Prayer is golden (or silver)
In Italy there are also those who want to have their religious faith close at hand. Actually, on the finger. Or around the neck. This is the case of the jewels of Tuum, an Umbrian company that caters to those who live the Christian belief intensely. The company was founded in July 2009 in San Giustino (Perugia) by the Tuscans Michele Alberti, 43, former event organizer, and Simone Finocchi, 38, mechanical engineer, designer of agricultural and construction machinery. The idea was to propose jewels that had engraved words related to faith, understood in a very traditional way: the first jewels, bracelets and rings in gold, silver and platinum, had engraved the Latin text of two prayers, Pater Noster and Ave Maria. Even the name of the brand is in Latin: Tuum means yours. The idea proved to be a success.
Also because the jewels were also distributed in the Vatican and thus earned a sort of ideal passport for the Christian world. Over the years the collections and the offer of jewels has expanded. And, even if almost all of the jewels still follow the original idea of prayers or phrases related to religion engraved on the surface, the brand has also launched a small collection, Gaia, which is instead inspired by the values of nature and respect for nature and environment.
Which finger does a wedding ring go on
Do you want to know which finger is the right one to wear a ring? It depends on your hands, but also on the meaning of the ring. Here is a quick guide with things to know on which finger to wear a ring.
The rules for wearing rings: in addition to personal taste, there are some general principles regarding how to wear them. For example, rings with oval or elongated stones look more elegant and visually make the fingers longer and prettier. Large rings and large jewels are not suitable for people with small bodies and hands, who should think about finding lighter alternatives commensurate with their size. Etiquette experts recommend avoiding large, showy rings until 5pm, especially when it comes to expensive jewelry. It is no coincidence that that type of jewel is referred to as a cocktail ring. Finally, it is not superfluous to remember that choosing a beautiful ring is not enough – it is necessary to have clean fingers and nails. A ring draws attention to the hands: it is better to use creams suitable for the skin and properly care for the nails. Wearing numerous rings on one or more fingers was once considered a sign of bad manners. Today this is not the case, as long as you choose well and have thin, tapered fingers.
On which hand to wear the ring? It also depends on the culture and customs of the country where you live. For many oriental peoples, the left hand is Yin (a concept that symbolizes female, moon, darkness, earth and water, passivity and cold) and the right hand Yang (male, light, solar fire, hot). A ring on either finger is equivalent to enabling or enhancing these characteristics.
On the thumb
The ancient Greek associated it with manly dignity. Nowadays, however, wearing the ring on the thumb is a sign of determination and personal achievement by any means possible, of a fiery temperament associated with a strong interest in the sexual sphere. The ring on the left thumb (yin) means assertiveness, a person who is able to express his ideas clearly and convincingly, and the desire to impose his will on others, while on the right (yang) he expresses a flexible and extroverted.
On the index finger
According to the ancients, the index finger was linked to Jupiter and therefore to the concept of authority. Wearing a ring on the index finger would therefore represent the desire for power. On the left hand, however, it would show a desire for transgression. According to the theory of yin and yang, in the first case leadership is sought, while on the right it means being ready to accept the leadership of others and the willingness to take a passive role. But not everyone agrees on this. In any case, it is important that the index is lean, healthy, well-groomed. Wearing a ring on this finger is sure to attract attention.
On the middle finger
This finger expresses the desire to be admired, to boast about: even Marilyn Monroe wore a large diamond ring on her middle finger when she sang to the notes of the famous song Diamonds are girl’s best friends. According to the Yin theory, the ring in the center means that the wearer has the ability to distinguish between right and wrong and is able to make decisions about it, while the concept of yang (right hand) means the inclination to seek guidance from others.
On the ring finger
Indicates the family status of a person. The habit dates back to the ancient Romans: they believed that in this finger there was a nerve that goes straight from the ring finger to the heart. Furthermore, they are the ones who introduced the habit for married women of wearing a ring, as a sign of marriage. Even today, the ring on the ring finger indicates that the wearer is a person who has already made a sentimental commitment to another. In the yin tradition, wearing a ring on the ring finger means being creative and resourceful, able to solve problems easily, while in the yang side it is the desire to teach others how they can be creative and use their skills for their own profit.
On pinky finger
It is the symbol of artistic and creative quality, of eloquence and persuasion, of cunning and resourcefulness. Not only that: the chevalier ring worn on the little finger is a sign of noble ancestry: in this case the ring has engraved the noble family crest. In the East, a ring on the little finger indicates a distinctly communicative but also manipulative yin, while on the right hand, yang, it signals one’s ability to grasp everything that everyone else is trying to say.
Jewels for the skateboard generation, for tattoo lovers, for hipsters and cool: Vitaly is the Canadian brand founded in 2011 by Shane Vitaly Foran. Her jewels, very street, deliberately raw, have conquered about 200 retailers in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia in four years. The brand has become synonymous with fashion & trend, with its rings in stainless steel, titanium, tungsten and ceramic. “We are the iPod generation. We love to affirm ourselves, but we have nothing to prove »is Vitaly’s mantra.
On the other hand, the company was born almost by chance, after a trip by Shane Vitaly Foran to Ubud, on the island of Bali. Shane returns to Toronto and his fellow skaters, tattoo artists and DJs (apparently) go crazy for the double black wooden rings Shane had made there. Since then, with friends like Jason Readman, a helicopter pilot who converted to fashion, or the creative director Jack Vitiello, Shane has curated collections and, above all, has gained fame among a certain public. Of course, these bijoux are intended only for a specific type of user. What, for example, can appreciate Ecstasy, a two-piece lip jewel with a fang-like appearance, or Fluid, a set of stackable cast rings.
New colors from Alexandra Abramczyk
Colored rings, signet rings that is chevalier style, rings with gems. Many and exuberant. The new jewels of the Parisian designer Alexandra Rosier Abramczyk are dedicated to those who love bright tones, to those who wear many rings together, to those who want to focus on fantasy rather than minimal style. The creator, about whom we have already written here continues to add collections to her vast jewelery catalog, largely centered on jewelery and pendants. Like those, in the shape of a fish, dedicated to Brazil, with elaborate pendants in gold and colored stones together with diamonds.
Or the rings dedicated to love from the Loving collection, with many gems mounted in the eternity style to which, in some cases, small diamonds are added to a pendant. All choices that she, she tells, are also the result of her personal story of her: she grew up with a father who collects silverware and is passionate about antiques and art. And her education goes through the University of Fine Arts in Madrid, where she also studied the restoration of ancient paintings. And the jewelry? She comes after her: in Paris she studied parallel to the BJOP and the National Institute of Gemology, and then worked in the department of high jewelery at Cartier, and from Graff to London.
The rings and pendants of the German Maison Victor Mayer ♦
For two decades (1989-2009), the renowned German jewelry company Victor Mayer has been authorized to create Fabergé jewelry under exclusive worldwide license. This is to say that the goldsmith’s expertise of the Pforzheim brand crosses national borders. The company has an ancient history and it is not surprising that in its catalog it also has a collection called Chevalière. The jewelry line is based on the classic ring that traditionally bears the noble seal. The ring also served (in the past) to imprint their signature on the sealing wax with which the letters were sealed. The nobility, in fact, was often illiterate and the emblem was an elegant substitute for the signature.
Over the centuries, the chevalière ring was then worn simply for elegance, often on the little finger or index finger, even by those without blue blood. He was snobbish or, if you prefer, cool. The fact is that it has been re-evaluated, as in the case of the Victor Mayer collection. The rings are unisex and available in two sizes. The characteristic of these rings is the guilloché processing: it is a type of repetitive design, in this case also on lacquer, with engraved lines, linear or wavy, surrounded by a crown of diamonds. In addition to the rings Victor Mayer also offers cufflinks for men and also for women. Recently the Maison has also proposed a series of opening medallions, always made with the same goldsmith’s technique.
Two words (but you could write a novel) on the German brand. It was founded by Victor Mayer (1857-1946), artist and art lover (it is now owned by Marcus Oliver Mohr). After training as an engraver on metal plates, Mayer in 1877 was one of the first students of the new Grand-Ducal school of Arts and Crafts. He spent three years in Vienna as an engraver, where he learned the guilloche and enamelling technique. Back in Baden Baden, he founded his own jewelry factory. The German spa town, the summer capital of Europe during the Belle Epoque, launched it definitively. After the difficult tests of the First and Second World War, the survivors of the family had the strength to start off again.
Pandora rings for everyone. The Danish company has become famous for its charm bracelets. But for years it has been offering all kinds of jewels. Pandora rings have thus conquered many fans, who identify in the brand’s proposals a reasonable compromise between quality and price. Pandora rings rarely exceed 50 euros and only a few types arrive (at the moment) at 89 euros. Furthermore, Pandora rings are made with simple and transparent materials: silver, in some cases 14 carat gold plated, and cubic zirconia, the synthetic stone that is commonly used in place of less precious crystals or expensive diamonds. The choice of Pandora rings is very wide, as evidenced by this review of models.
Sparkling Wish Heart Ring
It is hand finished and has 14 karat gold plating. The heart shape is inserted into a V. Small colorless cubic zirconia stones decorate the heart and the top of the band. Price: 69 euros.
Love Pandora ME ring
This Love open ring is part of the Pandora ME line. It is hand finished, with 14k rose gold plating. The word love is written in italics and becomes the band of the ring. Pandora’s note is important: do not try to change the shape of the open band because you would damage the ring. Price: 49.00 euros.
Angel Pandora ME ring
This is also part of the Pandora Me line. But, instead of love, it is inspired by Paradise. The ring is 925 sterling silver and the word Angel, written in italics, becomes the band of the ring. Price: 39.00 euros.
Angel Wings Ring
Always of heavenly inspiration, the sparkling Angel Wings ring. It is decorated with a brilliant cut pink crystal that adds an extra pop of color. Price: 49.00 euros.
Disney, Minnie Mouse Ring
Among the many Pandora rings there is also a place for this one dedicated to the popular Disney character of Minnie. It is 925 sterling silver and decorated with a large cubic zirconia stone in the center, with two smaller stones to the side. Price: 59.00 euros.
Solitaire Ring with Heart Stone
If you want to stay on the classic side, here is the solitaire ring from the Pandora Timeless collection: it has a heart-shaped cubic zirconia stone in the center with the Pandora logo engraved inside. Price: 59.00 euros.
Mom Ring, Eternal Love
You don’t have to wait for Mother’s Day to give her a ring. Or to wear it and show your affection for her. The Mom heart and pavé ring is in 925 sterling silver, with three brilliant-cut cubic zirconia stones set in beads. Inside there is the Love You Forever engraving. Price: 49.00 euros.
Ring Union of Hearts
Romantic ring with two colorless heart-shaped cubic zirconia stones juxtaposed at different angles. The stem of the ring is decorated with half a row of pavé and is connected asymmetrically to the two hearts. Price: 89.00 euros.
Triple Band Ring
The ring is decorated with three large cubic zirconia stones and a pavé of smaller stones. The three interconnected rings represent (perhaps) the united family, or whatever you want. Price: 89.00 euros.
The beauties of the world are many. To those notes, the 97 pieces of the new high jewelery collection signed by Cartier are now added. The collection is called, in fact, Beautés du Monde and consists of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and seven rings, which we are talking about today. They are special rings, which deserve a separate space and are inspired by nature and the planet, but also by myths: Amodea, Viridia, Karet, Mizuchi, Scilla, Tilasm and Yasifan. It goes without saying that each ring is a unique piece, a masterpiece of jewelry.
Viridia, for example, is a ring with a rare 1.25-carat Asscher-cut green diamond in the center. Colored diamonds are very rare and, among the shades, green is one of the most unobtainable: the color is due to the gem’s exposure to natural radiation. The processing is particularly delicate, not because it is dangerous, but because whoever cuts the diamond must be careful to avoid making the diamond lose its color.
L’anello
The Yasifan ring, on the other hand, uses a large 28.43-carat Paraiba cabochon tourmaline from Mozambique, surrounded by rubies and diamonds. Pink sapphires and pink diamonds set on platinum stand out on the Tilasm ring, a talisman in Hindi. Scylla instead refers to the terrible sea monster between Sicily and the Italian Peninsula evoked in the Odyssey. In this case it is much more harmless: a combination of white gold, brown diamonds and yellow diamonds.
Amodea is also inspired by an oriental mythical creature, a sea dragon, interpreted with rubies and diamonds in a spiral with a purple spinel in the center. Mizuchi is a combination of platinum, tourmaline, emerald, onyx and diamond. She wears the colors of the earth, the sea and the sky. Mizuchi, legendary snake-like dragon from Japanese mythology, combines tourmaline and emeralds on platinum. Finally, Karet is geologically inspired and uses two double-centered triangular diamonds, with a striking volumetric effect.
The element of luck accompanies everyone’s life. Who knows if the new Breil collection, a brand launched years ago by Binda Italia, will really bring luck to the wearer. In fact, the new collection is called My Lucky Collection and features an unprecedented line in golden steel and cubic zirconia that differs considerably from the brand’s usual style, more tuned to aggressive designs. The collection consists of 11 pieces, including necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings, designed to be worn and combined in different combinations and in some cases transformable.
The collection plays on the elongated shape of the eye, suggested through a simple design, with marquise-cut cubic zirconia that are added to the choker with thin chain (price: € 59.90), to a double-strand bracelet (49.90) , a double ring (49.90), pendant earrings with four removable fringes (69.90) and a set of three stud earrings (49.90). The oval element is placed in the center of the three-strand necklace (69.90) and the matching bracelet (49.90), as well as in three thin bands that create a set (69.90). The bolder set consists of a necklace (69.90) defined by an almond-shaped chain, a shimmering hoop earring (39.90) and a singular pair of S-shaped earrings (59.90). The capsule was designed in collaboration with Giulia Salemi, a young Italian presenter and model of Iranian origins.