zirconi

Jewelry and gold: real or fake? Questions and answers

True or false? Can gold be recognized with a bite? Is real jade cold? Is cubic zirconia, often confused with zircon, indistinguishable from diamond? Does silver cause allergies? Is 925 the number of perfect silver? Do the reflections of a stone have to be rainbow? These are among the many questions we often receive and their answers.

To check that your jewel of gold genuine need to bite him.

FALSE Pure gold is a very soft metal and, in fact, teeth can easily leave a mark if it is very pure, 24 carats. But biting it is neither a guarantee nor a recommendable test. Furthermore, it can damage your teeth. Not to mention that lead is even softer than gold: a jewel that uses gold-plated lead could easily be mistaken. Furthermore, 18 karat gold is usually used for jewelry, or even less: 14 and even 9 karat. It is gold alloyed with other metals: this makes the gold less malleable and also less expensive. In short, in reality, in addition to gold, we also end up biting other metals such as silver, copper, palladium, nickel.

Biting gold is not a guarantee
Biting gold is not a guarantee

True or false? To find out if a stone is genuine need to look at it in the light.

TRUE Note: the only truly reliable way to identify a gemstone is the opinion of a gemologist or a jeweler, or laboratory tests. That said, here’s a helpful hint to decide whether it is worthwhile to consider the stone of a ring or a necklace. Place the stone against the sunlight and look at the range of colors it produces. The authentic gemstones usually show a rainbow that will be reflected on a nearby surface. Most of the real gems will produce a full range of colors: the stone closer to the eye and tilt it, you should see a rainbow. The stones that produce nothing are often false. We repeat: it is not a final proof: for some stones, especially those very dense, deep coloring or that were not completely polished, the system may not work. But it is a little test should not be overlooked.

Esame di un diamante a un precedente Dubai Jewellery Show
Examination of a diamond jewel

A cubic zirconia is virtually the same as a diamond, only it costs less.

FALSE What is commonly called a zircon is actually a cubic zirconia: an artificial stone that resembles a diamond. It’s brilliant, but much, much cheaper. In fact, it is just very difficult to distinguish it from a real diamond if you are not an expert. It is a cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. It is a very hard synthetic material, optically perfect and usually colorless, although it can be made in a variety of different colors. It should not be confused with natural zircon, a stone composed of zirconium silicate, often blue in color. Cubic zirconia is sometimes mistakenly called “cubic zirconium”. Commercial production began in 1976. Its main competitor as a laboratory-created gem is synthetic moissanite.

Cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia

The silver cause allergies and skin turns green.

FALSE The color is not caused by an allergy is a reaction to the metals used in jewelry and it is often fused with silver, especially when the skin sweats. In short, it indicates that silver is not pure. It is the copper and silver often result in a green halo on the skin. Sterling silver, for example, is 7.5 percent of an alloy with copper. The most common stains left by Sterling Silver Jewelry, in any case, are black and not green. Some sterling silver jewelry are coated with products that help them to maintain the patina, but the coatings may fade over time.

Bracciali in argento a maglia geometrica con charm
Geometric mesh silver bracelets with Pandora charms

The number 925 indicates that the jewelry is real silver.

TRUE In the inner part of a jewel, engraving or stamping the number 925 indicates that the material is, in fact 925, the most common alloy. Of course, the warranty covers: nothing prevents that was affixed to a false jewel, but usually not the case for silver.

In questo orecchino di Giovanni Raspini è ben visibile la punzonatura con il numero 925
In this earring by Giovanni Raspini the hallmark with the number 925 is clearly visible

The Chinese store near your house has rings of jade at a very good price. Can I trust you? They told me that the real jade is cold.

TRUE The temperature is not sufficient proof, but it gives an indication: the jade is poorly conductive. Place it in a sensitive part, for example on the face, it is easy to feel a sensation of cold. Another easy tip is to try to carve the stone with the nail: the true jade is very tough and not show a scratch. The same test can be conducted with a very hot object: the real jade will not show signs of the contact. Finally, authentic jade usually has small imperfections, which are common in nature. A perfect stone should you be born a suspect. In any case, real jade is very expensive.

Anello Palloncino con giada
Palloncino Ring with green jade by Vhernier

Diamonds or cubic zirconia?

Buy a jewel with cubic zirconia, that is, with a synthetic stone that looks like a diamond? Here’s what you need to know about cubic zirconia which is actually … ♦ ︎

Diamonds or cubic zirconia? Those who cannot afford the most loved precious stones are often satisfied with their imitation: cubic zirconia, which is found on jewels that are cheap and shine just the same. But many have asked us to know more: what are the stones called cubic zirconia really? Here’s what you need to know about cubic zirconia, a widely used stone, for example by Pandora and many other jewelry brands with low prices. With a premise: these stones are often sold as zircons. But it is a different stone. Attention: cubic zirconias are also different from diamonds grown or created in the laboratory, which have a chemical structure completely the same as that of natural diamonds. Synthetic or laboratory diamonds cost less than natural diamonds, but much more than a cubic zirconia crystal.
Read also: Cubic zirconia or zircons? Here’s what to choose
Cubic zirconia is often referred to by the initials CZ. If you read CZ in the description of a jewel, then know that it is a synthetic material.

Pandora, charm oro giallo 14 carati con zirconia cubica
Pandora, 14K Yellow Gold Cubic Zirconia Charm

What is it

Cubic zirconia is obtained in the laboratory, it is not a natural stone. But it looks a lot like a diamond. On the contrary, those who are not experts will certainly confuse it as a diamond: it has the same appearance, it is cut simily. Not only that: in addition to the classic colorless appearance, it can also be colored and resemble fancy yellow or blue diamonds. Of course, if you then try to sell a cubic zirconia you will not receive much. Indeed, probably no jeweler will buy a ring with a cubic zirconia mounted.
Cubic zirconia was born in 1976 as a low-cost synthetic diamond. It is obtained by dissolving together a chemical element, zirconium, with zirconium dioxide powder and heating everything at a very high temperature. Since it is a synthetic stone, cubic zirconia is perfect: it does not have the inclusions or defects that can be found on a natural stone. Among other things, the CZ is almost as hard as a diamond: on the hardness scale of Mohs is to 8.5, while a brilliant is the most hard element of all and reaches 10.
How to distinguish a diamond from a cubic zirconia?

Bracciale in galvanica black gun con cubic zirconia
Pianegonda, bracelet in black gun galvanic with cubic zirconia

It is not easy for your eye, and even for a jeweler, who, however, carefully examining the stone with a microscope can identify whether it is synthetic or natural.
If you want to know if the ring that someone gave to you, is with diamond or a cubic zirconia you must necessarily subject the stone to some technical tests.
For example, diamonds are heat conductors, while zirconium oxide is an insulator. In theory, in sum, a diamond heats up before a zirconia. In practice, it takes special tools to ascertain it. Another aspect: hardness. To determine if it reaches 10 or stops at 8.5 without ruining the stone, also in this case it need laboratory instruments. A spectrometer also checks the density of the stone: cubic zirconia is 1.7 times denser than a diamond. Another aspect: the index of refraction: the diamond crossed by a light ray has an index of 2.42 with respect to zirconia, which stops at 2.15-2.18. Then there are other aspects, such as dispersion and color. Cubic zirconia, paradoxically, is almost always more perfect than a diamond. The natural ones on the market, with the exception of exceptions, have a classification lower than the maximum level.
Read also: Diamonds: 4 rules to avoid scams
The price
Cubic zirconia are synthetic stones with a much lower price than a diamond. But, as for natural stones, their cost depends on weight, that is carats. Moreover, not all cubic zirconia are equal: there are some that are better and, therefore, cost more. Finally, do not confuse cubic zirconia, or zircons, with diamonds created in the laboratory, which are much more expensive and almost indistinguishable from natural stones. The real zircons, however, the ones you see in the image below.

Autentici zirconi naturali. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Authentic natural zircons. Copyright: gioiellis.com
Orecchini con zirconia cubica o cubic zirconia, spesso proposti semplicemente (e spesso ingannevolmente) come zirconi
Earrings with cubic zirconia or cubic zirconia, often proposed simply (and often deceptively) as zircons
Rebecca, Elizabeth linea Elegance anello in bronzo placcato giallo e zirconia cubica
Rebecca, Elizabeth Elegance line ring in yellow plated bronze and cubic zirconia
Yvone Christa, anello in argento placcato in oro 22 carati con una zirconia cubica
Yvone Christa, 22K gold plated silver ring with a pink cubic zirconia
Anelli della collezione Radiant Bloom, in lega metallica rosa e zirconia cubica
Pandora, rings from the Radiant Bloom collection, in pink metal alloy and cubic zirconia
Pandora, anelli in argento con zirconia cubica verde
Pandora, silver rings with green cubic zirconia

Turn your husband (or dog) into a diamond

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How about turning your dead dog or cat into a diamond? What if wuould be your husband or wife to leave you? A company proposes, for all of them, to keep the precious memory of the companions of many years: transform them into jewels. The idea, unsurprisingly, was born in the USA, where years ago a company decided to inaugurate the business of transforming deceased relatives, or domestic animals, into synthetic diamonds. The company is called LifeGem and is based in Chicago. Its activity consists in transforming the cremated remains into wearable gems, transforming the carbon contained in the ashes into (macabre) artificial diamonds. The cost depends on how many carats you want to get from the ashes. It starts at around $ 2,000 to go up to almost $ 20,000. Prices are lower for animals.

Diamanti
Diamanti

An operation that, they point out with discretion, has often been adopted for human beings: the idea of ​​slipping the mother-in-law on the finger, in fact, for some women might sound like an attractive revenge. “Once captured, the carbon is heated to extremely high temperatures in particular conditions. In removing the ash, the process eliminates the carbon from the former house dog and with the help of our technology turns it into a diamond,” they explain to LifeGem . The service was launched in 2002. Since then customers can choose between gems of different colors, cuts, and select the setting for a pendant or a ring.
tomba di cane
Mind you, it’s not a cheap souvenir. But, it seems, over six thousand persons have already asked to transform their dears, and bodies of cats, dogs, rabbits, horses and even an armadillo, into expensive trinkets. Like Katie Pilon, from Boston, who now wears her Meowy, a beloved cat who has been transformed into a beautiful blue blue diamond.

Diamante prodotto da LifeGem
Diamante prodotto da LifeGem

In truth, the company’s practices have been questioned, and some have questioned the seriousness of LifeGem. Rejected objections: “Kenneth Poeppelmeier, professor of chemistry at Northwestern University, has argued that there is no reason why the process should not work, and Avrum Blumberg, professor of chemistry at DePaul University in Chicago, admitted that it is possible to do a high quality diamond from the carbon contained in a cremated human being, “supporters retort.

Diamante sintetico dopo il taglio e la lucidatura
Diamante sintetico dopo il taglio e la lucidatura

However, it is impossible to distinguish the origin of synthetic diamonds which, therefore, could have originated from ordinary graphite instead of from the remains of the pet. But, basically, it doesn’t matter: what better memory than being associated with a diamond, which is forever?






What is a cubic zirconia?




Cubic zirconia: This stone is often used in jewelry. But few know what cubic zirconia really is. For example, what is a cubic zirconia made of? Is it very different from a diamond? What are the differences? The answers are known to (almost everyone) those who deal with jewelry. But, if you are reading this article, it is because you want to know exactly what are the characteristics of a cubic zirconia that, perhaps, is mounted on a ring or a pair of earrings that you are wearing.

Anello in metallo placcato con cubic zirconia
Anello in metallo placcato con cubic zirconia by Stroili

Beware of the definition
Before explaining what a cubic zirconia really is, we need to clear up a misunderstanding. Often jewelry companies offer rings, necklaces, earrings or bracelets “with zircons”. Well, know that in 99.9% of cases it is not true. In fact, zircon is a rather rare and expensive natural stone (read also: Diamonds or cubic zirconia?). A cubic zirconia, on the other hand, is an artificial stone. So, be careful when you read that a piece of jewelry is composed of cubic zirconia, it is probably not true. Pay attention to it: those who use this marketing ploy propose fake “zircons” with metals such as steel or silver, hardly with 18-karat gold. By the way, sometimes cubic zirconia is denoted only by the abbreviation used in chemistry, CZ.
Anello in argento placcato oro e cubic zirconia
Anello in argento e cubic zirconia di PdPaola

What is a cubic zirconia?
In short, the answer is: it is (almost always) an artificial stone, produced in a factory. Although it looks like a diamond in appearance, a cubic zirconia is composed of zirconium dioxide and not carbon like natural gemstones. In fact, microscopic grains of natural cubic zirconia have been identified in nature: they are certainly not those commonly used in jewelry.
Orecchini a cerchio in argento e zirconia cubica colorata
Orecchini a cerchio in argento e zirconia cubica colorata di Rosato

What is the difference with laboratory diamonds?
As we have explained, cubic zirconia is made up of zirconium dioxide. Man-made, lab-created diamonds are composed of carbon, like diamonds found in nature. To learn more, read also: What are laboratory diamonds?
Anello Champs Elysées in argento e cubic zirconia
Anello Champs Elysées in argento e cubic zirconia di Aliviero Martini 1A Classe

What are the characteristics of a cubic zirconia?
The main feature, which is the key to the success of cubic zirconia, is the resemblance to the diamond. But it doesn’t have the same properties. For example, if you look at the bottom surface of a diamond, you can see a rainbow reflection. Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, is limited to an orange and blue reflection due to a different refractive index. When exposed to short wave UV rays a cubic zirconia emits a fluorescence that tends to yellow, greenish yellow or beige. Another feature concerns the hardness. Cubic zirconia is at 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale, so it is a little harder than most natural semi-precious gems, although less than diamond, which is at 10. Yet cubic zirconia is considered brittle, yes breaks easily.
Anello a fascia placcato oro rosa con cubic zirconia
Anello a fascia placcato oro rosa con cubic zirconia di Bronzallure

How is cubic zirconia produced?
The most used method is the one called skull fusion. No one is beheaded: it is named for the shape of the crucible used which resembles a skull, surrounded by radio-frequency activated copper coils. It is a system patented by Josep F. Wenckus in 1997: it consists in heating the base material to temperatures of over 3000 degrees. With this method, however, it is difficult to predict the size of the crystals produced and the crystallization process cannot be controlled. To improve the result, several techniques have been introduced, including coating the finished cubic zirconia with a carbon film, similar to diamond, with a process that uses chemical vapor deposition. Or someone vacuum sprays an extremely thin layer of a precious metal (such as gold), which creates an iridescent effect. However, the effect is not lasting. The commercial production of cubic zirconia began in 1976. But it is not the only artificial stone to be used in place of diamonds. In fact, synthetic moissanite, with similar characteristics, has recently become widespread.
Collana in argento con cubic zirconia
Collana in argento con cubic zirconia di Gerardo Sacco

How is it different from a diamond?
An expert gemologist can immediately discover the difference between a cobic zirconia and a diamond. For one thing, an artificial stone has no inclusions in it, as often happens with a natural gem. Furthermore, cubic zirconia weighs much more than diamond. It has a density that is approximately 1.7 times that of the natural gem. It is therefore sufficient to compare the weight of two stones of the same size. If you drop the stones in a liquid and compare the descent times you will see that the diamond will sink more slowly than a cubic zirconia, because it is lighter. The refractive index is also different: cubic zirconia has it of 2.15-2.18, compared to 2.42 of the natural gem. Paradoxically, moreover, cubic zirconia is more perfect than a diamond: only very rare natural gems are truly colorless (with a classification D). Most diamonds have a slight tinge of yellow or brown. A cubic zirconia is often completely colorless – equivalent to a diamond’s D. However, there is also colored cubic zirconia.
Anello in argento con zirconia cubica bianca
Anello in argento con zirconia cubica bianca di Pandora







How to distinguish cubic zirconia from zircon

Do you know the difference between zirconia and cubic zirconia? They are two completely different minerals (even in price). This is what zircons and cubic zirconia are and why it is important to know the characteristics in order not to fall into the trap

Synthetic diamonds or zircons? What if, on the other hand, they are cubic zirconia? Almost always the description of the jewels proposed by the manufacturers indicates which type of stone is used on rings, necklaces or bracelets. But this description is not always true. From your emails, in fact, we discovered that few really know the difference between zircons (a natural stone) and cubic zirconia (a synthetic crystal). The problem is that companies often offer jewelry with “zircons”. But in reality it is not about zircons, but cubic zirconia. And there is a big difference (even in the price): cubic zirconia cost very little. Better to clarify your ideas, then.

Anello in oro bianco con zircone blu da 12,62 carati circondato da 153 diamanti
White gold ring with genuine 12.62 carat blue zircon surrounded by 153 diamonds

Cubic zirconia. It is one of the more popular alternatives for a diamond. For chemistry it is zirconium oxide, and it is often used as a synthetic diamond. If you read the initials Cz in the description of a jewel, it is cubic zirconia. It is a crystal, on the market since 1970. The physical properties are very similar to those of a diamond, so much so that it is difficult to distinguish them with the naked eye. Most cubic zirconia is colorless, but there are also colored ones. One aspect that distinguishes it from a real diamond is its thermal conductivity: like real zircon, cubic zirconia tends to be a thermal insulator compared to diamonds, which are heat conductors.

Anello in argento con zirconia cubica bianca
Pandora White Cubic Zirconia Silver Ring

Zircon (zirconium silicate). It is a natural gem, and closely resembles a diamond. Among the characteristics that make it very similar to a diamond is the refraction capacity, even if the zircon is more opaque. Otherwise, zircon is quite similar to a diamond. It is an often colorless stone but, like real diamonds, it can have colored shades: green, pink, purple, white, yellow and blue, which is the most requested color. Although the colors of the zircon are natural, the stones can also be heat treated to make the gem colorless or, conversely, to increase the hue. The major visual difference of a zircon compared to a diamond is that the reflection of light is different, less brilliant.

Diamonds: are better originals or fake?

Anello zon zircone malese e ceramica
Doris Hangartner, ring with real Malaysian zircon and ceramic
Orecchini in argento con cubic zirconia
Silver earrings with cubic zirconia by Rosato
Anello in argento con cubic zirconia
Silver ring with cubic zirconia by Michael Kors
Uno grande zircone grezzo
Un gros zircon brut

Burma multicolor




The proposals by Burma, the French queen of bijoux: fake jewels that seem true ♦

About the twenties, in Paris, they have written many, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and of course, the French authors. But several pages of the Jazz Age has also was been written by a Maison specializing in jewelry: Burma. In Paris is a synonym of jewelry created with elements that seem valuable, but they are in half. For example, vermeil (gold-plated silver), or cubic zirconia instead of diamonds. But Burma has specialized in this capacity to bring large pieces of jewelry without the need to use always real gemstones: its jewels are from nearly a century of valuable pieces with a zero in the least.

If a large ring with sapphires and rubies might cost, say, 20,000 Euros, by Burma with the same appearance it could cost 2,000 or 200.

Orecchini in argento rodiato
Orecchini in argento rodiato
From Gaston Doumergue, who inaugurated the Maison, to Josephine Baker and the Folies Bergères, something has changed nowadays. For example, Burma invented and patented Burmalite, a synthetic stone, zirconium oxide, similar to diamond. But it costs a lot less and doesn’t look like an unnatural gem to an untrained eye. The colored stones of the Maison, with this material, are a real show. Seeing is believing.

Anello Anello della collezione Opera in oro bianco 18 carati e burmalite a forma di peradella collezione Opera in oro bianco 18 carati eburmalite a forma di pera
Anello della collezione Opera in oro bianco 18 carati e burmalite a forma di pera
Bracciale in argento bianco e burmalite
Bracciale in argento bianco e burmalite
Collana in argento rodiato e burmalite bianca
Collana in argento rodiato e burmalite bianca
Collana a quattro fili in argento rodiato e burmalite
Collana a quattro fili in argento rodiato e burmalite
Orecchini in argento rodiato e burmalite gialla
Orecchini in argento rodiato e burmalite gialla
Collana in argento rodiato con burmalite gialla
Collana in argento rodiato con burmalite gialla







Bronzallure’s Pink Aurora

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The Bronzallure Aurora collection: pink like the early morning sky ♦

The Golden Rosé is a particular alloy at the base of the creations of Bronzallure, brand of the Milanese company Milor. And it is the metal used also for the new Aurora collection, the fleeting moment that marks the beginning of the day when the sky has, in fact, a shade of pink. The alloy was patented by the company in collaboration with the University of Padua and includes 18-carat gold plating. The Bronzallure autumn collection, in fact, uses of the usual metallic material, which according to the Maison assures it has the advantage of being resistant to scratches and of not changing color with the passage of time.

Anello Aurora bombato con pietre nere sintetiche
Anello Aurora bombato con pietre nere sintetiche

The particularity of the Aurora collection is, instead, the modern design that includes a pavé of “certified natural stones”. Just like the sun rising at dawn, the surface of stones seems to progress in a slow progression on the metal. It should also be noted that all Bronzallure jewels are hypoallergenic, cadmium and nickel free.





Anello Aurora in Golden Rosé e cubic zirconia
Anello Aurora in Golden Rosé e cubic zirconia

Collana con anello Aurora in Golden Rosé e cubic zirconia
Collana con anello Aurora in Golden Rosé e cubic zirconia
Anello a fascia in Golden Rosé e moissanite
Anello a fascia in Golden Rosé e moissanite
Anello a fascia  in Golden Rosé e cubic zirconia
Anello a fascia in Golden Rosé e cubic zirconia

Orecchini Aurora in Golden Rosé e cubic zirconia
Orecchini Aurora in Golden Rosé e cubic zirconia







Tennis for Morellato

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Morellato’s silver and cubic zirconia tennis bracelets at an affordable price ♦ ︎

Tennis bracelets have always had the charm of jewelery combined not only with the sport from which they take their name, but also with the ease of use. In short, tennis bracelets are comfortable, simple to wear and adapt to the shape of the wrist. All qualities that derive from its history.

Read here the story of how the tennis bracelet was invented.

Bracciale tennis con cuore
Bracciale tennis con cuore

In short, the tennis bracelet boasts many qualities. But also a flaw: it is usually expensive. A white gold and diamond bracelet is not available to anyone. For this reason tennis bracelets are also available at a very affordable price, such as those in the Tesori di Morellato collection. The bracelets are in 925 ‰ silver and instead of diamonds they use cubic zirconia, stones mounted in rivière, that is, to climb, either in the classic version or with a heart or central star. The prices are very far from those of the luxury versions: 79 euros or 89 euros with star and heart. Lavinia Andorno





Bracciale tennis di Morellato
Bracciale tennis di Morellato

Bracciale tennis con stella
Bracciale tennis con stella







Valentine’s Day arrives, with Bliss’s words

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The words of love interpreted by Bliss for Valentine’s Day with the #Mywords collection ♦

Nothing better than a silver tennis bracelet, with cubic zirconia stones in white, blue, green and red to celebrate Valentine’s Day. But Bliss’s proposal goes further: the young brand of the Damiani group, in fact, offers a personalization of the jewels of this line in tune with the party of lovers with the now classic #Mywords collection.

The tennis bracelets, in fact, include a space where to compose the letters in names or phrases.

Bracciale #Mywords
Bracciale #Mywords

Obviously the phrases, or the names, can be customized as you like. Those who want to stay on the classic can, however, choose the standard words, like I love You, Love, and so on. To make life easier and spend more money, there are also symbols like # or ♥ ︎ that shorten the concept expressed and are closer to the millennials language. Indicative prices: a single item, letter of the alphabet (there are all) or emoticons, from 12 to 29 euros, the bracelet 89 euros. Lavinia Andorno




Bracciale Amore
Bracciale Amore

Bracciale Amore aperto
Bracciale Amore aperto
Bracciale I ♥︎ U
Bracciale I ♥︎ U
Bracciale I ♥︎ U aperto
Bracciale I ♥︎ U aperto
Bracciale I ♥︎ U # TVB
Bracciale I ♥︎ U # TVB

Bracciale I ♥︎ U # TVB aperto
Bracciale I ♥︎ U # TVB aperto







The race of Les Georgettes

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Les Georgettes runs with new bracelets, such as the Précieuses collection ♦ ︎
The Parisian jewelry brand Les Georgettes conquers Europe. As well as in Italy, it has also been present in the United Kingdom for a year, but is already present in over 200 stores.
Read also: Les Georgettes mutants
According to the Professional Jeweler website, Les Georgettes in the kingdom of His Majesty has sold half a million bracelets, 100,000 rings and 1 million leather straps. In addition, he has also received several industry awards, such as the Best Stand at the CMJ and the London Jewelery International’s Editor’s Choice Visual Excellence. The brand is also planning the introduction of men’s jewelry, children’s jewelry and earrings. In addition, he is trying to position himself a step higher up the scale of the proposals, as evidenced by the Précieuses collection, which stands out for the customizable jewels enriched with cubic zirconia. The bracelets are of different sizes: the smaller ones are just 1,4 cm and a half wide, but all have bright colors that stand out. The bracelets are available in three different shapes and finishes. Prices starting from 69 euros. Lavinia Andorno



Les Georgettes, bracciale Barrette grande con finiture in argento
Les Georgettes, bracciale Barrette grande con finiture in argento
Collezione Précieuses, bracciale modello piccolo
Collezione Précieuses, bracciale modello piccolo
Collezione Précieuses, bracciale modello medio
Collezione Précieuses, bracciale modello medio
Collezione Précieuses, bracciale modello grande
Collezione Précieuses, bracciale modello grande
Bracciale con finiture dorate
Bracciale Liens con finiture dorate

Design Parallèles con finiture in argento
Design Parallèles con finiture in argento







Bluespirit, classic for everyone




Bluespirit, Princess collection, classic shapes at popular price ♦ ︎
Let’s face it: wearing a pair of earrings with large diamonds, rubies or emeralds is a tempting idea. But not all women can have high jewelry sets in the drawer and not even too many valuable jewels. That’s why there are collections born as jewels that have the classic shape, but that instead of real gemstones mount cubic zirconia or crystals with the same color of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The whole, if it is not examined by an expert, has the same effect as the most noble jewels of the great Maison. This is the case, for example, of Princess, a collection of Bluespirit (Morellato group) that is inspired by classic jewelery. Crystals and zirconia are offered in a square or oval shape, set in four jaws, mounted on 925 silver. Prices, of course, are not those of “classic” jewelry: a pair of 925 ‰ silver earrings with zircons and colored crystals 49 euros, 59 euros, 55 euros, 59 euros. Giulia Netrese





Anello della collezione Princess
Anello della collezione Princess

Orecchini con zirconi e cristalli azzurri
Orecchini con zirconi e cristalli azzurri
Orecchini con zirconi e cristalli bianchi
Orecchini con zirconi e cristalli bianchi
Orecchini con zirconi e cristalli blu
Orecchini con zirconi e cristalli blu
Orecchini con cristalli quadrati
Orecchini con cristalli quadrati
Orecchini con cristalli quadrati verdi
Orecchini con cristalli quadrati verdi
Pendente Bluespirit
Pendente Bluespirit
Collana con pendente
Collana con pendente

Pendente con cristallo verde e zirconi
Pendente con cristallo verde e zirconi







Rebecca overlooking the Mediterranean




Rebecca prepares for summer with two collections dedicated to the Mediterranean ♦ ︎
You may think more of something when it is far away. Summer, for example, is more desired in winter than when the hot season has already begun. Perhaps this aspect can be kept in mind when you take a look at two Rebecca collections, both dedicated to the Mediterranean. The warm colors of summer can be worn in the form of floral elements, oval cameos in coral paste that evoke vacation spots, beaches and sun. It’s out of tune with winter? Not really: rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets are made with warm and luminous shades: turquoise, red and pink corals are combined with gold reflections and the gleam of opalescent zircons. But Rebecca also offers a Mediterranean line that turns black. It can go very well even when the snow falls. The jewels of the two collections are designed and made in Italy. The materials used are rhodium-plated bronze, steel or gold, zircons and coral paste. Margherita Donato



BMDABT05
Rebecca, anello con pasta di turchese
Collezione Mediterraneo 18
Collezione Mediterraneo 18, collana e orecchini con pasta di corallo
Collezione Mediterraneo 18, collana e orecchini con perle
Collezione Mediterraneo 18, collana e orecchini con perle
Rebecca, collana e orecchini con perle
Rebecca, collana e orecchini con perle

mediterraneo collana
Collana con pasta di turchese







On Red Carpet with Bluespirit




The Red Carpet collection of Bluespirit in rhodium-plated silver and zirconia ♦ ︎
Walk on the red carpet is the dream of several women. The red carpet accompanying actresses and models at the screening of a film in Venice or Cannes, or at a gala dinner in New York or Los Angeles, serves to show off clothes and, of course, jewels. The Red Carpet collection of Bluespirit is dedicated to thinking at this time of public vanity. In this case the two colors (red and blue) are allied to propose earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets made of rhodium-plated silver to make the metal even brighter. Zircons are then added to the jewels. A larger central stone is proposed oval or squared. Around it is a crown of other small zircons. Among the pieces that stand out, there is a tennis bracelet and a reverse ring with a zircon and a rectangular. Prices: earrings 179 euro, ring 145 euro, bracelet 179 euro, pendant 165 euro. Margherita Donato




Anello in argento e zirconi. Prezzo: 145 euro
Anello in argento e zirconi. Prezzo: 145 euro

Anello in argento e zircone. Prezzo: 159 euro
Anello in argento e zircone. Prezzo: 159 euro
Orecchini in argento e zircone. Prezzo: 159 euro
Orecchini in argento e zircone. Prezzo: 159 euro
Orecchini in argento e zircone. Prezzo: 159 euro
Orecchini in argento e zircone. Prezzo: 159 euro
Bluespirit, collana con pendente in argento e zirconi. Prezzo: 165 euro
Bluespirit, collana con pendente in argento e zirconi. Prezzo: 165 euro
Bluespirit, collana con pendente in argento e zircone quadrato. Prezzo: 165 euro
Bluespirit, collana con pendente in argento e zircone quadrato. Prezzo: 165 euro
Orecchini in argento e zircone. Prezzo: 179 euro
Orecchini in argento e zircone. Prezzo: 179 euro

Bracciale tennis in argento e zirconi. Prezzo: 179 euro
Bracciale tennis in argento e zirconi. Prezzo: 179 euro







How Bluespirit shines




Bluespirit Brillo collection: white gold and zircons for a sparkling design ♦ ︎
Christmas is behind the door. That is, it comes before it is expected: every year there are those who are reduced to the last to make purchases. But companies are thinking with other times, especially if it is jewelery. And so, here is a collection designed to tickle the desire of those looking for something to gift for the winter festivals (there is not only Christmas, in fact). To propose the line of jewels is Bluespirit, the brand of the Morellato group that points higher. The collection for the winter 2017-2018 is called Brillo. A name, a guarantee: the modern jewelery design has been designed to provide a shiny effect. Jewelery is made of 18ct white gold with the addition of white zircons (not to be confused with cubic zirconia, which is a synthetic stone). The Brillo collection consists of necklaces and earrings with a circle or drop, and a ring with white zircon pavé. Prices: rings 359 euro, earrings 549 euro, pendant 499-389 euro. Alessia Mongrando



Anello della collezione Brillo di Bluespirit, oro bianco e zirconi
Anello della collezione Brillo di Bluespirit, oro bianco e zirconi
Orecchini della collezione Brillo di Bluespirit
Orecchini della collezione Brillo di Bluespirit
Collana con pendente della collezione Brillo
Collana con pendente della collezione Brillo
Orecchini in oro bianco e zirconi
Orecchini in oro bianco e zirconi
Bluespirit, orecchini
Bluespirit, orecchini
Collana con pendente Brillo
Collana con pendente della collezione Brillo

Pendenti della collezione Brillo
Pendenti della collezione Brillo







Comete, the new Butterflies for the bride

New butterflies designed by Enzo Miccio for the bride. The Comete jewelry for wedding ♦
There are jewelery brands that more than others can fly on the dreams of those who is getting married. Marriage and engagement are like the iPhone for Apple: the most important product. Comete, brand of Venetian jewelery group Muraro, is part of this small bunch of brands that have thought, created and expanded a special line of jewelry dedicated to the bride, under the creative direction of the popular italian television personality Enzo Miccio.

The renewed bridal collection for 2017 is called Butterflies. In this case the butterflies are made with silver and zirconia white. The jewelery collection, presented at Baselworld, includes earrings, necklaces, chocker, bracelets and, of course, rings. The shape of butterflies is reproduced in two ways: either with four stones cut in pear and joined on the tip, or with the shape defined by a silver strip. Lavinia Andorno




Anello solitaire di Comete
Anello solitaire di Comete

Anello trilogy di Comete
Anello trilogy di Comete
Bracciale della collezione Farfalle
Bracciale della collezione Farfalle
Bracciale della collezione Farfalle in argento e zirconi
Bracciale della collezione Farfalle in argento e zirconi
Chocker della collezione Farfalle in argento e zirconi
Chocker della collezione Farfalle in argento e zirconi
Collana della collezione Farfalle in argento e zirconi
Collana della collezione Farfalle in argento e zirconi
Collana con pendente staccabile tramite un gancio
Collana con pendente staccabile tramite un gancio
Collana Farfalle
Collana Farfalle
Orecchini della collezione Farfalle di Comete
Orecchini della collezione Farfalle di Comete
Orecchini con pendenti staccabili
Orecchini con pendenti staccabili

Orecchini della collezione Farfalle
Orecchini della collezione Farfalle







Lebole evolution

Not only silk: for Lebole comes the time for gold, silver and stones.
From kimono fabric to the spinel and the pavé zirconia: Lebole, Tuscan company with a penchant for earrings, expands its offering. It continues to afford a line made with the use of fine Japanese silk, but at the same time diversifies collections. Two strands: the high-end earrings, with prices that reach to 390 euros, and a young line of bracelets and necklaces with modular elements, with prices starting at 40 Euros. The earrings that you see in the photos are the most disruptive innovations, as they say now. They are made with whites zircons, or blacks spinel, using a technique that involves the union of small stones with the metal in the time of processing, immediately after the merger. No glue, in short, to have the guarantee of a longer life of the jewel. The Potiche line, which we have already spoken here) is enriched in turn pieces made in silver engraved, gold-plated and natural stones. The price for the pair of earrings is, in this case, of 225 euros.

Orecchini con spinelli neri. Prezzo: 390 euro
Orecchini con spinelli neri. Prezzo: 390 euro
Orecchini con zirconi bianchi. Prezzo: 390 euro
Orecchini con zirconi bianchi. Prezzo: 390 euro
Orecchini in argento dorato. Prezzo: 225 euro
Orecchini in argento dorato. Prezzo: 225 euro
Orecchini della linea Potiche
Orecchini della linea Potiche
Orecchini della linea Potiche
Orecchini della linea Potiche

The new zircons by Swarovski

Knowing today what offers Swarovski means knowing what we will see tomorrow on a long line of jewelry. At Baselworld, the Austrian company presented the new assortment of Swarovski Zirconia. Ie new crystals of zirconium oxide, more and more similar to diamonds, as also established the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). And like jewels, even the crystals are grouped in collections: in this case the novelty is called Swarovski Zirconia Cut Dahlia. This zircon has ten perfectly harmonious facets, to create a cluster effect in the center of the stone inspired by the flower. Another reference is botanical Swarovski Zirconia Rosebud Cut, inspired by English gardens. A new entry is Swarovski Zirconia Antique Cushion Checkerboard, combining rectangular geometric shapes with an oval center stone. Swarovski Zirconia Cut Bloom is inspired instead to the seventies. There are also new shades introduced, as Caramel color, Green Light, Frosty Mint, Fancy Champagne: all nuances that you will soon transformed into new jewelry. Federico Graglia

Lo stand di Swarovski a Baselwo
Lo stand di Swarovski a Baselwo
I nuovi zirconi Swarovski
I nuovi zirconi Swarovski
I nuovi zirconi Swarovski presentati a Baselworld
I nuovi zirconi Swarovski presentati a Baselworld

Mayumi, Veneto’s pearls

If you make a trip to the discovery of the jewels made in Italy you can meet also Mayumi. The name, however, is not Italian, is Japanese: it comes from the words Ma, which means bow, and Yumi, which means strength. Nothing to do with martial arts: Mayumi, based in Verona, is specializes in jewelry made with delicate pearls. But it is true that the company was born in Japan in 1991, in a major Pearls Farm, at the initiative of the founder Alberto Fasoli. Who, after learning the secrets of pearls, she decided to transform his company from simple importer to a producer of jewelry. In short, Japanese raw material and fancy Italian. The result is a series of collections of jewelry that all revolve around the same idea, that is, involving the use of “tears of the gods”, cultivated in fresh water or sea water. Besides pearls, are used silver, cubic zirconia and synthetic sapphires. In short, a compromise that allows to moderate the price without losing aesthetic effect. Here are some examples. Lavinia Andorno

Collezione Emozioni. Coppia di Orecchini in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia con Perle d’acqua dolce Drop 9-10 mm
Collezione Emozioni. Coppia di Orecchini in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia con Perle d’acqua dolce Drop 9-10 mm
Collana in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia con Perla d’acqua dolce Drop 9-10 mm
Collana in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia con Perla d’acqua dolce Drop 9-10 mm
Collana in Argento 925‰ Perle d’acqua dolce Drop 6½x7 mm
Collana in Argento 925‰ Perle d’acqua dolce Drop 6½x7 mm
Mayumi, collana
Collezione Profumi di maggio. Collana in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia con Perla d’acqua dolce Drop 9×9½ mm
Mayumi
Collezione Cherie. Collana in Argento 925‰ rosé con Cubic Zirconia bianchi e verde smeraldo e Perla Tahiti 8×9½ mm
Collana della collezione Liberty. Collana di Perle d’Acqua dolce 4½x5, 7½x8 e 9-10 mm con centrale in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia e Zaffiri Blu di sintesi
Collana della collezione Liberty. Collana di Perle d’Acqua dolce 4½x5, 7½x8 e 9-10 mm con centrale in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia e Zaffiri Blu di sintesi
Collezione Emozioni. Bracciale in Argento 925‰ in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia con Perla d’acqua dolce Drop 9-10 mm
Collezione Emozioni. Bracciale in Argento 925‰ in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia con Perla d’acqua dolce Drop 9-10 mm
bracciale Mayumi
Collezione Lovely. Bracciale in Argento 925‰ Perle d’acqua dolce Drop 6½x7 mm
Anello in Argento 925‰ in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia con Perla d’acqua dolce Button 10-10½ mm
Collezione Profumi di maggio. Anello in Argento 925‰ in Argento 925‰, Cubic Zirconia con Perla d’acqua dolce Button 10-10½ mm
Collezione Cherie. Anello in Argento 925‰ rosé con Cubic Zirconia bianchi e verde smeraldo e Perla Tahiti 8x9½ mm
Collezione Cherie. Anello in Argento 925‰ rosé con Cubic Zirconia bianchi e verde smeraldo e Perla Tahiti 8×9½ mm
Collezione Liberty. Anello in Argento 925½ con Perle d’Acqua dolce 9-10 mm, Cubic Zirconia e Zaffiri Blu di sintesi
Collezione Liberty. Anello in Argento 925½ con Perle d’Acqua dolce 9-10 mm, Cubic Zirconia e Zaffiri Blu di sintesi

(Italiano) È guerra tra diamanti e cubic zirconia

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Un gruppo di aziende specializzate nell’estrazione dei diamanti ha deciso di combattere la diffusione delle pietre sintetiche, come i cubic zirconia. Ne dà notizia il Wall Street Journal. Il gruppo, chiamato il diamante Producers Association, è guidata da grandi grupp come De Beers, Alrosa, Petra Diamonds e Rio Tinto. La guerra prevede una campagna di comunicazione che ha a disposizone un budget annuale di 6 milioni dollari. L’obiettivo è promuovere diamanti come bene di lusso per i consumatori di fascia alta ed evidenziare il fascino dei diamanti naturali, per combattere l’apprezzamento per quelli sintetici meno costosi. Non sarà una passeggiata. Il nuovo gruppo, d’altra parte, i mezzi ce li ha: basti dire che De Beers tempo fa controllava l’80% dei diamanti estratti del mondo e ha aperto la strada all’uso dei diamanti per gli anelli di nozze. Il suo slogan «Un diamante è per sempre» è stato proclamato dalla rivista Advertising Age come una delle migliori dieci campagne pubblicitarie del 20esimo secolo. Ora De Beers controlla circa un terzo delle vendite di diamanti del mondo.

Diamanti grezzi
Diamanti grezzi

Ma, secondo gli esperti, la domanda di diamanti quest’anno ha traballato e i prezzi non sono stati così alti come nelle attese. De Beers, che è controllata all’85% da gigante minerario Anglo-American, ha fatto sapere che «alla luce delle condizioni di mercato correnti» prevede di tagliare la produzione di circa 2 milioni di carati. Sul mercato vi è un eccesso di diamanti da parte delle società di intermediazione, che comprano pietre grezze da tagliare e lucidare per la vendita a dettaglianti, sostiene l’analista minerario David Butler, di Barclays. Così le società hanno venduto in modo più aggressivo in questi mesi per fare cassa, spingendo verso il basso i prezzi dei diamanti lavorati. Se a questo si aggiunge una domanda oscillante, si capisce perché le aziende minerarie puntino a combattere con decisione i «concorrenti» diamanti sintetici, che minacciano di sottrarre loro altre quote di mercato. La Cina è diventata il maggior produttore di diamanti sintetici e, visto che la classe media cinese è tra i maggiori acquirenti di gioielleria, la vendita di diamanti naturali ci potrebbe essere influenzata negativamente da un aumento delle vendite di pietre sintetiche nazionali. Il Wall Street Journal fa anche notare che la maggior parte dei diamanti sintetici sono utilizzati per scopi industriali, ma in passato sono stati spacciati per diamanti naturali anche per i gioielli.  Nel 2012 circa 600 diamanti sintetici non dichiarati sono stati trovati nai laboratori di Anversa e Bombay, e circa 200 diamanti artificiali sono stati scoperti a Shenzhen, in Cina, nel 2013. Federico Graglia

Anello con diamanti di De Beers
Anello con diamanti di De Beers
L'insegna De Beers
L’insegna De Beers

Miniera della Culinam
Miniera della Culinam







Marlù for all

New collection for Marlù, the brand of jewelry created in San Marino in 2001 by Fabbri sisters. Once again, Morena, Monica and Marta as it is in their style have designed fashion bracelets, earrings and necklaces at affordable prices. The theme of the collection cLover are  four-leaf clover and  keys in rosé steel interspersed with red agate beads and adorned with zircons colorless. Prices start from 12 euro for earrings lucky charms in the shape of four-leaf clover to a maximum of 49 euro for the soutoir of 90 cm extendable by another 10 depending on the occasion, with the two motifs of the line. Here are pictures and prices. Giulia Netrese

cLover, bracciale in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossa e chiave. Prezzo: 19 euro
cLover, bracciale in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossa e chiave. Prezzo: 19 euro
cLover, bracciale in acciaio rosé con perle e ciondolo a forma di cuore. Prezzo: 19 euro
cLover, bracciale in acciaio rosé con perle e ciondolo a forma di cuore. Prezzo: 19 euro
cLover, bracciale in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossae ciondolo a forma di cuore. Prezzo: 18 euro
cLover, bracciale in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossae ciondolo a forma di cuore. Prezzo: 18 euro
cLover, collana in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossa e ciondolo a forma di chiave. Prezzo: 19 euro
cLover, collana in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossa e ciondolo a forma di chiave. Prezzo: 19 euro
cLover, collana in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossa e quadrifoglio. Prezzo: 25 euro
cLover, collana in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossa e quadrifoglio. Prezzo: 25 euro
cLover, collana in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossa, chiave e quadrifoglio. Prezzo: 29 euro
cLover, collana in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossa, chiave e quadrifoglio. Prezzo: 29 euro
cLover, collana in acciaio rosé con una perla in agata rossa e quadrifoglio. Prezzo: 19 euro
cLover, collana in acciaio rosé con una perla in agata rossa e quadrifoglio. Prezzo: 19 euro
cLover, orecchini a bottone in acciaio rosé a forma di quadrifoglio con zircone. Prezzo: 12 euro
cLover, orecchini a bottone in acciaio rosé a forma di quadrifoglio con zircone. Prezzo: 12 euro
cLover, orecchini a bottone in acciaio rosé a forma di quadrifoglio con zircone e catenina con agata rossa. Prezzo: 12 euro
cLover, orecchini a bottone in acciaio rosé a forma di quadrifoglio con zircone e catenina con agata rossa. Prezzo: 12 euro
cLover, soutoir in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossa e quadrifoglio. Prezzo: 49 euro
cLover, soutoir in acciaio rosé con perle in agata rossa e quadrifoglio. Prezzo: 49 euro