Hollywood Jewelry Fashion At White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Chanel Iman wore Harry Kotlar diamond earrings and Harry Kotlar bracelet

For better or worse politics in the US has largely become another form of entertainment. Nothing epitomizes this more than the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. Hollywood celebrities, political leaders, political opinion makers and White House reporters rubbed shoulders at the Washington Hilton Saturday night for the annual event that celebrated its 101st year. 

It began as a way to acknowledge award-winners, present scholarships, and give the press and the president an evening of friendly appreciation. White House correspondents often invited their favorite sources to the event. A few still do.

In recent years the celebrity guests, pre-dinner receptions and post-dinner parties have in many ways overshadowed the main event, which is largely a friendly roast of the president along with skits by journalists a d a well-known comedian as a featured speaker. I attended the correspondents’ dinner in 1998 and the post-dinner parties are fun. 

With stars comes fashion and with fashion comes jewelry and on this note several of Hollywood’s finest were well adorned. Among the standouts: 

Chanel Iman in Harry Kotlar diamond earrings and Harry Kotlar bracelet (top photo).

Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Casa Reale earrings and Casa Reale ring. 

Carla Gugino in Jewelmer south sea pearl earrings. 

Gina Rodriguez in Harry Kotlar diamond earrings, Harry Kotlar ring and Chimento bracelet. 

Bethany Mota in Brumani earrings.

Laverne Cox in Forevermark  by Natalie K Diamond Line Bracelet, Forevermark Diamond Drop Earrings, all in 18k white gold and Forevermark Cluster Shield Ring, in oxidized gold.

Darby Stanchfield in Forevermark By Pluczenik Integré Double Drop Earrings, Forevermark by Galili and Co. Diamond Line Bracelet, Forevermark by Natalie K Three Row Diamond Bracelet, Forevermark by Natalie K Line Bracelets and Forevermark Oval Swirl Ring, all in 18k white gold.

Hannah Davis in Arya Esha earrings and rings. 

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Buyers From 99 Countries Attended Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair

More than 5,400 unique visitors from 99 countries and regions attended Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair – March. Sixty percent of the buyers came from overseas, while 21 percent and 19 percent of visitors came from mainland China and the Hong Kong region, respectively.

The four-day event was held March 3 – 6 in Halls 3, 6 & 8 of the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong.

The top 10 visiting countries and regions outside of China and Hong Kong are India, USA, Korea, Italy, Japan, Taiwan region, Australia, Spain, Thailand, and the UK. The Top 10 altogether accounted for roughly 34 percent of the total number of visitors.

“Sixty percent of visitors are from overseas, a fact that reflects the fair’s renowned status as an international trading platform for fashion jewelry and accessories,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at UBM Asia Ltd. 

The fair gathered 448 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions. Some exhibits were under the four theme zones: “Fashion Accessories Zone”, “Stainless Steel Jewellery Pavilion”, “Sense Zone” and “Fashion Jewellery Atelier”, and six group pavilions representing mainland China, India, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan region. 

“The newly launched pavilion – 'Fashion Jewellery Atelier' – received warm feedback from buyers and exhibitors alike. We are glad to see that local talents have gained valuable experiences and industry insights at the fair; it will help the industry to grow,” Lau said.

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New ‘Theme Zones’ for Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair – March

Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair – March (3FJ) will run March 3 through 6 in Halls 3, 6 and 8 of AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong. The four-day event will unveil the latest collections of fashion jewelry and accessories from more than 430 exhibitors from 14 countries.

More than 80 percent of the exhibitors at 3FJ are from outside Hong Kong, reflecting the fair’s international status, according to UBM Asia, which owns and operates the jewelry tradeshow. Among the exhibitors are companies from mainland China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, The Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

A new “Fashion Accessories Zone” is designed to bring together manufacturers of fashion accessories such as handbags, scarves, and hair accessories. Exhibitors at “Sense Zone” will unveil high-quality, design-focused boutique pieces. “Stainless Steel Jewellery Pavilion” provides competitively priced products. A “Fashion Jewellery Atelier” showcase by 14 Hong Kong fashion jewelry designers is another new theme zone added to the tradeshow.

“Fashion Jewellery Atelier” is designed to serve as a platform for independent talents to showcase their creativity. It is also a great opportunity for them to connect with other industry professionals,” said Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs at UBM Asia Ltd. 

In addition, six group pavilions representing mainland China, India, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan region and Thailand will be exhibiting. 

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A Belated 2014 Emmy Awards Jewelry Roundup

Jessica Pare wears Fred Leighton platinum and diamond pendant necklace from the 1950's and platinum and diamond stud earrings (two carats each).

I’m going to blame it on the people in charge of the Emmys and on NBC, the network owned by the Evil Empire of Comcast, for the delay in presenting this roundup of red carpet jewelry. Holding the broadcast of the Primetime Emmys on the last week of August when people are either on vacation or preparing a return to school seemed ill conceived to me.

Lucy Liu wears Lorraine Schwartz yellow gold and canary yellow diamond earrings and ring. The jewelry was provided by LoveGold.com

I was neither on vacation nor have family members of school age. But I had to travel for work (more on that soon). Anyway, the weird decision of televising the awards shows on August 25 (a Monday for crissakes) turned out well enough, or “OK,” as USA Today put it, with a viewership of 15.6 million people, according to Neilsen.

Christina Hendricks in 18k Yellow Gold Jewelry by Neil Lane that includes: a diamond and gold lovebird bracelet; a rose-cut mogul diamond gold bangle; a pair of ornate gold bangles; a garnet, pearl, and gold Victorian bracelet; a  crimson garnet, diamond, and gold ring; and carved gold girandole earrings. The jewelry was provided by LoveGold.com.

I was unable to see the red carpet parade and only saw a portion of the telecast as I had to prepare for my trip. I didn’t need to watch to know that Breaking Bad (Best Show Ever) won another 100 or so awards.

Laura Prepon sparkles in Simon G Diamond Jewelry that included the following: 18k white gold earrings with 3.16-carats of round white diamonds; an 18k white gold bangle with 7.98-carats of round white diamonds; an 18k white gold ring with 1.37-carats of princess diamonds and 1.53-carats baguette diamonds; An 18k white gold bangle with 2.17-carats ofround white diamonds; an 18k white gold bracelet with 1.63-carats of round white diamonds and 5.84-carats of baguette diamonds; and an 18k white gold ring with a 1-carat round white diamond.

So like I said I’m blaming the Evil Empire of Comcast and the Emmy committee for the week-plus delay in putting this roundup together. That’s it, no more excuses.

January Jones wears Jack Vartanian diamond ear climbers.

The Emmys' Red Carpet parade had familiar faces and familiar designers along with new faces and new designers. There was classic diamond jewelry on white gold or platinum that, like a wedding, is always part of the red carpet. There were also more modern pieces, such as ear climbers and multiple-finger rings. There were colored gemstones, some quite unusual. And there was the annual attempt of LoveGold, the jewelry fashion division of the World Gold Council, to place yellow gold on everyone on the red carpet. To their credit there was plenty of yellow gold.

Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt wearing Brumani earrings.

Oh, and the women of Mad Men women looked great. So did Lucy Liu.

Zooey Deschanel wears Forevermark diamond jewelry by Maria Canale Aster Collection that incldues ring, earrings and bracelet adorned with round brilliant Forevermark diamonds set in 18k white gold.

So without further complaints, here are my selections of the most interesting jewelry (from the available pictures I have) worn by those who were chosen to take that lovely red carpet stroll.

Betsy Brandt wears a Kallati pave diamond cocktail ring from the brand's True Couture collection. The ring features 2.25 carats of pave set brilliant white diamonds in 14k white gold.

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Michelle Dockery wears Ana Khouri jewelry, including a yellow gold grey pearl Patricia ear cuffs, yellow gold and white diamond Lucky bracelets, yellow gold and grey pearl Charlotte ring, white diamond Isabel four finger ring, gold Wave tiara. The jewelry was provided by LoveGold.com.

Taylor Schilling in Forevermark Exceptional Diamond Jewelry by Premier Gem, including a diamond ring with 10.39-carat pear diamond set in platinum; cuff earrings with pear and round brilliant diamonds set in 18k white gold; Forevermark Martini Set Diamond Stud with 5.20 carats of round brilliant diamonds set in platinum; a bracelet with 28.02 carats of round brilliant diamonds; a lattice bracelet with round brilliant diamonds set in platinum; and an Eternity Band with round Brilliant diamonds set in 18k rose gold.

Taryn Manning wears Suzanne Kalan smoky quartz earrings and ring.

Melissa McCarthy wears Le Vian diamond ring and a Doves by Doron Paloma African sapphire ring.

Halle Berry wears Doves by Doron Paloma amethyst and mother of pearl earrings.

Giuliana Rancic in Forevermark diamond jewelry by Jade Trau that includes a Name Plate Bangle with a round brilliant diamond set in 18k yellow gold; a pear cuff with pear diamonds set in 18k yellow gold; “Star” cuffs with round brilliant diamonds set in 18k rose gold and yellow gold; “Halo” cuffs with round brilliant diamonds set in 18k rose gold and yellow gold; “Knife Edge” cuff with round brilliant diamonds set in 18k yellow gold; diamond stud earrings with round brilliant diamonds set in platinum; and a 13.56-carat radiant cut diamond set in platinum.

Kelly Osbourne wears Beladora that includes 18k yellow gold, citrine and topaz ring; a Gemstone Flower ring in 18k yellow gold with yellow and white diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds; an 18k gold and diamond ring; an 18k yellow gold antique Edwardian spinel and diamond ring; 18k rose gold earrings with diamonds; 14k rose gold bracelet; 14k yellow and rose gold bracelet with rubies and diamonds; 14k rose and yellow gold bracelet; and 14k yellow gold moonstone bracelet. The jewelry was provided by LoveGold.com.

Lisa Rinna wears Suzanne Kalan earrings and three Le Vian diamond rings.

Sarah Silverman wears Pasquale Bruni diamond earrings and a Le Vian diamond ring.

Fabulous Fall 2014 Jewelry Preview

Wendy Yue 18k rose gold "Madame Butterfly" necklace with purple sapphire, rhodolite garnet, pink sapphire, opal and tsavorite.

This is a group of 28 designers and manufacturers whose work I was able to view during the jewelry rtade shows in Basel, Switzerland, and Las Vegas. Although this is quite a large group, it wasn’t all the brands I was able to see. More will come soon.

Vianna Brasil 18k yellow gold bracelet set with milky aquamarine, praziolite, emerald quartz and diamonds.

In this selection pastel colored gemstones dominated. The next group will feature more bold colors and designs, although there are a few made it into this group as well. Yellow and rose gold also made it into plenty of designer pieces this year. Pavé settings remain dominate in many designs and there appears to be no end to this “trend.”

Omi Prive platinum, sapphire and diamond pendant necklace.

There are a few new names in this group. Among them is Pınar Öner of Turkey who creates pieces based on the history and heritage of his country’s Anatolian region.

Roberto Coin Garden Collection rings in 18k satin yellow gold with colourless, brown diamonds and tsavorite. Amethyst, blue topaz and lemon quartz.

Many of the other names you will find familiar. They represent most parts of the world and use a variety of style, techniques and materials. Please view the remaining images below.

Temple St Clair 18k yellow gold Tree of Life bracelet with diamonds.

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Lagos 18k sterling silver statement ring centered with a citrine surrounded by a ring a ring of 18k yellow gold and blue sapphires. 

Goshwara Natural pink sapphire and mandarin garnet earrings in 18k from the G-One Collection.

Nurture By Reena, a new jewelry brand that features jewelry made with lab-grown diamonds by Reena Ahluwalia, known for her award-winning diamond jewelry designs. The Celestial Star pendant is set in 18k gold with colorless and pink lab-grown diamonds. The brand also employs QR Code technology that allows people to attach their “most precious moments to your jewel,” Ahluwalia says.

Pınar Öner Chora ring draws its inspiration from the mosaic ceiling of the Chora church in Istanbul. The entire ring is a large floral blossom with undulating walls of pave diamonds set in blackened 18k yellow gold with enamel accents in blue, green, yellow and red.

Amrapali Black Arabesque ruby, diamond and emerald earrings.

Antonini Vulcano bracelets in 18k yellow gold, white gold, black rhodium, white diamonds and champagne diamonds.

Borgioni 14k rose gold and silver stud handcuff with brown diamond roses and black diamond leaf.

Brumani diamond and translucent quartz earrings.

Carla Amorim Basilica ruby and tsavorite earrings.

Chimento Armillas rings in white gold with diamonds, yellow gold with diamonds, and white gold with diamonds.

Le Vian Exotics Chocolate covered Blackberry ring in 14K Strawberry Gold featuring Blackberry Diamonds, Vanilla Diamonds and Chocolate Diamonds.

MCL pave Lux bangle in black rhodium plated sterling silver with mixed color sapphires and black spinel.

Sethi Couture Ombre orange, yellow and green diamond pave drop earrings.

Sutra 18K black gold, sapphire and tanzanite cuff with diamonds.

Suzanne Kalan 18K white gold pear-shaped London Blue Topaz ring with white diamond baguette.

Larkspur & Hawk 14k rose gold earrings with pink amethyst.

Lexmond vs Lexmond 18k gold Strawberry pendant with diamonds and rubies.

Royal Asscher Stars of Africa ring in 18K rose gold with floating diamonds in a sapphire globe.

Rina Limor Carved jade earrings with 18k yellow gold set with diamond pave. 

Casato Dragon Eye bracelet in 18k rose gold with emerald and white diamonds.

Stefan Hafner White gold and white diamond necklace seems to be woven from flowers touched with tiny buds of blue marquise-cut sapphires.

Ivanka Trump 18k yellow gold and white diamond pave bracelet, part of the Athénée collection.

Mireya is a new bridal jewelry brand that offers brides-to-be with options of what to choose with its “pick-a-head” Mireya Fit System. Interchangeable diamonds can be inserted into the shank of the ring. The collection, consisting of 20 variations of this signature style and 185 styles in total are all handmade of 14k, 18k or platinum, in the US.