Staged ‘Hasidic’ $4M New York Diamond Heist

A bizarre heist went down  on New Years Eve in New York when two wholesale jewelers staged a $4 million diamond heist dressed as Hasidic Jews.  Atul Shah, 48, and Mahaveer Kankariya, 43, have been charged with trying to arrange a fake bank heist at their Midtown store on New Year’s Eve.

Hasidic Jewelry Heist Hoax

The bizarre robbery took place in broad daylight on Dec 31, 2008.  Enhanced video surveillance revealed the two robbers clad in Hasidic Jew Orthodox garb—black coats, black hats, fake beards, and even flashing fake IDs to lobby security.  Security cameras show them then taking the elevators up to their fifth floor store, Dialite Imports.

The two were buzzed inside the store, only to pull out guns and hold Shah and another employee hostage.  They were ordered to clean out the safe of all diamonds and jewels.  The two purported robbers then tied Shah and the other employee up with duct tape before escaping.

Shah and Kankariya have been charged with grand larceny, insurance fraud and falsifying business records in connection with the robbery.

Bold NY Fashion Week Accessories

Big and bold accessories dominated New York Fashion Week, which is the best prediction of what is to come for Fall 2010.  Designers at new York Fashion Week displayed collections featuring body armour-like jewelry, gauntlet gloves, militia boots and enormous bags with post-apocalyptic overtones.

badgley mischka

So who are the emerging talents?  DANNIJO, Prova.  The veterans who refuse to be knocked off the shelf?  Ports 1961, Custo Barcelona, Badgley Mischka.

Of course, if you’re looking for classic jewelry, NY Fashion Week might not be for you.  These avant styles are post-apocalyptic, bold, and more trend items than timeless pieces such as diamond studs or eternity rings .

The “urban warrior around the world”  is how DANNIJO’s Danielle Snyder describes the collection, having launched the jewelry brand with her sister in March 2008.  Featuring stacks of bangle bracelets, messy chain necklaces, dark gold and silver metals, DANNIJO has grown from one retail account to more than ninety stores worldwide.

Meanwhile, designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka, went edgier than their typical red-carpet appeal this year and admittedly drew much inspiration from the “Mad Max” movies starring Mel Gibson.  “We wanted it to be beautiful, but also tough and strong.” Badgley said.

More Sales in Women’s Accessories for 2010

Experts are predicting more sales in the women’s accessories department after dismal sales reports for 2010.  After New York Fashion Week, industry insiders predict a wide variety of new jewelry and accessory styles to keep consumers happy and looking chic.  “Each season, accessories seem to become more and more important because it’s less expensive to buy accessories than to buy new clothes.” Says Ruth Findley, publisher of the Fashion Calendar since 1941.

dries van noten

Of course, women should make sure their bases are covered first before purchasing specialty jewelry items.  Nothing can replace timeless pieces like  diamond stud earrings or diamond solitaire pendants.  Get those before adding specialty and high-fashion trend items to your jewelry collection.

Granted, 2009 was the worst U.S. recession in decades.  Accessory sales fell 11 percent, with a net loss of approximately $37.5 billion.  The NDP Group, a market research firm, forecasts a growth of 2 to 3 percent this year.

Insiders have also noted with cautious optimism that sales of shoes, handbags and accessories picked up through the end of last year.  Interesting accessory trends should hit stores very soon!

5 Hot Spring Trends

Though it may be hard to believe with single-digit windchill temperatures, Spring is just around the corner. And there are some hot new fashion trends blowing this way! Make sure your bases are covered with your classic and timeless jewelry pieces, like diamond stud earrings, diamond solitaire necklaces and diamond tennis bracelets. You can check brands like Tacori, Artcarved and Scott Kay to take care of those necessities. Then spice up your wardrobe with these hot new Spring trends, which will definitely ensure a fashionable and chic look for you as the weather warms.
nicole richie
1. Chunky Bracelets. Nicole Richie and several other young Hollywood and Paris twenty-somethings are wearing them. Richie herself designs these chic chunky bracelets, cuffs, and bangles under her jewelry label, House of Harlow 1960 Jewelry.
2. Neutrals. Women will be making subtle statements this Spring by wearing soft neutrals. From pearly pinks to semi-nude colors, accesorize this with an elegant and simple diiamond solitaire necklace.
3. Clear Jewels. Girls will be wearing clear-lucite costume jewelry necklaces this Spring. The City’s Olivia Palermo was spotted with a chic chunky chain necklace mixed with clear teardrop gems—a fun diversion from your classic jewelry collection.
4. Cropped Tops. Get ready to pump those abs and flatten that stomach—the cropped top is back! If you don’t want to bare your mid-riff use it as a layering piece. And, as always, accessorize with a long, simple necklace.
5. Mini-Skirts. It better be a warm Spring! Try a flirty, lace miniskirt seen on reality stars like Lauren Conrad and Kim Kardashian. Make sure to show of those hot new gym thighs!

Scott Kay Talks About Jewelry as an Art Form

Known as one of the most successful retail jewelry designers in the world, Scott Kay recently talked about his role as an artist in the jewelry industry and the hurdles he had to pass to get ahead. Kay is well known for his innovative use of precious metals that some have said would never catch on. He is largely credited.for kick-starting a resurgent interest in platinum and is now focusing his efforts on utilizing palladium for his rings, which has caused some to ask whether this creates a conflict of interests between his platinum partners. To which Kay dryly notes, “People might say, ‘Well, Scott, palladium could hurt your platinum business.’ But at the end of the day, I believe in this material.”

scott kay

Kay is keen to get people interested in the benefits of buying a palladium ring. “Palladium is natural, it’s hard, it’s white, and it’s hypoallergenic. It’s not as dense as platinum or gold and that’s a good thing. If platinum was 40 percent less dense, it would be more precious to the jewelry industry, because as it is, you can’t make earrings and bracelets out of it.”

Kay works hard to get buyers to become collectors of his unique and custom-made items, which he considers works of art. His collections include everything from solitaire engagement rings to pave rings to men’s cobalt bridal bands. “I like going into stores because I like to share my vision with other people.” Kay notes. “One thing I’ve worked very hard at is helping people appreciate jewelry as an art form and not just a commodity.”

Ten Reasons Diamond Studs Earrings are the perfect gift

Diamond stud earrings are elegant and timeless staples to any jewelry collection. Here are some reasons why diamond stud earrings are the perfect gift.

eva longoria wearing diamond studs

1. Diamond studs are often called timeless and classic pieces of jewelry. Their “look” never goes out of style, and they add elegance to any occasion.

2. They are versatile. Going out for a Friday night date? Have a board meeting? Going to the mall? Face it—diamond studs look good anywhere and never seem too dressy.

3. Stars wear them. Eva Longoria. Angelina Jolie. Nicole Kidman. The list goes on. And stars have always worn them—all the way back to Old Hollywood. Diamond studs have a classic appeal and many people wear their diamond stud earrings every single day.

4. They are simple, yet elegant and sophisticated. Who needs something too elaborate? The simplicity of diamond stud earrings come from being a single-stone diamond earring. Sometimes the most simple jewelry items are the best and feel the most timeless.

5. They make great gifts. Okay, okay. There must be some guys reading this, too. Looking for something special to get her for her birthday or a special occasion. Look no further than diamond studs.

6. They are romantic. Diamond studs may in fact get you more dates! The way they suggest opulence and shine brightly on your ears—guys will think you’re worth it.

7. They go great with engagement rings. So you just got engaged? Or you’re planning to propose? Diamond stud earrings are a fantastic complement to that new engagement ring.

8. Perfect for the wedding day. If you’re getting married, you should definitely consider diamond studs. They’re the perfect level of elegance and won’t detract from your dress, ring, hair, nails or smile!

9. They come in many cuts. There’s a huge variety of diamond stud earrings, large and small, including round brilliant diamond studs and princess cut diamond studs.

10. They are appropriate for any occasion! Are you looking for timeless, classic jewelry to add to your collection? Diamond Studs are the perfect accompaniment!

Unique Jewelry Choices Hit NY Fashion Week

Things are getting wild at New York Fashion Week, at least as far as jewelry and style are concerned.  Since it’s the year of Lady Gaga, perhaps we should start there.   The “Poker Face” celebrity whose oeuvre seems to function on dysfunctional and over-the-top Club Kid looks, came dressed as usual in a white lace and pearl creation at the amfAR New York Gala, co-sponsored by M.A.C Cosmetics.  This was the event to kick off Fashion Week and Gaga killed it, with pearls netted and attached to her face and body.

lady gaga

Meanwhile, star Krisitin Chenoweth was spotted backstage at the Red Dress Collection 2010 Fashion Show, where the color red is used to symbolize and promote awareness of heart disease in women.  She accessorized heavily with red heart gemstones.  Dynasty star Joan Collins was also featured at the events, in an ostentatious red gown and diamond necklace.

All the married celebrities were wearing gorgeous engagement rings and Stars Melissa Joan Hart, Whitney Port and Alexis Dziena were also spotted at the Betsey Johnson and Rebecca Taylor shows, wearing couture jewelry mostly composed of large, exotic earrings and long necklace pieces.

Bold Jewelry Designer, Peiro, at New York Fashion Week

Fashion Week in New York kicked off this weekend in New York with bold, urbane designers who weren’t afraid to pile the accessories on their models.   Jewelry notoriously takes a backseat in runway collections, but some designers are sure to implement flagrant and colorful jewelry designs in their couture collections.

Didier Peiro

We can’t pass up jewelry designer Didier Peiro who collaborated with Andres-Aquino’s couture line at the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria.  Like the best jewelry pieces, Peiro’s special jewelry line combines with classic glamour with a contemporary spin.  Notable examples include vintage lace dipped in gold and decorated with colorful and vibrant gemstone displays.  Peiro also incorporates Indian and Moroccan pieces for a hint of ethnic influences to his gemstone facades.

Peiro was sure to tell reporters that he was working in his own class.  “I don’t follow trends.  I don’t care what others are doing.  I design what I am inspired to create.”

Onlookers have noted Peiro’s unusual approoach, which is combined with a complex personal flair and intricate metal work.  It is no surprise, then, that Peiro was trained as a craftsaman.  He was supposed to have been a cabinet maker like his father.  Through extensive travels all over the world, Peiro became interested in gemstones.  Of this, he notes, “It was the gem that led me to create jewelry, not the other way around.”

Still No Oscar Gown and Jewels for Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock isn’t too concerned about finding the perfect gown and jewelry to wear to the Oscars.  She admitted this week that she still doesn’t know what she plans to wear to the ceremony, for which she’s considered the front-runner to win the Best Actress Oscar.

sandra bullockAt this week’s Oscar Nominees Luncheon, a prestigious photo-op event in and of itself, Bullock confided to reporters, “I’m so behind.  Today was the first day that I actually saw one dress and then looked at some sketches.”

Bullock is nominated this year for her role in the football drama, The Blind Side.  She is very clear that she puts her confidence in her coterie of designers, leaving them to make the dress and jewelry decisions look stunning.  “I’m pretty good about finding something and sort of circling around it and then I’m oddly relaxed about it because it’s someone else’s job to finely stitch thousands of pleats and jewels into a gorgeous thing to make you look divine.”

Bullock is known for her massive appeal to audiences across the globe.  She has a broad spectrum of supporters in Hollywood and the Academy, who consider Hollywood’s “nice girl”.  She is massively understated, also, when it comes to finding her Oscar gown and jewels.  “Look, if I have to wear a trash bag  I’ll belt it with rhinestones and I’ll make it work…But the one thing I saw, that’s a work of art.”  Everyone’s waiting to see what designers Bullock chooses.

Tacori Concierge Will Help You Find the Perfect Ring

The newly launched Tacori Concierge is already earning raves amongst diamond shoppers. So many people don’t know where to begin when purchasing a ring and that’s where Tacori Concierge comes in. More and more, consumers can get inundated with false information or unremarkable suggestions online. The Tacori Concierge is a personal, one-on-one jewelry consultation that aims to make consumers feel confident in purchases of Tacori engagement rings, wedding bands, and other jewelry items.

tacori rings

“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to receive a personal, one-on-one jewelry consultation with a highly qualified expert, so we created Tacori Concierge. Tacori Concierge is for the client who prefers the direct contact and immediate satisfaction that a personal consultation can provide.” Said a Tacori Representative.

Experienced jewelry experts discuss an array of factors with clients, answering questions about budget and pricing options, the jewelry purchasing process, and, of course, Tacori’s expansive and one-of-kind collections, styles, customized options and designs.

So how much does it cost? Only twenty-five dollars! And you get an hour’s time. Seriously, if you’re going to invest in a ring for her or him, you might as well get an experienced professional’s advice before buying. And, better yet, this is only a twenty-five dollar deposit that is fully redeemable toward any Tacori purchase at any Tacori-authorized retailer, such as http://www.Since1910.com . Sounds like a steal.