The "Superbowl" of Hollywood

*UPDATED: This story has been updated with new or revised information.

And so another Oscar show has come to pass and we are left feeling much better than we did last year. Billy Crystal returned and brought back all the oldies that are still goodies. The night was really a tribute to the Oscar tradition and Old Hollywood, although many are grumbling about the Academy being a bit too old and out of touch.

One curious observation, why does a notoriously long awards show start a half hour later than all the other awards shows at 8:30?

At least the fashion was a mixed bag last night so let's recap!

RED on the Red Carpet

Oscar weekend is upon us! It has been an interesting year for movies and new red carpet trends. One major color trend that is still around and kicking is bold red looks. In honor of the most famous red carpet in the world, we have compiled some of our favorite RED looks worthy of the red carpet.

Faceted Carnelian

These faceted styles are rich in appeal and vibrant in color.

Great for a nice photo op.

Red Agate & Moonstone

Smooth and sleek, a great accent for the right dress.

Stack a few of the red agate bangle for a fabulous night!

The best of everything: Garnet, Agate & Carnelian

Extravagant to simple.

These earrings are all winners in their own right,

each style for a different individual.

 

Red Tiger Eye & Red Agate

These statement rings are not your average choice, but would certainly stand out on any red carpet.  

March On, Babies

February will be coming to a close soon. (Being the shortest month makes that very easy) Once the Oscars come and go, it's onto March Madness and winter's last chance to be winter in NYC.

A new month means a new birthstone and the royal depths of majestic Amethyst will make way for the wide ranging blue colored Aquamarine. Its color ranges from light light blue to slightly green blue to deep teal. Aquamarine can be considered as much a classic as a ruby, emerald, or sapphire.

A little bit of lore: Sailors used to wear aquamarine gemstones to ward off seasickness and keep them safe.

(from left to right) Aquamarine briolette with white fresh water pearl drop earring
Aquamarine chandelier earring



(from left to right) Aquamarine bead with blue topaz bezel drop earring
Aquamarine nugget necklace

Will You Be Mine?

Warm Tones for Warm Weather

Bright is the motto of this Spring/Summer season. Two major colors that stand out are shades of orange and yellow based on Pantone's official selection for S/S 2012: Tangerine Tango and Solar Power.
There was a time when orange was too out there, too bold, not chic, reserved only for collegiate fashion. Now in the year 2012, the color of the moment is (officially called) Tangerine Tango and it's practically a fashion faux pas to go without.


If red is the color of passion, orange is its optimistic cousin. Associated with joy and celebration, it is an emotional stimulant that encourages laughter and self esteem.
Orange colors come in a scale of intensity amongst natural stones, especially in carnelian. It can go from light to intense deep orange within one stone. Such a piece would make a great compliment to a bold color block tangerine outfit.


While orange has the elements of yellow's happiness, yellow is just happy all the time! Solar Power can represent wisdom and a lust for life. It is an intellectual color, that will encourage individuality. The best stone to match almost perfectly is Citrine. A pair of large citrine drops would certainly be on trend this summer.


Large and chunky is still the style for 2012. Bib and collar necklaces are just as popular as long and layered "Jazz Age" looks. As always, in fashion, it is up to the individual to decide which trends rule. What trend has been your favorite so far?

Thankful Thoughts from the JewelMak Staff

Thanksgiving has many traditions: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, family gatherings, those Native American headdresses & pilgrim hats made out of construction paper, Black Friday, more food. However, the point of Thanksgiving is to give thanks for the good parts of our lives, big or small.

So we went around the office today and asked our fellow staffers what they were thankful for.

"I'm thankful for my health, life, and kids. Especially my kids." ~Arianne

"Thankful for my 3 grandchildren." ~Teresa

"Thankful for my family." ~Natasha

"Thankful for God and all the people in my life." ~Ada

"I'm thankful for my family & friends." ~Michael

"That no wars are imminent, no boys will be called for duty unless they wish to be. That no mothers will have to spend sleepless nights imagining the worst. That families will sit together around the Thanksgiving table knowing they are loved." ~Thanh

"I'm thankful for my family. My parents have been married 30 years today!" ~Jardel

"Thankful for life." ~June

Wishing you all a warm, safe, and festive Thanksgiving!

You Better Pink

The pink ribbon is the official symbol and color of breast cancer awareness. Adopted in 1992 after Susan G. Komen for the Cure handed out pink ribbons during its annual breast cancer awareness race. Originally derived from the AIDS awareness red ribbon, the pink color was a natural choice to symbolize the cause against a cancer that targets women almost exclusively. Breast cancer can occur in men as well, which is symbolized by a pink and blue ribbon.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and during this month, pink is everywhere. It will be worn, illuminated, covered with, and projected on people, places and things all over the world. The most common show of support for the cause is to wear pink. Some offices or groups hold pink theme days in honor of the cause.

Many retailers have taken up the theme by offering a hand picked selection of pink items to purchase in order to raise funds. Fortunoff fine jewelry is holding a "Power of Pink" sale where portions of proceeds will go to benefit breast cancer research.




Recently launched flash site, Ruby Wallet has also taken the pink ribbon to heart and has incorporated it into their online masthead while also offering special pink styles.

Do your part this October and give what you can to further breast cancer research. So many of us are affected by breast cancer even if the connection is separated by a few degrees. We are in this fight together!

There are various organizations to contribute to directly.

National Breast Cancer Foundation

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Breast Cancer Action

Join the cause, save a life.