Pearls and Beads Make the Rounds for Fall
from Style
Karl Lagerfeld may have swapped Chanel’s traditional pearls for jade this season, but the lustrous gem showed up on plenty of other runways. Pearls were outsized at Moschino Cheap & Chic, strung onto ribbon at 3.1 Phillip Lim, and embroidered and buried in tulle at Comme des Garçons. More

Cartier Focuses on Eastern Market Expansion
from Luxist
While not suffering proportionally more than anyone else, Cartier is seeking new ways to grow and thrive in extremely unpredictable times. According to Cartier CEO and President Bernard Fornas, the new strategy is the expansion of boutique stores in areas showing promise or high growth in recent trends. More

CEO of Berkshire’s Helzberg Jewelry Unit Resigns
from The Associated Press
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. says the chief executive of its Helzberg Diamond unit has resigned, but Warren Buffett's company did not say why. Berkshire said in a statement that Marvin Beasley decided to resign effective Monday. He will be replaced by Beryl Raff, who had been managing J.C. Penney's jewelry division. Berkshire CEO and Chairman Buffett said in the statement that Raff will bring merchandising instinct and analytical sharpness to the job. More

Spring Fashions Go Bold and Bright
from The Democrat and Chronicle
In a year when the economy is down and out, fashionistas are turning to bold colors and prints to brighten their moods this spring. Walk into any women's fashion store this spring, and you're likely to see floral and animal prints and bright colors such as orange, yellow, fuchsia and green. That's because bold colors get a lot of bang for the buck when it comes to making a fashion statement. More

Last week's incorrect link to this article has been fixed. We apologize for the inconvenience.    Featured Article:   Branded Gemstones A recent appraisal assignment on a “branded” loose gemstone, developed into a challenge in determining a fair wholesale and retail price. In this particular case, the client had been to a jeweler that undervalued the gem because a trademark was not considered. The assignment also raised the interesting discussion regarding the branding of loose gemstones. We are very aware of trademarked and branded jewelry, but when it comes to gems, can you brand a colored gemstone and if so, how would it be valued? More Info

Blogger’s Bling Fits First Lady
from Vogue
VOGUE.COM blogger and accessories designer extraordinaire Lara Bohinc received the ultimate compliment last week, as one of her bracelets was purchased to be given as a gift. The giver was no ordinary shopper, however, and the recipient was arguably the most famous woman in the world - making the experience very special for Bohinc. "We were totally unaware of the bracelet being purchased," Bohinc revealed in an interview with VOGUE.COM. "Until Samantha Cameron actually gave the bracelet to Michelle Obama on Thursday we had no idea who it was for." More

Citi Analyst Cuts Blue Nile Rating to 'Hold'
from Forbes
An analyst on Monday cut his rating on shares of Blue Nile Inc., online seller of engagement rings and other jewelry, saying a recent boost in the stock's price now makes the shares a less compelling investment. Citi Investment Research's Mark Mahaney downgraded his rating to "Hold" from "Buy" and said that although the surge in the stock price is "well justified," he would prefer an entry price below $30. More

Isaac Mizrahi gives Liz Claiborne Much Needed Color
from Oprah Magazine
When Liz Claiborne, one of fashion's most venerable labels, needed a fresh look, Isaac Mizrahi came to the rescue. The high-energy designer kept the quality and the modest prices (nothing much over $200) and reinvented the clothes to be witty, modern, and buoyantly colorful - just like him. More

Makeup For Spring: Natural and Pink, Pink, Pink
from She Knows
Every spring, pink is a popular color in fashion and that holds true for makeup too. Pink makeup is very flirty and fun. Play with baby pink eye shadows, cheek color and lip gloss for a feminine look. More