Elizabeth Taylor, the Diamond Queen, Dies at 79

This past Wednesday, March 23, 2011, Elizabeth Taylor, the Queen of Luxury Diamond Jewelry passed away at a hospital surrounded by family.  She lived a fairy tale life we can only dream of, gracing the silver screen since she was a small child, red carpet events and royal functions were day to day events for her.  America loved her, the world loved her, and diamonds loved her.  She had a love affair with jewelry that rivals no other, her name becoming synonymous with diamonds.  Here is a look back at some of her most incredible pieces of luxury diamond jewelry:

The Diamond Tiara – 1957

Elizabeth Taylor’s 3^rd husband, Mike Todd, gave her a diamond tiara in 1957 because he told her, “You’re my queen, and I think you should have a tiara.”  (Could you imagine your husband saying this to you – how romantic!)  She wore the luxury diamond jewelry to the Academy Awards that year because she wanted to represent her support for her husband.  His film, “Around the World in 80 Days,” was up for the Oscar.  After Mike won the award she was happy with her choice, later recalling the moment saying, “It wasn’t fashionable to wear tiaras then, but I wore it anyway, because he was my king.”

La Peregrina Pearl – 1969

The largest and most perfect pearl in the world is La Peregrina, a perfect gift for the Diamond Queen.  Elizabeth Taylor received the pear shaped pearl from her twice husband Richard Burton for her 37^th birthday.  The next day she could not find it, searched frantically around their home, only to discover it in the mouth of her Pekinese!  I suppose that is better than finding it in the pocket of the maid… 

The Krupp Diamond - 1968

The Krupp diamond, named for Vera Krupp, was one of Elizabeth Taylor’s favorite pieces of luxury diamond jewelry.  She admired the perfection of the cut, the glory of the facets, and the brilliant sparkle the gem offered, but there was another reason she just had to have it.  The Krupp family was an active ally of Hitler and provided munitions for his persecution of the Jews.  She wrote that: “When it came up for auction in the late 1960s, I thought how perfect it would be if a nice Jewish girl like me were to own it.”

Later in her life, Elizabeth Taylor sold much of her jewelry and gifted the proceeds to charity.  She was especially active in the fight to radiate the AIDS virus.  Rest in peace Diamond Queen!

Read More:

Jewelry Queen Elizabeth Taylor Dies at Age 79

Celebrity Diamond Jewelry:  Where the Stars Find their Red Carpet Gems

The Diamond Diva: Is it a Luxury Diamond Engagement Ring, or not?

Diamond Ring History

I think history is facinating, and what is better than combining an interesting story with the sparkle of diamonds?  While diamonds have been around for centuries, the diamond ring has not always been an item.  Check out this fascinating blog post by William Goldberg titled: Diamond Jewelry Rings have an Intriguing History.

You will learn about how diamonds have been the source of myth, legend, power, and prestige, but also how they have come to symbolize the everlasting love between two people. 

Related articles

• William Goldberg Luxury Diamond Jewelry Sparkles at the Golden Globes! (luxurydiamondjewelry.blogspot.com)
• Great Reasons to Choose Diamond Wedding Rings (weddingrings.net)

Celebrities LOVE the Ashoka Diamond!

Celebrities love the Ashoka Diamond by luxury diamond jeweler William Goldberg!  Recently, Reese Witherspoon became engaged to Hollywood agent Jim Toth when he presented her with a flawless 4-carat Ashoka diamond engagement ring custom made by William Goldberg...how could she say no!

Named after the famed Buddhist Emperor Ashoka, the diamond is so rare and perfect that it represents love, compassion, and harmony just like the stone the ancient Indian people used as their talisman.  To create the unique vintage shape inspired by the cushion cut, the Ashoka diamond must be carved from very large rough stones, and only 10% of the worlds diamonds mined each year fit the bill.  62 facets are cut to create a stone with flawless clarity and brilliance that will look roughly 30% larger than other stones of the same carat weight. 

In addition to Reese's beautiful engagement ring, other celebrities have worn the Ashoka diamond as well, including: Oprah Winfrey, Sharon Stone, Penelope Cruz, and Debra Messing.  

The Ashoka diamond also made an appearance at the Art of Ellysium ‘Heaven’ Gala, a Golden Globe after-event, when actress Rashida Jones from the Facebook movie The Social Network, wore a spectacular Ashoka diamond flame bracelet by William Goldberg.

Read more about the Ashoka Diamond by William Goldberg

Related articles

• Forevermark Shines at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards (prnewswire.com)
• Reese Witherspoon: Jogging with Jim Toth (justjared.buzznet.com)
• Bling Bling! Top Five Celeb Engagement Rings (abcnews.go.com)

William Goldberg Luxury Diamond Jewelry Sparkles at the Golden Globes!

Awards shows are great places to see stunning luxury diamond jewelry!  This year's 68th annual Golden Globe ceremony and after-parties were no exception!  One of my favorite pieces was the stunning Diamond Aero bracelet by William Goldberg worn by actress Rashida Jones.  She paired it with diamond cluster earrings and a three-row diamond bracelet, also by William Goldberg...just stunning!!!

Here are some of the jewelry trends noticed this year:

According to JKC, the jewelry industry authority, these are the celebrity jewelry trends:

-       Smaller stud earrings are great paired with a dramatic necklace. 
-       Long sleeve gowns were more prevalent than last year (maybe it was colder??), and pushed bracelets to the back burner. 

-       Jewelry add-ons like elaborate rings, broaches, belts, or hair clips were great ways to add flare to a wardrobe.

Related articles

• Forevermark Shines at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards (prnewswire.com)
• 2011 Golden Globes: Halle Berry (shoppingblog.com)
• 2011 Golden Globes: Helen Mirren (shoppingblog.com)