The Top Drawer

Oscars 2010 had a number of surprises this year. As always, it is a great source to spot fashion and jewelry trends for the upcoming season. While some ensembles were way off target, there were a few starlets that were spot on. Ever-elegant Meryl Streep was our favorite pick of the evening. Draped in a hot white Chris March gown, those pave-set diamond and white gold earrings superbly complimented her overall look.

Reality star turned designer Nicole Richie announced her engagement today to Good Charlotte frontman Joel Madden during a taping of an episode of “Late Show with David Letterman” set to air Friday night. The couple got engaged in New York on Valentine’s Day over dinner at Abe’s and Arthurs – a restaurant in the trendy Meatpacking District.

Richie’s signature taste in oversized accessories apparently extends to dazzling engagement rings as well. Featuring a 3-4 carat brilliant cut center stone surrounded by enchanting pave set diamonds, the platinum engagement ring is rumored to have cost Madden approximately $250k. After 3 years and 2 children together the couple plans to wed this summer.

2009 Miss America Trades Crown for Emerald Cut Engagement Ring

On the night before she had to turn her crown over, 2009 Miss America Katie Stam was given another beauty to take its place – a stunning emerald cut engagement ring. Taking her final walk on stage as Miss America 2009, newly engaged Stam is prepared to walk down the aisle this fall.

Stam’s fiancé Biran Irk proposed to the beauty queen on Friday during a fundraiser gala. Katie told the news agencies that she has been dating Brian for nearly three years and that he’s one of her greatest supporters.

“I started hyperventilating because I was so excited,” she told People.com about the proposal. “He dropped down on one knee and he said ‘I love you so much. Will you be my Miss America forever?’”

      Continually expanding our presence within the social media community, Firenze Jewels is pleased to announce the launch of our new official Facebook Fan Page!  Become a fan to get instant updates on special offers, store events or details on new arrivals.  If you are curious about the latest designer jewelry trends or simply want to connect with others that share your passion for diamond jewelry then feel free to share your thoughts here.  Your feedback is always welcome and as New York Diamond District leaders it helps us strive to offer you the best service possible.

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Designer Engagement Rings

From antique/vintage to classic designs, designer engagement rings have a distinct and individual appeal that has captured the hearts of many soon to be married couples in love. Whether it’s the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into a particular piece or the gorgeous design conjured up by some of the world’s leading designers, Firenze Jewels wants to review a few the most attention grabbing diamond designer engagement rings.

With a tough and unprecedented election season nearing an end soon, New York City’s longtime jeweler Firenze Jewels has taken a look back and weighed in on four very different but influential women in politics this year. This article examines what sort of image these women project to the public by looking at the jewelry that each of them has worn and how it compliments their overall style. “You can tell a lot about someone’s personality by looking at the style of jewelry they choose to wear,” says Gabrielle Guzman, Director of the e-Commerce division at Firenze Jewels. While you may or may not agree with their (or their husband’s) philosophical views, one thing is for certain; we’ll be seeing a lot of one or more of these women in the future.

Hillary Clinton Current second term Senator of New York, former First Lady and former 2008 Democratic candidate for President of the United States, Hillary Clinton has worn many different hats and usually likes to wear a pearl or modest diamond necklace to go along with each. Some people tuned into the election coverage may remember that when asked a light hearted question during last year’s UNLV presidential debate about whether she prefers diamonds or pearls, she

jokingly replied “I want both”. Hillary is also known to be a big fan of turquoise jewelry, and when she’s not in the spot light she’ll usually opt for a simple gold necklace. Firenze Jewels believes that the jewelry Mrs. Clinton chooses to wear is very much like her famous trademark pantsuits, it shows that she’s confident, enjoys attention and likes to be in control.

Cindy Mccain Philanthropist, chairwoman of Hensley & Co, and potential First Lady, Cindy McCain has always been a fan of chunky beaded or pearl necklaces and/or earrings. In fact, her philosophy seems to be “the chunkier the better”. Cindy’s traditional demeanor has often been compared to that of Nancy Reagan’s, but her overall fashion style as the wife of a Republican presidential candidate is anything but. On her husband’s campaign trail she’s been seen wearing sharp red leather and copper toned jackets with bold jewelry to match. The clothing and jewelry styles that she wears

are traditional but the fabrics and colors that she chooses are not. Firenze Jewels believes that Mrs. McCain’s choice in jewelry and sense of fashion shows that although she chooses to play the role of a traditional Republican First Lady if her husband were elected, she certainly does not think like one.

Michelle Obama American lawyer, Princeton University & Harvard Law School graduate and potential First Lady, Michelle Obama has been compared to Jacqueline Kennedy for her taste in beaded necklaces and she’s even drawn comparisons to Barbra Bush for her fondness over bold “pearl-like” white necklaces. Michelle has made several appearances on various best dressed lists for her sense of style. Her use of jewelry is very distinct. When wearing a contemporary outfit, she’ll usually compliment it with a more conservative looking jewelry piece and when dressed a little more conservative, she will wear something along

the lines of a long beaded necklace, a sparkling brooch or other form of jewelry that adds flair and drama to her overall style. Firenze Jewels believes that Mrs. Obama’s selection of jewelry and the way she employs it with her outfit, shows that she is very down to earth and comfortable with who she is.

Sarah Palin Current Governor of Alaska, former mayor of Wasilla, and current potential Vice President of the United States on the Republican ticket, Sarah Palin has a flair for small gold nugget earrings and stretch bracelets. Many times, she’s been seen wearing a pair of gold earrings that look to be the shape of Alaska. Her trademark rimless glasses and flashy power suits have become her bold signature

look, so Sarah usually keeps her jewelry to a minimum. If she does wear a necklace or chain of some sort, it’s usually a simple chain made of gold or modest sized beads. Firenze Jewels believes that Mrs. Palin’s choice of jewelry and overall style shows that she takes pride in roots as well as her work and achievements.

As millions of people become more comfortable with shopping online each passing year, the stigmas of what shouldn’t be bought on the internet continue to diminish. Whether it’s the latest sleek LCD TV or designer clothes, more people are turning to the internet for high end items. Diamond jewelry is no exception. Here’s 5 reasons why your next jewelry purchase should be made online:

1) Your time is precious. Shopping for jewelry online offers you the possibility to look at hundreds of pieces without going from store to store searching for that perfect diamond engagement ring. No need to worry about traffic, long lines, bad weather and especially the inevitable rush during the upcoming holiday season.

2) Many of the more developed jewelry websites present their products in a professional manner allowing you to make a better and well informed buying decision between 2 pieces or another competitor.

3) If you want a wider selection to choose from, browsing a jeweler’s online gallery lets you see all of their unique designer pieces, even ones that may be out of stock. Don’t let that perfect diamond necklace slip away because someone else got to it first. Ask the jeweler if the specific piece you are looking for can be special ordered.

4) In the comparison shopping age that we live in, many times you will be able to find reviews, ratings and/or testimonials by other real clients about a company online. This information is invaluable before proceeding with your purchase. It’s something that would be harder to gather when window shopping at other brick and mortar jewelers.

5) Last but certainly not least, due to the highly competitive nature of the internet, you’ll very likely find stunning diamond jewelry pieces being sold online below retail price; and who doesn’t love a bargain?

As the summer days come to a memorable end and the crisp fall weather makes its way through the coming weeks, jewelry colors and designs begin to heat up! Expect traditional warm tones in jewelry designs and stones to become a hot staple for most wardrobes this season and well into 2009.

Some trends becoming more popular among designer jewelry aficionados are statement accessories. Whether it’s a stunning cuff bangle bracelet or a gorgeous diamond necklace, one eye catching piece will be enough to create a dazzling signature look.  The “less is more” approach is definitely in right now.

Designer jewelry lovers have a lot to look forward to this coming season, there’s many surprises in store!