David Yurman

Philips becomes the latest company to make a diamond bedazzled television but this sparkly beauty is just for show. To celebrate their one millionth Ambilight FlatTV they have created a 42-inch Ambilight LCD HDTV with 225 carats of diamonds. There are close to 2,250 diamonds along the sides and edges of the set’s Ambilight frame. The diamonds and the floral design were provided by A. Link jewelers. The one-of-a-kind television is not for sale but will be shown at various events this year, starting with CES>

Since jewelry is always a hot choice for the holidays, it’s important to stop for a moment and take into consideration what it is you are purchasing. Those special prices can look tempting, but it’s worth putting in a bit of extra effort (and perhaps a bit of extra cash) to ensure you get something worthwhile. It will pay off in the long run when you have a lovely diamond that will probably increase in value. In fact, that is just the point that the New York Times makes with their tips on the ABCs of diamond-buying. The first thing to do is forget the setting and look at the quality of the stone. Color, clarity and cut are paramount. Once you’ve got a good one, you can think about the setting and the jeweler. But don’t let yourself be blinded by a special sale price unless you’re blinded by the brilliance of the diamond you’re buying, too.

We love to keep track of new diamond cuts but this one is truly interesting. The Dubai Cut
which was revealed last week features 99 facets
which are inspired by the 99 names of Allah. The diamond will be produced by the Russian polisher
Kristall Corporation and the first Dubai Cut diamond, laser inscribed
number 0001

was shown to General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister.
Kristall will produce 1800 Dubai Cut stones each year. Each one is Russian-mined and will be laser-inscribed with a
serial number.

Oh no, Trump is at it again. He already has a watch line, now he is in the jewelry business. This may just be the first time he has followed one of his children into a business rather than vice versa, his daughter Ivanka has already announced a jewelry line. The Donald J. Trump Signature Fine Jewelry Collection will be manufactured by jewelry manufacturer SHR, a division of M. Fabrikant & Sons. The new collection of men’s jewelry includes rings, cuff links, bracelets, money clips and key rings that feature diamonds, gold and gemstones. Prices range from $95 for a simple steel keychain emblazoned with the Trump crest to $5,000 for a gold, onyx and diamond bracelet.

Ok, we all saw the movie The Blood Diamond a while back and can no longer avoid contemplating the probability that the sparkly rocks on the market today were perhaps obtained by violence, human-rights abuses, child-labor, or environmental destruction. I practically swore-off buying diamonds all-together after seeing the movie — for about a week. As conscientious consumers, we therefore must seek out alternative and ethical sources for our need to shine. Poom Fine Jewelry is one of these sources; not only does Poom use “conflict-free” diamonds, but she donates a portion from every sale to various local animal charities. Her designs are unique and current, yet simple and timeless. She has designed for important brides-to-be, movie stars, and has been featured in Elle Magazine numerous times. Her current collection includes very fashionable pieces such as cocktail rings, modern bangles, and circle-motif earrings meant for those of us who still value the elegant understatement in jewelry design. This creation, cleverly-named “Mr. Big” in 18K rose-gold, diamonds, and pink-sapphires, forecasts the hottest upcoming trend in diamond pendant forms: the circular disc. Stay envious and ahead of the rest all the while knowing that with your purchase, you may have saved a child from horrid working conditions and a goat from starvation. “Mr. Big” retails for $5,000.

It’s not the most versatile piece of jewelry we’ve ever seeem but it’s impressive nevertheless. Rediff reprots
that Ishi, the retail brand of Suashish Diamonds Ltd, showed of what they say is ‘the most expensive
armband in the universe on Friday in Mumbai. The $1-million armband graced the lovely arm of Miss Universe 2005 Natalie
Glebova and features 10,000 diamonds. According to the article, the company plans to sell the piece. I’m not sure who
outside of beauty queens and actual queens,

would wear this thing. If your diamond ring gets snagged on your clothes sometimes, imagine the inconvenience of
having this wrapped around your arm.

The other day I mentioned a service that puts photos on diamonds. A more easily viewable but equally valuable alternative is offered by Precious Metal Portraits. They use laser technology to turn photos into a laser-engraved portrait or pendant on platinum, gold or silver. The products range in size from pendants that are as small as the size of a dime up to 4 x 6 inch portraits. The prices start small, sterling silver pendants are under $100, but get higher based on the type of metal and amount of metal used. A 3 x 5 inch rectangle in platinum sells for $12,995.

Made of embossed brass and accented with striped feathers, this is one of the funkiest cuffs that I’ve seen in a while. I’m not exactly sure what type of outfit would look best with it, but most likely, the simpler it is, the better the Feathered Cuff by Anthropologie will look. It is adjustable for a more individual fit and measures at 1″wide and 2.15″in diameter. Price: $78.

A new
luxury event will be taking place in Abu Dhabi May 8-11.
The event will be taking place at the Emirates hotel,
the massive golden palace that is the most lavish hotel in the world. The “Masters of Excellence” event will feature
brands like Patek Philippe, Valentino, Chopard, Bulgari and Rolls Royce . The four-day event will draw over 7,000
VIPs from the Gulf region for four nights each one with its own theme: Italy, France, England and America. Each night
will have fashion and jewelry presentations. The American evening will feature press collections from Calvin Klein,
Donna Karan and Harry Winston Jewelry. The event is being organized by Emotion, a luxury event management company, and
being put on by renowned fashion choreographer Bernard Trux who has been behind a variety of innovative fashion shows
in Paris and around the world past 35 years. The event is meant to be a "coming out" party for Abu Dhabi as
it establishes itself as a luxury destination.

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How are diamond deposits found? One unique way is by airship. The blimp you see here is the De Beers Zeppelin
Airship. It was launched in Botswana recently to explore for diamonds. The airship displays the Diamonds for
Development logo and will use modern geoscience equipment designed to find diamond-bearing kimberlite rock as it
conducts large sweeps over Southern Africa. The slow and steady flight of an airship makes it a stable environment for
the delicate equipment. The airship will be in Botswana for eight months.

[picture via Modern
Airships]