Orloff Magazine 2014

wedding planner by HEDDA SCHUPAK

ringing in the trendsModernDesigns CARL K. GUMPERT 18KT
WG TT DIAMOND SEMI
In the latter half of the 20th century, the Tiffany-style solitaire settingMOUNT.

Mbecame the standard for American engagement rings, and has remained
so until recently. It is still hugely popular, but more and more women

are entranced with vintage-style milgrain work, halo settings, cushion MICHAEL M 18 KT WHITE
cut diamonds, and micro-pavé (oddly enough, this vintage-inspired GOLD HALO DIAMOND
trend was made possible only with the very modern development of ENGAGEMENT RING 1.40
CTW G/VS.

CAD-CAM technology).

The round brilliant still remains the number-
one diamond shape, but more and more brides
are choosing cushion, Asscher, oval, princess,
radiant, and other special cuts.

MICHAEL M 18 KT WHITE
GOLD 0.56 CTW DIAMOND
ENGAGEMENT RING.

CONSINGMENT LADY’S PLATINUM AND KWIAT 3.07 CT PLATINUM I / SI1
DIAMOND RING. CENTER (1) DIAMOND DIAMOND RING WITH 46 ROUND
CRISS-CUT 3.24CT. SIDES (2) DIAMOND BRILLIANT SIDE DIAMONDS = 0.25 TW.
EMERALD CUT 1.54TW. GIA 12132297.
Today the engagement ring that most couples want to buy is
]52 O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E the one that best reflects their personal, unique style. Personal-
ization and customization are common — indeed, almost stan-
dard. Some couples still abide by the more traditional method
of having the groom select a ring and present it to the bride,
but more often, the couple chooses it together.

GABRIEL & CO. CARL K. GUMPERT 14K WHITE THE KATE EFFECT:
GOLD RING 1 OCTAGON-CUT PRECISION SET CUSHION-
BLUE TOPAZ= 4.65CT 44 CUT SAPPHIRE IN A HALO OF
ROUND BRILLIANTS= 0.50CTW. DIAMONDS.
MICHAEL M 18KT WHITE
Halos, Clusters, Celebrities, & Colors GOLD HALO DIAMOND
ENGAGEMENT RING .82
The halo setting (a center stone surrounded by The cushion cut — so named for its softly CTW G/VS
a “halo” of smaller stones) is the biggest thing to rounded corners that resemble a pillow — is the
hit engagement ring design since the Tiffany set- third most popular style after round and princess CARL K. GUMPERT 14K
ting. The halo adds visual interest to a single stone, (square). Some diamond dealers even say it has WHITE GOLD BAND 27
while incidentally making it look way bigger. It’s a supplanted the princess as number two. The cut ROUND RUBIES=0.40CTW
win-win all around. dates back 200 years and was once considered 108 ROUND
So what’s next? Well, there’s a double halo, or the cut of royalty. Today’s versions, however, use BRILLIANTS=0.40CTW.
even a triple, but where to go from there? Some modern cutting technology to imbue this vintage
fashion soothsayers predict the next big thing may style with renewed sparkle. [O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E 53
be a diamond cluster ring. Cluster styles are a great Other trending styles include floral designs,
option for the bride that wants a big look but has east-west settings, colored gemstone centers,
a tight budget, says Amanda Gizzi, director of the mixed metals, and twisted bands. In an east-west
Jewelry Information Center in New York. The setting, an elongated stone such as an oval, radiant
diamond cluster ring has the same advantage as cut, or marquise is set sideways across the finger,
a halo in making a big statement for less money as opposed to the traditional north-south direction
— sometimes far less — than a single stone would up and down the finger. This modern setting has
cost for comparable size and quality. But rather reignited the popularity of cuts like pears and mar-
than the halo’s combination of a center stone quise, which largely fell out of favor in the 1990s.
surrounded by many tiny diamonds, the cluster Color is a huge trend. Color has been big in
uses multiple diamonds of the same size artfully fashion, and the appeal crosses over into jewelry.
arranged in such a way as to give off maximum First, there’s the Kate Effect: Kate Middleton (aka
sparkle. For example, Real Housewives of Atlanta the Duchess of Cambridge) wears the sapphire
star Kandi Burress’s engagement ring looks like a engagement ring belonging to the late Princess
two-carat oval, but it’s actually a cluster of smaller Diana, Prince William’s mother, which has driven
diamonds set in the shape of an oval. acceptance of not only sapphires but also other
Speaking of Burress, celebrity engagements are colored gemstones as a center stone. According
one of the biggest influences on engagement ring to Gizzi of the Jewelry Information Center, the
trends. While engagement ring designs do mirror newest way to wear color is in the reverse: colored
general jewelry style trends, the celebrity trend gems flanking the center diamond.
emerged big in the 1960s with the public’s fasci- Fancy color diamonds and mixed metals
nation over Elizabeth Taylor and her engagement are also trending. Whether platinum and
ring from Richard Burton. yellow gold, pink and white gold, or even
Today, we know what a celebrity’s ring looks blackened metals for the hipster bride,
like almost before her groom pops the question. mixing metals adds a personal touch
Recently, lots of them featured cushion cut center to the standard engagement ring.
stones — in a halo, of course. To wit: Tennis star According to Severine Ferrari, editor-
Ryan Sweeting proposed to The Big Bang Theory’s in-chief of YourEngagement101.
Kaley Cuoco with a 2.30ct cushion cut halo set com, “Yellow gold has made a big
engagement ring. Not to be outdone, Tim With- comeback, as well as fancy yellow
erspoon popped the question to former Destiny’s diamond centers. Rose gold and
Child singer Kelly Rowland with a 4ct cushion cut pink accents are very strong, too.”
in a halo setting and pavé band. Then rapper Big
Sean presented Glee star Naya Rivera with a 4-5ct CUSHION-CUT FANCY YELLOW
cushion cut in a platinum halo setting with pavé CENTER SURROUNDED BY A
band. HALO OF YELLOW DIAMONDS SET
IN PLATINUM AND 18K YELLOW
GOLD, BY RAHAMINOV.

wedding planner by HEDDA SCHUPAK

don’t forget the band
WWedding band trends For many couples, the rush of excitement about getting engaged quickly morphs
into the hectic details of planning a wedding. So much so that the most lasting sym- KWIAT PLATINUM ETERNITY
bol of the marriage — the wedding band — is left as an afterthought. But wedding RING 0.37 CTW F-G/VS 44
bands, too, have their design trends. There is always the classic plain gold or platinum ROUND BRILLIANT.
band, but more and more couples view the wedding ring as a style statement as well as an
outward sign of their commitment, especially women who don’t wear their engagement rings.

Amanda Gizzi points to split-shank bands as a popular trend. This is a style that allows the NAMDAR 14K ROSE
engagement ring to fit in the middle, but it can be worn alone, which looks like an open, airy GOLD ROUND DIAMOND
ANNIVERSARY RING 0.52TW

design. Severine Ferrari says the leading trends for wedding rings are intricate designs for the

woman’s band, and black diamonds and texture for the men’s band. Alternative metals such

as tungsten and titanium are also popular for men’s bands, because of their modern high-tech

appeal and their relative indestructibility. But again, remember those Romans: no reason a guy

can’t also have two wedding bands: his gold or platinum ring for the ceremony and to wear for

dress, and the second contemporary metal band to wear for sports.

And, of course, multiple bands give women fashion options. LUMINAR CREATIONS SAMPLE,
“Stacking bands let women achieve a balanced aesthetic. One GP, CZ/PRICED @ 14K, A-1 QLY,
2.50CTW. GOLD/PLAT

band on top of the engagement ring balances the ring on the

bottom,” says Gizzi. “Some women continue to stack on

bands after the ‘I do.’”

KWIAT PLATINUM ETERNITY
RING PRINCESS CUT F-J/VS 25
PRINCESS DIAMONDS.

BENCHMARK 14 YG 6 MM, SATIN BENCHMARK 14 WG 7.5MM ALL BENCHMARK BLACK- DANIELLA DESIGN PLATINUM
CENTER, HIGH POLISHED ROUND SATIN FINISH WITH 20 2PT WHITE TITANIUM, 8MM, BLACK CUSHION DIAMOND ETERNITY
EDGES, MILGRAIN. DIAMONDS THAT GO HALF WAY CARBON-FIBER, HIGH BAND 5.49 CTW 17 DIAMONDS I-J
AROUND, .40CT TW. POLISHED BEVELED EDGES. COLOR VS+

BENCHMARK COBALT
8MM WITH A LINK
PATTERN INLAY AND
BEVELED EDGE.

]54 O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E BENCHMARK COBALT 8MM WITH
ROSEWOOD INLAY.

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Tmore than just the ringweddingplanner by HEDDA SCHUPAK

Bridal jewelry doesn’t end with the engagement ring or CARL K. GUMPERT 14K WHITE
wedding ring. There’s a wedding gown that needs the right GOLD NECKLACE 15 ROUND
accessories, and what better choice than something the BRILLIANTS=0.45CTW
bride (and her attendants) can really wear again? KWIAT DIAMOND RIBBON
NECKLACE IN 18K WHITE
Wedding dress styles range from ornate to simple, but Amanda Gizzi, director of the Jewelry GOLD - 5.63 TW F-G / VS.
Information Center, says texture is a top trend. Lace or bejeweled embellishments on the bodice of
the dress make earrings a wonderful way to pull the look together. We suggest diamond or pearl as
classic choices, and of course blue gemstones such as sapphire, aquamarine or blue topaz continue to
be a favorite for brides to incorporate her “something blue.”
Hair jewels such as brooches or hairpins are also of the moment. Fashion-forward
brides are also drawn to hand ornaments such as bracelet rings (a ring and bracelet
connected by a chain), says Gizzi.
Wedding day jewelry is a beautiful gift idea for the groom to give his bride,
or, as Kate Middleton’s parents did for her, the bride’s parents to give their
daughter. Long after the dress is boxed up and put away and the video is on
the shelf, the jewelry is something she can wear over and over and always
remember that special day.

KWIAT 18KT WHITE GOLD BUBBLE DIAMOND
BRACELET FROM THE ECHO COLLECTION
2.08 CTW GH/VS2-SI1.

CARL K. GUMPERT 14K WHITE
GOLD EARRINGS 92 ROUND
BRILIIANTS=0.40CTW

]56 O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E

wedding planner

SINGLE ROW CUFF IN 18K
YELLOW GOLD FROM THE
VENETIAN QUATREFOIL
COLLECTION BY DAVID YURMAN.

Gifts for the bride, the groom, their parents, and the bridal party

Brides are ditching the matchy-matchy gifts and choosing personalized jewelry options, says Gizzi.

She suggests initial pendants or monogrammed necklaces. Another way brides are getting personal is by

selecting one gemstone or metal as a unifying theme, and then finding different jewelry styles to match each

bridesmaid’s personality.

For the mothers of the bride and groom, Gizzi suggests earrings.

“Necklines of the dress can vary, so a beautiful pair of small

drop earrings in diamonds or gemstones will draw the perfect

amount of attention to the face.”

For the best man and groomsmen, cuff links are a no- PENDANT FROM THE KWIAT
SUNBURST COLLECTION HAS
brainer. It’s also a great idea for a gift to the fathers of the 0.40CT OF CLUSTER- AND HALO-
SET DIAMONDS IN 18K GOLD.
bride and groom. In keeping with today’s trend of person-

alization, choose either a playful style that represents your

bud’s or dad’s favorite hobby, or a classic monogrammed

style. Not French cuff kind of guys? Try a sterling silver busi-

ness card case or flask. With artisan whiskeys and bourbons

trending, it’s an elegant and useful accessory.

Finally, the bride needs a gift for her groom. Cufflinks to

wear with his suit or tuxedo are his own special marker of RAHAMINOV 18KT WHITE GOLD
the day. This is also a prime time to choose DROP EARRINGS.

an heirloom timepiece that he will

wear every day, and can pass

along to children and even

grandchildren.

MEN’S DRESS SET BY DAVID YURMAN’S CLASSIC CERAMIC
DAVID YURMAN LADIES’ WATCH, FEATURING: 38MM
STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH
INTEGRATED HIGH-TECH BLACK
CERAMIC CABLE; BLACK, DIAMOND-SET,
STAINLESS STEEL BEZEL; SAPPHIRE
CRYSTAL WITH DOUBLE-SIDED
ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING; CERAMIC
CABOCHON CROWN; WATER RESISTANT
TO 100 FEET.

designer spotlight by NANCY OLSON

BALL

the watch that rocks

The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Black relies on the intensity back in black
of the monochromatic palette and luminescent numerals
and hands to define its character. The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Black — ideal for extreme sports or less
rigorous pursuits — is appropriately free of superfluous detail, relying on
]58 O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E the intensity of the monochromatic palette and luminescent numerals and
hands to define its character. It was created with famed rock climber Alex
Honnold in mind, and its impressive profile is heightened by the drama
of its all-black design.

Honnold, a native Californian, is the world record holder in free solo
climbing. He started climbing at the age of 11, and since the age of 19,
has devoted most of his waking hours to the sport. His precision and sense
of daring make him the perfect new addition to the Ball Explorers Club
as brand ambassador, and the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Black timepiece
is in turn the consummate companion for his ascents, with its rugged ap-
pearance, sturdy reliability and unqualified accuracy.

built to last The green color of the micro-tubes
The Engineer Hydrocarbon Black is equipped with the on the dial and the yellow hue on
the hands enhance readability
patented SpringLOCK® system exclusively developed by under all conditions.  
Ball Watch. The device guarantees the movement’s accu-
racy by providing the balance spring with a real “cage” to Alex Honnold’s precision and sense
absorb the energy of external shocks to the watch. Such of daring make him the perfect
shocks can cause a standard mechanical movement to lose new addition to the Ball Explorers
or gain up to 60 seconds per day. But the SpringLOCK® Club as brand ambassador.
system reduces impact by up to 66%, thereby safeguarding
the accuracy of the COSC-certified automatic ETA 2892- [O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E 59
A2 movement that powers the piece.

The first model in the Ball collection to use a DLC (Dia-
mond-Like Carbon) coating on its titanium case, the 42mm
Engineer Hydrocarbon Black enjoys exceptional scratch re-
sistance and increased durability. The patented crown pro-
tection, common to all models in the Engineer Hydrocarbon
collection, protects the movement — to which the crown is
directly connected — from the elements. The construction
of the watch also ensures protection against magnetic fields
up to 4,800 A/m and impacts of up to 5,000 Gs, and it also
offers water resistance up to 300 meters. A black rubber
strap further enhances the watch’s durability.

light up the night
In addition to the basic time display on the dial, the date

appears in a window at three o’clock enhanced by a Cyclops
magnifying lens fixed to the antireflective sapphire crystal.
Micro gas tubes containing luminescent 3H gas light up the
dial and hands, providing light intensity up to 100 times
more effective than conventional luminous paints. The
green color of the micro-tubes on the dial and the yellow
hue on the hands enhance readability under all conditions.

ball delivers time and again since 1981
In addition to Honnold, the Ball Explorers Club includes

such extreme sports greats as Guillaume Néry, world record
holder in free diving, John Hembel, former speed skiing
world champion, and Brian Binnie, who piloted the private
rocket ship SpaceShipOne to an altitude of 69.6 miles above
the earth. Club membership also comprises such humanitar-
ians as Dr. Christopher Hillman, who travels the Himalayan
Mountains providing health care to people living in remote
areas and Dr. Geoff Tabin, co-founder of the Himalayan
Cataract Project. The characteristic these compelling people
share is a mission of excellence, founded on a desire to expe-
rience authenticity and fulfillment by exploring the world.
Ball Watch, with coinciding objectives, has been providing
timepieces since 1891 designed for “accuracy under adverse
conditions,” whether high above the Earth, on a challenging
rock wall or in the ocean’s depths.

women’s fashion by LESLIE C. SMITH

neutral news

The 70s are back
with loose, flowing
tops paired with the
ubiquitous pajama
pant–a new celebrity
favorite. The simplic-
ity of neutrals with
white can transition
an outfit from casual
to glam. A big con-
trast to the season’s
usual somber tones,
winter white has
emerged as one of the
important stories for
this season bringing
an understated sense
of luxe dressing into
play once again.

On this page
Model: Justine Bentley
Photographer: Michal Rzepecki

trtehe nd
The major trends of the season — menswear, layered knits, retro ’60s,
’70s and ’80s — are getting the biggest play in the fashion media, but
often style comes down to one or two pivotal pieces that can easily be
added to your existing wardrobe. Luckily, there’s a lot to choose from in
this season’s new looks and trends.

]60 O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E

sporty spice

If you hate the way winter forces you to cover up your gym-hardened body, you’ll love all the new designer takes on weatherproofed athletic
looks that you can take straight to the streets. Parka quilting and luxury fabrics have moved into elasticized sweatshirts and pants, oversized coats
and boxy tops that stress a strong upper body are color-blocked for even greater emphasis, and performance fabrics, such as nylon and neoprene,
can be found mixed with jersey and leather on everything from outerwear to day dresses. Rounding out the picture are leggings, a healthy slash of
neon every so often, and shoes and boots featuring prominently indented soles.

bag it up

Small clutches in croc-stamped leather and mid-to-long leather- or chain-strapped purses are definitely trending, but there’s still a market for
large, dual-handled “shopping” bags in either leather or carpet tapestry, or both. A handful of designers have upped the whimsical level by deco-
rating these with colorful grocery brand logos. (Corn Flakes, anyone?)

boho to go

From tapestry on bags and dress inserts to embroidered or appliquéd embellishments on sheer tops and skirts; from hand-knit hats and sweaters
to sheaths in colorful rag-rug wools, the bohemian touch allows its wearers a heightened sense of individuality, as well as a glimpse of what life
was like before the fast lane was invented.

[O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E 61

women’s fashion

perfect pastels

Fall always features darkened neutrals, such as navy and charcoal, plus a plethora of such autumnal tones as acorn brown, olive green, and
pumpkin orange, and this year is no exception. Yet we also find a small but vocal cheerleading section for spring-like pastels, which means that
women who love baby pinks and blues, minty greens and soft lavenders, will not have to give these up until after next Lent. In the opposite camp,
though, stands flaming red, the hue most associated with firemen and passion. Pretty much every collection is ablaze with this shade, turning it
into the hottest color in town.

bed ready

There’s nothing more delicious on a cold winter’s morning than snuggling under a cozy blanket or trotting around in pajamas and a bathrobe.
Designers, it seems, couldn’t agree more, which is why all three of these items are currently on offer — in the form of dressy pajama-style tops
and bottoms, outdoor blanket wraps and ponchos, and shawl-lapeled robe coats with self ties at the waist.

knit necks

Turtlenecks dominate the sweater division this year. Whether a small mock, a mid-range fold-over, or a large funnel, this versatile knit can be
worn on its own, with a trousered suit, with jeans, or even with a full-length evening skirt. It can also form the foundation of a layered ensemble
comprising an assortment of clingy, elongated cards, pulls, and tunics.

]62 O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E

shear pleasure

The alternative to
the wealth of furs seen
on seasonal runways
is sheepskin shearling.
Cushy, comfortable,
warm as all get out, this
hairy hide provides us
with several outerwear
options. Coat hemlines
generally hit the hip or
the knee, with the plush
side either turned inward
as a lining or outward to
face the winter winds.
Reverse shearling also
shows up in waist-length
bomber jackets, and
broad shearling collars
have been added to many
woolen jackets.

[O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E 63

color trends IVAN GEMS 18KT WG by CYNTHIA UNNINAYAR
TANZANITE PENDANT
WITH DIAMONDS The colors we choose to surround
TANZANITE 10.46 CT. us play a major role in how we feel

ColorThe Power of

Probably the most important way we reflect our individuality is by the clothes and jewelry we wear, and color is essential
to this process.
“Jewelry and color go hand-in-hand,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, the world’s
foremost authority on color. “Color is intrinsically why people buy jewelry and their choices are largely emotional. People
choose a color because they respond to it.”
While the biggest trend in jewelry is color, it involves not just the traditional gems of ruby, emerald and sapphire. Today,
color comes from a wide variety of gemstones, including the large families of tourmaline, spinel, jade, garnet, and topaz, as
well as tanzanite, iolite, opal, peridot and morganite, plus the more affordable ”semi-precious” gems of the versatile quartz
family, such as amethyst, citrine, prasiolite and rock crystal. While the classic look of white diamonds may be “forever,”
colorful gemstone jewelry offers a different approach to style. These vibrant accessories can dress up or down a particular
outfit, depending on the mood of the wearer. They are fun and fanciful.
For fall 2014, Eiseman says we are seeing a season of untypical colors in fashion, colors that are “more reflective of imag-
ination and ingenuity.” She adds that these colors and combinations are not bound by the usual hues for fall. “There is a
feminine mystique that is reflected throughout the palette, inspired by the increasing need for women everywhere to create

an individual imprint.”

royal blue ELAN LUXURY COLLECTION 18KY BANGLE (91) YELLOW
SAPPHIRES= 6.71 CTTW.
ELOQUENCE 14KT WG 2.50TW DIAMOND BRACELET.
ELAN LUXURY COLLECTION 18KR BANGLE (91) PK SAP 5.91 CTTW.

Top Ten Colors for Fall 2014

In the Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2014, listing the ten
most prominent colors for the season, purple is the favorite,
with the captivating and intriguing Radiant Orchid, the Color
of the Year. At the other end of the violet spectrum is Mauve
Mist, a romantic and elegant purple shade reminiscent of
the deco era. Moving even warmer, the red shades are seen
in the exotic Sangria, which evokes a sense of glamorous
adventure and faraway destinations, and Aurora Red, a more
sophisticated shade that adds verve and spark. Either red can
be paired with Cypress, a powerful and majestic dark green
with a lofty presence.
As for the blues, Bright Cobalt, with a slightly greenish
undertone, offers a subtle twist on the traditional cobalt blue,
while Royal Blue provides more complexity and excitement than
the average navy, while still remaining versatile. Bright Cobalt
goes well with Sangria and Cypress, and Royal Blue is a natural with
Mauve Mist and Aluminum, a stainless steel shade that serves as a com-
plex neutral. Autumnal colors include Cognac a cultured brown, making
the shade unexpectedly ideal for evening wear. Rounding out the top ten col-
ors for Fall is Misted Yellow, which alludes to the promise of spring to come.

]64 O R L O F F J E W E L E R S M A G A Z I N E

Determining the Trends

When asked how the trends are determined, Eiseman explains that there
are two slightly different processes, depending on whether it is the Color of
the Year or Colors of the Season. “For the Color of the Year, such as Radiant
Orchid, we determine it well in advance of the year. We travel the world and
look for increased usage of a particular color or family, in all domains, including
films, technology and art. We also consider the overall mood of the nation and
the world. What color symbolizes this general mood? We then take all of these
clues and place them next to each other. If we see the same color in many areas,
then it becomes a candidate for Color of the Year.”
For the colors of the season, epitomized by Pantone’s designer sketches, Eise-

radiant orchid

CARL K. GUMPERT 14K YELLOW
GOLD PERIDOT AND DIAMOND
EARRINGS.

man explains that the process is more straightforward. “We ask designers
to submit illustrations of the colors they will use in the upcoming seasonal
shows along with their reasons and influences. We put this information into
a computer and look at the percentages of designers tending towards a partic-
ular color direction. Based on what the designers are actually using, we then
come up with our list of the top ten colors. This all happens approximately
six to eight months ahead of the seasonal fashion shows.”
How long do colors remain “trendy,” or “in?” Eiseman continues that

CARL K. GUMPERT 14K cypress
WHITE GOLD DIAMOND,
AMETHYST AND PINK EMERALD AND
TOURMALINE. DIAMOND LINE
BRACELET EMERALD=
mauve mist 11.00TW DIAMOND-
1.30TW.
some examples of colors that came in and went out quickly were the yel-
low-greens and the oranges. “On the word-association surveys that we do,
the oranges and yellow-greens were way down at the bottom – people

did not respond well to them. There was a time when orange was all
about fast food. But there has been a big turnaround. Today, people
have seen what Hermès has done with orange, and it has become
aspirational. Even though you still see articles stating that trends
pass quickly, I don’t agree. There is evidence of this in fash-
ion where designers continue to use yellow-greens and orange
even though Tangerine Tango was the Color of the Year three
years ago.”
The longer lifespan of colors in jewelry is certainly ex-
emplified by the continuing popularity of pieces crafted
with beautiful orange gems such as fire opal, citrine and
topaz, as well as the enticing yellow green tones of peridot
and beryl. With colorful jewelry as an accent to fashion,
you are communicating both the power of color and the
power of your personality.

AGS certified by CAROL BESLER

The Ultimate
Jewelry Professional

What does it mean to be AGS-certified? KWIAT PLATINUM ROUND AND
There are a handful of select jewelry stores in the U.S. who call them- PEAR SHAPE DIAMOND DROP
EARRINGS.
selves AGS retailers, holding one of the titles bestowed by the American
Gem Society. But what does it really mean? The short answer is that there Certified Gemologist Appraiser, CGA
is a lot more to being an AGS dealer than simply paying a fee and belonging This title is the most highly regarded among peers in the jewelry in-
to an association. AGS credentials must be earned and maintained.
dustry. It certifies that the title holder can not only identify diamonds,
The American Gem Society was founded in 1934 by a small group gemstones and jewelry but also determine their value. It requires ad-
of leading jewelers. Their goal was to create an organization that could vanced training and experience in determining the value of diamonds
help protect the jewelry-buying public from fraud and false advertising. and gemstones.
That purpose was naturally extended to ongoing education, resulting
in the highest standard of knowledge in the industry. Today, approx- Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser, ICGA
imately 3,400 jewelers, retailers, suppliers, individual titleholders and This title represents individuals whose sole business is appraising. He
affiliates have earned the right to join the American Gem Society by
dedicating themselves to consumer protection, ethical business prac- or she does not purchase or sell diamonds, gemstones or jewelry. To
tices and the development and maintenance of superior gemological receive this certification, the appraiser must complete the requirements
skills and knowledge. for RJ, CG, and CGA, as well as an extensive course in personal prop-
erty appraising. He or she must not only complete the annual recerti-
Only 1 in 20 jewelers have met the exacting requirements necessary for fication exam, but also submit proof of continuing education in their
membership. To join AGS, every member must go through a peer-reviewed field every five years.
application process, followed by an annual recertification exam. This process
ensures that every AGS member you meet is at the top of their game, and
more importantly, each one has pledged to protect the consumer.

The following titles are earned through the American Gem Society:

Registered Jeweler, RJ Certified Sales Associate, CSA
To earn this title, a jeweler must truly understand jewelry, diamonds A salesperson with this designation behind his or her name has passed

and gemstones. To earn this title, the associate must complete extensive the Graduate Sales Associate course and the AGS Professional module.
coursework and classroom study, along with written and practical exams This assures you that the salesperson is knowledgeable about the dia-
in diamond grading. monds and gemstones they are selling.

Certified Gemologist, CG Certified Jewelry Arts Professional, CJAP
A Certified Gemologist has taken advanced studies in diamonds and This designation is for those members who have completed studies in

colored gemstones. A CG also demonstrates mastery of diamond, gem- the art of jewelry repair and/or manufacturing.
stone, and precious metal testing procedures.

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