World Official Gold Holdings
by Mark
Info graph of “Who owns the world’s Gold”.

Info graph of “Who owns the world’s Gold”.
Pictures of Dogs with elegant tags, and jewelries.
Two Jack Russell Terriers, 3 years old and 4 years old.
The talk of the town this year till date has been
the Royal Wedding on the 29th April. Apart from just Kate
Middleton's beauty what fascinated the most was her jewelry.
The talk of the town this year till date has been the Royal Wedding on the 29th April. Apart from just Kate Middleton’s beauty what fascinated the most was her jewelry.
She was seen wearing a Cartier ‘Halo’ Tiara made of platinum and diamonds which is said to be lent to her by the Queen, especially for the wedding. This headband of diamonds which was given to Queen Elizabeth as a gift on her 18th birthday, matched perfectly with Kate’s hairstyle. Her hair half down and half up looked elegant yet stylish along with the diamond tiara peeping from inside her veil made of ivory silk tulle with hand embroidered flowers on the trim.
This tiara on the other hand was impeccably complementing the delicate diamond drop earrings Kate chose to wear. These earrings were custom made to match with the wedding tiara. The pair of earrings was made by Robinson Pelham and was given the shape of oak leaves clubbing them with a diamond set drop in pear shape, with a diamond acorn in pave setting suspended in the center.
The earrings were inspired by the Middleton family’s coat of arms and took the form of oak and acorn leaves to look nothing but gracefully stunning. These platinum based drop earrings have set a trend now and demonstrate a high princess style. This pair was made by the craftsmen in UK keeping in mind the tiara so that their style gels flawlessly with the latter.
The earrings have a unique amalgamation of the vintage, heirloom and modern pieces of the platinum jewelry from both Kate’s and William’s families. This blend in turn displays the couple’s desire and aspiration to tread today’s elements but on the foundation of the traditions of yester times.
Michael O’Conner, a jewelry expert states “Kate’s jewelry truly epitomizes a modern yet a sophisticated style of a royal bride.”
Now of course a wedding cannot be completed without a wedding ring. Prince William bonded Kate Middleton in a permanent relationship by slipping a Wartski band made of rare Welsh Gold. A nugget of the Welsh Gold kept in the royal vault for years, was given by the Queen to the Prince shortly after the announcement of the engagement. Well, guess this jewelry band again comes from the royal treasure chest.
Wartski was founded in the year 1865 in Wales and the gold nugget used in the wedding band also was mined from the mountains in Wales near Anglesey. In fact, this also corresponds to the place where the newlyweds will live now. Wartski on the other hand specializes in the Carl Faberge work, Russian arts, silver and fine jewelry. This is why this company has been one of the favorites of the royal family when it comes to designing the wedding rings.
However, only one band was designed and made as Prince William chose not to wear one. The band has been fashioned specifically from the Welsh Gold, as the royal family values this gold for its quality and most of all, its scarcity.
Well obviously, Kate’s jewelry wouldn’t be complete without the mention of the other ring with which Prince William proposed to her. This ring studded with a Ceylon blue sapphire and surrounded by diamonds belongs to his mother Princess Diana, who chose this ring after getting engaged to Prince Charles in 1981. This ring is a legend of grace, beauty and humanity and moreover it comprises the sparkling personality of Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales.
The blue sapphire and diamond ring has become a sort of symbol of the new royal union. The ring with its high elegance and timeless design sparkles on Kate’s finger, in turn paying tribute to Lady Diana.
Unique might sound a small word if come to describe the beauty and glamour of this ring. The 12 carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 round diamonds is made in 18K white gold. However, the size of the oval blue Sapphire is largely misinterpreted as 18 carat; but is actually 12 carats.
Lady Diana’s engagement ring is reported to have just 8 prongs with 2 in every corner but later more prongs were added to the ring to give it the present look. The 14 round diamonds surrounding the blue sapphire come to nearly 3mm in diameter.
One of the most fascinating features about the ring apart from its design is the color combination. The deep intense blue color in the centre shines exceptionally and flawlessly against the dazzling and sparkling white periphery. The design undoubtedly gives a boost to the modern trends and is sure to keep many trend setters glued to it for many more years to come, like it has till date.
It is read that Lady Diana and Prince Charles were shown a plethora of rings to choose from but she picked only this ring. Maybe not because it wasn’t costly, but more because this ring oozes out elegance, charm, sophistication and most of all royalty. The cluster ring design portrays versatility considering the use of three materials blue sapphire, diamonds and white gold. This feature makes it shine impeccably and boldly from every angle with even the slightest ray of light.
It is known that Kate is not fond of wearing too much jewelry and so her wedding was not an exception. Wearing just the tiara, the drop earrings to match with it and the Blue Sapphire Diamond ring which took stole hearts all over, Kate looked complete and graceful.
In fact, against her jewelry and her attire which went perfectly with one another, the blue sapphire engagement ring seemed to be the cherry on the cake. The blue splash of color against the white background looked as if adding a glow to the dress along with her face.
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Who wore what this week in June. We take a look at what the stars are wearing with their designer labels. For the summer, the stars pretty well kept to the tried and tested, hoop earrings, drop earring, layered chains and chunky bracelets.
We take a look at what the stars are wearing with their designer labels. For the summer, the stars pretty well kept to the tried and tested, hoop earrings, drop earring, layered chains and chunky bracelets. Read on to get the lowdown on who wore what and where with which outfit.
Super model Iman set her color blocking technique outfit to a great advantage with a pair of shoulder dusting turquoise and diamond studded Irene Neuwirth drop earrings. The turquoise blue top and tangerine pencil skirt dazzled and delighted everyone at the Gordon Parks Foundation’s awards dinner in N.Y.C. Jessica Biel too was spotted wearing Irene Neuwirth drop earrings set with what appeared to be green chrysoprase and black spinel gemstones. At the El Museo del Barrio gala honoring fashion photographer Mario Testino British beauty Kate Winslet wore drop earrings in pristine white with her matchingNarciso Rodriguez gown.
Hoop earrings are back in vogue with many celebs sporting fairly large hoops with or without embellishments. Hoop earrings adorned beauties like Kelly Osbourne, Sienna Miller and Halle Berry although all three were quite different from each other. Sienna was spotted wearing plain metal hoops to match with her jumper-cardigan-tights casual wear as she left a showing of Flare Path in London. Halle Berry on the other hand rocked the Fifi awards in NYC in a daring Halston LBD with a difference and accessorized with bronze concentric hoop earrings. A Tods clutch and Suzanne Felsen cocktail ring completed the ensemble. Kelly Osbourne wore hoops with large dangiling embellishments (possibly pearls) with her lace panelled Alice+ Olivia, by Stacey Bendet-mini-dress and shrunken moto jacket at the Tim Burton exhibit.
Teen sensation Miley Cyrus and First Lady Michelle share a love for the chunky things in life. Whereas Miley showcased her favorite rock and roll look at a photocall for her Gypsy Heart tour in Mexico City with chunky silver oxidized cuff and necklace the first lady stacked gold bangles with her Naeem Khan gown at the state dinner she hosted for German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Mrs.Obama’s sleek bangles were a decided contrast to Miley’s grungy metal cuff but chunky is what they both had in common.
Estate jewelry or vintage jewelry is often known as period jewelry too. Jewelry thus classified may belong to many eras such as Georgian, Victorian and Art Nouveau. What do all these terms mean? How do you identify which era a particular piece of jewelry belongs to? We search for answers for all these questions and come up with some interesting insights in the process.
Estate jewelry or vintage jewelry is often known as period jewelry too. Jewelry thus classified may belong to many eras such as Georgian, Victorian and Art Nouveau. What do all these terms mean? How do you identify which era a particular piece of jewelry belongs to? We search for answers for all these questions and come up with some interesting insights in the process.Historians and jewelry professionals are divided as to the exact time period each era lasted. But for clarity’s sake we will skip rigid timelines and dates adhering instead to general periods. Another important thing to be aware of is that not even an expert who has been dealing in antiques and vintage jewelry for years can say with perfect assurance what era a piece may belong to unless it comes with provenance and/or is signed. This is due to the fact that many of the eras overlap, many jewelry manufacturers have copied vintage pieces convincingly and also many a times a piece may be a mix of two styles or eras. So what is a jewelry lover to do? The first step is read up! Knowing as much as you can about these pieces and seeing as many examples of the work you can will help you in understanding the jewelry even if you may not be able to identify it conclusively. And when you do decide you buy after research and taking expert advice, you can always go in for a second opinion to be sure. So, let’s get started!
The earliest style recognized as period jewelry is Georgian jewelry. Named after the English monarch King George and subsequent heirs this period of specific jewelry design lasted from sometime in the early 1700 till mid 1800s. This style of jewelry was defined by hand-made ornate and intricate pieces and has left behind such legacies as the chandelier earrings and three strand concentric necklace. In keeping with the opulence of the times, diamonds were the choice of gemstones in this period. Filigree (using thin wires to create lacy, openwork designs) and repousse (working at the back of the metal to create a raised pattern at the face) techniques were used extensively.
The Georgian Era was followed by the Victorian era- thus named after Queen Victoria was crowned in 1837. The early Victorian years were also referred to as the ‘Romantic Period’. The designs in this era combined many different styles to fit the idea of purity, innocence and romanticism. The motifs used were floral, avian, or other nature-inspired themes like fruit and creatures. By the end of the Romantic period agate (a type of banded quartz) and Celtic motifs were being used abundantly in lockets and pendants. Cameo brooches carved from agate, sardonyx or conch shells were popular items of this time. This era was not high on precious stones and diamonds, instead Wedgewood ceramic, Limoges enamel painting and glass gemstones were used in jewelry.
A new period of mourning known as the mid-Victorian or Grand period followed the Romantic period. This period coincides with the death of the Queen’s husband and so the jewelry is more of a mourning jewelry type. It consisted of dark, melancholy shades of red, purple and black set with stones such as black onyx, garnet, amethyst and jet.
After the mid-Victorian period it was the “late Victorian” period (also known as the Aesthetic Period) that lasted till 1900. In this era, the design which was burdened by dark mourning jewelry escaped to a brighter and more fun place. Diamonds came back in a big way as new mines were discovered in Africa. Multi-colored gemstones such as spinel, sapphire and peridot were used in heavenly body-inspired designs such as stars and crescents.
From the late 1800 till the beginning of the 1900 the Industrial revolution inspired jewelry known as arts and crafts jewelry flourished. Jewelry during this era was simple, nature inspired and not very extravagant-either in choice of metals or gemstones. Copper, brass and silver was used, rather than gold and gemstones were used more for their bright colors and aesthetic appeal rather than monetary value. Pearls, moonstones, opals and turquoise were popular during this time.
Million dollar worth diamond jewelry sold by Sotheby auction house during the period Jan 2011, to Dec 2011
Cushion shaped 38.88 carat rare diamond, sold for 6,354, 500 CHF (6 Million USD) at a auction in Geneva Nov 15th, 2011.
A Magnificent and Rare Emerald and Diamond Tiara, formerly in the Collection of Princess Katharina Henckel Von Donnersmarck, circa 1900.Sold for 11,282,500 CHF (12 Million USD) at a auction in Geneva May 17th 2011.
The fancy vivid yellow pear-shaped diamond weighing 110.03 carats, mounted in yellow gold as a ring for presentation, size 52, accompanied by a wooden presentation box. Sold for 11,282,500 CHF (12 Million USD) at Geneva, 15th Nov 2011.
The emerald-cut fancy intense pink diamond weighing 10.99 carats, the shoulders set with triangular stones, mounted in platinum, size 45. Sold for 9,602,500 CHF (10 Million USD), 17th May at Geneva.
Centring on a cushion-shaped fancy vivid blue diamond weighing 6.01 carats, flanked on each side by an oval pink diamond weighing 0.46 and 0.44 carat respectively, mounted in platinum. Sold for 79,060,000 HKD (10 Million USD), at Hong Kong, 5th Oct, 2011.
Centring on a pear-shaped diamond weighing 30.31 carats, to a stylised mount highlighted by brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18 karat pink gold and silver-topped gold. Sold for 43,220,000 HKD (5 Million USD), 5th Oct 2011 at Hong Kong.
Each suspending on a pear-shaped diamond weighing 14.42 and 14.04 carats respectively, surmounted by an oval diamond weighing 4.01 carats respectively, mounted in platinum. Sold for 37,620,000 HKD (4 Million USD), at Hong Kong, 6th April 2011.
The cushion-shaped ruby weighing 30.20 carats of exceptional colour, flanked by pear-shaped diamonds weighing respectively 2.00 and 2.02 carats, mounted in platinum, Sold For 3,778,500 CHF (4 Million USD), Geneva 17th May 2011.
Composed of five graduated rows of natural pearls, measuring from approximately 3.75 to 12.05mm, set to the sides with two shield-shaped plaques, set with circular- and single-cut diamonds, Sold for 3,050,500 CHF (3 Million USD), Geneva 15th Nov 2011.
The marquise-shaped diamond of fancy vivid blue color weighing 3.18 carats, within an openwork mounting designed as a flower set throughout with small round near colorless diamonds, mounted in 18 karat pink gold, sold for 3,274,500 USD, New York, 14th April.
Designed as a stylised floral spray, the flower head centres, mounted en tremblant, set with three cushion-shaped sapphires weighing 6.71, 7.00 and 10.21 carats respectively, the petals set with marquise-shaped diamonds, the stem with baguette diamonds. Sold for 1,426,500 CHF (1 Million USD), Geneva 17th May 2011.
Simply set with a cushion-shaped fancy vivid orange diamond weighing 4.19 carats, to a shank set throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18 karat white gold, sold for 23,060,000 HKD (2 Million USD), Hong Kong, 5th October 2011.