Couple set to exchange platinum wedding bands in Times Square

A couple are currently preparing to exchange platinum wedding rings in New York's Times Square on New Year's Eve.

Bethany Phillips and Geoffrey Dubie were recently announced as the winners of Get Married Media's online contest named Get Married in Times Square.

The couple will exchange nuptials on New Year's Eve in front of a million party-goers and the event will also be televised.

Ms Philips said: "We can't believe the big day is almost here - it has been quite the exciting journey!

"To be the first couple to marry as part of the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square is beyond our wildest dreams."

She added that she was extremely happy with all of the wedding details, which were selected by fans of Get Married as part of the competition.

Tomorrow (30th December) the couple will be exchanging platinum wedding bands by Timeless Designs.

While Ms Philips will have the classic pave set band with migraine, Geoffrey will don a classic octagon shape with beveled edge and brushed finish.

http://www.getmarried.com/times-square/vote/rings/

Platinum jewellery 'suits hectic lifestyles'

An increasing number of celebrities are choosing platinum for their engagement and wedding rings because it suits their hectic lifestyles.

That is according to an article on 24hournewsdesk.com, which claims that celebrity brides are also opting for other pieces of platinum jewellery for their big day.

The article states: "Platinum's durability makes it the most secure setting for diamonds and other gemstones, so celebrities can enjoy their hectic lifestyles without worrying about prongs breaking or loose stones.

"Since platinum is a naturally white metal, it maximises the brilliance of coloured gemstones."

Some of the celebrities who wed with platinum wedding bands include Megan Fox, Miranda Lambert, and Christina Applegate.

In terms of additional platinum jewellery, Emily Deschanel wore diamond and platinum drop earrings and two platinum and diamond scroll hairpins on her wedding day to David Hornsby.

Nicole Richie recently married her long-term love Joel Madden with a platinum wedding ring created by celebrity jeweller Neil Lane.

Platinum 'the preferred choice for wedding rings'

Platinum is the "preferred choice" for wedding rings because it is more durable than gold, it has been claimed.

An article on myjoyonline.com suggests that the durability of a wedding band is important because constant wear and tear will mean the ring eventually wears down.

The piece also suggests that men find out the tastes of their brides-to-be if they are buying the ring without her.

It is advisable to pick a reputable jeweller when buying platinum wedding rings.

The news provider states: "The main thing to remember here is that expensive doesn't necessarily equate with being the ideal jeweller.

"Look for a store that makes you feel comfortable, where the staff are pleasant and helpful, and where the advice they provide gels with you."

Finally, it is important to make sure the ring is practical for the wearer. If the bride is active, a lower set gemstone is better, but fashionable "glamour girls" would probably prefer a higher setting.

UK platinum jewellery designers to be recognised

Platinum jewellery designers in the UK are set to be recognised as part of a national awards ceremony.

The UK Jewellery Awards 2011 will be held in London on July 14th in an event being organised by Retail Jeweller.

Designers may now submit their entries for the awards, which have had a new category added this year.

This year will see the launch of the Boutique Retailer of the Year award, which will recognise independents that seek out niche designers and emerging talent.

Laura McCreddie, editor of Retail Jeweller, said: "The awards is an excellent way to take stock of your business, boost its profile and get feedback from your peers. It's also a fantastic way to celebrate your achievements."

"I, for one, can't wait to see who will make the shortlist this year."

The closing date for submissions is April 1st 2011 and those interested can submit their entries online.

http://www.ukjewelleryawards.co.uk/

Zara Phillips reveals platinum engagement ring

Zara Phillips has revealed her platinum engagement ring given to her by her long-term beau Mike Tindall.

Mr Tindall proposed to his royal love at their Gloucestershire home on Monday night (December 20th).

He popped the question with a diamond and platinum ring and despite dating for seven years, Ms Phillips said she was "really shocked" at the proposal, but that she is "very happy".

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Zara Phillips to Mr Mike Tindall, son of Mr Philip and Mrs Linda Tindall."

"The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are delighted."

Mr Tindall revealed that he was "delighted" that Ms Phillips agreed to marry him and that he and his bride-to-be are "excited" about their future together.

The couple met in Australia in 2003 during the Rugby World Cup, which England won that year.

Platinum jewellery offers 'sheer elegance'

Platinum jewellery will offer its wearer "sheer elegance" over the festive season, it has been claimed.

According to an article on webnewswire.com, which suggests people usher in the New Year wearing platinum jewellery.

It claims that wearing platinum jewellery will help people stand out from the crowd and will add a unique touch that may lead to the creation of precious moments.
The article states: "Set the trend for this party season by going 'White' with exclusive platinum jewellery to make you stand out in a crowd!

"Platinum has an understated elegance that speaks volumes. Pure in its essence, platinum is the rarest, most precious jewellery metal."

It was recently revealed that many women may well be seeing in the New Year with platinum jewellery because Christmas is the time of year when most couples get engaged.

Research by Fairchild Bridal Group found that 19 percent of all engagements happen over the festive season.

Platinum jewellery store to open in Manchester

A platinum jewellery store is set to open in Manchester, UK, which will offer new and exclusive jewellery designs.

Diamond and platinum specialist Phillip Stoner the Jeweller is set to open a new flagship store in the city's luxury shopping quarter, reports thetelegraphandargus.co.uk.

Managing director Jonathan Stoner took over the business from his father in 2008.
Mr Stoner told the news provider: "We were approached to open a store on The Avenue as the management company wanted a boutique jeweller which would sit amongst high profile luxury brands such as Mulberry, Armani and Nicky Clarke.
"Our current business is going strong ... and we decided to seize the opportunity to be amongst such prestigious international brands."

The new boutique store is four months into the planning process and interior designers for the company are taking inspiration from top jewellers on London's Bond Street.

Originally, the jewellery firm was founded in 1982. It now stocks jewellery from fashion brands including Gucci and Chimento.

Angelina Jolie wears platinum earrings

Angelina Jolie wore a pair of platinum earrings to the Madrid premiere of her new movie, The Tourist.

The Hollywood actress wore diamond and platinum earrings created by Tiffany & Co at the event, reports examiner.com.

Ms Jolie attended the event with her long-term beau Brad Pitt. She matched her platinum earrings with a Swarovski top and a floor-length black pleated skirt.

In terms of the festive plans in store for the Jolie-Pitt clan, the family will be heading abroad for a Christmas adventure.

However, this does not mean that her children will miss out on presents on Christmas morning.

Speaking to Ryan Seacrest on his radio show Ms Jolie explained that she had done all of the gift shopping for her family.

She said: "I've got it all boxed and ready to go, I went through it today. I'm trying to get every stocking right and all the wrapping paper."

Anne Hathaway dazzles in platinum jewellery at Nobel Peace Prize Concert

Hollywood starlet Anne Hathaway sparkled in a platinum bracelet by Chopard at the recently held Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

The US actress hosted the event that was held in Oslo, Norway with fellow actor Denzel Washington.

Ms Hathaway wore a platinum bracelet with 19-carats of diamonds, which she teamed with a sparkling black strapless floor length dress.

Performing at the event were Barry Manilow, Herbie Hancock, Florence and the Machine and Swedish pop sensation Robyn.

The concert was held to honour this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, Liu Xiaobo.
Liu Xiaobo is currently serving an 11 year jail sentence in China for "inciting subversion" after calling for change in democracy in his home country.

China did not allow Liu Xiaobo or his family to attend the awards ceremony and his prize was placed symbolically on an empty chair at the event.

Ms Hathaway is currently promoting the release of her forthcoming film Love and Other Drugs, which she stars in with Jake Gyllenhaal.

Tiffany reveals platinum jewellery for Valentines Day

Valentines Day may be a little way off yet, but this has not stopped Tiffany & Co revealing a range of platinum jewellery for the special occasion.

A range of Tiffany Locks has been unveiled by the famous jewellery brand, which may be of interest to men looking for something special with which to spoil their loved one with, reports Diamond News.

The news provider states: "Tiffany Locks also include a heart pendant handcrafted in platinum and covered with pave diamonds.

"The dazzling design epitomizes the universal symbol of love and reflects all the emotion the heart can hold."

Also available for platinum jewellery fans is a 14.31 carat cushion-cut tourmaline, which has been set in a diamond and platinum ring.

While the ring will set a romantic gentleman back $18,000, the cost of Tiffany Lock in platinum will be $5,500.

Both gifts are wrapped up in the iconic Tiffany Blue Box, which is sure to make Valentines Day 2011 a memorable one.

Platinum ring wins prestigious award

A platinum ring designed by jewellery maker Ron Lodholz has won American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum Entry Platinum Honors Business/Day Wear Award.

Mr Lodholz, who owns the Stonehaven Jewelry Gallery in North Carolina, created a platinum ring with a 1.41 carat aquamarine set into it.

The designer also won the AGTA Spectrum Men’s Wear 3rd Place Award for a pair of cufflinks that feature 10.96 carat cone-cut garnets with platinum suspensions.
On receiving the AGTA award, he said: "I'm very proud of these awards and for the recognition that comes with them.

"However, my joy comes from creating one piece of jewellery at a time that will make its unique owner feel special and treasured. My goal is that my designs tell a story about how one individual cherishes another."

The AGTA Spectrum Award ceremony will be held during the 2011 AGTA GemFair Tucson, which will be held between February 1st and 6th in the Tucson Convention Center in Arizona.

Eva Mendes brings glamour to film festival with platinum jewellery

Eva Mendes added an extra dose of glamour to the Marrakech 10th International Film Festival by wearing platinum jewellery designed by Chopard.

The actress wore a platinum necklace that was adorned with 47 carats of diamonds to the opening ceremony, which was held on December 3rd.

Ms Mendes teamed the platinum necklace with a violet floor length halterneck dress.
The backless dress was also embellished with beads and diamante, which complimented the platinum necklace.

She attended the film festival to present her new film, Last Night, which she stars in alongside Guillaume Canet and Keira Knightley.

It tells the tale of a married couple who are apart for a night while the husband takes a business trip with a colleague (Mendes), who he is attracted to.

While in Morocco, the Bad Lieutenant actress presented the award for the best short film, which was won by Mahassine El Hachadi of Morocco for her film Apnee.

Platinum wedding rings 'more than a simple ornament'

Platinum engagement and wedding rings are more than simple ornaments as they symbolise a statement of personal commitment.

That is according to an article on fashionandrunway.com, which suggests that the pure and rare qualities of platinum offer soulmates an option that will last as long as their love.

According to the news provider, platinum wedding rings are a declaration of an emotional commitment that is formed between two people, which is then sealed in public.

It states: "Just as a couple are drawn to one another, so too are the finest craftsmen drawn to the finest of precious metals, platinum. From Cartier to Tiffany, the world's greatest jewellery designers have always preferred platinum:

"Platinum's unique purity and naturally white lustre makes it the perfect jewellery metal."

It was also recently suggested by an expert writing on preciousplatinum.in that platinum jewellery makes weddings timeless as it compliments all of the occasions that take place during a couple's special day.

Platinum 'a durable option' for men's wedding bands

Platinum wedding bands are a good option for men because they do not tarnish and are durable.

That is according to jewellery store owner Jim Siegel, who was writing on the jewellery blog of woodtv.com.

Mr Siegel claims that it is not always easy to find a suitable wedding band for a man and that it is important to decide upon a metal that will suit a groom's personality and lifestyle.

He wrote: "Platinum is the most precious of metal and ranges from $1,000 and up. The most appealing characteristic of platinum is its durability. It does not tarnish and maintains a white appearance."

In terms of shopping for wedding rings, Mr Siegel advises couples not to leave this to the last minute and that it should be done at least two months prior to the ceremony.

He also notes that if a couple is planning to have special engravings, they should plan even further in advance, as engravings can take even longer to prepare.

Cartier's platinum "Panther bracelet" sells for record amount at Sotherby's auction.

At Sotheby’s on Tuesday night, a group of 20 exceptional jewels and precious objects formerly in the collection of The Duchess of Windsor were presented for sale, some 23years after they were last auctioned in the legendary auction of “The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor” – still the most valuable single owner jewellery collection ever sold.

The 20 pieces, which were announced for sale back in July of this year, brought a total of £7,975,550 / $12,413,146 / €9,459,004 – a figure well in excess of pre-sale expectations of £2,906,000-4,211,000. In 1987 the 20 pieces had been estimated to sell for £197,531-268,189.

Speaking after the sale, David Bennett, Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery in Europe and the Middle East, said: “It has been an immense pleasure to bring once again to sale these jewels worn by a woman who was a leader of fashion and the epitome of elegance and sophistication for her generation and beyond. The collection comprised not only masterpieces of 20th century jewellery by Cartier, but also pieces whose intimate inscriptions tell the story of perhaps the greatest love story of the 20th century, the romance that led Edward VIII to abdicate the throne of Great Britain. Wherever we have exhibited the jewels in recent months – whether it be Moscow, New York, Hong Kong or the Middle East – the response has been extraordinary; and the Windsor collection has been introduced to a new audience of buyers.”

Throughout the Prince of Wales’s courtship of Wallis Warfield Simpson, during his brief period on the throne, as well as during their married life, the couple commissioned exquisite jewels from the great European jewellery houses.

By far and away the highlight of Tuesday’s sale was the onyx, diamond and platinum panther bracelet by Cartier, Paris in 1952, which sold for £4,521,250 / $7,036,874, more than double the pre-sale estimate for the bracelet of £1-1.5 million. This price establishes a new record for Cartier at auction and also for any bracelet at auction.


The second highest price of the evening was for the ruby, sapphire, emerald, citrine and diamond flamingo clip, mounted in platinum by Cartier, Paris, 1940, created by Jeanne Toussaint for Cartier. Estimated at £1-1.5 million, this spectacular platinum brooch was purchased by Collection Cartier for £1,721,250 / $2,678,954, again a price comfortably over pre-sale expectations of £1-1.5 million.