Investments in High-End Watches Offer Hope to Luxury Market

It’s no secret that the luxury industry is hurting; however, people should look beyond a luxury piece of jewelry as a fashion statement only. Even being an owner of online diamond boutique, Whiteflash.com, is difficult because people view jewelry as fashion only. Jewelry can also be viewed as an “investment”, especially luxury timepieces. Luxury timepieces are viewed as something to keep in the family. From personal experiences, I know men usually pass down their watch to their son, and then he passes it on to his son, and so on. Try not only view timepieces as fashion item, but as investment piece that may stay with you and your family for a while.

Francois Thiébaud, president of the Swiss Exhibitors Committee and president of Tissot watch worldwide, said one good thing coming out of the financial crisis is “the return to traditional values” in watch making and selling, by both consumers and watchmakers. “There’s less extravagance, less emphasis on price and more on craftsmanship,” he said in an interview in JCK Online.

In addition, brands spend a lot of time investing their in labor and finding the right materials to make their watches desirable to consumers and retailers. The best raw materials are used and some of the most durable metals are fined tune to ensure the piece’s durability from generation to generation. Also – it takes time to find that one “unique” factor to make watches stand out in the luxury market. However, few achieve this uniqueness. Here are some great pieces that I have come across:

Perrelet’s Tourbillon watch (above) is a true example of fine watch-making. A masterpiece as an exceptional article. Remaining true to the aesthetic lines that characterize the brand, the Tourbillon presented by Perrelet pushes back technical limitations to their extremes, translating the mastery and creativity of the brand into reality.

One watch on the market that I have noticed, and definitely admired is Christian Tse’s digital watch covered in shimmering diamonds. While the white diamond watch with the white stingray strap is stunning and elegant, I find myself drawn to the python print watch, covered in natural color diamonds. The shades of champagne colored natural color diamonds are a refreshing visual on the python print watch. In addition, the champagne diamond encrusted watch is so unique, yet still very versatile. With the digital time glowing through a blanket of diamonds, this watch is definitely one of the ultimate luxuries I have come across!

Not quite a luxury timepiece, but I am a woman and this story is about investing in jewelry. Plus it just caught my eye. It’s a bracelet designed and created by Yael Sonia and made of 18K yellow karat gold. I wanted to show this off as it would compliment any outfit and look great next to a small wrist watch. And I would definitely pass this down to my daughter. It’s that beautiful.

So whether you’re a fashionista trying to be more budget conscious, a watch connoisseur or just a luxury fan, spend your money wisely. Don’t only buy something because its an “it” item, but think about your purchase. Inspect the quality and the timeless appeal. You’re spending big bucks on an accessory, make sure it something that you want to keep “in the family.”

Source: Perrelet’s Official Web Site/Christian Tse associated with Natural Colored Diamond Association/Yael Sonia

Go Green for Spring

For Spring, the season of growth and renewal, there is no better trend to highlight than eco-friendly fashions. For all of you fashionistas - when it comes to “green” design, there are some really amazing eco-friendly designers who have amazing work showing us that going “green” does not have to impact your personal style. In both the fashion and jewelry industries, there has been a progression towards green products with many companies incorporating eco-friendly materials into their collections and environmentally responsible business practices.

For clothing, organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and linen are popular sustainable textiles that are used to help eliminate our “carbon footprint”.

With jewelry you can indulge responsibly by wearing jewelry made with materials like:
• Recycled gold and other repurposed metals
• Conflict-free diamonds and gemstones
• Lab-grown diamonds and gemstones
• Wood

Many of the designers who incorporate these green materials into their collections have also adapted their business structures to a point where everything is made locally and sourced using sustainable businesses.

In addition to some of the amazing designers who are incorporating these elements into their fashion collections, there is also a great movement in the bridal industry towards the use of conflict-free diamonds and recycled gold and platinum. For those of you Brides-to-be, check with your local jewelry store, or with an online vendor about the diamonds used in their designs. They should be able to provide you with information so that you know that your diamond ring was created ethically from harvesting to finish.

For us fashion addicts, the “greening” of the fashion and jewelry industry has enabled us to purchase the things that we love to wear, while leaving as small of a footprint on the environment as possible. I know that I personally love that I can wear my favorite pendant, or ring and know that I am not creating any further harm on the environment. This spring, be sure to check out some eco-friendly jewelry designers – I can assure you that you will not be disappointed by the amazing jewelry that is out on the market!!

Here are some retailers and designers who are ahead of the fashion trends and eco-friendly that I suggest checking out:

• Dreams of Africa Jewelry – Conflict free diamonds are used in the collections and a percentage of sales are donated to the World Centers of Compassion for Children
• Ruff & Cut – Incorporates conflict-free diamonds in their designs where percentage of sales are used to help “Shine on Sierra Leone”
• Prismera Design – Jewelry that is inspired by flora and fauna and crafted from stainless steel made from recycled materials.
• INDIE PEACE – Clothes that use sustainable fabrics, from the materials used down to the recyclable tag
• White Apricot – Fashions made from eco-friendly materials and uses water based clothing dyes

Fashion Accessories Will Always Be a Necessity

I always love to find out how much borrowed jewelry a celebrity is wearing to a red carpet event. If the Golden Globes earlier this year was any sign of how much money celebrities will be wearing to future events, then we’re in for a treat for the Oscars, hosted by Hugh Jackman.

Being a jewelry designer who is heavily immersed in this industry, I have a good knack for predicting trends and what people will wear. Here are my trend predictions that you can expect from the Oscars.

(Photo Credit: www.whiteflash.com)

Diamonds are a fail-proof solution to any jewelry concerns, especially Natural Colored Diamonds. Celebrities are often worried that jewelry can lead to a “Worst Dressed” nomination, and therefore, opt for diamonds. You’ll definitely spot them on the red carpet, from dangling earrings and big bold rings to subtle button earrings. But, unlike previous years, stars will keep the diamonds simple. They don’t want anything too flashy due to the state of the economy right now. So be on the look out for a hint of color on their diamond jewelry this year.

SMALL STUDS & BUTTON EARRINGS
Celebrities want their couture dresses to do all the talking, so we can certainly expect to see a lot of button earrings. Button earrings always enhance the overall look, but don’t take away from the dress. They also make a fabulous accent to the ever-so-popular one-shoulder dress.

CLIP-ON COMEBACK
Many celebrity stars have a big secret – they love clip-on earrings! Stars often ask jewelry designers to create clip-on earring styles for them, even if they have pierced ears. You see, those big, diamond earrings can be very heavy, which can stretch out the ear. For comfort and beauty, many celebrities opt for clip-on styles to avoid any problems. This will be a trend that will continue into 2010.

Our celebrity stylists insiders say that Olivia Wilde and Eva Longoria both wore clip-on earrings to the Golden Globes.

BRIGHT PEARLY WHITE
Celebrities won’t just be flashing their pearly whites at the camera at the Oscars – you can also expect white dresses and accessories as well. White was one of the most popular hues of choice at the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards (Kate Beckinsale, Salma Hayek, Sandra Bullock, Teri Hatcher, etc). We can expect to see some additional white jewelry on the red carpet.

To see how accurate my predictions are, check out the Oscars this Sunday.