"Auld Lang Syne" lyrics

"Auld Lang Syne"
by Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne.

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

Auld Lang Syne and other New Year's customs

by Borgna Brunner

The most commonly sung song for English-speakers on New Year's eve, "Auld Lang Syne" is an old Scottish song that was first published by the poet Robert Burns in the 1796 edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum. Burns transcribed it (and made some refinements to the lyrics) after he heard it sung by an old man from the Ayrshire area of Scotland, Burns's homeland.

It is often remarked that "Auld Lang Syne" is one of the most popular songs that nobody knows the lyrics to. "Auld Lang Syne" literally translates as "old long since" and means "times gone by." The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember people of the past with fondness, "For auld lang syne, we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet."

The lesser known verses continue this theme, lamenting how friends who once used to "run about the braes,/ And pou'd the gowans fine" (run about the hills and pulled up the daisies) and "paidl'd in the burn/Frae morning sun till dine" (paddled in the stream from morning to dusk) have become divided by time and distance—"seas between us braid hae roar'd" (broad seas have roared between us). Yet there is always time for old friends to get together—if not in person then in memory—and "tak a right guid-willie waught" (a good-will drink).

But it was bandleader Guy Lombardo, and not Robert Burns, who popularized the song and turned it into a New Year's tradition. Lombardo first heard "Auld Lang Syne" in his hometown of London, Ontario, where it was sung by Scottish immigrants. When he and his brothers formed the famous dance band, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, the song became one of their standards. Lombardo played the song at midnight at a New Year's eve party at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City in 1929, and a tradition was born. After that, Lombardo's version of the song was played every New Year's eve from the 1930s until 1976 at the Waldorf Astoria. In the first years it was broadcast on radio, and then on television. The song became such a New Year's tradition that "Life magazine wrote that if Lombardo failed to play 'Auld Lang Syne,' the American public would not believe that the new year had really arrived."

Hogmanay (Scotland)

The birthplace of "Auld Lang Syne" is also the home of Hogmanay (hog-mah-NAY), the rousing Scottish New Year's celebration (the origins of the name are obscure). One of the traditions is "first-footing." Shortly after midnight on New Year's eve, neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year's wishes. Traditionally, First foots used to bring along a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration is the largest in the country, and consists of an all-night street party (visit their Hagmanay website here).

Oshogatsu (Japan)

The new year is the most important holiday in Japan, and is a symbol of renewal. In December, various Bonenkai or "forget-the-year parties" are held to bid farewell to the problems and concerns of the past year and prepare for a new beginning. Misunderstandings and grudges are forgiven and houses are scrubbed. At midnight on Dec. 31, Buddhist temples strike their gongs 108 times, in a effort to expel 108 types of human weakness. New Year's day itself is a day of joy and no work is to be done. Children receive otoshidamas, small gifts with money inside. Sending New Year's cards is a popular tradition—if postmarked by a certain date, the Japanese post office guarantees delivery of all New Year's cards on Jan. 1.

Spain

The Spanish ritual on New Year's eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year.

The Netherlands

The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new.

Greece

In Greece, New Year's day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.

United States

Probably the most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter.

A traditional southern New Year's dish is Hoppin' John—black eyed peas and ham hocks. An old saying goes, "Eat peas on New Year's day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year."
Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. The first parade was held in 1886.

Widely Observed New Year Symbols and Traditions

Resolutions: It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the new year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the new year.

Fireworks: Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year's eve is believed to have originated in ancient times, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck. The Chinese are credited with inventing fireworks and use them to spectacular effect in their New Year's celebrations.

For more New Year's features see the History of New Year and Saying “Happy New Year!” Around the World.

GLOBAL GOLD-JEWELRY DEMAND BREAKS RECORDS IN 2Q

August 16, 2007

London—Dollar demand for gold in the jewelry, retail investment and industrial sectors reached new financial heights in the second quarter of 2007, according to research by precious-metals consultancy firm GFMS Ltd. for the World Gold Council (WGC).

Reaching a record $14.5 billion, global gold-jewelry demand for the period was 37 percent higher compared with the second quarter of 2006, according to GFMS.

World Gold Council Chief Executive Officer James Burton said the WGC is pleased with the surge.

"A reduction in price volatility in 2007 has resulted in increased consumer confidence and, coupled with greater industry marketing activity, led to record levels of gold-jewelry purchases globally in dollar terms," Burton said in a statement.

India remains at the top of the global pack as the world's largest gold market and broke both jewelry and retail investment records. Burton said he is happy with India's results.

"The figures from India this quarter are particularly pleasing, and we will continue to encourage India's ongoing love affair with gold."

In total, India's demand for gold in the second quarter equaled half the global mine output for the period, GFMS finds. Other important areas with strong gold markets include Greater China, the Middle East and Turkey.

Eddie Murphy engaged!

July 30, 2007
Source: OK! Magazine

Questions about a ring worn by Tracey Edmonds prompted Shrek star Eddie Murphy to respond, "If I were gonna do an engagement ring, it would be much bigger." Two days later the actor/comedian proposed to his girlfriend of 10 months, slipping an estimated eight-carat yellow diamond Cartier engagement ring on her finger.

The couple is planning to have a romantic, low-key wedding before the end of the year. This will be the second trip down the aisle for both Murphy and Edmonds, who was previously married to singer Kenneth “Baby Face” Edmonds for 13 years. Murphy and his first wife Nicole Mitchell were married for 12 years.

His previous relationship and recent paternity battle with Melanie Brown of the Spice Girls have been an ongoing topic in celebrity news.

Brit’s cover sit-down not okay!

August 1, 2007

Source: E!Online

After last week’s cover shoot for OK! Magazine, Britney Spears helped herself to a $6,387 Kaviar and Kind diamond ring and other high-end fashion items totaling $21,267. OK! Magazine published the details of the debacle in an issue that hit newsstands last Friday.

Ironically, it was Spears’ handlers who first contacted OK! The subsequent interview was supposed to give the pop star a chance to “set the record straight,” addressing the ongoing rumors surrounding her personal life. Unfortunately, her behavior at the cover session left OK! confirming that the fallen star is in need of help.

For the complete story see E!Online article:

Brit's Cover Sit-Down Not OK!

by Gina Serpe

Berk brooch donated to Boston museum

August 1, 2007

Foster City, Calif.—The "S-Curve Brooch" designed by Barbara Berk has been donated to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston by Elyse Zorn Karlin, the editor and publisher of Adornment, the Magazine of Jewelry and Related Arts.

Karlin, who is also the author of Jewelry and Metalwork in the Arts and Crafts Tradition and past president of the American Society of Jewelry Historians, said she wanted a piece of Berk's jewelry to be part of the important collection that the museum is building.

"I admire Barbara Berk's jewelry both for its aesthetic quality—the undulating lines and feeling of movement—and for its excellence in technique. Each piece is perfectly formed and executed," Karlin said in a statement. "It is an exciting time when jewelry is finally getting the recognition it deserves in the museum world."

Berk created the brooch by weaving 18-karat gold sheet and wire by hand, flat, off loom, in an "over 1, under 1" plain weave pattern, and then shaping the "fabric" into a 3-dimensional form. A separate stickpin that features a 14.2-carat citrine carved by Sherris Cottier Shank, enables the woven gold to be worn as a brooch.

"I'm delighted by Elyse Zorn Karlin's admiration of my handwoven jewels and very much appreciate the generosity of her donation," Berk said. "I am deeply honored to have my work represented in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston."

Berk added that she shares the honor with Arline Fisch and Mary Lee Hu, who taught her to weave with metal, and with family, friends, vendors, customers and others who encouraged her.

Berk's previous honors include a 2004 American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Award, the 2002 Award for Excellence in Design from the Women's Jewelry Association and a 2001 Saul Bell Design Award for jewelry design.

Her designs have been exhibited in museums and shows across the country. In addition, numerous publications and books have featured her jewels, and her writing on subjects such as textile techniques in metal has been published.

Berk also teaches her craft in weaving with metal at the University of California Extension, Santa Cruz, and offers workshops at art centers and schools across the country.

Her designs are available at select retailers and shows across the country. For more information, visit Berk's Web site, Barbaraberkdesigns.com.

TOP FALL JEWELRY TRENDS REVEALED

July 30, 2007

New York—Bold cuffs, organic forms and personalized pieces are some of the hottest trends for fall jewelry, according to a Jewelry Information Center (JIC) seminar held at the JA New York Summer Show on Sunday.

Bracelets will remain the "it" fashion accessory for fall in cuff styles that feature freeform precious metal, nature themes, enamel detailing and bright faceted or cabochon gemstones. Bangles will also be on trend in hand-hammered high-karatage metals with rose-cut diamonds. Thin "personal" bracelets, created from cord, rubber, plastic or woven gold and colored fabric, are also expected to be popular, especially when paired with symbols of sentimentality.

Gem-laden cocktail rings will share the spotlight this season with wide bands highlighting intricate carving or hand-hammered metals. Stacking rings are also sure to be a hit.

Non-traditional hearts, lock and keys, crowns and other girlie motifs will emerge as top pendant trends, along with monograms, emblems, coins and crests.

Medallions will still be in vogue, typically in round shapes with double-sided designs. Carved or openwork designs make the style more affordable, and many will be hung low on rubber cord or string for a more organic feel.

Study: Time greatest luxury, jewelry not far behind

July 24, 2007

New York—Luxury consumers across the globe share many characteristics, including an emphasis on experiences over possessions, a new study finds.

In the online survey conducted by the Consumer Research Center of The Conference Board, jewelry represented an important status luxury, with 24 percent of consumers surveyed owning fine jewelry and watch collections.

Chinese luxury consumers ranked first in ownership of fine jewelry and watches.

Of those surveyed, 35 percent believe that time represents the most highly valued luxury, 25 percent chose life experiences and 18 percent chose having things in life that surround them with comfort, beauty and quality.Among those surveyed, 26 percent believe luxury is more about experiencing life and having a sense of happiness and satisfaction than about material things. A quarter of those surveyed feel luxury is about being comfortably well off and not having to worry about tomorrow.

The online survey polled 1,800 affluent consumers in the United States, China France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. All respondents were over the age of 18 and in the top 25 percent income brackets.Survey sponsors included Conde Nast Publications, Gucci Group, Gibson USA, The Ritz Carlton and Tru Vue.

Houston museum to highlight Verdura

July 20, 2007



Houston—The Houston Museum of Natural Science will offer the first-ever exhibit of Verdura-designed jewelry this fall.

Verdura's "Wrapped Heart" brooch will be on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science this fall.

"Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler" will appear in The Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault at the museum from Nov. 16-Feb. 17.

Duke Fulco di Verdura (1898-1978) created intensely colored jewelry inspired by natural forms and classical patterns. He began his career in 1927 as a textile designer for Coco Chanel.

Chanel named Verdura head designer for her private and boutique jewelry collection, a title he maintained for eight years. In 1935, he created the iconic Maltese Cross Cuffs that Chanel wore throughout her life.

The cuffs will go on display at the exhibit, along with a curb-link bracelet watch created for Greta Garbo and brooches created for Clare Luce Boothe.

Admission to the exhibit is free with general admission to the museum.

Jewelry designers to support Simmons gala

July 20, 2007



Rachel Roy's "Stacey Twist" cocktail dress is one of the yellow-themed items being donated to the Simmons' "Art for Life" charity event.

New York—Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons' "Art for Life" gala, an East Hampton, N.Y., fete slated for the end of this month, continues to draw jewelry designers to its cause—support for art programs and organizations for underprivileged youth in New York City.

Newly announced participants to the event's "Yellow Wardrobe"-themed silent auction include jewelry designers Jeri Cohen and Ana Reign, as well as Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons' own brand, the Simmons Jewelry Co.

Cohen, whose jewelry has been donned by such stars as Jennifer Lopez and Sharon Osbourne, will donate an 18-karat yellow-gold diamond-flower necklace, which retails for $7,500.

Reign will donate a tiered necklace with yellow jade and silver, retailing at $1,600. Celebrities Heather Locklear and Nicole Richie are among the designer's loyal followers.

As for the event's hosts, Kimora Lee Simmons will donate a Hello Kitty diamond pavé watch with a yellow lizard strap from her "KLS for Hello Kitty" collection, and Russell Simmons will donate matching his-and-hers diamond, green rubber and stainless steel bracelets from the "Green Initiative" collection. Both collections are under the Simmons Jewelry Co. brand.

Jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz had earlier been announced as a participant in the event. Schwartz will donate her gold "Evil Eye" bracelet, which retails for $8,300.

The "Art for Life" gala will take place on July 28, with all proceeds from the silent auction benefiting the more than 70 New York City art programs and organizations supported by the Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation.

TIMEPIECES FOR MD CHARITY AUCTION

Watchmakers create timepieces for charity auction

July 19, 2007

Monte Carlo, Monaco—The world's top watchmakers will create new watches for an Antiquorum auction that will benefit muscular dystrophy research.

As part of the "Only Watch 2007" event, 35 of the world's top timepiece brands will donate a unique watch or a first in a series for an auction that will take place on Sept. 20 at the Monaco Yacht Show.The auction will benefit research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The first such auction, held in September 2005, raised $2.6 million.

Watches by Girard-Perregaux (above) and

De Bethune (below) will be part of

"Only Watch 2007," an auction to benefit

Muscular Dystrophy research.

Among the one-of-a-kind pieces that will be available at the auction are watches by Blancpain, Daniel Roth, De Bethune, delaCour, DeWitt and Jean-Michel Wimotte, Franck Muller, Frederique Constant, Gerald Charles, Girard-Perregaux, Glashutte, Hublot, Instrument et Mesures de Temps, IWC, Jacquet Dorz, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Louis Vuitton, Officine Panerai, Omega, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Pierre Kunz, Richard Mille and Philippe Starck, Rodolphe, Swatch, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef and Arpels and Zenith.

JEWELRY DESIGNER SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

MJSA awards emerging jewelry designers

July 19, 2007

Providence, R.I.—The Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) Education Foundation has awarded more than $7,000 in scholarships to seven student designers.

The following students have received a 2007 MJSA Education Foundation scholarship:

Cheryl E. Acosta of Mesilla, N.M., will pursue an M.F.A. in metals and jewelry at the Rhode Island School of Design.
Jedediah A. Braun of Orangeburg, S.C., currently enrolled at Paris Junior College, in Paris, Texas, is pursuing a Jewelers of America Level Two Bench Jeweler certification.
Jane-Marie W. Ovanin of Amherst, Wis., is pursuing an M.F.A. in jewelry and metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design.
Lucia A. Perluck of Barrington, R.I., is pursuing a B.F.A. in metals and jewelry from Temple University in Philadelphia
Davina R. Romansky of Akron, Ohio, is pursung a B.F.A. in metals and jewelry at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y.
Carol A. Salisbury of Portland, Ore., is pursuing a B.F.A. in jewelry making and design from the Oregon College of Art and Craft
Erica A. Waldron of Leonard, Texas, is pursuing an associate degree in jewelry technology from Paris Junior College.

The MJSA Education Foundation, a non-profit branch of the MJSA, awards scholarships annually and distributes them through a partnership with the Rhode Island Foundation, whose mission it is to connect private philanthropy to the public good.

The scholarships are made possible through many individual donors, as well as endowment funds, including the Karl Augenstein Memorial Fund, the George R. Frankovich Scholarship Fund, the Michael Marcogliese Scholarship Fund, the Andrew and Frances Salvadore Scholarship Fund, and the Walter Oppenheim Fund.

For more information about the MJSA Education Foundation, visit the MJSA's Web site, MJSA.org, or contact MJSA Academy Director Teresa Shannon at (800) 444-6572 ext. 3103 or teresa.shannon@mjsa.org.

Gold Prices Rise As Dollar Falls

By LAUREN VILLAGRAN
The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Gold prices jumped Thursday as the euro climbed to a fresh peak against the U.S. dollar amid concerns about the strength of the U.S. economy.

Elsewhere, commodities prices finished mixed.

"The dollar and oil took turns propelling bullion values throughout the day," said Jon Nadler, an analyst with Kitco Bullion Dealers, in a client note.

August gold rose as high as $671 an ounce in intraday trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, then ended the session up $6.20 at $668.30 an ounce.
Gold found support in a declining U.S. dollar, as investors sought a so-called safer haven for their funds. The euro bought $1.379 in late trading.

September silver picked up 20.5 cents to close at $13.18 an ounce.

Energy prices shed some weight as several refineries restarted operations, raising expectations for increased gasoline output. Inventories of gasoline showed larger-than-expected growth last week, according to a Wednesday report from the Energy Information Administration.

Light, sweet crude oil initially leaped more than $1, then eased to close down 6 cents at $72.50 a barrel. Gasoline prices shed 4 cents to settle at $2.2663 a gallon.

At the Chicago Board of Trade, traders of wheat, corn and soybeans responded to dry weather patterns in parts of the Midwest and a report on world supply and demand from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Forecasts for dry conditions in the western Corn Belt bolstered corn prices as the crop enters its crucial pollination stage. December corn added 9.6 cents to close at $3.65 a bushel.

The USDA on Thursday cut its production estimate for hard, red winter wheat , the wheat used in cereals and bakery goods , by 7 percent and raised its forecast for price to farmers to an all-time record of $5.10 a bushel. The agency also boosted its estimates for corn production 22 percent to 12.84 billion bushels, up from 10.54 billion a year ago.

"The reality of these numbers was already incorporated into the market," said DTN analyst Gary Wilhelmi.

Wheat prices edged 0.4 cent lower to close at $6.214 a bushel. Soybeans gained 18.6 cents to finish at $9.414 a bushel.

Overseas, industrial metals ended the session mostly lower, with declines in copper, aluminum and tin on the London Metal Exchange. Lead finished flat while zinc notched a 2 percent gain. September copper slipped 4.05 cents to close at $3.581 a pound on the Nymex.

July 12, 2007 5:35 PM

West Coast Diamond Thief

Watch out for West Coast switch artist
July 13, 2007

New York—The Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) is warning jewelers on the West Coast to be on the lookout for a man who is allegedly asking jewelers to view diamonds and then swapping the stones with cubic zirconia.

According to the warning, the man enters retail jewelry stores and asks to see the largest set of diamond earrings that the jeweler has on hand. After examining the goods, he leaves the store and then returns shortly thereafter to view the pieces again and switch the diamonds for cubic zirconia. The thief tends to focus on high-end department stores, and has hit in Santa Monica, Calif., and Portland, Ore., among other locations, according to the JSA.

Authorities believe the man has contacts in Alaska, Arizona, California, Oregon, Nevada and Washington. The San Diego Police Department has connected the man to at least six pending diamond-switch cases on the West Coast, the JSA says.

The suspect is a white male who is described to be about 34 years old, approximately 6 feet tall and 185 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, police say.

Jewelers with information on the suspect may contact Detective Timothy Johnson at the San Diego Police Department at (619) 744-9515.

And the Bride Wore Bling; Parker, Longoria Wed

MODERN JEWELRY TRENDS

by Cheryl Kremkow

You’ve heard of trophy wives, of course. A newer phenomenon is trophy couples: celebrities who wed in the spotlight, prompting a mad race to see whose jewelry, dresses, and other bridal booty will benefit from the reflected starlight. Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria and NBA star Tony Parker married at at Saint Germain L’Auxerrois Church in Paris in what is the celebrity wedding of the year so far, one of the couples tying the knot on lucky 7-7-07.

So who won the bridal placement sweepstakes? If you follow these things, you have no doubt heard that the five-carat emerald cut engagement ring was designed by Jean Dousset, a jeweler from Paris who has now also opened a studio in Los Angeles, no doubt to capitalize on the publicity. (Dousset also designed the pendant with Parker’s number 9 that Longoria wears to Spurs games.)

The wedding bands are Piaget, two turning Possession bands in 18K white gold. Hers has two rows of 80 brilliant-cut diamonds separated by a row of 27 square-cut diamonds. His is plain 18k white gold. At the couple’s request, an inscription was engraved inside both rings in French.

The bride’ wore H.Stern’s half-a-million dollar Hebe Earrings in 18K Noble Gold with 17 carats of marquise, cushion, oval & round cut diamonds. The earrings were designed in collaboration between Eva’s longtime stylist and friend Robert Verdi and H.Stern Creative Director Roberto Stern. She also wore a $100,000 diamond bracelet from the H.Stern 2007 Red Carpet Collection to accent her Angel Sanchez gown. Hair Stylist Ken Paves added sparkle to Eva’s hair with H.Stern Zephyr and Geometric hair clips with with more than 15 carats of cognac diamonds.

The gifts for the 13 bridesmaids were also H.Stern: Giardino earrings, each pair $1,000. The bride gave her husband a Piaget watch customized with a large pave diamond number nine on its face.

Some of the gifts to the couple were also occasions for industry publicity. The happy couple received engraved his and her Oceanaut Pacha Cobra watches, set with 1.25 total carats of VS1, G-color diamonds, conflict-free, of course.

Parker/Longoria Engagement photo courtesy of White Lace Wedding

With this bling, Parker, Longoria wed

July 09, 2007

Paris—Tony Parker and Eva Longoria weren't the only lucky ones on July 7. At least three jewelry companies are celebrating after their product was featured at the celebrity wedding this past weekend.

Desperate Housewives star Longoria donned one-of-a-kind H. Stern jewelry as she wed San Antonio Spurs point guard Parker at Saint Germain l'Auxerrois Church in Paris on Saturday, followed by an elaborate reception at the 17th-century Chateau of Vaux le Vicomte.

Longoria wore H. Stern's "Hebe" earrings (left) and "Zephyr" and "Geometric" hair clips for the ceremony and the company's "Isis" earrings for the reception. She also gave H. Stern "Giardino" earrings to each of her 13 bridesmaids.

Each female guest at the wedding, including Longoria's co-stars Nicolette Sheridan, Terri Hatcher and Felicity Huffman, received a Van Cleef and Arpels "Sweet Alhambra" bracelet (right). Based on Van Cleef and Arpels iconic Alhambra design, the 18-karat yellow-gold bracelets feature a miniature mother-of-pearl clover charm. The Sweet Alhambra collection will reach U.S. stores in October.

In addition, a movie producer in attendance gifted the couple with matching his-and-her Oceanaut "Pacha Cobra" watches (left). The Swiss timepieces feature an ETA three-phase chronograph movement, a curved sapphire crystal and a diamond bezel.

Tiffany & Co. on Track for New Closing High

RTT News report:

Tiffany On Track For New Closing High [TIF] 7/5/2007 10:30:54 AM

Tiffany and Co. (TIF) is up $1.50 and rising, currently trading at $55.10. The sudden increase was accompanied by a spike in volume. This rise in price has the stock poised to break through resistance. Tiffany is on track for a new closing high.

Tiffany & Co. Reportedly Speculated To Be Takeover Target - Update

RTT News reports:

[TIF]6/26/2007 12:45:55 AM Monday, jewelry and specialty retail stores operator Tiffany & Co. Inc. (TIF) is once again reportedly speculated to be a takeover target.

Reports suggested that either France-based luxury goods conglomerate LMVH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA is interested in acquiring Tiffany or shareholder Nelson Peltz intends to increase his stake in the company. The company's stock gained more than 3% in Monday's regular trading session.

LMVH is the parent company of around 60 sub-companies that each manage a small number of prestigious brands. The group was formed after mergers brought together champagne producer Moet et Chandon and Hennessy, a manufacturer of cognac, a type of French distilled wine. In 1987, they merged with fashion house Louis Vuitton to form the current group. The group is partly owned by Christian Dior group and operates around 1,500 stores worldwide.

In February, a hedge fund run by billionaire financier Nelson Peltz, Trian Fund Management LP, revealed that it has bought a 5.54% stake in New York-based Tiffany to become the company's largest shareholder. According to the fund's filing with the SEC, it is seeking to help Tiffany improve its margins and earnings per share growth and address various operational and strategic issues, including optimizing global expansion opportunities and evaluating non-core businesses. The fund currently owns 7.5 million shares of the company. Trian Fund also noted that Tiffany's common stock was under valued and that it represented an attractive investment opportunity.

For the recent first quarter, Tiffany & Co. reported a 15% increase in net earnings to $49.66 million from $43.14 million a year ago. On a per share basis, earnings climbed 20% to $0.36, based on 139.72 million shares, from $0.30, based on 144.37 million shares, in the prior-year quarter. Net sales for the quarter grew 15% to $620.88 million from $539.24 million in the previous-year quarter.TIF closed Monday's regular trading session at $51.91, up $1.93 or 3.86% on a volume of 5.64 million shares.

Schwartz to donate bracelet for Simmons' gala

Lorraine Schwartz will donate this "Evil Eye" bracelet to the "Art for Life" gala.



June 28, 2007

New York—Jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz will donate her "Evil Eye" bracelet to the "Art for Life" gala, hosted by Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons, and benefiting New York City youth art organizations.

The July 28 event will take place in East Hampton, N.Y., and in the tradition of fellow hip-hop star P. Diddy's famed "White Party," the gala will take on a color theme of its own: "Not So Mellow Yellow."

Schwartz, along with fashion designer Rachel Roy and shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti, will donate a yellow item for the "Yellow Wardrobe" auction to take place that evening.

The auction is being organized by Rush Philanthropic, an organization founded by Russell Simmons and his brothers Danny and Joseph, whose mission it is to provide disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts.

Schwartz will donate her 18-karat gold "Evil Eye" bracelet, which features diamonds and blue topaz, and retails for $8,300. The bracelet has been worn by several celebrities, including Starter Wife star and Will and Grace alum Debra Messing.

4th of JULY: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE

On this day, perhaps the greatest of all our American holidays, let us not forget the reason we celebrate. Many have died or suffered great pain so that we might gather round the bar-b-que pit, light fireworks and shoot off our mouths.

We must never forget who deserves the credit for the freedoms we enjoy and for which we should be eternally grateful. Whether you are for or against “the war”…stand together in support of our troops.

God bless our Military who are protecting our Country for our freedom. And may God continue to bless America.

“Freedom Isn’t Free”
--author unknown

I watched the flag pass by one day
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of “Taps” one night
when everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
and felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
that “Taps” had meant "Amen"
when a flag had draped a coffin
of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
of the mothers and the wives,
of fathers, sons and husbands
with interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
at the bottom of the sea,
of unmarked graves in Arlington;
No, freedom isn't free.

"SICKO" a new movie by Michael Moore

Although I don't often sound off about much and I'm not a fan of Michael Moore, his new movie "Sicko" is right on target. It is time to forget about blaming Republicans or Democrats and get down to the basics of life. 41 million uninsured Americans are the unwilling participants in this blight on our great country. It is of the essence to care for our people.

We encourage you to read this review posted by Lifted Magazine, one of our favorite blogs.

We'd appreciate your feedback.

Dale

Monday, July 2, 2007

New Releases: Sicko
Michael Moore is one of the most controversial documentarists of this time. He has made many friends and enimies with previous films such as Bowling for Columbine and Farenheit 911. But now he has used his personal connections to take his research to a whole new level and perhaps make a positive impact on the lives of many individuals in America.

Although Moore is famous for being one-sided in his political plight, this film is made for the American people in a hope to promote understanding and encourage change in our system. The argument Moore makes is one of a moral and ethical tone. If the United States is one of the richest countries in terms of GDP and other health indices, why do we fall so low in our health care system?

In his film, Moore uses juxtaposition to analyze the US health care system versus counties like Canada, Britain and France. Because these citizens pay for universal health care through taxes, doctors and health-aids are government employees and patients need not worry about their medical bills. Citizens can chose which hospital, pharmacy, and doctor to see – without paying any money. This may seem like a mythical utopia, but as Moore captures in his film, this is a reality. Read our full review online.

For more information on Sicko and local show times, please visit http://www.michaelmoore.com/


Posted by Tiffany at 9:45 AM
Life At Lifted Magazine

TWO BLONDS & CO. Patriotic Jewelry

American Flag Pendant

14K White Gold American Flag Pendant;

(chain sold separately)

Material: 14K White Gold - 14.5x14mm
Weight (DWT): 0.88

Retail: $85.00
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TWO BLONDS & CO. Patriotic Jewelry

God Bless America Lapel Pin

14K Gold 11.25x20x25mm

(Shown in white gold)

Description:
Material: 14K White Gold
Weight (DWT): 1.38

Retail: $130.00
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U.S. Independence Day a Civic and Social Event

Americans celebrate July 4, 1776, adoption of Declaration of Independence

By Michael Jay Friedman

Washington File Staff Writer

Fourth of July fireworks burst above the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and US Capitol in Washington DC

Washington -- The United States celebrates its Independence Day on July 4, a day of patriotic celebration and family events throughout the country.

In the words of Founding Father John Adams, the holiday would be “the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, … . It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

The holiday is a major civic occasion, with roots deep in the Anglo-American tradition of political freedom.

A SUMMER HOLIDAY

Community fireworks displays are common. In New York City, Macy's department store for 30 years has sponsored a July 4 fireworks display. In 2005, the 30-minute show featured 35,000 shells launched from seven barges afloat in the East River and in New York Harbor. The Associated Press estimated that more than 3 million watched in person. The event also has been televised nationally in recent years.

The Fourth" is a family celebration. Picnics and barbeques are common. July is summer in the United States, and millions of Americans escape the heat at beaches and other vacation spots. Independence Day is not among the legal holidays fixed on a Monday or Friday, but many employees use vacation time to create an extended weekend, as in 2006, when the holiday occurred on a Tuesday.

Construction of important public works sometimes begins on July 4. The Erie Canal, Washington Monument and Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (the nation's first) all broke ground on Independence Day. The date reflects a desire symbolically to stamp these projects as true civic improvements.

A CIVIC OCCASION

The Fourth of July is a time when elected officials and other public figures often give speeches extolling American traditions and values.

Independence Day has provided some of this nation's most stirring words of freedom. In 1788, Founding Father James Wilson addressed a Philadelphia gathering that was possibly the largest July 4 celebration in the young nation's history. He exhorted his fellow citizens to ratify the proposed Constitution. "What is the object exhibited to our contemplation?" he asked. "A WHOLE PEOPLE exercising its first and greatest power -- performing an act of SOVEREIGNTY, ORIGINAL and UNLIMITED….”

On July 4, 1852, the black journalist and abolitionist Frederick Douglass decried the evils of slavery, still prevalent in the American South at that time, but identified forces "drawing encouragement from the Declaration of Independence, the great principles it contains, and the genius of American Institutions in operation" that "must inevitably work The downfall of slavery."

Ninety years later, near the darkest moments of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt reminded the nation that July 4 symbolized "the democratic freedom which our citizens claim as their precious birthright:" For the "weary, hungry, unequipped Army of the American Revolution," he continued:

"the Fourth of July was a tonic of hope and inspiration. So is it now…. The tough, grim men who fight for freedom in this dark hour take heart in its message -- the assurance of the right to liberty under God -- for all peoples and races and groups and nations, everywhere in the world."

On July 4, 2001, President George W. Bush spoke outside Independence Hall, Philadelphia, birthplace of the Declaration of Independence. That document, he said, continues to represent "the standard to which we hold others, and the standard by which we measure ourselves. Our greatest achievements have come when we have lived up to these ideals. Our greatest tragedies have come when we have failed to uphold them."

Across the nation, civic leaders of even the most humble station echo these words, and their audiences give thanks for the freedom and liberties that the founding generation won for all Americans.

(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov/)

A display of fireworks illuminates the sky near the Statue of Liberty as seen from Jersey City, NJ on July 4, 2004.

An Anniversary He'll Remember

June 19, 2007
Modern Jeweler

July 7, 2007 is shaping up to be the most popular wedding day in history.

Couples across the country are hoping that the triple-seven date will prove as lucky for love as it is on a slot machine. Of course, Las Vegas, already a mecca for weddings, is playing up the lucky-number date. Many casinos have 77 weddings scheduled for the day, about three times as many as usual. Wedding planners, halls, and other wedding specialists started receiving 7-7-07 bookings in 2005.

The Knot, which tracks wedding dates of its members, has recorded 38,000 weddings scheduled for that day, compared to an average of 12,000. The fact that the date is a Saturday makes it even more popular than other memorable dates or holidays like Valentine’s Day. Some retailers have created promotions for this special day (Wal-Mart is offering a all-expenses paid wedding in one of its garden centers, one of those prizes you would always regret accepting: maybe not now but soon and for the rest of your life.) Any contest with a drawing on 7-7-07 will get extra attention and publicity.

Speaking of luck, 7-7-07 may not be the most popular wedding day in history for very long. Next year, 8-8-08 is tremendously lucky too, particularly in Chinese culture. (License plates with triple-eights sell for big bucks in Hong Kong.)

GIA Museum celebrates gem-carving pioneer

June 25, 2007

The use of angles and curves in this sculpture from Bernd Munsteiner reveals the gem-carving master's radical approach to his craft.

Carlsbad, Calif.—A new exhibit at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Museum showcases an innovative body of work from German artist Bernd Munsteiner, a pioneer in the art of gem carving.

The June 8 gala event marking the opening of the exhibit, "Reflections in Stone," drew a capacity crowd eager to meet the "Father of the Fantasy Cut," as Munsteiner is frequently known.

The gem legend sparked a revolution more than 40 years ago when he broke out in an entirely new direction of gem carving. Today, he is best known for turning agates and transparent stones into sculptures and objets d'art. His trademarks include the abstract use of angles, grooves and curves, scaling across the stone.

During the gala event, gem and mineral authors and teachers Si and Ann Frazier delivered a presentation titled "Bernd Munsteiner: Maker of a Gemstone Revolution."

This marks the third presentation in GIA's 2007 Museum Lecture series. The Munsteiner exhibit will be open to the public through March 2008 at GIA's Rotunda Gallery. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call (760) 603-4000.

ARE YOU JEWELRY SAVVY?

A new book by industry vets Caroline Stanley and Cynthia Sliwa teaches consumers jewelry-wearing basics.

June 14, 2007

Los Angeles, Calif.—A new jewelry book aimed at consumers discusses jewelry-wardrobe building and aesthetics.

The 224-page book, 'Jewelry Savvy: What Every Jewelry Wearer Should Know', is written by third-generation jeweler Caroline Stanley and certified image consultant and jewelry designer Cynthia Sliwa. It features more than 100 images.

The authors say their book covers "everything that people should know about jewelry but probably have never been taught," including developing a jewelry wardrobe, understanding personal style, care and maintenance of jewelry, and understanding the basics of metals, gemstones and costume jewelry. "

Receive a copy as a complimentary gift copy from TWO BLONDS & CO. with a $250.00 minimum purchase.

DIAMONDS BEYOND CONFLICT

Jewelry Scene
by Ivan Solotaroff

With conflict diamonds—and “Blood Diamond”—safely in the rearview mirror, the World Diamond Council held its fifth annual meeting at Jerusalem’s David Citadel Hotel on May 9 and 10.

Hosted by the Israeli diamond industry, the conference kicked off with a masterful speech by Israeli Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres on globalism and the future of worldwide industries such as the diamond. A more supply-side address greeted the closing banquet by the Likud Party’s leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Calling on Ramat Gan (in collaboration with a government he hopes soon to head) to put an end to Belgium as a diamond center, he vowed to bring all Antwerp dealers—“and not only Israelis,” he said, “but Indians as well”—to Ramat Gan to do business.

A comprehensive presentation on the “Blood Diamond” movie, by the Diamond Promotion Service’s Carson Glover and Nancy Orem Lyman, set the tone for much of the meeting to follow: a merging of the industry’s historical responsibilities in Africa and the proactive measures it has taken and must continue to take, both to resolve the issues and to educate the public on their full realities. WDC chairman Eli Izhakoff noted that, rather than harm the industry, the movie “gave us a wonderful opportunity to tell consumers about the great strides we’ve taken toward eliminating the trade in conflict stones.”

Conflict diamonds are now at less than half a percent, by value, of world trade. That figure was agreed to even by industry watchdog, Global Witness’s Alex Yearsley, cited by Izhakoff variously as a “partner” or as “the conscience” of the diamond industry. Yearsley did note, however, that certain productions of the Congo and DRC, while “not, technically, conflict stones, are nonetheless tainted by affiliation with, or controlled by, rebel groups.” He also cited half a dozen countries, including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and the Central African Republic, as potential hot-button zones where the industry “would do well to arm itself” against future taint.

He had high praise for the WDC’s mission to Ghana, headed by Charterhouse Street’s Andrew Coxon and the HRD’s Mark von Bockstael, where production and trade of diamonds that had come under the conflict headlights last year were audited extensively on three occasions. Presentations of findings by von Bockstael provided the conference’s gemological and technical highlights. It’s amazing how much the issue has taught us about rough diamonds.

Von Bockstael was one of many to note that the diamond is now the world’s most audited, controlled, and overseen commodity. “Look at timber, fisheries, cars, plasma TVs, even oil,” says Michael Rae of the Council for Responsible Jewelry Practices, “no one has taken the steps we’ve taken.” All, however, were entirely necessary, Rae adds. “In the same way that customers today expect a certificate for diamonds of value, the customer of tomorrow will expect assurances of ethical practices behind the jewelry they’re buying.” Those would extend to simulants, lab-grown diamonds, and enhancements, as well as issues of African beneficiation and the plight of alluvial miners, issues that formed a backdrop to many speakers.

Given the WDC’s success in merging 45 member nations in lockstep cooperation with the Kimberley certification schemes to establish conflict-free status for the world’s legitimate diamonds, it was widely suggested the body go forward on such issues. Will it become, in essence, the arbiter of a fractious and discoordinated industry?

“The WDC must seek to expand its mandate beyond conflict,” says Gareth Penny, managing director of De Beers. “The resource capability of the WDC must be reviewed and where possible increased. It has to be in a position to address issues arising from the governance of our industry, its business ethics, and environmental concerns, and be able to demonstrate awareness of the issues facing the communities in which the industry operates—anywhere in the world.” — Ivan Solotaroff

Soap star appears in Caressa ads

"All My Children" star Leven Rambin is the new face of Caressa. She portrays Lily Montgomery on the show.












June 19, 2007

Belgium—Caressa, a designer-jewelry division of De Beers sightholder Taché, has tapped All My Children star Leven Rambin for its new advertising campaign.

"I am thrilled to be a part of this campaign," Rambin said in a statement. "The Caressa brand is synonymous with elegance and empowerment. It inspires me to achieve my dreams as my most beautiful self.

"In the ads, Caressa unveils two new collections, both inspired by women from the 18th or 19th centuries and aimed at modern female self-purchasers.

The Georgia Collection features a rose motif, and the Lady Brooke Collection features lace dripping with diamonds from a silk or satin and organza cord.

"Women today are not as simple as we pretend to be," Caressa Executive Vice President Kendra Bridel Weinman said in a statement. "We want to do it all—have a successful career, keep up with the fashion trends and have a loving relationship with our perfect family. We tried to capture this in our jewelry collections.

"Photographer Sergio Kurhajec, whose clients include Cosmopolitan, Glamour and GQ, shot the new campaign. The ads debuted in the May 2007 issues of Vogue and W magazines.

APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE!!

Hat's off to Johnny Damon and Barthman Jewelers for their efforts to benefit injured veterans. Having a Disabled Vet in my family, we appreciate any gesture of kindness in their behalf...even a simple "Thank you for serving our country" means a lot.


Yankee star & Barthman Jewelers raise funds for vets

June 18, 2007
New York—New York Yankees center fielder Johnny Damon brought his star power to downtown Manhattan when he and William Barthman Jewelers hosted an exclusive charity event to benefit injured veterans.

The June 14 event featured a silent auction, with 100 percent of the proceeds and 10 percent of all sales being donated to the "Wounded Warrior Project," whose mission is to provide assistance and services to injured men and women during their transition from active duty to civilian life.

Items that were auctioned included signed Yankee memorabilia and luxury jewelry by Cartier, David Yurman, Judith Ripka, Montblanc and Rolex. The event took place at William Barthman Jewelers' new location in downtown Manhattan's financial district. In addition to raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project, the event also celebrated the revival of the store, which suffered major damages on Sept. 11.

Father's Day Image Gallery

Actor Eddie Murphy and children

John Lennon and son

George Bush, Sr. and sons

Actor Will Smith and son

Martin Luther King and children

Paul McCartney and family

To view even more pictures, visit the photo gallery.

About Fathers: Did You Know?

June 17 is Father's Day.

What was your childhood like regarding your father? My younger brother and I were raised by my father until he remarried when I was age ten. Those were some of the most incredible years of my life.

Thank you Dad, I know you did the best you could.

I love you.



Did You Know?

Mr. Mom
- 159,000 estimated number of stay-at-home dads in 2006. These married fathers with children younger than 15 have remained out of the labor force for more than one year primarily so they can care for the family while their wives work outside the home. These fathers cared for 283,000 children.

Married Fathers
- 26.5 million number of fathers who are part of married-couple families with children younger than 18 in 2006.
- 2.5 million number of single fathers in 2006, up from 400,000 in 1970. Currently, among single parents living with their children, 19 percent are men.
Child-Support Payments
- 10% of custodial parents due child support who were fathers. They numbered 740,000
- $2.1 billion amount of child support received by custodial fathers in 2003; they were due $3.3 billion. In contrast, custodial mothers received $23.3 billion of the $33.7 billion in support that was due.
- 46% of custodial fathers who received all child support that was due, not significantly different than the corresponding percentage for custodial mothers. Fathers received an average of $2,797 in child support in 2003, compared with $3,579 for mothers.
Dining with Daddy
- 30% of children younger than 6 living with married parents in 2003 who ate breakfast with their father every day. The corresponding number for children living with unmarried fathers was 41 percent.
- 64% of children younger than 6 living with married parents who ate dinner with their fathers every day. The corresponding number for children living with unmarried fathers was 66 percent.

Kind Words from Dad
- 63% of children younger than 6 living with married parents who were praised three or more times a day by their fathers. The corresponding number for children living with unmarried fathers was 57 percent.

-Information from the U.S. Census Bureau.

HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY

Once again I have relied on http://www.history.com/ for information regarding the holidays. After all, they do such a great job of it. Remember that Father's Day is being observed on Sunday, June 17 this year. How are you honoring your father? What are your fondest memories of your dad?

Two Blonds & Co. has many gift ideas to make him feel extra special.




History of Father's Day

The first known celebration of Father's Day was on July 5, 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia, where it was commemorated at William Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South - now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton is believed to have suggested it to her pastor after a deadly explosion in nearby Monongah in December, killing 361 men.

It was also during a sermon in 1909 that Sonora Smart Dodd became inspired by Mother's Day. After the death of her mother, Sonora and her siblings were raised by their father William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran. Sonora wanted to show how thankful she was to her father and, because William was born in June, she worked to have the first Father's Day celebrated on June 19, 1910.

In 1924, President Coolidge recommended that Father's Day become a national holiday. President Johnson designated the third Sunday of June to be Father's Day in 1966. It was not until 1972 that President Nixon instituted Father's Day as a national observance.

Did You Know - Roses are the official flower on Father's Day, red for fathers who were still living and white for those who have passed on.

GIFTS FOR DAD

Evo 18 - 85mm Wenger® Genuine Swiss Army Knife

Additional Details: Dimensions: 3-1/4"
Weight: 3.35 dwt

Retail: $50.00
Our Price: $45.00

GIFTS FOR DAD

100 Cigar Humidor


with a Burlwood Finish with Scrolled Inlaid Designs; Includes Humidification System and Exterior Hygrometer
Additional Details: Dimensions: 13-1/2 x 9-1/2 x 7-1/2"
Weight: 160.00 dwt



Retail: $140.00
Our Price: $126.00

Selecting Pearls

Two Blonds & Co.

The most important thing to remember when selecting a pearl is that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” as most elements used to assess a pearl will depend on individual taste. Therefore, the most important test is subjective. The “Five-Virtues” of South Sea cultured pearls will assist you in selecting your ideal pearl.

Luster
Luster describes the beauty you see as light travels through the nacre of the pearl. Luster is not to be confused with surface shine. Luster comes from deep within the nacre, much as light filters from the depth of the clear blue sea. Only South Sea cultured pearls have the depth and, more importantly, the quality and richness of nacre for the light to be so perfectly refracted to produce true luster.

Complexion
Pearls may have surface characteristics which may or may not detract from the pearls’ beauty depending on the quality, depth, or visibility or the blemishes. Pearls are graded into 4 complexion categories: Statement, Fine, Fashion, and Foundation.

Size
South Sea cultured pearls dominate the pearl world in quality and size, and are generally found in sizes between 10mm and 15mm. When found, rarer pearls from 16mm to in excess of 20mm are highly prized by connoisseurs.

Shape
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this is certainly the case when it comes to pearl shapes. Due to the thickness of their nacre, South Sea cultured pearls are found in an interesting variety of shapes. The shape of a pearl does not affect its quality. For convenience, South Sea cultured pearls are graded into twelve shape categories. Examples include:
The photographs of the shapes shown are representative samples of the various shapes and qualities available. As a product of nature, each pearl is rare and unique. The pearls you purchase may not look exactly like the images shown.

Color
The most popular color is white or white with slight overtones. The overtone colors of the South Sea cultured pearl are the natural colors of the South Sea pearl shell and cover the full spectrum of the rainbow including pink. It should be noted that all of our South Sea cultured pearls are of natural color and luster and are not enhanced by any artificial means.

PEARLS, new political statement?

Although I'm not a fan of Ms. Pelosi, I must admit that she brings back an old trend with new flair; that of dressing like a lady. In this day and age of "come as you are" even to church or the theater, it is refreshing to see some of us still dress with respect and dignity.


Two Blonds & Co. offers a full line of the finest South Sea, Tahitian and Freshwater pearls.

Pelosi's Pearls
Pearl Scene
by Cheryl Kremkow, Editor-In-Chief



Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's popular pearl wardrobe features two spectacular strands.


It may be due to the fact that she's the first female Speaker of the House, but California Representative Nancy Pelosi's wardrobe has been getting a lot of attention lately. And the most ink has been devoted to Pelosi's signature strand of South Sea cultured pearls.

Make that strands. Because the well-dressed speaker has at least two spectacular large and lovely strands in her wardrobe. The first, which she wore on election night, is a multicolor Tahitian cultured pearl strand.

The second, which she wore to her swearing-in ceremony, is a golden South Sea strand. Both strands, but particularly the multicolor Tahitian, are helping to drive retail pearl sales. The Speaker, who just made Blackwell's best-dressed list, is becoming a factor in the pearl market.

"This holiday season, we sold a lot more South Sea pearl strands, expensive ones in the $20,000 and up range: in white, golden, or Tahitian," says Marilyn Rudd of Scheherazade Jewelers in Edina, Minnesota. "And we sold a lot of matching earrings, big 13mm pearl drops on a lever back. We called one of our sales associates ‘the pearl queen' because she sold so many. We believe the new Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had a lot to do with these sales. She's been photographed so many times wearing her South Sea pearl strands and we had customers coming in and asking for the ‘Nancy Pelosi pearls.'"


Pelosi wore her multicolored Tahitian cultured pearls with a gray suit and black shirt, to the Washington Woman's Tea the day before her swearing-in, making the conservative suit instantly chic. In a noticeable style shift among these powerful women, many of the other women at the tea, young and old, wore similar strands.

Conservative blogger Lisa Schiffren of the National Review On-line wore the "traditional Republican double strand of choker-length eight-millimeter pearls" to a gala in Pelosi's honor that evening. "Just that morning, on the front page of The New York Times, was a picture of notables at the funeral of President Ford. In it, Barbara Bush, Lynne Cheney, Doro Bush, and Mrs. Ford herself all wore them." But Schiffren encountered a size shift in the pearls at the gala just as noticeable as the political shift taking place that day: "In honor of Nancy Pelosi and her signature strand of silver, gold, and white South Sea pearls (which my jeweler estimates at somewhere north of 80 grand), many women were wearing similar necklaces," Schiffren reported.

Pelosi's new role as a trendsetter has attracted the attention of the mainstream media, too. The Los Angeles Times has already devoted a story to Pelosi's wardrobe, leading with her pearls. The story quotes pearl dealer Leon Rebibo, who says he fielded calls from more than four dozen women of all political stripes who wanted a muted, multicolor strand of South Sea Tahitian pearls, just like the one Pelosi was wearing.

"I'm very disappointed the Democrats won, but I absolutely love her necklace. If my husband hears me, he's going to kill me," Rebibo recalled one Republican woman whispering into the phone.

CNN's "The Situation Room" also devoted a segment to Pelosi and her pearls. "When it comes to looks, they say female politicians get a lot more scrutiny than men. But instead of focusing on Nancy Pelosi's pearls of wisdom, the focus tends to be on her pearls, period," said correspondent Jeanne Moos. "For instance, this photo op resulted in requests for information on where to get the speaker-to-be's string of pearls. Shopping tips on-line to the rescue. These sure look a lot like Pelosi's pearls for a near $3,999. We didn't hear of anyone seeking information on where to get Senator Harry Reid's tie."

On-line shopping sites are selling "Pelosi" necklaces for $3,000 to $6,000. Pelosi's high profile means those pearls will be in the spotlight a lot during the coming months.

Barbara Walters interviewed her as one of the year's 10 most fascinating people. People magazine has written about her twice in recent months. An article in a Palm Springs newspaper ran with the headline: "How to Get the Nancy Pelosi Look."

If a lot of women take that advice, South Sea strands may become an essential part of dressing for success. — Cheryl Kremkow

T. Boone Pickens: Still Controversial After All This Time

Being a blond, I usually rock on with whatever is thrown my way (if it doesn't go right over my head) and adjust to the situation accordingly. I am certainly not expected to have a mind.

However, after watching Maria Bartiroma, Wall Street Journal Report, interview T. Boone Pickens, Sunday, I could no longer be silent. When asked his opinion of the current extreme rise in gasoline prices over the past two weeks, he suggested that the price be raised even further to $5.00/gallon! His theory is based on "supply and demand" and that if the price is raised or taxed so high that it forces us to stop driving then it will in turn bring the prices down.

Now I ask you, do we all have "stupid" stamped on our foreheads? Have you changed your driving habits in the past two weeks...or even in the past two months? Will they change if you have to pay $5.00/gallon? In other words, will you discontinue taking your children to school? Will you take a day off from work every week because it's too expensive to drive? I think not.

Living in East Texas myself, I am twelve miles from nowhere; meaning twelve miles from the nearest grocery, gas station or civilization in general. I plan my trips to town and carefully plot my errands. Thank God my vehicle is paid off and therefore I do not have that expense, but gasoline is a necessary commodity.

There is something definitely wrong here. Perhaps the solution is to purchase stock from Exxon, BP or other major oil companies in order to recoup the prices we are forced to pay at the pump. The only people cheering on big oil executives, like T. Boone, are the stockholders.

Here is a portion of yet another interview with T. Boone last year also touting the same idea.

T. Boone Pickens: Still Courting Controversy
April 27, 2006
by Christopher Palmeri

The Eighties-vintage corporate raider and ex-CEO of Mesa Petroleum dismisses his critics and says that a gas price of $5 a gallon is a good thing

Being a prominent voice in the industry, Pickens meets frequently with politicians and pundits who ask him what to do about today's high prices. Fox News (NWS ) host Bill O'Reilly, for example, once asked: "If Exxon's cost to produce oil is $20 a barrel why can't they sell it for $30?" Pickens' response: "They're not fools."

Pickens says he had a Congressman suggest recently that Washington should put caps on prices. "It's never worked," Pickens told him. His solution is just the opposite -- raise the price of gasoline by putting more taxes on it. He suggested bringing the total price to $5 a gallon, much as it in the rest of the world. "Price will kill demand," he says.


Enough is enough.

"Grey's Anatomy" Star Engaged

May 17, 2007
Jeffrey Slonim


Grey's Anatomy star Kate Walsh now has another reason to celebrate: In addition to getting her own spinoff, she's also getting married. "I'm engaged," the actress, 39, told PEOPLE on Tuesday at the Entertainment Weekly upfront party at The Box in New York City. "Alex [Young, a production co-president at 20th Century Fox] asked me to marry him and I said yes. We were in San Francisco last week and I'm very, very, very happy."


So what makes her fiancé so special? "Oh, everything," gushed Walsh, flashing her Neil Lane Jubilee-cut diamond. "He's the most amazing man I ever met. We're in the process of planning the wedding."


Walsh recently stepped out with Young at an April 28 fund-raiser for Barack Obama in Los Angeles. "He's a hotshot," a friend told PEOPLE at the time. "But Alex also has substance. He's a good guy."


Meanwhile, ABC this week formally announced that Walsh will star in her own Grey's Anatomy spinoff, playing Dr. Addison Montgomery-Shepherd in Private Practice. The show will air Wednesdays this fall and costar Taye Diggs and Tim Daly. Walsh told PEOPLE the cast will start shooting the series in July. "It's super exciting," she said.


"Grey's is about interns starting their careers and starting their professional lives, and Private Practice is going to deal with people who are successful in their private lives." Her character, Walsh said, needed a change of scenery to improve her personal life. "How much more [could] Addison do at Seattle Grace? Her marriage failed, McSteamy and her did not work out. She tried to hook it up with Karev. She's either going to do some light filing or move on."


Her new castmates are thrilled about Walsh's engagement. Merrin Dungey, who plays Addison's best friend, was early to notice Walsh's new bling, she told PEOPLE at the EW party: "I was blinded. I saw when she walked into the room and I said, 'Jesus.' It's very exciting." (When Walsh later passed Dungey on the dance floor, they double high-fived.) And Diggs, who partied on with his costars into the wee hours at the ABC afterparty at Tenjune, characterized his own reaction to the news: "So excited!"

Chopard honors young stars at Cannes Film Festival

May 30, 2007

Cannes, France—Chopard celebrated its 10-year partnership with the Cannes Film Festival this year presenting the Trophée Chopard to two emerging film stars, American actor Nick Cannon and Indian actress Archie Panjabi.

The Trophée Chopard was created in 2001 through a partnership between Chopard, the Cannes Film Festival and Studio magazine, and is presented annually to honor a young actor and a young actress for their exceptional talent.

Among past recipients are such stars as Gael Garcia Bernal, Hayden Christensen, Diane Kruger, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Audrey Tatou.

This year's honored actor, Cannon, can be seen in the ensemble film Bobby, also starring Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore and Sharon Stone; and actress Panjabi takes her place on the silver screen alongside Angelina Jolie in the soon-to-be-released A Mighty Heart.

At the awards ceremony, Chopard co-president and creative director Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele presented Cannon and Panjabi with trophies of her own design: a role of film handcrafted in gold by the master jewelers of Chopard.

Nick Cannon

Archie Panjabi

Bangle bracelets get glitzy update for spring

Set of 20 bangles in 18-karat gold with diamonds by Tous. Retail price available upon request.

May 01, 2007

By Beth Braverman

New York—With the focus on jewelry for the wrist expected to continue through spring and summer, retailers have reported an ever-increasing demand for stacks of bangle bracelets.

"I have definitely seen an increase in bangle sales over the past six months," says Tabby Back, owner of Old Mill Jewelers in Pound, Va. "I keep having to order more of them."

Back says he sells bangles individually, and he believes that consumers like them because they can mix and match styles for a personalized look. Selling bangles individually also allows for repeat sales and makes the look available to consumers who may only have the funds to purchase one or two bangles at a time.

While thin, yellow-gold bangles remain popular for everyday wear, diamond-encrusted pieces have emerged as an even hotter trend on the red carpet or for evening affairs.

"Why didn't I think of that?" Well actually...I DID!

Being an innovative mommy of a Barbie, I was always dreaming up ways to convert, restyle or alter clothing. Having your bra strap showing was an absolute no, no unless of course, you meant for it to show. Sewing lace, appliques or pearls on your bra or in place of straps was a favorite of mine. "Who'd a thunk it" that you could actually SELL it!!

Pearls on Your Shoulders

Tuesday, May 15th, 2007

Now that warm weather is here again, women wearing sundresses will suffer from the dreaded exposed bra strap syndrome. Margarita Couture has dedicated itself to solving this problem with decorative straps, including new straps adorned with freshwater pearls that are like pearl necklaces for your shoulders. Elite Pearl Straps retail for $35 a pair. The adjustable straps can be worn with any convertible bra (although the company recommends its Evolution by Margarita bra, a $44 five-in one push-up number.) Designer Margarita Reis, who invented the decorative bra strap in 2001, said the pearl straps were perfect for brides to wear with a wedding dress. The company has been test marketing the straps to shoppers at the four Margarita Couture kiosks in malls in Florida. Reis said that exposed straps can be tacky or fashionable, depending on the strap and the outfit, but that “standard white bra straps never look good because they aren’t designed to show.” Glad we cleared that up.