Victoria's Secret unveils 2008 'Fantasy Bra'

After reading this article, I mused "some things never change!" I suppose these creations are figments of the imagination in the artist' mind. With the current economy, you'd think Victoria's Secret would be less inclined to be so ostentatious. But hey...it's makes the news, right?

Have a good one.


October 20, 2008

The Victoria's Secret 2008 Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra features 3,575 black diamonds, 117 one-carat round diamonds and 34 rubies.

Columbus, Ohio—With the holiday season approaching, Victoria's Secret unveiled its annual jewel-encrusted "Fantasy Bra" on Monday, with this year's lingerie creation totaling more than 1,000 carats and valued at $5 million.

Jeweler Martin Katz crafted the 2008 Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra using 3,575 black diamonds, 117 certified one-carat round diamonds and 34 rubies.

The piece de resistance of the bra's design, however, is two black-diamond drops totaling 100 carats.

Dubbed "the ultimate fantasy gift" by the Columbus, Ohio, intimate apparel company, the bra, modeled by supermodel Adriana Lima, is adorned with 3,900 gems and totals 1,500 carats.

Victoria's Secret has been partnering with jewelers to create an over-the-top bedazzled bra since 1996.

Past Fantasy Bra creations include 2006's "Hearts On Fire Fantasy Bra," a balconet-style brassiere with more than 2,000 diamonds weighing a total of 800 carats and modeled by Karolina Kurkova.

That bra's estimated value was $6.5 million and marked the 10th anniversary of the Fantasy Bra.

Antiquorum auction nets nearly $9.9 million

October 17, 2008

Patek Philippe's Ref. 2499 "First Series" in yellow gold, lot 403, fetched more than $1.5 million at Antiquorum's New York auction.

New York—Antiquorum's first auction of the fall season has brought in a total of $9,892,812 for the sale of Important Collectors' Wristwatches, Pocket Watches and Clocks.

The sale took place in New York on Oct. 16, with 82 percent of the 404 timepieces offered sold by lot and 148 percent sold by value.

"The results from today's auction are confirmation that despite the current erratic economic climate, important timepieces continue to be extremely sought after, highly collectible and sound tangible investments that have consistently proven to appreciate exponentially over time," Antiquorum Chairman Robert Maron said in a media release.

Global interest came from areas including China, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy and Russia, with a record number of more than 1,000 bidders and viewers using Antiquorum's online bidding system. More than 34 percent of the lots were sold via the Internet.

Lot 403, a Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 "First Series," was the star of the sale, fetching $1,514,400. Several other Patek Philippes sold well, including lot 404, a Ref. 3450 with red leap year indicator; lot 182, Ref. 1518; and lot 387, the "Ten Day Tourbillon." The timepieces sold for $237,600, $327,200 and $276,800, respectively.

According to the auction house, the most frenzied bidding was for the "Einstein Watch," a Longines wristwatch that belonged to the world-famous physicist Albert Einstein. The watch sold for $596,000, more than 2,000 percent its estimate, and a world record for both a time-only and a Longines wristwatch.

Watch brands Vacheron Constantin and Rolex also did well in the auction, with Vacheron's "Skeleton Minute Repeater" in rose gold, lot 195, bringing in $282,400, and Rolex's "Platinum Day Date," lot 318, achieving a world record at $78,000.

Antiquorum will hold a 720-lot sale in Geneva from Nov. 15-16.

FOR OUR FREEDOM

Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. To many people, especially the nation's thousands of combat veterans, this day, which has a history stretching back all the way to the Civil War, is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country.

Uncover the interesting history of the holiday we now call Memorial Day. Discover little-known facts about America's Wars and stop by the Veterans Forum message boards to share your views with veterans, their loved ones and fellow history buffs.

History of MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY

It's the beginning of Summer and time for fun in the Sun, boating, picnics and backyard cookouts. But do you know the actual meaning of our Memorial Day Observance? Thanks to www.history.com for giving us a "heads up."

Have a wonderful celebration with your family and friends, but most of all remember the reason for this holiday.

Enjoy!

Dale

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.

In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day.

Wearing of the Green...Emerald that is!

14K White Gold 4mm Genuine Emerald & .06 ct tw Diamond Ring

Stone Description:

1-0.253 ct-4.00mm Round Gemstone Emerald
12-0.005 ct-1.010mm I1/H-I Round Diamonds

Material: 14K White Gold
Weight (DWT): 2.09

Retail: $550.00

Our Price: $460.00

Two Blonds & Co.

"Quality Jewelry, Gifts, Home & Garden"

Why go to a mall jewelry store or worse yet, a discount warehouse for your most intimate purchase...jewelry. Two Blonds & Co. offer the very finest in gold, silver and gems from the world's leading suppliers. All this at affordable prices and a 30-day money back guarantee.

Some swimsuit with your jewelry?

The 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue,
on newsstands now, features a bounty
of babes, beach and bling.



New York—Jewelry hits the beach big-time in the 2008 edition of Sports Illustrated's famous "Swimsuit" issue, with Lana Jewelry and Michael Spirito for Exhibitionist as two of the featured designers.

Sporting everything from layered necklaces and cocktail rings to stacked bangles and drippy earrings, the beautiful models in their barely-there bikinis often take a backseat to bling.

The is the first year for Spirito's designs to be featured in the magazine and the second year for Lana Jewelry, whose "Petite Boheme Necklace" and "Affinity Ring" have their day in the sun.

A Sports Illustrated swimsuit model in necklaces by Michael Spirito for Exhibitionist and Luis Morais.

With more than 70 million readers worldwide, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is one of the most eagerly awaited publications each year and sets the trends for summer beach fashion and accessories.

A Sports Illustrated swimsuit model

in necklaces by Michael Spirito for

Exhibitionist and Luis Morais.

Pop Princess, Aguilera, Inspires Jewelry Line

London—Jewelry designer Stephen Webster will mark his foray into the women's silver jewelry market with Christina Aguilera at the helm.

The Grammy Award-winning singer will appear in Webster's spring 2008 ad campaign wearing silver earrings, necklaces, cuffs and rings that she inspired.

The campaign, which will break in the April issue of W magazine, is based on legendary Alfred Hitchcock films with Aguilera looking like a classic Hitchcock heroine.

Webster said he is excited to launch the new advertising campaign since Aguilera is a close friend of his as well as the main source of inspiration behind the collection.

"I have always loved Hitchcock's films and to be able to transport Christina and my jewelry into that classic setting was an amazing experience for me," Webster said in a media release.

The campaign was photographed by Vincent Peters and styled by Victoria Adcock, with hair and make-up by Peter Savic and Kristofer Buckle.

Stephen Webster entered the fine-jewelry market in 1976, and has won many awards including "Luxury Jeweler of the Year" in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005, as well as "Jewelry Designer of the Year" in 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2006.

Stephen Webster operates worldwide with independent boutiques in Kiev, Ukraine; Moscow; Seoul, South Korea; and St. Petersburg, Russia; and in more than 50 concessions in the United States as well as in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

For more information about the designer, visit Stephenwebster.com.