Yellow Diamonds In the Light

At an auction in Geneva last week, the Sun-Drop Diamond sold for more than $10.9 million. Weighing in at 110.3 carats, the massive pear-shaped yellow diamond was found last year in South Africa, adding more to its value since there were no previous owners.

There are only about half a dozen people in the world who are able to participate in auctions when diamonds enter the multi-million dollar price range. For the rest of us who aren't lucky enough to have vast bank accounts, precious gemstones are a great alternative to expensive diamonds.

Gemstones like amethyst and quartz range in cut, size, clarity, and color, and they are used to create attractive jewelry combinations and unique styles. Since they are extremely durable and flexible enough to wear for any occasion, they have proven to be great investment pieces. While gemstones may not have the coveted status of diamonds, they're evergreen staples that certainly deserve a place in your jewelry box.

Check out a few of this season's most-wanted gemstone cocktail rings after the jump...

Ippolita: A Different Style

Jewelry has always held a special place in my heart. Typically when I enter an antique store or shop full of many things, jewelry is the first section of the store I look at. When I look at any woman I do not know, I immediately look at her ring finger to see if she has a wedding ring. I try to catch a glimpse of her ring to try to make out the uniqueness. In terms of wedding rings, does a woman generally want a ring that any other woman could have? Or does she desire a ring unique to only her? I believe many woman prefer to have the most popular ring of the moment. However, I, personally, believe a ring should be absolutely unique. No other woman should have the same ring. At least, no other woman she knows.

Ippolita can Provide that. Ippolita has created styles no other designer has. She has a line titled "Rock Candy" made from rock crystal. She designed a silver ring she named "Lollipop", and also recently introduced her funky line, Wicked, made with black silver alloy. However, the line is not yet featured on her website for purchase or display. She has recently been known for her bangles, which you might know due to the fact her ad for her bangle line is in almost every magazine. What a bold move it was to feature only a close up shot of a stack of bangles, with no people or words.

Ippolita, which many may assume is an Indian designer, is actually an Italian designer who grew up in Florence, Italy. Her father was a fashion show curator, and she realized at a young age she desired for art to be her way of life. Therefore, she combined fashion with art, moved to New York City and decided to start her own jewelry line, starting with gold. She now has thirteen collections.

If you visit her site: www.ippolita.com you can learn more about the designer and find inspiration on how you can make your own dreams come true!

Text Alexandra Faye

Source(s): ippolita