Color Crush

color crushI have a major crush on this next jewellery item and it’s the color that got me.  It is the most wonderful shade of violet I have every seen.  Not too bright and not too subtle, not too blue and not too purple.  This Violet Amethyst is right on the mark.

Not only is the Violet Amethyst beautiful but so is the diamond setting that holds it secure.  If you are a loyal follower of The Diamond Diaries, you may recognize this setting from my previous post Green With Envy.  It has a soft, cushion shape outline that is encrusted with tiny, micro pave, round brilliant cut diamonds.  There are two rows of diamonds around the Amethyst at center and one row of diamonds down each shoulder.  This sparkly detail is all framed by high polish white gold and intricate, open filigree work.  A piece so lovely that it had to be mentioned twice.

If you are in the area, stop by and check this one out.  Who knows, you may find yourself in a little color crush too!

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Brilliance

Spectacular Oval 2Fancy shape diamonds are in full demand this year at Minichiello’s and this stunning, Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Ring is one reason why.  One really big, beautiful and brilliant reason!

There are so many beautiful elements to this ring but my favourite has to be the perfect shape of the oval cut diamond.  It has just the right ratio of length to width, creating a slightly elongated and extremely elegant oval shape.  Also, the arrangement of the many brilliant cut facets across the face of this stone, make it sparkle like no other, flashing light and brilliance in every direction.

The double row, micro pave band is also a great design element as it will help stabilize the weight of the large center stone and keep the ring from spinning and turning on the finger.  Gorgeous and functional, how’s that for a perfect design?!

Let this ring help inspire you to find your perfect fancy.  Now more than ever, we have so many options to choose from.  Whether it be oval, emerald cut, princess or cushion, you will see beautiful brilliance comes in all shapes and sizes!

 

 

A Step Ahead

Emerald Cut Double HaloStep cut diamonds are quickly gaining popularity and attention among the many fancy shapes to choose from and this emerald cut diamond is no exception.  It had my heart instantly when I saw it sparkling from within our counters.  A sparkle that only an emerald cut diamond could possess.  That sophisticated brilliance when it catches the light and the elegance you feel when its setting is just right.  I’m an emerald cut girl for life, can’t you tell?!

What I love most about this engagement ring, besides the impressive diamond, is the shape of the double halo surrounding the beautiful center.  The corners are gently squared off to accentuate the shape of the emerald cut diamond, so its uniqueness is not lost among all the pave detail.  And the dainty, pave set band finishes it all off by subtly directing all the attention to exactly where it should be.

It’s a truly impressive ring from start to finish and a truly beautiful example of how lovely step cut diamonds can be!

 

The Eighth Day of Christmas

Christmas Wish list - Gold BraceletOn the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a two-tone bracelet, straight from Italy!

Gold was my fathers true passion and original top seller.  Imported from Italy in an array of karats, he would always have a dazzling display of necklaces, boutique styled earrings and lets not forget, crosses, crosses, and more crosses!  Sticking with his first love, we continue to fill our showcases with one-of-a-kind pieces from Italy in unique and beautiful designs.  Like this stylish, two-tone bracelet here!  It looks amazing on the wrist by itself or a lovely addition to a stack of arm candy.  However you wear it, I think this Italian beauty would make a perfect  gift for Christmas!

The Sixth Day of Christmas

Into the BlueOn the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a dinner ring that makes me feel fancy!

Judging from the overwhelming response on one of my more recent posts, Into the Blue, we just had to include this dinner ring on our wish list this year.  My email was buzzing and our phones were ringing from clients interested to know more about this beauty.  This laser cut, Blue Topaz stone is just lovely from every angle.  The color is the perfect shade of blue and the laser cut facets bounce light off the face of the stone so perfectly.  The diamond halo accent also helps add contrast and extra sparkle for a complete look that is absolutely divine.

If a dinner ring is high atop your wish list this year, you must check this one out!

Minichiello’s Third Annual Holiday Wish List

Christmas Wish List - 50KIt is my favorite time of year again, the holiday season, and I am just brimming with excitement.  Decorating, shopping, sipping hot chocolate, and of course, watching my favorite holiday movies are all traditions I can’t wait to enjoy.  And one of my new favorite traditions that I am excited to share is our 2013 Minichiello’s Twelve Gifts of Christmas List.

All year, we receive and custom make many beautiful pieces of jewellery from the simplest of simple to extravagant and extraordinary.  They are all admired and thoughtfully considered to be a part of our holiday wish list.  And what a list it is this year!

We will tease you with this amazing, one of a kind piece.  One that dreams are made of … at least mine anyway!  It is a stunning 5.00ct Emerald Cut Diamond with 1.00ct, Cadillac Cut Diamonds flanking on the shoulders.  I was lucky enough to try this beauty on and wow, it spans from hand to knuckle, and is a knock out in every way.  While this diamond ring is not on the official list because of its enormous size, this piece is definitely atop my dream list.

There are twelve amazing, beautiful, and thoughtful gift ideas to come.  In prices ranging from $15 (believe it or not) and up.  There is truly something for every one in any price range under the sun.

If you don’t want to miss a single one, be sure to sign up for the Diamond Diaries email subscription at the bottom right of your screen!

Eye Candy

eye candyHere’s a little eye candy to get you through the weekend. A few of our favorites, as picked by my go-to-guru and sister, Crestina Minichiello. I could call it little sister syndrome, or just admit she has mad style, as I always look to her for the stamp of approval on various things. From jewellery and design, to diamonds and gold, she has perfected the style of classic with a little touch of modern. I hope you will enjoy her picks as much as I do.

The beautiful, right hand, diamond halo rings showcases a laser cut Green Amethyst and a cushion cut Aquamarine. Both stones have a cool, subtle hue that pairs well with just about anything. The filigree and pave set, disc pendant and similarly set, anniversary band sparkle like no other and are the perfect examples of how little, round diamonds can make very big impact.

If you are in need of style advice for your next jewellery purchase or design, don’t hesitate to let Crestina know I sent you!

Now and For Always

Anniversary CollageThis next post is inspired by a clients search for the perfect milestone gift.  With a 50th birthday AND a 25th anniversary on the horizon, she is looking for the perfect way to celebrate and the perfect keepsake to capture the moment.  When asked of my opinion for what to choose, a diamond eternity band was first on my list.  And these four rings are definitely my favorite.

Top left is the classic, quintessential, shared claw set diamond eternity band.  Its simple design allows you to wear it alone or pair it with another.  Each diamond is held by two claws on each side, which are then shared by the diamond next to it (hence the name!).  This feature minimizes the amount of metal that is shown so all you see is diamond, diamond, diamond.

Top right is the dazzling, honey comb pave, diamond eternity band.  Its design is also simple in nature but its sparkle is out of this world.  The round brilliant cut diamonds are honey comb, pave set across a tiffany shaped band.  This means each row of diamonds is staggered with the next, just as you would see in a real live honeycomb.  This special way of setting plays tricks on the eye as you cannot see where one row starts and the other begins.  Resulting in a mass amount of brilliance and a mass amount of flair.

Bottom left is another example of honey comb pave but this one is created across a flat exterior.  It still has the flash and brilliance as the one above but the flat exterior adds a bit more comfort on the hand and a bit more of a contemporary feel.  It also is a modified eternity band, meaning the diamonds are set only 75% of the way around.  This allows for easy sizing and is perfect for the girl who is a little harder on her pieces.

Last but not least, bottom right is the antique styled, pave set, diamond eternity band.  There are more design elements in this beauty as you can see.  A little feminine flare through the center with an open, filigree design.  This gives the band a generous width to the hand and a little something special.  The diamonds are also framed by miligrain detailing, a feature you see most in rings of the past.  It’s a unique spin on a classic piece and one to not be missed.

All in all, whichever gift you choose, you will have a beautiful reminder of the love, laughter, and happiness that you share now and for always.

PS – If you click on the picture, you will see an enlarged view for plenty of detail!

A Mothers Love

Great Inital PendantsIt’s the day before Mothers Day and have you done your shopping yet?  If not, let me give you some help.  I’m in love with these Diamond Initial Pendants from one of our favorite New York suppliers and have featured them before in one of my very first posts, Baby Love.  They are dainty, feminine and oh-so-sentimental and the perfect way to keep your loved ones close to your heart.  I proudly wear my sons initial necklace every day and he loves to see it on me too!  A simple reminder of the love we share and the bond between a mother and child.  I wish you all a very Happy Mothers Day and hope you spread the love!