CIRCAstyle: Summer Jewelry Essentials

Memorial Day was the unofficial start of summer, which means new trends for the warmer months. At CIRCA, we believe your outfit is only as good as your accessories make it. Here, our top five jewelry selections to complete any ensemble.

Big bangles 

Oversize is in. Colorful or neutral, simple or printed, made of plastic, metals or fabrics, bangles are a dramatic yet versatile accessory. Wear just one or stack them – just be sure to remove the rest of your jewelry.

Rose gold

It’s the hottest trend in jewelry right now for both men and women. Rose gold became fashionable around the turn of the 19th century. It was particularly popular in Russia as a stylish and elegant alternative to yellow and white gold.

Floral rings

Nothing says summer like blooming flowers on sunny days. Let’s not forget that these beautiful gifts from Mother Nature are also fantastic inspirations for jewelry pieces. Georgian era jewelry was highly characterized by nature-inspired designs such as floral, leaf and plant motifs.

Wooden necklaces

Wood is an eco-friendly, natural material that makes for a fashionable alternative to metal. Additionally, it’s extremely lightweight so you can ditch heavy designs in the hot weather. Choose earthy or pastel colors to keep the look understated, or go for a bright color to create a more summery look.

White watch

Wrap your wrist in staple summer accessory with a chic, white timepiece. White makes for a clean, crisp look perfect for a pool party or cocktails at sunset.

Images: David Webb and Hermes bangles, Hublot watch and Lucifer Vir Honestus earrings, Van Cleef & Arpels and Judy Geib rings, Donna Karan and Kate Spade necklaces, Chanel and Franck Muller watches.

Guest Blogger - Maria Cornejo

We recently sat down with eco-friendly designer Maria Cornejo to discuss her new collection that consciously stays away from the use of fur. Her collections are presented bi-annually in New York and Paris.

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

When did you first start designing? 

I first started designing in 1983 and am still going strong with my Zero + Maria Cornejo line.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs? 

We incorporate sustainability in the collection by producing locally in New York; by using sustainable fabric such as cupro, un-dyed alpaca yarns and natural vegetable dyed leather.

Name a simple way one can improve their carbon footprint: 

Buy locally produced goods – whether fashion or food.

What is the inspiration for your current collection? 

The current collection was inspired by the Museum of Mankind in Paris.

Do you have a style icon? 

My style icon is Tilda Swinton. She’s simple and classic.

Tell us about a significant piece of jewelry: 

My favorite piece of jewelry is a natural wooden bracelet made by Victoria Simes.

10 Things To Know About CIRCA

You might have sold a prized possession to us or seen our ad campaigns, but how much do you really know about the leading global buyer of fine jewelry?

1. CIRCA doesn’t sell jewelry, we buy. As the largest buyer of jewelry worldwide and the first brand solely dedicated to this concept, we do not sell to the public at all.


2. By 2015, CIRCA will be buying over 200,000 carats of diamonds per year.


3. CIRCA believes every unwanted diamond or jewel sold back into the marketplace is one less that has to be mined. This reduces the negative environmental effects of diamond mining.


4. CIRCA’s experts undergo approximately one year of intensive training before they meet with their first client, and are evaluated heavily on the number of written compliments he or she receives.


5. CIRCA expert buyers evaluate over 300 pieces of jewelry each day.


6. CIRCA CEO, Chris Del Gatto once outbid a Sheikh in a private bidding war for a 50 carat yellow diamond.


7. Del Gatto’s favorite color is purple. It inspired CIRCA’s signature lavender color that is threaded throughout every office.


8. CIRCA has offices throughout the US, Europe and Asia. The most recent to open is Barcelona. Coming soon… Geneva, Madrid, Milan, Las Vegas, Los Angeles.


9. CIRCA has released four, eye-catching national ad campaigns. The most recent can be seen in Harper’s Bazaar and Town & Country magazines, among others.


10. CIRCA Brands is a division of the company that owns multiple brands underneath that umbrella. The first acquired was Sector watches.

Movers and Shakers

CIRCA recently purchased this dainty, silver-topped gold and diamond flower brooch, circa 1890. The piece is set en tremblant (from the French term “to tremble”), a technique popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Jewelry pieces, like this one, were set with tiny springs to create a dynamic motion in the piece that moved as the wearer moved. Diamonds were often incorporated because of their ability to catch the light from different angles. En tremblant pieces were typically brooches, as Victorian-era women fastened them near their chest to create movement as they breathed.

Modern pieces typically don’t incorporate this type of movement, so it’s always a treat to come across antique pieces like this one. Their age and the spring movement make them extremely delicate, and difficult to find in such good condition.

You Say It's Your Birthday...

Emerald is the traditional birthstone for the month of May. Here are a few interesting facts about this stone for those who celebrate birthdays this month:

• Most emeralds have inclusions (imperfections). It is extremely rare to find a natural emerald without flaws. That is why a top-quality natural emerald will often be worth more than a top-quality diamond of the same weight.

• The origin of the name “Emerald” is derived from the Greek word "Smaragdos" which means "green stone" reflecting the color of the emerald.

• The first emerald mines recorded in history are the famous Cleopatra mines rediscovered in 1818 in Northern Egypt. Cleopatra prized emeralds above all other gems.

• The symbolism associated with emeralds is faithfulness, friendship and loyalty. Emerald was thought to lose its color or turn brown if a partner was unfaithful.

• Colombian emeralds are among the world’s most beautiful, with rich, green coloring that's often kissed with a touch of blue.

CIRCA Sightings

Spring has sprung and CIRCA was out and about in full force. CIRCA New York Director, Angelina Chen joined by Natasha Cornstein, headed to the Central Park Conservancy’s 30th Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards “Hat Luncheon.” Hosted by the women’s committee at Central Park’s Conservatory Garden, with a mission to restore, manage and enhance Central Park. Ladies lunched in an array of decorative hats, fascinators and bonnets, and all managed to look lovely despite the rain.

Next up was the 7th Annual Bag Ladies Benefit held at the Carlyle on the Green at Bethpage State Park – honoring Lisa Kratter and her dedication to Prevention Is The Cure, and the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition (HBCAC). It was an evening of handbags with hundreds of donated pieces to bid on, but also a variety of raffle items and live auction prizes.

CIRCA donated a pair of late 18th century diamond ear pendants, each composed of rose cut diamonds set in 12k pink gold topped with silver. Hats off to these successful CIRCA-supported events!

Photos captions: CIRCA NY Director Angelina Chen and Natasha Cornstein; atmosphere shots at the Hat Luncheon.

Spell It Out for M-O-M

Mother's Day became a national holiday by order of President Woodrow Wilson in 1914. The day was created by Anna Jarvis, in honor of her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, who administered non partisan medical care and food to Civil War soldiers.

In an odd twist of fate, Anna Jarvis would spend the rest of her life, as well as her last penny, to protest the commercial trivialization of the holiday. A local newspaper quoted her "A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most it yourself!" We at CIRCA concur with Anna Jarvis - if want to write something meaningful engrave it! It can be beautiful to say "I Love You Mom" in the romance languages like French or Italian. A simple silver key chain with family nicknames always puts a smile on a mother's face. American's love to give jewelry on Mother's Day to the tune of $2.5 billion last year.* A clever inscription makes a classic piece personal. Collectable gems like a VC&A ballerina pin remain stylish for generations to come and their value is unharmed by the addition of engraving.

 

The Duchess of Windsor, who remains in a class by herself to this day when it comes to jewels, gave life to one of the greatest love stories of all time. She commissioned the cross bracelet pictured here to commemorate her passion for her husband, Duke of Windsor. Each cross bears a milestone and a date from their love affair.

CIRCA is passionate about celebrating love with jewelry. We'd love to hear your story about a special piece you've given your mother.

*National Retail Federation
**^ Malcolm S. Forbes, Jeff Bloch (1991). Women Who Made a Difference (reprinted ed.). Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-671-74866-1.

Guest Blogger - Julie Macklowe

We recently sat down with trendy New Yorker, Julie Macklowe, to see what influences her style.


Who is your style icon and why?

Nan Kempner, former New York City socialite and philanthropist, embodied iconic and amazing style. She had great flair, a zest for life and some of the most amazing jewelry and clothing pieces out there. Her joie de vivre was incredible.


What does jewelry represent to you?

Memorable moments to keep with you at all times. Each amazing piece of jewelry my husband has ever bought me reminds me of special moments: when I gave birth to our daughter, Zoe, our wedding, or my recent birthday when he bought me the Solange Azagury-Partridge Ballcrusher earrings.

At CIRCA we believe every jewel tells a story. Tell us the story of your favorite/significant piece.

My grandmother gave me an old Bakelite necklace she bought in the late 20's, which I wear often. It's very important to me as it reminds me of her. So much of my style and taste comes from my grandmother who loved wearing interesting, eye-catching statement pieces. She taught me about craftsmanship and amazing clothing. Her view was always to buy one piece that was important and memorable vs. many pieces.

Sustainability is at the heart of CIRCA's brand. What's your opinion on the impact of sustainability in the luxury industry? 

I think people will always look to have pieces that hold value, like art from important artists, pieces from amazing designers, signed jewelry or artifacts. I think the importance of creating pieces that last many years, that don't waste, is very important and something that we embrace at vbeauté. The 'It Kit' was created to help prevent waste and maintain the idea of sustainability - hence why the 'It Kit' is refillable, and the actual packaging materials are minimized.

Julie Macklowe is CEO of vbeauté skincare

Let's Play Dress Up

Last night was the much anticipated 2012 Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City – celebrating the opening of the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibition. Stars pushed the envelope on the red carpet in stylish, yet edgy ensembles. More importantly, it was an evening to break out the jewels!

Kate Bosworth dazzled the red carpet in a 1920s, flapper-inspired Bordeaux and navy ostrich feathered mini dress by Prada. She accessorized with Art Deco diamond and platinum bracelets and diamond ear clips. Gwyneth Paltrow, also in a Prada mini, wore CIRCA’s signature color, lavender. We think it’s a perfect choice for the warmer months, and I particularly loved her choice of colored jewels. Her diamond hoops were nature-inspired with decorative, emerald “branches,” paired with an oversized diamond and magenta flower ring. Kirsten Dunst was inspired by 1940s glamour in a Rodarte skirt and blazer. Her Van Cleef & Arpels diamond watch is a truly classic accessory.

Black is back with sleek silhouettes and form-fitting gowns – I was amazed by the elegance! Cate Blanchett ruffled some feathers in a floor-length Alexander McQueen. Gisele Bundchen wowed in a sparkling, beaded Givenchy with a fishtail finish. Rooney Mara – the woman always in black – also chose a custom Givenchy with lace overlay for a more edgy feel.

Who was your favorite on the red carpet?

In the Loupe is authored by CIRCA’s resident trendspotter and style maven. She’s traveled the world, dabbling in high finance, haute cuisine, and fine art at one of the world’s leading auction houses, before finding her true calling in the world of priceless gems. The result is a genuine global luxury connoisseur, with a knowledge and appreciation of beauty, quality and true style. She is one of the industry’s foremost experts on the valuation of fine gems and jewelry, and is now happy to share her discerning eye and impeccable taste to help you look and feel fabulous!