Christie’s Hong Kong Auction Sets Several Records

A pair of round diamonds and emerald ear pendants both set auction records at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday.
The auction brought in $82.7 million, the most ever for a jewelry auction in Hong Kong, said said Vickie Sek, director of Christie’s Asia Jewellery and Jadeite Department. Fine colored stones and natural pearls “fetched extremely strong prices.”
A total of 241 of

Christie’s Hong Kong Auction Sets Several Records

A pair of round diamonds and emerald ear pendants both set auction records at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday.
The auction brought in $82.7 million, the most ever for a jewelry auction in Hong Kong, said said Vickie Sek, director of Christie’s Asia Jewellery and Jadeite Department. Fine colored stones and natural pearls “fetched extremely strong prices.”
A total of 241 of

Record Setting Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday reached $1.25 billion in online spending in the U.S., up 22 percent year-over-year, representing the heaviest online spending day in history and the second day on record to surpass the billion-dollar threshold, according to comScore, a firm that specializes in measuring digital data.

“Cyber Monday was yet another historic day for e-commerce,” said Gian Fulgoni, comScore chairman. “

Record Setting Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday reached $1.25 billion in online spending in the U.S., up 22 percent year-over-year, representing the heaviest online spending day in history and the second day on record to surpass the billion-dollar threshold, according to comScore, a firm that specializes in measuring digital data.

“Cyber Monday was yet another historic day for e-commerce,” said Gian Fulgoni, comScore chairman. “

Two Fancy Colored Diamonds Valued at $408,000 on Sale for Cyber Monday

2.04-carat pear-shaped orange pink colored diamond

Among the many items being offered on Cyber Monday, less than an hour away, are two natural fancy colored diamonds valued at $408,750. They are available at a discount for the sale day. They will likely be the two most expensive items on sale Monday.The items are being sold by natural colored diamond specialist firm, Leibish & Co. on their

Two Fancy Colored Diamonds Valued at $408,000 on Sale for Cyber Monday

2.04-carat pear-shaped orange pink colored diamond

Among the many items being offered on Cyber Monday, less than an hour away, are two natural fancy colored diamonds valued at $408,750. They are available at a discount for the sale day. They will likely be the two most expensive items on sale Monday.The items are being sold by natural colored diamond specialist firm, Leibish & Co. on their

Chow Tai Fook Set to Issue IPO that Could Raise $3 Billion

Hong Kong jewelry retailer Chow Tai Fook is looking to raise nearly $3 billion in an initial public offering that would be one of the largest in Hong Kong this year, according to published reports.The company will offer 1.05 billion shares at HK$15 to HK$21 each, putting the total deal size at up to HK$22.05 billion ($2.83 billion), Reuters reports. In another report by The Standard in Hong Kong

Chow Tai Fook Set to Issue IPO that Could Raise $3 Billion

Hong Kong jewelry retailer Chow Tai Fook is looking to raise nearly $3 billion in an initial public offering that would be one of the largest in Hong Kong this year, according to published reports.The company will offer 1.05 billion shares at HK$15 to HK$21 each, putting the total deal size at up to HK$22.05 billion ($2.83 billion), Reuters reports. In another report by The Standard in Hong Kong

Black Friday Online Sales Total $816 Million, Cyber Monday Next

Black Friday saw $816 million in online sales, making it the heaviest online spending day to date in 2011 and representing a 26-percent increase versus Black Friday 2010, according to ComScore, a firm that measures digital data. Thanksgiving Day (November 24), while traditionally a lighter day for online holiday spending, achieved a strong 18-percent increase to $479 million.

Overall U.S. retail

Black Friday Online Sales Total $816 Million, Cyber Monday Next

Black Friday saw $816 million in online sales, making it the heaviest online spending day to date in 2011 and representing a 26-percent increase versus Black Friday 2010, according to ComScore, a firm that measures digital data. Thanksgiving Day (November 24), while traditionally a lighter day for online holiday spending, achieved a strong 18-percent increase to $479 million.

Overall U.S. retail

I'm famous...

Ok, maybe not famous but I was surprised to find that Rent The Runway featured me in their Thanksgiving email.Can you find me?There I am!

Bergdorf Goodman's holiday video

Too cute!

I Haven't Been Posting Much Lately and this is Why

Image by Derek Lepper of Derek Lepper Photography.

That head poking above the Caribbean Sea as the sun sets is your intrepid blogger. People have been asking me why I've been coming to Barbados for the past 10 years. This is just one reason. I will be posting but I also will be enjoying my time away. I wish all my U.S. friends a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday no matter how you celebrate it and

I Haven't Been Posting Much Lately and this is Why

Image by Derek Lepper of Derek Lepper Photography.

That head poking above the Caribbean Sea as the sun sets is your intrepid blogger. People have been asking me why I've been coming to Barbados for the past 10 years. This is just one reason. I will be posting but I also will be enjoying my time away. I wish all my U.S. friends a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday no matter how you celebrate it and

Manolo Blahnik Swan Pump

Lovely. I would take a white pair thank you very much.

By the way, I really hate to do this but I need a little help with a grad school project.
IF and only IF you want to do this, fill out a survey about Twitter here (you have to be on Twitter to fill it out). It's only 12 questions...

Either way, have a super happy Thanksgiving with lots of pie!

Signet Sales and Same Store Sales Up Nearly 11%

Kay Jewelers is a top performer for Signet.

Signet Jewelers Ltd., the world’s largest specialty retailer of fine jewelry, said Tuesday that third quarter sales increased 10.7 percent, year-over-year, to $710.5 million, led by a 10.6 percent increase in same store sales. Income before taxes for the period, ended October 29, was $42.1 million, up from $12 million for the third quarter of the

Signet Sales and Same Store Sales Up Nearly 11%

Kay Jewelers is a top performer for Signet.

Signet Jewelers Ltd., the world’s largest specialty retailer of fine jewelry, said Tuesday that third quarter sales increased 10.7 percent, year-over-year, to $710.5 million, led by a 10.6 percent increase in same store sales. Income before taxes for the period, ended October 29, was $42.1 million, up from $12 million for the third quarter of the

Three Keys to Selling Fine Jewelry

This is one of a series of articles by Mónica Arias of Excellence Consulting, a luxury sales and marketing consulting firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. These articles will focus on ways that sales and marketing professional in the jewelry and luxury industries can improve their techniques.

When it comes to offering true beauties such as fine jewelry, someone who is in the sales profession

Three Keys to Selling Fine Jewelry

This is one of a series of articles by Mónica Arias of Excellence Consulting, a luxury sales and marketing consulting firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. These articles will focus on ways that sales and marketing professional in the jewelry and luxury industries can improve their techniques.

When it comes to offering true beauties such as fine jewelry, someone who is in the sales profession

Modern princess outfits

Dress Like A Princess - L.K. Bennett London... In Chicago

On my wanderings today with BabyWP while we waited for our babymobile to get an oil change, I saw this:  L.K. Bennett London.  In Chicago.

If you're asking what's L.K. Bennett, then you're clearly not an avid royal watcher like myself.  If you were, you'd know that L.K. Bennett pumps were Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge's pump of choice.  Check out all the following appearance from this year.  Where she wore.... L.K. Bennett pumps.

 Until this year, L.K. Bennett did not exist in the U.S.  And, as I learned today, this particular Chicago store was the first in the country!  Chicago, first in fashion, first in my heart. 

Back to the pumps. 

So obviously I ran in and started drooling on all the princess-worthy pumps.  But as this was an impromptu visit, all I had was my very sad and very embarassing camera phone to take pictures with.  Sadness.

L.K. Bennett, £185.00 @ [Sorry, the site only has pounds and I didn't catch what it was in USD]

I knew that L.K. Bennett was a fabulous luxury designer, but what I wasn't prepared for was the, relatively, super reasonable pricing!

Their regular price pumps were all about $325.  And the sale shoes, like the ones below, were all about $200.  You could spend that on crappy, terrible shoes from Aldo!  But instead you get fabulous, luxurious, princess pumps.

Look familiar?  I think so.  They're Kate's shoes!

Buy them here

I clearly had to try on some Duchess-worn shoes myself.

I instantly knew why Kate is such a fan - they're gorgeous, classic, and oh so comfortable. I could have walked miles in them. Or stood for hours for a public appearance. You know, since I have a lot of those ;)  I may or may not have had to buy them.  I mean, how else can I snag Prince Harry if I don't dress like a princess?

Not only was the merch fabulous, the sales staff was so crazy nice.  They saw me clicking away with my phone and then helped me out and pulled pieces for me to picture for the site!

$375 @

£295.00 £175.00

Switching out the jackets for me. How fierce are her shoes? I almost bought them.

$995

Heck, they even modeled stuff for me!! Now where else can you get service like that?

$795

This jacket was lined in leather.  *swoon*  It was SO. HOT.  I wish I had my real camera to do the jacket justice.

And with that I left the very yummy L.K. Bennett.  But don't you worry, L.K., I'll be back very soon.

Isn't this great?

Not getting married anytime soon, but I love this!

Ulysse Nardin's $1.1 Million Timepiece Highlights Superyacht Charity Event

The $1.1 Million Royal Blue Tourbillion Haute Joaillerie

PALM BEACH, Fla. – The guests circled the marble outdoor pool area Saturday at the Mar-A-Lago Club, Donald’s Trump’s Mediterranean-revival palace, as night fell. The men wearing formal tuxes, the women in flowing gowns with jewelry that sparkled like stars against the night. They entered the main banquet room with drinks in hand and sat

Ulysse Nardin's $1.1 Million Timepiece Highlights Superyacht Charity Event

The $1.1 Million Royal Blue Tourbillion Haute Joaillerie

PALM BEACH, Fla. – The guests circled the marble outdoor pool area Saturday at the Mar-A-Lago Club, Donald’s Trump’s Mediterranean-revival palace, as night fell. The men wearing formal tuxes, the women in flowing gowns with jewelry that sparkled like stars against the night. They entered the main banquet room with drinks in hand and sat

Growth and October Retail Sales and September Jewelry Sales

Retail sales in October increased 0.7 percent from September and 4.7 percent year-over-year led by discretionary purchases and growth in all categories, according to the National Retail Federation.Meanwhile, October retail sales released by the U.S. Commerce Department show that total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants)

Growth and October Retail Sales and September Jewelry Sales

Retail sales in October increased 0.7 percent from September and 4.7 percent year-over-year led by discretionary purchases and growth in all categories, according to the National Retail Federation.Meanwhile, October retail sales released by the U.S. Commerce Department show that total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants)

Christie's to Host Exclusive Online Sale of Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry

Diamond and 18k white gold necklace set with approximately 126 circular-cut diamonds, weighing approximately 18.50-20.50 carats total, mounted in 18k white gold. Estimate: $10,000-15,000

Christie's will hold a separate online sale of some of Elizabeth Taylor’s most cherished possessions to coincide with the auction house's live auction of "The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor," to be held in New

Christie's to Host Exclusive Online Sale of Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry

Diamond and 18k white gold necklace set with approximately 126 circular-cut diamonds, weighing approximately 18.50-20.50 carats total, mounted in 18k white gold. Estimate: $10,000-15,000

Christie's will hold a separate online sale of some of Elizabeth Taylor’s most cherished possessions to coincide with the auction house's live auction of "The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor," to be held in New

Sun-Drop Sells for a Record-Breaking $12.3 Million

The 110.03-carat Sun-Drop Diamond fetched $12.3 million Tuesday at Sotheby’s Sale of Magnificent Jewels in Geneva.The auction house said the price paid for what is considered to be the largest known pear-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamond in the world set a world auction record for yellow diamonds.

The previous record for a yellow diamond was achieved by “The Vivid Yellow,” a 32.77-carat

Sun-Drop Sells for a Record-Breaking $12.3 Million

The 110.03-carat Sun-Drop Diamond fetched $12.3 million Tuesday at Sotheby’s Sale of Magnificent Jewels in Geneva.The auction house said the price paid for what is considered to be the largest known pear-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamond in the world set a world auction record for yellow diamonds.

The previous record for a yellow diamond was achieved by “The Vivid Yellow,” a 32.77-carat

Tuesday pretties

Excellence: The Experience Your Customers Deserve

This is the first in a series of articles by Mónica Arias of Excellence Consulting, a luxury sales and marketing consulting firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. These articles will focus on ways that sales and marketing professional in the jewelry and luxury industry can improve their techniques.

So much has been said about improving customer service during the past decades that, given the

Excellence: The Experience Your Customers Deserve

This is the first in a series of articles by Mónica Arias of Excellence Consulting, a luxury sales and marketing consulting firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. These articles will focus on ways that sales and marketing professional in the jewelry and luxury industry can improve their techniques.

So much has been said about improving customer service during the past decades that, given the

Jewelry and Watches a Top e-Commerce Performer

Jewelry and Watches is one of several product categories that grew at least 15 percent in sales, compared to a year ago, according to comScore, Inc., a digital measurement and analytical firm. The Reston, Va.-based company did not give details on the jewelry with a report it recently published. However, jewelry and watches was a top performer, along with other categories that experienced

Jewelry and Watches a Top e-Commerce Performer

Jewelry and Watches is one of several product categories that grew at least 15 percent in sales, compared to a year ago, according to comScore, Inc., a digital measurement and analytical firm. The Reston, Va.-based company did not give details on the jewelry with a report it recently published. However, jewelry and watches was a top performer, along with other categories that experienced

Richemont’s Half-Year Sales Up 29%, led by Asian Demand and Jewelry and Watch Sales

Luxury goods conglomerate, Cie. Financiere Richemont SA, said Friday that sales for the six-month period, ended September 30, increased by 29 percent to 4.2 billion euros ($4.68 billion), year-over-year. At constant exchange rates (stripping out the effects of currency exchange rates), the increase was 36 percent.The Swiss company reported solid growth across all segments, regions and channels.

Richemont’s Half-Year Sales Up 29%, led by Asian Demand and Jewelry and Watch Sales

Luxury goods conglomerate, Cie. Financiere Richemont SA, said Friday that sales for the six-month period, ended September 30, increased by 29 percent to 4.2 billion euros ($4.68 billion), year-over-year. At constant exchange rates (stripping out the effects of currency exchange rates), the increase was 36 percent.The Swiss company reported solid growth across all segments, regions and channels.

Vogie Italia: Home Chic

What a fantastic little editorial! Love the color. All looks by Blumarine.

Prada "Galleria" Bags

Hopelessly gorgeous.I would do bag things for this green one:

Gucci’s Latin Grammy Digital Timepiece and Leather Bracelet

Gucci Timepieces and Jewelry has partnered with The Latin Recording Academy, known for the Latin Grammy Awards, and as part of this relationship, the luxury brand created a special edition Latin Grammy watch and jewelry collection, designed by Gucci creative director, Frida Giannini.

The brand created a larger and bolder version of the I-Gucci (top picture), its first-ever digital timepiece.

Gucci’s Latin Grammy Digital Timepiece and Leather Bracelet

Gucci Timepieces and Jewelry has partnered with The Latin Recording Academy, known for the Latin Grammy Awards, and as part of this relationship, the luxury brand created a special edition Latin Grammy watch and jewelry collection, designed by Gucci creative director, Frida Giannini.

The brand created a larger and bolder version of the I-Gucci (top picture), its first-ever digital timepiece.

Random images I like today

Graff Plans Asian Expansion

The Graff Diamonds store on New Bond Street, London.

Graff Diamonds Ltd. is planning to file an initial public offering, most likely in Hong Kong, in order to fund its expansion into Asia, according to several reports.The London-based company, owned by Laurence Graff, is using the IPO to raise $1 billion and increase the value of the company to $5 billion, the Financial Times (subscription

Graff Plans Asian Expansion

The Graff Diamonds store on New Bond Street, London.

Graff Diamonds Ltd. is planning to file an initial public offering, most likely in Hong Kong, in order to fund its expansion into Asia, according to several reports.The London-based company, owned by Laurence Graff, is using the IPO to raise $1 billion and increase the value of the company to $5 billion, the Financial Times (subscription

Blue Nile CEO Resigns; Q3 Sales Up 11%

Diane Irvine

Diane Irvine, Blue Nile CEO, president and director, who has been with the diamond and fine jewelry online retailer since the company was founded in 1999, has resigned, effective November 11. The announcement came just minutes before the Seattle-based company reported that third quarter sales increased 11.2 percent to $75 million. Operating income for the quarter totaled $2.9

Blue Nile CEO Resigns; Q3 Sales Up 11%

Diane Irvine

Diane Irvine, Blue Nile CEO, president and director, who has been with the diamond and fine jewelry online retailer since the company was founded in 1999, has resigned, effective November 11. The announcement came just minutes before the Seattle-based company reported that third quarter sales increased 11.2 percent to $75 million. Operating income for the quarter totaled $2.9

Hublot and Ferrari Become Partners

Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot (left), and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari S.p.A, seal the deal at the Mugello International Circuit. Photo credit: Raphael Faux.


Luxury Swiss watch brand Hublot says it has entered into a “comprehensive agreement” with the Italian sports car manufacturer, Ferrari, merging the brand images and the commercial activities of both companies.

Hublot and Ferrari Become Partners

Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot (left), and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari S.p.A, seal the deal at the Mugello International Circuit. Photo credit: Raphael Faux.


Luxury Swiss watch brand Hublot says it has entered into a “comprehensive agreement” with the Italian sports car manufacturer, Ferrari, merging the brand images and the commercial activities of both companies.

loving

1. J. Crew colorblock mockneck sweater:2. Lanvin handbags!
3. Anthropologie Santa Ana camisole: