Will you marry me, Fred?

Happy Leap Day everybody! And what an underrepresented day it is. St. Paddy’s day gets shamrocks and all of the green beer you can hold, Valentine’s day gets cards and flowers, but what about the poor Leap Day? Nada, zilch… it’s sad really. So consider this post my personal crusade against Leap Day apathy and discrimination! 

Ok, so I’m not really this crazed Leap Day fanatic, but I do think that it’s one of the cooler days that crops up throughout the year. So this year, since we’ve started this snazzy blog and everything, I thought I’d do a little bit of research into what it is, exactly, that makes this day so special. And where best to start, but at the very beginning. *Is anyone else humming that song from The Sound of Music right now? Well if you weren’t, I bet you are now!* Anyways, to answer the age old leap year question, we start with another question. How many days are there in a year? If you answered 365, you’d be right, sort of. It takes ~365.25 days for the earth to orbit the sun. Over the years this slight lag would cause the seasons to drift, and we’d all eventually end up celebrating Christmas in July. So, when we switched to the Julian calendar in 456 B.C.E. a day was inserted into the calendar every four years to correct the drift. That day is of course February 29^th. Now, back to our original question. If you answered 365.25 you’d also be incorrect, I know I know… I said 365.25 was right, and it is, almost. You see it takes, precisely 365.242374 days for the earth to orbit the sun. This difference is an extremely minute amount of time, about 11 minutes per year, but over time it adds up to a full day every 128 years. So to rectify the situation, the Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1582 which omitted the leap year three times for every 400 years. If that is confusing there is a simple formula to determine if it’s going to be a leap year. A leap year is any year whose date is exactly divisible by 4 except those which are divisible by 100 but not 400… see simple, or not. Anyways, this year is a leap year and that’s all you really need to worry about right?

So, we’ve established a brief history of how the leap year came about, so now let’s get to the fun stuff, folklore and legends! For example, children born in a leap year were considered unruly and difficult to raise. I have no idea if that’s true, but Jennifer Lopez’s twins were born on Leap Day so if anyone wants to ask her please get back to us! People born on Leap Day itself, called Leapers or Leaplings, are a rare breed indeed. There is only a 1 in 1,500 chance that a child will be born on February 29^th. Another famous Leapling was the fictional character Frederic who was apprenticed to a band of pirates until his 21^st birthday. When that day came, he was released from his bonds and returned to the mainland where he fell in love with a girl named Mabel. However, their love affair was cut short when Frederic realized that as a Leapling, he had not technically reached the age of 21. So, honest to a fault he returned to the pirates vowing to complete the final 63 years of his service leaving Mabel behind to wait for him faithfully. Now, I won’t tell you any more as I don’t want to ruin the ending. 

Ah, what’s this picture? Could it possibly be the best reason that leap years are famous? Ok, yeah, it’s probably the main one, proposals! That title's making a whole lot more sense now isn't it? You see, back in the day, women weren’t allowed to propose to their men and would be left, pining away for years. So in the 5^th century St. Bridget had had enough. She pled with St. Patrick to let women do the asking for a change. And after much haggling, he agreed that women could ask for their men’s hands in marriage only on leap years. Well it just so happened that it was a leap year and Bridget dropped to one knee and proposed. Flustered, Patrick refused, but to soften the blow he gave her a kiss, apparently he was better at dealing with snakes than with women. And from that day on, if a man refused a woman’s proposal he had to pay her with money, or a new gown and a kiss. It’s at this point in the story that I, A. want to start proposing to random men and then demanding money when they decline and B. wonder how the tradition ever took hold. I mean, seriously, there are these two people standing around and debating proposal rules and regulations, they come to an agreement and then what? It’s not like they were Kings or Presidents capable of bringing national regime changes. There was no MSN online to spread the word, and I can bet that a month or two later some woman was spurned by a man and left sputtering “But Bridget and Patrick said I could and now you owe me money, or a dress!” And I could only assume that her would-be groom would have answered back with “Bridget and Patrick who?” Although I have to admit this whole tradition forming thought process does have its appeals. I, Megan Reynolds, have just decided that March 1^st is a day when my fiancé should shower me with jewels. Think it will work? Yeah, I didn’t either, but a girl’s got to try right?

But I digress, over the years the tradition of a leap year marriage proposal dwindled in popularity until it was only represented on one day, February 29^th. It is reported that in the US marriage rates double on Leap Day, hey it’s an easy anniversary to remember. So, women of the world, are you tired of waiting around for your man to propose? Well quit waiting and start asking! And do we have some stunning choices for his mangagement ring. *Yes, mangagement is a real word, because I said so. So ladies, dare to be different and propose to your one true love today! And you should totally use bands like these that dare to be different as well.

The ring on the left is made of cobalt which is a great conversation starter for your hubby-to-be. It's also a symbolic metal, 5x harder than gold because it will be an everlasting testament to your love for him and the striking two tone color palate doesn't hurt either. And if that band just isn't funky enough for you, how about the band on the right? Made with Seranite, it's bold, stripey pattern is sure to turn heads. And let's be honest, he'll love telling all of his friends that his band is made of Seranite, it just sounds really cool. But don't limit yourself to just these options, check out UnionDiamond.com for even more great metal choices from classic Yellow Gold, to luxurious Platinum and everything in between. Seriously, the selection is fantastic with a ton of different styles as well including Comfort Fit, Engraved, and even some with Diamonds!  And then, once you've popped the question, you should run back here and share your story, pictures would be nice too! Also, if you’ve proposed or hey, men, if you’ve been proposed to on Leap Day we’d love to hear about it!

It was a dark and stormy night...

It’s London, July of 2007, and something has just happened that will shake the jewelry industry to its very core. And today, almost five years later, its effects are still being felt. How’s that for an intro, all I’d have to do is throw in “it was a dark and stormy night” and you’d have one heck of a mystery thriller. Although, the story that I’m about to tell you could have been ripped right out of the pages of a Sherlock Holmes novel. But it wasn’t dark and stormy, it was a quiet afternoon in the middle of a London Summer. 

It all began when a Bentley Continental Flying Spur sedan drove up to the well-known London Jewelry store. Now, hearing the name Bentley, as well as all of the names after that, one assumes luxury. And one would be right, as this car has a base retail price of $184,200, and I’m pretty sure no one buys a base model Bentley. Anyways, the luxury sedan pulls up to the curb and two well-dressed men step out. The car leaves as they walk into the building. The two men then start a conversation with a sales clerk who assumes that they are serious customers. It would be an obvious assumption to make with them being chauffeured to their destination in a Bentley, but the two looked the part as well. But all pretense of normalcy was shattered when the clerk unlocked the case and began to reach for the expensive items within. The men immediately drew their guns and announced that this was a robbery. They walked out of the store that day with over $20 million dollars in jewelry consisting of earrings, necklaces, pendants, and rings. They were suave and debonair and I’m sure that they looked nothing like this. Because he just looks silly.        

Over four years later, no one has been arrested and charged with the theft and the case remains open. Sgt. Sarah Staff of the London police remembers the day vividly saying “It is not every day that people use a Bentley to arrive at a premises they intend to rob.” But as much as the theft captured the attention of the world, no one knew what had happened to the jewels. Some speculated that the gems had been spirited away into Belgium, but with the reality of worldwide travel, the loot could have been smuggled anywhere in the world in 24 hours. It seemed that the case of the London Jewelry Heist would forever remain unsolved and left to a fate of bad made-for-TV movies and idle office gossip. 

But then, two of the jewels turned up, one in Hong Kong, and one in the possession of an Israeli diamond consolidator. Now the London jeweler is trying to prove ownership of the two stones, one 4.20 carats and the other over 16 carats. And to bring even more confusion into the mix, both stones are being held “hostage” at the GIA who had certified both stones before they were stolen. 

It turns out that the larger stone had come into a pawn shop in Hong Kong who, upon seeing documentation from the seller, purchased the stone for $387,000. The London jewelers claim that the stone was the recut version of the stone that had been stolen from them in 2007. Now it’s important to note that stones are routinely recut when they are stolen in order to hide their origins. The Hope diamond is one example of this as it was recut when it was smuggled out of France during the revolution. However lawyers are questioning the pawn shop’s credibility saying that they must have known that the stone was being purchased for an amount far below its current market value and that the buyer “should have been aware that the diamond was sold to it in violation of the rights of the true owner. 

The second stone’s story is a bit murkier. No one knows how the Israeli consolidator, identified as Gabriel Jana, came about owning the smaller diamond. And at first it appeared that Jana would be cooperative with London jeweler’s lawyer Michael Bono. Jana agreed to send the stone to the GIA so that its ownership could be resolved “without litigation”. However, things quickly went downhill as Jana disappeared. It is thought that he is currently living under a different name in his native Israel.

The GIA is refusing to comment on the issue saying that the institute’s policy was to “seek direction from the court in regards to any ownership disputes that arise. So now we wait, and judging how slowly courts seem to run we could be waiting another four and a half years before we see any resolution to this issue. But you can be sure of one thing, we will be right here to tell you all about it when it happens!

Diamond Facials... Just What Will They Come Up With Next?

Awards season has come to a close, but I’m just not ready to say goodbye. So I won’t. The Oscars were a feast for a bling lover like myself. Diamonds were everywhere from glittering cuffs to dazzling drop earrings. It was a smorgasbord of sparkle, and I enjoyed every minute of it. But the jewelry weren’t the only parts that diamonds played Sunday night. Stars like Mila Kunis were lining up to have diamonds added to their awards season beauty regimes. It’s good to be a celebrity. 

Photo Credit : Associated Press

Apparently, for a mere $7,000, you too can look as dewy and flawless as your favorite celeb. Called the HD Diamond and Ruby Peel, the procedure uses precious stones such as diamonds and rubies claiming that they work as antioxidants for the skin, creating a ‘lustrous sheen’. Aesthetician to the starts Scott-Vincent Borba explains the treatment that he performed on Mila Kunis saying that “Mila is one of my muses. She’ll test my stuff before everyone else and give me feedback. 

The treatment begins by rubbing the precious stones over the skin to, I’m assuming, release the antioxidants. And how exactly does this work? Most stones that I come across have a sharp, pointy bit at the bottom called the culet. I'm pretty sure that it would start to hurt having a few of those ground into your face. I guess we'll just have to hope that the stones are smoothly polished and not faceted, although a smooth polish seems like a waste for a good diamond. Anyways. The client is then instructed to suck on an ice cube to decrease puffiness. The whole shebang is then finished off with a paraffin silk fibre facial. Oh, and by the way, while the treatment costs a cool seven grand, the ice cube is free!

Ok, so I obviously think that this facial is pretty much bogus. And I can think of thousands of better ways to enjoy diamonds and rubies most of which involve setting them into jewelry which I can then wear. But, and this is a big but, if I had 7k just burning a hole in my pocket you bet I would be parked at Mr. Borba’s salon for this treatment because firstly, Mila Kunis looks amazing, and secondly it just sounds awesome to have a facial with diamonds and rubies. It’s just like one of those bucket list things that you’ve always wanted to do, like swim in a pool of money a la Scrooge McDuck. 

But as always, it doesn’t matter what I think. Would you be up for a diamond facial? Is it a total waste of money, or a total dream come true? We want to hear about it!

The Oscars are Coming! The Oscars are Coming!

Awards season has its arguably most exciting night on Sunday, and I for sure will be glued to my TV. Well not literally, but I’ll be watching intently, especially the red carpet portion. Oscar night is THE night for ogling beautiful jewels. And what a show it will be as literally thousands of carats and millions of dollars will be strutted down that famous carpet. So, in order to pump myself and all of you up for this bling-tastic occasion, I thought it would be fun to take a bit of a trip down memory lane at a few pieces that have stood out over the years. 

And what better way to start than with this $2.5 million yellow diamond necklace worn by Kate Winslet to the 2010 Oscars. The Art Deco inspired piece was set with 646 white round brilliant diamonds and 3 larger fancy yellow diamonds. A statement piece for sure. 

Photo : Steve Granitz/WireImage

Now, it’s not often that Oscar jewelry can be worn anyplace else but the red carpet, because, let’s face it, this is over the top stuff. However this next piece could be worn on the red carpet, going for a dip in the pool, or picking up some groceries. That’s because it’s the Taylor-Burton necklace containing the world famous 69.42 carat Taylor-Burton diamond. No one but Elizabeth Taylor could pull off that many carats and make it look effortless. 

Photo : Frank Edwards/Getty Images North America

For this next piece, we’re straying a bit from the classic diamond and into some earrings that make me ‘green’ with envy. Of course, I’m talking about emeralds, but not just any emeralds, 115 carat Columbian emerald drop earrings worn by Angelina Jolie at the 2009 awards. She accentuated the look with a matching 65 carat emerald ring, and of course Brad Pitt. Although if I’m honest, I’d rather have the emeralds. Look at that color!

Photo : Kevin Mazur/WireImage

 

Angelina wasn’t the first star to rock some serious statement earrings. That title goes to music royalty Beyoncé at the 2005 Oscars. She once told InStyle that “I’m not dressed unless I have earrings on”. Don’t worry B; you’ll never be underdressed with those bad boys. 

Photo : KMazur/WireImage

This next Oscar winning actress reached back in history with her antique bib style necklace which added some extra femininity to her look. The $250,000 piece was originally created for a daughter of Queen Victoria in 1890 and can also be turned into a tiara. Hilary Swank looked every bit the princess as she paired it with her cute boyish ‘do and simple gown. 

Photo : KMazur/WireImage

Now for our grand finale, a truly over the top look, and I do mean over the top. How about wearing a necklace containing 1,399 carats of diamonds, in one necklace? Yes, you heard me correctly, over one thousand carats in a single necklace. It was worn by Actress Nicole Kidman to the 2008 Oscars and I’m actually quite surprised that she didn’t topple over from the sheer weight! The piece is quite striking though, containing rough as well as faceted diamonds.Do you think she'd notice if I borrowed a few dozen carats? 

Photo : Lester Cohen/WireImage

So which piece is your favorite? And which celebs are you most excited about seeing on Sunday? We'd love to hear it!

I Think I May Have a New Favorite Color

Allow me to preface this post with the declaration that pink… is not my favorite color. I have bright red hair that clashes horrifically with it, so even though I think it’s beautiful by itself, or on other people, our VP wears pink all the time and she looks great in it, darn her Italian ancestry. Anyways, fashionably and color coordinatingly (is that a word?) speaking, pink and I just don’t get along that well. But, and this is a big but, all of that being said… I would change my whole fashion credo and swathe myself head to toe in bubbleicious goodness, clashing hair be darned, if I could wear this on my finger. Seriously. 

Photo courtesy of Rio Tinto

And what is this, this gorgeous cotton candy, gumdrop of a gem? It just so happens to be a 12.76 carat pink diamond that was recently unearthed at the Argyle mine in Australia. It also has the distinction of being the largest pink diamond ever found in Australia, that’s right, in the whole country, ever. “A diamond of this caliber is unprecedented – it has taken 26 years of Argyle production to unearth this stone, and we may never see one like this again,” said Josephine Johnson, Argyle Pink Diamonds Manager in a statement.  And that’s saying something as the Argyle mine is known to produce 90% or more of the world’s supply of pink diamonds. They’re somewhat an expert on the field you might say. 

Christened, Argyle Pink Jubilee, the record breaking stone will be subjected to two months of assessment and planning after which it will take 10 days to fashion the rough stone into its final shape. Any guesses as to what that might be? I’m hoping for a chunky cushion shape. That would be gorgeous! But the next question to be asked is, what’s it worth and can I buy it?

Well the answer is we’re not sure, and you may be able to buy it but I certainly cannot. The diamond’s projected value when it sells at the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender later this year is at least US $1.07 million. However there are a lot of variables in the price not least of which is that we have no idea how what the finished stone will look like. Head of Sotheby’s Asia department of jewelry Chin Yeow Quek explains, “It’s hard to judge a stone in the rough. It really depends on how large the rock will be polished down to” Rough diamonds tend to lose at least 50% of their total weight during the polishing process. “It also depends on the [intensity of] color and clarity, adds Quek.

So we’re not sure what the stone will look like, or what it will eventually sell for, but we do have a benchmark stone against which we can make a good guess. In November 2010 a 24.78 carat fancy intense pink diamond was sold by Sotheby’s in Geneva for more than $46 million setting the world auction record for any diamond and jewel at US $1.86 million per carat. There is an indescribable allure to pink diamonds, there are considered one of the most valuable types and are usually found only in museums, fine auction houses and on the hands of royalty, and of course on the finger of Mariah Carey who thinks she’s royalty so it all works out. Hey, if I had her voice and her money I’d think I was hot stuff too.

So let’s play a little game and guess what the final shape, weight, and value will be. I’ll go first, of course because I started this whole exercise. My guess is cushion cut, 5.38 carats and 1.8 million dollars.