Posted by Michaela Renee on Mon, Mar 01, 2010
Petra Diamonds set a new record last week for highest-selling rough diamond. The 507.5 carat Cullinan Heritage Diamond was purchased for $35.3m (US) at auction surpassing the previous record of $18.4m (US) from 2008. The high price tag is a true testament of its rarity and high quality. Although the buyer Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Company has not announced what it plans to do with the diamond, it has the potential to produce one of the World's most important and impressive polished gems. The Cullinan Heritage Diamond was discovered in September 2009 from Cullinan mine in South Africa which has produced many of the world's most famous diamonds. Large diamonds have always been fascinating. From the Hope to the Koh-i-Noor, they seem to akin themselves to legend and a bit of mystery. The Cullinan Heritage's future has yet to be decided however we expect it to be as brilliant as its predecessors.... After all, it is the 19th largest gem quality diamond EVER found!
Posted by Michaela Renee on Thu, Feb 18, 2010
The first tournament of the 2010 LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) season starts tomorrow in Thailand and the LGPA will be celebrating its 60th year! Kwiat will also be celebrating the start of a new season as we support a great cause. Golfer Cristie Kerr and Kwiat have teamed up to support Kerr’s foundation, Birdies For Breast Cancer, and the start of the 2010 season comes just as the new collection is ready to launch. 10% of all proceeds from this new Collection will go to the foundation. The limited-edition Collection is inspired by our Kwiat Star Collection, invoking the charitable connection by using a pink sapphire and pink gold.
The Honda PTT tournament starts tomorrow and continues through the weekend. All the action will air on The Golf Channel (Feb 19: 10-11:30AM, SAT: 4:30-6:00PM, & Sun: 4:30-6:00pm). Tune in to see Cristie Kerr and the other LPGA women start their 2010 season! Here’s a hint…every time Cristie makes a birdie, the foundation receives a donation!
Posted by Michaela Renee on Mon, Feb 15, 2010
The Chinese New Year began yesterday with celebrations in China and around the world. The Kwiat Boutique at the Wynn Macau is celebrating and keeping busy with visitors that have traveled to celebrate the New Year. Lights, fireworks, gifts, dragon dances, family gatherings, friends, parades, and tradition - These celebrations marked the end of the 2009 Chinese calender, Year of the OX and the beginning of 2010, the Year of the Tiger. The fifteen day Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calender. The festivities honor tradition and emphasize family, renewing one's spirit and home, hope, good fortune and longevity. Although I am nostalgic about the Time Square ball drop, you have to hand it to the Chinese they know how to celebrate the New Year. Happy Chinese New Year everyone; may happiness, wealth and longevity be yours in the Year of the Tiger.
Posted by Michaela Renee on Fri, Feb 12, 2010
Ahhh Valentine's Day.... A day to spend with the one you adore. Even though it doesn't have to be a holiday to show someone you care (it definitely should not be the only time), I admit - there is something about February 14 that puts most people in a romantic mood. Valentine's Day weekend is upon us, your plans for that special someone probably include flowers, candy, maybe dinner or perhaps a piece of jewelry. Now...It's obvious that there is a little bias here, but jewelry will last much longer than any of the other traditional Valentine's Day gifts. So let me give you some advice... hearts are great. Heart jewelry is a great gift, especially on v-day. BUT SWEETHEART BEWARE! Not all women love hearts...some actually use the word hate. Good news though! You don't have to give heart jewelry for Valentine's Day. It's silly to think jewelry requires a theme - a woman's jewelry should reflect her personal style. So when you're shopping consider who you're buying for, and remember flowers will fade and chocolates melt but jewelry tells a story....and really who would say no to jewelry?? Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by Michaela Renee on Fri, Feb 12, 2010
As the tents in Bryant Park started to fill and an anticipated Fall Fashion Week began, the fashion world recieved devastating news. British fashion designer, Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home on Thursday. McQueen was a fashion icon who is credited with helping revive the British fashion industry and creating the modern runway show (His shows were always a favorite) McQueen's designs were truly awe-inspiring and instantly recognizable for being dramatic and exquisitely tailored. Our hearts go out his family and friends - He will be missed.
Posted by Michaela Renee on Wed, Feb 03, 2010
If you have not already discovered the Kwiat Vintage website, here is your official invitation.Since its introduction, Kwiat Vintage has been a success. Drawing on Kwiat's vast archives and a century of experience, the collection ranges stylistically from Nouveau to Deco to Modern Vintage. It is a favorite among our celebrity clients and is only carried by exclusive dealers, it is a collection that embodies the 100 year history of a company that respects jewelry as artwork.
Visit the Kwiat Vintage website to view the complete collection or find an authorized dealer in your area.
Posted by Michaela Renee on Mon, Feb 01, 2010
Last night's Grammys were not only music's biggest night, but the Grammys biggest night since 2004. 25.8 million Americans watched the broadcast last night and I was definitely one of them!... But by now you know the excitement starts on the red carpet. Music's biggest night always brings out the biggest stars of music - and this year those stars rocked diamonds! Kwiat diamond earrings and bracelets were the choice of two of last night's winners. The first, Taylor Swiftwon early and graciously accepted her Grammys wearing Kwiat diamond earrings and diamond line bracelet - a classic choice for the lovely and talented Taylor. The Black Eyed Peaswere also early winners, taking home a total of three Grammys by night's end. The fashion critics are already humming about the blue Emilio Pucci mini that Fergie paired perfectly with a Kwiat diamond cuff from the Wave Collection. With the Grammys down, Hollywood sprints toward the Oscars! See you there
Posted by Michaela Renee on Fri, Jan 29, 2010
Simply Brilliant
Awards re-cap! Avatar is dominating, Streep went up against herself, GLEE is a hit, Alec is funny and The Good... Wait a minute! That's not the re-cap I was talking about. Winners aside, lets chat about the sparkling gems of the red carpet!
So far Gabby, Glenn, Mariah, and Anna have graced the red carpet with Kwiat diamonds. From Diamond earrings to a fabulous floral cuff these celebs definitely made it on a few best dressed lists. So let's get up close and personal with the brilliant jewelry that accompanied these brilliant beauties.
First, a Kwiat bracelet from the American Beauty Collection, a necklace from the Kwiat Legacy Collection and Kwiat diamond studs were selected by Ms. Precious, Gabby Sidibe, as she walked her first red carpet in a Kevan Hall gown. To give you an idea of the brilliance of Gabby's selections, the Legacy necklace alone is made up of round, marquise, and pear shaped cut diamonds and is over 65 carats of diamonds! A statement piece to say the least.
Glenn Close stayed classic with a pair of Kwiat Diamond Earrings - although there is nothing subtle about those brilliant rocks!
The Moonlight bracelet is more than 55 carats and has over 1000 diamonds! This bubble is always a stand out on red carpet and even though Mariah Carey has no problem standing out on the red carpet, for last weekend's SAG Awards adorned her wrist with the Kwiat Moonlight Bracelet.
Anna Kendrick played to a fierce feminine side with a cuff bracelet from the Floral Collection and did not disappoint with cluster earrings from the American Beauty Collection.
This week's Simply Brilliant recognizes that midway through award season, we have not been disappointed! From concept to creation, Kwiat jewelry is has the highest standard of quality and brilliance no matter where it appears; on the red carpet or on your wedding day. So red carpet jewelry, if you didn't already know, you are Simply Brilliant!
...Award season continues on Sunday with the Grammys!
Posted by Michaela Renee on Wed, Jan 27, 2010
Are you Recently Engaged or Married and Want to Know the Secret to Caring for your Most Treasured Platinum Rings?
Caring for platinum jewelry
First off, congratulations on your smart and savvy decision to choose platinum for your engagement ring and/or wedding band! In fact, many members of the Kwiat family selected platinum for their bridal rings. Why? Because not only is platinum is the highest quality, but it is the best metal for the value. And when it comes to caring for platinum, it is the easiest of all metals to maintain since it is naturally white and will never fade or tarnish unlike white gold.
Tip 1: Where should I keep my platinum jewelry when I am not wearing it?
Store pieces separately, in a jewelry box or chamois bag so other items don't scratch them. I keep mine in a cute porcelain dish next to my bed so I can keep my eyes on it at all times! It's actually one of my favorite items and I now gift it to all of my girlfriends who get engaged! You can check it out at:Majories.com
Tip 2: How do I care for platinum jewelry?
Clean platinum in the same way you clean other fine jewelry to maintain its fine appearance and ensure that it lasts. Either use a mild solution of soap and warm water, and gently rub it with a soft cloth, or buy a jewelry cleaning solution. Also, feel free to bring it back to our store and we will be happy to take of this for you free of charge!
Tip 3: Will platinum jewelry scratch?
All precious metals scratch, and platinum is no exception. It is unique in that the metal is only displaced, not lost. Have your platinum jewelry polished if you are interested in maintaining a high shine. But, if you choose not to polish it, your ring will develop a beautiful patina over time that will capture life moments as your marriage grows. And if needed, feel free to visit one of our Kwiat locations and we will assist with all adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.
Tip 4: Can I wear my platinum ring while doing manual work such as cleaning or gardening?
Remove your platinum jewelry when undertaking heavy work. It is also advisable not to handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing your jewelry. Although they won't hurt the platinum, chemicals may discolor diamonds or gemstones.
Most importantly, remember that platinum's high quality should allow you to rest easy! Your platinum setting holds your precious center stone more securely than any other metal. So, wear it proudly and tell all your friends that platinum is worth it!
--Heather Zachary Rogoff, Manager of Public Relations, Platinum Guild International
Posted by Michaela Renee on Wed, Jan 20, 2010
Simply Brilliant is a post that started on our Facebook page. The weekly post covers special occasions & events, Kwiat bridal couples, special Kwiat pieces, and everything else that is Simply Brilliant. The post gives you an inside scoop to what is going on at Kwiat and introduces some of the faces of Kwiat. Our weekly Simply Brilliant post is branching out, it will now appear on the blog as well as our Facebook page. Enjoy and as always we appreciate your comments!
Simply Brilliant.
Its fashion, its glamour, its excitement, its talent and, yes, its one big party… The red carpet has been rolled out and we officially entered awards season. If anything, Sunday’s Golden Globes indicated that rain or come shine the stars are going to bring it, even if that means a la umbrella.
The words “I’m wearing Kwiat” will always be synonymous with beautiful jewelry and brilliant diamonds, which is why many stars like the beautiful Natalie Portman, Glenn Close, Jennifer Hudson, Olivia Wilde, and newcomer Gabby Sidibe choose Kwiat for their red carpet appearance. Kwiat will 
grace the red carpet again this season and we’ll bring our fans an up close look at the award worthy pieces – so of course stay tuned!
But all the glitz and glamour is not any easy task, there are teams of people behind the scenes making the stars look and feel their best. Although it’s usually all about the jewelry, this week’s Simply Brilliant recognizes the behind the scenes brilliance of award season – without them the show would not go on. So please, enjoy – praise and hiss about what she was wearing – it’s one of our favorite times of year. Savor every red carpet moment and then take a second to think about the people that make award season what it is because to us they are Simply Brilliant.