September 14, 2011
Introducing... Todd Reed

We were first introduced to Todd Reed’s eponymous collection a few years ago at The Couture Show, a trade show presenting the work of the top jewelry designers in the world.  I was intrigued by his alternative style and passion for what some people might consider to be the “ugly ducklings” of the diamond family.  We are thrilled to carry Todd’s collection and proud that Greenwich Jewelers has evolved to the kind of boutique where his work will have a proper home. 

The master of raw and natural diamonds, Todd dismisses the notion that diamonds must be white and polished to be beautiful.  He says, “there is so much more out there and the natural colors and textures are beautiful and wonderful every time.”  His love of all types of diamonds allows him to think outside of the box, combine unique elements, and create truly breathtaking pieces.

Todd handcrafts each piece in his Colorado studio; using 100% recycled precious metals.  This goes along with our belief in design sustainability, and Todd believes it is important “not to take advantage of Mother Earth,” and emphasizes that “the harmony in my process can definitely be felt in the jewelry.”

This unique harmony is what makes Todd’s jewelry truly special.  His pieces represent a true connection to nature, and serve as an intimate form of self-expression.  Todd says the woman who wears his jewelry “will buck tradition to get at what she truly loves,” and has a “have it cake and eat it too” kind of mentality.

Gorgeous diamonds?  Check.

Iconic designs?  Check.

Ethically produced?  Check.

We’ll take our cake and eat it, too.  Click here to check out Todd Reed’s amazing collection of one-of-a-kind rings and handcrafted jewelry pieces.

August 15, 2011
Diamonds Dazzle, but COLOR Captivates.

Ever since Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his family’s heirloom gorgeous sapphire and diamond ring, people have been talking about colored stones as the new engagement trend.   Colored stones are eye-catching, unique, and unexpected in the world of engagement, but Kate Middleton isn’t the first to receive one, and she certainly won’t be the last.

Check out our round-up of celebrity colored stone engagement rings, and then browse our selection for one that catches your eye.

 

  1.  Former President John F. Kennedy proposed to the beautiful Jackie Onassis with this truly stunning emerald ring decorated with fancy shaped diamonds.  

 

GET THE LOOK:

Greenwich Collection one of a kind, natural Green Tourmaline and Trillion Cut Diamond ring set in recycled white gold.

 

2.   Country singer Carrie Underwood wears this dazzling and captivating canary-yellow diamond engagement ring.


GET THE LOOK:

This Greenwich Collection engagement ring features a round, pave diamond covered halo surrounding the center mounting, which can be customized with any type of stone you choose!  Made completely with recycled metals and conflict-free Canadian diamonds.

3. Oscar-winning actress Penelope Cruz opted for an engagement ring similar to the royals- a stunning sapphire surrounded by diamonds.



GET THE LOOK:

Greenwich Collection Sapphire Ring with Diamond Accents on a Black Rhodium Plated Platinum Band

4. Jennifer Lopez got the ultimate girly accessory with this 6.1 carat pink diamond ring from Ben Affleck.

GET THE LOOK:

Greenwich Collection natural Peach Topaz and Canadian Diamond Ring set in recycled rose gold and platinum.

5.  Jessica Simpson couldn’t help but say “yes” when her fiancée proposed with this absolutely stunning rare ruby ring with pear-shaped side diamonds.

GET THE LOOK:

Design your own ring with this luscious, ethically sourced, natural red spinel gem, available to be placed into your dream ring at our store!

If you’re like us and can’t get enough of color, if your heart skips a beat when you spot a sapphire, then skip ahead to our gemstone ring page and get your fix!

Sparklingly yours,

 

Jennifer

June 13, 2011
Tips from "Bridal Bootcamp"
Tips from the Panel of The Wedding Salon's "Bridal Bootcamp" 
From left:  Kristan from Kreated by K, Jennifer from Greenwich Jewelers, Shawn Rabideau from Shawn Rabideau Events, and Mark Ingram from Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier.

This week, we had the pleasure of attending The Wedding Salon’s “Bridal Bootcamp” event at Mark Ingram Atelier.  Our own Jennifer Gandia sat amongst other industry experts on a panel discussing bridal trends and advice.  Here are some of our favorite tips for brides.  Enjoy!

10.  When choosing a wedding dress, make sure you are comfortable.  Be your best self that day; do not try to be someone else. – Mark Ingram, owner of Mark Ingram Atelier

9.  When planning a destination wedding, it is extremely helpful to hire a planner in that destination.  Let them do the work of finding the vendors for you, and make at least two site visits so you can approve. – Carmen Laborin, Mexico Tourism Board

8.  Lots of brides are moving away from wedding cakes and towards smaller desserts, like cupcakes, cake pops, and dessert tables.  This can help save money and offer the guests a variety. – Kristan, owner, Kreated by K

7.  Create a binder with all of your notes, contracts, research, and photos.  The most important thing is staying organized!  - Tatiana, owner, The Wedding Salon

6.  Don’t bring an entire posse to your wedding dress sessions.  Bring the one or two people whose opinions you respect the most.  Others can be distracting.  -  Mark Ingram

5.  Brides are finding new uses for heirloom jewelry.  Incorporating them into bouquets allows for a personal, meaningful touch.  -  Shawn Rabideau, Event Planner

4.  Trying to save money by hiring a company that does photography and videography can be tricky.  Most companies are experts in one but not in the other, so you may end up with poor quality.  -  John Henriques, Images Weddings

3.  “Day of Wedding” planners can be extremely helpful, but they should never simply show up the day of the wedding.  They should be working with you 6-8 weeks in advance to review all your contracts and meet your vendors.  -  Tatiana, owner, The Wedding Salon

2.  Do research on your vendors.  Look on the internet, and ask recently married friends.  Go to a bona fide vendor that has a good reputation.  -  Mark Ingram

1.  Don’t try to micromanage or make everyone else happy.  Remember:  It’s your day!  You are the girl in the white dress.  -  Shawn Rabideau

April 13, 2011
An Interview with Brian Sholdt

This Friday and Saturday, we are having a Sholdt Designer Trunk Show at our store, and we could not be more excited about the arrival of their full line of gorgeous engagement rings and wedding bands.  We took some time to chat with Brian Sholdt, the designer of the line, about what makes his rings truly special.

From where do you draw design inspiration?

Most of the forms that I use come from my formal art background studying the female figure.  I'm inspired by observing everything around me.  Mostly nature.

How has the history of your family’s business shaped where Sholdt is today?

I may not have been able to practice my art without my involvement in the family jewelry business.  I came on board with my father and worked with my grandfather at the age of 12.  I had always loved drawing and began drawing jewelry.  As I grew older I wanted to expand our business beyond Seattle.  After winning a few AGTA Spectrum awards I was able to show our designs at the national level. 

What is your favorite piece from the Sholdt line, and why?

To be honest, I have no favorite piece.  It is very satisfying to have a new idea and build it to my satisfaction and move on to the next idea.  They’re like your kids, and you really don't have a favorite.  Good design is always on the move and evolving.

How would you define the Sholdt design aesthetic?

The Sholdt aesthetic is Sleek, Sexy and Savvy.

What is special about your company that sets you apart from other engagement ring companies?

We push the envelope of design to stay ahead of the pack.  I'm a minimalist at heart and love well engineered pieces.  It's easy to see the distinction in our designs

How do you select retailers for your pieces, and how do you like working with Greenwich Jewelers?

We work well with organized like-minded stores that want sophisticated design.  It's fun to work with family run operations and understand how they have evolved.  I love good stories.  Greenwich Jewelers happens to be at the top of our favorites because they know what they want and know how to achieve it.

How often do you come out with new engagement rings or wedding bands?

I spaz out on creating new pieces at any given moment.  I don't often put time aside to create because I am always creating.  I could be driving my car, fly fishing, or doing yoga and an idea will form.  On average I start a new piece every week.

Why do you think employing your own jewelers and having your shop on site is important?

We're control freaks.  That's a good thing in a business like ours.  We enjoy the autonomy of being able to have artisans on the spot to create our pieces as needed for our customers.  It gives us the ability to control the flow of work and design possibilities.

WJA & Marie Claire Spring Fling

On May 18th, we had the pleasure of attending the Women’s Jewelry Association and Marie Claire Spring Fling event, with special guest speakers Joanna Coles and Tory Burch.

Amongst prominent female leaders in the jewelry industry, we listened to Tory Burch’s humbling story of how she began her namesake brand.  Did you know that, when Tory first started, she ran the entire operation out of her own apartment?  She had three sons and three stepdaughters living with her at the time, amongst several employees working in her apartment.  Speaking to us at the top of the fashionable Hearst tower overlooking Central Park, we can tell she has certainly come a long way!

Impeccably dressed and totally down-to-earth, Tory answered numerous questions from the audience about how to start your own business.  Women entrepreneurship is something she strongly supports.  She even started her own non-profit, “The Tory Burch Foundation,” to help women acquire small business loans.

Before Tory spoke, the stylish and charming Zanna Robert Rassi, Marie Claire’s Senior Fashion Editor, discussed the trends she sees coming up for the Fall 2011 season, and what Marie Claire editors loved from fashion week.

One of the editors’ favorite trends for accessories, “Transparency & Texture,” reminded us of our WENDY MINK STENCIL CUFF BRACELET.  Zanna informed us that in the coming seasons, we’ll be seeing textural pieces that aren’t burdened by a heavy weight.

Speaking of Marie Claire’s editors’ favorites, Zanna could not hide her excitement about the Lanvin floral collar on the bottom right-hand side of the screen below.  We, too, love floral statement pieces (like our ALEXIS BITTAR "MIDNIGHT GARDEN" FLOWER BROOCH) and we are excited to see more of them in the coming seasons.

Overall, we had an excellent time learning Tory’s leadership advice and Zanna’s fashion insights.  We look forward to what Fall may bring in regards to new trends.

 

Sparklingly yours,

 

Jennifer

 

64 Trinity Place | New York, NY 10006 | Phone (212) 964-7592 | Email Us info@greenwichjewelers.com