77 Diamonds Blog
4Apr/110

Top diamond makeovers Part II

77Diamonds.com

 

At 77 Diamonds, it’s fair to say that we’re a big fan of our namesake and there’s no denying that diamonds are perennially fabulous. However, in the past some have taken embellishment just that one step further.

Following on from Part I of our list of the best, we give you a rundown of our favourite diamond-encrusted delicacies, from mobile phones and headphones to fabulously festive diamond-encrusted Crimbo trees...

1. Damien Hirst’s diamond skulls

Before the diamond Mona Lisa was debuted earlier this year, Brit artist Damien Hirst first saw the potential of diamond-encrusted artwork in 2007 when he exhibited ‘For the love of God’. Well four years later and Hirst treated us to another diamond skull creation ‘For Heaven’s Sake’... Couldn’t have put it better myself Damien...

2. Diamond dummy

The tradition of giving a child a silver spoon has long been practised, but earlier this year an online company unveiled a new spin on the old. Set with nearly 300 pave-set diamonds, the bling pacifier will set Mum and Dad back a cool $17,000.

3. Kim Kardashian and diamonds Part II

This recent brush with diamond-encrusted food came courtesy of PopSugar who presented their spokesmodel Kardashian with the lolly in Las Vegas.

4. The glam makeover for a golf club

The popular sport was given a diamond and ruby makeover just a couple of weeks ago, when company Golf Odyssey launched their gem-encrusted two-ball putter. This can, of course, be found at Harrods.

5. Katy Perry's Nan and the diamond-encrusted cane

Popstar Katy Perry celebrated her Nan’s 90th in style last year. After a slap-up meal in Las Vegas, Mrs. Brand treated her Gran to a diamond-encrusted cane. Lady Gaga took note...

6. Bed of diamonds? Or diamond bed?

British designer Stuart Hughes had long nurtured a reputation for encrusting the banal with diamonds. However, where his previous creations included mobile phones and flat-screen TVs, this time Hughes turned his hand to furniture and lo and behold the diamond bed frame was born.

7. Surely you’re meant to wrap the presents first?

Hot on the heels of the diamond-encrusted advent calendar was the 34-foot Christmas tree decorated entirely with diamond jewellery. Unsurprisingly the decadent pine stood tall in a hotel in Abu Dhabi and was estimated at an eye-watering $7million.

Missed Part I of our diamond-encrusted rundown? Click here.

28Mar/110

Top diamond makeovers Part I

77Diamonds.com

Â
 

At 77 Diamonds, it’s fair to say that we’re a big fan of our namesake and there’s no denying that diamonds are always a fabulous addition. However, in the past some have taken embellishment just that one step further.

So in homage to the best of bling, we give you a rundown of our favourite diamond-encrusted delicacies, from mobile phones and headphones to fabulously festive diamond-encrusted Crimbo trees...

1. The blingin’ Mona Lisa

This gem – excuse the pun – only very recently hit the headlines and for good reason. An avid jewellery collector in China spent nearly 30 years sourcing the right diamonds to recreate Da Vinci’s classic painting, The Mona Lisa. However, unsurprisingly, this modern re-working still hasn’t been snapped by the Louvre.

2. Christmas came early with this advent calendar

For some it just wouldn’t be Christmas without a diamond advent calendar. Weighing in at an eye-watering 81cts, it’s got all the mod-cons, including a custom-made piece of jewellery. Well, have to admit, it beats a half-melted chocolate...

3. Diamond drawers...

For no discernable reason, diamond encrusted undies have really taken off in recent years. Victoria’s Secret originally teamed up with jewellers Damiani and a year later they launched the Fantasy Bra with a price tag of $2.3m. Since then, Lady Gaga has reportedly treated her duet buddy Beyonce to a diamond whip, bra and knickers for her birthday...suppose it trumps a 5-pack of briefs from M&S...

4. Kim Kardashian and diamonds Part I

Kim Kardashian – who appears in our list twice thanks to her love of the sparkly rocks – hit the headlines last year after seeing her 30th birthday in, in style. However, it wasn’t the week-long partying that garnered the most attention, rather the $1m cake made for her by Nino’s restaurant. However, in an appropriate display of restraint, the reality TV star put the stoppers on it pronto, leaving the pricey sponge to be served up on the dessert cart... Seriously, who would have ordered that?!

5. Diamond prom dress anyone?

This diamond-encrusted prom dress would do any precocious teen’s dreams justice. Just think MTV’s Sweet Sixteen reality show and you get the picture...

6. Diamond p-p-poker set...

Well, you’d certainly have to be on a winning streak to be able to afford this one. A British gaming company have created the ultimate poker set with white gold and encrusted with an array of precious stones. Price tag = $7.5million. Yup...

7. The bling Barbie

So it turns out that Barbie has a way better jewellery collection than most of us... Riiiiighht...

8. Kanye’s diamond dentures

And last but by no means least, who could forget Kanye’s diamond dentures? Not content with the normal enamel molars, Kanye replaced his bottom set of teeth with diamonds, first showcasing them on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Lucky Ellen...

 Stay tuned for Part II!

14Mar/110

77 Days A Week: 07 Mar – 11 Feb

77 Days A Week

 

Monday

The week got off to, frankly, a criminal start when two New York diamond dealers were found guilty of staging a theft in their own store. In a bid to scam their insurance company for a hefty pay-out, the amateur crooks fell somewhat short of the mark and wound up with at least 5 years in the clink. Each. Meanwhile on the West Coast things went from bad to worse for LiLo, whose infamous trip to a Venice Beach jewellers caught on CCTV, got broadcast on US TV. And across the pond, a fifth man was convicted of the £40million heist at Graff in Mayfair in 2009.
Crime doesn’t pay people. Crime doesn’t pay.

Tuesday

Tuesday’s big news was the announcement of LVMH’s acquisition of Italian uber-jeweller Bulgari. In a deal that is thought to have set the LVMH Group back a mere $5billion, it is sure to be the feather in their cap as they ramp up their jewellery division.

Wednesday

Wednesday was all about the vintage diamonds. First up was Katy Perry who revealed to Brit mag Hello! that she wore her grandmother’s diamond earrings at her wedding to Russell Brand last October. We,’re assuming this is the same Nan who had a diamond-encrusted cane at her 90th bash earlier in the year? Meanwhile Christie’s announced the sale of a 5.1ct emerald-cut diamond ring that once belonged to screen legend Gloria Swanson. You might say, an oldie but a goodie....

Thursday

Thursday was, well, umm, a tad strange. We thought that diamond dentures were Kanye’s thing and Kanye’s thing alone but as it turns out, his sartorial makeover on his teeth has inspired others too. Step up, Indian TV celeb Rakhi Sawant, who recently exchanged one of her molars for the diamond version. Don’t get us wrong, we love a bit bling...but diamond teeth, really?

Friday

Aaaand by the end of the week, things continued in the same vein. First up was Kim Kardashian, who, never one to shy away from diamonds, was papped with a diamond-encrusted lollipop courtesy of Sugar Factory. Whilst a Chinese jewellery collector revealed a diamond-encrusted version of the Leonardo Da Vinci classic Mona Lisa...well I guess they can’t say how plain the woman is anymore...

So, just another week in the world of diamonds.

By Hannah Powell

28Feb/110

RED CARPET ROCKS: THE OSCARS 2011

Photobucket

With the Golden Globes, SAGs, BAFTAs out of the way...there was only one date we were still waiting for—us and over 40 million others, for that apparently is how many people watch them—The Oscars. And of course, we (like probably most of the 40 million others), were not as interested in who won what so much as who wore what...so here’s our little rundown of the season’s most rocking red carpet...

Sandra Bullock Oscars 2011

Image Credit: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Scarlet and purple tones were the hit this time around making the red carpet hotter and more sizzling than ever before. The newly slimmed down Jennifer Hudson arrived in a flaming orange Atelier Versace gown, cooled down only by the ice of chunky diamond bracelets and an equally va-va-voom statement cocktail ring. Actress and host Anne Hathaway followed suit wearing a stunning strapless red gown by none other than the master of red gowns Valentino, as did Sandra Bullock who glided down in a fiery though elegant corset dress by Vera Wang—adorned only with whopping diamond stud earrings.

Talk of the town and Best Actress winner Natalie Portman opted for deeper tones, donning a fuschia gown by Black Swan costume designer Rodarte, with matching tassel earrings and a studded gold clutch by Tiffany. Newly single actress Scarlett Johanssen also stayed away from the scarlet choosing instead a mauve lace (read: sheer) dress by Dolce and Gabbana, while the fiery (and pregnant) Penelope Cruz opted for a purplish mauve number by L’Wrenn Scott with sequined, yes, you guessed it, flames.

Nicole Kidman Oscars 2011

Image Credit: Robyn Beck / AFP / Getty Images

Nicole Kidman hit the jackpot as far as jewels go, wearing over 150 carats of Fred Leighton jewellery – most of which were taken up by a chunky diamond necklace – to perfectly dress up the white oriental-inspired gown by recently suspended John Galliano of Dior. Cate Blanchett also opted for lighter hues donning a unique lavender Givenchy piece with pearl and leather detailing and a geometrically cut out back, and equally arresting Van Cleef and Arpels jewellery. But without a doubt, in the lavender leagues, it was Black Swan co-star Mila Kunis who stole the show in a dreamy lace gown by Elie Saab couture and a simple diamond bracelet and cluster-drop earrings to boot.

Halle Berry Oscars 2011

Image Credit: John Shearer / Getty Images

Helen Mirren chose to support British Fashion donning a grey puffy-shouldered gown by Vivienne Westwood, who recently opened a store in Los Angeles, accessorised by the daring feat of both nails and clutch to match, while Halle Berry and Michelle Williams went down the angelic route in heavenly silk gowns by Chanel couture and Marchesa.

All in all, just another year at the Oscars...but with a lot more red couture than carpet.

Like Jennifer Hudson’s diamond cocktail ring? Get yours here.

And Mila Kunis’s diamond bracelet? Check out ours.

Get the look? Contact our bespoke team and make it yours!

23Feb/110

Red Carpet Rocks: Top 7 Iconic Oscar Outfits

77 Diamonds Reviews Iconic Oscar Outfits

 

The Awards season has been in full flow over the last few weeks, culminating in the zenith of award ceremonies this Sunday – the Oscars.


As much about the film accolades as the A-list’s sartorial choices, Sunday’s red carpet is set to sizzle with high-octane glamour and diamonds. So, in homage to the film industry’s biggest night of the year, we’ve taken a trip down memory lane to commemorate the best Oscar night outfits.

1. Audrey Hepburn


In chronological order and in at number 1 is Audrey Hepburn at the 1954 Academy Awards at which she collected the Best Actress award for her performance in Roman Holiday. Decked out in long-time collaborator Hubert de Givenchy’s design, the Break At Tiffany’s star rewrote the style book with this belted floral full-length gown accessorized with the simplest of pearl drop earrings.

2. Grace Kelly


Just a year later Grace Kelly made sartorial history in a pale blue silk gown by costumier Edith Head. The material alone cost a whopping $4000 and that was back in 1955. The famous ice blonde and latterly Monasque royalty paired her gown with white evening gloves, rosebuds in her hair and Van Cleef and Arpels diamond and pearl drop earrings reportedly those given to her by husband Prince Rainier.

3. Barbra Streisand


Barbra Streisand hit the headlines in 1969 with an outfit that completely re-wrote the Oscar red carpet rule book. Collecting her Best Actress award for Funny Girl, Streisand opted for a Scaasi sheer chiffon trouser suit with white peter-pan collar which honoured her famous gooky-girl role perfectly. Notably her jewellery was kept to a minimum as she accessorized with only a diamond ring her iconic 60s bouffant.

Emerald Cut Ballerina Diamond Ring Emerald Cut Ballerina Diamond Ring

4. Elizabeth Taylor


And from one screen legend to another, Elizabeth Taylor followed Kelly’s lead twelve years later, employing the handiwork of Edith Head in 1970. This time the silk and taffeta confection was in violet blue, to match Taylor’s big eyes and even bigger 69-carat pear-shaped diamond pendant set onto a Cartier necklace.

Pear-shaped Diamond Pendant 3-claw Necklace Pear-shaped Diamond Pendant 3-claw Necklace

5. Gwyneth Paltrow


However, in spite of an Eighties interim which included Cher’s barely-there number and a cycling-short-come-gown courtesy of Demi Moore, it wasn’t until 1999 when Gwyneth Paltrow collected her Best Actress gong that we fell in love with Hollywood glamour once more. In a fashion moment that was lauded and abhorred alike by critics, Paltrow’s baby pink Ralph Lauren gown with matching shawl was off-set with a 40-carat diamond and platinum necklace from Harry Winston with earrings to match. Paltrow also glammed up her dress with a diamond cuff, cutting through the swathes of pink taffeta, the look was timeless.

6. Julia Roberts


Two year later it was Julia Roberts turn. After three nominations, Roberts finally got the recognition she deserved with a Best Actress nod for role as Erin Brockovitch in the film of the same name. The pretty accomplished woman also proved her fashion credentials as she stepped out onto the red carpet in a monochromatic vintage Valentino gown teamed with classic Van Cleef and Arpels diamond snowflake bracelet as well as 3 carat diamond roung brilliant cocktail-style ring and cluster earrings.

7. Halle Berry


Last but not least, in our run down of the most iconic Oscar looks, is Halle Berry. To collect her historic Best Actress Oscar in 2002 for Monster’s Ball, Berry wore a daringly sumptuous gown by Lebanese couturier Elie Saab. Combining a silk burgundy top with strategic appliqué detail around the bust and waist, the dress’ sweeping mulberry coloured silk tulle skirt recalled the drama of old Hollywood gowns. Teamed with vintage diamond Van Cleef and Arpels earrings, the jewellery was actually kept relatively minimalistic allowing the striking and unusual floral detail on the top to do the talking...

Chandelier Diamond Earrings in Rose Gold Chandelier Diamond Earrings in Rose Gold


If you cannot find any items here on the website, please contact our Sales Team directly.
17Feb/110

London Fashion Week

...7 LFW Predictions

london fashion week,somerset house,a/w 2011

With LFW beginning tomorrow, London is getting into full fashion-week swing. This season sees Tom Ford showcase his new collection at a private viewing in the Smoke, while Christopher Bailey's Burberry is set to have one of the glitziest FROW's this side of the...erm...Thames. So in homage to one of the most important weeks in a Londoner’s calendar, 77 Diamonds has collated its top 7 LFW predictions.

1.


Tom Ford's private viewing delays LFW by a day as the members of the fash pack who weren't invited pile up around the Somerset House venue. The fashion police are called.

2.

Issa, who were set to showcase at LFW this season simply can't because even the pre-season designs are sold out. For the next decade. In a change of tact, the Brazilian design house chooses to model their designs only on Kate Middleton forthwith.

3.

Following in the misjudged footsteps of September's Burberry model fall, NYFW’s catwalk tumble and Naomi Campbell famously before them, tripping up over your own skyscraper heels becomes the new thing this season. As long you're in designer, dahling.

4.

After dressing like a sheep all last season, shearling goes on the back burner after Somerset House bill Burberry for hoover replacement parts and antihistamines.

5.

Black Swan cleans up at the Oscars and the ballet trend goes viral. Instead of stomping down the catwalk and cutting a few angular shapes at the end, models now pirouette their way down. Designers applaud how much better this showcases their designs and lament its delayed employment but concern grows for the Benjamin Millepied-styled ballet instructors distracting their models...

6.

After months of wracking their brains in an attempt to trump Largerfeld's string orchestra at the Grand Palais last season, London-based designer Christopher Bailey pips them all to the post and takes his much-lauded leather jackets and trench coats to Wembley Stadium with a full rock band to support. The event can be streamed live. In 4D. Of course anything Ralph Lauren can do, Burbs can do better.

7.

Alongside the make-up bars that pop up all over town...Somerset House also installs nail bars. Originally designed to spruce up the fash pack’s digits with a mani, the bars become inundated with the bloggerati, whose furious Tweeting from the shows have resulted in injury.

77 Diamonds will be at London Fashion Week, so make sure you stay up-to-date with the latest news from all the events via Twitter and Facebook.

LIKE the sound of ballet-inspired fashions? Click here for more.

REMEMBER when Tom Ford styled Julianne Moore for the BAFTAs? See here.

READ the red carpet round-up of Monday's ELLE Style Awards. Click here.

By Hannah Powell

28Jan/110

The Week In Review

Monday

In the week that was, Monday got off to great start. Emma Bunton made sure she kept her private-life private when she revealed her engagement on live TV over the weekend. And in a remarkable display of restraint, Kate Middleton and Wills are said to have asked for donations to charity instead of overblown gestures, like diamonds. Oh Kate, so friggin’ down-to-earth.

Irish-American households the world- over celebrated the news that Riverdance creator Jean Butler has turned her fabulously successful and well-rounded hand to jewellery design. Expect modern twists on the Shamrock. Not even kidding...

 

Tuesday

Tuesday saw some big industry news; Petra Diamonds raised the funds to buy the Finsch mine from De Beers in South Africa, while on the opposite end of the spectrum, musical diamond Neil got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Katy Perry also announced that Brit band Marina & The Diamonds will be her world tour support act in what is shaping up to be every Teenage Boy’s Dream...

 

Wednesday

Indeed, it proved to be a great week for the Brits as on Wednesday it was announced that The King’s Speech had been nominated for a staggering 12 Oscars. Remember to stay tuned for all the red carpet diamond details next month by the way.  

11Nov/100

GEORGE HARRIS ROCKING 77 DIAMONDS!

george harris,harry potter,77 diamonds,diamond earring

Look out for George Harris (Kingsley Shacklebolt) at the Harry Potter premiere tonight! If you look close enough, you'll notice he's wearing a stunning 2 carat fancy yellow cushion cut diamonds earring from...77 Diamonds!

4Jun/101

Top Celebrity Engagement Rings: Part Two

Continuing on from part one, we bring you even more of the top celebrity engagement rings! With a seemingly endless budget, celebrities are renowned for their extravagant and luxurious jewellery, designed by the best in the world. These stunners range from simple elegance, to extreme bling, but no matter what the style these rings all go for a hefty price!

 

Mariah Carey

 

Mariah Carey’s engagement ring from her current husband and singer Nick Cannon, is equally extravagant. Her $2.5 million engagement ring by Jacob and Co. is a 17-carat emerald cut diamond surrounded with pink diamonds and two half-moon diamonds.

The proposal

The two singers met on the set of Mariah’s video.  Nick proposed marriage to Mariah by hiding her engagement ring inside a candy Ring Pop, due to her taste for candy.  The couple now celebrate their anniversary each year with a new ring and glamorous celebration!

20May/100

Top Celebrity Engagement Rings: Part One

With their social status and money, celebrities go all out when it comes to special gifts – and engagement rings are perhaps the most special to feature in the media limelight.  We look at some of the most extravagant and stunning examples taken from our favourite celebrity figures...which do you like best?  Who has the best taste? Have any of them inspired your own designs?

 

Katie Holmes

Actress Katie Holmes’ 5 carat oval-shaped diamond engagement ring set in platinum and rose gold is reminiscent of art deco rings, with its focus on a large centre stone bedded in an elegant pave setting. The unusual two-tone, platinum-rose gold setting spruces up the antique-style ring, and adds a unique element and contemporary twist to a very popular look.

The proposal

Hollywood start Tom Cruise made his proposal to Katie Holmes at the Eiffel Tower in Paris in June, 2005.