Sparkle Like The Stars

I've always loved Broadway shows, especially musicals. As a little girl I would beg my parents to take me and we would go, as a family, for my birthday treat. I can remember them all and the stars I got to see: Bernadette Peters in "Into the Woods", Betty Buckley in "Cats", Daphne Rubin Vega & Adam Pascal in "Rent" and more recently Idina Menzel in "Wicked" and my one of my all time favorites, "In the Heights" which introduced me to Robin De Jesus and Karen Olivo.

Imagine my delight when I got to meet the lovely Stephanie Klemons. Stephanie is an original cast member of "In the Heights" and the founder of a new social networking site dedicated to connecting people and businesses that want to do good with non-profits that need physical and financial support. Its called DidIDoThat.org and you can think of it as Facebook for benevolence. To launch the site, nothing less than a star-studded event would do and Broadway Broadcasts Hope was conceived. Like any fundraiser, they needed sponsors and that's where we got involved. Greenwich Jewelers was a proud sponsor of the event, donating a $300 gift certificate for one lucky supporter.

The night was truly magical. Stephanie called on her friends; actors, dancers and musicians from Broadway shows like The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Spring Awakening, RENT and many more amazing shows to come together for a night of music and dance with Broadway's brightest stars. The event benefitted 4 Charities: Sunride Day Camp, Katie's Art Project, Broadway in South Africa and R.Evolucion Latina.

We got to enjoy a night of intimate performaces by Tony winning and nominated performers and be inspired by four visionaries that shared the stories of turning their dreams to help others into reality. I got to meet Robin De Jesus (That's us to the left!) and be surrounded by people living their dreams and making a difference in the lives of others every day.

Thank you Stephanie for creating such an exciting and inspiring event and a place for benevolence to blossom. Please visit DidIDoThat.org for more information or to get involved. As the entire cast of "Broadway Broadcasts Hope" reminded us in the finale - DARE TO GO BEYOND!

With stars in my eyes,

Jennifer

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to support such a worthwhile endeavor. Please visit DidIDoThat.org and tell your friends about it.

Last Week's Trunk Show: Rich Gems & Oxidized Silver from Lika Behar

A snake, a horn, and some jewels- oh my! Last week, right before Halloween, designer Lika Behar graced Greenwich Jewelers with her exquisite jewels at our two-day trunk show and designer personal appearance. Shoppers at our store got to meet Lika and find out what inspires her richly cultural designs.

Lika's Turkish background serves as one source of inspiration. She uses iconic shapes like Hamsa pendants and "the eye." Some Middle Eastern cultures believe that wearing these pendants keeps away bad spirits.She often mixes traditional items with contemporary design, and I loved the chunky sterling silver chain necklaces. Layering these over a white v-neck tee with a pair of dark jeans immediately creates an outfit that feels comfortable but looks edgy and chic. I also adored the big, brilliantly colored gemstones that Lika uses in her rings and pendants. Check out these incredibly sparkly rings with diamond accents:

To see pictures of Lika and more of her fabulous jewelry at our trunk show, visit our Facebook Page.

Judging Jewels at the AGTA Spectrum Awards

This week, the American Gem Trade Association announced the winners of this year's AGTA Spectrum Awards competition. Known as one of the most prestigious awards in the jewelry industry, the AGTA competition showcases the beauty of colored gemstones and recognizes the designs of established artists and rising stars of the jewelry industry.

This year, I was thrilled to be chosen as one of five judges of the competition. Alongisde fellow judges Tanya Dukes, Style Editor of Elite Traveler Magazine, Master Gem Cutter Glenn Lehrer and designers Mallary Marks and Robin Rotenier, we had the glorious task of choosing winners out of hundreds of outstanding entries in five categories.

Naturally, as someone who is more than a little obsessed with color, gemstones, and jewelry judging, this competition was like a dream come true. Never have I seen such a spectacular array of colored gemstone jewelry and such prestigious and innovative pieces in one place. The quality, craftmanship, and artistry of the entries were truly inspirational and gave me much excitement and anticipation for the future standards and trends these pieces are sure to set in the jewelry industry.


Two of my favorites were:

Todd Reed's palladium cuff bracelet with aquamarine and diamonds, the Best of Show winner. The bright aquamarine stone really stands out against the unique color and texture of the palladium metal. I also love the combination of gray and white diamonds.

2nd Place winner in the Evening Wear category, Evelyn Clothier's 18K yellow gold earrings with Aquamarine briolettes and diamond accents. The size and quality of the aquamarine gem (50.95 ctw.) was astounding within itself, and looked beautiful inside the cage-like yellow gold structure.

All of the winners deserve to be seen; to view more of the Spectrum Awards' gorgeous pieces, visit the AGTA Facebook Page.

Sparkingly yours,

Jennifer