The grant is awarded to a new jeweler in the bridge or art jewelry segment each year in recognition of design skill and business acumen. Candidates must submit lengthy applications including portfolios of original jewelry and details of their business plans.

“Amy’s work beautifully blends western inspired silversmithing with contemporary design elements. Her line is both fashionable and affordable,” said one competition judge, Hilary Halstead Scott, “her witty branding and accessible price points are perfect for an accessory start-up in the current economy.”

Fortunato received her jewelry training as part of a Fine Arts degree from the University of Connecticut. Her career has included graphic design and jewelry production for other companies prior to launching Cowboy’s Sweetheart.
Fortunato describes the genesis of her company as her answer to the call “Go West, young lady, go West!” After moving to Colorado she began her love affair with the region’s natural surroundings, history and people.

“I attempt to celebrate a little bit of the American West each time I turn out a new piece.” she stated. “I am thrilled to receive this recognition and the opportunity to grow my business.”

Cowboy’s Sweetheart joins a distinguished list of past Grant winners in the industry. Her jewelry collections are available online at www.Cowboys-Sweetheart.com. A complete list of past grant recipients and finalists as well as competition details are on the Jewelry Design Business Development Grant website at www.HalsteadBead.com/grant.

Set with 13 diamonds totaling just over 1ct and available in 14k white or yellow gold, you can have this ring for you own for just under $2,000. Whether they are getting ready to get married or not, I expect we will be seeing quite a few ladies sporting this ring.

Barry Landis, a retired jeweler who helps at Goodwill by sorting through donated jewelry, said that what caught his eye was the filigree swirls on the band. While 90% of the jewelry donated to Goodwill is costume jewelry, this 2.6 carat diamond ring may be the single most expensive donation given to the Harrisburg Goodwill.

But no one knows why the ring was donated. Was it a generous gift? An accident? Or maybe a relic from an ended marriage?

No one knows, but “We can have fun thinking up stories behind it” said Jennifer Ross a Goodwill spokesman.

Announced on the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the jewelry line is dedicated to the victims in Armenia.

Kardashian Collection Pictures

Zale stock prices have dropped from nearly $31 per share in 2008 to just $3.42 per share today. Announcement of the potential investors seems to have helped share prices slightly.

In an effort to recover Zale Corp has also hired turn around firm Peter J. Solomon to find investors.

At Gemvara a customer can choose from one of hundreds of designs, change the metal, and choose from one of 16 gemstones. The jewelry is then made to order and delivered to the customer. Many of the designs come from independent designers who are paid a small commission every time one of their designs is chosen, 5% on average.

The company announced that it raised $5.2m in Series B funding led by Highland Capital Partners and Canaan Partners.  Founder Matt Lauzon says that the company will still support the 50 jewelers who have kiosks installed in their stores, but Gemvara has shifted its focus to its consumer web site.

Elvis Presley: Fashion King will be featuring about 200 pieces of clothing, accessories, and jewelry worn by Elvis. Kevin Kern, public relations director for Elvis Presley Enterprises, said, “We wanted to show people what it would be like to look in Elvis’ closet.”

“Elvis set fashion trends,” Kern said. “What Elvis wore would be street fashion the next month.”

The exhibit includes some stunning jewelry. One piece people might recognize is the 16-carat diamond “TCB” ring Elvis often wore. The letters stood for his motto, “Taking care of business.” An 11.5-carat diamond solitaire rests in the middle and two lightning bolts make up the edges.

It cost about $35,000 in the 1970s, Kern said.

If you would like to see the exhibits, head over to Graceland before March 2012. The cost is $69 for all three exhibits.

www.elvis.com

Halia offers the fairly usual assortment of silver charms and cable bracelets, many with gold accents, but what I really like are the carved gem charms. The carved gems are made in stones such as amethyst, carnelian, and blue topaz and look simply elegant. The other beads that really grabbed my attention are the Murano Charms.

The Murano beads come in many colors and patterns and are simply stunning. I may pick a few up for myself.

Halia beads are reasonably priced, starting at about $19 each, and most definitely worth taking a closer look at the next time you are shopping for some charms.

Enaminals

Animal Charms recently announced a new line of animal jewelry, Enaminals.

Enaminals are enameled animal jewelry, mostly charms and pendants. Everything from simple sterling silver charms with light enameling to our favorite hand enameled sterling silver dog charms.

One of the great things about Animal Charms is that they donate a percentage of every sale made to an animal rescue or charity. So not only are you getting a great piece of jewelry, you are helping an animal in need somewhere. If you are looking for an new piece of animal jewelry why not try somewhere that is trying to help animals?