"Princess for a Day" translation "That will be a Million Dollars Please!"

Interesting article from http://www.aisledash.com/:

Every bride wants to look and feel like a princess on her wedding day. And who better to help make that happen than an actual princess ... or in this case, a principessa? The Rome Cavalieri, the Waldorf Astoria Collection, a five-star deluxe hotel, is launching what they call their destination-wedding "Something Borrowed" program. Have your wedding ceremony and reception at the Rome Cavalieri and you can borrow jewelry designed by Italian princesses Lucia Odescalchi and Grazia Borghese -- whose pieces range from $1,350 to $135,200 in retails stores such as Barneys New York -- for no charge.

You'll work closely with the hotel and the princesses' studios to make your selection from their striking signature collection, constructed from luxurious (though, in some cases, unconventional) materials like mabè pearls, bronze, fossils, diamonds, wood and 18K gold. Their collections includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and more. When you arrive in the Eternal City, you'll visit the studio of your choice for a viewing and to make any additional requests or changes. The baubles will then be yours for 48 hours, so you're sure to shine when you walk down the aisle.

The Rome Cavalieri, the Waldorf Astoria Collection, set in a lush 15-acre Mediterranean park overlooking the rooftops of Rome and St. Peter's Basilica, offers one of the city's most opulent wedding backdrops. Couples can choose from one of several stylish reception rooms, including the Salone dei Cavalieri, which recently underwent a $10 million renovation. Contact the hotel's events office via e-mail at events.rome@hilton.com or phone +39 06 3509 2000 for more information.

According to the hotel website, "for the bride and groom there is a private jet to Rome, the palatial Penthouse suite with panoramic roof terrace and "his and hers" monogrammed linens, and a horse-drawn carriage to one of Rome's famous churches".

All this for the measly sum of $1 MILLION DOLLARS!!!! As outrageous as it may seem The Rome Cavalieri is pretty spectacular.

 

Porsche 356 Speedster = Completely Delusional

I know nothing about cars EXCEPT that I love the Porsche 356 Speedster. I don't know if it's my delusions of grandeur but one day I'm sure I' will be picking up my groceries in one of these beauties.   In the meantime, back to my delusions - 

OK so, here is the scene:

*  My betrothed and I (a ridiculously wealthy, handsome, philanthropist) have just run off to the South of France to elope.

          (Cut to adorable centuries old limestone courthouse at sunset)

*  After a short time we burst through the doors with laughter in our eyes and  pep in our step. We stop, clasp hands, then stroll to our egg shell white convertible with caramel leather interior Porsche 356 Roadster. 

           (Cut to disgustingly gorgeous happy couple entering the Roadster)

*  There's a rumble and off they go. Into the sunset in the direction of the first random vineyard to sample the local wares.  

            (End scene)

Well, it could happen! 

Can't you just see a sassy summer bride arriving to the church in one of these. Just love it.

  

A little about the The Porsche 356:

This was the company's first production automobile. It was a lightweight and nimble handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2 door sports car available in hardtop and convertible configurations. Design innovations continued during the years of manufacture contributing to its motor sports success and popularity. Production started in 1948 at Gmünd, Austria where approximately 50 cars were built. In 1950 the factory relocated to Zuffenhausen, Germany and general production of the 356 continued until April 1965, well after the replacement model 911 made its debut in autumn 1963. It is estimated approximately half of the total production of 76,000 356s still survive.

It's Chanel Time!

To paraphrase Rachel Zoe, "I die".

For those brides who have loads and loads of dollars to spend on themselves I have a suggestion.  One of my TO DIE FOR items is the Chanel J12 GMT White Ceramic Unisex Watch H0967.  It is a 38mm automatic watch, white high-tech ceramic, bezel set with diamonds. It's kinda pricey at about $10,000 but it is an investment don’t you know. It will get you to the church on time!

Vivid Pink Diamond crushes it!

I'm not a huge fan of colored diamonds. Especially pink ones....they make me think of J. Lo/Ben Affleck and Mariah Carrey/Nick Cannon and as much as I love celebs and a little cappuccino gossip I will pass on the pink diamond.

Wait up - Hold the press - News just in - December 2, 2009. 

According to Christie's Hong Kong office The Vivid Pink a five-carat potentially flawless pink diamond has just sold at auction for $2.1M a carat - that is a whopping $10.8M for one diamond! They say this is by far the highest price per carat achieved for any diamond worldwide and is the most expensive jewel sold at auction in 2009.

On second thoughts, I think I could take a cue from Jenny from the Block. 

What do you think about colored diamonds?

Source: http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/33356/vivid-pink-diamond-shatters-auction-record/

Now that's a way to celebrate

I am going to take my ques from philanthropist billionaire Leonore Annenberg who purchased this phenomenal diamond to celebrate her 90th birthday a few years back. That is my kind of lady! I might have to make do with CZ's but still, it is nice to treat yourself. This ring just sold at auction for $7.7m.The center stone is a flawless, colorless 32.01 carats and is flanked by pear shaped diamonds of 1.5 and 1.6 carats a piece.

I love a square emerald cut. It is modern with a vintage vibe to it. Out of this world but a girl can dream can't she.

Source: abcnews.go.com

Terrific Tiara

Seriously, consider the workmanship since this is circa 1882. Talk about master jewelers! So pretty.

Count Scheel-Plessen's Diamond-Encrusted Tiara

This tiara, decorated with diamonds and dating from circa 1900, sold for 94,600 Swiss francs ($90,127). The central diamond rivière is believed to have been commissioned by Carl, Count Scheel-Plessen, either circa 1882 (for the occasion of his marriage to his wife, Louise) or in 1896, when his Danish title of greve (count) was recognized by Prussia.

Source: Royal Jewels - Forbes.com

Chopard and Lorraine Schwartz inspiration

Chopard - Emerald Ring - $2.14 million

Luxury watch and jewelry manufacturer Chopard's collection includes many high-priced pieces. But this bold cocktail ring--with half-moon diamond shoulders holding up a 33.02-carat solitaire emerald on a pave-set diamond and platinum band--outshines its rivals.

Oh what a beauty! Consider stepping outside the box of traditional engagement rings and go for precious stones for that something extra.

Angelina Jolie showcased stunning emeralds by Lorraine Schwartz at the 2009 Oscars which could provide some inspiration for your bridesmaid accessories. A 65 carat cocktail ring and 115-carat emerald drop earrings.

 

Have a focal point of one spectacular piece to adorn your ladies - stunning earrings, a cuff bracelet, or some serious drop earrings in vibrant color. This way you could keep dresses simple and cost effective but still achieve serious pizazz!

Now thats a rock!

In this photo supplied by Petra Diamonds CEO Johan Dippenaar, holds the 507.55 carat white diamond recovered at the Cullinan Diamond Mine, South Africa, on Sept. 24, 2009. Petra Diamonds Ltd. says a diamond the size of a chicken egg has been found at South Africa's Cullinan mine. The diamond may be among the world's top 20 high-quality gems. It was discovered Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009 at the mine northeast of Pretoria, Sout. 

507 carats of white diamond, enough said!

 

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//090929/481/79d81b8791a64d6b80b35e1c7b24e961/

Gems throughout the ages

This is probably as close to the real thing that I am ever going to get!



Dream Jewelry