December 2004 Gemstones/New Products Graduation Days Tonal variations of a color look fresh Carefully arranged color graduation adds richness to a piece of jewelry. Sapphires and tourmalines are well-suited to jewelry with graduated color because of the variety available. “These stones are easily enhanced to create just the right hues,” says Lata K. Sasson, designer/owner of Lata K Designs, New York City. “Gemstones that aren’t found in many colors, cannot be faceted easily or cannot withstand treatments just won’t work for this design element.” – by Lorraine M. O’Donnell, A.J.P. point of $ALE Lata K. Sasson, designer/owner of Lata K Designs, New York City, suggests how to sell color graduation: Unique Style. This jewelry works for casual as well as formal occasions. Know the process. Color matching stones precisely is time-consuming. If not done properly, the jewelry can look cheap. Tell all. Know whether the gems have been treated and disclose this information. A majority of fancy sapphires in such vibrant colors have been enhanced in some way. Wardrobing. Sell that this design element can fit seamlessly into a customer’s wardrobe because the colors are subtle yet create a unique look. Display. Use simple backgrounds and good lighting and avoid clutter. Plain black or frosted display platforms are effective. – LMO Dragonfly brooch/pendant features 1.27 carats of intense to pale green tsavorites and 0.10 carat of round brilliant diamonds in 18k gold. Suggested retail, $3,000. Nafco Gems Ltd., Scottsdale, AZ; (480) 998-3393, fax (480) 998-5090. From the Elements of Life collection, light to dark blue sapphires add sparkle to white cultured pearls. Mikimoto, New York City; (212) 457-4500, fax (212) 457-4505. Three carats of graduating blue sapphires in 14k white gold form this line bracelet. Suggested retail, $2,250. Color Craft, New York City; (800) 321-5807 or (212) 840-1924, fax (212) 869-4216. 18k white gold bracelet features graduating blue and pink sapphires totaling 3.17 carats. Idaho Opal and Gem Corp., Pocatello, ID; (800) 635-9800, fax (208) 233-0120, www.parlegems.com. Graduating color sapphires totaling 2.16 carats and round diamonds totaling 0.38 carat are set in an 18k white gold pendant. Suggested retail, $2,600. Dilamani Diamonds, New York City; (212) 944-7855, fax (212) 944-7522. Blue Envy pendant is encrusted with light to dark blue sapphires and enhanced with a cultured pearl drop. It can be worn as a pendant or brooch. Sapphires can be set to graduate in different configurations. Lata K Designs, New York City; (917) 405-5202, info@latakdesigns.com, www.latakdesigns.com. 18k gold ring is set with sapphires graduating from gold to deep red. Suggested retail, $1,500. Robert Corio Designs, Johnston, RI; (401) 272-2211, fax (401) 751-1459. 22k gold ring is bezel-set with a 3.52-ct. round Malaya garnet and 54 pavé-set yellow to orange sapphires. The band is satin-finished with a high-polish bezel. Suggested retail, $15,000. Designs by Rita Hyams, San Anselmo, CA; (415) 948-3573, fax (415) 492-0466. Platinum ring features a 1.94-ct. oval pink sapphire center and 2.64 carats of princess-cut sapphires graduating from light to dark pink. Suggested retail, $9,400. Glen J. Engelbrecht for GJ Designs, Sarasota, FL; (941) 951-6658, fax (941) 365-2577, glene300@aol.com.