Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is on the run these days for the World Cup Twenty Ten in South Africa. Following its recent agreement on Official World Cup Watches a few weeks ago, the international governing body of association football has just sanctioned 40-year-old Colombian Jeweler Carlos Sotelo to hand-craft the OFFICIAL FIFA 2010 WORLD CUP RINGS. One ring out of 2,010 pieces will go to the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the tournament. Is it going to be Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Fernando Torres or maybe Franck Ribery?

Inspired by U.S. NBA and NFL Super Bowl Championship Rings, CARLOS SOTELO took four years to convince World Cup Officials to approve his rings. He tripped many times to FIFA headquarters in Switzerland and revealed (as told to Reuters), “I wanted to make a special ring, a super ring, for FIFA.” He argued that Colombia, rich in gold and emerald, has a strong tradition of jewelry-making. In fact, Colombia, despite their absence in the tournament, has contributed pop star SHAKIRA to sing the Official World Cup 2010 Official song and Juanes, another Colombian crooner, to be on staged at the opening concert in Johannesburg, June 11th.

Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) 

Encrusted with the green gems found in the mountains of the Andean country, the Official FIFA 2010 World Cup Ring features soccer balls, stadiums, and the flags of the 32 participating countries. There in a private house turned workshop in Bucaramanga – Colombia, the goldsmith ENRIQUE VASQUES and his colleagues of 269 artisans are working hard to accomplish the rings before the event starts. However, they cannot rush the job; instead they need to do painstakingly placing the tiny emeralds on the platinum, gold and silver rings. Vasques added, “Our experience in jewelry-making over the years makes for a world-class product. But there are a lot of parameters to meet.”

FIFA 2010 World Cup Rings are being examined through the magnifying scope at a jewellery workshop in Bucaramanga April 22, 2010.

A jeweler works on FIFA World Cup 2010 Rings at a workshop in Bucaramanga

The Colombian World Cup Blings Collections will consist of:

• 7 platinum rings; each encrusted with 220 emeralds, to be sold for US $250,000 a piece.
  1 (one) platinum ring will be donated to FIFA.
• 33 white gold rings; each encrusted with 36 emeralds and an array of South African diamonds; the price will be US $70,000 per piece.
  1 (one) gold ring will be given to UNICEF, in recognition of the U.N. agency’s work on behalf of disadvantaged children; and another gold ring will be presented to the Best Player of the World Cup T20 South Africa. 
• 1,970 rings made of gold and silver; each will feature 4 emeralds, to be sold for US $2,500 each.

FIFA 2010 World Cup Rings in the making

FIFA 2010 World Cup Ring are being polished

Two unfinished FIFA 2010 World Cup rings

“If the market is strong enough we will do a second and third collection,” Sotelo said. What’s more, at future World Cups, he aspires to have the rings distributed to members of the winning team.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place between 11 June and 11 July 2010, will be the 19th FIFA World Cup, the premiere international football tournament. It will be the culmination of a qualification process which involved 201 of the 208 FIFA national teams. As such, it matches the 2008 Summer Olympics as the sports event with the most competing nations. Likewise, this will be the first time that the tournament has been hosted by an African nation, after South Africa beat Morocco and Egypt in an all-African bidding process.

| Via | | images courtesy of REUTERS/John Vizcaino |

Twenty years before the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, world has already recognized a football maestro, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time. The one and only, DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA (born 30 October 1960 in Lanús, Buenos Aires) finished first in an internet vote for the FIFA Player of the Century award; and his magnificent goal in 1986 World Cup – a spectacular 60-metre weave through six England players – is commonly referred to as “THE GOAL OF THE CENTURY”.

Maradona’s Best Goal Ever!

Besides his phenomenal achievement in soccer history, Maradona is always a newsworthy figure because of his controversial life. He has an outspoken manner that brought him odds with journalists and sport executives. Likewise, he used to be a drug addict that often put him in trouble: suspended from football for 15 months, sent home from 1994 World Cup, as well as suffering ill health and weight gain. But that’s not all. He apparently accumulated unpaid taxes of 37 million Euros (23.5 million euros of which was accrued interest on the original debt) during his time playing for S.S.C NAPOLI in 1984 to 1991. The Italy’s highest court has ordered DIEGO MARADONA to pay the debt since 2005, but the current head coach of Argentina national team has not come up with the settlement yet.

Diego Maradona at Napoli FC (1984 - 1991)

The Italy’s financial police have been persistent about getting the money back. In 2005, they seized the fee MARADONA had earned for participating in the Italian version of the television show “Dancing with the Stars”. And recently in September 15th, 2009, when the football living legend checked into a weight-loss clinic in Italy, the Guardia di Finanza (Italian Finance Police) had also confiscated his earring (it was only one, not pair). So far, it is reported that Maradona has paid only 42,000 euros, two Rolex watches – worth around 11,000 Euros, seized when Maradona returned to Naples for a charity match – and an EARRING.

Diego Armando Maradona, head coach of Argentina National Football Team

Argentina National Team’s Coach: Maradona wears Earrings

“The earrings may be a drop in the ocean, but this gives an important signal to honest taxpayers,” said a local politician, Maurizio Fugatti, from the separatist Northern League party.

Diego Armando Maradona has been being regularly seen in public wearing diamond earring. He loves to wear white gold earrings with diamond.

Diego Maradona wears earrings (photo by AP)

Diego Maradona wears sunglasses and earrings

In January 2010, Guardia di Finanza EQUITALIA auctioned Maradona’s earring in the northern city of Bolzano with the proceeds went to Italy’s tax agency. An unidentified woman with a Neapolitan accent purchased the diamond-studded gold earring for 25,000 euros (£22,000 / ($36,000) - five times its asking price. She also gets a copy of the police’s charge sheet with Maradona’s signature. The woman said she was “satisfied” with the purchase, before being ushered into a lift by a bodyguard.

Diego Maradona’s earring on auction
(photo by Reuters)

Maradona’s Earring auctioned and sold; bonus: Police charge sheet and Maradona’s signature
(photo by Getty Images)

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Wearing a LARGE SPARKLY STONE ROCKER PENDANT, Adam Lambert amazed the judges and audiences when singing Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love in the Top 4 of the AMERICAN IDOL Season 8. Simon Cowell commented, “that was one of my favorite performances… nobody can top that now”, while Paula Abdul, punning on the song’s title, described Lambert’s performance as “a whole lotta perfect”.

That was a stunning performance and ever since, the METAL SPIKES UNISEX NECKLACE Adam Lambert worn received more attention from the fans around the world. The PENDANT really makes a Statement! This ROCK STAR DESIGN JEWELRY will make guys looks great on stage but is a real favorite for gals to wear on clubbing too. It all came with great unisex appeal and look great for any occasion, from casual wear to evening wear.

Adam Lambert and and Metal Spikes Unisex Necklace on American Idol Show

Adam Lambert - Whole Lotta Love - MyVideo

With dimensions of 2 1/2 Inches x 1 3/4 Inches, the pendant features a large center stone in color called Black Diamond which reminds us of a Smoky Quartz color. The settings are Pewter and surrounded by Metal and Crystal Spikes for an authentic in your face Rocker Look. The chains are a heavy metal that is Silver plated. The look is totally Heavy Metal Rocker in your face UNISEX STYLING!

GASOLINE GLAMOUR DESIGNERS have designed ¼-inch-wide chains with wicked cool looking lobster claw clasps. They are available in various lengths so that men and women can pick which suits them best.

Large Sparkly Stone Rocker Pendant as worn by Adam Lambert

Metal Spikes Unisex Necklace by Rocker Jewelry

1/4 wide chains on Rocker Jewelry Neckalce as worn by Adam Lambert of American Idol

The LARGE SPARKLY STONE ROCKER PENDANT WITH METAL SPIKES UNISEX NECKALE by ROCKER JEWELRY is offered US $118.95.

In May 2009, ADAM MITCHEL LAMBERT from Los Angeles, California finished as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol. However, Season 7 American Idol winner David Cook stated that Lambert and Allen are his favorites of Season 8. Country music singer and actress Reba McEntire has echoed the same opinions, also adding Iraheta to her list of favorites.

Adam Lambert from American Idol Season 8 wearing Large Sparkly Stone Rocker Pendant and Necklace

Many Celebrities and Rock Stars were spotted wearing the daring Rocker Jewelry Designs including ADAM LAMBERT from American Idol, the Cast and Band from Rock Star SuperNova, Tommy Lee, Abby Grennet of Slunt, Brooke Burke, Stevie D, Buckcherry and more. The pieces have a great weight and substance to them.

Rocker Jewelry Logo

ROCKER JEWELRY is one of the shopping destination sites in the PERPETUAL VOGUE family of online shops. It specializes in cutting edge Rock Star Jewelry for men and women who love looking bold and hot! In order to make you looks so rocks, Rocker Jewelry provides pendants, Necklaces, Bracelets, Cuffs, Buckles and more. Their collections are dedicated to the fans of Rock, Tattoo, Biker, Goth, Punk and Counter Culture lifestyles.

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Looking for a cufflink, Guys? Try this one, a white gold and black rhodium cufflink by French Designer Louis Vuitton.

Engraved with a Louis Vuitton coat of arms in both plate, the LV emblems bring backs the retro aristocracy. Designed by American rapper and producer PHARRELL WILLIAMS and Creative Director CAMILLE MICELI, it is the rhythm and energy of the new continent harmonized with the spirit of historic Europe.

Camille Miceli and Pharrel Williams

LV Blason Cufflink

Will it be available in the newest store of LOUIS VUITTON as well? I hope so…

Watch the video of The Blason jewellery collection

| Via | | Images of cufflink courtesy of Louis Vuitton |

CARTIER, renowned French Jeweller and Watchmaker notified me about their Valentine’s gift collection. They are commonly jewellery in shape of heart, the symbol of Love.”Love one another. Hearts of Cartier Collection”.

Have you found the Valentine’s gift for you and your woman? Perhaps this could be you’re lucky day.

As I explored Cartier’s website, I also found another interesting collection: Sanskrit India Style Ring.
What an oriental style!

Sanskrit India Style Ring on Cartier’s webpage

And what’s the connection between the Valentine’s Day and Sanskrit India Style?
Is it Love versus Lust? Or Lust is apparently the Love’s manifestation? I don’t know,…you decide!

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Porsche Design presents all their latest collection in white including leather goods (bags, trolley/luggage, briefcase, credit card case, and coin purse), sunglasses, luxury shake pen, jewelry, lighter and cell phone. Wow, I think that’s incredible. White reflects all the color as what Isaac Newton said (simply recall the kaleidoscope of colors). And I interpret that the Porsche Design stuffs brings you all the colors of luxury and happiness.

The official explanation came from Roland Heiler, Managing Director of Porsche Design Studio said,

“The typical color of Porsche Design is black. The color white, on the other hand, stands for purity and also has the property that it highlights the shape of the product. These characteristics also make white an excellent medium for our minimalist design language.”

The new white collection conveys a technical look combination of white with metals like aluminum, titanium and stainless steel.

P’8458 Porsche Design Sunglasses – White Theme

P’3140 Porsche Design Shake pen – White Theme

P’2160 Porsche Design LapDoc Case – White Theme

P’2150 Porsche Design Briefcase – White Theme

P’2140 Porsche Design Leather Trolley Case White Theme

P’3320 Porsche Design Credit Card Case White Theme

P’3340 Porsche Design Coin Purse – White Theme

P’3140 Porsche Design Cufflinks – White Theme

P’3450 Porsche Design Bracelet – White Theme

P’3633 Porsche Design Lighter – White Theme

P’3635 Porsche Design Lighter – White Theme

P’1140 Porsche Design Jacket – White Theme

Porsche Design Cell phone – White Theme

The white aluminum clad Porsche Design’s mobile phone is the winner of 2008 IF Award (International Forum Award) for product design.

Wikipedia explains about Isaac Newton’s theory of color:

From 1670 to 1672, Newton lectured on optics. During this period he investigated the refraction of light, demonstrating that a prism could decompose white light into a spectrum of colors, and that a lens and a second prism could recompose the multicolored spectrum into white light.

He also showed that the colored light does not change its properties by separating out a colored beam and shining it on various objects. Newton noted that regardless of whether it was reflected or scattered or transmitted, it stayed the same color. Thus, he observed that color is the result of objects interacting with already-colored light rather than objects generating the color themselves. This is known as Newton’s theory of color.

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Christopher Columbus believed the earth a globe. He then voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean led to his hypothesis that a westward route from Iberia to the Indies would be shorter and more direct than the overland trade route through Arabia. In 12 October 1492 he landed in the America. Mistaking the North American islands for the East Asian mainland, Columbus referred to its inhabitants as “Indians”.

Speaking about Indian, one of renowned Indian leader is Chief Joseph who was a humanitarian and peacemaker. Born Hinmuuttu-yalatlat (Thunder coming up over the land from the water) in 1840, he was then the chief of the Wal-lam-wat-kain (Wallowa) band of Nez Perce Indians during General Oliver O. Howard’s attempt to force his band onto reservations.

In tribute to this leader, Kimberly Baker, the jewelry maker from Seattle has created a Chief Joseph Ring made of sterling silver. It’s for either man or woman (unisex) and available in size 6, 7, 8, 9 with 1” face. The value is US $240.00.

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Clarity is one of the essential things in determining the grade of a diamond and of course its price and value as well. A diamond with higher clarity grades is worth more expensive; in fact, the exceedingly rare flawless grading diamond worth the highest value. Lovely reflection is worth high value.

Clarity is one of the four C’s of diamond grading, besides carat, cut and color.

Clarity comes from the word “clear”. Clear means the affordability of a light to transmit through a thing. In this case, if a diamond can structurally transmit and scatter the light in a good way, it means it has good diamond clarity. It is then concluded diamond clarity as a structural grade of diamond’s purity. Often, diamond clarity is equalized to diamond purity.

So…, how can we grade the diamond clarity?

Diamond Clarity relates to the existence and visual appearance of Inclusion and Blemish. Inclusion is an internal characteristic of a diamond, probably having form of structural imperfections such as tiny cracks that can perform whitish or cloudy. The clarity grading is then affected by some factors pertaining to the inclusion: its Number, Size, Color, Relative Location, Orientation, and Visibility. They are observed thoroughly by the expert, called Grader, in a 10x magnification. Grader is human who mediate between buyer and seller. Their report is called “Expert Opinions” and their expertise’s called Gemologist.

Inclusion is simply defined as the imperfection inside a diamond. It could take forms of Carbon, Feather, Crystal, Pinpoint, or Clouds. Carbon means black spots inside a stone. Feather is internal cracking. Crystal denotes white spots inside a stone. Pinpoint is tiny spots which are smaller than a crystal; and Cloud is a group of pinpoint which may give the impression of a single large inclusion.

Blemish could take form of Chip, Fracture, Polishing Lines, Natural, Extra Facet, or Bearding. Chip is a little piece missing cause by wear or cutting process. Fracture is a crack on diamond’s surface. Polishing Lines is a fine lines on the surface caused during the polishing process. Bearding is a very small fracture on the diamond’s edge.

A minor blemish and inclusion do not affect its performance or structural integrity, even in some cases inclusions and blemish can be used as proof of natural origin to distinguish between natural and synthetic diamonds. It’s like a ‘fingerprint’, giving a unique identity.

Some people grade the value of a diamond by the very simple way. They merely judge it by its imperfection appearance. If it looks perfect then it worth good otherwise the contrary does. In fact, a structural grading is defined by the size of clouds inside the diamond since large clouds can influence the diamond’s capability to transmit and scatter light.

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has defined diamond clarity grading scale comprising six grades and eleven categories. Category F is the clearest diamond and I3 is the worst clear. Here is the scale:

GIA Diamond Clarity Grading Scale

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Diamond was found as a material comes from the deepest place of the volcano which contains atom and carbon. Indeed, diamond is a transparent crystal binding four atomic carbons. Rock diamond was elevated into earth’s surface through the volcanic eruption. Researchers said the elevation of diamond is because of the melting stones. Diamond is created 90 miles deep beneath the surface, at the temperature of 2,200°F. At other condition of pressure, carbon may transform into other forms instead of diamond. Unfortunately, diamond cannot be created beneath the sea.

In the prehistoric era diamond was known as the third hardest material after ‘Aggregated diamond nanorods’ and ‘Ultrahard Fullerite’. As a matter of fact, the word ‘diamond’ means “unbeatable’ in ancient Greek language.

Diamond comes up to the surface since the very long time ago, 1 – 3.3 billion years ago. Indian was the first who mine the diamond. Buddhist people found a Sanskrit literature, Anguttara Nikaya, which then completed in the year 296 BC. The ancient literature told about a shiny diamond as a religious decoration. At that time, diamond was associated with divinity of Gods. Diamond was believed to bring good luck to the owner. At that time in India, provision of diamond’s owner was based on colors and caste in society. Only kings were permitted to possess all colors of diamond.

As the time went by, diamonds then became the trading commodity in eastern and western India. In many cultures, they used diamond for gems and industry.

In Europe diamonds were once missing for almost 1,000 years following the rise of Christianity. They rejected diamond as they considered it talisman. According to their belief, talisman was not permissible since God is the only savior.

But later, popularity of diamond rose again as people use it as jewelry. The lack of supply set off the popularity.

In 13^th century King Louis IX of France declared the law that only kings allowed to own diamonds.

In February 2005, Team of US and China archeologist found four aluminum heritages in the stone tomb in China. In year 4,000 – 2,500 Chinese people use diamond powder to polish their axes. In China, diamonds were used it as a complement to other jewelry like Jade.

For the centuries diamonds happened to be very popular amongst the aristocrats. They used diamond for wedding rings. Later, diamonds were developed into other forms. Diamond proves to be the most popular jewelry of all time.

Washington Post in 5^th of March 2007 reported a new type of diamond found in Canada by a stone expert who had looked for it for many years. The discovery claims Canada as the third country discovering diamond.

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People commonly think jewelry belongs only to women, but soon as you notice, jewelry seems one of the essential men’s accessories. From up to bottom, you could adorn yourself with jewelry. The jewelry manifests on your fashion, apparels, bags, watches, gadgets and other fashion stuffs.

Compare to similar women’s jewelry, men’s are little bit heavier and more bulky. Nowadays, platinum, titanium and stainless steel are fashionable metals for men. You’ll also find white gold, sterling silver, rhodium plate, and zinc alloy in some men’s jewelry. They are often mixed with some other materials; those are diamond, sapphire, Swarovsky Crystal, and even Wood.

There are plenty of rooms in men’s jewelry for your unique statement from up to toe. You can have them at:

• Men’s Earring
• Men’s Neckwear. It includes men’s necklace, pendant, and cross.
• Collar Stiffener
• Tie Slide
• Men’s Bracelet
• Men’s Bangle
• Cufflink
• Men’s Watch
• Men’s Ring
• Belt’s buckle
• Cufflink Box
• Hip Flask
• Cell phone
• etc

Collar Stiffener by Tateossian, London

Hallmark Sterling Silver Tie Slide

Seven London Men’s Bangle

Jim Beam Stainless Steel Leather Bound Hip Flask

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