Thursday, December 15, 2011

Get glowing with gemstones

Get glowing with gemstones

Sheela Ranjan of Gem Herbal Beauty Parlour, Bangalore says, “Each gem stone has a specific property and the ash is used according to the skin type for treatment. The effect of gemstone facials stays longer than other facials and more often natural products are used, so it is gentle on the skin as well.”

Emerald entices the skin
Emerald is considered as the best gem for its anti-ageing and repairing skin damage properties. The emerald ash infused in the cream helps to revitalize and tone the skin, reducing fine lines, pores and wrinkles. It further strengthens the physiology of the skin, stimulates blood circulation and removes toxins.

It is also a nourishing treatment with its natural astringent and antiseptic properties which proves to be really helpful for acne prone skin because it reduces inflammation, increases elasticity, prevents pimple formation and removes excess oil from the skin. It even relieves fatigued eyelids and also makes the lips look healthier.

The sapphire seduction
Do you need a youthful glow? Opt for a sapphire facial. The sapphire content helps to soothe, deeply hydrate and protect the skin making it appear clear, smooth, blemish-free, rejuvenated and youthful.

It removes dead cells, restores and maintains the ideal skin balances and counteracts harmful environmental effects. Also, the blue sapphire treatment is believed to induce sleep and wipe away depression and anxiety due to its calming effects. All in all, the skin appears relaxed and young, creating an overall sense of wellbeing.

Get rosy like a ruby
If you want to achieve a glowing radiant effect, go for ruby facials. The ash of ruby is infused into the massage cream to give a cooling and soothing effect to the skin. It is a good moisturiser and a rich source of Vitamin A which is excellent for an ageing skin, making it soft and supple.

That’s not all; it even soothes rashes, sun burns and reduces the appearance of blemishes. It relaxes facial muscles providing instant rejuvenation and fresh look. But be wary of using it during cold weather due to its ingrained cooling properties.

Get pearly pretty
Pearls are naturally rich in amino acids, minerals, and proteins that have powerful age control properties. Also it helps in skin brightening and reduces blemishes and dark spots. Shahnaz Hussian says, “It helps to strengthen the skin, improve its moisture retention ability and produce an even colour tone.” Words of wisdom though, avoid pearl facials on acne prone and sensitive skin as this may worsen the skin condition.

Dazzle like a diamond
Mostly used for micro-dermabrasion and skin polishing, this facial includes a diamond wand which has an array of “diamond” crystals used to polish the skin, leaving it luminous and radiant.

The procedure is used to diminish blackheads and white heads, fine lines, acne scarring, enlarged pores, lip and character lines and stretch marks. Not called a girl’s best friend for nothing, right? The only hitch is that the dermabrasion effect might irritate sensitive skin, so be careful.

Jewellery to make you go VOW!

Walk into jewellery designer Varuna D Jani’s flagship store off Turner Road, Bandra in Mumbai and you’ll be taken in by its muted simplicity. The designer, much like her creations, exudes a muted simplicity and elegance that so many others aspire to achieve but fail to.

Born in to the eminent Popley family, it seemed natural for Varuna to make a career in the field of jewellery design. She worked with her father for three years before branching out on her own. “Since I branched out, it’s been difficult because I didn’t have the family name - the tag of Popley,” she candidly admits. Yet, in less than five years of making the move from Dubai to Mumbai, she’s built on her name with a trusted and loyal clientele.




Designs on you

This year, a couple of months ago to be precise, Varuna launched her Very Own Wish - VOW -range that consists of jewellery sets that can be worn according to occasion and need. “Traditionally, jewellery is seen as a symbol of status and prestige. Mothers want to buy heavy jewellery for their daughter’s wedding, which is worn once and then kept away in lockers, never to be seen again. I wanted to change that. A beautiful piece of jewellery should be worn and seen every day. Today, women want to wear a simple piece of jewellery - whether to work, at a cocktail do or on a daily basis. VOW allows them to do just that!”

Using a simple clasp and lock, individual pieces in a set can be added on, or removed, to make a formal necklace, a necklace with a pendant, a bracelet, etc. Made in India but with a global patent, VOW gives women the choice and freedom to wear what they want, when they want without worrying that the piece is “too heavy” and “not right” for daily wear. What sets this range apart is that it is completely hand-made and women can buy a single piece (if they cannot afford an entire set) and then add on to it later.

Says Varuna, “I developed this idea completely on my own and I’m proud to say it adds a new versatility and dimension to bridal jewellery that has never been seen in India before. The VOW range has four lines starting from Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 3 lakh, Rs. 5 lakh and going up to Rs. 2 crore. It’s a completely affordable range depending on your budget.” Made using 80% diamonds and 20% of other gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, sapphires, etc. there’s more than enough bling that you can hope for!

Passion is a must

According to Varuna, where jewellery is concerned, design is king and it is associated with her name and brand. All her collections are limited edition ones as far as designs and patterns are concerned. “My entire collection is in my hands. I have a problem with people who are trying to dilute the brand and want to make it generic,” she states.

Varuna sums up her work when she says, “Passion is important. It drives me forward in difficult times. Hard work, patience and a clear focus are also significant.”

Not surprising, she is sparkling and standing out in the business already!

5 handbags we want






1. Tote that'll get you all the votes
Malaga black leather tote with semi-precious stones and gold trimmings


If you want to look like a queen, here's a classy bag as precious as jewellery, from Malaga. Set against a black leather backdrop, this tote is embellished with semi-precious stones and finished with a smart gold sling and gold rotating lever. "The look and colours of the gemstones, set in carefully selected combinations on this bag from my El Dorado collection, allows you to explore the fun side of elegance, "says accessory designer, Malini Agarwalla. Great for special nights, this accessory can add loads to your dress or even a gown. The enticing square also combines well with Indian wear. Just right for her majesty!

2. A sling to your fun, girly side with candlicious bags
Playful candyfloss pink handbag from Rocky S Les Bags Collection


Girl, now you can add some colour to you handbag collection with this yummy candy floss pink bag with chunky gold chains and embellishments from Rocky S. The celebrated designer says, "Bold and beautiful is the season's handbag trend. Bags with sparkle, shimmer or lots of embellishments like chains and studs are on the hot list." Taking his cues into account, this bag is your perfect bet. Great with frills and laces, this one will match well with skinny jeans, frilly dresses or stylish jumpsuits. Plus, a girl can never have enough of pink right?

3. Latch onto pastel satchels
A hot Esbeda multi-tasking white satchel


Buckle up your winter style statement with this trend-appropriate pastel satchel with a crocodile finish from Esbeda. Jayesh Mehta, Marketing Head, Esbeda, says, "As this season the look is experimental, fashionistas are replacing traditional blacks and gold bags for their LBDs with fun satchels in pastels." You can pair it with a chic shirt and denims or a power suit; it's the perfect glamour accessory that will complement your French manicured hands and your muted winter wardrobe with élan.

4. Look hot with polka dots
Marc Cain polka dotted cross-bodies

Get spotted with bags that have spots either boldly printed or embossed, like this superb power-packed grey leather bag from Marc Cain. No-nonsense and fuss-free, it will catapult you to a level that's superior and awesomely high. You can either use the sling for a carefree look or grab the chain handle to enable you exude power. Either ways, this spotted bag works both in the boardroom and for an evening out.

5. Travel bags that make you go places
Marks & Spencer Holdall Bag


You don't have to wait for that important meeting overnight or a long day out with your gal pals to use a bag like this. You can well wear it with denims and a jacket for a really smart look on any other day. With loads of raw appeal, this rugged, yet stylish bag can carry all your stuff comfortably. Check out the baggy multiple pockets for all your knick-knacks and the stylish leather trimmings plus handle plus sling. The rugged khaki fabric ensures the bag itself is light for your delicate shoulders. What more do you need?

Sotheby’s jewellery auction New York churns $28.4 million

The value of the sale was only half the pre-sale estimates
By: Diamond World News Service

Sotheby’s jewellery auction New York saw sale of two thirds of the total 340 lots offered, yet the total revenues amounted to only half the pre-sale estimates. The total value of the sale was $28.4 million. The auction house was also unable to sell two of its top lots at the event. The auction offered diamonds, sapphires and other precious gemstones.

A 22-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring (pre-sale estimate -$13 million), and a 33-carat "Light of Golconda" diamond (presale estimate $7 million), were the two top lots that did not attract buyers. Unusual jewellery on the sale however met with buyer interest – including a 23.6-carat oval diamond ring. A Cartier platinum diamond necklace was bought for $1.65 million while a Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring was bought for slightly less than $1.6 million.