When people buy luxury jewelry, especially diamond jewelry, they often think that the diamond is the only part that matters. I won’t deny that, yes, your diamond quality is incredibly important, but the precious metal that you select to surround your diamonds should also play a crucial role in the decision-making process.

When I first looked at diamond engagement rings, I didn’t understand the differences in my metal options. I knew I didn’t want yellow gold, so that left white gold and platinum as my options (note on another lesson I learned: silver isn’t something that should be used with high-quality diamond jewelry!). But which would I choose? To be honest, I thought platinum was just a more expensive version of white gold and to me, I didn’t think it mattered. But, boy was I wrong.

Not wrong in my selection of white gold for my engagement ring – because it’s still dazzling and I truly love it – but wrong to not give myself the benefit of understanding the options. Because, especially when it comes to engagement rings and wedding bands, jewelry that you will hopefully wear for the rest of your life, this decision is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

So, what do you really need to know about platinum versus white or yellow gold? Here are a few pointers that are easy to remember:

• Before getting into the details, know that this decision is usually a personal choice. So guys, the safest bet is to pay attention to the type of jewelry that your lady already wears.
• The price differential? While gold and platinum are currently trading at comparable prices, platinum has historically sold at a higher price tag due to its denser metal (however, with that denser metal comes more durability and more protection against wear and tear!)
• The upkeep differential? All fine jewelry needs a little TLC over time; however, white gold needs more care to help retain its luster. Both white gold and platinum will dazzle again after occasional polishing, but white gold will require the rhodium finish to be re-done from time.
• Something important to know? Some people have allergic reactions to wearing gold; though it’s usually an allergy to one of the metals in the alloy, often Nickel. 
  

The bottom line? Luckily, you can’t really make a “wrong” choice (well, unless you buy yellow gold when she clearly doesn’t want that…) as white gold and platinum look about the same and both truly dazzle. Platinum is a bit more expensive and white gold needs a bit more upkeep…so what would you choose?

♥ HOF Girl

• Tags
• Hearts On Fire
• platinum vs. gold
• diamond jewlery
• platinum diamond jewelry
• white gold diamond jewelry
• engagement rings

Attention everyone! We want to take a minute to offer a warm welcome to our new Director of Design at Hearts On Fire – Ilaria Lanzoni!  

 So, who exactly is Ilaria and what is she here to do? I just had to take a few minutes to sit down and get to know her a little better, and wow is she going to be fun!  

Because, born and raised in Italy, Ilaria is here to inspire the world of Hearts On Fire with her passion, imagination and drive. She’s got a great head of wild red curls, she’s witty and fun, and she works insanely hard. Could we have asked for anyone better to join our amazing Hearts On Fire family?

HOF Girl: So we’ve seen the “official” announcement, but can you tell us a little about your background to just get us started?
Ilaria: Sure! Well, as you know I am a native of Italy and have lived many places around the world, most recently London. I’ve been in design for almost 17 years and before coming over here was the Head Designer for Garrads in London. Prior to that I also designed for Asprey Fine Jewellery in London and helped launch their collections. 

HOF Girl: So, since you just moved to the US for the first time, what will you miss the most about London and Europe? And what are you most excited about?

Ilaria: Well, when I first moved to London I thought it would only be for a few months, so I could have a chance to learn English better. I ended up staying for 12 years, so while it was enjoyable overall, what they say about the dreary weather is so true! I absolutely hated the weather in London and I while I moved to Boston during the coldest, gloomiest part of the year, I am so excited to finally have a nice summer again!

Also, I have to admit, I’m so excited to indulge in American ice cream! You could take me away from all the food in the world, but I couldn’t survive without ice cream. Haagen Dazs, Ben & Jerry’s….I’ve already noticed so many things to try in Boston! And the idea of new flavors is just so exciting (and dangerous…).

HOF GIRL: What made you accept a role in the Hearts On Fire family?

Ilaria: I actually wasn’t looking to make a change, but when this opportunity arose, it obviously peaked my interest. Hearts On Fire is such a great company and this new role is a huge challenge, but as an extremely proud and stubborn person, that type of challenge is actually exciting to me.

Plus, I obviously move around a lot and new places are exciting to me. I knew it would be tough to come to the U.S., but once I started feeling scared, I knew that I absolutely had to go for it!

HOF Girl: What kind of inspiration do you have for Hearts On Fire?

Ilaria: As any designer, I came in with big ideas. However, I want to definitely keep in mind the characteristics that have gotten this Company to the place it is today. Hearts On Fire is known for classic, beautiful jewelry and I plan on continuing that tradition with more diamond stud earrings, engagement rings, etc. But I also think that I bring a new ability to give things a twist and refresh our designs, plus add more collections that are trendy and glamorous (but still classic). I want to ultimately design jewelry that makes people excited about Hearts On Fire, and makes people proud to wear it and talk about it.

HOF Girl: So, now I have a few questions just for fun! Imagine you are in a job interview again…What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself (and why?)

Ilaria: (laughing) This part is actually hard, I hate to talk about myself. Besides the ones I’ve told you already about being stubborn and proud, I would definitely say that I am really active, I can never sit still and I absolutely love Zumba! I also would say that I am thinker – I just get totally stuck inside my own head and can’t help but to always be planning something. And then I would say an explorer. This probably ties into the “not being able to sit still” part, but I love traveling and my favorite thing right now is just getting lost and exploring Boston. I walk everywhere!

HOF Girl: So you’re a designer and a fashionista! Do you have any secrets on the best (aka your favorite) place to shop?

Ilaria: Well, I still need to learn the hot spots here in Boston, but I know I really like DKNY! As for England, my favorite place was Selfridge’s, a department store in London. It’s probably comparable to Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdales and other luxury department stores you have here. But to be honest, my favorite part of Selfridge’s is the home department…I know, probably not what you were expecting.

HOF Girl: This question is always fun – If I were to dump out your handbag right now, what items would we find inside?

Ilaria: Well, if you would have asked me a few months ago, I would have said “What could you NOT find in my handbag!” But now, actually, I am working on downsizing what I carry around all the time and I hardly have anything in there. I don’t even carry my makeup anymore! It’s tough because now I sometimes go to look for things and realize I don’t have it with me (which is frustrating), but overall I like the lighter load to haul around.

But there are two things I always have one me. First is a bottle of vanilla body spray, which I keep in my bag and in my work drawer. I absolutely LOVE it….I actually love everything that is vanilla scented – candles, body lotions, shower gel – but my vanilla body spray from Boots in London is a must-have all the time. I’ve already looked for something similar in Boston and can’t find anything like it, so looks like I need to stock up!

The other item I always have on me is a little strange, but it’s my tape measure. With learning all these conversions over here (I mean really, how big is an inch??), it’s the most precious thing I have right now!

HOF Girl: So every woman has an accessory and/or article of clothing that she couldn’t live without. What is yours?

Ilaria: Finally, an easy one - handbags! I especially love Mulberry and Prada, but I really just love them all. I also have an obsession with shoes, especially flip flops. I always buy them when I travel or shop! It’s a bit crazy, considering I’ve lived in the dreary English weather for so long, but for example, last year in Malaysia I bought eight pairs. I’m hoping to now have a chance to wear them!

HOF Girl:  And of course, what is your favorite (current) HOF diamond jewelry design?

Ilaria: It might be strange to know that someone who designs fashion jewelry doesn’t wear a ton herself, but it’s true. For myself, I really love the classic Beloved pendant and will wear that all the time. I don’t wear earrings at all, but I do love rings, and am especially in love with the whole Diamond Bar stackable collection. My two favorites are the Diamond Bar Beaded Crown Band (such a fun design!) and the Diamond Band Single Prong Milgrain Band.

Thanks so much to Ilaria for taking the time to sit down with me! I know I can’t wait to see what brilliant designs she comes up with, and I’m sure you can’t either! Stay tuned for big product news from Hearts On Fire in the coming months, plus much more from behind-the-scenes with Ilaria…

♥ HOF Girl

• Tags
• Hearts On Fire
• diamond jewelry
• design director
• Ilaria Lanzoni
• new hire

It’s a wonderful excuse to tell someone you love them. And an even better reason to celebrate that love with romantic dinners and gifts of chocolates, roses and jewelry.

But is that really all Valentine’s Day is all about?

To me, it’s simple. It’s a day to feel happy and alive. It’s a day to be thankful and a little more open to the world around you. It’s a day to embrace and celebrate all the love that you are lucky to have.

And it’s definitely not just a holiday for couples. It’s a perfect day for embracing your family and celebrating with best friends. It’s the perfect day to help your colleagues and smile at a stranger on the street.

Regardless of how you feel about Valentine’s Day or what you do to celebrate, these words hit right at home for me…

♥ HOF Girl

• Tags
• Hearts On Fire
• Valentine's Day
• love quotes
• diamond jewelry
• holiday gifts

If you were watching diamond jewelry trends in 2011, you’ll know that last year was quite an exciting time in the world of diamond engagement rings. From all the pomp and circumstance of Kate Middleton’s royal engagement and wedding, to the made-for-TV hooplah of Kim Kardashian’s marriage (and subsequent divorce), and all the celebrity engagements in between, 2011 kept the diamond jewelry industry busy trying to keep up with all the ladies of Hollywood and their trend-setting engagement rings.

Now, while I can’t necessarily predict which celebrities will be saying their “I dos” in 2012, I have spent some time debating what I think the top three diamond engagement ring trends for the year will be. So ladies, and gentlemen, time to listen up!

In my opinion, the diamond fashion trend for 2012 will be eye-catching designs that create an overall striking and unique look.  Think rings that seamlessly mix creativity and style with elegance and class, and it’s really no surprise that these three styles are sure to be such a hit with brides-to-be in 2012.

• The Halo—Halos are in, and it’s easy to see why. Originally a fashion icon of the 1920s and 30s, halo diamond engagement rings create a beautiful, art deco look that maximizes the brilliance of your diamonds for a truly spectacular look.  Especially  for couples who are looking for superior value in their engagement ring, the halo of diamonds around the center stone create an amazing effect to make the center stone pop. I expect to see a variety of halo-style diamond engagement rings on the hands of celebrities and average brides alike in 2012…and not just because it’s my personal favorite style (yes, I have a halo and yes, I am biased!).

• Split Shanks—So, sometimes the prettiest things have less-than-beautiful names, as is the case here with split-shank engagement rings. I used to confuse this style with the typical twisted band, but it’s definitely worth it’s own category. Spectacular for showcasing your center diamond, the defined split shank creates a striking look that maximizes the light returned from every angle (making your diamond sparkle even brighter!). A long-time favorite of Hollywood’s leading ladies, I have a feeling the split shank will once again be making the rounds as one of 2012’s most popular styles for women everywhere.

• Big Solitaires—Solitaire engagement rings are always in, but the key to this year is “big.” And yes, I mean, one, two and even three carat dazzlers. For a while, it seemed that couples were understandably scaling back, but we’ve really been seeing that trend take a turn upward in the past few months.  Maybe it’s all the press around enormous stunners on celebrity hands making women yearn for their own, but honestly, who doesn’t love the look of a brilliant round or Dream cut solitaire engagement ring? With multiple options on the band design that make it perfect for any woman’s fashion style or personality, these timeless classics are going to once again light up the bridal industry of 2012.  

What style are you hoping for in 2012?

♥ HOF Girl

• Tags
• Hearts On Fire
• diamond engagement rings
• diamond trends in 2012
• diamond rings

This past weekend, Hearts On Fire was thrilled to participate in the Golden Globes in LA, with a chance to kick off the Hollywood award season and add even more dazzle to the red carpet!

Two of our own Hearts On Fire fashionistas, Trisha and Krista, were on site to style the celebrities…but even better, they have some great behind-the-scenes stories to share in this Q&A…enjoy!

HOF Girl: Why was Hearts On Fire interested in attending the Golden Globes? Have you attended before?

T: This was an amazing opportunity to host our own suite for stylists, magazine editors, and celebs, as it helps keep HOF top of mind during award season.  We have attended the Emmys and Oscars in years past but were excited to get back in the action!

K: One year I was even lucky enough to attend the Oscars and hang out backstage during the show. We dressed the “Oscar Girls” that year and I had to “man” the jewelry, which unfortunately (insert sarcasm) meant that I had to stand next to the ladies all night right off center stage. It was so cool because I got to see every presenter, winner, and performer walk by!

HOF Girl: What was the setup like in LA? What is it like to be behind the scenes at a Hollywood event like this?

T: We had a beautiful (and huge!) suite at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, adorned with elegant photos of some of our most famous designs, including the Mosaic Dream Pendant, Rosette Ring, and Sculptural Cuff.  In addition, celeb photos from past events highlighted the space including Marcia Cross, Liv Tyler, the $10 million diamond chandelier, and the $6.8 million Victoria’s Secret bra. 

K: The Four Seasons was truly bustling with everyone in the industry! We had lunch next to Liam Neeson one day, saw Woody Harrelson in the lobby with his entourage, rode the elevator with Liev Schreiber, and dined next to Sir Ben Kingsley. It’s hectic, fun, and energetic!

HOF Girl: What diamond jewelry did you bring to showcase and why?

T: We obviously wanted to bring big, bold pieces that would really make a statement on the red carpet.  After all, the world’s most beautiful actresses should be styled with The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond! Some of our main attractions included the 68 carat sculptural cuff as well as the 9 carat Dream Melody ring and 6.8 carat Rosette Rings.  Big earrings such as Tantalizing and Sculptural were also highly adored!

K: Whenever we style, we like to showcase a mix of high/low in terms of price point and look, with a true focus on our statement collection. Earrings, bracelets, and cocktail rings were really the main attraction for this event….and watching the red carpet seemed to reinforce that trend – no necklaces.

HOF Girl: What celebrities stopped by to visit Hearts on Fire’s suite? 

K and T: Tia Carrere (actress and Grammy award-winning musical artist), Leigh Anne Tuohy (mother from blockbuster hit “The Blind Side”), Aldis Hodge (actor in TV show “Leverage”), and Anya Sarre (celeb stylist for Entertainment Tonight)

HOF Girl: Do you have any favorite people or memories?

T: Honestly, it’s hard to choose! Each and every celeb that attended was so kind and down to earth and we are really looking forward to working with them again in the future

K: I have to say that Aldis Hodge is one of the loveliest men I have ever met. Surprisingly, he is a horologist (watch maker) by night, so he was very interested in the engineering of our diamonds and took extra time out of his busy day to really chat about our brand!

HOF Girl: Did anyone wear Hearts On Fire diamond jewelry to the Golden Globes?

K and T: Dawn Olivieri from the show House of Lies wore the 6.8 carat Rosette ring by Hearts On Fire as well as the Obsession Diamond Shape Earrings for a big bash on Saturday night (hosted by InStyle Magazine) before the Globes. Her stylist (Hellin of famed blog Champagne and Heels) selected these pieces, which perfectly complemented her simple and stunning dress with a hint of added sparkle! Check out Champagne and Heels for pictures!

Also, Nancy Cardone, publisher of Marie Claire, and Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief at Marie Claire (and new member of Project Runway All Stars!), borrowed jewelry for themselves for their Miramax party.

HOF Girl: What was your favorite part about bring in LA last weekend?

T: That’s easy – the action. The energy and excitement that surrounded the event and its preparation was vibrating throughout all of LA, and especially in our hotel!

K: I loved the intimacy of our suite. We were right in the middle of the action at the Four Seasons, but when our visitors stopped by we had amazing individual time with them. The vibe overall was great – everyone loved our jewelry and some even stayed to hang out or came back several times! Plus, we stayed true to our HOF culture by filling our guests with bubbling Veuve Clicquot and yummy cupcakes – who could resist that??

Personally, I have to agree!

 ♥ HOF Girl

• Tags
• Hearts On Fire
• Golden GLobes
• Hollywood Red Carpet
• Anya Sarre
• Marie Claire
• Entertainment Tonight
• diamond jewelry
• celebrity fashion

Let’s be honest. Every woman secretly hopes her boyfriend or husband understands the complex lingo of the diamond world…therefore, understanding how to select the perfect piece of diamond jewelry for her.

But, I say “hope” because for many cases, the answer is “No, he has no idea.” Sorry guys, but we know it’s true.

That’s why I’ve reached out to a few of my male teammates here at Hearts On Fire to get their help. To pick their brains about all things guys want (and need) to know when it comes to buying diamond jewelry, especially engagement rings.

As the first major diamond purchase a man will likely ever make, buying an engagement ring can quickly become an uncomfortable, stressful and frustrating situation. The guys I spoke with here all agreed. But I’m hoping that with their help we can make this process a little bit easier for everyone, starting with an understanding of a few of those daunting terms:

• The 4 C’s – The four characteristics used to describe the quality of your diamond: clarity, color, carat weight and cut. Read more about all four in our Understanding the 4 C’s section.
• Setting (also, blanks or mounts) – This is the mounting on which the diamonds sit and holds the diamond in place.  A setting alone does not include a center diamond.
• Semi-mount – A ring that is already decorated with diamonds and has space for a central, featured stone. Again, this alone does not include a center diamond.
• Pavé – A semi-mount featuring tiny diamonds on the band set closely together (so that very little metal shows through).
• Complete Engagement Ring – A ring that already includes a center stone and any accent diamonds in its setting.
• Solitaire – A diamond engagement ring with one featured (center) diamond.
• Multi-stone – A diamond engagement ring with two or more featured diamonds.
• Fire (or dispersion) – The flashes of color in a polished diamond.
• Brilliance – The brightness that comes from the center of the diamond.
• Inclusion – An impurity on the inside of the diamond and generally formed from the Earth.
• Blemish – An impurity on the outside of the diamond and generally formed from the environment it encounters.
• Proportions – The measurements of the diamond that determine the quality of the cut.

While this list doesn’t include every diamond term out there, it should help get anyone started!

Stay tuned for Part 2 with my HOF Guys (better name TBD)…as they continue to offer invaluable advice for any man immediately sweating at the thought of entering a jewelry store.

♥ HOF Girl

• Tags
• Hearts On Fire
• secrets for men
• diamond jewelry
• diamond engagement rings
• diamond terminology

The start of a New Year is always exciting. It’s a chance (or rather a kick in the butt) to set new goals and go after priorities that might have slipped in years past. However, as I took a minute to reflect on 2011 and think about what’s next for me…I realized my goals are a little different this year.

I don’t think I am setting any.

Shocked? If you know me at all…I’m sure you are. And even for those who don’t…you probably don’t understand. So let me explain…

Overall, 2011 was a year of changes and challenges for me personally. Changes that triggered a wide array of emotions…from excitement and happiness, to anxiety and frustration. Challenges that included health struggles, relationship anxiety, big financial decisions and a major career move. But as I look back, I now realize all of these things only made me stronger. They made me realize I don’t need as many written “goals” in life to achieve what I want to (and can) achieve.

Why? Because for the first time in my life (after good advice from mentors I deeply respect) I took a step back. I learned to relax and sometimes put myself first. Now don’t get me wrong, for a non-stop, competitive, go-getter, this was difficult. And it doesn’t mean that I stopped working hard or became totally complacent. What I do mean, is that I simply learned balance.

When the start of 2011 brought frustrating health challenges, it drained me emotionally and physically. But in the end, I learned to be more honest – with myself and others. I learned to let down my guard and let others support me. And in the end, it made me reconsider the things that truly made me happy…

Which leads to my next lesson: I learned to take risks. For the better part of 2011 I was afraid to shake anything up, afraid to potentially make things worse. But I finally determined that to be truly happy, I had to take risks. A risk that involved me leaving a stable, successful job for something unknown in a whole new industry. But it was the opportunity of a lifetime and I don’t regret it for a second.

And finally, I learned to be more independent and supportive, as my fiancé took on a new challenge at work that would consume almost 11 months and leave us struggling in our personal relationship. But in the end, we both learned how to work through this type of challenge, and embrace something that will ultimately improve the quality of our life for years to come.

So that’s why, as I look into 2012, I’m not making a long list of resolutions this year. I already eat healthy, work out a ton, have a good job and plenty of fun. Sure, I still have huge “goals” for my career and a “bucket list” of lifelong dreams. But mainly, this year I simply want to build on what I started in 2011. I plan on being honest and open, taking risks and supporting those around me. No matter what this year brings, I plan on just enjoying being young, happy and in love.

After all, I am getting married this year (only six months away now!) and that alone makes me think 2012 is going to be a great year.

What do you think?

♥ HOF Girl

• Tags
• Hearts On Fire
• New Year's resolutions
• 2012
• goal setting