From Paris, With Love : Haute Joaillerie 2015 Look

There were some major high jewelry (haute joaillerie) moments coming out of Paris Haute Couture week. Here are a few of our top picks of these stunningly unique designs of diamond jewelry and gemstone jewelry from Paris.

This gorgeous $6.5M (gasp) Bulgari necklace is encrusted with 24.75 carats of round cut brilliant diamonds, and also sapphires and pink spinels, and dusted with pavé diamonds.  PHOTO: BULGARI

This gorgeous De Beers necklace from their Talisman collection has a 13 carat center pendant of orange rough diamond. The length was created using rough diamonds and baguettes along with cuts of polished diamonds on the medallions. The price? A whopping $550,000. PHOTO: DE BEERS

This Piaget "Serenissima"cuff is so stunning beautiful and unique. It is encrusted with emeralds, sapphires and diamonds, and has an unexpected material: 10 different kinds of real feathers!  The center stone is a 3.46 carat Columbian cushion Emerald...It took over 250 hours to complete and cost around $360,000. PHOTO: PIAGET

Diamond Versace Pacifier...Not Exactly A "Silver Spoon"

This gives new meaning to being born with a silver spoon in one's mouth.

Happy Birthday July! The Beautifully Captivating Ruby Red Gemstone

Rare Red Rubies

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July babies are lucky to call Ruby their birthstone. Not only are rubies stunningly beautiful and captivating, but also they are the most valuable species in the corundum mineral family, (which also includes sapphires, another member of the species) and can command the highest per-carat price of all the colored gemstones.

Color has to be the most important factor in determining the quality of a ruby gemstone. The finest rubies have a vibrant red to purplish color. Take a look at the color of our La Tortuga Cocktail Rings or Makai Stackables encrusted with ruby gemstones to see the amazing color it reflects. This is the most sought after ruby color, a vivid reddish-purple and is very important to the value of the stone!

Ruby is one of four precious gemstones (others include diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires) and known for rarity, monetary value and hardness. The name ruby comes from rubeus which means “red”. In its purest state, the mineral corundum is colorless.  Chromium is the element responsible for ruby’s rich red color.

Ruby has been revered in many cultures throughout history and represents passion, protection and prosperity. Corundum (ruby, sapphire) is the second hardest gemstone after diamond, which makes it very durable for daily wear. Kate Alexandra Jewelry has a variety of beautiful sapphire and ruby gemstone jewelry, perfect for any July birthday gift.