Grace Magazine

Sweet, dainty, subtle, exquiste craftsmanship. The art of cameo carving is still alive and well in Italy.

Cameo: a technique of engraving upon a gem or other stone in such a way that an underlying stone of one color is exposed as a background for a low-relief design of another color.

Here are some fine examples by Del Gatto of Naples:

Young Woman Agate Stone Cameo Pendant - $238

The Italian Del Gatto family has been working in the shell cameo and coral art for over five generations. This beautiful cameo in an 18K gold frame, is part of the Agata collection which uses particular Brasilian stones.

Loving Mother Agate 18k Gold Cameo Pendant - $215

This beautiful agate cameo by Del Gatto uses age old artisan techniques to sculp the marvelous image of mother and child. The intense blue background and exquisite detailing adeptly conveys the mother’s pure joy - a perfect gift for mothers of all ages.

Young Woman Cornelian Cameo Pendant / Pin - $215

The Italian Del Gatto family has been working in the shell cameo and coral art for over five generations, selecting every shell and crafting them with a unique carving technique. This beautiful cameo, in a wavy 18K gold frame, is part of the Corniola collection which uses particular South-East Africa sea shells. This creation shows a beautiful profile of a young woman with her hair pulled up with flowers.

Another beautiful idea for Mother’s Day or perhaps a gift to yourself.

Available at forzieri.com

Sssssss. You don’t need to speak Parseltongue to wear this beauty.

Antica Murrina Veneziana - Santiago - Purple Murano Glass Snake Pendant Necklace - $59

A sinuous snake pendant in precious Venetian Murano glass sparkles with gold glitters and a purple accent for an attractive touch to your neckline. Made in Italy.

Available at Forzieri.com

Here are some highlights from the Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear Collection by Alexander McQueen.

Such beautiful clothes.

Don’t you wish we could dress like this every day?

Source: style.com

Oscar’s nominees get showered with gifts even if they don’t take home the golden statue.

But not everything in the 2008 Oscar gift bag is for the stars. This year’s goody bag contains some items for the pampered pet of Hollywood.

Distinctive Assets, which distributes the “Everybody Wins at the Oscars” gift bags to the nominees has selected the following items to be included:

Diamonds for Dogs Solid Swarovski® Crystal Dog Collars
Pick of the Glitter Pet Jewelry is providing the collar and and matching “Mommy & Me” crystal owner’s bracelets valued at $600. (Pictured above)

For more information, go to Pet Glitter’s Web site at www.petglitter.com.

Limited Edition Gold and Diamond Dog Collar Charm
Gothic Dog’s skull and crossbones 14kt yellow gold dog collar charm is encrusted with pavé diamonds in the skull’s eyes and has a pear-shaped diamond solitaire for the nose. It retails for more than $2,000.

Visit Gothic Dog’s Web site at www.gothicdog.com.

Here are some close-up photos of some of the more interesting details.

Detail of Sienna Miller’s necklace.

The delicate lace and pink belt on Thandie Newton’s dress

Feathers and intricate beading on Tilda Swinton’s gown. And she carries the best accessory, a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress in Michael Clayton.

This mix of lavish and everyday materials makes an interesting and modern piece of jewelry.

Central Diamond 18K Gold and Rubber Bracelet - $1,108.00

The unique combination of a utilitarian rubber cord with tiny 18K gold beads meticulously woven together by hand to showcase a dangling off-center diamond makes Orlandini’s bracelet one-of-a-kind. Signature gift box and certificate of authenticity included. Made in Italy.

Available at forzieri.com.

I know, I know, it’s only January.
But V-Day will be here sooner than your heart can skip a beat.

Here are some Italian luxury gift ideas for men and women in various price ranges and different levels of commitment.

FOR HIM

Gokan Kobo Touch Black and Red ‘I Love You’ Script Woven Silk Tie - $72

A new line of neckwear designed by the Japanese stylist Kenzo Takada for a refined and personal collection, elegant in its simple lines yet luxurious in the materials and textures. Made in Italy

Forzieri Solid Black Cotton Italian Dress Shirt - $98

It does not get any more chic than Forzieri’s classic spread collar dress shirt in inky black complemented by creamy black mother of pearl buttons. With its smooth front and clean lines it will transport you to the highest level of sophistication. Gift box included, Made in Italy

Gianfranco Ferre Men’s Burgundy Soft Italian Leather Billfold Wallet - $129

A fine accessory for the man with classic style, this sleek and subtle billfold wallet is perfect for everyday use. Finished with an embossed Gianfranco Ferre signature on the front flap. Gift box included, Made in Italy

L.A.P.A. Cognac Leather Vertical Briefcase - $475

This piece locks with a key and can be used with its adjustable shoulder strap. The interior is divided into 3 sections, one of which contains a zip pocket. One section contains pockets for a cell phone and pens, and on the back there is an additional open pocket. Made in Italy

Forzieri Sand Italian Handcrafted Leather Lace-up & Strap Shoes - $548

The new men’s shoe collection by Forzieri is exclusively hand-made by the most expert Italian artisans that combine traditional excellent craftsmanship with original new designs. These sand lace-up shoes are embellished by cut-out details on the side and heel, and by a top snap leather strap for a fashionable and dressy touch. Dust bag included, Hand-made in Italy

Forzieri Exclusives Men’s Four Vices Double-Sided Oval 18K Gold Cufflinks - $1,495

For the contemporary dandy, an astonishing pair of vintage 19th century-style porcelain cufflinks set in 18K yellow gold and entirely hand-painted with men’s four main vices such as women, horses, gambling and drinking. Gift box included, Made in Italy

FOR HER

Akuamarina Silver Leaf and Murano Glass Heart Pendant Necklace - $64

The new Akuamarina collection is made of beautiful necklaces in Murano glass, creating colored reflections and magic transparencies. This heart pendant has a silver leaf inside and comes with a black cord closing with a lobster-claw clasp. Pattern may vary slightly, unique handmade pieces. Gift box included, Made in Italy

Nuovegioie Lavender Stone Sterling Silver Drop Earrings - $116

Simple, delicate, and completely wearable with anything from the most elegant evening dress to your favorite pair of worn in jeans, Nuovegioie’s lavender drop earrings in sterling silver will complete your look with a dash of refinement. Gift box included, Made in Italy

Leonardo Delfuoco Black Canvas and Leather French Purse ID Wallet - $198

Make a bold statement with understated elegance with this striking french purse wallet featuring an ID window and a signature corset design detail that is seductively refined. Made in Italy

Forzieri Croco Stamped Leather Triple-compartment Jewelry Box - $598

Carry and protect your valuables in high class style with Forzieri’s bright candy colored, croc-embossed leather jewelry box. Two removable trays with ring holders and small compartments, suede lining, and lock feature make this the ultimate jewelry carry-all. Made in Italy

L.A.P.A. Pink Croco-style Leather Double Gusset Briefcase - $798

An ultra-chic pink croc-embossed leather briefcase features dual interior gusset sections. Made in Italy

Forzieri Diamond and Garnet Hearts 18K Gold Earrings - $1,726

A beautiful reflection of a romantic affection or a charming personality, these 18K gold dangle earrings feature a diamond encrusted base with a heart shaped garnet and diamond adorned drop. Gift box included. Made in Italy

All items available at Forzieri.com.

If you had $1,000 to spend on something extravagant for yourself, which of these items would you rather have?

Tiffany & Co. Solitaire Diamond Pendant - $950

Tiffany solitaire diamond pendant. Round brilliant diamond, carat total weight .17. Set in platinum. On a 16″ chain.

Salvatore Ferragamo Classic Top Handle Bag - $990

Black Saffiano calfskin, silver-tone hardware, top handle with bow, flap front with Gancini closure, inverted gussets, beige canvas lining, 9″H x 11″W x 3″D, Made in Italy.

What would you do?