2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Win at Gift-Giving with Al Liali Jewellery

The holidays are right around the corner and most of us will be scrambling last minute trying to find the perfect gift for that special person. But with our hectic work schedule, who has time to go around shopping all day?

The answer is: We do! 

We ventured out to the jewelry shops from all over the UAE to find the best and most affordable gifts, so you won't have to!

We kick start the Gift Guide with Al Liali Jewelry.

The company first opened its doors in 1999 and since then has seen an unprecedented growth, opening 21 stores across the UAE.

The store offers a lot of advantages like a 0% interest installment plan, an unconditional exchange policy and the ease of mind of buying conflict-free stones. Don't like what you see? Snap a picture and they will customize a ring just for you. 

The awesome people behind this growing brand shared their latest arrivals and holidays specials exclusively with Lavalier Dubai and we couldn't be happier. We spent the day sifting through their vast collection, picking out the trendiest pieces and talking all things bling with their store manager.

There has been a growing trend in the jewelry industry, a trend we are loving, which is the illusion diamond. Why splurge on full-carat stone when you can get the illusion of a one for half the price?

Check out the latest collections, and let us know what you think in the comment section below.

5- Carat Illusion Ring in White Gold

The White & Yellow Gold Filigree Set

Illusion Diamond Set

Illusion Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Smokey Quartz & Amethyst Gold Rings with Diamond Setting 

Smokey Quartz - Side View

Our favorite pieces? The white and yellow gold filigree collection, a stocking stuffer that will turn heads (and won't break the bank).

For more information, prices and locations, contact the store nearest you (and tell them Lavalier Dubai sent ya!)

Designers You Should Know: Dannijo

I learned about the beautiful sisters behind Dannijo Designs while browsing the Saks Fifth Avenue online store. I found myself drawn to their effortlessly stylish hand-crafted pieces of art.

Jodie and Danielle Snyder started making jewelry using their cardiologist father's surgery equipment. They quickly found their passion for jewelry-making and launched Dannijo, a brand synonymous with affordable luxury and trendy jewelry. 

Their items can be found in stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Shopbop, Holt Renfrew, Lane Crawford and Harvey Nichols.

As part of their social responsibility initiative, all Dannijo packaging is made in Rwanda as to promote sustainable economic opportunity for women in underdeveloped nations. 

Check out our favorite additions to their collection and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Jewelry Porn: Napoleon's Bling in Australia

If you're in Victoria, Australia this week, then you must check out Napoleon Bonaparte's belongings at Australia's National Gallery of Victoria. The collection includes 300-pieces of Napoleon's jewelry, watches and silverware. Not to mention the furniture, paintings and other ornaments owned by the Emperor of France from 1804 and 1815.

The intricate designs, the precious jewels, the history behind every item... that's what drives me to blog about this industry. 

"Among the impressive collection on display is a 200-year old Breguet “touch” watch by French horologist Abraham-Louis Breguet. 

The watch belonged to Napoleon’s youngest brother, Jerome Bonaparte and is impressive not only because Breguet was considered the leading watchmaker of his day, but because the design of the watch was advanced for its time. 

Encrusted in old mine cut diamonds which stand in to indicate the hour, and pearls that indicate the half hour, the ornate arrow turns with the watch’s movements and tells the time without the wearer needing to open a cover. 

The watch was considered a forward piece of technology within that era, and was popular among younger people who wanted to know the time discreetly by feeling the face of the watch without the ceremony of taking the watch out of their pockets."

Check out some of the gorgeous pieces from the exhibition, titled "Napoleon: Revolution to Empire".

Bling Must-Haves from CC Skye

We are currently obsessed with everything CC Skye. She's a beautiful and talented jewelry designer from the States. You should read her journey to become one of the most successful jewelry designers...so inspirational and a case-and-point for all of us who want to ditch the 9-5 for a creative and lucrative jewelry career.

Her gorgeous pieces can be found in over 800 retail stores around the world. Not to mention on the hands, necks and wrists of A-list celebrities.

What's not to love about her brand new collection (which now includes bags and other accessories)? Check out our favorite pieces.

What do you guys think about her background and her designs? Let us know in the comments section below!

Diamonds Are Girls Best Friend:Knuckle Ring

Check out this awesome 4-finger snake knuckle ring made of diamonds andwhite gold. Love it!

Young Chinese Designer Reinvents the Knuckle Ring

Warning: the below works of art will blow your mind. 

Payson Ni just graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and has already been named Young Jeweler of the Year by Bentley & Skinner. Personally, rarely do I see something to inspirational and creative coming out of the jewelry industry. 

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to dig out much information but we have hope! Both the new collection AND the online shop will be coming soon. I personally can't wait to see what else is in store from this young talent. But from the looks of it, these rings (which are of Chinese landscape) will cost and arm and a leg. 

Offices of the Most Creative & Influencial People in the World

Trying to get work done in a pile of food, empty coffee cups and stacks of paper on your desk is probably the worst way to start the day. I'm not an overly-neat person, but my workspace can't look like a tornado hit it if I want to get stuff done and, of course, done right.

If you need some inspiration for creating the perfect desk / office then take it from the world's most creative (and influential) people.