Inspirational Gems

“The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear” -- Daniel Defoe (author)

Sightings: Mekhi Phifer @ the Kentucy Derby

Mekhi Phifer and his fiancee Oni Souratha hit up the Kentucky Derby over the weekend and were spotted on a few red carpets.

Mekhi dazzled the paps in his diamond pendant and Dunamis timepiece. He actually purchased one of the first 10 Dunamis watches ever made.

Oni also turned heads with her Stessier heart shaped necklace with floating diamonds.

The two made an appearance at the 2nd annual Derby Spectacular, hosted by Kim Kardashian.

Lovely couple.

(For my guys....) ~vK

Moissanite Hype

"Throw your moissanites in the sky if you feel the vibe..."

There have been numerous debates among jewelers since moissanites were introduced to the marketplace back in the 90's. Naturally, there are those who argue that these lab-grown gems are a much better value than the real thing. They shine like diamonds, and are often hard to tell apart, so it makes sense to go for the cheaper version, right?

As far as Jason is concerned, nothing could be further from the truth.

Here are a few reasons why copping the alternative (aka "diamond-lite") might not be the way to go.

First off, in terms of price, there is no denying that you will be digging much deeper into your pockets for a diamond. Diamonds take over millions of years to form and come from the earth; they are rare and precious. Moissanites are made in a lab and take about 3 days to make. They're approximately an 8th of the price of a natural diamond, and yet, they are much more expensive than CZs (cubic zirconia). If you don't mind rocking the alternative, you might as well go for the pop rocks.

With that in mind, if you plan to go in on your purchase, most people would agree that spending money on a man made rock that will NEVER increase in value isn't a wise financial investment. As the saying goes, "diamonds are an investment, moissanites are decorative". Sure, you're chain might be blingin' now, but try going in to any jeweler to sell or trade your piece made with the alternative. Don't take the relentless laughter personally.

The creators of moissonite jewelry argue that they have "..more brilliance and luster than any popular gemstone..." and yet, alot of people find that the extra brilliance comes off as almost too shiny. This can appear cheap on some pieces and is a dead give away that it is not a real diamond.

In addition, it isn't possible to create a pure "white" moissanite. The pic below displays an interesting "rainbow" effect that may attract folks that just want something shiny. Still, while moissanite dealers boast that they are more refractive than diamonds, there have been complaints of them having an unattractive greenish/grey cast.

At the end of the day, the decision on which to choose when making your purchase is based on your own needs and preferences. Many people wouldn't dream of going for anything less than the real deal, and for good reason. But in all fairness, moissanites are a convincing fake --just don't try it on wifey. Imagine you fiancees dismay, after years of bragging about her mega rock, she's hit with the news that she'd been Punk'd with a space rock knock off.

Bragging rights= VOID. ~vK

Dear Momma

I'm gonna let you in on a little secret...

Your mom does NOT want flowers for mothers day.

Seriously; it stopped being cute when you hit your teens. Don't be the son or daughter that sends the wilted dozen of "next day tulips" to the crib.

Not the bizness.

If you expect to get that home cooked meal she always makes when you visit (rarely) you might consider upgrading the gift this year. And I'll let you in on another lil gem: Mom wants to shine.

JBH has everything you need, from earrings to bracelets to custom pieces made especially for your favorite girl. For more info, hit us directly at info@jasonofbh.com

You have 10 days...

(I don't know about you, but I'm not missing out on my homemade peach cobbler...) ~vK

Sightings: Polow Da Don and Kanye West Courtside

Lakers vs Jazz

I'd be all smiles too with a Dunamis Hercules Masterpiece on my wrist.
We spotted Polow Da Don chilling court side with buddy Kan-yeezy this past weekend at the LA Lakers versus Utah Jazz game. No points for the white tee, but my eyes are immediately drawn to the "ish starter" that is his watch game --that pretty much makes up for it.

(Click to see larger)

(Where R U Yeezy?) ~vK

Jason on Keeping Up With the Kardashians

This one is for all the fans of the Kardashian clan.

It was hard keeping this little tidbit under wraps, but we didn't want to kill the surprise! In case you missed the last episode of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians- The Two Year Itch", be sure to check it out tonight at 6:30pm or 10:30pm on E!

In this episode, Kourtney K is hellbent on serving her man Scott his walking papers after accusations of cheating. What she doesn't know is that Scott does have a secret, just not what she was expecting.

Here's a clip from the show. Note: the young lady that Scott is "seeing" is a JBH employee. Jason also makes an appearance on the full ep, so don't miss it!! ~vK

New ish: JIBBS

To commemorate the new album and showcase a brand new swagg, rap artist Jibbs had an exclusive piece made by none other than JBH.

A few weeks back, I caught up with Jibbs while taping a video for his single "The Dedication".
(see video below)

(click to view larger)

**Special thanks to Jibbs for showing me love at the video shoot. (ps- Ramiee Randall, ur awesome!!) ~vK

Bone Heads

Although the skull fad has been around for a few years now (thx Christian Audigier) and is seemingly waning, there hasn't been a shortage of "bonehead" request for jewelry. Bonehead in the most respectful sense of the word, of course.

Many clients are still leaning towards razor sharp edge when it comes to designing their more casual trinkets. From rings, to pendants-- even cuff links, people want to add a certain hard core element to their ensemble. One however, has to set a concrete boundary to prevent skeletal over kill. I mean, you wouldn't wear cheetah print from head to toe (no offense to my wild life pattern offenders) skulls should be no different.

Still, the right piece can definitely bring your look to life. ~vK

Flashback: Jason on "Fashion Team"

Wedding season is upon us, so when it comes time to pick out the perfect ring for wifey, leave no "stone" unturned.
Check out Jason on an episode of "Fashion Team on TV Guide Network" showing of the latest in celebrity wedding bling.

For more info, emails us at info@jasonofbh.com

Any day now on my ring, any day now... ~vK

Green Day

And the winner of this year's Eco-fashionista award goes to the newly crowned Miss USA!

I'll be honest, I didn't actually watch the entire pageant. I did catch some interesting highlights form Miss Cali's Q&A segment though (capital "L").

But the real story comes from former Miss North Carolina, Kristen Dalton, who took the crown in true Earth friendly fashion.

The good folks over at Diamond Nexus Labs, who specialize in "laboratory created" gemstones, manufactured the crown that sported a green theme this year:

--"Valued at $202,000, the Miss USA crown features 1,936 flawless lab-created gemstones for a total of 166.82 carats set in 325 grams of gold and platinum.

Fifty-one of these jewels adorn the oval centerpiece to celebrate each of the 51 women competing to become Miss USA 2009.
All of the gems were lab made, using an environmentally friendly process with no toxic byproducts or pollutants."
(source: Diamond Nexus Labs)

Not Bad.

With today being Earth Day (not to be confused with April 20th, 2009), I challenge everyone to do their part in saving our planet. Charge up those Hybrids, reduce your carbon fingerprint, buy all the organic-veggie-corndogs you can get your hands on! You hippies.

And don't forget to cop some JBH ice to keep those polar caps from melting. ~vk

(Miss USA...for my guys.)

Rihanna and Katy Perry do Barbados!

Who says you can't wear jewelry on the beach?

We spotted one of our favorite clients, Rihanna, kickin it with her girl Katy Perry out in Barbados yesterday.

I see you Katy rocking the JBH diamond cherry pendant; a cute look with her retro, floral two piece. (Shout out to Markus Milonari for the love!! --MarkusistheDrug.com)

(click for larger image)

Nice.
I'm long overdue for a vacay myself... ~vk

He is risen...

In the spirit of Easter, I'd like to introduce:

SOUTHPARK JESUS

bka- "Lego Jesus", "Sweet Baby Jesus 3000", "Jesús el Hijo de Dios", (...kidding on that last one).

Now before you go screaming blasphamy at our Cognac colored Jesus, rest assured, he was made in good taste.

As far as I know, lil J.C. didn't come from a manger and thus far hasn't performed any miracles-- although he does emmit a rather heavenly glow (that's probably just the VS clarity diamonds, but...)

Jason immaculately concieved made this for a client who had an eye for a different kind of Jesus piece. With a million and one Jesus face/Franco chain combos floating around, I'd say he got the job done with a light hearted twist.

I think that deserves an Amen. ~VK

(Matt 28:6)

Press: KEYSHIA COLE in KING MAGAZINE'S Final Issue

(click to view larger)

As you may have heard, the reign of King Magazine is coming to an end. But you've got to give it to them for going out with a bang.

For their final issue, they had to get, the diva that is Keyshia Cole, to grace the cover. And why did this particular shot catch VK's eye, you ask? Aside from the fact that Miss Cole is looking true to fierce with that 22 inch (and counting) vamp ponytail and flawless makeup (sorry, I'm a sucker hotness), she just so happens to be rocking #7 on my holiday wish list!

Yes-- that fabulous black and white diamond, square bangle was calling my name in the showcase. But I'll give props where props are due. It's a great look on her. * Special thx to Daniel Williams for looking out!*

JBH is always setting the hottest trends in jewelry, and who better than Keyshia to do it justice. Get em girl!

Be sure to cop the very last issue of King Magazine. Without a doubt some of those spreads will be collectors items for some of you fellas.
Given the, ahem, stimulating content. ~vk

http://www.king-mag.com/
http://www.keyshiacole.com/
www.jasonofbh.com

Sad Puppy...

DON'T END UP IN THE DOG HOUSE THIS YEAR.

VALENTINE'S DAY IS QUICKLY APPROACHING.

Let us take care of all your Valentine's Day arrangements. For those of you that let this oh so important day slip their minds, we have plenty of beautiful pieces in stock. As always, we are taking custom orders as well. --That way she'll know you put some thought into it.

And for the REAL gents who plan on "putting a ring on it" this year, Jason's got you covered.

You do like it, right? ~vk

The Nastiest...

...Real money I'm just trying to touch it
The diamond encrusted sh**, live illustrious...
-NAS

We see you Nasir.

I doubt very strongly that anyone could have missed Mr Jones when he stepped on stage to perform at the "Yes We Will" Inauguration Celebration for President Barack Obama.
The suit-- dapper. The silk bow tie-- charming. I'll even give him a pass on the indoor eye wear. But, without a doubt, all the fresh points go to jaw dropping, 12.44 carat center stone pinkie ring (that surely blinded the first 12 rows in the audience).
The guys at JBH put in work on this flawless customized ring for Nas. Aside from the ridonkulous rock, the ring boasts an addition 17 carats of specially cut diamonds-- it is to DIE for in person.

Here's a small peek:
(Click on the picture to lose your damn mind)

BTW, congrats to The Joneses on the baby news! ~~vk