Just returned from Albuquerque, New Mexico where I was invited to judge the prestigious Saul Bell Design Award Competition. The competition challenges designers from all over the world to create innovative and original jewelry designs in 6 categories. They are: Gold/Platinum Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, PMC Jewelry, Bead Jewelry, Hollowware and this year Swarovski Create Your own style. Over$30,000 in prize money will be awarded to the winners who will be announced at the International Jewelry Show in Las Vegas. It was a lot of fun. The designs were very exciting and I hope the ones I voted for win. I also met several designers and had dinner with Alan Bell, the owner of Rio Grande, the company that sponsored the awards.

Then it was off to Colorado Springs where I attended the prestigious Independent Jewelers Show at the Broad moor Hotel. Naturally everyone was talking about the price of precious metals and the need to design new pieces that take into consideration the price rise. We are currently working on new and exciting bridal pieces in all metals. Palladium seems to be very popular now in engagement rings as well as bands and we are designing some delicate platinum rings to fill a void in the marketplace.

Next week is the New York jewelry show. I will let you know what’s new in the world of jewelry.

Today, if you pay a visit to a website called GroomGroove.com, you will see
my first Expert Tip of Week for grooms displayed on the homepage.

I was approached by Groom Groove, the leading online engagement and wedding
website for men, to serve as the exclusive diamond and jewelry expert on a
panel of other industry experts in the fields of men’s fashion, fitness, and
grooming.  The purpose of my tips is to provide grooms with valuable advice
on how to find the right engagement ring for their future bride, and how to
find the right wedding bands when the time comes.

My tips will appear on the site - an excellent resource for grooms, best
men, and groomsmen - once a month for a year, and will cover topics ranging
from how to find the most durable metals, to how to find the best diamond
engagement ring for your dollar.

Hope you will be take a peak!

Welcome!

I’m thrilled to be posting for the first time on my very own blog.  A lot of excitement has gone on in the last few months and seeing as this is my first time blogging I will now bring you up to date...

My first ever retail jewelry line has just launched. The Life & Love Collection is designed to make every day special and special days unforgettable.  I created the line because I believe every woman deserves diamonds and there was a need for everyday diamond jewelry that real women can afford.  Life’s luxuries should be attainable!  

This blog will aim to provide you with a glimpse into my world.  We will be continuously updating it to give you tips on everything from the best diamond cuts and colors to style hints and we’ll be forecasting trends each season.  I hope it will become your go-to guide for all jewelry, lifestyle and fashion questions.  

Oh, and don’t be afraid to email me with questions!  We’ve created a unique section on the site called “Ask Phyllis” and I will personally post responses to them.

Again – welcome - and I look forward to seeing you soon.