Pamela Froman in Town & Country Magazine!

Hi Everybody,

The October issue of Town & Country Magazine just came out, and this is the one that features the winners of the Couture Design Award! If this is your first time reading our blog, this summer Pamela was awarded the Town & Country Couture Design Award for "Best of Gold", which is the equivalent of winning an Oscar in the world of fine jewelry. We're still so excited that Pamela was honored with such a prestigious award!

The collage of images (above) shows Pamela Froman with Town & Country Editor Pamela Fiori, T&C Publisher Jim Taylor, and Vice President of Couture Lee Arevian. You can also see front and back images of her award-winning piece, the "Gothic Harlequin Cross."

24kt Club Fall Dinner Dance

24k Glamour Girls

from left to right: Naomi Brown, Erica Courtney, Pamela Froman, Jilienne Hart

Jilienne and I went to the 24kt fall dinner dance this past weekend, and it was a blast! My girl Erica Courtney was the Dance Chairperson and she looked gorgeous!! She had real peacock feathers on her dress, and (of course) stunning jewelry. We sat at Erica's table along with the talented and positive Paula Crevoshay and her lovely partner Martin Bell. Also at our table was Hayle Henning, from the Tanzanite foundation, who is very sweet. Rounding out our table was Debbie Hiss from Hearts on Fire and her husband. We got to see a lot of friends and make some new ones.

A roving photographer took snapshots of the attendees, which were distributed throughout the night (see our picture above,) and there were even a couple of caricature artists, so Jilienne and I had our cartoony portrait drawn! (See below.) We were served a four-course dinner while a great band played, and there was dancing later. There was also a silent auction set up outside the ballroom, with proceeds going to Jewelers for Children. It was a great night, but the highlight of the evening had to be listening to Herb Bridge, "Mr. Downtown", being honored with the Excellence in Service Award.

A few of my snapshots from the night:

So Adorable!
Paula Crevoshay & Martin Bell


Tanzanite Divas
Hayle Henning & Erica Courtney


EC Girl
Naomi Brown


Our alter egos, shopping up a storm
drawn by Mario Jackson

Trend Alert: Pink Gold is HOT!

A clipping from National Jeweler's September issue

Pamela has always loved working in 18k Pink Gold, but National Jeweler Magazine just announced that pink is going to be the "It" color for gold this holiday season! I've transcribed some of the article entitled Pink gold has a rosy outlook for the holidays, from the magazine's September issue:
Internationally recognized fashion, color and trend forecaster David Wolfe, creative director for the Doneger Group, New York, says rose gold jewelry is the perfect complement to fashion's soft new shades for fall/winter and spring/summer, which are replacing brights, neutrals, and black. "We certainly havent had pretty, soft, feminine color in fashion for almost a decade," Wolfe says. "That's over. The new soft colors - pinks, lavendars, mauves, blues and turquoises - are calming. They're a bit like tranquilizers for the current psychological mood of the times, heightened and fragile with worries about the economy, the environment and the war."

One of the reasons Pamela loves using Pink Gold is because it looks great on so many different skin tones. There are many variations of pink (some more purple, some more red, some more orange...) but Pamela works specifically with a peachy-toned color that is especially flattering. Medical esthetician and celebrity makeup artist Joanna Rolleczek was also interviewed for this article, and she had this to say:
"...softer color palettes are particularly complementary to women over 40, whose skin tends to grow sallow and more yellow over time..."

Whatever your age, the earrings selected to illustrate this article, Pamela's "Eternal Scroll Sparkle Hoops" from the new Ombre Crush Collection, are perfect for this coming trend. In fact, any piece from the Warm Ombre Crush Collection, which combines 18k Pink and 18k Yellow Gold in each design, would help you warm up your yellow gold wardrobe with a little pink!

A few pieces from the Warm Ombre Crush Collection

SUN VALLEY

Our trip in Sun Valley was great! Jay & Hudson went with me and we were able to have some fun in between the Jensen Stern trunk show. The show was great and I got to meet a lot of nice people, and the popularity of my hoops doesn't seem to be slowing down. On a personal note we got to take the lift up to the top, where the view was insanely beautiful after walking around on the mountain top we then saw thunder and we were not aloud to take the lift down so we all got shuttled in pick-up trucks down the windy road. We also had a wonderful picnic listening to the symphony, and Hudson had a great time dancing and being silly. 

Sun Valley Idaho Trunk Show

I am on my way to Sun Valley Idaho, which is just as beautiful in the summer as it is in winter. If you haven't been you should definitely check it out. I'm doing a Personal Appearance/Trunk Show at a fabulous store called Jensen Stern this Friday and Saturday, so if you're in the area, stop by and say hi! The best part is that my husband Jay and my little one Hudson are joining me so, it's not all business, we are going to have some family fun too! I will tell you all about it when I get back....

Until then,
Hugs & Crushes.
Pamela

Style LA Fashion Show and Charity Benefit

Style LA model wearing Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry

Pamela Froman was invited to participate in the Style LA Swim and Resort Fashion Show, which was held at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica on July 28th. Co-sponsored by the World Gold Council, this high-profile event was hosted by Kim Kardashian and her sisters, Khloe and Kourtney, who introduced the hottest spring/summer fashions from designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Perry Ellis, John Galliano, Gottex, Christian LaCroix, 575 Denim, Nina Ricci, Dolce & Gabbana, and more. Proceeds from this event benefit two worthy charities: Stop the Violence / Face the Music, and The Facial Paralysis Foundation.

Style LA runway at the Viceroy in Santa Monica

Kim Kardashian hosting Style LA

...another look at the model wearing Pamela's "Crushed Headlight Hoops" (in the largest size available) and the "Medusa Crush" Cuff. These pieces are 18k Yellow Gold, and the hoops feature a single central diamond


Images used were provided by the World Gold Council, (c) 2008 Visko Hatfield

Summer Trunk Show at Chepita of Aspen

Hi Everybody!

As Pamela said, we've been crazy busy lately, and I apologize for not keeping up with the blog over the past few weeks... but I absolutely had to let you know about Pamela's upcoming Trunk Show appearance at Chepita of Aspen! She will be in the store next Friday and Saturday (July 25th and 26th) and is bringing her brand new Ombre Crush Collection! If you're going to be in Aspen next week, be sure to stop in and say Hi! Of course, you can stop by Chepita anytime to shop their selection of Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry: Chepita is located at 525 East Cooper Avenue in Aspen, Colorado.

The image above is the ad that just ran in the Summer/Fall issue of Aspen Peak magazine. (Aspen Peak also included a shot of Pamela at her previous Chepita Trunk Show appearance in their Peekaboo section on p216!)

"OMBRE CRUSH"

I am so sorry Jilienne and I haven't been keeping up with our blog. We have been crazy busy since we have been back from the Couture Show. I am excited to tell you all about a new collection I launched at the show called "Ombre Crush". It comes in 2 color combos: Warm (18k yellow fading into 18k pink gold) and Cool (18k white, 18k green, 18k yellow and 22k gold.) It has gotten a great reaction and definitely is different than anything I have ever seen. Just in case some of you don't know what "ombre" means, here's a defenition: A French term meaning "shaded." Usually a multicolored stripe, with colors graduating from light to dark. The color effect is either woven into the fabric (generally produced by arranging different tones in the warp) or achieved by applying a dip-dye process to an all-white fabric.

Coincidentally, this look has recently become a hot trend in clothes and accessories, it is especially cool in Prada's Ombre Patent Leather Tote!

Couture Design Award Slide Show

I took a few snapshots at the Awards Ceremony/Cocktail Party at the Wynn's club Blush. They're not the greatest pictures, but I wanted to share the excitement of that evening. I added some captions, but there's only so much room, so allow me to expand... "Cindy" is Cindy Edelstein of the Jeweler's Resource Bureau, a Jeweler's Advocate, and great friend. When Pamela was announced as the winner of the Gold Category, Cindy offered some words of encouragement to the shy designer, and helped her to the stage. "Erica" is Erica Courtney, one of Pamela's best friends, and an amazing jewelry designer; Erica also took home a Couture Design Award that night for her entry in the Platinum Category. "Sonya" is Sonya Ooten, a designer who we met and became friends with at last year's Couture Show; Sonya was a Finalist in the Bridal Category. Jim Taylor is the VP and Publisher of Town & Country Magazine; Pamela Fiori is the Editor-in-Chief of Town & Country Magazine; Lee Arevian is the VP of the Couture Show. Enjoy the show!
--Jilienne

PAMELA FROMAN WON THE 2008 TOWN & COUNTRY COUTURE DESIGN AWARD FOR BEST IN GOLD!!!

Thank you to everyone who voted for Pamela in the online primaries!! As you know, your votes helped her to become a Finalist in the prestigious Town & Country Couture Design Awards, often referred to as the "Oscars of fine jewelry design." The Gold Category was arguably the most difficult category to compete in, with over 30 entrants, most of them very well-known, established design companies. The final voting was done by fine jewelry retailers and fellow jewelry designers at the Couture Show in Las Vegas, and the top three in each category were invited to an exclusive awards ceremony/cocktail party at the Wynn's club Blush. At the party, the names of the top three in the Gold Category were announced: "H. Stern... Calgaro... Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry... and the winner is... by popular demand... Pamela Froman!!" The crowd went wild as Pamela was led to the stage to accept her award and take photographs with the editor of Town & Country Magazine and a model wearing her piece! It was all so exciting!!!

P.S. - I had my camera with me and plan to post some snapshots I took at the event, so check back in a few days.

For more information on the 2008 Town & Country Couture Design Awards, click the link below to read Cindy Edelstein's blog post about the Awards: http://jewelrybusinessguru.typepad.com/blog/2008/06/towncountry-cou.html

Couture Show

Hi Everyone,

First of all I want to thank all of you who voted for me in the "Town & Country Couture Design Awards". It worked I am a finalist, YEAH! So now they display my necklace in a vitrine at the show and the buyers vote at the show for the winner. I am very excited.

It has been a crazy couple of weeks getting ready for the Couture Show in Vegas. Jilienne and I don't know if we are coming or going. I did not get a chance to use some of my amazing stones I got in Tucson but, I have some cool new pieces debuting at the show. Some one of a kind pieces that are beautiful.

Also, I just finished designing the poster for the back of the booth at Couture, it is 78 wide and 45 high.  It is above, I think it will look great at the show, plus it has my best creation in it, a photo of my son Hudson Elijah in the locket.

We leave Tuesday and the show is 6 days, so it is long. I will write when I get back. Have a great weekend!

Cheers & Crushes, Pamela

Pamela Froman in Modern Jeweler's May Issue

Pamela's jewelry made quite a few appearances in this month's edition of Modern Jeweler Magazine! Her one-of-a-kind Wrapped Rutile Mommy Earrings were featured in the Jewelry Trends section entitled "The Perfect Pear", and the Key Items section presented a selection of Pamela's stackable Crushed Bangles and Rings. I've retyped some of the articles below:

Jewelry Trends: The Perfect Pear

One-of-a-Kind 18k Yellow Crushed Gold with Malaya Garnet, Diamonds, and Rutilated Quartz; Dangles are removable so Studs can be worn alone.

"A new silhouette is gracefully dropping from fashionable ears. The three-dimensional pear drop earring is a fresh take on the briolette drop. These sleek shapes in metal are modern in feel and slender in silhouette. Descendants of Art Deco, they use texture and pattern to add interest. Best of all, they are universally flattering." --Cheryl Kremkow

Key Item: Stackable Rings

18k Pink & 18k Green Crushed Gold & Scattered Diamond "Get A Crush" Stack Rings with an 18k White Crushed Gold & Diamond "Pave Scroll Sparkle" Stack Ring

"Is there anything more versatile than the stack ring? These brilliant bands can be wedding rings, eternity bands, or the finger version of the charm bracelet, ready to be mixed or matched to suit a woman's style. Each stackable ring encircles all these possibilities. ... Two can accompany a wedding ring, three's charming, and with four definitely more is more."
--Cheryl Kremkow

Key Item: Stackable BanglesAssorted "Crushed" Bangles in 18k Pink, White, Yellow, and Green Gold: some have (3) single Diamonds; some have (3) 18k White Diamond Pave Scrolls; some include two or three colors of Gold in one Bangle

"Like potato chips, no one can stop at just one bangle. The bigger the stack, the better. And this season, it's all about the mix. Fashion-forward customers, following red carpet trends, are mixing thick and thin bangles in a variety of styles, metals, and materials. As one retailer recently told us, "our customers are stacking bangles up the arm." ... It's all about layering. Here are some of the great new bangles available this season, ready to be mixed into your own custom collection." --Cheryl Kremkow

Couture Design Awards: Vote for Pamela!

Hi Everyone!

Pamela Froman has entered her one-of-a-kind "Gothic Harlequin Cross" (see above) in the Gold Category of the annual Town & Country Couture Design Awards. This year, the Awards tap the power of the Internet and get you directly involved in who gets to display their designs at Couture. This round of "primary" voting will be done online to determine the finalists in each of the twelve categories. We would absolutely love it if you took a moment to cast your vote for Pamela! The top finalists in each category will have their products displayed at Couture 2008, May 27th to June 2nd at the Wynn Las Vegas, and Couture attendees will vote from among the finalists on site to determine final winners for each category.

So, if you love jewelry and want to see the industry's most creative and innovative work, go to http://www.couturedesignawards.com to cast your vote.

Thanks!!
Jilienne

Diane Lane wearing Pamela Froman earrings

A pair of Pamela's "Harlequin Stud" earrings were borrowed a few months ago for a Neutrogena ad starring their new spokeswoman Diane Lane. I haven't seen the actual ad yet, but I found this behind-the-scenes video on YouTube. The earrings are small, but if you look closely, you can spot them! (In case you missed it, I took a screenshot of the paused video and circled them for you.)

These "Harlequin Stud" earrings are 22k Gold and 18k White Gold with Rose-Cut Diamonds.

ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS! This Affects You!!

There is currently a proposed bill before Congress called the Orphan Works Act. This proposal, if passed, will essentially void all of your intellectual property copyrights! If you are a visual artist that relies on copyright laws to protect your work, you should be aware of this issue. Visit http://www.illustratorspartnership.org to further research this bill. You can also listen to an mp3 of an interview recorded Saturday April 5, 2008, where artist and producer Mark Simon discusses this issue with Brad Holland of the Illustrator's Partnership: http://www.sellyourtvconceptnow.com/orphan.html. Mr. Holland and Mr. Simon have given their permission for this audio file to be copied and transferred and replayed, so feel free to forward this information to all of your friends. If you'd like updates on what's going on with this bill, you can get on the Illustrator's Partnership e-mail list by sending a request to illustratorspartnership@cnymail.com. Lobbyists are trying to push this bill through before the creative community realizes what's going on, so please read up on this and spread the word to every creative person and group you know!

Is That a Diamond? - Science Lesson

A quick lesson about the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Pamela Froman: one of the Best New Designers of 2008

Pamela Froman has been identified as one of this year's best new fine jewelry designers!
InDesign Magazine's May 2008 issue arrived in the mail today, featuring a story called "Generation Next: 10 jewlery designers to watch in 2008." These 10 Designers, of which Pamela Froman is one, were selected by a panel of top fine jewelry retailers and industry experts. According to InDesign's contributing editor Beth Bernstein, these panelists are like baseball scouts searching for the next Babe Ruth; they are continually on the hunt for emerging heavy hitters of jewelry design.

The article reads:
Pamela Froman
Texture and unique mixes (and colors) of metals form Pamela Froman's design aesthetic. Her collection is comprised of limited edition pieces and handmade chains in [18k gold] 22k gold and platinum -- no two pieces are ever identical. Most of the collection is finished with a hammered technique called "Crushed." Additionally, Froman has developed specific colors of 18k yellow, pink and green gold, often blending all three into one piece. The flowing nature of scrolls and the inherent beauty of high quality gemstones also figure prominently into her collection. Froman launched her collection in 2004 after working in Paris, designing jewelry for top fashion salons Courreges, Guy Laroche, and Valentino.
~~~
(The article mentioned how Pamela often blends three colors of 18k gold into one piece, but they only showed pieces from her "Scroll Crush Collection", and none from her tri-color "Crushed Melange Collection". So, I decided to insert a picture into this post: Pamela's Crushed Melange Eternity Band, made of 18k Pink, 18k Green, and 18k White Crushed Gold with Diamonds, is a good example of her mixed color designs.) ~~~

The following is what some of the panelists had to say about Pamela Froman:

Cory Courtney (of Andrisen Morton in Denver, CO):
Pamela Froman has already done a good job with marketing her collection with her "Get Crushed" slogan for her unique hammering and satin finish. Her collection is memorable and daring, yet also extremely wearable. The pieces are equally appealing to classic or cutting edge customers due to the master craftsmanship.

Duvall O'Steen (of the World Gold Council):
Pamela has literally reinvented tri-color gold. Her innovative process for combining yellow, [green,] white and rose gold produces intriguing pieces that are truly unlike anything else on the market.

Marie Helene Morrow (of Reinhold Jewelers in San Juan, Puerto Rico):
Pamela doesn't overlap with any other designers. Her hand hammered technique is completely different and unique to her. These pieces are extremely versatile and can be worn every day and for any occasion.

Scott Rudd (of Scheherazade in Edina, MN):
Pamela Froman's pieces display the right mix of texture and gold techniques -- interesting and wearable without being overdone. There are other lines out there that use hammered and satin finishes, but not in the same refined way and with the same craftsmanship that Pamela displays. Yet, what makes these pieces saleable is that they aren't over the customer's head.

Pamela Froman Men's Rings: From Here To Eternity

Inside Weddings' Spring 2008 issue featured two of Pamela's men's rings in a piece called "From Here To Eternity." The rings shown are (left) "Jay's Crush", a wide band made of Crushed Platinum and 18k Yellow Gold that gives the appearance of four thin bands stacked together; and (right) "King's Crush" made of 18k Yellow, White & Pink Crushed Gold with 4 diamonds, one set at each crossroad of color.
As the article says, "The symbol of his eternal devotion can be just as distinctive as he is!"

Press Album

We recently discovered that a large portion of the press on our main website (www.pamelafroman.com) has mysteriously disappeared! We're working on getting everything back up but, in the meantime, I decided to throw together a little slide show album from the Press Clipping Cards that are on my computer. (I'm missing quite a few, but I think I found enough to make a decent slide show.) These cards were originally created for inclusion in Pamela's press kit, and they not only include magazine features (Robb Report, Self, Lucky, Inside Weddings, Brides Magazine...), but also some of the television shows (America's Next Top Model, CBS's Las Vegas...) and celebrities (Debra Messing, Vanessa Marcil, Molly Simms, Whoopi Goldberg, Cicely Tyson...) that her jewelry has appeared on. Enjoy!

Sunburst for a Bright Flower

InDesign Magazine, a publication targeting fine jewelry retailers, includes a monthly feature called "Customer Types". The feature's author, Style Advisor Cindy Edelstein, selected Pamela Froman's "Sunburst Crush" necklace for April's customer, "The Bright Flower". According to the article, "The fashionable woman this season will be wearing pieces that capture the spirit of warm, sunny days. This necklace is perfect for this trend, and will warm her heart as it glows and sparkles."

Here's a larger image of the 18k Gold & Diamond "Sunburst Crush" necklace: