Monday, September 22, 2008


BeansTalk On The Platinum Guild’s Jewelry Preview

by Topacio Althaus

BeansTalk 60th Annual Emmy Correspondent


It’s that time of year again folks! The red carpet is rolled out and celebrities are donning the latest bling for the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards. And yes, BeansTalk was there to get behind the scene scoop on what’s expected from this year’s Emmy’s and what the latest trends are.

Renowned jewelry expert Michael O’ Connor was our inside man at The Platinum Guild’s Academy Awards Red Carpet Jewelry Preview at a luxury hotel penthouse suite in Beverly Hills.

BeansTalk got a major kick out of gawking at the Platinum encrusted necklaces, earrings, bracelets, cufflinks, broaches. Finally, we jumped right into our interview with Mr. O’Connor.

Here is what we found out:

TA: What are the biggest trends you’ll see this year?

MO: The biggest trends you will find on the red carpet this year are definitely layered bracelets, gemstones and (what a surprise) Platinum. Pearls are also in, especially if you mix them with the red, fusia, and lavender gemstones.

TA: Who are the main jewelry designers previewed here today?

MO: Well we have Guhran with their very sheek look, which is all hand done. We also have vintage Siegelson, Tache, Pierre Kunz, Julia Behrends, and Erica Courtney. It’s all about the glamour of Hollywood. Here, at the Platinum Guild celebrities have the opportunity to look at world-class jewelry from 30 of the worlds’ tops celebrity Jewelers.

TA: And, what about the men? We have all these amazing necklaces and bracelets for women, are the men going to get in on any of the bling action?


MO: For the men, we have Tycoon watches and also tie bands. People like Sean Patrick Thomas (who happened to be leaving the Preview in the middle of our interview) and Neil Patrick Harris (whats’ with all the Patricks?) might be seen wearing the new tie band by Superfit. The Tycoon watches (which Michael was happened to be wearing) are also going to be a big hit for men on the red carpet.

TA: I see a few pieces here that are very vintage, seems like they are making a comeback.

MO: Vintage jewelry has always been in. You might see pieces like this from the 1920’s with diamonds and a sapphire by Siegelson priced at $1.7 million.

TA: Also I hear there is a platinum clutch up for grabs this year, can you tell me about
that?

MO: Cate Adair, who is an Emmy nominated and award winning costume designer for Desperate Housewives, has paired with Kwiat to design this clutch. It is a one of a kind clutch valued at over $500,000 with platinum died leather and 60 carats of Kwiat diamonds, ironically to celebrate 60 years of the Emmy’s.

TA: Thank you very much Michael. This was definitely an amazing treat.

Also found at the Platinum Preview was the new Swiss skincare product by La Prairie, Cellular Cream Platinum. This rare facial cream being sold for a whopping $1000 for 1.7 ounces. Its climate reactive and pure platinum infused cream was described as being able to make your skin look younger and firmer, as well as reduce lines and wrinkles. A La Prairie rep told us, “The climate activate hydration adjusts to your own personal temperature and to the moisture and humidity in the air which provides the perfect level of moisture.”

BeansTalk also got a one-on-one interview with Jane Kaczmarek, the hard-nosed mother on Malcolm in the Middle, who discussed her Clothes Off Our Back Foundation. Kaczmarek told us, “Clothes off our back is an online auction that sell celebrity clothing, celebrity signed ipods, and more. All of the proceeds then go to children’s charity”. This is one cause BeansTalk’s all for!

Above Image: Topacio (Toto) Althaus is a new contributor to BeansTalk, who served as our site’s Emmy correspondent.