FANCY THAT

THE LOOKS WE

It’s an exciting time in jewelry design with current trends taking fresh and innovative turns. What once was old has been redesigned to become new. A few of our favorite new trends involve yellow gold, white diamonds and gorgeous blue sapphires. Here are the trends that our fashion and jewelry experts predict are popping up and here to stay.

THE COLOR OF CANARY: Yellow diamonds are enjoying their moment in the sun in a big way. Their bright yellow hue is spreading like wildfire and creating a buzz worthy of their beauty. The shade of yellow will vary depending on the diamond, and will increase in strength as the diamond becomes more rare and valuable. With their golden hue and glamorous sparkle, fancy yellow diamonds offer an irresistible combination for those craving a pop of color! WEARABLE ART: Today’s jewelry designers are pushing the boundaries emphasizing creative expression and design. This trend can be characterized by the use of different finishes, textures, shapes, styles and faceting patterns. It takes an artistic visionary to transform a rough piece of gem material and convert it into wearable art. Unique gems such as fire opal and rutilated quartz have become the muse for artisans around the world, and we are only seeing the beginning of this exciting trend. LAYER UPON LAYER: Flip open any fashion magazine and the trend of stacking is showcased in almost every jewelry category. Bands, bracelets and necklaces are being worn in sets of two, three or even four. Women are choosing stacking rings for their left or right hand and featuring mixed metals with different shapes and styles. Layer upon layer, multi-tiered necklaces and bracelets are multiplying in the name of fashion. Jewelry lovers are embracing the trend for its celebration of no sparkle left behind.

LINEAR LOVE: Abstract shapes and modern designs are working their way into the glitz and glam of jewelry in simplistic and wearable styles. Think of a horizontal bar with inset gems or a vertical line pendant with graduating diamonds. Other fresh forms are open cuff bracelets with flat finishes, inverted pyramid pendants or even a collection of square shapes with soft pops of pave. Classic styles are moving over and making way for geometry gone glam. A NEW HUE: Classically bright white, a traditional diamond never goes out of wedding fashion. However, today’s trends are displaying a rainbow’s worth of new hues. Gorgeous sapphire rings are taking the lead as an alternative gem to the traditional diamond. The finest quality is rich and royal blue in color and stunning enough to be an easy rival. Sapphire is one of the most resilient colored gems available, making it a perfect lifelong alternative to the classic diamond. A WARM WELCOME: One trend that can’t be missed is the resurgence of warm tone metals. Rose gold and yellow gold are back in a big way. Designers are creating more styles and options using these warmhued metals than they have in years. Rose gold is a soft, romantic and an ultra-feminine choice that is capturing the hearts of many. Yellow gold, a global staple for decades, is entering into the lime light all over again. Adored by traditionalist for years, it’s now a popular choice for women of all ages.

emerald city From Maharajahs to modern day celebrities, emeralds have captured the imagination and fueled the soul with their lush and vibrant virtue.

There is no gem more mysterious than the enigmatic emerald; this color of paradise has inspired legend and lore for well over 4,000 years. Many of the world’s most powerful men and women have coveted this illustrious beauty for centuries. Emerald’s rich history is woven with powerful tales of desire, greed, reverence and worship. Throughout the ages, this prominent gemstone was celebrated by the Incas and Aztecs and coveted by historical figures such as Queen Cleopatra, King Arthur and Alexander the Great just to name a few.

LEGENDARY LOCATION

The story of emeralds, according to legend, began thousands of years ago in Colombia. A Goddess named Fura and her husband Tena reigned over Muzo, a source of the world’s most famous emeralds. Fura's love was sought by many, and eventually she succumbed to temptation. The Gods punished both Fura and Tena for her infidelity and sentenced them to an eternity together by turning them into two mountainous cliffs. From within these depths, Fura’s tears turned into beautiful green emeralds. Today these cliffs rise above the valley of the Minero river, one of the most prized locations of the rare and spectacular Colombian Emeralds.

It’s no surprise that epic tales such as these have made emerald an international superstar. It takes extraordinary conditions for emeralds to form, causing them to be twenty times more rare than diamonds. The most recognized source of this rare gem is Colombia along with Zambia, Zimbabwe and Brazil. The color of Colombian emeralds is in a league of its own. The unique conditions in which they are formed create their prized velvety vibrant green color. They also tend to display a general warmth, or glow, to them that enhances their rich appearance and separates them from other sources.

THE EPIC EMERALD

Emerald’s impressively rich color is the key trait used to determine value. The most desired hues are green and bluish green that are intense and vivid in saturation. Emeralds are also pleochroic, meaning they can display different colors when observed from different angles. This can create a challenge for gemcutters, who plot every facet and angle with the end result in mind. This isn’t the only challenge gemcutters face. Emeralds are one of the very few gemstones where eye-visible characteristics, known as inclusions, are acceptable. These inclusions are sometimes referenced as jardin, the French word for garden. The description is well-suited, as they can have a moss-like appearance. The jardin will vary depending on the emerald’s country of origin. Some locations, such as Colombia, are more prone to display jardin while others, such as Zambia, are less visible to the eye.

The prices of rare emeralds are starting to soar, much like finequality sapphires and rubies. The increased interest and limited availability of this mysterious gem has made it a darling to collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. This rich radiant green gem will continue to capture the imagination, mesmerize the mind and soothe the soul as long as it remains available.

Rising high above the valley of the Minero River, the Fura and Tena Crags are the official guardians of Colombia’s emeralds.

THE QUEST Perfect FOR THE FRENCH MACARON Three local bakeries are put to the test as our Diamond Department Manager sets out to find the ultimate edible jewel.

Not to be confused with Macaroons, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies have been delighting French connoisseurs since the 1500s with their delicate eggshell-like crust, airy meringue inner texture and decadant fillings.

BY JESSICA GYLSEN

Sugary sweets and delectable treats are as much of my DNA as diamonds. After all, I’m a third generation Gemologist who spent just as much time growing up in the jewelry store as in the kitchen. Eclairs were my grandma’s specialty, my mom's is cheesecake, and mine? Well, let’s just say my quest for the perfect French Macaron couldn’t be satiated by my own baking skills. If you’ve never experienced one of these delicacies, for they are just that, be prepared to have your senses heightened and your taste buds treated to one of the most delicious, divine and decadent desserts around town. Instantly obsess-worthy, there are an assortment of French Macarons out there… but who makes the best? I am so passionate about these sweet treats that I decided to search for the answer myself.

It would be naïve to think that you can walk into any random confectionary, grocery store or bakery in town to find your happiness. A French Macaron truly is a delicacy. Many home cooks, myself included, have attempted time and again to make these pillowy confections on their own. As many can attest, the $1.50-$2.50 commanded price per cookie is money well spent, and money well deserved. It takes not only a top baker, but a master scientist and magician as well to create a perfect French Macaron. These cookies typically take anywhere from 4-8 hours to make. Even the smallest variance in ingredients or temperature can lead to a botched batch. The individual oven temperature, the placement of the cookie sheet, the weather that day or even a sink full of water can alter the end result of this temperamental treat.

Don’t let the pastel colors fool you, these unassuming cookies are bursting with big and bold flavors!

Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe

701 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN amyscupcakeshoppe.com

AMY’S CUPCAKE SHOPPE

My adventure began with the new girl on the block, Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe in Hopkins. Now her shop may be new, but her baking skills are refined and honed to near perfection. Warm and welcoming, her desserts and treats are just as sunny and sweet as Amy herself. Ever the artist, Amy keeps pushing herself and her customers to open their palettes and explore something new. She wants her flavors to pack a punch, and it’s this philosophy that has led to such success in a short amount of time. Her macarons are full of personality, bright and vibrant. Every ingredient is made from scratch, and the love that goes into them is reflected in their lingering taste. Most remarkable were the pomegranate oolong with lemon curd and the lavender honey. She grinds the lavender herself for the exterior shell, and sandwiched between is a honey and buttercream blend that is sinfully smooth. Also to be noted is her ability to push the envelope with savory macarons. Now I’ve been to dozens of bake shops from coast to coast and everywhere in between, but never have I encountered a savory macaron. Black pepper filled with goat cheese and strawberry balsamic and thyme jam, rosemary with grapefruit curd or my personal favorite, an almond shell filled with whipped goat cheese and a schmear of peppadew jelly. Savory and sweet, Amy is pushing the envelope and providing her customers with a unique variety of macarons to eat.

Nikkolette’s Macarons

Based out of Plymouth MN, find online at nikkolettesmacarons.com or call 651.334.8821

Available in personalized colors, the cake towers from Nikkolette’s Macarons are a unique alternative for modern brides.

PHOTO BY DEPICT PHOTOGRAPHY

NIKKOLETTE’S MACARONS

The consistency of a French Macaron is what drives the obsession, and it is a delicate dance to perfect. It’s no surprise that a self-proclaimed math nerd nailed the nuances. When planning my quest for the perfect macaron, I knew that I had to include Nikkolette’s Macarons. She is an Actuarial Specialist by day, and a macaron magician by night. Most macarons are found in top bakeshops around town, but Nikkolette provides a unique twist to this classic cult cookie. Her French macarons are only available for purchase directly through Nikkolette. If you’ve happened to sample one of her confections at an event or wedding, then you too will understand my preoccupation with her divine creations. Luckily, a simple phone call or website inquiry will have macarons delivered to your door step, making them the perfect indulgent at-home treat. For those hard to shop for friends, she also offers a macaron of the month club in 3, 6 or 12 month packages. Her assortment of flavors is ever changing, but the bright and beautiful hues she offers are a kaleidoscope designed to stimulate all the senses. From one dreamy dessert to the next, her flavor profiles were the strongest I’ve encountered. The paring of orange and chocolate ganache is at once simple and complex. A burst of citrus partnered with the finest chocolate available is pure decadence. Nikkolette’s recent creation, Banoffe, was inspired by a trip to Ireland where she encountered this European dessert. Her version of it tastes like an entire banana pie wrapped up into one impressive bite. The taste and texture of her macarons stuck with me far after I was finished, leaving me longing for more.

COCOA & FIG

My quest wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Cocoa & Fig. The pursuit of perfection is no easy task, but one that owners Laurie and Joe Lin strive to accomplish with all of their distinctive desserts. First established in downtown Gaviidae shopping center in 2010, Cocoa & Fig now has a second location in Edina to help feed the frenzy. Their commitment has always been to provide the best and finest quality to their clients. Cocoa & Fig’s top selling macaron, salted caramel, is a reflection of this motto. Dreamy creamy caramel is infused into the batter and buttercream frosting, and then topped with an additional swirl of caramel before a sprinkle of Fleur de Sel completes the cookie. The combination of salty and sweet, partnered with her faultless macaron shell makes this one of my go-to habitual treats. The textures of Laurie’s macarons are smooth, airy and effortless, just like a perfect macaron should be. It takes a lot to shock and awe this sugar lover, but her innovative French Macaron ice cream sandwich did just that. My first bite was pure bliss. A jumbo macaron shell filled with local Sebastian Joe’s ice cream makes it the ultimate indulgent treat. Not only are her classic cookies spot on, but her new twist on a macaron makes Cocoa & Fig a necessary pleasure.

A giant macaron AND ice cream? Yes please! These ice cream sandwiches are three times the size of a standard macaron!

My love of macarons is not alone. Over the last several years these haute couture cookies have taken the states by storm. Once reserved as an exclusive European treat, they now are a darling of top-tier bakeshops and patisseries from the east to the west coast. Refined and sophisticated, bright in color and delicate in design, a perfect French Macaron is the ultimate edible jewel. Bon appétit!

Jessica Gylsen is our Diamond Department Manager by day and our in-house fanatical foodie by night. When she’s not surrounding herself with sparkle, you’re sure to find her at home cooking or on

Cocoa & Fig

6807 York Avenue South, Edina, MN and 651 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN cocoaandfig.com