Rarities July Collection
Here we are in our third week of July and the summer has officially hit its stride. My summer has been so crazy busy working on rarities, but now it is time to get out of my studio and travel. I am heading to Greece after my July 24 show on HSNtv to get some incredible inspiration and ideas for summer 2010. Isn’t it just crazy that we are already starting to work on collections for next year? Well, in the world of rarities, time is essential.
Because I am working with unique gems and rare cuts, I need to get designs in early so that sandy (my gem buyer) can travel to all of the gem shows and international dealers to source the perfect gems for each piece. We need to find jewels that can be cut and fit in a uniform way because no gemstones are ever exactly alike. I always say that gems are like children. They are all unique and different, but possess many of the same qualities. Because they are born from the earth, they are each as individual and unique as we are.
Which brings me to my two boys … Noah is 11 and Grant is 9. Yesterday I went to visit them at sleep away camp, and I ended up having to bring Grant home. I was greatly conflicted by having to make such a difficult decision (he was supposed to stay for a full 7 weeks and he only made it for 3). Noah and Grant look like two gems cut from one piece of rough (I guess that would make me the rough, if you know what I mean)? Although they look so similar, they are so very different in their character and personalities. When I used to sit and watch the gem cutters look at an uncut diamond, I never could understand how they could see the beauty in these uneven, asymmetrical looking crystals. I never quite understood how they could estimate the exact size … and cut, color, and clarity for each magnificent diamond that would be cut from this rock.
Although mapping out a piece of rough is a science, the best cutters explain how it is instinctual. They just know. And I just knew that I had to bring Grant home from camp. Although he loved it there, he explained to us how sad he felt inside and that he couldn’t stop crying every time he thought of home. Noah, my 11-year old, said that the fun he was having outweighed the homesickness. This did not ring true for Grant, so I guess I produced two amazing diamonds who look so similar, but have such a unique character and cut. I learned such a valuable lesson from all of this. I followed my instincts…. There is a reason why they call it “women’s intuition,” right girlfriends?
So for the July collection you will see that I completely followed my instincts. First of all, there are tassels that the yoga toned can wear as belly chains or that the rest of us can wear as necklaces or belts. I love these tassel necklaces because they are the most versatile piece of jewelry ever created. Wrap one, two or three times around your neck and make a dramatic style statement. I have owned my own tassel necklaces for years and I could not resist putting them into the Rarities July collection. Actually, most of July is all about statement-making jewelry. Wait until you see the selection of earrings … from glamorous lavender, green and blue jade drop earrings (a favorite among all of the NY fashion editors); to oval 10k gold super chic earrings set with black sapphires, white zircon or turquoise (these will be my every day with a bikini Mykonos earrings); to the most über-glamorous pink Chalecony, diamond pave and mint quartz 1950s movie star-inspired drops (my every night out with a white goddess dress) earrings. There are necklaces to layer, coral stretch bracelets to stack, rings to die for and earrings that will make you shine with style and confidence (and Rarities is all about the fifth c … confidence!).
If you love beautiful colors and statement-making fine jewelry, the Rarities July collection is going to be the most over-the-top fabulous selection ever … tune in to see it all. And no matter what jewelry you choose this summer, I suggest you keep your jewelry sparkling by wiping off the oils and residue with a clean cloth or using a simple solution of sudsy warm water and a soft toothbrush to gently remove the natural build-up of oils and soaps that dull the sparkle and shine.
Is there a piece of jewelry that you are just dying for? Is there a design or gemstone that you are dreaming about? Let me know. I love hearing from you – there is no better way to get inspired than to hear what you want!!!
And lastly, an insider’s tip: get the “sure to sell out” rings from the Rarities July show right here on hsn.com. I suggest you buy these now for holiday gifts, as I will not be able to bring them back due to the difficult sourcing demands.
It was the hottest trend at the Tucson Gem Show, and we are bringing this to Rarities in its most organic and chic form. The amethyst drusy and agate ring is the must-have of this show. It is all about the rough, natural gem – without adding our polish and shine. We follow our instincts to choose the perfect rough and then it is a labor of love to source all of the rough and find craftsmen who can actually cut all of these. Wearing this ring is a statement of authenticity and the one piece of rarities jewelry that best expresses summer love!
Best,
Carol Brodie






Hi Carol: I just received your blue zircon, white agate ring. I also have your turquoise version of this. Is there supposed to be a gold insignia inside the ring with 10 Kt as in the turquoise ring? I called HSN and they didn’t know. It is sold out so I don’t want to send it back if it is complete. Great May, 2010 show. I love your turquoise collections. I bought both turquoise necklaces, the blue evil eye and the 14kt gold turquoise ring and earrings that were on sale. Tina
Hi Carol I really love your 8.62 ct Rose Amethyst Ring.I dent have a chance to buy one the sold out to fast please bring it back that is my dream ring!!! My B-day is in February and i just have to have it by then please bring it back!!!Thanks!!
I love your things. I have the chandelier turquoise 10K earrings…can you make these in Black, please
PLEASE BRING BACK THE RING WITH CITRINE, OVER BLACK AND 14 K GOLD AROUND THE STONE. I LOVE IT.JUST WAITING .CONGRATULATIONS.
Please bring back the 14k hammered round disk, with clear or black or blue stone, they sold out before I could order them. Are you going to bring them back in stock? I love them!!!
I absolutely love my Blue Topaz & Blue Diamond ring. I have not taken it off since I got it. I use it as my engagement ring now, and have gotten several compliments on it everytime I go out. I can’t wait to order your Rose Amethyst ring next week. I think it will be the perfect addition to what is now becoming a collection of your jewerly at my house. Keep up the great work! Can’t wait to see the new stuff when it comes out.
I love your line! I would like to know when you will be back on TV? I would like to buy more, but am waiting for the event pricing.
Carol,
I purchased the art deco seaglass ring and it is absolutely stunning! I hope that you bring them back as I would like to get another one in antique. I bought floral. Also, would love to get the earrings. I never saw your line before, so only bought the pendant and ring. Both are just simply incredible. What a talent you are! Can’t wait to see your new line.
Have fun in Greece.
Glad to read that you went to Greece. Some of the pieces I saw when I was there were so unique, all very beautiful. I have been searching for a bracelet to match my ring I got while there. It has emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and small diamonds on it and is one from the Kings and Queens molds, plus it is in 22 Kt gold. I would love to see you come up with a similar version, it would be a buy for me for sure. I like art deco and the unusal look.
Dear Carol,
Thank you for your vision and creativity. The jewelry you bring us are one of a kind in every way, from the stones, to your design to the fine details that you incorporate in your pieces that many others do not. Your black sea glass deco necklace gets compliments every time it is around my neck. Your pink gold/diamond/pink Am earrings are truly to die for. Your creativity, sense of humor, incredible style and your illuminating personality are a breath of fresh air!
Carol, I just received the art deco pendant in the floral and love it! I’m on waitlist for the antique art deco pendant since I love this style so much. Now I want the rings in both styles, please bring them back. If you could make these rings in size 5, that would be great. If not, I’ll just get a 6 and resize. Thank you for a great collection!
Carol, I want to know if you are going to bring back the Citrine & Black Onyx ring. I was able to obtain the Amethyst& Black Onyx and would like the Citrine to match. They are beautiful rings and should be worn together as you suggested. I would like the opportunity to do so. They sold out very quickly and independently of one another.
Sincerely hopeful!!!
Carol, I love your jewelry and the quality is outstanding! I bought the rose gold ring with the round pk. ameth. and the pk. sapphires set in bl. rhod. with diamonds. Breathtaking! I would love to see more rose gold rings with pk. ameth. The tonal cominations are just perfect. Look forward to many more shows and many more purchases. Can’t thank you enough!
Love vintage looks……
Carol, I had to add one more thing. The three rings that were shown together that had the special cutting? I think thats what you called it. Those are to sooo amazing! I have NEVER seen rings SPARKLE like those….they are so beautiful and they SPARKLED to the T. Thanks Carol, you have the BEST taste!!
Carol, is there a reason why you set your gemstones in 10K? It seems odd given the price of your pieces. Just curious.
Carol–love,love,love those capri rings in amethyst and citrine. I have the amethyst and am on waitlist for the citrine–I hope I get it. I would also love other colors too.
Could 3 rings be worn together? Blue topaz would be great.
Marie in Maryland
Wow Carol, I love the deco black seaglass set. The contrast of the diamonds, silver and black is so beautiful and it’s so me!
I bought the antique ring (haven’t received it yet) but want to build on this set. Please bring the set back. I definitely want the oval earrings! I am sure you would sell it out again!
BTW, your prices are great, quality looks amazing and so glad you are at HSN with all your experience. It really shows! I don’t buy a lot from HSN but I will if you keep coming back!
I agree with another customer, please bring back the capri rings in amethyst and citrine. Would be interested in other colors, but amethyst and citrine are classic, thank you!!!! Also, bring more of the art deco collection!
plz plz bring back the black seaglass earring with diamond accents in the oval however i would love to see a lever back or omega back on these i missed out they went so fast..plz plz absolutely stunning
Love your collection! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring back the capri rings that you had in bezel set amethyst and citrine with the black sea glass bands. You mentioned bringing them back in new colors, I’m definitely looking forward to it! Thanks for bringing such gorgeous quality and design to HSN jewelry customers!
Hi Carol! Gosh, you hit it right on the head with the black glass collection. I absolutely LOVE all of it! I have a question, I want to purchase the floral ring but I wear a size 4 3/4 to 5. Can the 9, which is the smallest size left, be sized that far down? Also when, or will we see the earrings again? I missed those. But I am so looking forward to getting my pendant and will purchase the ring if it is sizable. Looking forward to your next show!
Hi Carol,
I just purchased your art deco floral pendant and can’t wait to recieve it. Would you be willing to make the art deco ring in a size 5? I just missed out, however, on the green jade drop earrings, and was hoping you plan to bring those back? I really hope so!
Keep up the great weork.
Best,
Carmela
Dear Carol, I love all of your stories, you are vibrant and full of life! I found the most fab line of jewelry that I am so in love with, and that would be, ”RARITIES”. Last show I think I bought most everything and I sorry. The only thing that I couldn’t buy was the white bracelet with with the turquoise, because it would have run too small for me. I am very a cancer patient, stage iv hodgkins lymphoma. I am so swollen. Now I have a problem, I am on SSD and get paid once a month, I am
I think your designs are beautiful and graceful. However, my 2 grown daughters have an aversion to yellow gold. They only wear sterling silver, platinum, and white gold. I would have snatched up any number of your lovely earrings and enhancer pendants especially, had there been a choice of the white metal. My girls are always on the lookout fot long chains, with and without gemstones, with coordinating, not necessarily matchy-matchy earrings. No gold color visable – that’s a deal breaker.
Carol, Hi! I am a jewelery lover!! And a gemstone lover. I am trying to collect all of the gemstones God made in this earth through jewelry form! I want to say thank you…the amethyst drusy I bought is afforable, never seen before, and something I have wanted to see for yrs. ring!!!! No wonder why its in fashion right now. The somkey quartz looks like its really floating in diamonds. Thank you! A plus …