Diamond Diva Dish

Mariah Carey, shown above, was at the Glendale Galleria as part of the launch of her signature fragrance M by Mariah Carey. Fans were able to meet and greet Mariah, and were treated to the special perk of M’s autograph if they purchased a special edition combo consisting of 3.3 oz. EDP parfum spray, a 6.8 oz body lotion and a luxurious parfum replica complete with an elegant dabber.

Of course fans got the added benefit of being able to gauge Mariah’s casual chic — a look pulled together with a pair of jeans, a black cami, cropped sweater, and of special interest to those of us who understand that no outfit is complete without the addition of some jewelry items – her gold Pavé hoops and the all important and so au currant, layered gold chains.

Glittery 18K Yellow Gold Pavé Hoop Earrings are a must have! Pavé is so popular and showing up in bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings on those with the most discerning fashion sense.

Why is Pavé immensely popular? When stones are placed so closely together, the result is the ultimate in sparkle. Widely used in antique pieces, Pavé has made a comeback on a grand scale and makes each piece a Pièce de résistance.

Are you having a bad hair day? Are your tresses making waves contrary to the couture you’re trying to achieve? Curtail those curls with a limited edition diamond studded hair straightener! Made of 18K white and yellow gold, and studded with six Dutch Crown Rose Cut diamonds, it’s a beauty tool with bling that comes nestled in an Italian leather pouch. The slimline design makes it easy to take along on your travels.

It may look like a mere trinket, but don’t forget, it is utilitarian, too! For the Diamond Diva who has everything, pick this one up at Selfridges on Oxford Street in London for $19,600.00 USD.

Via Gadget Candy

Further to all things diamond stud(ded), don’t miss out on your chance to enter the sweepstakes draw for a pair of Diamond Stud Earrings via Diamond Harmony!

The ever effervescent Natalie Portman, known for her natural good looks, intellect, and genuine personality, sparkles in a lively fuschia mini dress. The dress is from the Elizabeth and James clothing line by twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The line derives it’s name from the Olsen twin’s lesser known brother and sister.

Above, Natalie strikes a pose at the world premiere of Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium at NYC’s DGA Theatre.

All is going well for Natalie these days. On a personal level, her romance with model Nathan Bogle is flourishing, she’s busy making the rounds to promote Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, is on the cover of the December issue of In Style, and stars alongside Eric Bana and Scarlett Johansson in the soon to be released period film The Other Boleyn Girl.

With this profusion of color Natalie radiates a wholesome glow enhanced by accessorizing with a dazzling pair of gemstone earrings. I’ve emphasized in previous posts how popular these are on the celebrity circuit now. The trend continues, and with the festive season approaching, the saturation of color will be even more prevalent. Note the net effect of wearing gemstones close to the skin – your eyes will sparkle, you teeth appear whiter – this is the art of enhancing your mood, and illuminating your wardrobe with the addition of carefully chosen jewelry items.

I’m very partial to the result of combining complimentary gemstones in lush, rich tones. Check these out!

These dazzling Gemstone Drop earrings are a perfect combination of diamond, Amethyst and Citrine.

Multi Gemstone Drop Earrings in yellow gold are a play of light and color.

The perennially popular Huggie style Rainbow Gemstone and Diamond Earrings are a kaleidoscope of color.

Fun, festive, and fashionable! Find more gemstone combinations and styles via Diamond Harmony.

For those of us who are passionate about jewelry, it’s not only about collecting and wearing it, but also about finding ways to store it and in some cases, not only to do the latter in the way most conducive to being orderly, but also, in a creative way. Some of us like to extend our pleasure by displaying favorite pieces . These are, afterall, collectibles on many levels.

Consider purchasing a shadow box frame in which to create a vignette with some of your most treasured pieces. These could be estate, heirloom, or those which hold special meaning.

Contained, orderly, though on view as art objects – a photograph, rings , some beautiful earrings , brought together in a still life of sorts.

Breathe new life into flea market collectibles by “re-purposing” a vintage cigarette tin to hold jewelry items such as necklaces , bracelets , etc.

Laboratory glass protects and contains your jewelry items, making for easy identification as well as fitting nicely into a drawer. The smaller size is perfect for storing stud earrings , while the medium to large house rings, or necklaces. Note the diamond initial pendants of which I am so fond!

Wear it, care for it, and get your mileage out of it by incorporating some dazzle into your décor !

Weighing in at a hefty 84.37 carats, this white, brilliant-cut D-color, flawless diamond has sold at auction by Sotheby’s. The price — $16.2 million dollars. The proud new owner – founder of the Guess clothing company, George Marciano.

The white diamond, part of Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale, is a well-travelled stone, having been shown in Hong Kong, Paris, New York, Rome, Los Angeles, London, Dubai and Bahrai. It is said to be the “most beautiful, magnificent and unique stone” ever witnessed by David Bennett, the auction house’s chairman of jewelry for over 32 years.

Imagine how thrilling it must have been for Mrs. Marciano to receive such a brilliant bauble! Quite the conversation piece, indeed, though I’m sure it will be relegated to the safe deposit box while the rest of us mere mortals can still enjoy stepping out in our diamond earrings, bracelets, diamond pendants and rings!

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s fashion sense stacks up to the height of what’s hot, what’s trendy. Whether she’s dressed in elegant evening attire, or casual chic, Sarah’s got a multi-layered fashion personality.

She accessorizes her cardigan (in this year’s new neutral – grey) with a knit hat, Chanel sunglasses, some long chain and one of and my favorites, stackable bangle bracelets.

I’ve always loved bangles in multiples. There is something fun and perky about the jingle jangle of bangles, and with so many from which to choose, you can vary your look each time and make an impact by layering with one shade of gold, or mixing them up by pairing white gold with yellow gold. Or, smooth bangles with textured.

Top row: L-R

This Two Tone Gold Bangle is yet another stylish candidate for layering and conducive to combining both white and yellow gold bangles together.

A classic, thin Yellow Gold Bangle alone, or in multiples always stacks up to the right look in any season.

Bottom Row: L-R

How elegant is this sparkling Diamond Cut Two Tone Gold Bangle? Another great choice to anchor bangles of both gold hues.

Here’s an unusual bangle which is perfect for stacking – the exterior is white gold with textural interest and the interior is yellow gold. I love this one!

Have fun, mixing and matching!

A reader of the blog asked me a while back how I store my jewelry. At that time, I mentioned I enjoy displaying some pieces on an antique dress form. The others are stored in dividers in a drawer. I’m always looking for ways to minimize clutter, maximize organization and of course, keep everything as dust free as possible! I’ve found a wonderful source for jewelry boxes which meet the above criterion. I just had to share!

The Milano line of jewelry armoires and chests via The Jewelry Box Connection are the perfect blend of aesthetics, fine craftsmanship, and well thought out storage solution. Constructed of solid Burmese maple and veneer, they are available in two sizes and 4 different stains to coordinate with your décor. These pieces are a study in form and function which you’ll want to display front and center, not sequester to a shelf in the closet like the staid old jewelry boxes of yore! Beyond the exterior with its sleek lines, distinctive maple wood grain, and modern hardware are fabric lined drawers, compartments for rings, and things, and hooks on which to hang your necklaces . It’s no wonder these were voted best large jewelry box by Real Simple Magazine. They are simply amazing!

Instead of, of in addition to, the Milano Jewelry Armoire, the Milano Jewelry Chest boasts the same fine craftsmanship in a more compact configuration for those whose baubles may not be burgeoning to quite the degree that mine are!

Beautiful boxes to protect your investments!

Ashley Judd is a vision of purple perfection dressed in an exotic sari, at a gala event to benefit YouthAIDS. Since 2002 Ashley has been the YouthAIDS Global Ambassador. She channels her energy into raising both awareness and funds for YouthAIDS education and preventative programs.

She has traveled widely for the cause, including such locales as Cambodia and Thailand, Guatemala, and South Africa. She considers her role as Ambassador to be her most meaningful role of all.

I’ve never witnessed Ashley commit a fashion faux pas – she is always the epitome of glamour goddess. Here she makes a bold statement with gargantuan gold earrings – aren’t they gorgeous?

Here is a trio of bold gold with which to embellish your ears and add some drama to the dull winter days ahead:

Via Diamond Harmony 14K yellow gold Drop Earrings with that “wow!” factor.

14k yellow gold Carved Drop Earrings have an interesting and textural hammered effect.

I love these 14K Tri Tone Gold Oval Drop Earrings both for their layered effect and the various gold hues which render them a diverse addition to your jewelry wardrobe.

Who knew that under the guise of her Ugly Betty character is a naturally beautiful and innately perceptive young woman? Featured in Marie Claire UK, her photoshoot and accompanying interview underscore the fact that America is an atypical actress, and therein lies her allure.

The youngest of six siblings, America Ferrera is the daughter of Honduran immigrants. Raised by her mother after the departure of her father at an early age, she developed a strong work ethic and a keen sense of values.

Her love of acting began with small roles in school plays and community theatre which ultimately led to professional work in commercials and a variety of television projects. Among the most compelling was her role in “Real Women Have Curves”. Have you seen it? If, not, you must! The movie explores one young woman’s plight to transcend familial obligation and cultural tradition, in favor of pursuing her ambitions. It has universal appeal, in that it deals with body image and social dynamics that are cross-cultural and relevant to women of all ages.

America eschews the typical waif-like figure associated with young Hollywood actresses, preferring instead, to focus on the craft of acting – the under represented niche, the context of authenticity, is where America finds her forte’. She sums it up thusly:

“It takes away the pressure on me as an actress. I’m not a model. I never wanted to be a model. I never wanted to do ads for Neutrogena. That’s not what I set out in my life to do. I set out to tell stories. I set out to represent real people. And to me, Betty is the most beautiful opportunity that’s ever come across my path.”

Thrilled with her role as Ugly Betty, she sees it as an opportunity to highlight serious issues in a humorous way.

Beautiful expressive almond shaped eyes, sultry lips sans collagen, and skin not subjected to shots of botox, America is the “real deal”, inside, and out.

If you would like a delicate Diamond and Garnet Heart Necklace in 14K white woven gold, such as the one America is pictured wearing, I’ve found it!

Gorgeous! Don’t limit yourself to your birthstone only. Purchase a rainbow of colors by incorporating the various gemstone hues into your jewelry wardrobe. I had wondered if America’s birthstone was garnet. It’s not — born in April, hers is Diamond!

The allure of diamond stud earrings is underscored by their enduring popularity. Elegant and refined, they have long been a classic accessory.

Favored for their versatility, diamond stud earrings are an accessory wardrobe staple (Angelina Jolie never leaves home without hers!) – casual and feminine by day, they will beautifully transition to evening wear as their timeless elegance heightens the sophistication of clothes on the cutting edge.

These little rock stars of the jewelry box are available in myriad carat weights, cuts and settings – which is right for you?

Choose those which are best suited to your facial structure – princess cut is conducive to a round shaped face, while round cut diamonds enhance a thin face. Yellow gold enhances warm skin tone, while white gold or platinum enhances those whose skin tone is of a cooler hue.

Note the setting when selecting your diamond studs – three or four prong tend to perfectly balance the diamond, ensuring a snug fit as opposed to the protrusion and dreaded droop of a poor setting.

The cost of your diamond stud earrings is contingent upon a variety of factors, primarily the quality and size of the stones. The quality of the cut, as well as clarity, color and carat weight of the stone are the characteristics by which they are categorized and ultimately valued.

As with any diamond purchase from which you intend to get a lifetime of use, choose those of the best quality which you can afford. If your budget for the purchase of a pair of diamond studs is under $5000.00, you may wish to secure smaller sized stones in favor of the optimum cut, clarity and color, as these are the most important criterion to meet for the maximum in sparkle.

A perennial favorite, diamond stud earrings are a universally appreciated and ever appropriate gift item!

This month, the winner of the Diamond Harmony Sweepstakes will receive none other than a pair of diamond stud earrings! How exciting is that? Create some buzz – spread the word to your associates, family and friends. The sweepstakes is free to enter. Good luck!