Diamond Diva Dish

Jessica Alba recently announced that she and long time boyfriend Cash Warren are expectant parents – the baby is due in the summer of 2008. Also impending are their nuptials, as evident by bling ring sightings, followed by actual confirmation of engagement! This, in contrast to their break up last summer, due to Cash’s alleged lack of desire to get married.

First it was rumoured Jessica was sporting an eternity band . Next, she was seen with a large diamond engagement ring on her wedding ring finger!

As if the paps were not busy enough following other expectant moms, including Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, as well as the 16 year old sibling of that unfortunate pop songstress who is precariously perched on the edge of insanity, they now have Jessica to pursue.

Baby bump watch has officially ensued, as has speculation whether or not Jessica and Cash will exchange vows pre or post the baby’s birth. She has said the latter will be the case, as she’s averse to walking down the aisle while pregnant. Of course I wish her an uneventful pregnancy resulting in a healthy baby. Resembing either, or both parents, it’s sure to be a beauty.

I can’t wait to see a close up of her nice ice!

Posed, but pensive, an interesting photograph of Scarlett Johansson. One of several from her recent Elle Belgium photo shoot, this, and the others, underscore her as one hot commodity definitely in the tradition of former siren of the screen Marilyn Monroe.

Whether dressed in red carpet glamour goddess attire, or more trendy but dressed down, Scarlett’s versatility and sensuous edge is apparent.

Monochromatic, this photo draws your attention to her sultry self, and I couldn’t help but notice the ethereal element which comes into play. Even her bracelet captures the fleeting beauty of nature.

Though there is more winter weather on the way, and the landscape may be barren, it gives way to rebirth and the beauty of spring. Fast forwarding a bit to the upcoming spring and summer season, and well into 2008, botanical and nature inspired pieces such as the one Scarlett is wearing, those which capture the lasting beauty of nature’s elements, will be a dominant trend in jewelry for 2008.

Branches, flower petals, leaves and vines – all things delicate and feminine, will be popular motifs.

The power of the flower, whether in fine jewelry or fun and fashion frivolous gives way to some fabulous additions you should consider adding to your jewelry wardrobe.

Two-tone gold flower power earrings and Two Tone Gold Flower Pendant. I’d definitely enjoy wearing these to accessorize a tank top, or sundress! A little bit retro and a whole lot of fun!

To enhance more formal attire and make a statement of delicate femininity, this stunning White Gold Diamond Leaf Necklace is one of my favorites (and reminiscent of those which are designed by an jewelry designer who outfitted the cast of Sex and The City – no wonder her creations elicit sticker shock – not so, with this piece, though you’ll achieve the same effect!). This, with it’s buds and leaves, is exactly the type of botanical influenced piece we will be seeing more of.

It goes without saying that anything diamond, and classic, will continue to be popular in 2008, as will the perennially popular precious metals of gold and platinum. The polar opposites of delicate (as mentioned above) and bold (i.e. large, gold chain link pieces) will vie for a place in your wardrobe. Spillover from the world of interior design into fashion will dictate an infusion of blue, particularly topaz gemstones. The gemstone counterpart to the yellow diamond, the citrine, will also be oft seen in big, bold, statement pieces. Lots to look forward to in the months ahead!

The holiday season is always a kaleidoscope of color — the colorful decorations, dishes, and characters! This color saturation has left me in favor of some simple, but elegant black and white.

Appearing at Movies Rock, a celebration of music in film, Charlize Theron’s Jonathan Saunders dress is the perfect antidote to neutralize color overload! Opposites attract to create an unfettered, cool, crisp and classic look in this refreshing black and white (with just the slightest hint of a green stripe) number.

Charlize further enhances the elegance of black and white by choosing to accessorize with black and white diamond bracelets. Black diamonds, more porous than other varieties of diamonds, are found mostly in regions of Brazil, and central Africa. Alternately referred to as carbonato (“burned”, or “carbonized”) diamonds, it is humorous to note that many speculate an extraterrestrial link to these diamonds, given that they contain elements of nitrogen and hydrogen, hence speculation that the diamonds originate in the cosmos, ultimately manifesting on earth within meteorites, billions of years ago!

Whatever the origin of these ebony gems, one thing is for sure – set alongside their icy white counterparts, they are a study in opposites which compliment one another beautifully. Additionally, they are highly fashionable.

Here’s a trio of my absolute favorite Black Diamond Bracelets:

Top to bottom

White Gold Black Diamond Bracelet with alternating white diamonds.

White Gold Black Diamond Bracelet with another pattern variation for further visual interest.

White Gold Black and White Diamond Bracelet with a most unusual configuration of diamonds.

Worn singularly, or layered, these would be ideal with your little black dress, a pair of black pants and white cashmere sweater, or a white strapless linen dress with black belt and sandals in summer. It’s a fresh, exciting and oh-so-fashionable combo to add to your jewelry collection!

Check out the full selection of black and white diamond bling!

Wearing a stunning cream satin Balenciaga dress , Nicole Kidman along with husband Keith Urban, appear at the Premiere of The Golden Compass, the fantasy film by Phillip Pullman of His Dark Materials Fame, at the Odeon Leicester Square in London.

The film is due to be released on Dec. 7th, and there is already talk of a made for TV series adaptation.

Though Nicole’s more recent films have been box office bombs, bringing the quality of her “work” into question, she seems oblivious to all critique – and wouldn’t you be? She commands a hefty $10 to $15 million per film, rendering her the fourth highest paid actress (Reese Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie and Carmen Diaz preceeding her) in Hollywood.

Suffice to say Nicole can afford many a fine bauble, but some would argue that her greatest accessory is her silky smooth skin. At 40 years old, there is narry a line or a wrinkle to be seen! What became of the freckles that flecked her fresh youthful skin of yore? This flawless midlife glow, Nicole attributes not to expensive creams, or surgical modification procedures, but to something so basic and simplistic, we can all afford – merely avoiding the kiss of the sun! We believe you, Nicole, though there are Cosmetic Surgeons who would debate whether or not you have paid several visits to practioners of the art of augmentation, underscoring what they refer to in the trade as “Botox Brow”!

Nicole has accessorized with a gold multi strand bracelet. Notice the pattern here? There is a trend toward choosing a singular stunning piece of jewelry and foregoing the temptation to wear every piece you own. Less is more. These are “statement pieces”. They work well individually and don’t require a “collective” — a matching set/piece. It’s all about selectivity!

These bracelets are very much in vogue – multiple delicate strands of gold are whisper light on the wrist, yet sparkle and shine. So feminine!

14K yellow gold Multi Strand Bracelet. The height of class!

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.

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!

Megan Fox has risen from relative obscurity, to Hollywood “It” Girl Status. Her meteoric rise from bit parts starring alongside Lindsay Lohan and Ashley Olsen, her role as Sydney Shanowski on the TV series Hope and Faith, and most recently, her major coup, and some would say career catalyst, the role as Sam Witwicky in Transformers proved that Megan is a fiery presence that can heat up the big screen.

An actress and model, in addition to being known for her stunning good looks, Megan is known for her association to her fiancé Brian Austin Green of Beverley Hills 90210 fame, and for the numerous tattoos she sports – six, in all, including a portrait of Marilyn Munroe and a quote from Shakespeare’s King Lear “We will all laugh a gilded Butterflies” (I find the latter particularly interesting, since it implies the laughter associated with those who actively practice façade, which is of course rife in the social dynamic of Hollywood!).

Shown above, Megan accepts an award for Sci Fi Siren for her role in Transformers at Spike TV’s “Scream 2007”Awards. With her raven hair, piercing blue eyes, and tangerine dress, Megan needs no further embellishment but chooses a pair of chandelier earrings that certainly have the “wow factor”!

Chandeliers continue to be huge on the celebrity circuit, and I never tire of them myself. These 14K white gold Chandelier Earrings are one of my current favorites. They are delicate, deco-inspired and dramatic.

Check out more choices in Chandelier Earrings, and enter to win a pair of 14K yellow gold three-tier Chandelier Earrings in the Diamond Harmony Sweepstakes!

Previously not a fan of perfume herself, having found those on the market too cloying, Mariah was eager to create her signature blend when approached by Elizabeth Arden. Given carte blanche in the creative process, Mariah describes the fragrance as “Light, sensuous and memorable” – a blend composed of a few of her favorite things, including notes of Moroccan incense, the Living Tahitian Tiare Flower, and a surprising note, toasted marshmallows!

In her form-fitting little black dress, accessorized with diamond drop earrings, and a spritz of “M”, Mariah is looking fabulous. With the debut of “M”, and excitement mounting over her upcoming disc (which follows on the heels of her previous multiplatinum comeback disc), you might say this is the sweet scent of success for Carey!

The fragrance, contained within a purple glass bottle featuring her signature butterfly, sold out at Macy’s within 35 minutes! You can purchase M by Mariah Carey Eau de Parfum and Body Lotion via Mariah’s site.

If I were to create a signature scent, “S” by Samantha, it would be comprised of citrusy, musky, woodsy notes – an earthy though exotic blend. The stopper would be a frosted glass tree shape, and dangling from it, a small charm with the initial “S”, studded with mini diamonds! A girl can dream!

Diamond Initials A through Z via Diamond Harmony

Against the dramatic backdrop of the Great Wall of China, Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi orchestrated a show of opulence and grand scale on a catwalk 300 meters in length. A fusion of Lagerfeld’s womenswear collection with accessories by Fendi, the show was a couturier coup.

Among the fashionistas in attendance was actress Zhang Ziyi of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame. Pictured wearing a Lagerfeld couture creation, it is fabricated of fur. At a time when consumer social consciousness has reached new heights, Lagerfeld boldly substantiates his use of animal fur by pointing out that other companies have, and still do, use leather, and that to use one and espouse military opposition to the other animal product, is nothing short of hypocritical.

Consumer social consciousness has also given rise to concern about the use of conflict free diamonds in the manufacture of jewelry items. Conflict free, or cruelty free diamonds, are those which are not mined by warlords with the intent to control a country’s mineral wealth.

Regulations within the diamond industry are helping to certify the origin of product, which serves to satisfy jewelry merchants as they can then assuage the concern of the consumer.

If this is important to you, and so it should be – look for industry integrity when choosing to make a conflict free diamond purchase.

Notice Zhang’s earrings – the popular linear drop style is an absolute favorite among the fashion elite at the moment.

Here is an array of delightful dramatic dangles:

From left to right:

Two Tone Oval Diamond Drop Earrings are slimming in effect with the versatility of two precious metals.

White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings go to great lengths of luxe!

Peridot Drop Earrings feature the perennially popular peridot with the sparkle of dew drops.

Linear dangle earrings add a touch of drama to both day and evening wear!

Mandy Moore is successful, self-assured, and recently, self-engaged. Underscoring a trend which currently represents $3.75 billion in business in the US jewelry market, the term “self-purchaser” was coined.

Mandy, having purchased an engagement ring for herself, factors into the self-purchase market trend — specifically the purchase of rings, which accounts for 2 out of every 5 self-purchased jewelry items.

The self-purchased so-called self-engagement ring, along with the right hand ring , and it’s predecessor the “AH” ring (“Available and Happy”), signal that women are bucking the tradition of bling bestowed upon them by their intended, and opting instead, to finance their own indulgences – because, they can!

Self assured singles are self indulging in more non-traditional rings with popular selections including colored diamonds – pink, yellow , and blue diamonds.

I find this diamond ring particularly engaging!

There are myriad tasteful and tempting rings from which to choose to make this statement of unwedded bliss and self assurance. Any trend that highlights independence and doesn’t disenfranchise women of their single, but happy status, is a move in the right direction!