Diamond Diva Dish

I have always been interested in the significance of gemstones – each has it’s own “story” – carried down through history, complete with lore, cultural, religious associations and symbolism – all of which combine to make gemstones as compelling, as they are beautiful.

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March as well as the stone for 16th and 19th anniversaries. Ranging in hues of barely-there-blue, to blueish green/teal, aquamarine reminds me of encapsulated waves from the pacific ocean lapping on the shore, just as it’s name suggests.

A type of blue beryl mineral (as are emeralds), aquamarine is referred to as such in the bible in the Song of Solomon:

O daughters of Jerusalem,
This is my beloved, and this is my friend.
His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl.

Thought to have healing powers, aquamarine was worn by sailors to ward off sickness and dangers on the high seas! It is said to be effective in combating anxiety, and to confer the wearer with the gifts of clarity, bravery, and overall joy!

As interesting as these attributes, assigned by the ancients are, the stone itself continues to be popular for it’s beauty alone. Like blue sky on a cloudless day, aquamarine is so lovely to look at, it can not help but to enhance one’s mood!

Divas who celebrate their birthdays in March include: Eva Longoria (March 15th), Jessica Biel (March 3rd) Mariah Carey (March 27th), Reese Witherspoon (March 22nd) and Sarah Jessica Parker (March 25th).

Above are some beautiful pieces which incorporate the awesome aquamarine. A delicate and feminine aquamarine and diamond drop pendant with white gold highlights a pear shaped stone in the coveted blue hue suggestive of the seashore. Paired with these matching aquamarine and diamond drop earrings, you have a set that is not only of heirloom quality in craftsmanship and design, but is also very “now”, as both gemstones and drop earrings are prominent in the current jewelry fashion scene.

If rings are your thing, here is a stunning example of the trend toward big, bold gems. A beautiful Diamond and Aquamarine Ring emerald cut, in white gold it makes quite a statement!

Although the Oscars were reputedly a real ratings dud this year, the red carpet was awash with color – bright color and lots of red. As usual, there were fashion faux pas, but many were representative of the glamour goddesses of yesteryear.

Penelope Cruz looked like a true glamour goddess in her gown — festooned w/ feathers and designed expressly for her by Karl Lagerfeld. Brightly colored gemstones were widely worn at the Oscars. Penelope adds a pop of color to the midnight blue Chanel Haute Couture gown with rich red ruby and diamond drop earrings.

Ruby, is the birthstone for July, as well as the anniversary stone for 15 and 40 years of marriage. One of the most prized gemstones throughout history, it was referred to as “Lord of Gems” by ancient Hindus.

Much lore surrounds the ruby, with it’s fiery glow attributed to the stone’s eternal flame. This gemstone of one that is symbolic of everlasting love, and good fortune. The stones can range in hue from fiery red, to orangey and purplish red, with deep red being most coveted. Durable like the diamond, together they make a perfect pairing!

Chandeliers, dangles and drops, these were the earrings of choice at the Oscars. Behold some beautiful, bright bold rubies:

Diamond and Ruby Chandelier Earrings add a touch of the exotic.

These White Gold Oval Diamond and Ruby Earrings are classics with an heirloom quality.

Diamond and Ruby Drop Earrings combine the icy cool of white gold and diamond with the richness of ruby red for earrings that are trendy but also add up to timeless elegance.

Baguette Ruby and Diamond Earrings in white gold prove it’s hip to be square with these classically elegant and sophisticated, though not staid earrings.

Gorgeous, all, none of which would be out of place on the red carpet!

Actress Kate Walsh of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice fame, strutted her stuff at the 2008 NAACP Image Awards.

Since marrying movie executive Alex Young last year, Kate’s life has continued to be a flurry of activity, both on a personal and professional level. In spite of her hiatus during the writer’s strike, Kate has been keeping busy on the political scene channeling her efforts toward the Obama camp. Additionally, she recently invested funds, and time, in a cause near and dear to her heart – the opening of an animal shelter in New York city.

Her frenetic lifestyle aside, Kate always looks classically beautiful in her choice of attire when seen out and about at events. Here, she looks absolutely radiant in an off the shoulder Azzaro gown.

Kate accessorizes with sapphire and diamond drop earrings and a sapphire and diamond circlet bracelet (a bit of an anomaly is the yellow gold and diamond bangle she’s added to the mix!).

Here are a bevy of blue sapphire and diamond bracelets and earrings. I’ve posted before as to my affinity for this combination of deep, rich blue, and cool, shimmering icy diamonds and white gold!

Diamond and Blue Sapphire tennis bracelet in white gold with oval design.

Diamond and Sapphire Tennis Bracelet with ovals, in white gold. Perfect individually or collectively, for layering!

Diamond Pave and Blue Sapphire Drop Earrings are delicate and delightful in both their style and combination of white gold and gems.

Diamond and Blue Sapphire Earrings in a tear drop shape are classics which have an heirloom quality.

And because these diamond and white gold circlet bracelets are so beautiful and unique, I had to share them, also!

This White Gold and Diamond Bracelet with the “ringlet”, or circles motif is so pretty, as is this bold, White Gold Bracelet, a statement bracelet, adorned with diamonds and designed in an artisanal fashion with a variety of interesting and organic shapes. It’s geometric glam!

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.

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!

If a glimpse at exotic and rare treasures takes your fancy, and you plan on being in the Santa Ana California area, why not visit the Bowers Museum and view Gems! Colors of Light and Stone – The Michael Scott Collection.

Through June 16th 2008, this exquisite private gem collection, which boasts the most lavish gems second only to those owned by royalty, is sure to be a treat to the eyes!

Comprised of major gem varieties and color spectrums, the collection also includes unique and lesser known stones, among which are green tanzanites and electric blue Paraiba tourmalines.

Antique jewels, rare cut collector stones, and gem carvings are other highlights of the collection. Curator of the exhibit Dr. Peter Keller, a geologist and gemologist himself, cites this as “the most important exhibit of Gemstones, diamonds and gems as art ever shown in a US museum.”

View some of the exhibit pieces here in the online gemstone gallery.

If you’d like to have your own kalaeidoscope of colored gemstones a little closer to home, check out these luxe, vibrant, multi gemstone and diamond drop earrings in 14K yellow gold.

For those whose preference is white gold, these multi gemstone and diamond drop earrings will effect a rainbow of color to brighten your day and banish those winter wardrobe Blahs — your own little show of gemstone color and light!