Diamond Diva Dish

Anne Hathaway’s dress is somehow reminiscent of a cross between an abreviated toga and a flapper dress. It is unique, for sure, and she wears it well. Designed by Roberto Cavalli, and appropriately winter white, she wore it to the Annual Winter Dance at the American Museum of Natural History.

Anne accessorizes with a sizeable pair of diamond stud earrings. 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 – 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?

Round Cut Diamond Stud Earrings are my personal favorite!

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. Educate yourself as to the attributes quality diamonds should meet prior to making your decision.

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 criteria to meet for the maximum in sparkle.

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

Jessica Alba took time out from satisfying her cravings for ham and cheese sandwiches to appear in France at the premiere of her new movie The Eye. Looking as lovely as ever in a Temperley London gown, Jessica’s not allowing her pregnancy to slow her down. While in Paris she enjoyed herself immensely, touring the Rodin Museum, and attending the Lanvin Fall 2008 Fashion Show.

The Eye has all the ingredients of a compelling thriller, one which may very well showcase Jessica’s talents and put her in line for an Oscar. By way of a little teaser, Jessica’s character, formerly blind, gets an eye transplant which enables her to see the supernatural world! I’m looking forward to seeing this one!

Jessica’s white gown, lavishly embellished, is further enhanced by the addition of diamond drop earrings. These drop style earrings just do not stop, they are so popular at the moment and with good reason. They compliment all manner of garments and face shapes, are a statement piece, and glimmer like the cascade of sparkling dew droplets. Better by far, they are diamond droplets and those which I’ve featured below are as stunning as Jessica’s at price points we can all afford!

For a simple, delicate and feminine touch, these linear Diamond Drop Earrings are not too overpowering for day wear, as well as transcending into an evening out, were you to go straight from the office to dinner or another social event.

This pair of linear drop white gold and Diamond Dangle Earrings are fashioned in a circlet pattern encrusted with diamonds.

Flirty and fashionable, these white gold and Diamond Drop Earrings feature the currently popular chain style with carefully spaced diamonds to effect a little light show as they sparkle and shine!

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!

Petra Nemcova was pure perfection in this citrus yellow Roberto Cavalli gown. With a sweetheart neckline, and accented by sequins, I think the dress is lovely, though the blogosphere was humming with opinions to the contrary. Many claimed the dress was poorly fitted, and akin to an off the rack prom dress, further stating her lips were too red, and her hair style not attractive. Ladies! When do you look half as stunning as Petra when she’s having a bad day (though I doubt she has such days!)?

Petra’s skin is flawless, her features lovely, and her body finely toned. So what is it about the woman with which we can find some fault to reduce her to mere mortal status? I’ll tell you! She has very questionable taste in men, that’s what!

Following the tragic loss of her fiance in the 2004 Tsunami disaster (and sustaining grueling injuries herself), Petra has had a string of relationships that could best be filed under “Least likely to succeed”. There was Bruce Willis, then James Blunt whose physique is relative to his junque musique, and who actually strayed from their relationship with women of far lesser calibre! Fast forwarding to the present, Petra is now said to be romantically involved with Sean Penn! Though I do enjoy Sean’s acting, the pair appear to be the poster couple for “Beauty and The Beast”. Sean can’t even manage to crack a smile with arm decoration the likes of Petra. I can’t see much longevity in this peculiar pairing!

Petra accessorizes with a pair of diamond pave hoop earrings in yellow gold. These pave pieces continue to be favored for their superior brilliance owing to the impact of the clustering of multiple diamonds. Trendy large hoops, with the classic element of pave infuses any outfit with “oomph”!

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!

Sienna Miller dazzles in a daring Dior sheer black dress at the Bafta Awards which took place at the Royal Opera House in London.

Sienna, nominated for the Orange Rising Star Award, lost to Shia LaBeouf. In my opinion, she’s a winner by virtue of her outfit alone!

Following the event, Sienna was pursued by the paparazzi, whom she said recklessly and relentlessly followed the vehicle in an attempt which she felt, was to discover he location of her new home. She described the event as “threatening”, and feeling “hunted” , and asked her friend, the son of singer Bryan Ferry to intervene by getting between her car, and the photographers, allowing her to escape. Equally reckless, perhaps, but yet another example as to how the actions of the paparazzi must be curbed in favor of the safety (and some modicum of privacy) for all concerned.

The dress, with it’s fitted silhouette, and sheer flowing fabric in basic black, definitely has the “wow factor”, especially with the addition of the embellished back which includes jet black beading and jewels.

Sienna ramps up the glitz with a pair of linear dangle earrings. These are so similar to a pair of Diamond Drop Earrings on which I’ve had my eye for a while now! These Multi strand earrings in 14K white gold, have 1/3 ctw of glimmering diamonds! Well suited to every facial shape, they dangle gracefully against the backdrop of all manner of evening wear. These are just gorgeous and provide a lot of bling for your jewelry buck as the impact they will make far exceeds their cost!

Eva Longoria was among those who were spotted at the Mercedes Benz Fall 2008 Fashion Show. I love her dress, featuring a retro flower power look, with sparkly sequined botanicals in a cream shade. Eva is always sparkling with great smile and zest for life there is little of the Desperate Housewife to be detected in her demeanor!

Although Eva, owing to the protracted writer’s strike has appeared to have some downtime, such is not the case! She’s been keeping busy with many projects including her work as the face of Bebe and Bebe Sport. These racy ads highlight her amazing figure. Her recent movie, the romantic comedy Over Her Dead Body and, some would speculate, given the pregnancy rumors as she was recently and repeatedly sighted shopping for baby items at Tres., preparing to welcome a bundle of joy. Eva has not confirmed a pregnancy at this time.

Additionally, you can see more of Eva in the March edition of InStyle magazine. Watch the behind the scenes video of her InStyle cover shoot. She looks gorgeous, as always! Hubby Tony Parker puts in an appearance too!

To compliment the dress she is wearing — a pair of diamond hoop earrings. These hoops find their popularity in the fact that they can be worn both for casual and formal occasions – hence, we can get a lot of fashion mileage and shimmer from these diamond dotted must-haves.

From casual to formal, delicate to bold, there are many variations of diamond hoops from which to choose. Double Side diamond hoop earrings (also referred to as “inside out”, offer the maximum in glitter as the diamonds are visible both from the leading outside edge as well as the inside edge of the back. Whether you choose bezel set, channel set, or prong set diamond hoop earrings, in white gold they are icy cool, always exciting, fresh and flirtatious.

Or, opt for the warmth of yellow gold, as Eva is wearing. Check out these stunning two-tone gold prong set diamond hoop earrings which are comprised of 266 round cut sparkling diamonds. If you dare to be different, these are prime candidates to add to your jewelry collection.

These are real classic sparklers, don’t you think? My all time favorite are the channel set diamond hoop earrings. These with .25 CTW of diamonds really are an accessory wardrobe staple.

View more diamond hoop earring eye candy for your ears!

Ladies, this month Diamond Harmony is offering another awesome prize for their monthly sweepstakes draw. The lucky winner will receive a pair of gift wrapped 14K White Gold Bubble Blue Sapphire Diamond Earrings!

As always, it is free to enter, and you may do so by following this link to the sweepstakes.

The deadline for entry is February 28th. The prize draw takes place on February 29th. Best of luck to all!

Anne Hathaway always has a pulse on the current fashion scene. Here she is shown at the Erin Fetherston (who recently designed a line for Target) Fall 2008 fashion show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Fast forwarding to fall, among the styles featured were Featerston’s more Bohemian fare in bold prints and rich colors, along with some tailored pieces –items not too “over the top”! Anne was in attendance with her long term boyfriend Italian property developer Raffaello Follieri. The two seem quite happy together, and she credits him with helping her transcend depression from which she previously suffered.

Anne seems well grounded, but states that was not always the case. She’s worked hard to iron out life’s “creases” and reach a place wherein she derives happiness and balance in her career and personal life.

She is due to begin filming Bride Wars with Kate Hudson . The film features the two as best friends whose friendship is subject to a rift when they schedule their weddings on the same day!

Anne radiates a rare sort of beauty. With her doe eyes, glossy dark mane and wonderful smile – she eschews the sun, does not use “Fake and Bake”, and isn’t perturbed at those times when she may be carrying a few extra pounds. She’s not a product of the traditional Hollywood starlet mold.

Here she’s wearing a glimmering dress with satin floral embellishments. Notice her earrings – a wonderful pair of the ever popular linear dangles in yellow gold. This style of earrings shows no sign of being relegated to the past tense any time soon. Incorporating the trend of geometric shapes, and the linear look so flattering to all face shapes, the cascade effect is definitely eye catching.

Below are some of my favorites:

Top Row, L-R:

Two Tone Gold Diamond Drop Earrings

Tri Tone Gold Drop Earrings

Bottom Row, L- R:

14K gold Geometric Drop Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Circle Drop Earrings

Notice that these styles are comprised of a fushion of all that is fasionable — dangling charms, geometric shapes, mixed metals, and the element of fun!