Diamond Diva Dish

Above: Two tone gold heart necklace — very now, very wow with trendy dangles! She’ll love it!

This one’s for the guys, because I know there are several of you out there who read my blog. I may not know you personally, but believe me, I know your “type”, your tendencies when it comes to gift-giving associated with the tradition of romance on Valentine’s Day. Yes, it is fast approaching, hence The Diamond Diva Dish Primer For Valentine’s Day Gift Giving Etiquette.

Worst case scenario – you give no gift at all. We won’t even go there! This is for those of you who can be redeemed! Yes, there is hope. Read on!

Most importantly, the gift you choose to give your girlfriend, fiance’, wife or significant other, says a lot about you – it is, in the final analysis, only as meaningful as the spirit in which it was given. Was the gift, regardless of price point, infused with forethought? Or was it a mere afterthought, picked up hastily from the over-priced, wilted offerings in the florist section of your local supermarket? Perhaps a box of chocolates secured, also at the last moment, from the same supermarket. This won’t do, guys!

You’ve been “had” if you choose the floral bouquet, or dozen roses, the cost of which will run you the equivalent of a nice item of jewelry on Valentine’s Day. Florist’s have inflated the price for this auspicious occasion – they sit in wait for you, and know that demand will equal or exceed supply, because you will go through the motions of this thoughtless purchase and line their wallets!

Chocolates, too, are a gift of convenience and lack of thought in purchase. It’s not that your loved one doesn’t deserve a sweet treat on occasion, but in and of itself, this is not the gift she’s expecting to receive. Think of the ensuing remorse, having gobbled the contents of the box in short order, while under stress of processing your thoughtless gift, and perhaps some remorse, too, for being with a cad whose gift bears not the slightest hint of romance whatsoever!

Take it from me, guys – women have an insatiable appetite for all things that glitter! The gift of jewelry will earn you kudos every time. Let’s clarify for a moment – not just any gift of jewelry, but an item relative to whatever stage you are in your relationship.

Those in recently established unions will want to choose carefully an item which conveys thought, yet does not exceed the boundaries of what would be considered premature. Put a hold on the diamond engagement ring , otherwise you may scare her off! A pretty heart necklace in either (or both!) of the precious metals will show her you have a heart of gold!

If yours is a relationship of ample duration (I would define this as a year), and you’re interested in cultivating it further, wow her with a pair of diamond stud earrings . Available in a variety of price points, she’ll be thrilled, and think that both you, and the gift, are real keepers!

Are you in a long term loving relationship, yet still suffering commitment anxiety and the thought of an engagement ring elicits a flight response? Consider choosing something that will impress upon her your deep feelings by gifting her with a symbolic representation of your future, though without the time constraints associated with engagements. A heart-shaped Diamond Journey Pendant represents life’s journey, each diamond a step along the way – those taken together, those yet to be taken. Again, a gift straight from the heart, sure to tug at her heartstrings!

They say that those who have been in a relationship for a very long time, actually begin to resemble one another! They finish one another’s sentences, and are such kindred spirits, can read the thoughts of the other with no words exchanged. If you quantify your relationship thusly, you must have an innate understanding that it’s time for a diamond eternity band . The one you’d been meaning to purchase, the one she’s been dropping hints about. Yes, that one! She’s earned it, she’ll love it, and she’ll know that the flame burns just as brightly now, as it did in the beginning.

If you’re still reading, and still feel compelled to purchase those chocolates, well, I’m not going to argue with you! I admit, there are certainly some instances when chocolate is, indeed a tasteful gift. It’s all contingent upon the configuration, the presentation. The eye candy factor! Anytime you add rock candy to the mix, well, you have a real winner!

The above suggestions are meant to give you some ideas for glittery, quality gift items. While perusing and choosing others, don’t forget to enter the Diamond Diva Dish Sweepstakes sponsored by Diamond Harmony for a chance to win a stunning 14K diamond (1/4CTW) dangle heart pendant (pictured above) A heartfelt gift for your loved one!

An actress, model, mother of 4 children, partner to Brad Pitt, Spokeswoman for humanitarian causes, Angelina Jolie does it all, and still manages to maintain a glamour goddess exterior. She is pulled together whether out toy shopping with her children, appearing at a gala, or taking the platform at a speaking engagement.

As you can see from these images, her most oft worn pieces of diamond jewelry, those which are appropriate in any setting, are her diamond stud earrings and diamond solitaire pendant. These are the basic “building blocks” of your jewelry wardrobe – those you will reach for as stand alone pieces, or to layer with others. Sometimes it’s nice to escape the fashion frenzy, though you don’t have to be conservative as the ultimate look is contingent upon which clothing you choose to pair your jewelry items with.

I feel like the proverbial kid in the candy store when I look at these little rock stars of the jewelry box — either in white or yellow gold, diamond solitaire pendants are available in myriad carat weights, cuts and settings.

My favorites are the classic 14K white gold 4 prong round cut diamond stud earrings with matching 1.5 Ct Four Prong 14K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Pendant. As with any diamond purchase from which you intend to get a lifetime of use, choose those of the best quality (and a size visible to the naked eye!) which you can afford.

You may not have Angelinas flawless skin, her full lips, or her man, but you can take a page from her fashion tome and emulate her look in the context of adding some modicum of sparkle to your life!

Jennifer Lopez has announced that she has grown up, and no longer wants to be called J. Lo.  That’s Jennifer, please — Miss Lopez if you’re nasty.

This is from a couple of weeks ago in Madrid — she’s getting an award for her album “Como Ama Una Mujer”. 

Look at her earrings – an amazing combo of drops and chandeliers. The necklace is fabulous — blends with the light hair, contrasts the black dress. Are those yellow fancy diamonds?  I wonder if she does her own styling.  Um…no. 

Here’s Carla Gugino at the LA premiere of “The Lookout” on Tuesday. I don’t know what she does in the movie, but she still looks like that secret agent mother to me.

I think she keeps her spy kit inside that whopping diamond deal around her neck. She would have been great opposite that new guy in James Bond.

OK, her birthday was yesterday. I do my best. And so does she — look at her on Oscar Night:

Someone please research the dress, and provide a comparitive analysis to the JLo item.

OK. You may have to fan yourself with the nearest copy of “Hollywood Wives,” but I am now awarding the top prize of Oscars 2007 to the woman who has written 25 romance novels, endured the death of two husbands, and still has the guts to show up at the awards for absolutely no reason except to show off her diamond drop earrings and her diamond necklace. Here she is: Jackie Collins.

Huge necklaces were the real eye-catcher this year. Gemstones, diamonds, and…hmm? My picks:

1) Chloe Sevingy.

Reply if you can name all the gemstones. I see purple, green and red. The greens are emeralds for sure. But are those pink sapphires? Or amethyst? And does she have rubies? Or garnets?

2) Naomi Watts.

I think I see a zillion dollars worth of gigantic diamonds. Some white, some yellow fancies. Call me crazy. (Please! Post comments! Call me crazy!) I think the earrings are white topaz.

3) Jennifer Lopez.

OK, I don’t know what I see here at all, but WOW. It’s a Marchesa dress, and the necklace-as-neckline deal is said to be made of “crystals.” Hm. What kind of “crystals?” Tell all if you know it.

Our beautiful diva Gwenyth Paltrow was at the St. Regis Hotel in New York last Thursday to raffle off a gorgeous diamond and gold necklace by Damiani.

Proceeds of the raffle, as well as other auctioned jewelery, went to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge. Gwenyth ROCKS!

Pucker up, Rudy!

OK, I’m not really sure which of my lists I’m putting this woman on. And I’m trying to ignore the retired mayor that she’s making out with. BUT — I still must know about that necklace. And the bridal set. New Yorkers, I’m going to need your help here. If you actually held this paper in your hands as you stood on a subway platform PLEASE COMMENT and tell all.