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!

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!

It is unofficially official that the “Indian Jones 4″ love interest will be Cate Blanchett, age 37.    Harrison Ford is 64.  Ooooh, sexy!  By which I mean to say, yuck!

Wild and crazy drop earrings, right? I love the onyx. Not so sure whats up with the wraparound diamonds-on-gold deal. How many piercings are involved there? Please post your guess.

It is also unofficially official that Emma Watson is bailing on the last two Harry Potter movies. Oh no! What will Harry do? Rupert Grint (the red-haired kid) blithely told a London tabloid, “Daniel and I don’t even text her anymore.” Well, indeed.

She looks exhausted. And why not, because, you know, she’s only 16! She’s Hermione Whoever! A stalker showed up at her school last week! She wearing pearl earrings with a lime quartz pendant! She needs a vacation, a bodyguard, a jewelry consultant! Best of luck, Emma.

I hope everybody had a great Valentine’s Day! I had a very nice date (yes, I date! Who knew?) I wore the pendant that I wear every year. I bought it for an ex-boyfriend to give to me a couple of years ago, LOL. I didn’t get any jewelry from this new guy yesterday. Just flowers. But it’s not a “relationship” yet, so that’s fine. It’s actually a guy from work (yes, I have a job! Who knew?)

We had dinner in Santa Monica and then took a people-watching stroll on Venice Beach. And yes, we held hands! Actually, we weren’t able to hold hands until he finished telling me his story of how he has figured out the exact spot on the beach where Jim Morrison met some other guy and sang him a poem and they decided to make a band and, lo and behold, it was The Doors. The story took a lot of hand gestures, so I had to wait until it was over to make him hold my hand. But seriously, we had a nice time. And he complimented my pendant right before he kissed me at the end of the boardwalk!