Diamond Diva Dish

Scarlett Johansson was a real treat for the troops in Kuwait as she joined the USO/Army Morale Welfare Recreation entertainment tour.

The troops morale certainly was boosted when Scarlett flashed her smile, posed with them for photos and signed autographs.

Underscoring the contribution of those who put their lives at risk, Scarlett expressed a desire to give back, by bringing them a bit of home.

Scarlett looks lovely in a simple pale pink v-neck sweater, white tank and over-sized gold heart dangle necklace. Heart dangle necklaces are featuring prominently these days, in a variety of sizes and their popularity spans from teenage girls to women of all ages.

The heart dangle necklace can be seen in myriad sizes and combinations of metals and stones – from delicate to bold, everyone wants to have a heart of gold!

Check out some of my exciting finds below!

Top Row, Left - Right

The Pave Cut Open Heart Pendant features the perennially popular pave and the warmth of yellow gold.

You can still enter to win this fabulous Diamond Dangle Heart Pendant

This Gold Rope Diamond Heart Necklace combines two-toned gold, a rope design and the addition of another little heart to the side.

Bottom Row, Left-Right

I love this stunning Diamond and White Gold Heart Necklace. The whimsical shape of the heart, as well as the glitter of the 100 prong set diamonds really does it for me!

How’s this White Gold And Diamond Heart Necklace strung on a yellow gold chain, for something different?

A Two Tone Gold Dual Heart Pave Pendant has a special significance with one heart nestled inside the other.

Lovely, all!

Sarah Michelle Gellar looks stunning strutting her stuff on the red carpet at the premiere of The Air I Breathe.

I’m anxious to see this one, as it is based on a multi-layered and profound Chinese philosophy of life, examining the four elements that weave the fabric of our being into a cohesive whole – happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love. In the film, each of these elements is played by a different character (Sarah plays happiness), and all four are shown, of course, to share a symbiotic relationship. This should prove to be an interesting vehicle by which to examine the psyche!

Ah, but enough heavy stuff. We want to talk about heavy metal(s), don’t we? Sarah, dressed in a beautiful blue Temperley London dress, accessorizes with awesome bold, gold statement earrings.

I enjoy this trend toward statement pieces. Gone are the days when fashion dictated matching sets of earrings, necklace, bracelet and perhaps even ring! These days we are choosing stand along pieces – singular items that are bold and add the wow factor in a big way.

Sarah’s earrings are large scale with the warmth of yellow gold and the cluster effect for maximum impact. I’ve found several pair which, although different, create glitz and will make you feel like a glamour goddess when wearing them.

Lovely Statement Earrings:

Diamond earrings in 18K white gold glimmer and shine, creating the sparkle of dazzling stars.

Diamond Cluster Earrings are crafted to bring forth a multitude of sparkle.

Bold and gold carved Drop Earrings have a lot going for them in both shape and textural interest.

Fun and exotic, these Paola style gold drop earrings combine the warmth of gold, the trendy circular shape, and a unique surface design.

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!

Above: Halle on the cover of In Style Magazine, February issue.

Expecting her first child with gorgeous Versace model boyfriend Gabriel Aubry , Halle is loving the glow of pregnancy and the burst of energy she feels.

Halle looks even more stunning pregnant, and comments that she’s enjoying eating for two, and the perk of not having to tuck in her tummy (Halle, you never did!) at red carpet events!

The expectant parents have yet to choose a name, but have decided the child will bear Gabriel’s surname. Plans are in the works to duplicate the baby’s nursery in each of their homes (as did Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams with their daughter Mathilda – seems to be popular and makes good sense) so as not to cause the child confusion with the change in stimuli.

Other plans include ensuring the child will be bilingual, speaking both English and French, as Gabriel is of French Canadian origin. Halle has no intention of off loading the care and feeding of her child to a nanny, preferring instead to experience the gamut of motherhood “hands on”.

Every mother thinks theirs is the most beautiful child (as should be the case!), but with the combined genes of Gabriel Aubry and Halle Berry, this particular child is going to be a beauty.

At 41 years old (Halle jokes that hers is notated as a “geriatric pregnancy”!), she radiates both an external and internal beauty indicative of a woman who has found what to some is an elusive balance which weaves the fabric of life and love together into a perfect whole.

Halle mentions that this is a great time to be pregnant as the current fashions (garments with empire waists, etc.) are conducive to stylish maternity wear. Peruse some more of Halle’s stylish maternity wear via In Style.

Above: Halle at the 2008 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala

Yes! stackable bangle bracelets and and super large hoop earrings (in either yellow gold or white gold) are still very much in vogue. Halle is a barometer of all that is hip, and hot – here she is seen accessorizing w/ over sized hoops and a bevy of bangles both of which work for both day, and evening wear.

Halle proves that good things are worth waiting for.You don’t have to wait though,peruse the selection of bangles and hoops for something bold and beautiful to add to your accessory wardrobe.

My current obsessions are these stunning Florentine hoop earrings and matching Florentine bangle bracelet. The bangle comes in a single or double wrap version in 14K yellow gold.

Note the double wrap with the addition of white gold, too, adding further visual interest to this textural bangle bracelet. I would stack a single and a double bangle together for the maximum wow factor!

What seemed like a good idea in theory – P.S. I Love You, a tear jerker which follows the life after love, of Holly, (played by Hillary Swank) whose husband succumbs to an untimely demise having been diagnosed with a brain tumor, did not translate well to the big screen.

Somehow the profound message of don’t be held hostage by the notion of a hypothetical future – live in the moment, was lost in the muck and mire of the silly communicating from (seemingly) beyond by Holly’s husband (played by the very easy on the eyes Gerard Butler). Through a series of letters (the dispatch of which, he’d arranged for prior to his death), he communicates to her ideas for reintegrating herself into the social scene by partaking in a variety of outings that run the gamut from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Even a supporting cast which includes Gina Gershon, Kathy Bates, Lisa Kudrow and Harry Connick Jr. could not save this flighty flick from failure. Not much to excavate beneath the surface, you may want to wait and rent the DVD.

Though the move doesn’t make the grade, Hilary, gets top marks for her recent appearance in Ireland (where movie scenes were filmed) at the premiere of P.S. I Love You.

Wearing a flattering white dress and gold accessories including delicate multi strand bracelet, clutch, linear dangle earrings and open-toed gold shoes, she certainly radiates the star quality of a two time Oscar winner which we hope will be better showcased in more suitable vehicles in future!

The linear dangle earring has longevity — look for the trend to continue in 2008! I couldn’t be more pleased, as I have several variations and look forward to more mileage from them!

Oft photographed, Kate Middleton, the so called Princess In Waiting, and her relationship with Prince William, is the subject of much media scrutiny.

Though her parents are self made millionaires, she was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth, and lacks the pedigree associated with Royalty. She is, however, educated, gainfully employed, and self assured. With her long, dark, glossy mane, cerulean blue eyes and svelte figure, she is both hip, and also refined, whatever the situation dictates.

One would think given her Princess in Waiting status she would be sporting bling for Britain – royal jewels passed down, or pieces gifted to her by Prince William – knock offs in the making. That’s not the case– Kate appears to adorn herself with pieces likely self purchased, embracing classic items, as well as trends, she has fun with fashion and is occasion appropriate.

No frumpy frocks for Kate! Shown here, she’s enjoying a night out on the town. Wearing a black crochet mini, velvet fitted jacket and the high boots which she favours, she accessories not with royal jewels, but the ever popular Chandelier earrings. Notice how they sway dramatically and make such an exotic touch against the background of her monochromatic outfit and dark tresses.

Here are two pair of chandelier earrings very similar to those worn by Kate– Gold Chandelier Earrings and a pair of Two Tone Gold Chandelier Earrings.

These multi droplets of gold dangle so delicately, adding a punch of pizzazz, and bringing out the princess in each of us!

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!

Mariah Carey, shown above, was at the Glendale Galleria as part of the launch of her signature fragrance M by Mariah Carey. Fans were able to meet and greet Mariah, and were treated to the special perk of M’s autograph if they purchased a special edition combo consisting of 3.3 oz. EDP parfum spray, a 6.8 oz body lotion and a luxurious parfum replica complete with an elegant dabber.

Of course fans got the added benefit of being able to gauge Mariah’s casual chic — a look pulled together with a pair of jeans, a black cami, cropped sweater, and of special interest to those of us who understand that no outfit is complete without the addition of some jewelry items – her gold Pavé hoops and the all important and so au currant, layered gold chains.

Glittery 18K Yellow Gold Pavé Hoop Earrings are a must have! Pavé is so popular and showing up in bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings on those with the most discerning fashion sense.

Why is Pavé immensely popular? When stones are placed so closely together, the result is the ultimate in sparkle. Widely used in antique pieces, Pavé has made a comeback on a grand scale and makes each piece a Pièce de résistance.

Ashley Judd is a vision of purple perfection dressed in an exotic sari, at a gala event to benefit YouthAIDS. Since 2002 Ashley has been the YouthAIDS Global Ambassador. She channels her energy into raising both awareness and funds for YouthAIDS education and preventative programs.

She has traveled widely for the cause, including such locales as Cambodia and Thailand, Guatemala, and South Africa. She considers her role as Ambassador to be her most meaningful role of all.

I’ve never witnessed Ashley commit a fashion faux pas – she is always the epitome of glamour goddess. Here she makes a bold statement with gargantuan gold earrings – aren’t they gorgeous?

Here is a trio of bold gold with which to embellish your ears and add some drama to the dull winter days ahead:

Via Diamond Harmony 14K yellow gold Drop Earrings with that “wow!” factor.

14k yellow gold Carved Drop Earrings have an interesting and textural hammered effect.

I love these 14K Tri Tone Gold Oval Drop Earrings both for their layered effect and the various gold hues which render them a diverse addition to your jewelry wardrobe.

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!