Diamond Diva Dish

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 (Angelina Jolie never leaves home without hers!) – 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?

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.

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 criterion to meet for the maximum in sparkle.

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

This month, the winner of the Diamond Harmony Sweepstakes will receive none other than a pair of diamond stud earrings! How exciting is that? Create some buzz – spread the word to your associates, family and friends. The sweepstakes is free to enter. Good luck!

Megan Fox has risen from relative obscurity, to Hollywood “It” Girl Status. Her meteoric rise from bit parts starring alongside Lindsay Lohan and Ashley Olsen, her role as Sydney Shanowski on the TV series Hope and Faith, and most recently, her major coup, and some would say career catalyst, the role as Sam Witwicky in Transformers proved that Megan is a fiery presence that can heat up the big screen.

An actress and model, in addition to being known for her stunning good looks, Megan is known for her association to her fiancé Brian Austin Green of Beverley Hills 90210 fame, and for the numerous tattoos she sports – six, in all, including a portrait of Marilyn Munroe and a quote from Shakespeare’s King Lear “We will all laugh a gilded Butterflies” (I find the latter particularly interesting, since it implies the laughter associated with those who actively practice façade, which is of course rife in the social dynamic of Hollywood!).

Shown above, Megan accepts an award for Sci Fi Siren for her role in Transformers at Spike TV’s “Scream 2007”Awards. With her raven hair, piercing blue eyes, and tangerine dress, Megan needs no further embellishment but chooses a pair of chandelier earrings that certainly have the “wow factor”!

Chandeliers continue to be huge on the celebrity circuit, and I never tire of them myself. These 14K white gold Chandelier Earrings are one of my current favorites. They are delicate, deco-inspired and dramatic.

Check out more choices in Chandelier Earrings, and enter to win a pair of 14K yellow gold three-tier Chandelier Earrings in the Diamond Harmony Sweepstakes!

Previously not a fan of perfume herself, having found those on the market too cloying, Mariah was eager to create her signature blend when approached by Elizabeth Arden. Given carte blanche in the creative process, Mariah describes the fragrance as “Light, sensuous and memorable” – a blend composed of a few of her favorite things, including notes of Moroccan incense, the Living Tahitian Tiare Flower, and a surprising note, toasted marshmallows!

In her form-fitting little black dress, accessorized with diamond drop earrings, and a spritz of “M”, Mariah is looking fabulous. With the debut of “M”, and excitement mounting over her upcoming disc (which follows on the heels of her previous multiplatinum comeback disc), you might say this is the sweet scent of success for Carey!

The fragrance, contained within a purple glass bottle featuring her signature butterfly, sold out at Macy’s within 35 minutes! You can purchase M by Mariah Carey Eau de Parfum and Body Lotion via Mariah’s site.

If I were to create a signature scent, “S” by Samantha, it would be comprised of citrusy, musky, woodsy notes – an earthy though exotic blend. The stopper would be a frosted glass tree shape, and dangling from it, a small charm with the initial “S”, studded with mini diamonds! A girl can dream!

Diamond Initials A through Z via Diamond Harmony

Against the dramatic backdrop of the Great Wall of China, Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi orchestrated a show of opulence and grand scale on a catwalk 300 meters in length. A fusion of Lagerfeld’s womenswear collection with accessories by Fendi, the show was a couturier coup.

Among the fashionistas in attendance was actress Zhang Ziyi of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame. Pictured wearing a Lagerfeld couture creation, it is fabricated of fur. At a time when consumer social consciousness has reached new heights, Lagerfeld boldly substantiates his use of animal fur by pointing out that other companies have, and still do, use leather, and that to use one and espouse military opposition to the other animal product, is nothing short of hypocritical.

Consumer social consciousness has also given rise to concern about the use of conflict free diamonds in the manufacture of jewelry items. Conflict free, or cruelty free diamonds, are those which are not mined by warlords with the intent to control a country’s mineral wealth.

Regulations within the diamond industry are helping to certify the origin of product, which serves to satisfy jewelry merchants as they can then assuage the concern of the consumer.

If this is important to you, and so it should be – look for industry integrity when choosing to make a conflict free diamond purchase.

Notice Zhang’s earrings – the popular linear drop style is an absolute favorite among the fashion elite at the moment.

Here is an array of delightful dramatic dangles:

From left to right:

Two Tone Oval Diamond Drop Earrings are slimming in effect with the versatility of two precious metals.

White Gold Diamond Drop Earrings go to great lengths of luxe!

Peridot Drop Earrings feature the perennially popular peridot with the sparkle of dew drops.

Linear dangle earrings add a touch of drama to both day and evening wear!

Looking as fresh as the velvety petals of a rose in full bloom, Jennifer Garner rocks this Zac Posen mermaid-style dress which is vibrant in color and captivating in interest. The design – with horizontal shirring, and linear detailing - and color, create an impact perfectly suited to a Paris fête — the premiere of her new movie, “The Kingdom”.

Appropriate to enhance her choice of dress are the statement earrings she is wearing. Statement earrings, whether exclusively crafted of precious metals, dazzling with diamonds, embellished with fanciful filigree, gemstones or pave, are the number one accessory choice for this season and beyond. It’s time to plan your festive wardrobe and add a pair or two of these to your jewelry options!

The Diamond Pave Dangle Earrings in the above image are so very striking – they incorporate several of the hot trends – flirty and pendulous with pave these are a perfect stand alone piece, giving the overall effect of jewelry items which cost far in excess of the actual price.

The same can be said of these Diamond and White Gold Tear Drop Earrings They are elegantly crafted in a style and tradition which could best be described as “Glamour Goddess”. Minus the outrageous price tag, they arrive nestled in the green signature Diamond Harmony box — a new acquisition with a nice touch!

This month Diamond Harmony has a sweepstakes draw for a pair of 14K gold chandelier earrings – three tiers of delicate droplets to sparkle and sway with your every move. Good luck!

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!

Katherine Heigl looked stunning at the recent Emmys. She was both a presenter and a winner, receiving an emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series in the role of Izzie Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy.

Wearing a gorgeous Zac Posen white fishtail gown with glamour reminiscent of old style Hollywood sirens, her accessories are playful and consistent with the fabric of which the gown is constructed. Would you believe it is made of denim? I absolutely love the use of this otherwise casual, heavy duty fabric for evening wear. Layered bangles, chunky bead bracelets, a jeweled bag and over sized hoop earrings with dangling charms complete her look.

I’m partial to hoops and love the option of adding earring charms to create an entirely different look. Casual by day, your hoops can be instantly transformed for either a more polished or an elegant look with the simple addition of earring charms.

Take a peek at those which I found via Diamond Harmony!

These 14K White Gold Diamond Bezel Earring Charms have an estate jewelry look and would be perfect to add a touch of tasteful elegance to a simple pair of white gold hoop earrings.

If you like mixing your precious metals, Two Tone Gold Rope Tear Drop Diamond Earring Charms can take either your plain white or yellow gold hoops to new heights.

I don’t know about you, but I’m going to lead a “charmed life”, too!

Lustrous and luxurious, the allure of pearls is underscored by their enduring popularity. Elegant and refined, they have long been a classic accessory.

Favored for their versatility, pearls are an accessory wardrobe staple – casual and feminine by day, they will beautifully accent a cashmere sweater or the neckline of a tailored suit, and as they transition to evening wear their timeless elegance heightens the sophistication of clothes on the cutting edge.

Perhaps you associate strands of pearls with sweater sets and former sirens of the silver screen. Indeed they were a favorite of the late Jane Wyman, among others. Seldom was she seen without her prized pearl pieces — bracelets, earrings, and a single or double strand around her neck.

Pearls have a following among contemporary fashionistas, too. Angelina Jolie, always to be found on the list of “Best Dressed” looks soft, chic, and romantic in this evening dress with lace overlay accessorized with a triple strand of pearls and pearl stud earrings.

Not “your Mother’s pearls”, pearls today can be found in myriad funky pieces, strung on leather, rubber, or silk cording and knotted, these are neither fussy nor contrived.

I’m currently loving these pearl necklaces which are perfect examples of the now popular layered chain look:

Two layers of delicate white gold chain, interspersed with pearls, in a 20 inch length render this pearl necklace very versatile (also available in a yellow gold version).

This Yellow Gold Pearl Link Necklace , at a generous 36 inches in length is definitely au currant in that it combines a variety of link shapes and sizes, both round and oval, along with randomly placed pearls in white and grey hues. Lots of interest in this statement piece!

I also like the exquisite delicacy of this White Gold Pearl Dangle Necklace which is adjustable from 16-18 inches in length.

Some pearls of wisdom – unlike diamonds, pearls are not indestructible. Never spritz yourself with perfume while wearing them (apply it first), store them wrapped in a soft cloth or tissue, and clean using only mild soap and water. This should ensure the longevity of their lustre!

While chandelier earrings are still hot, they’ve moved from trend territory into classics. If you are minus a pair of these in your jewelry collection, they are a must have! Available in an array of geometrics and gems, these earrings are dramatic, exotic, and have become what’s known as “statement earrings” — if you wear no other piece of jewelry, your chandelier earrings will pack a powerful punch by enlivening any outfit.

These Great Glamour Chandelier Earrings in 14k white gold look very similar to those worn by Kate Hudson in the above photo.

Heidi Klum had some serious chandeliers dangling from her ears at the emmys last night! Faux, or no? What do you think?

Devotes of the chandelier will welcome the equally popular linear drop earring.

Check out these 14k white gold Diamond Drop Earrings. With a cascade of fiery brilliance as they catch the light, they’ll glint and sway with your every move. These dazzling dangles put sparkle at a premium, suit any face shape, and actually have a slimming effect.

Peruse the bounty of Chandelier Earrings and Linear Drop Earrings via Diamond Harmony. I found some exciting new arrivals!

image via justjared.com

I’ve long admired Reese Witherspoon – she is bubbly without being a bimbo, effortlessly classy though not stuffy, managed to transcend a much publicized and messy divorce all while juggling career and motherhood without compromise. She seems to be “the complete package”!

Reese was on the red carpet last week to promote “Rendition”, the Gavin Hood film featured at the renowned Toronto International Film Festival. Starring such notables as Jake Gyllenhaal (with whom Reese has been linked romantically since both worked on the film), Alan Arkin, Peter Sarsgaard, and Meryl Streep.

Timely in it’s storyline, the film’s title derives it’s origin from the term “extordinary rendition” a policy which maintains that alleged terrorists can be extradited to foreign prisons and subsequently tortured outside the protection of the legal framework of their country of origin.

Reese plays Isabella, the pregnant wife of an Egyptian-American chemist, who, returning from a business trip, is taken into custody (interrogated and beaten) on suspicion of having been linked to the Middle East suicide bomb-linked death of a CIA officer. Heavy stuff, though the thriller has gleaned rave reviews for Hood’s treatment of this sensitive topic.

Reese’s unfettered couture provides the perfect canvas to showcase her stunning diamond pieces. Note that her diamond link bracelet is very similar to, if not the same, as the one worn by Jennifer Lopez at the “El Cantante” premiere. Reese layers this with a complimentary triple row diamond tennis bracelet. Notice the intermixing of black diamonds , currently quite popular. A jewelry staple, the diamond stud earrings (ample in size!), complete her look.

Emulate Reese’s look with these comparable choices –

Brilliant 1.00ct 14 K white gold diamond stud earrings

Gorgeous 14K white gold diamond link bracelet

This pièce de résistance (above) a 14 K white gold blue sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet

Further to all things bangle and bracelet – this month you can enter the Diamond Harmony Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 14K white gold bangle. The retail value is $299.00! Good luck!