Diamond Diva Dish

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!

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!

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!

Wearing a stunning cream satin Balenciaga dress , Nicole Kidman along with husband Keith Urban, appear at the Premiere of The Golden Compass, the fantasy film by Phillip Pullman of His Dark Materials Fame, at the Odeon Leicester Square in London.

The film is due to be released on Dec. 7th, and there is already talk of a made for TV series adaptation.

Though Nicole’s more recent films have been box office bombs, bringing the quality of her “work” into question, she seems oblivious to all critique – and wouldn’t you be? She commands a hefty $10 to $15 million per film, rendering her the fourth highest paid actress (Reese Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie and Carmen Diaz preceeding her) in Hollywood.

Suffice to say Nicole can afford many a fine bauble, but some would argue that her greatest accessory is her silky smooth skin. At 40 years old, there is narry a line or a wrinkle to be seen! What became of the freckles that flecked her fresh youthful skin of yore? This flawless midlife glow, Nicole attributes not to expensive creams, or surgical modification procedures, but to something so basic and simplistic, we can all afford – merely avoiding the kiss of the sun! We believe you, Nicole, though there are Cosmetic Surgeons who would debate whether or not you have paid several visits to practioners of the art of augmentation, underscoring what they refer to in the trade as “Botox Brow”!

Nicole has accessorized with a gold multi strand bracelet. Notice the pattern here? There is a trend toward choosing a singular stunning piece of jewelry and foregoing the temptation to wear every piece you own. Less is more. These are “statement pieces”. They work well individually and don’t require a “collective” — a matching set/piece. It’s all about selectivity!

These bracelets are very much in vogue – multiple delicate strands of gold are whisper light on the wrist, yet sparkle and shine. So feminine!

14K yellow gold Multi Strand Bracelet. The height of class!

For those of us who are passionate about jewelry, it’s not only about collecting and wearing it, but also about finding ways to store it and in some cases, not only to do the latter in the way most conducive to being orderly, but also, in a creative way. Some of us like to extend our pleasure by displaying favorite pieces . These are, afterall, collectibles on many levels.

Consider purchasing a shadow box frame in which to create a vignette with some of your most treasured pieces. These could be estate, heirloom, or those which hold special meaning.

Contained, orderly, though on view as art objects – a photograph, rings , some beautiful earrings , brought together in a still life of sorts.

Breathe new life into flea market collectibles by “re-purposing” a vintage cigarette tin to hold jewelry items such as necklaces , bracelets , etc.

Laboratory glass protects and contains your jewelry items, making for easy identification as well as fitting nicely into a drawer. The smaller size is perfect for storing stud earrings , while the medium to large house rings, or necklaces. Note the diamond initial pendants of which I am so fond!

Wear it, care for it, and get your mileage out of it by incorporating some dazzle into your décor !

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s fashion sense stacks up to the height of what’s hot, what’s trendy. Whether she’s dressed in elegant evening attire, or casual chic, Sarah’s got a multi-layered fashion personality.

She accessorizes her cardigan (in this year’s new neutral – grey) with a knit hat, Chanel sunglasses, some long chain and one of and my favorites, stackable bangle bracelets.

I’ve always loved bangles in multiples. There is something fun and perky about the jingle jangle of bangles, and with so many from which to choose, you can vary your look each time and make an impact by layering with one shade of gold, or mixing them up by pairing white gold with yellow gold. Or, smooth bangles with textured.

Top row: L-R

This Two Tone Gold Bangle is yet another stylish candidate for layering and conducive to combining both white and yellow gold bangles together.

A classic, thin Yellow Gold Bangle alone, or in multiples always stacks up to the right look in any season.

Bottom Row: L-R

How elegant is this sparkling Diamond Cut Two Tone Gold Bangle? Another great choice to anchor bangles of both gold hues.

Here’s an unusual bangle which is perfect for stacking – the exterior is white gold with textural interest and the interior is yellow gold. I love this one!

Have fun, mixing and matching!

A reader of the blog asked me a while back how I store my jewelry. At that time, I mentioned I enjoy displaying some pieces on an antique dress form. The others are stored in dividers in a drawer. I’m always looking for ways to minimize clutter, maximize organization and of course, keep everything as dust free as possible! I’ve found a wonderful source for jewelry boxes which meet the above criterion. I just had to share!

The Milano line of jewelry armoires and chests via The Jewelry Box Connection are the perfect blend of aesthetics, fine craftsmanship, and well thought out storage solution. Constructed of solid Burmese maple and veneer, they are available in two sizes and 4 different stains to coordinate with your décor. These pieces are a study in form and function which you’ll want to display front and center, not sequester to a shelf in the closet like the staid old jewelry boxes of yore! Beyond the exterior with its sleek lines, distinctive maple wood grain, and modern hardware are fabric lined drawers, compartments for rings, and things, and hooks on which to hang your necklaces . It’s no wonder these were voted best large jewelry box by Real Simple Magazine. They are simply amazing!

Instead of, of in addition to, the Milano Jewelry Armoire, the Milano Jewelry Chest boasts the same fine craftsmanship in a more compact configuration for those whose baubles may not be burgeoning to quite the degree that mine are!

Beautiful boxes to protect your investments!

If a glimpse at exotic and rare treasures takes your fancy, and you plan on being in the Santa Ana California area, why not visit the Bowers Museum and view Gems! Colors of Light and Stone – The Michael Scott Collection.

Through June 16th 2008, this exquisite private gem collection, which boasts the most lavish gems second only to those owned by royalty, is sure to be a treat to the eyes!

Comprised of major gem varieties and color spectrums, the collection also includes unique and lesser known stones, among which are green tanzanites and electric blue Paraiba tourmalines.

Antique jewels, rare cut collector stones, and gem carvings are other highlights of the collection. Curator of the exhibit Dr. Peter Keller, a geologist and gemologist himself, cites this as “the most important exhibit of Gemstones, diamonds and gems as art ever shown in a US museum.”

View some of the exhibit pieces here in the online gemstone gallery.

If you’d like to have your own kalaeidoscope of colored gemstones a little closer to home, check out these luxe, vibrant, multi gemstone and diamond drop earrings in 14K yellow gold.

For those whose preference is white gold, these multi gemstone and diamond drop earrings will effect a rainbow of color to brighten your day and banish those winter wardrobe Blahs — your own little show of gemstone color and light!

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!