Diamond Diva Dish

In 2008 and beyond, will the trend toward unabashed bling continue, or will there be a tendency toward the elements of more refined and understated elegance? The answer is twofold — as consumers continue to favor both the outward signs of upward mobility, and manufacturers scramble to satisfy this niche, it will always be the case of what is relative to individual taste – there is a market for all manner of consumption from the sublime, to the ridiculous!

Further to the latter — 3.5 CTW worth of diamonds , 15 grams of gold , and a value of $20,000.00. Would you choose to dress your Blackberry in such bling, as opposed to yourself? Not I! Casemate , however, produced this diamond studded Blackberry number to satisfy the Diamond Diva whose appetite for nice ice extends beyond her person! The perfect mode of dress for your Blackberry if it accompanies you to a black tie event!

Not intended for mass production, Casemate will display this item at the CES 2008 show, and one lucky winner will take it home as a prize!

Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl wed Josh Kelley in a winter wonderland wedding at the exclusive Little Nell resort in Deer Valley, Utah.

Looking radiant in an $8,000 form fitting Oscar de la Renta gown, she’s also sporting some serious bling!

Katherine is currently “feathering” a new nest with her husband and has been seen out and about shopping for paint colors and household items. She intends to quit acting by 2009 and raise a family. Read the full post-wedding interview from OK Magazine as both newlyweds share their bliss!

In addition to a pear shaped diamond engagement ring, Katherine describes her wedding band as a diamond-and-sapphire Eternity Band

In opting for a diamond and sapphire wedding band, Katherine has chosen a marriage of two “royal” stones! Diamonds are referred to as “The King” of all stones and sapphires as “The Queen” of all gemstones. It is also the second hardiest of stones after the diamond. Combined they “marry” to make an exquisite combination of clarity and depth. I have always found the two together make intoxicating and engaging pieces!

Whether you are choosing fine jewelry for formal wear, such as this classic pair of Diamond and sapphire pear cut drop earrings, or a Diamond and Sapphire Ring to add some fashion flare, together, these two stones effect a wealth of beauty and bling!

Since she first appeared on the scene in 1959, she’s had more careers than a cat has lives, she has been shunned as an unnatural objectification of womanhood, the likes of which have given rise to unachievable standards, and she has been banned by entire nations. In spite of being much maligned, she is still the most played with doll by young girls everywhere, and, she continues to be reinvented, many times over!

Shown in the above iteration, Barbie is the quintessential Diamond Diva Doll. Designed by De Beers, she is dressed in a vibrant diaphanous outfit which is embellished with 160 diamonds and comes with diminutive accessories and white gold jewelry.

This Diamond Diva Barbie had a price tag of $85,000.00, rendering her the most expensive Barbie Doll ever. As Barbie dolls continue to be highly collectible (Barbie # 1 circa 1959 sold for $8,000.00), both on the primary and secondary markets, one has to be in awe of the collector who would prefer to have her Barbie Doll adorned in bling as opposed to herself!

Happy New Year, All! In celebration of the blank slate ahead, to be filled with many new and exciting possibilities, Diamond Diva Dish has yet another exciting Sweepstakes for you to enter!

Diamond Harmony has generously offered a stunning piece of jewelry as the prize.

One lucky winner will receive a beautifully gift wrapped 14K 1/4CTW (37 diamonds in a pave setting!) Diamond Dangle Heart Pendant!

It’s a stunning piece! What are you waiting for? The Diamond Diva Dish Sweepstakes is free to enter, so do so now!

Good luck to All!

Jessica Alba recently announced that she and long time boyfriend Cash Warren are expectant parents – the baby is due in the summer of 2008. Also impending are their nuptials, as evident by bling ring sightings, followed by actual confirmation of engagement! This, in contrast to their break up last summer, due to Cash’s alleged lack of desire to get married.

First it was rumoured Jessica was sporting an eternity band . Next, she was seen with a large diamond engagement ring on her wedding ring finger!

As if the paps were not busy enough following other expectant moms, including Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, as well as the 16 year old sibling of that unfortunate pop songstress who is precariously perched on the edge of insanity, they now have Jessica to pursue.

Baby bump watch has officially ensued, as has speculation whether or not Jessica and Cash will exchange vows pre or post the baby’s birth. She has said the latter will be the case, as she’s averse to walking down the aisle while pregnant. Of course I wish her an uneventful pregnancy resulting in a healthy baby. Resembing either, or both parents, it’s sure to be a beauty.

I can’t wait to see a close up of her nice ice!

Are you like myself, a prolific writer who enjoys maintaining a journal, and are always in search of the perfect pen? Do you view each page like a blank slate waiting to be filled with ideas, thoughts, and memories to commit to paper and later synthesized into a perfect whole?

I journal religiously and fill many a Moleskine journal within a year. I’ve tried most pens on the market, those which are within the range of my finances. I recently came across a pen which does not meet with the latter criterion, but it’s so classy and diamond studded, I had to share!

The Montblanc Bohème in either Royal, or Royal Black and White is adorned with 1,430 brilliant cut diamonds, 18K white gold rings, an 18K clip which is set with a paramount cut diamond, a retractable platinum-plated 18K gold nib, 18K white gold barrel, and the Montblac star which is crafted of 19 diamonds.

This fountain pen definitely has all the “write stuff”, but for $150,000, I believe I’d choose myriad other items. Maybe the brilliance of a diamond tower bling ring on my finger, the glint of which I can glimpse while I pen my prose with something less pricey!

Posed, but pensive, an interesting photograph of Scarlett Johansson. One of several from her recent Elle Belgium photo shoot, this, and the others, underscore her as one hot commodity definitely in the tradition of former siren of the screen Marilyn Monroe.

Whether dressed in red carpet glamour goddess attire, or more trendy but dressed down, Scarlett’s versatility and sensuous edge is apparent.

Monochromatic, this photo draws your attention to her sultry self, and I couldn’t help but notice the ethereal element which comes into play. Even her bracelet captures the fleeting beauty of nature.

Though there is more winter weather on the way, and the landscape may be barren, it gives way to rebirth and the beauty of spring. Fast forwarding a bit to the upcoming spring and summer season, and well into 2008, botanical and nature inspired pieces such as the one Scarlett is wearing, those which capture the lasting beauty of nature’s elements, will be a dominant trend in jewelry for 2008.

Branches, flower petals, leaves and vines – all things delicate and feminine, will be popular motifs.

The power of the flower, whether in fine jewelry or fun and fashion frivolous gives way to some fabulous additions you should consider adding to your jewelry wardrobe.

Two-tone gold flower power earrings and Two Tone Gold Flower Pendant. I’d definitely enjoy wearing these to accessorize a tank top, or sundress! A little bit retro and a whole lot of fun!

To enhance more formal attire and make a statement of delicate femininity, this stunning White Gold Diamond Leaf Necklace is one of my favorites (and reminiscent of those which are designed by an jewelry designer who outfitted the cast of Sex and The City – no wonder her creations elicit sticker shock – not so, with this piece, though you’ll achieve the same effect!). This, with it’s buds and leaves, is exactly the type of botanical influenced piece we will be seeing more of.

It goes without saying that anything diamond, and classic, will continue to be popular in 2008, as will the perennially popular precious metals of gold and platinum. The polar opposites of delicate (as mentioned above) and bold (i.e. large, gold chain link pieces) will vie for a place in your wardrobe. Spillover from the world of interior design into fashion will dictate an infusion of blue, particularly topaz gemstones. The gemstone counterpart to the yellow diamond, the citrine, will also be oft seen in big, bold, statement pieces. Lots to look forward to in the months ahead!

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!

Add touch of whimsy to your wardrobe with this Zissou and Spike graphic t-shirt! Made of comfy cotton, it’s available in either black (my personal favorite!) or chocolate brown, and states Diamonds And A Dog Are A Girls Best Friend. The t-shirt pays homage to two of life’s pleasures – one which adds sparkle to our lives, the other the element of faithful companionship – diamonds and dogs! As an added plus, a portion of the proceeds from these t-shirts will be donated to the Best Friends Animal Society, a non profit organization devoted to caring for homeless animals.

Let me introduce you to a few of my best friends – a pair of Diamond Hoop Earrings in white gold, a pair of the perennially popular Diamond Stud Earrings, an absolutely gorgeous Diamond Solitaire Pendant, and a Diamond Tennis Bracelet. These are the friendships to covet – those which are enduring and well worth the investment!

Pssst! Time is running out! Don’t forget to enter to win a fabulous Diamond Journey Pendant. Good luck!