Diamond Diva Dish

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!

We know that not all diamonds are created equally. There is much to learn by way of jewelry education in preparation for the purchase of a coveted and valuable stone – not your A,B,Cs but, the Four Cs which include color, clarity, cut and carat.

The sparkle we know, and love so much, which we associate with diamonds (hence the oft used term sparkler!), is very much contingent upon the cut of the diamond. These facets, when in proper proportion, reflect the light in prismatic fashion, to the eye. There are many cuts/shapes from which to choose, all relative to personal preference.

I’ve recently learned of a new cut – one might say a cut above, or a cut from above on which is inscribed the Ten Commandments! Visible with the use of a magnifying glass, the original Ten Commandments are inscribed on the table facet of the diamond.

This tablet shaped cut is also available on sapphires, in either Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish versions.

For the Diamond Diva who appreciates the Divine.

Holiday greetings to the Readership of Diamond Diva Dish! As a thank you for your comments, interest, and the email you send me, along with the generosity of the fine folks at Diamond Harmony who have graciously offered to sponsor this sweepstakes for my blog, I offer you by way of some holiday cheer, a chance to enter for a fabulous piece of diamond jewelry!

One lucky winner will receive a ¼ carat white gold curve Diamond Journey Pendant. It will arrive beautifully gift wrapped in a green box with silver ribbon, the pendant nestled inside a case lined with blue velvet, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

FYI — the Diamond Journey Pendant is not only pretty to look at, and lovely to wear, but is also a symbol of the journey through life — each diamond representative of steps taken throughout the journey. Remember the profound notion of, It’s not the destination, it’s the journey… I love all things symbolic in their beauty, don’t you?

Peruse the full range of Diamond Journey Pendants to keep in mind as a gift for yourself, or, a loved one.

Enter the Diamond Diva Dish Sweepstakes now and tell all your friends and family members how they, too, can enter to win what will be a treasured addition to their jewelry wardrobe!

Happy Holidays!

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!

Would the allure of diamonds and gold inspire you to take your culinary creations to new heights? To spend time in the kitchen producing something befitting to the pot in which it was cooked?

If you are coupled with the type of man for whom romantic gestures are a foreign notion, the type who, when your anniversary, birthday, the holiday season or Valentine’s Day rolls around, insists on gifting you with a blender, vacuum cleaner or other small household appliance as opposed to the diamond anniversary band , diamond bracelet , diamond stud earrings or a lovely and symbolic Diamond Circle of Love Necklace, then take heart – behavior, even of this type, can be modified!

Tell your partner that in lieu of any of the above mentioned and likely broadly hinted for items, you’ll resign yourself to an item of the domestic variety – a saucepan studded with in excess of 200 diamonds, and embellished with gold handles and a gold logo totaling almost one kilogram of solid yellow gold.

Made by Fissler, the German company renowned for its quality cookware, you can stir your pot in style while admiring the accompanying rootwood jewelry box and certification as to the exclusivity and quality of your new culinary acquisition. Available via special order from (where else?) Harrod’s in London. With a price exceeding $205,000 USD, don’t you think your partner would agree that a piece of jewelry would have been a better idea? Maybe an extreme example, but perhaps a great way to get your message across!

While you’re working on this “recipe for success”, be sure to enter the sweepstakes via Diamond Harmony. This months prize is a Diamond Journey Pendant!

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.

Are you having a bad hair day? Are your tresses making waves contrary to the couture you’re trying to achieve? Curtail those curls with a limited edition diamond studded hair straightener! Made of 18K white and yellow gold, and studded with six Dutch Crown Rose Cut diamonds, it’s a beauty tool with bling that comes nestled in an Italian leather pouch. The slimline design makes it easy to take along on your travels.

It may look like a mere trinket, but don’t forget, it is utilitarian, too! For the Diamond Diva who has everything, pick this one up at Selfridges on Oxford Street in London for $19,600.00 USD.

Via Gadget Candy

Further to all things diamond stud(ded), don’t miss out on your chance to enter the sweepstakes draw for a pair of Diamond Stud Earrings via Diamond Harmony!

The ever effervescent Natalie Portman, known for her natural good looks, intellect, and genuine personality, sparkles in a lively fuschia mini dress. The dress is from the Elizabeth and James clothing line by twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The line derives it’s name from the Olsen twin’s lesser known brother and sister.

Above, Natalie strikes a pose at the world premiere of Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium at NYC’s DGA Theatre.

All is going well for Natalie these days. On a personal level, her romance with model Nathan Bogle is flourishing, she’s busy making the rounds to promote Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, is on the cover of the December issue of In Style, and stars alongside Eric Bana and Scarlett Johansson in the soon to be released period film The Other Boleyn Girl.

With this profusion of color Natalie radiates a wholesome glow enhanced by accessorizing with a dazzling pair of gemstone earrings. I’ve emphasized in previous posts how popular these are on the celebrity circuit now. The trend continues, and with the festive season approaching, the saturation of color will be even more prevalent. Note the net effect of wearing gemstones close to the skin – your eyes will sparkle, you teeth appear whiter – this is the art of enhancing your mood, and illuminating your wardrobe with the addition of carefully chosen jewelry items.

I’m very partial to the result of combining complimentary gemstones in lush, rich tones. Check these out!

These dazzling Gemstone Drop earrings are a perfect combination of diamond, Amethyst and Citrine.

Multi Gemstone Drop Earrings in yellow gold are a play of light and color.

The perennially popular Huggie style Rainbow Gemstone and Diamond Earrings are a kaleidoscope of color.

Fun, festive, and fashionable! Find more gemstone combinations and styles via Diamond Harmony.

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 !

Weighing in at a hefty 84.37 carats, this white, brilliant-cut D-color, flawless diamond has sold at auction by Sotheby’s. The price — $16.2 million dollars. The proud new owner – founder of the Guess clothing company, George Marciano.

The white diamond, part of Sotheby’s “Magnificent Jewels” sale, is a well-travelled stone, having been shown in Hong Kong, Paris, New York, Rome, Los Angeles, London, Dubai and Bahrai. It is said to be the “most beautiful, magnificent and unique stone” ever witnessed by David Bennett, the auction house’s chairman of jewelry for over 32 years.

Imagine how thrilling it must have been for Mrs. Marciano to receive such a brilliant bauble! Quite the conversation piece, indeed, though I’m sure it will be relegated to the safe deposit box while the rest of us mere mortals can still enjoy stepping out in our diamond earrings, bracelets, diamond pendants and rings!