This peacock feather fan is for the Snob who has everything. The bright and delicate plumes make for an over the top accessory that is just as functional (feeling a little hot?) as it is fun. Duvelleroy has been handcrafting fans in Paris since 1827, so you’re dealing with the best of the best here. The base of the fan is constructed from shimmering mother of pearl that branches out in royal blue silk to the iridescent display of feathers. Clearly this is no night at the movies accessory – pair it with your most extravagant gowns for evenings at the ballet or opera. It’s a real showstopper. Before whipping it out, be sure to check out Duvelleroy’s cheeky 19th-century guide to the language of the fan. You’ll be surprised what just what a tiny flick of the wrist might suggest! Available on ModeWalk for $3,875.
Have some old outfits that need refreshing? The quickest way to bring them back to life is with an eye-catching collar. This coral-shaped design from Kara Ross (on Kara Ross for $315) was crafted out of slick black resin and wrapped it in gold-plating and crystals. Toss it over a your favorite white t-shirt, slip on a flowery skirt, and you’ll feel ready to sip Caipirinhas in Capri!
Lucy Liu attended the American Ballet Theatre’s Spring Gala in a stunning all-white ensemble, but my eyes went straight for those earrings! She even pulled her hair back into a sleek ponytail to give us a good look (as if all those diamonds could be hidden). The Lorraine Schwartz sparklers coordinated perfectly with her silver-accented J. Mendel capelet. The icy flourishes seemed to mimick the angelic ruching of her Vivienne Westwood gown. When it comes to diamonds, more is never enough, so her wrists got a heavy dose of shimmer, as well. If you can’t be extravagant at the ballet, where can you?? With jewels as blinding as the lights on stage, Lucy looked positively on point. Inquire at Lorraine Schwartz.
When we talk about “rocks” as Jewel Snobs, we often mean huge gems like the ones on colossal diamond engagement rings. In the case of this ring, it’s a literal rock. Who knew that such a stunning, high-end piece of jewelry could be built off of a mere pebble? Athenian designer Dolly Boucoyannis! She studied jewelry design in the UK, gemology in the US, and goldsmithing in Florence, so she comes at design with a truly unique, original perspective. She masterfully cut two holes into this pebble to fit in a gold band that loops into a large, flowery support at the base of the ring and covers the top of the rock with a row of shining white diamonds. The juxtaposition is immediately striking. You’ll never look at the pebbles in a riverbed the same way again. Available on Luisa via Roma for $1,375.
A set of gorgeous gold bangles is a style statement for sure, but what if each of the bracelets had meaning behind it? That’s the idea with BuDhaGirl’s all weather bangles. The PVC bracelets are filled with 24K gold dust (meaning you can walk right through that TSA metal detector, jewels on hand) and sealed up with prayer beads, a reminder that each individual piece should be put on with a happy thought, meditation, or goal in mind. When I saw my girlfriend wearing just three, she told me she hadn’t had time to list all of her intentions that morning. BuDhaGirl’s set comes with nine, wrapped together with a prayer ribbon. They make for truly meaningful gifts and are available for different faiths. Choose from Buddhist, the Lord’s Prayer, St. Teresa, or Serenity (best for general spirituality) beads. With these, you’ll find a balance in your life and style to match! On BuDhaGirl for $110.
When Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection went up for auction at Christie’s in late 2011, Bulgari bought up $20 million worth of their creations. Smart move – the value of pieces rapidly appreciated in the actress’ keeping. This summer they will exhibit several of these special gems in honor of the 50th anniversary of Taylor’s film Cleopatra (where she famously met Richard Burton, the gifter of many of these jewels). Jessica Chastain will host the Cannes Film Festival event wearing Taylor’s famous emerald and diamond necklace, so you can probably bet that the matching brooch (which went for a cool $6,578,500 at Christie’s) will also be on display. Cleopatra’s gold and turquoise mirror is of course on the roster, and I imagine so is Burton’s 40th birthday present to his love – the sapphire and diamond sautoir. One exciting surprise? A brand new Bulgari exclusive that’ll be auctioned off to benefit the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Sounds like an event fit for a queen!
