Recently in 18k Gold Category

Just when I thought Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra collection was getting majorly overexposed--counterfeit versions are a dime a dozen in Manhattan--Blake Lively goes and makes me change my mind. She was spotted on the set of "Gossip Girl" not too long ago wearing the jeweler's turquoise and white gold butterfly pendant as she shot scenes for the upcoming season. I love the light hue of the turquoise butterfly--the "Lucky Alhambra"--combined with the 18K white gold. The best part? This lovely necklace is part of Van Cleef's permanent collection. Timeless--just how I like my jewelry.

$2,500, available at Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques

Carolina Bucci's family has been in the jewelry business for over 125 years, so she literally has been immersed in the industry her whole life. In addition to a dozen different collections, the designer has a bespoke line. It's her Bambini line however that won me over!

No, I don't have kids to buy pieces from the Bambini line for, but is it wrong that I would wear the bracelet below and pin above myself!? I find them adorable! When I was growing-up my mother decked me out in layers and layers of jewelry (well, not sure how much of that was her doing and how much of that was mine...), needless to say I still have a done of children's baubles from my childhood, some of which I layer and wear out when I'm feeling in a cutesy mood. Not all kids' jewelery fits an adult unfortunately so who knows if I could even close the bracelet below around my wrist!

The collection is made from 18K gold and can be personalized via engraving.

Given that the prices on Cartier's jewelery keep going up, better buy now! I have my eye on the Double C Decor Ring. It's made from 18K gold and diamonds and retails for $3,400. I'm thinking about getting it as a much-delayed 25th birthday present, but I keep wavering on whether it looks too much like an engagement ring. It comes in a variety of iterations, but I keep going back to this one. I've had my eye on it forever! It's a classic that will only go up in value and I love the original shape.

What do you think about Cartier's Double C Decor Ring?

How could anyone say no to the Solange Azagury-Partridge Marry Me 18-karat Gold Ring ($1,500)? There's something so romantic about this ring. I only wish there was an "i" in "marry me" so there would be room for a big diamond on the "i"'s dot :-) Other than that the only concern I would have would be about how comfortable the ring would be given that the handwritten style of the "marry me" goes all around the finger, but I imagine that it's small enough that it's not bothersome.

Clad in a delightfully simple red column Valentino gown while attending a private dinner celebrating the opening of the "Valentino Garavani Archives" private museum on the outskirts of Paris, Jessica Alba was a picture of sheer perfection--save a ruffle or two. To complement her look? A soft upsweep hairdo and a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet. The diamond dazzler she donned on her wrist, which carries a six-figure price tag, is from the jeweler's iconic "Butterfly" collection and features 13 carats of diamonds set in 18-karat white gold. Gorgeous, no? I love a bracelet that is designed more like a cuff and doesn't go all the way around the wrist; it's a bit more unexpected but at the same time completely appropriate for such an occasion. The butterflies are elegantly crafted and I like how on one side the bracelet splits off into two--like a wishbone--to allow for two additional butterflies to emerge.

As a born and raised New Yorker I'm always into supporting local talent, so I was exciting when I found out about the line, Fancy Sexy Me, from a guest at an event recently. First off the name is genius! I would love for someone to ask me "where's your necklace from?" and for me to be able to answer "Fancy Sexy Me" - It's like an unintentional positive affirmation! The line is designed by Ronnie Aminov and Cynthia Catera and everything is hand-made in Williamsburg and in Manhattan. I'm particularly drawn to their gold pendant necklaces which range in price from about $40 to $70. 

There are days when practicality goes out the door and it is all about decadent fun. This fringe ring is the perfect accessory for fun nights out, the swinging of the fringe will accentuate your animated talking with your hands. Definitely not something you wear when you need to sit still and be demure! Select strands are dotted with diamonds for more oomph (0.115-karat of white diamonds). The fringes are 18 Karat gold with a mesh base. Comes in a gorgeous black velvet box. At Net-aPorter for $6300.

My mother is one of those lucky women (or not depending on your perspective), who think she does not look good in jewelry. Personally I don't believe in such a thing, but every time she has a wedding anniversary, birthday or some other occasion I (usually at my father's request no less!), try to force some piece of jewelry on her. She is very slender and always feels that jewelry attracts unwanted attention to her thin wrists, bony fingers and neck (if only I had that problem!). On most days she sticks to nothing more than her wedding ring and Cartier watch (diamond-less Santos:-( ). While this would unfortunately not fit for my mother, if you have a mama that's more into jewelry, how cute are Marissa Alperin's sweet pea necklaces? With prices from $120 to $800 they fit a variety of budgets and you can pick the one that features her fave stone/birthstone...or go for my fave 18K white gold with diamonds:-)

Add some unique dimension to your stacked bangles. These can be worn by itself or mixed with other bangles or bracelets to create a truly personalized look. I also love wearing one big bangle with some smaller bracelets. It gives you a look that is full of character and confidence. These Mark Davis bangles are spectacular with a vintage look that you know will be in your collection for years.

Dot Bangle in solid cream vintage bakelite set with yellow gold circle inlay, $5200.

Olga Bangle in deep red marbled vintage bakelite with semi-precious gemstones set into 18k yellow gold, $8900.

Eunice Bangle in solid blue vintage bakelite with amethyst and 18k yellow gold dot inlay, $4380.

Jane Bangle in solid grey vintage bakelite with 2.72ct rhodolite and .64ct blue topaz set into 18k white gold, $1230.