Recently in 18k Gold Category

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.

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.

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:-)

Citrine by Stones was started by a mother-daughter team and everything in the line is handcrafted at their studios in Miami and Peru (they also donate 10% of all profits from their website sales to Bridges Across Bordersa, a non-profit organization that focuses on clothing, feeding and providing shelter and education for Cambodian children). I love the Greek goddess feel of some of their 18K gold pieces. Particularly the three pictured above which are all versatile and easy to wear. I can totally picture these looking great with a flowing boho or draped dress! Most pieces in the line retail for under $250 which is great considering their 18K and handcrafted.

From left -

• Wire Cuff Simple, $188
  
• Chain Wire Ring Gold, $155
• Triple Bangle Gold, $217

Charm and Chain is a one stop shop for all the unique jewel designers you love. And they love you back by giving Jewel Snob readers 15% off their entire site, including items already on sale! Here are my favorites but you should go through the site, you will be amazed by the variety and selection, and savings! Use code JEWELSNOB when you check out to get 15% OFF.

Jac Necklace, Hot Pink Quartz by Gemma Redux, seen on Blake Lively in Gossip Girls, on sale, was $369 and now $174.25 with Jewel Snob code.

Magical Landscape Ring by Pade Vavra. This is a show stopper, it is so incredibly interesting, it is an attention grabber. $4000 - $3400 with code.

Clip-on Fan Earrings by Badgley Mischka. Timeless yet chic and fabulous, on sale, was $300 and now $204 with code.

Yellow Sunburst Coil, exclusively for Charm & Chain. Industrial is in, and this feminine mix of chains and crystals embodies this trend but still making you feel delicate, $575 - $488.75 with code.

I just discovered DAMA, named for the queen in the Greek deck of cards, while shopping at Henri Bendel where the line was discreetly displayed on their second floor. It's designed by Heather Keller who credits Greece and New York City for influencing her work (the piece above is called Helios Choker and she seems best known for her borough ring and gear motif "meant to reflect New York's machine-age modernism and Greek classicism").

As the former editor of Rizzoli and Gloss.com, Keller learned a great deal about accessorizing over the years and when she decided to leave the editorial world for jewelry design she opted to enroll in goldsmithing classes at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. The expertise she acquired have translated into a 70-piece collection which she debuted less than a year ago (I wish there was more on her site since Bendel's just had a limited selection :-( See here for more stores). The collection includes gold, silver and brass statement cuffs and necklaces which retail from about $400 to about $15,000.

Maybe it's only because she's Greek, but I'm totally thinking Keller needs to team-up with Sophia Kokosalaki somehow...the necklace above looks like it was destined to complement one of Kokosalaki's draped dresses!

A few days ago I was introduced to the work of Catherine M. Zadeh when the designer -- a friend of a friend of my mother's -- called me. Her work, which is sold online and at the likes of Bergdorf and Barneys, is wonderfully chic in a classic and under-stated way. I especially love the Buffalo horn pieces with diamonds (diamonds are so gorgeous against black...as I'm reminded every time I step into Cartier and try on the Double C Decor Ring...ahhh so gorgeous!). The designer has also designed a line of charitable bracelet, Live and Let Live, which has already generated over $60,000 to fight MS (one such piece is pictured below left). Check-out her full collection online (including a number of pieces for men, for those thinking ahead for Father's Day!). 

The entire Fall 2010 collection from ready to wear to accessories was inspired by the beetle. The colors, an opalescent green blue that degrades to a bright yet gentle yellow. The jewelry is elegant and refined, yet edgy and surprising. I did not know a beetle could be anything but icky, but after Tomas Maier tames them, they become a beautiful and interesting creature. The beetles are made of enamel. He also has a new technique that is used on gold. Just like the woven leather bags, here gold is woven and made into belted chokers. Super chic and decadent! And the craftsmanship is astounding! They are handmade in Germany. For fine jewelry, there are silver links with pave diamond for their loyal customers who will and always remain classic and timeless.

Behnaz Sarafpour accessorized her Fall 2010 presentation with Kara Ross ebony wood cuffs and rings with gold accents. All pieces are made with 18K gold and the rings have diamond accents (available now; price upon request). I love how the bold wood plays against the fur...total rustic-chic! Wood is definitely a love-it-or-hate it material when it comes to jewelry and I know more than a handful of people who would never wear anything made from it. Personally I'm a big fan and have been begging my friend Flavia to make a QVC version of her Visconti wooden jewelry, but alas Middle America, according to QVC execs, doesn't respond positively to wood (they associate it with "cheap"). I couldn't disagree more and think wood, when done with as much sophistication and restrained as these Ross pieces, can make a very memorable statement. Ross has a variety of wood pieces in addition to those featured in the show -- I'm dying for one of her cuffs!

How fab are the two pieces pictured above? They're both Francesca Visconti pieces, an Italian line run by one of my best friends, Flavia Masson (who also happened to be Visconti's daughter). Every time I see Flavia wearing the above pieces I swoon and beg her to make less expensive versions for QVC (Visconti has a diffusion line for QVC which Flavia sells on-air multiple times a year). The above ring is ebony and 18kt yellow gold with zircons ($3,800), while the cuff is ebony with 18kt yellow gold studs ($5,000). Unfortunately the QVC audience does not respond well to wood so the only way to get these pieces is by purchasing them from the couture line by contacting  (212) 593-6106. Check out more from Francesca Visconti here! The line has plenty of bold, colorful, and fun pieces perfect for a mild Valentine's Day splurge:-)

Julia Roberts tops off a simple black YSL dress with a stunning vintage sautoir from Van Cleef & Arpels. As soon as I saw it, I was fascinated and knew that there was something special about it because it was pretty much her entire look. She wasn't going to go unnoticed in just a LDB! The scene stealing pendant is encrusted with 29 citrines and diamonds and is set in 18K gold. How much does it weigh though? She probably needed a massage the next day!

I am Chinese and I am a cheesy romantic who thinks Valentine's Day is sweet so this year being that Chinese New Years lands on February 14th, I have that much more to celebrate! And it is the year of the tiger, which for a Jewel Snob is a good thing because tiger designs are way cool (uh, better than like a chicken or rat). What a perfect gift for your sweetie (or to hint to your sweetie to buy for you) for this Valentine's Day. Also a great gift for babies born this year! If you are a tiger (born in years 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010), it would be wrong not to have one of these!! The tiger charm is 18k gold with diamonds, at Tiffany & Co. for $850. Chain sold separately. Tiffany & Co. is bringing their Paloma Picasso Roadshow to Beverly Hills from January 18th-22nd in honor of their 30 year partnership.

Garrard makes the royal jewels for the British Royal Family. And they do custom pieces, which means you can have yourself a royal tiara for the right price (I was told they make a lot of these for serious Jewel Snobs in Malaysia!). The history of Garrard is long and detailed but the one liner is - Queen Victoria made Garrard the Crown Jeweler in 1843 and they've kept the job since, for 6 successive monarchs. The most impressive piece is the Sovereign's Sceptre with the Cross, it was remade in 1910 to add the world's largest and finest diamond, the Cullinan I, weighing 530 carats. They are known for 2 main things, classic engagement rings and their wings. You may have seen these wings in other places but Garrard are the original and responsible for its popularity. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, two wings, single wings, with diamonds, gold, platinum. The Large Wing pendant (approx. 3 inches) with diamonds is $17,250; Mid-size Wing pendant is $6,600; Yellow gold w/out diamonds is $2,150. Chains are sold separately from $700 - $2400 depending on weight and length. For purchasing inquiries contact their only store in the US on 202 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 877 222 1735.

If you follow tabloids, you know Jennifer Meyer as Tobey Maguire's wife, but if you are a Jewel Snob, you know her for her fabulous understated jewelry with a celebrity following that rivals the client directory at CAA. These disco ball earrings make me want to get all dressed up and get my hair properly done for a full blown night out - you know the kind you hydrate for days in preparation for! The disco balls are in rose gold with pink pave diamonds, at Barneys New York for $8000.

This bracelet has a delicate look but has the easy of a cuff. The intricate five rows of circles with interlaced diamonds is the perfect combination of classic and chic with a feminine feel and a cool vibe. I love pieces that can be worn with everything in your wardrobe and this effortless bracelet will undoubtedly be one of them. It is 18K gold with a total of 0.58 carats of diamonds. At Bergdorf Goodman for $4320.

Leslie Greene is a red carpet regular, here her Sterling Silver Collection was seen at the "American's Next Top Model" wrap up party on model Angel McCord (with her sister, 90210 actress Annalynne McCord). The fantastic bold cuffs are great for adding extra volume without getting too complicated with stacking. The Hudson Cuff seen here is $1200. Also seen are the Bica Earrings with diamond embellishments - what a great way to get some bling without going all out, these are only $780. These chandeliers really grab your attention and the intricate craftsmanship will not betray your savings.

I love that she has the silver collection as a starting point for her line. The Silver Levana Cuff has the same details as well as .44 carats of diamonds but it is $1695 compared to the 18K gold and .93 carats of diamonds on the Grande Sasha Cuff for $12,895. Such a smart way to develop a line!

Temple St. Clair is known for exquisite designs that are understated and classic. There are those who appreciate fine jewelery but are modest about the amount of bling. She calls her designs "restrained", I call it fabulous! These pieces from her current collection shows her range and background of art and architecture.

The Tolomeo Pendant with blue sapphire and diamonds is very architectural with an element of engineering feat that is eye catching. I love sapphire and the monochromatic simplicity of this piece because there is already so much going on, but there is also a version with multiple colored stones. For $25,000 (chain sold separately - 18K Classic Extra-Small Oval Link Chain, 18", $1,350).

I love pieces that are versatile and impactful.  The Graduated Necklace with Mango Green Moonstone and Diamonds is exquisite and elegant for formal affairs but this can easily be worn with a simple cocktail dress or even a nice luncheon.  for $85,000.

These Cluster Drop Earrings with Morganite, Diamonds and Green Beryl are gorgeous and of course curbs your pink diamond craving, or at least mine =)  For most, giant pink diamonds are not a reality but that does not mean we can't get the look of our favorite color!  For $15,000.

Cocktail rings are my thing.  I like to keep things simple and have one point of focus and this clearly fits the bill.  This Cluster Ring with Precious Topaz and Rosecut Diamonds is showy but in a modest, "restrained" way.  Yes, I am a sucker for anything pink but this isn't girly in any way, the setting is absolutely sophisticated.  For $62,500.  Available at Temple St. Clair, although not all the pieces shown here are on the website.  Contact their sales department at 800 590 7985 or 212 219 8664.

Tiffany's Blue Book Collection was why Holly Golightly went all batty. This is their most precious of jewels and I was able to preview this collection at their Rodeo Drive store. Trying not to faint was a serious feat. Everything was beyond, but these few pieces caught my eye and imagination (wouldn't it be fantastic to just sleep with these?). For those waiting for that proposal, you can keep your eye and heart out for this 6.19 carat brilliant diamond - flawless and colorless with a double border diamond setting that enhances already giant size of the center stone. A cool $1,475,000 for the lucky man who buys this for his lovely lady.

Tiffany brought back many pieces from legendary designer, Jean Schlumberger.  This flower Jardinet Diamond Bracelet in 18K gold is one of the exceptional pieces with amazingly intricate details, so gorgeous you can't believe your eyes!!  For $320,000.

These diamond earrings set in platinum are blingy and fabulous but the best part is that you can wear them every day.  Why invest in something that only gets to come out and play a couple of times a year?  Imagine these with jeans and a sweater.  Rock it out with a mini skirt and boots.  Anything you wear will surely benefit from these dazzlers.  The Pendulum Diamond Drop Earrings are $35,000, Swirl Diamond Drop Earrings are $35,000 and my favorite, the simple but stunning Teardrop Diamond Drop Earrings are $40,000.

What can be more Tiffany than a blue box with perfect ribbons?  How about an enormous Aquamarine with Diamond and Platinum Bow Brooch?  I don't know the exact weight but it was a good 1 1/2" tall.  Totally fun and shows you're true Tiffany fanatic!  For $100,000.  To purchase any of these, contact your closest Tiffany store.

I don't know if I can properly justify the price but as a bystander, I can attest that this bracelet is kick ass and awesome!!! It is rose gold and sterling silver with 6.47 carats of diamonds. This is a rock 'n roll piece that can will glam up any outfit. The 2 1/4 inch mesh with the sword closure is completely outrageous!! How can you not love and want this? If not for the price, that is. Sevan Mesh Bracelet for $27,175.00 at Barneys New York.

Christie's will is holding their "Magnificent Jewels" auction on December 1, 2009. The total value of this lot is estimated at over $33 million and includes 2 vivid colored diamonds that would seriously make me consider doing very bad things for. Especially the 5.00 carats natural vivid pink diamond ring by Graff. The pink diamond is cushion shaped and is flawless (VS1 clarity). This type of naturally colored pink diamonds (type lla) are extremely rare and known for its uniform color. It is surrounded by shield-shape diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18K rose gold. Staring bid is $5 million and is estimated to go for upwards of $7 million.

Another indeedly magnificent colored diamond in the lot is the vivid yellow, also by Graff. It is a 9.03 carats, oval shaped, fancy vivid yellow diamond with 2 pear shaped diamonds on either side, mounted in platinum and yellow gold. The clarity of this diamond is VVS1 and is type la, which is more common. Thus, the lower starting bid of $933,395 - $1,166,744, even though it is so much bigger!

Bidding begins at Christie's on December 1, 2009 in Hong Kong. You can bid online as well as track the live bidding on their website.

Oh I do love a jewelry sale and one with pieces that will be a part of my wardrobe collection forever makes it even better! Portero is holding a Now or Never sale on select jewelry, buy 1 item and receive an extra 20% OFF, buy 2 or more items and you receive 30% OFF!! The event starts today at Noon ET and goes until 5pm ET, use the promo code: JWLSNOB at checkout to receive the discount!

Vintage 81.9 Grams 18k Yellow Gold Bamboo Link Chain Bracelet retails for $6,160, price with 20% discount, $2,396, price with 30% discount is $2,096.50.

Talisman Unlimited 14k Gold Garnet Oval Drop Earrings retails for $1,841, with 20% discount it is $614 and with a 30% discount is will be $537.60.

Fabulous at all price points, the beauty of Darby Scott is the ability to switch things up. This faux Golden Amber Bib Necklace is bold and fabulous with a price point that is amazing. You get maximum impact on a minimal budget. Get the shorter choaker at 28" or for the full bib look, get the 34", both are $450. Of course, there is the Smoky Quartz Mélange Ring that has twelve faceted stones for blingy fabulousness with the smoky quartz and three blue iolite stones encircle this 18K gold ring. Not as friendly on the wallet but this is an investment piece that will get long term wear, $2,950.

Ginger McGann's Rhonda Necklace

Ginger McGann recently launched her couture jewelry collection at Live! on Sunset in Los Angeles, where I proceeded to drool over many of the pieces, including the Rhonda and Daniela necklaces. The Rhonda necklace, which retails for $840, features 18k gold vermeil, sterling silver and Mojave green turquoise, which I had never seen before. As the name indicates, while it is a form of turquoise, it is actually green as opposed to blue.

Ginger McGann's Daniela Necklace

The Daniela necklace features a powerful combination of carnelians, rubies, fire opals and pink quartz, and is, without question, a show-stopping statement piece, which can be yours for $18,900.

Ginger McGann, a former architect, interior designer and fashion designer, (who was responsible for creating the famous black lace dress Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman), has turned her sights to creating an extensive line of stunning couture jewels. More can be seen online where you can also see McGann's modern art series.