August 2006 Archives

The Jewel Snob owns more Fred Leighton jewelry than any other designer, Fred's impeccable taste is reflected in both his vintage pieces and new designs and I am addicted to it all! If you have not walked into one of his stores, you must go! Fred's boutiques are a treasure trove of gorgeous baubles. His impressive estate and vintage jewelry collection is touted as one of the world's largest and most important but what I love about his jewelry is that they are so wearable. Unlike certain jewelers who cater to rappers with tacky and giant bling bling (like the one facing money laundering charges and 20 years in prison), Fred's jewels are always in good taste. Next time you are in New York, you MUST check out his store in person! Fred Leighton 773 Madison Ave, (212) 288-1872

Photos courtesy of Fred Leighton

If you don't want to blow thousands of dollars on a stack of gold bangles, you can get a similar trendy look with this Kenneth Jay Lane gold cuff. We love the mod look of the circular textured disks. It's a bold statement that will update your wardrobe without hurting your wallet. $98 at net-a-porter.

Gold bangles are the celebrity accessory of choice lately, especially in classic 18k yellow gold. I love a stack of delicately thin gold bangles that tink on a woman's wrist with every move, it is just so femine! We are dying to get our hands on these gold bangles like Halle and Reese are wearing from Ippolita. Born and raised in Italy, designer Ippolita finds inspiration in her 16th century Tuscan farmhouse where she can escape the city life and focus on designing beautiful jewelry. Choose from shiny or matte gold, embellished with stones or pearls, or the organically beautiful 'Reef' bangle. Prices start at $525

Photos courtesy of Ippolita

Not your average cocktail ring, this gorgeous piece from renowned French jeweler Cartier is a collector's dream. Diamond petals gently cradle the center of the orchid made of yellow canary diamonds with a ruby tipped bulb. There is no flower more sensuous than the orchid and there is nothing sexier than a woman in a fabulous piece of jewelry.
Price furnished upon request from Cartier. 828 Madison Avenue, New York, 10021 - (212) 472-6400

Photo courtesy of Cartier

Get in touch with your inner yogi with these 10k tear drop hoop earrings with lotus petals from Me & Ro. A favorite of Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston, this jewelry design duo (Michelle and Robin, hence Me & Ro) started a revolution when they launched their line of Eastern inspired jewelry 15 years ago. With discreet designs and unique engravings, their delicate pieces are appropriate for every occasion. Earrings $389 at Net a porter.

Matching necklace at eLuxury, $275.

Show the world you are loved with this charming pendant from Ross Simon. The Chinese symbol for "Love" is the ultimate romantic gesture. $285-$300 at Ross Simon.

The Jewel Snob has assisted many clueless husbands and boyfriends with jewelry purchases, drop us a line if you need help!

Nothing says I love you like a giant rock, Richard Burton certainly wore his heart on his sleeve when he gave Elizabeth Taylor this 33 carat asscher cut stunner known as the "Krupp" diamond. Once owned by Vera Krupp, as in the infamous Krupp family who supplied Nazi Germany with its ammunition. Liz thought it was fitting that a nice Jewish girl such as herself should end up with this beauty! She wears it everyday and in every film, it cost $305,000 when they acquired it in 1968, our guess is it's worth millions today. As the Jewel Snob tells her husband often, diamonds are as good investments as real estate!

Should you be as lucky in love as Liz, send your man to Harry Winston for a similar stunner. For more practical guys, Diamond.com and Mondera.com have fantastic prices for loose stones!

No matter where you get your bling, remember the 4 C's, carat size (bigger is better only in top quality diamonds!), cut (depending on your personality, The Jewel Snob prefers asscher/emerald cuts), color (never sacrifice color!), and clarity (you can get away with a lesser clarity if you've got a D color rock that faces up well).