June 2009 Archives

Anaconda Elisa Ring

Part of the trouble respecting editing for a jewelry site, is that occasionally you'll happen upon something you desperately want - and can't have.

I've found a ring that pretty much encompasses everything I'm attracted to when it comes to investment pieces - classic beauty with a feel of elegant antiquity and a certain amount of uniqueness. (In other words, I'm not the kind of girl who wears a solitaire and calls it a day). That being said, I might spend the vast majority of my day pouting over this ring, because at $7150, it's simply not an option at the moment, unless of course, I'm fine with homelessness or can somehow forgo eating for the next 12 months.

Hmm...

With 19k white gold, brilliant cut champagne diamonds and a large drool-worthy, ethereal center moonstone, it's just, well, perfect.

Anaconda designer Monica Rossi hails from Italy - and has evidently been designing for quite some time, unbeknownst to me. Sort of wish it had stayed that way.

*Sigh*

J Crew Beaded Fireworks Necklace
In case you hadn't picked up an appropriate accessory for the forthcoming festivities this weekend, J Crew has an affordable, fashionable option that will light up your ensemble with an explosion of coral-colored fireworks. Fortunately, they've spared us the red, white and blue concoctions of cheesy flag-laden and/or inspired pins, t-shirts and other paraphernalia that so many of our relatives tend to unearth once a year. Be the exception to that rule and wear this $118 necklace instead. Trust me, you'll be a better American for it.

On an unrelated note, I can be a complete idiot from time-to-time, and realized post-posting that I did in fact confuse John Hardy with Ed Hardy in a previous post about that gorgeous dragon bracelet. Thanks to those of you who pointed that out after the fact as well. Oops. Sorry John Hardy!

Henri Bendel Debutante Pearl Bracelet
More often than not, you will see me wearing a combination of two things - pave and pearls. While virtually everyone loves pave, I feel like pearls still get a bad rap. They're still perceived as prissy, stuffy and/or conservative, and evoke images of repressed '50s housewives holding apple pies with forced smiles.

Well, I think it's high-time we shatter that arcane image and embrace the pearl as a permanent fixture of our jewelry wardrobes, particularly when the pearls are decked out with dual-grosgrain striped ribbon, Swarovski crystals, and striped cubic zirconia beads. Too cute - and for $148, it's a steal.

Pearls are year-round, go with anything and brighten up any outfit. You can layer them with near-abandon, mix them with other jewels as well, and so long as you don't screw anything up balance-wise, combining them with chain link, leather, cameos, etc. is permitted!

Power to the pearls.

Erickson Beamon Turkish Delight Coin Necklace

There seems to be a running theme here lately with things I don't generally adore in their standard form, but when it comes to the jeweled version, I'm smitten.

Take for example, this Erickson Beamon Turkish Delight Coin Necklace. Turkish Delight, a strange gelatinous deliacy covered in confectioner's sugar doesn't do it for me. It's like a strange hybrid of jello, chewing gum and powdered donut. Gross. Not a fan. This necklace though is fantastic - and I don't have to eat it.

Decorated in Swarovski crystals and loaded with beautifully detailed medallions, this Turkish Delight is easily one I can sink my teeth into at $745.

Demistache by Rachael White - Georgina Necklace in Rose Gold
I am not a fan of mustaches overall - though once in a blue moon, I see one that somehow simply suits its owner. It's a rare occurrence, but it happens.

In the case of jewelry designer Rachael White's Demistache collection however, I could see these suiting just about anybody. I never imagined I'd see questionable facial hair transform into a delicate and pretty accessory. Serious credit is due here for creativity.

Intrigued by such a bizarre concept, I actually bothered to look up the history of the mustache and according to Wikipedia, (perhaps not the most reliable source, but I can be lazy), the oldest portrait showing a shaved man with a mustache dates back to 300 BC. I also discovered that the longest mustache ever belongs to Bajansinh Juwansinh Gurjar of India. In 2004, his measured 12 feet and 6 inches. It took him 22 years to achieve that record.

As described by the company, the Demistache pieces are "chic yet cheeky" and I feel that description is quite apt. No grooming required for these babies either.

Other famous mustaches include those belonging to Groucho Marx, Charlie Chaplin, Frank Zappa, Howard Hughes and Freddie Mercury - who was the source of inspiration behind one of the Demistache pieces, (below).

Demistache by Rachael White - Freddy Necklace in White Gold with Pave Diamonds
Ranging from $65 for select styles in sterling silver, to $1865 for select styles in either yellow, rose, white or oxidized gold with pave diamonds, the entire collection can be seen online.

Emilio Pucci Crystal Embellished Sunglasses

While the iconic Pucci print has never been my thing, these Pucci sunglasses which retail for $860 are another story. The shape is fantastic - and I am digging the 50s/60s-esque crystal detail - a little geometric without being overkill, unlike most of those rather loud and obnoxious patterns that continue to be coveted and copied to this day. Yes, I know, I know... Pucci is a fashion icon whose designs have been worn by countless celebrities and notables for decades and decades on end, but I'm entitled to my opinion, right? I've just never gotten it.

Either way, these here sunglasses absolutely meet my criteria for covetable.

Mona Assemi Chalcedony Necklace

Tassles are cool. Whether they're hanging from chandeliers, doorknobs, drawer pulls, or your own person, there's something about them that I love. Maybe it's the fluidity of their movement, or the delicate draping quality they have. In any case, this could very well be why I'm digging the Tassle Collection by designer Mona Assemi.

Mona Assemi Crystal Drop Earrings

Featuring 14k gold filled chains and tassles, the Chalcedony necklace retails for $200 and the Crystal Earrings retail for $80. Needless to say, this is another fantastic frugal find that would look perfect with virtually anything - even a bathing suit.

Carol Brodie is no stranger to the finest of fine jewelry. As a luxury and style expert, she has personally held many of the world's most fabled gems, including the Hope Diamond, the Dresden Green and the Pumpkin Diamond. She has selected the jewels worn by countless A-list celebrities on the red carpet, while working side-by-side with famed designer Harry Winston. With her resume, it's no wonder that she has taken to design herself, though it is a wonder why it took her so long.

After 20 years of honing her eye for luxury, style and elegance, Brodie has created a signature collection of fine jewelry exclusively for HSN. Inspired by many of the memorable faces Brodie has worked with over the years, including Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Hudson, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Halle Berry, the Rarities Collection was created to serve as "accessible luxury" for those of us that aren't A-listers, with price points that won't break the bank, ranging from around $200 to $800.

The Bellaire Collection pictured here is just one facet of the Rarities launch, which will take place on June 21st on the Home Shopping Network. I am partial to the lilac quartz and diamond drop earrings in rose gold vermeil. Rose gold is fun because it's unexpected and the lilac quartz sets it off beautifully. The ring features white quartzite and diamonds, also set in rose gold vermeil.

I will look forward to seeing what Carol Brodie does next!

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.

Elizabeth Taylor wearing La Peregrina Pearl; Portrait by Diego Velazquez of Queen Mariana of Spain wearing La Peregrina Pearl

I went to see Cartier's 100th Anniversary exhibit at their Rodeo Drive store and there were a lot of incredible pieces, many worthy of individual mention but since I love other people's drama, the one that caught my full attention is La Peregrina Pearl, on loan from Elizabeth Taylor. Seriously, a movie or entire soap opera saga can be based on it's 500 year history.

The origins are a bit fuzzy, there are several versions with varying details but the basic story is the same. It was found in Panama in 1513 by a slave and brought to Spain and given to the Crown Prince, Phillip II. He rewarded the slave with freedom. The pearl was given to Mary Tudor of England (daughter of the notorious womanizer, Henry VIII, she was the daughter of the first of his 6 wives) as an engagement present in 1554. She ascended the throne in 1553 and was a sweet and well like Princess. But she had differing views on religion from her dad. See, he needed to keep divorcing or beheading his wives because they couldn't give him a son. Catholicism, and mainly the Pope, wasn't so hot on his marital practices so Henry had to turn the entire country Protestant in order to get his divorce.

The problem is, the person he needed to divorce was Mary's mother, Catherine of Aragon, who was Spanish and devoutly Catholic. Henry made Mary sign some papers renouncing Catherine as ever being the Queen, basically making Mary a bastard. She held a grudge and was pretty bitter so when she ascended to the throne, she made the country Catholic again, which didn't go over so well. Many died during this period, for which she was held accountable thus given the lovely nickname "Bloody Mary". Now you know what had to happen the next time you're hungover and enjoying one of those. Mary died in 1558 to the relief of the entire country and the throne went to her half sister, Elizabeth I, whose reign is knowns as The Golden Age (like the movie!).

Models wearing the Key Collection layered with other pieces; Tiffany display on the balcony of the suite overlooking Hollywood

Last night Vogue hosted a party for Tiffany at the Chateau Marmont for the launch of Tiffany's new Key Collection. It was an intimate affair in the penthouse suite of the hotel with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Vogue's Lauren Santo Domingo went around showing guests how to make the collection versatile by layering it with other pieces. It was such a small party that everyone was mingling and having a genuine good time. I say that because a lot of these parties, believe it or not, is not that fun. There were celebrities there, like Nicolette Sheridan, Melissa George and Jordana Brewster who were totally relaxed and unguarded. In fact, Nicolette came up to my husband and I when I was taking pictures of him and she joked that he is America's next top model. See, this is funny because he clearly is not, but because he is so adorable, it was fair game. We started chatting and I took the opportunity to ask her a few questions. One was easy and one was tough, she raised an eyebrow at first because she thought it was going to be about her personal life but I always stick to strictly fashion! I asked what she was wearing (easy): Michael Kors with YSL stiletto sandals. And then the toughie, what is your favorite bag?: "That is a tough one! I can't pick just one", she said. She thought about it for a while but then came up with, "YSL, Chloe and Gucci".

The collection consisted of various skeleton key pedants, some with pave diamonds and others in simple gold or silver. There were also linked chain necklaces with different key charms. My favorite is the pedal key pendant with diamonds in platinum on a long chain ($6825). It is kind of mysterious having a key dangle around your neck. It is like you have a secret or that there is something deeper if you can get to the key and open it. I really love that concept! The collection is available at all Tiffany stores and online.

John Hardy Gold Ring Dragon Bracelet

While I am not a huge fan of John Hardy, (particularly not the seemingly endless stream of logo-emblazoned-wannabe-tattoo-artist-punk-rocker T-shirts that droves of people wear for reasons unbeknownst to me), this bracelet is definitely an exception. I absolutely love that from afar it looks like a classic piece - but up close it's an unexpected sculpturally detailed rendition of a traditional Chinese dragon and it's gorgeous. It reminds me a bit of Kieselstein-Cord, but way more modern. As a fan of asian design in general, the dragon has always been one of my favorite iconic images and I want this bracelet. It retails for $1295.00 and is a combination of sterling silver and yellow gold.

Erickson Beamon for Target Jeweled Dome Ring


Matthew Campbell Laurenza Enamel Sapphire Ring

I am admittedly a junkie for cool cocktail rings. They're great statement pieces and I feel they flatter any finger. I've never been a huge fan of my hands, particularly as delicate rings don't look quite right on me, hence the cocktail ring obsession. That being said, I was perusing various websites looking for something fun to place on one of my empty digits that wouldn't break the bank - and found the fantastically faux Erickson Beamon ring on the Target website. Considering I'd already guiltily examined and fell in love with a number of Matthew Campbell Laurenza rings at Neiman Marcus including the one pictured here for $590.00, I was thrilled to discover I liked the $29.00 Erickson Beamon for Target ring better! It's always nice to find a less expensive version of something fun like this that you're bound to eventually get tired of anyway! By the time the metal starts to tarnish, you'll be on to the next fun, funky, chunky piece to don.

Sand Pendant Necklace (Left) and Heritage Emerald Ring (Above)

I had the pleasure of meeting Shawn Warren, former psychologist turned jewelry designer extraordinaire, at her Los Angeles launch event a few weeks ago, and discovered a true talent whose eye for design is impeccable. Her collection, which ranges from whimsical yet classic, to modern interpretations of antiquities, is exquisite. What is truly exceptional about her designs is that they can be worn with a cocktail dress or with jeans and a t-shirt. I love versatile pieces like these and the price points are incredibly reasonable as well.

I fell in love with the two pieces shown here: the diamond Sand pendants and the Heritage emerald rings, (of which there are only two and are part of a limited edition series).

The Sand necklaces are available in 18k white, yellow or rose gold and feature either white or champagne diamonds. The pendant has a special open-and-close diamond bail piece, so it can be worn on various chains/ribbons/leather, or whatever suits your fancy. Comes in 2 sizes, the small length: 15"-16" is $1950; and the Medium Length: 16"-18" is $3450.

The Heritage emerald rings feature 18k yellow gold and silver with black rhodium, diamonds and a sizable emerald. It is $2300.

Warren's launch event was among the most elegant events I've been to in quite some time. Warren's jewelry cannot be found in-stores, as she works only with a private clientele, (for now), but you can see her work online at Shawn Warren Jewelry.