Ok..It's about that time of the year when people shop the resort collection for cute next-to-nothings to bring to Maldives or St. Barts. Besides the obvious Havianas and SPF infinity , every chic girl on vacay needs something fun to dress up her paisley Etro bikinis. The gems can't be too serious for a relaxing vacation (you won't want to risk dropping your Harry Winston blings while jet skiing) but needs to glam up those tiny cocktail dresses for a romantic dinner on private beaches. These Matthew Campbell Laurenza enamel bangles would definitely do the trick. I've met the designer personally on a trip to Bangkok years ago when his jewelry collection combining candy color enamel and semi-precious stones were becoming all the rage. Now you can find them at Bergdorfgoodman.com retailing at $530 each. Just remember, you can always order cocktails to match these baubles. At Bergdorfgoodman.com
Recently in Bracelets Category
Banana Republic Monogram Coiled Bib Necklace
My sister wore this one night and I hounded her about this until she finally revealed, reluctantly, that it is Banana Republic. Trust me, with a piece this amazing, there is no shame in that. Banana Republic has been doing fantastic jewelry for many seasons, but this looks like Oscar de la Renta!! Truly incredible in person, you will not be disappointed and either will your lucky gift recipient. For $150.
Ann Taylor Silver Pavé Four-Row Necklace
Yes, that's right Ann Taylor!! Their jewelry collection is phenomenal, the designs are edgy, chic and amazingly affordable! This four-strand necklace of silver links, smoky faceted beads and pavé balls is $65.
Isharya Gypsy Moonstone Earrings
Chandelier earrings are dramatic and eye catching. Especially in moonstone and 18 carat gold plating. It was $175 and is now on sale at Net-a-Porter for $87.50
Horn Open Hoop Earrings by Asha by ADM
Horn jewelry is huge right now, it is a natural material so you get the interesting irregular striations but you aren't paying fine jewelry prices. These Brazilian horn open hoops are a bit exotic but will be your go to earrings for everyday. An easy look to fit anyone's style. At Vivre for $85.
Single Rosette Necklace by Nicole Romano
I love wearing a simple necklace sometimes, it really makes people stop and take a closer look. This Rosette necklace has so much interest and details for something so simple. I love the multiple rings symbolizing never-ending togetherness, the perfect sentiment for the season. At Vivre for $128.
Now we switch gears to a bold statement piece. Asymmetrical necklaces with multi-strands give boring outfits an instant fix. The Czech-glass stones are set open in the back for maximum impact. A Frugal buy that looks like a million bucks! At J. Crew for $135.
If you know someone who is a hand talker, you can stop looking because here is her gift. She might even be able to speak softer now that she is getting more attention with her hand! At J. Crew for $95.
Get flirty with this Leaf Pendant necklace. The length (22 1/2") is great worn over a sweater or a v-neck tee shirt to give the bare torso something to look at (I don't mean bare as in naked, you know what I mean). The wispy details are so great, think about its movement when you are walking! At Net-a-Porter for $120.
Kenneth Jay Lane Glass Pearl Flower Earrings
For the prim and proper girl on your list, this simple and pretty flower clip-on earrings with pearl embellishment is adorable and classy. Also a great choice for your mom and mother-in-law (just not both, never buy them the same things!!). At Net-a-Porter for $95.
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.
This Enchanted Lotus Collection from De Beers makes the perfect gift for the most precious of family and friends. The prices are in the range that is affordable for those without the luxury of private jets and jewelry bank vaults. Each piece is unique and special for that unique and special love in your life.
Enchanted Lotus Band Ring
An exquisite thread of diamonds, woven together to create a fine band of lotus flowers as a statement piece or as the everlasting wedding band. Set in white gold, 1.41 carats for $4,500.
Enchanted Lotus Ring
Beautifully intricate, this ring stylishly adorns the hand in a never ending loop for a timeless and chic touch. Set in white gold, 0.47 carats for $2,000.
Enchanted Lotus Pendant
A delicate and elegant pendant for everyday, a perfect accessory to complement any style or to mark any celebration in a meaningful way. Set in white gold, 0.39 carats for $2,000.
Enchanted Lotus Bracelet
A lovely bracelet perfect for any occasion, it strikes a scintillating balance between the diamond lotus feature and its exquisitely fine chain. Set in white gold, 0.33 carats for $1,500.
Enchanted Lotus Hoop Earrings
Light and ethereal, these hoop earrings take a modern twist on glamour with a sculptural feel for evening or everyday elegance. Set in white gold, 1.45 carats for $3,200.
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.
Hmm... I might be changing my tune when it comes to cuff bracelets after all. This stunning piece comprised of leather, lucite and enamel has me drooling. Sexy, sleek and sculptural.
$250 at SFA.
Here are a few of the gorgeous pieces from Tiffany's new holiday collection.
The cocktail watch is inspired by the curves and inward stepping of a Venetian mirror frame and features a bezel with 98 round brilliant diamonds and a buckle with 23 diamonds in 18 karat white gold with a sleek black satin strap. I love delicate watches with just enough bling like this to make it double as a stunning piece of jewelry and a great timepiece. $12,600 at Tiffany & Co.
These are the latest additions to the key collection. I love the fairy tale nature of the entire key collection and these delicate and slightly smaller keys would look fantastic with their larger predecessors, or alone. From left is a diamond and black enamel frame key in 18k white gold, a diamond and blue enamel checkerboard key in 18k white gold and a diamond and blue and green enamel octagon key in 18k white gold. $2,250 each.
And finally, perhaps the piece de resistance, is this Victorian-inspired Bangle in black enamel with diamonds set in platinum. Available at Tiffany & Co. for $90,000.
Now who doesn't want a little blue box during the holidays?
Elsa Peretti is one of only four designers permitted to sign their names to the famed jewelry company's pieces. Known for her sensual, fluid designs, the bone cuff is among the most renowned, and this latest incarnation is my absolute favorite. It literally looks like liquid gunmetal gray, poured onto the wrist and sexy as hell. In ruthenium over copper, this classic piece can be yours for $400 at Tiffany.
Each year in November, Tiffany & Co. unveils a special collection comprised of approximately 100 pieces, most of which are one-of-a-kind with a few exceptions that are replicated in very limited quantity. The vast majority of the pieces sell the first weekend, with many pieces ranging from $10,000 to well over 6 million.
I happened to try this Cobblestone bracelet on while at Tiffany & Co. last week - and let's just say that the picture hardly does it justice. It is a remarkable piece, the weight of which feels incredibly luxurious on your wrist. It is a subtle replica, (they are never exact), of one of the pieces from last year's Blue Book Collection. Featuring exquisite rose cut green tourmalines, aquamarines and diamonds, the bracelet retails for $86,500 and the earrings for $19,500. The millegrain detail surrounding each individual stone is remarkable. Yet another example of Tiffany & Co.'s flawless craftsmanship and timeless style. If you'd like to visit with it in person, you should take a trip to Two Rodeo in Beverly Hills.
This YSL bracelet is nice. I wouldn't say it's extraordinary - but it's nice. While perusing the YSL site for new jewels this morning, I happened upon it and thought exactly that. Nice. Thing is, I'm relatively certain that I've seen similar pieces at stores like J Crew and Banana Republic for 1/8 of the price. At $585, I can't really see myself purchasing this... but it's nice. Maybe not snob-worthy, and I would've expected more from YSL, but it's nice. Okay - it's Friday - and clearly I'm desperate for the weekend, since I'm sounding like a broken record and I'm not exactly enthralled by this piece but stay tuned, because Tiffany Week kicks off on Monday!
Until then, enjoy this nice bracelet.
While I am not crazy about cuff bracelets, I have to admit that this one is insanely exquisite. It's covered in pave diamonds, (my favorite), and perfectly evokes the absolutely beautiful '20s deco-inspired designs that brought us beauties like the Chrysler building in NYC. Judith Ripka's designs are classic - and while this piece harkens back to to the Roaring '20s, I can't imagine anyone would ever tire of wearing it. They better not at $60,000 either. Available at the Judith Ripka boutique in Beverly Hills at Two Rodeo.
So I had lunch with my mom the other day, and she was wearing a number of pieces I was drooling over, including a museum-quality cameo and a gold link bracelet. I asked her if it was vintage - and she said yes. (Keep in-mind, that my mother's business is vintage and estate jewelry). That being said, I wanted the bracelet, but she wasn't about the part with it because it is the only gold-tone piece she owns at the moment that works with the recently acquired cameo.
Anyway, today, I found this $58 Estate Link Bracelet on the J Crew website - and I'm thrilled, because it practically mirrors my mom's!
Speaking of my mom, I'll be doing a post on her jewels, (the ones that are available for purchase) soon, but she is lacking a website, so it might take a bit longer than I'd like. Let's just say however, that she is a hidden resource in Los Angeles for phenomenal vintage pieces that won't break the bank, that sell for 10 times the price elsewhere.
In case you get impatient, and don't want to wait for the next post because you're a vintage jewelry junky like myself, you can check out her wares at all of the Senna Cosmetics boutiques in Beverly Hills, Tarzana, Corona del Mar and Valencia - www.sennacosmetics.com. And while this isn't a Beauty Snob post, Senna Cosmetics' products are amazing - and I don't care what anyone says - Anastasia is NOT the Queen of Brows. Eugenia Weston, founder of Senna Cosmetics is.
Alkemie's Tree Cuff
Alkemie, an eco-friendly line of jewelry, uses reclaimed metals and such to fashion absolutely gorgeous nature-inspired pieces, including this cuff bracelet which almost looks as if you've managed to grow the branches of a rather aged oak around your wrist. I love the detail, the eco-friendly nature of the piece, and the homage it pays to the beauty that exists in nature itself. Man do I sound like a tree-hugging hippie. This tree however is one worth embracing for $210.
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.
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.
I love bangles and stack them on my arm daily but I have tiny wrists so it's hard to find bangles that fit properly. The solution is a clasp of course but not all jewelers have that option. Cartier has the love bracelet which I have in both white and yellow gold but it takes two people to remove. This is not the most convenient because I don't wear the same thing every day-- I am a fickle girl and need variety in my daily accessories! Luckily, Louis Vuitton has the solution for my tiny wrist dilemma, the Clous Bracelet!
Simple, elegant, and impossibly chic-- the Clous has a small clasp on the top that you can pop open to remove without screws, nuts or bolts. There is also a glittering diamond on the side, so you get the look of bling without looking like a pole dancer. I met a stylish woman who had three on her arm in white, yellow, and rose gold in various sizes. I loved the way it looked, the different dimensions gave it effortless appeal and of course the three different colored golds allow you flexibility in your other jewelry. $4550 at Louis Vuitton boutiques worldwide.
This pair of jade and ivory acrylic bangles greatly appeal to me. They look so refreshing and crisp, and not unlike the pair of Jade bangles my grandmother used to wear daily. Of course hers were made of very old, rare, uncolored and untreated natural jade - next to impossible to find today (all women should own a piece of jade for good luck!). If you love the look of jade, however, you can get it from the master of costume jewelry- Kenneth Jay Lane. Fans included Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn, arbiters of taste and style of their time (and ours!). The pair above is a mere $90, and it will look great all summer long with your breezy floral dresses. Kenneth Jay Lane Oval bangle set
at Net a porter.
The romance and mystery of the past and the elegant restraint of the present distinguish the work of jewelry designer Temple St. Clair. Rooted in the mystery and the romance of the past, Temple’s pieces feature an elegant restraint, a clean modern line, and a sensitivity to color that are indisputably contemporary — yet utterly timeless. I had lunch with a girlfriend who was wearing a delicate gold chain with a gold pendant made of sparking sapphires. Without asking, I knew it was Temple St. Clair. Her signature style is unmistakable as is the workmanship of her jewels.
I was recently introduced to the spirit of Cindy Chao, a jewelry designer based in Taiwan. I love discovering new jewelry designers, especially those with an incredible eye for detail and design like Cindy- one of the most promising jewelry designers I have seen in a very long time! A friend of mine had several pieces made by Cindy and showed them to me during her last visit, the pieces were extraordinary and exquisite and like nothing I had ever seen. 
Inspired by her Eastern roots and by the forces of nature, Cindy's jewelry is astounding and fascinating. Owning one of her pieces is like capturing the essence of nature and owning the spirit of beauty. Each piece is carefully designed and meticulously handcrafted- a conch pearl rests delicately against the sensual curves of lily petals made of diamonds, a golden pearl mounted as the exotic center of a spray of diamonds, a diamond nestled in a cluster of pearls, each piece unique in its own way. I am waiting for my first Cindy Chao pieces, I was told the wait would be long, but as all things worth owning, it is worth the wait. Email her showroom for details and point of purchase.
More photos after the jump!
I adore Christian Lacroix, if you have ever watched "Absolutely Fabulous" you will remember how obsessed Eddy was with "Lacroix Sweetie darling, Lacroix." Like Eddy, I am obsessed with his couture line and plan to buy my first piece of Christian Lacroix couture jacket this year. Lacroix also has a line of fun and shiny trinkets like this bracelet. It was $1,600 on sale for $1,120. This is the type of piece you can travel with and not worry about it being lost or stolen. Christian Lacroix Exclusive diamanté encrusted bracelet at Net a porter
I love buying jewelry for myself and have always encouraged girlfriends to do the same. I never understood women who felt the need to "wait" for a man to buy them beautiful jewels! Not that I don't appreciate my husband when he brings home prettily wrapped boxes from Cartier or Bvlgari (which he does, often!) but I just think women should buy jewelry for themselves if they are able to. I designed a line of jewelry sold at major department stores and you have no idea how often I sat at trunk shows listening to women say, "I really shouldn't buy this, I should wait for my husband/boyfriend/dad to buy it for me. I just feel too guilty to buy it for myself". Well now you can buy all the jewels you want without any guilt. Jewelry designer Joan Hornig brilliantly devised a model of giving 100% of the profits on each piece to the purchaser's charity of choice and challenges women to use beauty and fashion in a new way. This means you can buy to your heart's content because every penny of the profits will go to your favorite charity! Now that is worth splurging on. I love the cuffs above and the diamond earrings and no, I will not be waiting for my husband to buy it for me. Go to Joan's website to pick your favorite bauble and help your favorite charity at the same time.
I was lucky enough to be invited by Tina to the Chanel jacket show a few months ago. The show was so cool (not to sound cliche) because you were able to see and appreciate the amount of detail that goes into each piece and the transformation of the line into what we know and love today. Once you walked into the private show room, there were pieces on each wall with a sign indicating the year they were created. There were pieces from Coco herself, and of course Karl Lagerfeld. The pieces illustrated the transformation of Chanel from a new line that challenged women's fashion of her day (most appropriately defined as constricting) by creating comfortable pieces that moved with the body. The show also illustrated the line we know and love today that can only be characterized as chic and classic while still pushing the boundaries. My favorite part was a wall that was entirely filled with the different buttons that might be used on a Chanel jacket. This wall was my favorite because it reiterated the importance of detail in her work. I've always loved the Chanel jacket because it is such a signature piece that can be paired with virtually anything. The most interesting bit of information that I walked away with from the show was that Chanel cut the sleeves on her jackets to 3/4 sleeves in order to show off her cuff bracelets. At the time, 3/4 sleeves were not fashionable, but she loved her cuffs so much that she just cut off her sleeves. I love a woman who isn't afraid to push the boundaries of her time! This Elizabeth Cole cuff is perfect for your favorite Chanel jacket or for any occasion for that matter. It has a nice contrast of texture and I love that it is gold. I feel like women are afraid to wear gold anymore. Pair it with jeans or a suit and you will collect complements all day. Elizabeth Cole Cuff Bracelet, $270.00, saksfifthavenue.com.
Don't tell anyone, but I sometimes watch the Tyra Banks Show. The other night, I had some free time so I took advantage of this secret indulgence. Tyra was pretty painful to watch (it's a good thing she's beautiful) but her guest was so inspirational that I had to write a story about her. Her name is Somaly Mam and she is an escaped victim from a brothel in Cambodia. She has started the Somaly Mam Foundation which raises money for young women and children who have fallen victim to this horrible system of enslavement. The foundation raises money through the sale of handmade bracelets. I think the red bracelet is the cutest! This is the perfect way to finish up your holiday shopping while helping to save the world. Go ahead, have your cake and eat it too! Akun Bracelet, $25.00 at www.somaly.org.
I gushed about these earrings back in August and if you did not get them yet, they are now on sale! Was $216, now $151- how can you pass that up? It is perfect for the Holidays! Buy Mawi Quartz drop earrings HERE
While you're at it, check out the funky Mawi smoky quartz necklace and mixed stone bracelet, both also on sale.
Mawi Teardrop necklace- Was $400, now $240
Mawi Mixed stone bracelet- Was $378, now $226
I love stacking the iconic Hermes enamel bangles in different sizes on one arm. It jingles and jangles throughout the day and looks so incredibly stylish! I used to use them as distractions for my son when he was a baby, if he started fussing, I'd just lift my arm and he'd be mesmerized! My best girlfriends and I buy these for each other for birthdays, I mean what else do you get girls who literally have everything? But not matter how large your collection, you can always use another Hermes enamel bangle! It's fun to wear a large one with two smaller ones on either side (or I mix it with my diamond bangles), and don't be afraid to clash the colors and metals! Gold and silver mixed together is tres chic, I hate nothing more than matchy matchy, it's so incredibly boring! Bangles are also meant to be worn at least 2 at a time for good luck (did you know this?) So grab at least two to start your own fabulous collection! $395 - $480 at Hermes.com or your local Hermes boutique (they have a wider variety than the website!).
Looking for a statement piece? This hand painted Lucite square cuff by Alexis Bittar is stunning, with shimmery black crystals which add a touch of Deco chic and a lot of glitz. Wear it casual with skinny jeans and lots of black eyeliner or glam it up for evening with a sexy cocktail dress. The cuff is ¼" thick and about 2¼" across with hinged magnetic closure so you don't have fuss with fastenings. Made in USA.
At $175 you need to have two. Alexis Bittar Square Swarovski Detail Cuff At Saks.
My love affair with bangles started with a Japanese anime book I read in Junior High, the heroine was a ballerina and she had waist length hair and a stack of bangles on her arm which was just the most chic thing I could imagine wearing at that age. 20 years later, it's still the most chic accessory to me, gold, silver, diamonds, antiques, I have quite a collection of bangles and I wear them by the stacks! Ippolita has the most unique gold bangles, hand hammered and often accented with just a few diamonds or precious stones and pearls. This six diamond bangle (upper left) will bring lots of sparkle to your collection, I suggest getting at least two of these so you can bling properly. Ippolita Six-Diamond Bangle $1,200, Ippolita 18K Gold Bubble Bangle
$1,800.
Ippolita 18K Gold Two-Diamond Bangle $1,370, Ippolita 18K Gold Bangle w/Pearl
$1,600, Ippolita Blue Topaz Bangle
$1,800
Ippolita Diamond Bangle $6,750.
All at Saks.
I love big bold bangles, especially in brightly hued colors! If you can not get into the '80s color block trend, a bright blue bangle will update your black/brown/gray wardrobe and instantly lighten your day! Bracelet length jackets are also the rage this season, even better to show off this lovely bauble. Roberto Cavalli is the king of animal print frocks but I am more into his line of funky fashion jewels. Roberto Cavalli Floral engraved bangle $315 at Net-a-porter.
