Recently in Celeb Jewels Category

How refreshing did Jessica Biel look at the L.A. premiere for her new film, "A-Team?" Not only was she modern and understated in a white Emilio Pucci gown designed by my good friend Peter Dundas, but she had the foresight to pair her dress with not Fred Leighton, not Cartier, not Bulgari--but Vhernier jewels. I recently discovered this Italian jeweler's designs while interviewing the Mayor of Milan for a story and have become quite fond of the company and its focus on quality and heritage over in-your-face pretentiousness. For her big night, Jessica wore Vhernier's large Camuration ring in rose gold chalcedony turquoise) and Orecchini Vague earrings in rose gold kogolong. Bold and beautifully shaped yet subtly refined, the jewels don't cost the six-digit fortunes of many of the brand's jewelry counterparts, but the statement they make is equally long-lasting. I absolutely love how the white stone in Jessica's earrings match with her Pucci dress; the white-on-white is a stunning statement for a woman as beautiful as she is.

Ring ($8,800) and earrings ($7,400), available at Vhernier Beverly Hills Store (9546 Brighton Way Beverly Hills, CA, 310-273-2444)

French brand Etername is launching in the US this fall! If you read foreign glossies, you've likely seen the brand in French Vogue, Elle, L'Officiel, Stiletto, and Le Figaro or oogled the pieces on the likes of Sharon Stone, Diane Kruger, Julie Gayet, and Natalia Vodianova. The line, designed by Sarah Besnaiou (a Dior alum) is simply stunning! The only other place I've seen so many pieces that I'm dying for is at Cartier! Check-out her website (note though that it's still all in French), and start making a mental list of what you'll want come fall:)

Molly Sims, Edie Falco, Rachel Ray, and Angie Stone are just a few of the celebrities that have been spotted in pieces from the Olia collection. I'm particularly drawn to the New York-based designer's necklaces and the one above is my favorite. Called the Salam Necklace it retails for $64 and it says 'Salam' on one side and 'Shalom' on the other. Many people may not know this, but in Hebrew and in Arabic when you greet someone with 'Shalom' and with 'Salam,' respectively, you are not only saying 'hello,' but you are saying 'peace.' I have a lot of family in Tel Aviv and my parents are currently there for a wedding, so this necklace is particularly meaningful to me. I can't believe we are still dealing with all the violence. This necklace is a reminder to continue the fight for peace and the end of violence.

The other day I headed over to the Bryant Park Hotel for an informal breakfast hosted by Molly Sims to celebrate the launch of the Grayce by Molly Sims website. The model's big, bold jewelry pieces were just what I needed to wake me up from my morning fog! Molly is super sweet and non-intimating despite her killer bod and looks (how is she in her mid-30s!? For sure thought she was in her late 20s). She was dressed in a floral DVF dress, Elizabeth and James black cardigan, flats, and layered in pieces from her Grayce line, which complemented her laid-back style very well. She said that she priced the line from $75-$250 to keep it accessible and when someone asked her what celeb she'd love to see one of her pieces on she said "I just want to see the line on everyone!" which I thought was great. Molly seemed truly passionate about her line and wanting women to feel good about themselves which was echoed in her honest answer about how she stays in shape. Unlike most models (ahem...Gisele), who say they eat whatever they want and barely exercise, Molly spoke candidly and said she works out a lot with Tracy Anderson and that it's hard and takes dedication. It was truly refreshing to hear her speak and to know that she has the same body issues as all of us do and you could tell she was passionate about the subject in particular when she spoke about the young models some of whom are just 70-something pounds - "I just wish they would eat something and then go work-out five days a week if they need to instead of just smoking 2 packs of cigarettes and drinking 10 cups of coffee." Kudos to the Vogue cover girl for speaking-up! More about her jewelry line after the jump!

Maybe if it were worn next to a "Non" ring I would understand the appeal of the white gold Dior Oui Ring ($675), but as is I simply don't get it. The popular piece comes in a variety of iterations and is worn above by Emma Watson (it's hard to spot I know, but trust that it's there!). While I like the script-shape of the letters, I can't get over the stupidity of what it says! On a side note, does the diminutive ring strike anyone else as far more Moschino than Christian Dior?

Odds are you've never heard of Ben-Amun, but if you've ever flipped through Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, Marie Claire, or tuned your TV on to a red carpet, you've likely seen pieces from the collection. The brand has been in business for over 30 years and is designed by Isaac Manevitz who works extensively with lucite, pewter, glass, and crystal which help keep his pieces looking a lot pricier than they are (few pieces are over $400 and you can get many for as little as $60). Celebs love the line because they can wear pieces without having to worry about insurance, body guards etc. when they're doing casual on-air appearance. The line has also been used in Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren shows. 

A lot of the pieces aren't my style (a bit too boho), but click through the site and you'll find some wonderful costume pieces at prices that won't have you stressing!

Pictured above from left --

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.

Mary-Kate Olsen, Rihanna, and Angelia Jolie are among the many celebs that have been spotted in Made Her Think recently. The knuckle rings are totally up those stars alley, but I think the Made Her Think Talon Knuckle Buster Rings ($110) are a bit too intense for my taste. They look like a bird claw to me! Plus I've never seen a ring that covers multiple fingers that I've liked.

My vote is slob. What say you? Snob or Slob?

As we all know, some things in life just aren't fair. Take for example the freakishly beautiful and talented Padma Lakshmi. Not only is she drop-dead gorgeous, but she's smart as a whip and has held a successful career as an award-winning author and television host for programs including the Emmy-nominated Top Chef series on Bravo. Not too shabby.

Recently she launched a jewelry collection inspired by the female form, aptly named "Padma" with its drippy, sensuous curves and exotic shapes. Pricing ranges from $300 to $6,000 and can be found at Bergdorf Goodman.

Today I'm coveting the 14k and 10k Lattice Pod Earrings with Briolettes.

What's next Padma? Politics? World peace? Or perhaps just global domination...

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.

Ivanka Trump Earrings $27,750

Ivanka Trump's eponymous line of Fine Jewels shows that she is more than Daddy's girl. Ambitious and beautiful, she's figured out at an early age how to parlay all of her assets to her advantage and the result is a breathtaking collection of fine jewels. I love all the ultra feminine pieces she created for her line, from a pair of $750 black onyx earrings to a $350,000 disco balls pave diamond necklace, the collection is elegant, understated and gorgeous, just like her. Ivanka Trump fine jewelry collection, $750-$350,000, at Ivanka Trump, 683 Madison Ave. New York.

Clockwise from top left: Black onyx and diamond earrings $750, Black onyx diamond ring $4,500, Disco ball necklace $350,000, White agate and diamond ring $4,500

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