Recently in Diamond Category

Kimberly began working with geodes for her first jewelry collection in 2007, but her fascination with the crystal-filled rock formations goes back to childhood, when she was a self-described "rock geek" who filled cans with cool-looking stones plucked from the driveway. Working only by hand, she pairs the naturally stunning geodes with other precious stones (one pair of earrings features inch-long, paper-thin slices of diamond) and reclaimed precious metals. Earth-honoring efforts permeate all her pieces; any wood she uses has been re-purposed from things like shipping containers and musical instruments.

I was lucky enough to get to wear these blue geode earrings and ring for a night this past weekend, and it was just what my super comfortable but almost dangerously understated black Alaia dress needed: a dash of celestial blue with a flash of diamonds at the edges. Kimberly said the geodes would bring good luck, and they did, for me, in that I did not (as is always my fear) fall down, tear my dress or otherwise embarrass myself. Also, I got lots of compliments, which is always nice.

Visit kimberlymcdonald.com for more information and to find a list of retailers. (photos by Steweart Schecter)

Editor's Note: Unlike myself, Liza was too humble to include a photo of herself in these to die for jewels!  See Liza in Kimberly McDonald Jewels here.

The estate-inspired Judith Ripka Deco Estate Wide Cuff ($60,000) has been fashioned from 18K white gold and it features over 15 carats of diamonds...nice! I love the art deco-meets-Victorian feel of this piece. It's classic, but will still get lots of attention. If I had the extra money to splurge, I would love to wear two of these stacked on one arm and a simple diamond-encrusted watch on the other with an LBD and a pair of Camilla Skovgaard's signature pumps. How would you wear this cuff?

Ladies, start saving your pennies now. A pair of Imperial topaz, ruby and diamond JAR ear pendants that once belonged to Ellen Barkin are on the block again as part of Christie's upcoming "Jewels: The New York Sale" on Oct. 20. (The earrings originally sold in its Ellen Barkin Collection sale four years ago as part of 17 JAR pieces that went on the block.) Gorgeous, right? The jewels were specially created for Barkin by the incomparable Joel Rosenthal of JAR and are comprised of an elongated oval-cut Imperial topaz stone surrounded by circular-cut diamonds and ruby clusters, with a diamond-set link. The pair has French assay and maker's marks and comes in a JAR pink leather fitted case. As for their lineage? Barkin wore them to a 2005 Vanity Fair Oscars party. FYI: at the original auction, these ear pendants sold for $710,400 (they were estimated to bring in $80,000); this time around they're estimated to go for $300,000 to $500,000. And that's being conservative.

Anna Kendrick recently walked the red carpet at the LA premiere of "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" wearing Kwiat vintage collection rose cut diamond drop earrings ($7,300) and the matching ring ($6,200). Such gorgeous pieces! I actually predicted that they would be a lot pricier than they are given their delicate craftsmanship. I only wish that Anna had her hair pulled back a little bit more so she could show off the earrings better!

To inquire about either of these Kwiat pieces call (212) 725-7777.

If you fancy yourself this 79 carat white gold Van Cleef & Arpels Couture Diamond Organdi Necklace, hurry up because there's only one that's currently for sale! It retails for $560,000 and if you're interested, it can be shipped to your nearest Van Cleef & Arpels for you to try on.

The Organdi is part of Van Cleef & Arpels' Couture collection which was inspired by fabric and fashion (think tassels and ribbons covered in precious stones). In keeping with the point of inspiration, this gorgeous statement piece was inspired by an organdy collar and uses hidden settings so that the scattered diamonds appear to float across your neckline when you wear it.

For more information call 1-877-VAN-CLEEF (826-2533).

What a stunner! This round diamond, 5.13 carat ring with baguettes set in platinum from Tiffany & Co. retails for a cool $1,100,000. It's new for 2010 and I saw it when I stopped by Tiffany's the other week. Let me tell you, you can see this ring sparkling from a mile away! Not that there's anything remotely shabby about a 5 carat rock, but when you add to the round diamond, the baguettes, the center stone appears even larger than its 5 carat size. When I saw this ring it was displayed next to the $7,000,000 necklace below (which I wrote about on Monday), and personally I think the ring outshines even the necklace!

Given that the prices on Cartier's jewelery keep going up, better buy now! I have my eye on the Double C Decor Ring. It's made from 18K gold and diamonds and retails for $3,400. I'm thinking about getting it as a much-delayed 25th birthday present, but I keep wavering on whether it looks too much like an engagement ring. It comes in a variety of iterations, but I keep going back to this one. I've had my eye on it forever! It's a classic that will only go up in value and I love the original shape.

What do you think about Cartier's Double C Decor Ring?

Last week, over bubbly, hors d'oeuvres, and music I previewed the new 2010 Tiffany & Co. collection at their 5th Avenue flagship (for those that don't know, Tiffany recently launched an awesome iPhone app and has an extensive e-commerce component on their website) .

Of course the blindingly sparkling $7 million necklace pictured below on the left with its 20-carat, internally flawless diamond surrounded by countless other diamonds caught my eye - how could it not?! You should have seen the group gathered to ogle it! But the piece I realllly want, is the fabulously quirky caterpillar brooch above. The $45,000 stunner is part of Tiffany's Blue Book Collection and comes out in the fall.

Aside from the brooch, everything in the Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co. Collection will stop you in your tracks. The Leaves Bracelet on the right below was designed with diamonds in 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold and is priced at $70,000). I'm a huge Gehry fan and if you're traveling this summer and are able to make a pit stop in Bilbao, I highly recommend checking-out the Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. You'll see a number of signature design elements that are reflected in his jewelry - notably a fish room that is perfectly reflected in this necklace!

The Charriol Celtic Noir Bracelet ($1,775) is a beautiful alternative to a classic diamond bangle. So gorgeous! I love the originality of diamonds set against an imposing black PVD band. The bracelet has what it takes to stand-out even when stacked or worn with a heavenly encrusted watch. The perfect balance of light and heavy!