Recently in Earrings 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.

This has the same effect and look of chandelier earrings with the current trend of shells and yellow gold. One layer has round diamonds for some added pop. Each shell is naturally curved making it interesting and original. If you're wondering why the price is such, these are good size earrings hanging at nearly 3.5 inches so be prepared for maximum impact and glitz. Exclusively at Brown's Fashion for $8414.

To do a collaborative collection for collaboration's sake is just plain dumb. So you can imagine my fascination when H.Stern announced it had designed a collection of jewels inspired by and honoring architect Oscar Niemeyer. Now 102 years old, Niemeyer, a native of Brazil--which also happens to be where the H.Stern brand hails from is best known for his fascination with curves. What's even more special, the collection of jewelry is based on his own sketches. They include a jewel designed by Niemeyer in a silk-screen print from the 1980s, and various others inspired by the female form, which he recorded in different designs. When I first saw the collection, I fell in love with Niemeyer's ability to seemingly bend straight lines, "transforming curves into a natural solution for his creations." H.Stern has gone and done the same with gold and diamonds. Rings, bracelets and earrings, meanwhile, emphasize simple lines, interspersed by empty spaces.

The H.Stern Collection by Oscar Niemeyer includes jewelry in gold and diamonds, divided into eight different lines and baptized with the names of designs, works and some famous projects. The sub-collections, with names like "Favorite Woman," "Pampulha," "Brasilia" and "Curves," convey the simplicity of the outlines: loose, free and flowing.

Available at H.Stern boutiques nationwide, 1-800-7HSTERN, www.hstern.net

I discovered Dara Ettinger's gemstone jewelry when a friend from Los Angeles gifted me one of the designer's beautiful rings on one of his recent visits to NYC. There's a raw, bohemian quality to the LA-based designer's work that makes it impossible for you to wear anything from her collection without drawing attention (the good kind, of course!). 

Ettinger graduated from the Parsons School of Design and worked in apparel design at Polo Ralph Lauren, Cynthia Steffe, and Michael Kors before starting her jewelry line. She only works with natural, raw, semi-precious, and precious stones and luxurious metals and her materials come from all over the world.

Most of Ettinger's pieces retail for between $100 and $450. For more information call 310.474.3272 or email info@daraettinger.com.

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.

Few jewelry designers have exploded the way Alexis Bittar has. CFDA Awards, multiple store openings, a slew of A-list designer collaboration, and the list goes on and on. Luckily the attention the young designer has been getting is all very well deserved! The New Yorker is a unique talent and he has a vast collection of affordable, versatile finds. I love the Crystal Encrusted Golden Earrings pictured above. I just got them at the Madison Ave store in NYC in rose gold.  Marked down to only $90 ($115 in Alexis Bittar boutiques), the cupped earrings' concave form with hammered texture and Swarovski crystals make them attention grabbing without being ostentatious. They're a bit heavy though and to give you an idea of the size, about 1/3 of the earring hangs below the lobe. I'm wearing them at the moment with a white tee and stacked gold chain necklaces:-)

The Olsen twins are a big fans of this line (rings and cuff pictured above)

Hoorsenbuhs is responsible for some of the most beautiful rings and cuffs I've seen hit the red carpet in a long while. Individually the pieces are nice, but stacked and layered they're even better (sometimes more really is more!). While you can buy their signature Tri-Link rings, bracelets, and earrings at high-end retailers like Barneys New York, about half the business the line -- designed and owned by Robert Keith -- does is via their bespoke business. Male and female celebs like Rosario Dawson, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Rihanna, Dave Navarro, Snoop Dogg, and many others have worn Keith's designs. I'm completely lusting for the Phantom ring and cuff  (pictured above and below), covered in diamonds - total swoon!

Call 888.692.2997 or email kether@hoorsenbuhs.com if you're interested in a bespoke piece.

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:)

As a born and raised New Yorker I'm always into supporting local talent, so I was exciting when I found out about the line, Fancy Sexy Me, from a guest at an event recently. First off the name is genius! I would love for someone to ask me "where's your necklace from?" and for me to be able to answer "Fancy Sexy Me" - It's like an unintentional positive affirmation! The line is designed by Ronnie Aminov and Cynthia Catera and everything is hand-made in Williamsburg and in Manhattan. I'm particularly drawn to their gold pendant necklaces which range in price from about $40 to $70.