Recently in Moonstone Category

Temple St. Clair is known for exquisite designs that are understated and classic. There are those who appreciate fine jewelery but are modest about the amount of bling. She calls her designs "restrained", I call it fabulous! These pieces from her current collection shows her range and background of art and architecture.

The Tolomeo Pendant with blue sapphire and diamonds is very architectural with an element of engineering feat that is eye catching. I love sapphire and the monochromatic simplicity of this piece because there is already so much going on, but there is also a version with multiple colored stones. For $25,000 (chain sold separately - 18K Classic Extra-Small Oval Link Chain, 18", $1,350).

I love pieces that are versatile and impactful.  The Graduated Necklace with Mango Green Moonstone and Diamonds is exquisite and elegant for formal affairs but this can easily be worn with a simple cocktail dress or even a nice luncheon.  for $85,000.

These Cluster Drop Earrings with Morganite, Diamonds and Green Beryl are gorgeous and of course curbs your pink diamond craving, or at least mine =)  For most, giant pink diamonds are not a reality but that does not mean we can't get the look of our favorite color!  For $15,000.

Cocktail rings are my thing.  I like to keep things simple and have one point of focus and this clearly fits the bill.  This Cluster Ring with Precious Topaz and Rosecut Diamonds is showy but in a modest, "restrained" way.  Yes, I am a sucker for anything pink but this isn't girly in any way, the setting is absolutely sophisticated.  For $62,500.  Available at Temple St. Clair, although not all the pieces shown here are on the website.  Contact their sales department at 800 590 7985 or 212 219 8664.

I am buying jewelry for all my girlfriends and nieces this year (hope they are not reading this).  Everyone needs more accessories and who doesn't love opening up a box of bling?  Even if it isn't fine jewelry bling, it can still be fabulous.  And best of all, they're a perfect fit for everyone on your list!!  I have found exceptional Frugal Snob pieces this year and I am sure you will agree, you might even be surprised where I am finding some of it!!

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.

Crystal Thornbush Necklace

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.

J. Crew Salon Bracelet

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.

Maje Leaf Pendant Necklace

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.

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*