Recently in Necklaces Category

Venessa Arizaga's love for travel is evident in her tchotchke-esque collection. The designer, who has previously worked for Tuleh, Carolina Herrera, and Zac Posen, started her handcrafted jewelry line three years ago and all of her bracelets and necklaces feature a mix of charms and chains. I love the contrast of the mixed media (slim silk threads interwoven with chunky metal chains for example), that the designer uses and it'd be hard to ignore anyone wearing one of her charm necklaces! I'm particularly drawn to the Night Shift Necklace ($250) - somewhat of a Frugal Snob Rodarte!

Just when I thought I was over the bib necklace trend! What do you think about this collection of necklaces?

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.

Pearls were a big part of Vera Wang's fall runway collection, and statement making pearl necklaces--such as this gorgeous confection--were the centerpieces. Simply put: this necklace is going to look hot come fall. Don't you just adore the pearls fashioned into bundles of flowers--all attached on a metal mesh base that's both cool and lightweight? It's sure to be a conversation starter, be it paired with a floral Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress or slick Jil Sander pantsuit. Just remember: this necklace is more than enough jewelry for any neckline. Keep the earrings and bracelets at home!

$795, available at Neiman Marcus

Just when I thought Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra collection was getting majorly overexposed--counterfeit versions are a dime a dozen in Manhattan--Blake Lively goes and makes me change my mind. She was spotted on the set of "Gossip Girl" not too long ago wearing the jeweler's turquoise and white gold butterfly pendant as she shot scenes for the upcoming season. I love the light hue of the turquoise butterfly--the "Lucky Alhambra"--combined with the 18K white gold. The best part? This lovely necklace is part of Van Cleef's permanent collection. Timeless--just how I like my jewelry.

$2,500, available at Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques

I've been to countless events these past few years, but last night may have been the best one I've ever been to! Hosted by Fenton/Fallon designer Dana Lorenz, the event took place in the designer's NYC boutique and all of us bloggers were invited to make our own piece of jewelry (with Dana's help!), while indulging in popcorn, cookies, and U'Luvka Vodka cocktails. Above you can see the DIY tables that were set-up and below is a picture of my creation (love how it looks with my Ports 1961 jacket and Rebecca Minkoff top!). A few people told me it was their fave, which totally made my night. Absolutely love it and will certainly be wearing it out tomorrow night when I go to Fleur de Lys in San Fran (am leaving tonight for California - have been dying to go to the Hubert Keller restaurant ever since he appeared on Top Chef Masters!).

The event also marked my first time in the Fenton/Fallon store. I've bought a few of the brand's pieces at Barneys Co-op and actually had no idea they had a boutique until I was invited to this event. It's definitely worth a trip. Not only is there an awesome selection of jewelery, Dana has curated a stunning selection of vintage clothing and shoes (new), which she merchandises with her bold jewelery. I was on such a high after the event I went home and bought three bracelets all of which, lucky for me, are on sale:-)

This is a runway look that easily translates to everyday wear. The dramatic bunches of irregularly strand pearls puts a much needed twist on your grandmother's single strand necklace. No round neckline dress or twin set necessary with this, get funky or be ladylike, either way you have an updated look that is still classic and pretty. At
Bergdorf Goodman for $650.

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).

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!

This Erica Weiner Perfume Locket Necklace ($125) is an awesome conversation starter. Based on the necklaces women in the 18th and 19th century wore to mask unpleasant aromas, the lockets come with five pieces of linen each of which you use to soak up a few drops of one of the two concentrated perfumes that the necklace come with. You then fold the linen, place it in the locket, and refresh it with perfume as the scent fades. Fun and handy idea - especially here in NYC:)