Recently in Pendant Category

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.

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. 

A few weeks ago I was introduced by a mutual friend to Bianca Pratt while out for a drink at Monkey Bar in NYC. Pratt is a super-chic young designer (and strikingly beautiful mother!), who designs these precious little unassuming pendants inspired by her Brazilian/Canadian heritage. Her pieces sell at Barneys and a few other exclusive outlets  and she will be introducing e-commerce to her site soon. I love the fatima charm (pictured above in the middle), which is also available accented with a small diamond (a number of the pieces incorporate white, cognac, and blue diamonds, as well as rubies and sapphires). The pendant necklaces start at about $500 and include everything from Brazilian saints and Figa, to cold coin and bear charms (all 14K Gold). I love how pocket size and delicate these are. Definitely a thoughtful Mother's Day gift!

In time Spring, De Beers is proud to add to their offering of exquisite jewelry with two special edition series featuring beautifully selected pink diamonds set within some of their most iconic designs.

Enchanted Lotus Pendant
De Beers pink and white diamonds set in rose and white gold. 0.39 total carat weight.
$3,200.00

Enchanted Lotus Ring
De Beers pink and white diamonds set in rose and white gold. 0.47 total carat weight.
*Only available in stores
$3,200.00

Enchanted Lotus Band Ring
De Beers pink and white diamonds set in rose and white gold. 1.14 total carat weight.
*Only available in stores
$10,000.00

Julia Roberts tops off a simple black YSL dress with a stunning vintage sautoir from Van Cleef & Arpels. As soon as I saw it, I was fascinated and knew that there was something special about it because it was pretty much her entire look. She wasn't going to go unnoticed in just a LDB! The scene stealing pendant is encrusted with 29 citrines and diamonds and is set in 18K gold. How much does it weigh though? She probably needed a massage the next day!

I am Chinese and I am a cheesy romantic who thinks Valentine's Day is sweet so this year being that Chinese New Years lands on February 14th, I have that much more to celebrate! And it is the year of the tiger, which for a Jewel Snob is a good thing because tiger designs are way cool (uh, better than like a chicken or rat). What a perfect gift for your sweetie (or to hint to your sweetie to buy for you) for this Valentine's Day. Also a great gift for babies born this year! If you are a tiger (born in years 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010), it would be wrong not to have one of these!! The tiger charm is 18k gold with diamonds, at Tiffany & Co. for $850. Chain sold separately. Tiffany & Co. is bringing their Paloma Picasso Roadshow to Beverly Hills from January 18th-22nd in honor of their 30 year partnership.

Garrard makes the royal jewels for the British Royal Family. And they do custom pieces, which means you can have yourself a royal tiara for the right price (I was told they make a lot of these for serious Jewel Snobs in Malaysia!). The history of Garrard is long and detailed but the one liner is - Queen Victoria made Garrard the Crown Jeweler in 1843 and they've kept the job since, for 6 successive monarchs. The most impressive piece is the Sovereign's Sceptre with the Cross, it was remade in 1910 to add the world's largest and finest diamond, the Cullinan I, weighing 530 carats. They are known for 2 main things, classic engagement rings and their wings. You may have seen these wings in other places but Garrard are the original and responsible for its popularity. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, two wings, single wings, with diamonds, gold, platinum. The Large Wing pendant (approx. 3 inches) with diamonds is $17,250; Mid-size Wing pendant is $6,600; Yellow gold w/out diamonds is $2,150. Chains are sold separately from $700 - $2400 depending on weight and length. For purchasing inquiries contact their only store in the US on 202 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 877 222 1735.

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.

Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Twilight -- honestly I'm a romantic comedy/drama kinda gal, so I can't even begin to keep track of all these sci-fi, vampire, wizard, who-knows-what films (especially since they all have like 10 parts to them!). That said, there's no denying that millions have fallen under the Twilight spell (I even saw an episode of Oprah where she interviewed the author of the series, which actually was pretty interesting. Before writing Twilight the stay-at-home mom had never written a single book/short story...nothing! The whole story came to her in a dream she says). In keeping with the vampire trend, Demitasse Jewelry has come-out with a Vampire Collection. I kinda love the ring of fangs, though I can't imagine wearing this myself (a bit too aggressive for my personality!). The line retails for $48-$115.

What do you think about vampire-inspired jewelry?

Tiffany's Blue Book Collection was why Holly Golightly went all batty. This is their most precious of jewels and I was able to preview this collection at their Rodeo Drive store. Trying not to faint was a serious feat. Everything was beyond, but these few pieces caught my eye and imagination (wouldn't it be fantastic to just sleep with these?). For those waiting for that proposal, you can keep your eye and heart out for this 6.19 carat brilliant diamond - flawless and colorless with a double border diamond setting that enhances already giant size of the center stone. A cool $1,475,000 for the lucky man who buys this for his lovely lady.

Tiffany brought back many pieces from legendary designer, Jean Schlumberger.  This flower Jardinet Diamond Bracelet in 18K gold is one of the exceptional pieces with amazingly intricate details, so gorgeous you can't believe your eyes!!  For $320,000.

These diamond earrings set in platinum are blingy and fabulous but the best part is that you can wear them every day.  Why invest in something that only gets to come out and play a couple of times a year?  Imagine these with jeans and a sweater.  Rock it out with a mini skirt and boots.  Anything you wear will surely benefit from these dazzlers.  The Pendulum Diamond Drop Earrings are $35,000, Swirl Diamond Drop Earrings are $35,000 and my favorite, the simple but stunning Teardrop Diamond Drop Earrings are $40,000.

What can be more Tiffany than a blue box with perfect ribbons?  How about an enormous Aquamarine with Diamond and Platinum Bow Brooch?  I don't know the exact weight but it was a good 1 1/2" tall.  Totally fun and shows you're true Tiffany fanatic!  For $100,000.  To purchase any of these, contact your closest Tiffany store.

Here are a few of the gorgeous pieces from Tiffany's new holiday collection.

The cocktail watch is inspired by the curves and inward stepping of a Venetian mirror frame and features a bezel with 98 round brilliant diamonds and a buckle with 23 diamonds in 18 karat white gold with a sleek black satin strap. I love delicate watches with just enough bling like this to make it double as a stunning piece of jewelry and a great timepiece. $12,600 at Tiffany & Co.

These are the latest additions to the key collection. I love the fairy tale nature of the entire key collection and these delicate and slightly smaller keys would look fantastic with their larger predecessors, or alone. From left is a diamond and black enamel frame key in 18k white gold, a diamond and blue enamel checkerboard key in 18k white gold and a diamond and blue and green enamel octagon key in 18k white gold. $2,250 each.

And finally, perhaps the piece de resistance, is this Victorian-inspired Bangle in black enamel with diamonds set in platinum. Available at Tiffany & Co. for $90,000.
Now who doesn't want a little blue box during the holidays?

Demistache by Rachael White - Georgina Necklace in Rose Gold
I am not a fan of mustaches overall - though once in a blue moon, I see one that somehow simply suits its owner. It's a rare occurrence, but it happens.

In the case of jewelry designer Rachael White's Demistache collection however, I could see these suiting just about anybody. I never imagined I'd see questionable facial hair transform into a delicate and pretty accessory. Serious credit is due here for creativity.

Intrigued by such a bizarre concept, I actually bothered to look up the history of the mustache and according to Wikipedia, (perhaps not the most reliable source, but I can be lazy), the oldest portrait showing a shaved man with a mustache dates back to 300 BC. I also discovered that the longest mustache ever belongs to Bajansinh Juwansinh Gurjar of India. In 2004, his measured 12 feet and 6 inches. It took him 22 years to achieve that record.

As described by the company, the Demistache pieces are "chic yet cheeky" and I feel that description is quite apt. No grooming required for these babies either.

Other famous mustaches include those belonging to Groucho Marx, Charlie Chaplin, Frank Zappa, Howard Hughes and Freddie Mercury - who was the source of inspiration behind one of the Demistache pieces, (below).

Demistache by Rachael White - Freddy Necklace in White Gold with Pave Diamonds
Ranging from $65 for select styles in sterling silver, to $1865 for select styles in either yellow, rose, white or oxidized gold with pave diamonds, the entire collection can be seen online.

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.