Recently in Rings Category

Guest blog by Julia DiNardo -- the founder/editor of Fashion Pulse
We noticed that the Fall 2009 runways were rife with over-the-top, oversized necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Necklaces, in the form of layered chokers and bib styles were most popular, yet other forms of jewelry held their ground.  We particularly loved the jewelry from Elie Saab (necklaces), Andrew Gn (earrings), Camilla Staerk (broach), Reem Acra (necklaces), Blumarine (bracelets), Vera Wang (necklaces), Christian Siriano (earrings), and Oscar de la Renta (necklaces).

Especially prevalent on the runways were the stunning designs by Subversive Jewelry, seen at the Rachel Roy. J.Mendel, and Trovata shows.  To truly appreciate these stand-out pieces, consider how effortless they make getting dressed, adding style to the most basic of basics! Just think of how the perfect necklace can spice-up an oh so classic, yet oh so boring white oxford button-up!   We've picked some really fabulous budget-friendly options to help you get the oversized, statement jewelry look. Let's start with the bracelets: our favorite options were bulky, angular, and without a ton of ornamentation, such as the Tux Bracelet by Nicole Romano, $120, both at Vivre.com.

Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring by Cindy Chao $40,000. Snob readers receive a discount price of $35,000. Email the showroom to inquire!

If you've been reading the Snob sites for a while, you'll remember our now defunct site Jewel Snob (we've incorporated jewelry into Couture Snob because frankly, there are not enough hours in our day for another blog!) I featured jewelry designer Cindy Chao a year and half ago on the site and wanted to re-introduce her to all of you. Since we last heard from her, she has designed a million dollar diamond fan for deBeers (featured in Hong Kong Bazaar) that is now on a global tour in addition to growing her atelier and reputation as a world class Jewel Artist.  I can not think of a more appropriate name for her!  The FIT graduate has captured the hearts of her clients throughout the world with her ethereal designs (myself included-- I just got my first piece of Cindy Chao jewel art!) since leaving the Big Apple and shows no sign of slowing down.  Jump for more photos but a quick warning, you will want everything you see!  Email Cindy's showroom for info here.

Rebecca Taylor's sexy, kittenish clothing has inspired legions of loyal customers to indulge their feminine wiles. In Spring 2009 Rebecca Taylor will launch accessory lines including shoes and jewelry. Rebecca's vision is to complete the "RT Girl" by accessorizing her from head to toe in playful, downtown chic shoes and fanciful layered jewelry at an accessible price point. Designs for the accessory divisions are inspired by European flea markets and the free spirited traveler. The collections are both stylish yet wearable, seamlessly transitioning from day to evening.

Check out the Spring line at Rebecca Taylor boutique on Mott Street in NYC or call 212-966-0406!

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it and if you are still looking for a fabulous gift to treat yourself or to treat your snobby Valentine, House of Kahn Estate Jewelers has amazing one of a kind jewels at huge discounts right now!  I am obsessed with the House of Kahn-- based in Chicago and Palm Beach, the internationally known jeweler has been collecting fine estate jewels from royalty and socialites since the '50s. The diamond bow cuff bracelet (36 carats of diamonds in platinum!) below left is my absolute favorite and by far the best value!   

The earrings on the left are also fabulous; a unique diamond garland-style with approximately 4.50 carats of fine white diamonds set in 14 karat white gold. The lovely owner of House of Kahn, Tobina Kahn, is pricing these one of a kind earrings at $15,000. In a store, they would retail for about $40,000. Hello! That's like 63% off! So call your sweet hubby or whoever else is in charge of fulfilling your diamond needs now! Call Tobina at 312-943-9937 for more details and check out her online boutique here. (Jump for more fabulous jewels!)

Left: Pendant fringe diamond necklace with approximately 8.70 carats of diamonds. Set in 18 karat white gold. This retails for $31,000, sale price is $20,000.
Right: Spectacular diamond bow bracelet- Retail at $50,000, Sale price $30,000. The carat weight is 36.00 of diamonds, set in platinum

Nicole Richie adds jewelry designer to her current resume as tabloid fodder and Paris Hilton's best friend. The new jewelry line is inspired by her daughter, Harlow, who's name was inspired by iconic Hollywood icon, Jean. I have to hand it to Nicole for being way smarter than any other skinny famous for nothing girl. Why sell other people's stuff in US magazine when you can wear your own designs and promote yourself? Check out her goodies at www.singer22.com Prices range from $32-$170. None of it is exciting enough to make me whip out my wallet but for a first attempt-- not bad. The black resin necklace is interesting and the black/gold leather bangle is simple and cute. What do you think? Snob or Slob?

Other than covering up a cast for a broken finger I can't think of any other uses for these hideous rings. I mean how do you even bend that finger? Or do you keep it straight the entire time? When you eat do you wear it on the side that does not require cutting? Ugh, I can't stand fashion that impedes on one's lifestyle. And a warning when using the restroom, I'd hate for you to hurt yourself when doing your business! The one plus to this ring is if you want to flip off an ex or frenemy you could blame it on fashion. What do you guys think of the Full Finger Ring (I feel dirty just writing it!)? Snob or Slob?

Photo:inStyle

I don't think there is any channel I watch on a regular basis these days besides Bravo! Does anyone else watch Tim Gunn's Guide to Style to try and make-up for the lack of Project Runway? He has featured Carelle on his show (an Anna Hathaway fave!). Their jewlery line is full of splurge-worthy finds and I absolutely love Carelle's Lollipop Stacked Bracelet ($2700 - $3200, depending on whether it's just with diamonds or with gemstones as well)! And I know its been months since the show aired, but does anyone remember Rachel Zoe and her fabulous Cartier Panther Ring?? On a side note, because I love this piece so much I remember Celine Dion wearing the ring last year when she was on The Ellen DeGeneres Show -- check-out this clip of her talking about it:)

I've been a Natalie Portman fan ever since I saw her in Anne Frank on Broadway about a million years ago. She's such a talent, but also has wonderful taste. Case in point these fab Kwiat earrings she wearing! They're very similar to the Kwiat Legacy earrings pictured next to her picture which are made of 21.10ct diamond set in 18K white gold and retail for $80,000-- who doesn't love these?! Of course Kwiat has a huge celeb following including Mary-Louise Parker, Jennifer Hudson, and Halle Berry! I'm not sure if any celebs have worn the Kwiat Legacy Collection diamond ring pictured below, but I'm obssessed with it -- it's 11.86 carats set in platinum and retails for $60,000 -- goooorgeous!!

For some more drool-worthy finds check-out the Kwiat website!

I am not a huge bling kind of girl but when something as amazing and unique as this comes along, even I can't help but swoon. It's not like I walk in to Van Cleef & Arpels on a regular basis so it must be destiny that I did on this occasion and happened upon thing ring that must be mine. It will be mine! It's always nice to have a goal in sight to keep me motivated =) This lotus flower design has vines that wraps around to a second ring. As you can see from this picture, you can wear it separated on two different fingers or you can close the two rings for one spectacularly brilliant single finger. It is best to wear the the two in the ring and pinky finger so that you can see the wrap around design on the outside of the pinky finger. I have never seen anything like this. It is slightly uncomfortable but trust me, the exquisiteness immeasurably outweighs the slight discomfort. Because of the design, the rings cannot be resized so you must order it in your size and they don't make very many of these. The one I saw was not my size so I would need to wait months to get one. The total weight of the G and H color diamonds is 2.38 carats. $24,300 at Van Cleef & Arpels.

I took a break from blogging last week to view Gilan jewels from Istanbul. The collection is worthy of a Queen-- actually, it was initially created for royalty! Gilan's design inspirations are reflective of the tastes of the Ottoman court and are a historic link to the city's cultural and artistic past. In 15th century Istanbul, the Sultan's court attracted the empire's most talented artisans. Through a system of apprenticeship, generations of craftsmen were taught distinctive techniques created by these master jewelers experimenting with forms, materials and processes. Hundreds of imperial artistic societies were administered at the Topkapý Palace. These "communities of the talented" grouped artists both from the Eastern world and recently conquered territories in Europe resulting in a blend of Oriental, Turkish and European culture that today inspire Gilan's workmanship.

Let's forget for a minute that everyone is depressed and on a budget, my job is to entertain you and offer a quick respite from the pile of work on your desk, right? So go on, indulge your eyes on these amazing jewels.  The ring on the right is made of a giant 12.5 carat rose cut diamond, the color is very clear and the stone is amazing.  Rose cut diamonds are not graded as traditional diamonds so don't bother asking about the 4 C's.  In this case, it's all about the design.  I love the look of old jewelry, it's subtle and has an aura of old world chic that shiny new bling can not match. (jump for more!)

Prices furnished upon request. Call Gilan 212-949-4350