Cocktail Rings

Of all the jewelry trends, oversized cocktail rings are the most versatile and classic. Cocktail rings look just as dazzling paired with nice jeans and a shirt as they do with a formal  gown. Even better, it’s a look anyone can pull it off – women from sixteen to sixty can slip on a cocktail ring and look completely age-appropriate and chic. With spring fashions just around the corner, some of the season’s most popular hues are showing up in the center stone of cocktail rings. Muted greens and blues evoke the spirit of Monet’s water lilies as fashion takes its cue from art. This trend was first spotted last spring, but will continue strongly for 2009. Whether you are looking for a fashion-forward ring to match your spring wardrobe or want a statement piece of jewelry that will last forever, we suggest checking out the three gorgeous rings below:

Sea-Foam Green Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring

This ethereal looking stone is actually a green amethyst. The muted blue-green color gives the ring an otherworldly elegance; it looks like it belongs atop the finger of a fairy princess. This hue is also one of Spring 09’s hottest runway colors, and pops beautifully against a tan. The green amethyst cocktail ring is a must-have for vintage lovers and fashionistas alike.

London Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring

If the brilliant blue color of this ring wasn’t enough, the show-stopping center stone weighs in at a whopping 4.7 carats. The size and presence of this cocktail ring are ideal for making a style statement. A simple sheath dress or long gown needs one or two special accessories to make it stand out and complete the outfit; a task that this cocktail ring was made for. Peacock hues and patterns are another big trend for 2009, which is why this ring is a perfect pick to complement a green, purple or blue ensemble. The diamond halo setting around the stone is a subtle nod to antique estate jewelry from the early 20th century. It’s a piece that you can wear in fashion now and save to pass down for future generations to enjoy.

Emerald Cut Peridot and Diamond Ring

Our final pick for spring cocktail rings is this emerald cut peridot gemstone ring set in 14k white gold. The center stone is the color of new spring grass, and would look beautiful worn with the lavender, pink and peach hues in spring’s color palette. The unique color is different enough to set your look apart from everyone else without overdoing it. It takes a bold woman to choose a beautiful green cocktail ring, though the color is surprisingly versatile and easy to wear.

This stylish cocktail ring is also available as a blue topaz cocktail ring and pink topaz cocktail ring.

Bling in the New Year

New Year’s Eve is a fun, festive holiday filled with sparkle and shine. From glittered hats and twinkling lights to party confetti and crystal décor, it’s impossible to ignore New Year’s inherent bling. Don’t try to fight it – embrace the sparkle and light up your own New Year’s ensemble with beautiful accessories. When choosing jewelry for a big night out, remember that it is a delicate balance between just right and overdone. Here are a few guidelines for putting on the ritz this New Year’s Eve:

Bring Out the Big Guns

For most women it’s a rare day when we get to doll ourselves up from head to toe. Take advantage of the fact that it is New Year’s – pull out your favorite fancy cocktail dress that you never get to wear, or use it as an excuse to buy a new fabulous ensemble. Once you have the perfect outfit, the real fun begins: it’s time to accessorize.

‘Tis not the season to hold back the bling; those who have it should flaunt it. Pull out your favorite and most fabulous pieces of jewelry. Pay special attention to items that can make an outfit like gorgeous dangle earrings, beautiful diamond bracelets, and sparkly cocktail rings. Any piece that is large or sparkly will do just the trick.

If you do not have any statement jewelry, consider investing in a few good pieces that you can keep and wear for decades. As long as the jewelry you buy is real gold, there is no reason that it can’t be worn for the rest of your life. Here are a few great options that would suit a New Year’s or other formal party perfectly:

• Round Diamond Dangle Earrings (above)

• White Gold and Diamond Twist Earrings (below)

• A Whopping 7 Carat Emerald Cut Pink Topaz Cocktail Ring (above)

Choose Wisely

Once you have your jewelry out, you have to make some tough decisions. It might be the season for bling, but it’s never appropriate to look gaudy. A good rule of thumb is to choose two pieces max. This means that if you are wearing a great pair of dangly earrings, skip the necklace and go for another piece of jewelry on your hand; a bracelet or cocktail ring would be a lovely compliment.

Generally, choose one piece of statement jewelry above the waist (earrings or a necklace) and one below (on the wrist or hand). Of course, if your jewelry is dainty or diminutive in size, it looks perfectly fine to wear earrings and a necklace. Big, sparkly pieces should definitely only be worn one at a time.

Now that you are perfectly accessorized in your best bling, enjoy looking like a million bucks while you ring in the New Year! Enjoy yourselves, be safe, and as always, be fabulous.

Return to Classic Jewelry

If the past five years have been a relentless search for the latest, hottest and trendiest in fashion and jewelry, this year marks a sensible return to the classics. With the sudden economic slowdown, loss of jobs, and fear of excessive spending, consumers are becoming discriminating jewelry buyers. Instead of spending recklessly on trend-fueled pieces buyers are combing through stores and etailers to find the best deals on beautiful classics for holiday gifts. Smartly so, since a classic piece of jewelry can be worn over a lifetime and passed down to future generations.

But which classic pieces make the best holiday gifts? Most jewelry aficionados would argue that there is a short list of classic must-have pieces to complete every well-accessorized woman’s wardrobe. Here is our list of classic necessities, which are practically perfect for holiday gifting at any price point:

Under $100 – Pearl Stud Earrings

At only $75, these pearl earrings make a simple statement of elegance and class. Every woman should own a pretty pair of pearls due to their timelessness and versatility. A pair of pearl studs look equally lovely on a teenager as they do on an 80 year old grandmother, and can be worn with jeans or a ballgown.

Under $200 – Pair of Gold Hoop Earrings

A quality pair of hoop earrings is an essential piece of everyday jewelry. Though trends may come and go, a pair of hoops looked just as great ten years ago as they will ten years in the future. Pick from yellow gold hoop earrings, white gold hoop earrings or our favorite, rose gold hoop earrings in 14k gold.

Or you can opt for diamond hoop earrings for under $500!

Under $500 – A Stunning Cocktail Ring

Big, sparkling cocktail rings have been popular since the 1920’s, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing. Our topaz and diamond white gold cocktail ring is currently discounted $200 below retail, making it quite the deal on such a substantial piece of jewelry. Also available in yellow gold, this gemstone ring boasts a 7.00 Carat Center Gemstone!

Around $1,000 – Diamond Tennis Bracelet

A diamond tennis bracelet is easily one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry. It’s beautiful without being too flashy, and, like the pearl earring, can be worn with sporty as well as formal attire. Our 1 carat tennis bracelet is discounted over $700 below standard retail. Saving money during the holidays has never looked so good!