• Michelle Obama glows at the administration’s first state dinner in dramatic Bochic amber, tourmaline and rose-cut diamond earrings and an arm-full of bangles.
• Jewelry justice: Circa buys Madoff bracelet for $50,000 to sell it to benefit a Madoff-cheated charity.
• Jewelry finally is recognized as couture, at least in Paris, where designs by Boucheron, Cartier, Chanel, Chaumet, Christian Dior, and Van Cleef & Arpels will be featured during Paris Haute Couture Week in January.
• Articles about composite ruby continue, following the report on ABC News. This Antoinette Matlins press release is one of the main sources for the reporters.
• Apparently some people find the Jared female-GPS-voice-wants-diamonds commercial just a tad sexist. (I was thinking it’s so 2007: aren’t GPS devices obsolete?) Also, does the guy in Kay’s new Love’s Embrace commercial remind you of a stalker? Or the Love’s Embrace necklace design suggest handcuffs?
• Shocking news about Amy Winehouse: her enagagement ring from her first (and now it seems soon to be second) husband is a demure Tiffany solitaire. (Imagine. Marrying Amy Winehouse. Twice.)
• Black Friday sticker shock? The Christian Science Monitor says the wise men would have to skip the gold at today’s prices.
• True, alternative jewelry materials may be in vogue but jewelry with reindeer dung covered in glitter is taking it a bit too far, don’t you think?

Rings by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt for Asprey

Sinuous and stylish, snakes have always inspired jewelry designers. Gold snake bracelets and rings  at The Metropolitan Museum of Art that were the hot look in 300 BC would be just as fashionable today.

But 2010 may go down in jewelry history as the year of the snake thanks to the new “Protection” collection of snake jewelry designed by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt for Asprey. (Asprey says the designs were inspired by Angelina’s reflection on the snake as an “iconic guardian, a cultural symbol of family protection.”)  The new collection benefits a good cause too: the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.

Jolie isn’t the only star wearing snakes on the red carpet lately. Shakira also donned snake earrings at the recent American Music Awards. Emily Blunt has been seen recently in a snake bracelet. Everywhere you look, gold and silver serpents spiral around wrists and fingers.

So with so many snake designs, how does the jewelry by the world’s hottest couple stack up? Judge for yourself by ranking the serpentine styles in our very own design Snakedown!

Shakira in snake-inspired diamond earrings

Zorab ruby and black diamond ring

Le Vian diamond and blue sapphire bracelet

Stephen Webster Queen Cobra ring in blackened sterling and sugilite

Erica Courtney platinum and diamond earrings

Lena Sklyut 18k gold and garnet ring

ZDNY fancy colored diamond ring

Sarah Jannerbo bracelet in 18k gold with rubies

Tracey Mayer Viper cuff in sterling silver

Bella's Engagement Ring designed by Shelli Ashton and Stephenie Meyer

Is there a celebrity left who doesn’t have a jewelry line? Announced this week:

• Infinite Jewelry, a small company in Utah, has an officially licensed Twilight jewelry collection designed with Stephanie Meyer, including Bella’s engagement ring, above.
• Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt design a fine jewelry collection for Asprey. They have a thing for snakes, apparently.
• Iman launches “Global Chic,” a costume jewelry line for HSN.
• Alicia Key’s new jewelry line creates beautiful ice crystals with words? (via Coutorture.)
• Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney Kardashian launch a new jewelry collection in February with Virgin Saints & Angels.  (Does that qualify as celebrity jewelry?)
• Lindsey Lohan is apparently no Heidi Klum: she’s not launching a new jewelry line with Mouawad, Pascal says.

Other News in Jewelry:

• This just in: a research paper from Human Nature reported in Psychology Today finds that the amount spent on the engagement ring is correlated to income and the “quality” of the mate.
• Devon Fine Jewelry is leaving $25,000 in jewelry in bags around New Jersey. (It’s an anniversary celebration, not a beautification project.)  The giveaway is getting lots of press.
• A guy’s guide with ten rules for saving money on the engagement diamond.  (Pretty good advice from groom site The Plunge, thanks to Amy Curran, jewelry buyer extraordinaire.)
• The top mistake men make when buying an engagement ring? Band wedding band fit. (via Rose Diamond’s Blog) (Also qualifies as top wedding band mistake?)
• Dog eats engagement ring. After they recovered the ring, they showed the x-ray at the rehearsal dinner, made pup the “honorary ring bearer.”
• Jewelry set with human teeth? If that’s what the tooth fairy was up to, she can have her quarters back.

 

Christina Ricci in diamond chandelier earrings

Fashion keeps trying to drive a stake through the trend, but the dramatic tiered dangle earrings known as chandeliers return every night at sunset. Although officially replaced as the “it” accessory by the statement necklace, chandeliers are still a celebrity staple. That’s because stars dressing for the red carpet know these sexy earring styles flatter them most.

Although in the past, chandeliers were often worn with the hair down, the choice today is most often a loose updo. They are the perfect foil for a strapless dress and even work with styles with shine, sequins or beaded embroidery. 

The latest chandelier styles incorporate pear-shaped, often colorful, gemstones. But, as Christina Ricci proves above, diamonds are dazzling too.

Evan Rachel Wood in chandelier earrings

Emily Blunt in chandelier earrings

Emmy Rossum in a nature-inspired style

• The statement necklace is shaping up to be the look of the holiday season (via Stylecaster and Pennlive)
• Ready-to-wear designers Thakoon, Alice+Olivia, and Milly have announced new jewelry collections (via FabSugar). Obama favorite Thakoon is teaming up with Japanese jewelry giant Tasaki, so we might see some cool pearls on the first lady!
• Hot designer Solange Azagury-Partridge, featured in the new Sex & the City movie, also has a new short film starring Thandie Newton(and some jewels, of course). (via Elle News Blog). Check out the cool earrings, a great example of the faceted metal trend.
• How much jewelry is too much? Carrie Ann Inaba now knows. (via Firstwater News)
• Million-dollar diamond and platinum shoes by two American companies, Kwiat and Stuart Weitzman, are featured on a stamp. In Spain. ¿Qué?
• Joyería shines at the Latin Grammys (via JewelryInsider)

Engaging Stories

• Kelly Osborne’s second engagement ring from fiance Luke Worrall is a heart-shaped diamond (via Meotive). Multiple engagement rings? That’s a trend that brides, and their jewelers, would love!
• If real (and I have my doubts), Tara Reid’s huge pink engagement ring is also a trend that jewelers and brides could agree on. But E! Online thinks it’s tacky.
• All over America, couples are dashing for diamonds. Scavenger hunts for $12,000 rings by Sites Jewelers in Clarksville, TN, and Josephs Jewelers in Des Moines, IA.
• Proposal gone wrong: man drops one-carat engagement ring from hot air balloon. (There is a happy ending. She said yes and put a twistie-tie on her finger. They found the ring.)
• Battlestar Galactica inspired cylon rings.  What the frak! (via Technabob)

Baroque pearl necklace by Katy Briscoe with carved sapphires and diamonds

The Spectrum Award competition featured a lot of great designs this year.  The winning designs are breathtaking, to be sure. But every year I see a lot of wonderful designs that didn’t win.  This year, among all the great colorful gemstone designs there were a lot of spectacular pearl pieces. Baroque shapes, amazing rare colors, and spectacularly large pearls were featured in very creative ways. These styles really demonstrate the amazing variety of pearls available today.

Carved bone, 18k rose gold, and South Sea pearl pin by Katey Brunini

Octopus necklace with fancy color diamonds and South Sea pearls by Victor Velyan

Gems accent pearls in pendants by Angela Conty, left, and Llyn L. Strelau

Flower brooch with keshi pearls, peridot, sapphires, and diamonds by Rex McClure

Dragonfly brooch with freshwater, oyster, and abalone pearls by Jennifer Rabe Morin

Colorful pearls in earrings by Graham Edney, left, and Samuel Getz

Freshwater pearl, 18k gold and bakelite cuff by Susan Sadler

• Gotcha segment on glass-filled rubies on Good Morning America with jewelry sales clerks who didn’t disclose.
• World Series players put some faith in titanium necklaces (don’t call them chokers!) Major League Baseball approves. (via Philly.com)
• Trick or treater in Ohio gets the treat of a lifetime. (via ABC15)
• Once in a lifetime glimpse at a 2.52 carat green diamond at Sotheby’s this November 17 (via Color-n-Ice )
• Michele Obama gets Glamour-ous in a statement necklace by Fenton by Dana Lorenz (via Jewelry Insider)
• Ashley Olsen always has time for jewelry (via Gem Gossip)
• Honora partners with Bare Escentuals to match pearls for your skin (via The Honora Blog)
• Interview with NYC jewelry designer Shawn Warren (via iDazzle)
• November’s birthstone: drop earrings in Citrine (via The Jewelry Blog)
• Interview with HBO’s True Blood jewelry designer Udi Behr (via Luxist)
• Signs of life for shopping? October was the best month for retail since this whole mess started. Jewelry sales were up 7.2% (via New York Times)

Get started on your holiday shopping: 

• Wendy Brandes Jewelry pop-up shop November 20 – 21 (via Wendy Brandes Jewelry Blog)
• New Alicia Keys jewelry collection preview at Collette Blanchard Gallery in New York November 23-24 (via Coco Perez)
• This week’s designer jewelry sample sales (via Jewelry Whore)

Trends in this year’s Spectrum competition include flower rings, more use of classic gems, in particular emerald, cabochon cuts, green gems, and blackened metals.

2010 Spectrum Awards Winners List

Best of Show (tie) and 1st place Evening Wear: James Currens, J.W. Currens, New York for the “Empress” ring featuring a 15.58 carat pear-shaped moonstone accented with color-change garnets, moonstones, and diamonds in platinum and silver.

Best of Show (tie) and 3rd place Evening Wear: James Currens, J.W. Currens, New York for “The Quiet Moment” brooch featuring 66.15 carats of emeralds accented with rose-cut and fancy-color diamonds in 18k gold, platinum and silver.

Best Use of Color and 1st place Classical: Lilly Fitzgerald, Lilly Fitzgerald/Goldsmith, Spencer, MA, for a multi-color sapphire necklace set in 22k gold.

Best Use of Platinum and Color: Tracy Janule, Custom Jewelry and Wax Creations, Gilbert, Arizona, for aquamarine and peridot ring in platinum.

Best Use of Pearls: Graham Edney, Graham Edney, Santa Barbara, CA, for freshwater pearl and fancy-color diamond earrings in platinum.

Fashion Forward: Victor Velyan, Victor Velyan, Los Angeles, CA, for a star ruby and fancy-color diamond cuff bracelet in 24k gold and silver with a brown patina.

Bridal Wear

Bridal Wear, 1st place: Maria Canale, Suna Brothers, New York, for pink topaz and diamond earrings in 18k gold.

Bridal Wear, 2nd place: Samuel Getz, Samuel Getz Designs, Miami, for mint-green grossular garnet and diamond ring in 18k gold.

Bridal Wear, 3rd place: Evelyn Clothier, Evelyn Clothier Jewelry, New York, for white agate and pink diamond earrings in 18k rose gold.

Bridal Wear, Honorable Mention: Richard Krementz Gemstones, Springfield, NJ, for peridot and diamond pendant in platinum and 18k gold.

Bridal Wear, Manufacturing Honors: Ryan Roberts, Ryan Roberts Ltd, Chimayo, NM,  for violet spinel and diamond ring in platinum.

Bridal Wear, Platinum Honors: Evelyn Clothier, New York, for moonstone and diamond earrings in platinum.

Business/Day Wear

Business/Day Wear, 1st place: Ariane Zurcher, Ariane Zurcher Designs, Long Island City, NY for a 18k gold bracelet set with cabochon pink topaz, mandarin garnet,  paraiba tourmaline, tourmaline, aquamarine, and pink sapphire.

Business/Day Wear, 2nd place: Ashleigh Branstetter, Ashleigh Branstetter, New Orleans, chalcedony and diamond slice earrings in 18k gold.

Business/Day Wear, 3rd place: Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry, Oakland, CA, green tourmaline and diamond ring in 22k gold.

Business/Day Wear, Honorable mention: Susan Sadler, Susan Sadlet Fine Jewelry, Tulsa, OK, Sonnoran Sunrise and vintage bakelite bracelet with 18k gold and diamonds.

Business/Day Wear, Manufacturing Honors: Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry, Oakland, CA, rainbow moonstone ring in 18k rose gold.

Business/Day Wear, Platinum Honors: James Currens, J.W. Currens, New York for “Orbit” pink spinel and orange spessartite garnet ring in platinum.

Classical

Classical, Best Use of Color and 1st place: Lilly Fitzgerald, Lilly Fitzgerald/Goldsmith, Spencer, MA, for a multi-color sapphire necklace set in 22k gold.

Classical, 2nd place: Leon Mege, Leon Mege, New York for Paraiba tourmaline ring in platinum and blackened silver.

Classical, 3rd place: James Currens, J.W. Currens, New York for a Platinum bracelet featuring natural Rubies (19.88 ctw.) and Diamonds (12.78 ctw.).

Classical, Honorable Mention: Lilly Fitzgerald, Lilly Fitzgerald 1 Goldsmith, Spencer, MA, 22K yellow gold hand-carved necklace featuring a Tanzanite cabochon.

Classical, Honorable Mention: Lilly Fitzgerald, Lilly Fitzgerald 1 Goldsmith, Spencer, MA, 22K yellow gold hand-carved necklace featuring a Tanzanite cabochon.

Classical, Manufacturing Honors: Ashok Sancheti, Designs by Ashok Sancheti dba Pioneer Gems, New York, NY, Natural blue Agate bangle featuring platinum and white Diamonds (1 8.73 ctw.).

Classical, Platinum Honors: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC, New York, NY, Platinum ring featuring a 10.78 ct. cornflower blue cushion-cut natural Sapphire accented with Diamonds (1.29 ctw.).

Evening Wear

Evening Wear, Best of Show and 1st Place: James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc., New York, NY, Platinum and silver “Empress” ring featuring a 15.58 pear-shaped Moonstone accented with color-change Garnets (19.36 ctw.), oval Moonstones (6.40 ctw.) and Diamonds (2.46 ctw.).

Evening Wear, 2nd Place: Evelyn Clothier, Evelyn Clothier Jewelry, New York, NY, Platinum and 18K yellow gold butterfly brooch featuring sliced Diamonds (20.17 ctw.) and pink, yellow and white Diamonds (15.93 ctw.).

Evening Wear, Best of Show and 3rd Place: James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc., New York, NY, “The Quiet Moment1′ brooch featuring oval Emeralds (66.1 5 ctw.) set in 18K white gold, silver and platinum accented with white and multi-colored Diamonds (17.05 ctw.).

Evening Wear, Honorable Mention and Best Use of Pearls: Graham Edney, Graham Edney, Santa Barbara, CA, Platinum earrings featuring freshwater Pearls and white, pink and yellow Diamonds (1.50 ctw.).

Evening Wear, Manufacturing Honors: Yael Designs, San Francisco, CA, 18K white gold “Lava” earrings featuring black Diamonds (1.43 ctw.) and white Diamonds (2.77 ctw.).

Evening Wear, Platinum Honors: Ashok Sancheti, Designs by AshokSancheti dba Pioneer Gems, New York, NY, Platinum earrings featuring Morganite dbps (81.15 ctw.) accented with Zircons (6.66 ctw.), Spinels (1.50 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.65 ctw.).

Men’s Wear

Men’s Wear, 1st Place: Jack Bigio, Basser & Bigio, LLC, New York, NY, Platinum cufflinks featuring Sapphire slices and Diamonds (1.0 ctw.) attached to a platinum mechanism.

Men’s Wear, Platinum Honors: Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design, Long Beach, CA, Platinum ring featuring a 13.81 ct. spessartite Garnet, yellow Diamonds (1.58 ctw.) and Diamonds (0.62 ctw.).

Men’s Wear, 2nd Place: lvan Sagel, lvan Sagel, Chicago, IL, 18K white and yellow gold ring featuring a 4.07 ct. millenium-cut blue Tourmaline.

Men’s Wear, 3rd Place: Link Wachler, Link Wachler Designs, Troy, MI, 18K yellow gold ring featuring a Baroque Pearl, a mother of Pearl “eye patch,” a 3mm cultured Pearl and a .02 ct. Ruby.

Men’s Wear, Manufacturing Honors: Ashleigh Branstetter, Ashleigh Branstetter, LLC, New Orleans, LA, Platinum cufflinks featuring London blue Topaz cabochons (39.89 ctw.) and pave Diamonds (1.57 ctw.).

Cutting Edge Awards

Classic Gemstones
A1 – Open Category Classic Gemstone, 1st Place: Robert Kane, Fine Gems International, Helena, MT, 4.53 ct. cushion-cut natural pink Sapphire.

A1 – Open Category Classic Gemstone, 2nd Place: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems, Los Angeles, CA, 33..16c t. emerald-cut blue Sapphire.

A1 – Open Category Classic Gemstone, 3rd Place: Ruben Bindra, B & B Fine Gems, Los Angeles, CA, 13.1 1 ct. cushion-cut orange Sapphire.

A1 – Open Category Classic Gemstone, Honorable Mention: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co., San Francisco, CA, 30.07 ct. natural cushion-cut yellow Sapphire.

Other Gemstones
A2 – Open Category All Other Faceted, 1st Place: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman & Co., San Francisco, CA, 10.78 ct. natural heart-shaped red Spinel.

A2 – Open Category All Other Faceted, 2nd Place: Ben Kho, Kho International, Ltd., Decatur, GA, 19. I 1 ct. trilliant-cut Sphalerite.

A2 – Open Category All Other Faceted, 3rd Place: Clay Zava, Zava Mastercuts, Carrboro, NC, 31.94 ct. “tricheck”-cut Tanzanite.

A2 – Open Category All Other Faceted, Honorable Mention: Ben Kho, Kho International, Ltd., Decatur, GA, 11.48 ct. antique cushion-cut Rhodochrosite.

A2 – Open Category All Other Faceted, Honorable Mention: Joseph Ambalu, Amba Gem Corp, New York, NY, 16.88 ct. cushion-cut Paraiba Tourmaline.

Phenomenal Gemstones
A3 – Open Category Phenomenal, 1st Place: Larry Woods, Jewels From the Woods, Blanco, TX, “Celestial Compass” 5.13 ct. color-change Garnet.

Objects of Art
F – Objects of Art, 1st Place: Tigran Lementsyan, Andrew Sarosi, Los Angeles, CA, 18K yellow ‘Wheat Shaft” accented with seed Pearls and round white Diamonds (.66 ctw.).

F – Objects of Art, 2nd Place: Gregore Morin, Gregore Joailliers, Santa Barbara, CA, “Swiss Connection” brooch featuring white Opals (84 ctw.), brown Opals (12.72 ctw.) and Diamonds (.48 ctw.).

Spectrum Best of Show: Emerald and diamond brooch by James Currens

I just returned from the editor’s preview of the 2010 AGTA Spectrum Awards, the annual design competition honoring the best in colored gemstone and pearl designs. Spectrum is organized by the American Gem Trade Association, the not-for-profit trade association for the gemstone industry.

I love the Spectrum competition because AGTA invited the media to see all the pieces that are in competition, not just the winners.  Every year I discover a few not-to-be-missed styles that didn’t win.

This year’s collection was particularly dazzling due to the quality of the gems in the pieces. It was also notable for the amazing display of work by one single designer, James Currens, who had two pieces that tied for Best of Show: a platinum and silver ring featuring a 15.58 pear-shaped moonstone, one of the best moonstones I have ever seen, surrounded by pave color-change garnets, and an leaf brooch set with 66 carats of emeralds and 17 carats of rose cut and fancy diamonds in a butterfly poised over the emerald leaf.  Quite different designs but both executed in top-quality gems and exquisite workmanship.

Currens also had a stunning 17-carat emerald ring, a sugarloaf cabochon emerald ring, and a sugarloaf cabochon ruby and pave yellow-diamond ring, South Sea pearl earrings with en tremblant bees, and a pink spinel and orange spessartite garnet ring, all breathtaking.  Several rings had detailing and rosettes of gemstones set underneath the stone.  I would happily take any of them home but the ruby ring was the hardest to take off.

There were several noticeable trends among the Spectrum entries this year.  A bountiful crop of flower rings bloomed in every color.  Many styles featured cabochon and carved gemstones: some even channeling the lavish scale and styling of the jewels of the Mogul period.

If I had to pick only one color of the year it would be green. More styles than in the past featured emeralds. Many designs also featured blackened metal to accentuate vividly colored  gems.  A ring by Leon Mege set off the electric blue of Paraiba tourmalines with a setting of platinum and blackened silver.

Echoing the trend in the market, there were more bracelets than in past competitions too.

I’ll post the professional photos when they are available but for you gem junkies out here, I took some images of a few of my favorite designs at the preview.

Best of Show (tie): Moonstone and color-change garnet ring by James Currens

Fire opal and amethyst brooch by Paula Crevoshay

Mogul-worthy: emerald and ruby rings by James Currens

Details on the back of a ruby ring by James Currens

Ruby and diamond ring by Leon Mege

Classic rock: emerald and diamond ring by James Currens

Subtle shades: Cortez pearl and fancy sapphire earrings by Alejandra Solomone

Tusk-shaped bracelets and rings at Balenciaga

Tooth and claw, man’s first adornments, are also the last word in fashion. The coolest jewels from the Spring 2010 runways are the fierce tusk bracelets and rings at Balenciaga.  Tusk link bracelets in banded and spotted agates, chalcedony, and quartz as well as black onyx and white agate echo the patterns, color-blocking, and textures of the fabrics used in the collection.  Rings set with one vertical horn shape are particularly striking.

Tory Burch also showed tusk shaped jewelry with her Spring 2010 collection, layering large tusk pendants and long station necklaces in gold and silver.  The curved horn is clearly a jewelry silhouette to watch.

Tusk necklaces at Tory Burch

Multiple strands of pearls with pendant on the runway at Dries van Noten

The statement necklace is the star of the runways this season, with Tom Binns-like tangled assemblages of chains and pendants.  While many variations feature chain links, the newest styles pile on the pearls. Mixes of different pearl sizes add textural interest. Some styles also have a ribbon tie in the back for more texture.

Reem Acra showed bib necklaces draped with swags of pearls. Badgley Mischka showed necklaces with multiple strands secured in front with brooch-like stations.  Dries Van Noten showed twisted pearl collars with large rectangular pendants.

One of the newest ways to wear a strand of pearls, seen on the runway at John Galliano, is wrapped around the wrist.

Pearls at Badgley Mischka, left, and Reem Acra, center and right

Pearls in different sizes at John Galliano

Style armor: Lanvin necklace from the Spring 2010 collection

The statement necklace is a key accessory this season, as fashion’s focus shifts from the ear and the wrist to the neck. On the Spring 2010 runways, the most important necklace silhouette is the bib. Wide waterfall styles were shown with strapless styles, one shoulder silhouettes, inside necklines and collars, over boat necks, and even under some of the sheer styles that were all over runways this season.

Chanel showed delicate branched bib necklaces inside the neckline of jackets. Badgley Mischka and Diane von Furstenberg showed beaded fringe bibs. Vera Wang’s beaded web bib is large in scale but surprisingly wearable.  Reem Acra’s bib necklaces have draped swags of pearls and dramatic Mogul style gems.

Bottega Veneta and Lanvin showed heavier more ethnic silver styles set with gems. Bottega Veneta showed overlapping silver leaves and blossoms set with circles of bone.  Lanvin showed layered heavy oxidized silver chain with bold plaques in silver and gold set with cabochon turquoise, amethyst, and other bold gems. Each style was different but all were tough yet glamorous. These chic pieces of style armor are surely a sign of many more necklaces to come.

Necklace from Bottega Veneta's Spring 2010 runway show

From left, two bib necklaces from Badgley Mischka (two), Diane von Furstenberg, and Reem Acra

Transparent handbag by Fendi and bracelets by Chanel, 2010 Spring collections

The strongest accessories trend on the Spring 2010 runways is perfectly clear.  Transparent jewelry, shoes and handbags are just as directional as the see-through clothing styles everywhere this season and a whole lot more wearable.

Consider the cuff bracelets and jumbo beads at Michael Kors: the bold scale and simple lines are light, even ethereal, in clear resin.  (And, yes, they go with everything!)

Other evidence of clear thinking: transparent bags, shoes and a crystal netted dress at Prada, a cool ice-cube of a baguette bag at Fendi, clear cuffs and bangles dotted with colorful motifs at both Chanel and Anna Sui, layered collar necklaces in stained glass colors at Emporio Armani, strange clear arm and hand coverings at Isaac Mizrahi and Chado Ralph Rucci, and smoky to clear large bangle bracelets at Burberry.

How does this translate to real world dressing? Faceted rock crystal has the futuristic look of the oversized acrylic looks on the runway with more sparkle and staying power.  Best of all,  it’s less than five dollars a carat and available in large sizes so you can satisfy your jumbo jewel cravings without breaking the bank.

Bold scale jewelry in rock crystal quartz is already appearing on the red carpet.  At the Emmys, Gennifer Goodwin’s striking rock crystal necklace from the Ivanka Trump collection reflected a hint of color from her purple dress. Blake Lively matched a rock crystal bracelet dotted with diamonds by Lorraine Schwartz to a red dress.

These stylish jewels, while of the moment, will look great for decades to come.  After all, rock crystal was also a favorite in Art Deco jewels still coveted today.

Crystal net dress from Prada's Spring 2010 runway

Clear necklace and headband by Michael Kors

Bracelet from Burberry's Spring 2010 show

Ginnifer Goodwin wears a Ivanka Trump rock crystal necklace to the Emmys

Despite the drama of the statement necklaces on Spring runways,  most undercut their large scale with bohemian understatement . Bold, yes, but these styles also have a surprising versatility. Just throw one on over a black sheath or layer over a t-shirt and under a sweater and you’re done. For recessionistas everywhere,  the best approach to the season may be to focus on shoes and one of these necklaces to transform everything in your wardrobe.

Vera Wang spider web necklace for Spring 2010

This holiday season, A Diamond is Forever, the De Beers-backed promotional entity that creates those annual campaigns, will be promoting a new jewelry symbol, the Everlon Diamond Knot. Based on the Hercules knot, the new diamond jewelry theme is a tribute to the enduring strength of love and the ties that bind two people together.

But unlike the three-stone diamond ring and the Journey pendant, which are available from all jewelers, Everlon Diamond Knot jewelry will only be available from authorized retailers.

That is because the cost of the campaign will be shared by De Beers, several of its sightholder customers, and retailers who buy from those customers.

As in past years, you will see heart-tugging diamond commercials, print ads, billboards, and PR efforts in November. But rather than a generic campaign to promote all diamond jewelry, the ads will specifically promote the Everlon brand.

Participating retailers include Ben Bridge, Fred Meyer Jewelers, Helzberg Diamonds, JCPenney, Macy’s, Reed’s, Riddles, Sam’s Club, Samuels/Rogers, Zales, and a selection of independents including J.R Dunn, which is the only jeweler who already has the Everlon brand for sale on its website.

Love it? Or Not?

Everlon Diamond Knot Ring from JR Dunn

Mizuki pendants in blackened silver with diamonds

At the recent jewelry shows in New York, the top trend was blackened metal, mostly sterling silver but also steel. Designers on the black wagon include Mizuki (above), Yossi Harari, Gurhan, Sara Blaine, Lika Behar, Sarah Graham, Mazza Co, Old World Chain, Tschetter Studio, Frederic Duclos, Armenta, Artistry, Erica Molinari, Fern Freeman, Devon Leigh, Page Sargisson, Dara Dubinet, and many more.  Why is black so popular in jewelry today?  It’s dramatic, it’s new, it’s often affordable, and it goes with everything.  Black is the new black.