A lot of my friends have been getting engaged, lately.

This means that I’ve been privy to a lot of conversations about engagement rings — size, settings, color, carats, clarity… and cut.

Every girl has a favorite cut. I remember when princess-cuts used to be all the rage. These days, I’m seeing a lot of cushion-cut diamonds.

But thanks to the recent trend towards vintage jewelry, we’ve recently seen a resurgence in the popularity of rose-cut diamonds.

Mouawad Rosette Collection Rings.

The rose-cut has been around since the 1500s. Unlike today’s popular brilliant cut, the rose-cut is flat-bottomed instead of conical. While brilliants are cut so that the light will bounce around and refract inside the diamond itself, roses are cut so that the light refracts off of the surface of the diamond. This means that, while they might be more carats than a brilliant diamond of about the same size, it may need some help in the bling department. This is why many rose-cut diamonds are backed with gold or silver foil, to help them shine that light right back.

Mouawad Rosette Collection Heart Pendant.

Thanks to the vintage appeal of this cut, the rose is back!

Mouawad Rosette Collection Necklace.

And nobody does the rose-cut better than Mouawad. Their exclusive Rosette Collection features beautiful pavé-set, rose-cut diamonds, sapphires and rubies in designs with a distinctly vintage feel.

Mouawad Rosette Collection Earrings.

This hot revival of a trend is popping up all over the place! It’s been seen on celebs from Naomi Campbell to Paris Hilton.

Celebrity trend fan Michelle Monaghan.

So it looks like the old has become new again — and this trend is coming up roses.

Rosily,
Olivia

It used to be a bad thing if you said you were “feeling blue.”

Well, this new diamond might change that.

An extremely rare blue diamond weighing 7.03 carats will be auctioned off in Geneva on May 12th.

The diamond was unearthed by Petra Diamonds in the famed Cullinan diamond mine in South Africa, where the famous Star of Africa diamond was mined. Uncut, it weighed 26.58 carats. Blue diamonds are extremely rare because the conditions necessary to form a blue diamond so seldom occur. They are second only to red diamonds in rarity.

This particular yet-unnamed, cushion-cut blue diamond is expected to fetch an estimated $8.5 million at the Sotheby’s auction. It’s been shown all over the world, and will soon adorn some lucky woman’s finger.

Can you imagine being proposed to with an engagement ring like this? Now, that’s an offer I can’t refuse!

Rarely,
Olivia

When most people think “high fashion,” they’re usually not thinking “Detroit.”

Don’t get me wrong; I don’t think it’s all bad. Detroit is home to the auto industry (hey, I drive one of those!), Motown (I love The Supremes), and the Pistons (my favorite team to boo when they play the Lakers). It’s just that Detroit isn’t the fashion capital of any place but… well… Michigan.

But first impressions can be deceiving.

In 1983, Karen Erickson, Eric Erickson, and Vicki Beamon were working with a designer for a runway show when they discovered themselves in desperate need of jewelry. Thinking fast, they threaded crystal and beads on suede and hurried their models down the runway. And so Erickson Beamon was born. They were an instant hit and they haven’t looked back since.

Since that first runway show, they’ve made custom pieces for designers from Anna Sui to Zac Posen. They remain the preferred go-to custom jeweler for many of the top design houses.

Erickson Beamon may have started with a few simple necklaces, but their empire has grown to include all other kinds of jewelry and even, in 2004, chandeliers.

Erickson Beamon Boudica Stone Necklace, $865 at net-a-porter.com.

But necklaces continue to be my sentimental favorite at Erickson Beamon. My latest love affair is the torrid fling I’m having in my dreams with this über-sexy stone piece. There’s nothing subtle about this come-hither necklace.

And I love that Erickson Beamon hasn’t forgotten the little people despite their meteoric rise to fame. On February 15, 2009, they launched a diffusion line at Target — forget about the power; FASHION TO THE PEOPLE!!!

Look out, New York: Detroit is trying to give you a run for your money.

Standing Corrected,
Olivia

It’s Music Video Monday!

I’m SO excited about the upcoming return of one of my favorite shows: “So You Think You Can Dance” (it premieres on Thursday, May 21st). Last season was so entertaining, and I can’t wait for the fun to start again!

Katee and Joshua’s Bollywood routine was one of my favorites, and not just because of the bouncy music or the genius choreography or the flawless execution.

No, I just loved the costumes. Specifically, I loved Katee’s jewelry.

Joshua Allen and Katee Shean.

Choreographer and guest judge Mia Michaels went so far as to tell Katee that she needs to dress like this every day of her life!

However, we can’t all walk around in bikini tops and ankle bells on a daily basis.

That’s what I love about Hari Jewels, Inc.

The company is based in New York, but produced in India — and it shows. These show-stopping pieces are absolutely gorgeous — antique styling with an Indian flavor.

Assorted bangles by Hari Jewels, Inc.

I mean, wouldn’t any of the above bangles be so cute with a sparkly halter top? What a great way to take Katee’s stunning Bollywood look and translate it to real life!

I’ve gotta go. I just found a beginner’s version of this dance on YouTube. This might come in handy if my dream of attending an Indian wedding ever comes true.

Jai Ho,
Olivia

Unless you’re totally new to our blog, you know that Olivia loves designer jewelry.

She obsesses over it. She dreams about it. She blogs about it every day and thinks about it whenever she’s not actually typing furiously away.

Unfortunately, Olivia rarely buys designer jewelry.

Alas, she simply can’t afford it on her meager salary (no offense, boss — I love my job!). No, she must dream of Cartier, but shop at Claire’s.

But Olivia’s friend Donna the Sales Hound came through yet again with a fabulous website that provides an economical alternative to paying full price.

At Juxzy Shop, members can purchase designer fashion at discounted prices. And here’s a new twist: you can buy and sell items from other members, too!

Stores like Buffalo Exchange where you can sell your old clothes and also buy others’ castoffs are growing in popularity, as are clothing (and jewelry) swap events (when a bunch of ladies get together and bring stuff from their closets that they don’t want anymore to swap with one another).

So I can buy a Tiffany necklace at a discounted price — simply because it’s “gently used!” Or I can sell the earrings my aunt gave me for Christmas and use the proceeds to buy that David Yurman cocktail ring I’ve always wanted!

Who cares if they used to belong to someone else? It’s like I’ve been saying all week: “old” is the new “new!”

And, hey, if it’s new to you, then it’s new enough.

Reasonably,
Olivia

We recently told you that “old” is the new “new.”

Well, if that’s true, then Loree Rodkin’s designs are about as trendy as they come.

Medieval-inspired rings with a modern twist: that’s Loree Rodkin.

The Los Angeles-based designer likes to say that she “blurs the line between modern and medieval.” And she’s done it with an artist’s touch, that’s for sure!

Her line gives a modern edge to medieval-inspired motifs in order to create unique pieces that are both classic and contemporary — if there’s one thing the jewelry world loves, surely it’s paradox!

A recent Loree Rodkin advertisement.

But paradox is often difficult to pull off: black and white has become blasé; thick, but light is so last season; and those “cute skulls” that we’ve been seeing everywhere — simply pedestrian, darling.

That’s what makes Ms. Rodkin’s achievement so monumental: she’s successfully combined ancient designs with the “now” — and many people are recognizing her talent.

Loree Rodkin Earrings, $17,000.

In fact, First Lady Michelle Obama has been seen sporting lots of Loree Rodkin in recent days. She wore these earrings to the “We are One” concert in January, and she’s been adding more pieces to her collection.

Sometimes, even the First Lady goes medieval.

Gravely,
Olivia

When I first started getting interested in jewelry (thanks to Brenda Kinsel), I shopped around, looking for pieces that I thought would fit my style.

At first, I was a little bling-shy; I preferred to stay away from pieces that were too sparkly; I didn’t want to do it wrong and look gaudy (God forbid!).

And then my jewelry-making friend Kellee made me a pair of earrings.

Oh, how I loved those earrings! They were the first pair of dangly earrings I ever owned. They were feminine; they were sparkly; they were pink, and they still went with everything I wore! Best of all, because they were dangly, they moved with me, giving extra polish to my every movement.

Kellee told me that she made them with Swarovski crystals.

“Huh?” I asked. “What are Swarovski crystals?”

She didn’t really know, but I didn’t really care because — ooh! Sparkly!

But now that I’m “in the biz” myself, I wanna know what Swarovski crystals are and why they’re so highly prized!

In 1892, Daniel Swarovski patented a machine he invented that cut glass and revolutionized the world of cut glass crystals. Swarovski’s machine also provided a foundation from which Daniel Swarovski could launch his internationally-known, eponymous company.

Swarovski crystals contain about 32% lead. This helps to maximize refraction (that’s extra brilliance and sparkle). Some crystals are also coated with special metallic coatings. That’s how so many beautiful Swarovski crystals have such a luminous appearance.

Swarovski has become synonymous with crystals in the jewelry world. If it’s not Swarovski, it’s simply not good enough. Fortunately, Swarovski has opened a new website: Crystallized.com. This is the best place to get all of your Swarovski products so that you can design your own bling!

The entrance to Kristallwelten in Innsbruck, Austria.

Swarovski has done so well that they even have their own amusement park! Kristallwelten (German for “Crystal Worlds”) in Innsbruck, Austria, is a theme park at Swarovski’s original Wattens site. It’s filled with exhibitions inspired by Swarovski crystals. Um, bling pilgrimage, anyone?

This company is crystal. It’s clear that Swarovski has left an indelible mark on the jewelry world.

Crystal clear.

Clearly,
Olivia

Remember those t-shirts they used to have back in the day? They had a big, yellow smiley face on the front, and read “Have a Nice Day,” often with several exclamation points to emphasize the enthusiasm. I used to love those; they were so delightfully cheesy! They always made me smile.

Well, I didn’t know it, then, but Smiley is a registered trademark of The Smiley Company. And it’s not your middle school teacher’s brand anymore. Thanks to a recent artistic overhaul, the brand has crossed the line from “campy” to “vintage.” Suddenly, it’s hip to be happy!

And Smiley also funds a charity called Smiley World Association. This charity benefits victims of social isolation worldwide.

They’ve found partners all over the world to help with their charity work — including London-based jewelry designer Disaya Sorakraikitikul, founder of her eponymous ready-to-wear line Disaya.

This collaboration — Disaya + Smiley — donates 10% of all proceeds to Smiley World Association. And the icing on the cake is that the line truly captures the whimsy and joy of the Smiley brand!

How delightful — you can have joy and spread joy at the same time!

Here are a few selections from the line. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be sporting your own “smiley” before you even get halfway through.

Disaya + Smiley Yippy Hippy necklaces and bracelets, Melting Face necklaces, Green Peace bangle, Sunlight cell phone charm, Rainbow cell phone charm.

Disaya + Smiley Candy Watch bangle and locket necklace, Mozart bangle.

Disaya + Smiley Splash brooch.

Disaya + Smiley Owl necklaces.

Disaya + Smiley Happy Me bangles.

Smilingly,
Olivia

It’s Music Video Monday!

This was the song that immediately came to mind when I saw this stunning hair clip by Judy Geib Plus Alpha.

Judy Geib Plus Alpha Ribbony Hair Clip, price available upon request from info@judygeibplusalpha.com.

From her January 2009 Collection (”Ribbony”), its stunning emeralds remind me of a snake, wriggling its way into your hair — and from there, into your thoughts and, eventually, into your heart.

Way back in September, I covered the trend of hair jewelry, but it wasn’t until I saw this piece that I remembered why I love hair jewelry so much.

I can just picture this piece nestled in a messy updo, with all the seductive power of Paula Abdul’s 90s dance moves — but without the outdated 90s wardrobe (sorry, Paula).

Cold-Heartedly,
Olivia

I’ve been having kind of a crazy week.

There are various personal issues arising in my life that I can’t discuss here, but I feel so frazzled and out of control because of them.

And when I feel frazzled and out of control, I often wish that there was a way to express my inner emotions and still look smokin’ hot while doing it.

And that’s when I discovered Ariane Zurcher.

Ms. Zurcher has a background in the arts both deep and wide. She’s worked for fashion houses and magazines; she’s experienced arts and cultures from all over the world.

Her vision for her jewelry is for it to “be an extension of the body.” She thinks it’s essential for “the jewelry and the wearer to reflect each other… like a second skin.” Sounds too good to be true, right? But what if the wearer is feeling kinda unbalanced at the moment?

She even accounts for that. I took one look and knew that these earrings and I were a match made in heaven.

Ariane Zurcher E112 Earrings, price available upon request.

These earrings perfectly express the hot mess that I feel like today. They’re wild and asymmetrical, but still gloriously beautiful.

And Ms. Zurcher takes into account the fact that I’m not the same girl from day to day. Some days, I’m feeling sophisticated and chic:

Ariane Zurcher E159 Earrings, price available upon request.

Other days, I’m feeling carefree and whimsical:

Ariane Zurcher E124 Earrings, price available upon request.

And, occasionally, I even feel sultry and mysterious:

Ariane Zurcher E60 Earrings, price available upon request.

It’s such a relief to know that, no matter which girl I am on any given day, I can still be me.

Uniquely,
Olivia