Heavy Metal Jewelry Lights Up CFDA Awards

Lady Gaga never met a spotlight she didn't steal, which was certainly the case at the 2011 CFDA Awards (aka: The Fashion Oscars) last night at New York's Allice Tulley Hall.

While she didn't bring the bling (sigh), she did shine in a studded Thierry Mugler number that unraveled into a sparkling thong (because who doesn't need a sparkling thong?).

Add one Anna Wintour-inspired seafoam bob, red-nailed monster claws and towering platforms, and you've got yourself a style icon in the making.

Which is exactly what the Council of Fashion Designers of America thought when they awarded her with the (aptly titled) Fashion Icon Award, which she accepted with her parents looking on.

And while pop stars were on the minds of the fashion elite, it was heavy metal that made the red carpet sparkle with a huge showing of statement jewelry in solid yellow gold - along with summertime staples like yellow gold hoops.

Turquoise trimmings were also trending - another must-have for summer, as every fashionista worth their debit cards ALL know, dahling.

So. What have we learned? Lady Gaga is keeping the wig industry in business - and there are two essential items you gotta put in heavy rotation for the upcoming summer months: turquoise and yellow gold sparkle.

Here are two great looks from Jewelry.com to get you going (click on the image for product info and pricing)...or click here for their entire assortment of fine jewels and gems at up to 80% off retail!

Day-glo bob, not included.

FINALLY - don't forget to cruise over to the Jewelry.com Facebook Page for a complete look at all the CFDA red carpet pics - from Jessica Alba and Naomi Watts to the Olsen Twins and the Divine Miss Anna and more!

Summer Jewelry Trend Alert: Get Cuffed

Forget 'raindrops and roses' and 'whiskers on kittens', 'summer' and 'jewelry' are a few of my favorite things - and one of the hottest bauble trends of the season is both affordable and creative:

Cuffs!

Sarah Jessica Parker can't get enough of them and designers like Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui and Diane von Furstenburg are using them on their runways like nobody's business.

So how do you wear them?

You can go for just one big look like this cool agate cuff from Nordies for only $68!


Or better yet, layer them up using a variety of cuff categories - like this Betsey Johnson floral look with this metal stretch piece.




And there's no rule against using a cuff/bangle combo. How cool would this trendy faux turquoise style look with a series of gold clinks to go with?

Jewelry.com has a great assortment of statement cuff cuties from the hottest (and most trusted) jewelry retailers. Or you can cruise vintage stores, garage sales and grandma's jewelry box for styles screaming for summertime fun.

Getting cuffed never looked this glam. Unless you saw this 'bachelorette party' gift on The New York Housewives last week (ahem).

The Male Moment at the MTV Movie Awards

Jewelry moments at the MTV Movie awards couldn't compete with the spray tans, blue wigs and the most talked about accessory of the night - Lindsay Lohan's alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelet - but I managed to find some sparkle on folks who are rarely in the mix:

The fellas.


Pairing statement necklaces with shirtless chic were Olympian Shawn White and comedian Russell Brand.



Puffy brought back the hip-hop medallion:


And Jersey Shore star, Pauly, took his stud status quite literally with an icy pair of square diamond earrings.


Men's jewelry trends range from the once ubiquitous diamond stud or dog tag pendant to leather cuffs and (the dreaded) pinky ring. But aside from the blinged out looks of guys like Lil Wayne or Fifty Cent - statement necklaces haven't really been popular as far as I know.

Maybe their time has come?

What do you think? Guys? Weigh in! And be sure to visit Jewelry.com for a round-up of the ladies' looks.

Jill Zarin Book Launch Jewelry

Jewelry and The Real Housewives series go together like a Bravo! marathon and a rainy day.

We gawk at their outrageous diamond purchases. Squawk when yet another Housewife decides to launch their own jewelry line (Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon, and Lisa Wu Hartman are just three I can name off the top of my head). So when New York Housewife, Jill Zarin, celebrated the launch of her new book this week, Secrets of a Jewish Mother, I was more than ready pull out the popcorn.

Two Jersey Housewives made a red carpet showing - both walking the fine line with the "class or clash" police. (No tables were flipped during the making of this program)


Ramona Singer complemented her trademark bug-eyed stare with tasteful diamond swirl earrings and a diamond and blue gemstone bracelet. Not bad, sister.


And Count-less Luann worked the hoop earring trend in a tan not worthy of April.



But what is a Jill Zarin event without an eye-rolling fabric clash and a garish display of ice, right? To that end, jewelry hounds, I give you Jill Zarin.


Bless you, Jill, you've never met a busy print you didn't wear or use for wall covering. She is working the season's turquoise trend, though, with a fun cocktail ring to match the pumps.

But I hate to say it - a Real Housewife red carpet event isn't the same without a little Bethenny, right? I'm just sayin'.

What do you guys think of the Housewife bling? Glam, gauche or gaudy?

Book of Eli Bling

Gold jewelry lit up the black carpet at last night's Book of Eli premiere in Los Angeles. The Denzel Washington-starrer is a post-apocalyptic drama which centers on a lone warrior named Eli, who realizes his destiny is to save humanity. Oh, is that all?


A MUCH easier task is just gawking at the black carpet beauties - many who showed in yellow gold including Eli star, Jennifer Beals, and Kimberly Elise in traditional hoops and a layered necklace.

Continuing the simple elegance was Mila Kunis in diamond and onyx drop earrings and The Karate Kid star, Taraji P. Henson, who made the ubiquitous diamond heart pendant somehow look new.
And the lone statement piece was worth the wait - a stunning turquoise necklace worn by castmember, Lora Cunningham. Does she need the earrings? Notsomuch, but overall the look is a nice surprise...in my book.