Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, jewelry hounds. Turkey jewelry doesn't seem like a good idea, but these items just cracked me up.

Be sure to carbo load for that Black Friday blitz tomorrow!

Lady Di Sample Sale Steals The Spotlight

Let the royal wedding jewelry games begin, my fellow bauble lovers. It's official. Everyone and their mother wants a Princess Di-inspired piece of jewelry for the holidays.

I have to admit - much like those wily obituary writers who have their Keith Richards piece done WAY in advance  - I've been waiting for the Prince William proposal to rock the celebrity jewelry world for quite some time now.

I mean, c'mon, lad! Eight years is enough!

So. I had all my ducks in a row when the stars aligned last week and apparently - so did sample sale site sensation, JewelClub. 

While jewelry manufacturers are scrambling to get their Lady Di merchandise in stores for the holiday shopping season, JewelClubers already have a collection curated, priced and ready to go - today.

Of course I pored over their Lady Di Sample Sale stash that went live at midnight - and they have the Kate ring up the wazoo for folks who want a replica. But they go one better by including royalty-inspired sapphire styles that allow women to put their own personal stamp on the trend. Cool.

Not only that - but they've thrown in a nod to the other royals who've walked down the aisle in emeralds, rubies and other gems to boot. (Did you know Fergie wore a ruby engagement ring? I guess her poor decision-making skills started after the divorce.)

We've got until the clock strikes twelve on Wednesday to take advantage of their generous pricing (up to 80% off retail) before our princess fantasies turn into proverbial pumpkins. So get on it jewelry hounds and gift givers! It doesn't get much bigger than this in terms of trend meeting taste.

 

Even Keith Richards would be impressed. Alive. And impressed.

Pink Diamond Sets World Price Record

The only jewelry news that could steal the spotlight from Prince William giving Kate his mother's sapphire engagement ring is this little tidbit:

An extremely rare pink diamond just smashed the price record for most expensive diamond (and piece of jewelry) sold at auction - in the world!

Sotheby's placed early price estimates in the high $20 million range, but one megarich diamond collector paid nearly double that paltry sum - a whopping $46.16 million!

And that's not the half of it. This fellow, Laurence Graff, already owns the Wittelsbach-Graff diamond which used to hold the title of most expensive stone in the world at $24.3 million. That is until this flawless 24.78-carat piece of pink perfection went under the hammer.

Call me crazy, but how can the entire state of California be nearly bankrupt and this dude have enough in the coffers to buy flawless diamonds in his spare time?

That said, I find it interesting that Laurence Graff is a self-made gazillionaire - a 14-year-old dropout from the mean streets of London. So I suppose this Charles Dickens tale of rags to riches has the kind of happy ending any self-proclaimed jewelry hound would find hard to resist.

 

Now. About that budget deficit...

The History of Princess Diana's Sapphire Engagement Ring

Forgive me for my myopic view of the jewelry landscape this week, but I've got to share more information about the stunning royal sapphire engagment ring that's creating more buzz than a chainsaw convention.

Some of you have expressed interest in learning more about the specs and the history behind the ring. Your wish is my command.

Since I was a wee lass when Princess Di first came on the scene - I had no idea that the sapphire ring now making headlines was once a controversial choice - perhaps the first sign of trouble to come for Buckingham Palace and its relationship with Diana.

So, as Fraulein Maria would say: "Let's start at the very beginning."

Prince Wet Blanket.. (um, I mean) Charles apparently proposed to Di after a formal dinner party. Without a ring. Bo-RING. BUT - she at least got to sit down with the royal jeweler, Garrods, to pick out a rock of her choosing - every girl's dream, right?

But instead of selecting a custom-made diamond gem like 'most' girls of good breeding, Lady Diana acted like (gasp!) a commoner and decided on a catalog gemstone style instead. The horror! Despite the urgings from the palace, the bride's wish overruled any royal rumblings - and the rest, as they say, is history.

You gotta love that story - she was the People's Princess from day one. That said, the sapphire is HUGE and of top quality according to most jewelers. The 18-carat center stone is surrounded by 14 diamonds and cost around $60,000 back in 1981 but is worth over $500,000 these days. And at auction? The sky is the limit, really.

Sapphires for a Steal:

So, as promised, I've scrounged together a few more of my favorite sapphire rings for your browsing pleasure. Get those gift lists going, jewelry hounds. And let me know if you find/have other sapphire stunners you'd like to share!

What do you guys think of these selections? Did you know about the 'commoner ring controversy' back in the day?

Kate Middleton Gets Princess Diana's Sapphire Engagement Ring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jewelry hounds? Prince William gave Kate Middleton Princess Diana's stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring - and here are the pictures to prove it. It's just the perfect sentiment. I think I'm getting misty-eyed.

Not only is Princess Diana's rock the Holy Grail of engagement ring history - it's actually on trend, if you can believe it. Diamonds are taking a back seat these days to gemstone alternatives (click here for more). And, well, Kate has one whopper of an 18-carat sapphire gemstone on her hands. Literally.

Wasn't it just a few years' back the first baby pictures of the world's new little Prince William hit People Mag (because that's the only place you could find them back then!) Now look at him. Must be a bittersweet time without his mother here to share in his happiness.

In their first appearance earlier today since announcing their engagement, Kate was asked about the legacy of Princess Diana, and she expressed her sadness at never having had the chance to meet her.  Now? Kate's got probably the most famous ring in the world on her finger as a reminder.  And the entire free world watching her every move.

No pressure.

Of course I wouldn't be me without trying to find affordable alternatives for my fellow royal ring watchers. How about this one for starters.... 

 Cheerio! And congrats to the happy couple!

Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring: Royal Rock Alert!

Official news broke last night that Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged! And while that means true love for those crazy kids - let's get on to more important matters, shall we?  HER ENGAGEMENT RING!

From Vanessa Minnillo to Jessica Simpson to the gtranddady of them all - Kate Middelton!?. My friggin' head is spinning this week.

OK. So as of two hours ago, the royal ring has not been revealed. But you can bet your arse I'll be on the lookout. What we know so far is that - unlike his father who proposed before choosing a ring - William popped the question with a rock in hand (good boy). 

How do we know? The all-important looky-loo and the like spotted her wearing the sparkler over the weekend, according to the British press. 

Will she choose an unconventional gemstone ring like William's mum Princess Diana, who selected the now famous 18-carat oval blue sapphire ring? 

Will I need a cocktail before noon while I wait for those pesky royals to release the details?

Better yet? Let's bum rush Buckingham!!!

Stay tuned! 

Jessica Simpson's Red Hot Engagement Ring

Not a week has gone by since Vanessa Minnillo started flashing her huge Asscher-cut engagement ring from Nick Lachey, and that wily Jessica Simpson goes and one-ups her with her own ring finger news - namely, a ruby red engagement rock from her beau of six monhts, Eric Johnson.

Meow!

Another 'shocker'? Simpson's ring comes from celebrity designer, Neil Lane, who seems to have a monopoly on newsworthy engagement rings these days. And this one is a real tongue-wagger.

Here's the blingy backstory:

 “Eric wanted the most romantic, beautiful, special ring for Jessica,” Lane tells PEOPLE. The result? A three-stone Lane sparkler with a stunner of a central ruby flanked by two pear-shaped diamonds - each stone weighing over 5 carats. Estimates put the ring at around $100,000, (which is a bit less than the rock Vanessa got. But who's counting?)

While the ruby just so happens to be Simpson’s birthstone (she was born in July), the gem “represents love,” says Lane. “The ruby is a stone of love and it is the most romantic gem and it’s very rare and very, very special.”

Stealing the spotlight from your ex? Also special.

Who's dreaming of a 'red' Christmas? You know who you are! Here are a few affordable buying options:

Still not sold? Click here to see the other singing celeb who recently got hitched with a ruby on her ring finger.

JewelClub's Sample Sale Goes Old School

INTERIOR - WOMAN'S CLOSET - EARLY  MORNING:

The telltale signs of a true fashionista litter the landscape. Racks of Chanel and DKNY finds mingle with McQueen and Miu Miu. Vintage jewelry, costume creations and fine gems light up the joint like a Christmas tree on crack.

A mash-up of the "Rocky Theme Song" and "I Will Survive" BLASTS in the background.

As the music reaches its crazy crescendo, we CLOSE UP on a leggy fashion-type doning riot gear.  

This is SAMPLE SALE GIRL.

SSG WHIPS OUT her notepad and goes through her battle-ready checklist:

1. Super Secret Sample Sale invite? Check.

2. Oversized shopping bag? Check.

3. Pepper spray for the pushy girls? Check.

4. Debit card? Check, check...and check.

With one final tighten of her shin guards, SSG whisks off into the cool morning air -  the lingering promise of sample sale success lighting her way. And her soul.

And...SCENE.

This was sample sale shopping in the (not so distant) past, right? When secret invitations were as important as the designer castoffs that awaited the organized and the determined. These days? Sample sales aren't, well, quite so romantic. Or competitive. Until now.

You all know I love my JewelClub treasure chest. So when news hit that they're throwing a secret couture-level sample sale like the good old days? I had to spead the news to my fellow jewelry hounds.

So here's the skinny. Tomorrow, they're sending out secret invitations with a link to the page with one-of-a-kind high-end styles at up to (drumroll...) 80 - 90% off.

This is so pepper-spray-worthy, people.

ALL of you sample sale sirens need to get your riot gear ready (you can sign up for the Deal Alert invite here - or check back with me tomorrow). And anyone you know who has a big jewelry purchase coming up should follow your lead. This is holiday season. It's time to get serious - and this merch is gonna move.

I'm getting a sneak peak at some of the styles later today - and I'll post my favs on Twitter for you. Stay tuned! And good luck!

2010 CMA Awards Jewelry Fashion

With so many leading ladies from Hollywood's A-list littering the 2010 Country Music Awards, like Gwyneth Paltrow (more on her later), Katherine Heigl and Nicole Kidman, I began to wonder if I was covering the right event.

But these looks came 'round, and I was reminded you can never keep a good rhinestone cowgirl down.

So? What did I learn from last night's jewelry hunt?

Country singers love big old gowns. And Carrie Underwood (almost) won the night with her seven(!) costume changes during her co-hosting gig. But one country music crooner wore a getup that put Miss American Idol in her place - everyone's favorite coal miner's daughter, Loretta Lynn.

 

Now that's country music couture!

Jewelry winners were:

Miranda Lambert in Amrapali statement earrings and a series of bangles:

 

Jennifer Nettles in Kimberly McDonald agate-slice earrings:

Taylor Swift in Neil Lane diamond dangle earrings:

 

Katherine Heigl in sapphire button earrings with a starburst pendant from Ryan Ryan

The other big winner for me was Gwyneth Paltrow. Love her or hate her, the woman showed serious chutzpah by taking the CMA stage and singing a great little ditty from her latest film, Country Strong (see the performance video here).

I know there are a gazillion country singer wannabes out there who deserve their chance, so Gwynnie jumping the line is more than a little annoying. But I like her. Despite her 'lifestyle' website, workout videos and way-too-public friendship with Madonna. And that song is totally sing-in-the-shower-worthy. Well played.

Lots to ponder here, jewelry hounds. What do you think of Hollywood invading the country music scene? Did Gwyneth deserve her standing o? Where is Dolly Parton when you need her? Who wore you fav jewelry look? Weigh in!