White is simply elegant. Look at the future Princess of Monaco in this photo shoot for Tatler, looking comfortably chic in white. It reminds me of this other wonderful white outfit worn by Princess Victoria of Sweden here.
It would be easy to copy her look. The silk trousers are surprisingly affordable: only 150 pounds. I think the tricky part for us 'normal' people is: how to keep the white... white?!
She'll be marrying Prince Albert II on 2 July 2011. Her official title will be Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
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!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Rae Morris: Makeup, The Ultimate Guide - see inside
If you're interested in make-up books, you've almost certainly come across this one. It contains some amazing pictures. I was actually asked to do a review of this and let you have a look inside... so this post is picture heavy.
Just like every other make-up book on the market, this one also covers the basics: the essentials, brushes, prepping. Nothing new here.
I like the section on eyelashes. Using the same model and make-up, she applies different eyelashes (natural, lux, high impact) to show you how they can change your eyes. In fact, a lot of the looks in this book rely on eyelashes for that extra wow factor.
Many of the looks are dramatic. She uses pigments, glitter, sticky tape, diamond dust, liquid eye paint, gold leaves... items that a beginner or a "normal" person does not usually have in their make-up kit, so beware.
The good thing is, it does have step-by-step guides on how to achieve each of the looks.
Highlighting: this is also a great chapter.
Typical Rae Morris... red lips with a twist: purple added to the top, gold on the bottom.
Some of the more natural looks....
But for beginners, I think there are 'friendlier' books out there that concentrate on more down-to-earth looks (that you can't go wrong with!). Like Jemma Kidd's Make-up Masterclass or any of Bobbi Brown's books.
Monday, November 22, 2010
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.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
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...
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.
Marie Claire ideas and a dating question
Remember I was vegging out last weekend, reading fashion magazines? Well, here are a couple of things from Marie Claire that caught my eye.
I've talked about Marmite before here. Obviously this is only for you Marmite lovers out there...
These lipstick-stained teacups would be so much fun for tea parties with the girls.
Vegetable soaps! Nice gift idea for gardeners.
Keira Knightley, Scarlett Johansson, Naomi Watts and Jennifer Garner have all been spotted wearing these. They're for a very good cause: buy a pair of Toms, and they will donate a pair to a child in need. Read the Marie Claire article here.
Now for this last one... Calling all New Yorkers! Eye-gazing parties... like speed-dating but in silence. All you do is stare! Is that true? Who has done this?! Do tell!
I've talked about Marmite before here. Obviously this is only for you Marmite lovers out there...
These lipstick-stained teacups would be so much fun for tea parties with the girls.
Vegetable soaps! Nice gift idea for gardeners.
Now for this last one... Calling all New Yorkers! Eye-gazing parties... like speed-dating but in silence. All you do is stare! Is that true? Who has done this?! Do tell!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
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?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Kate Middleton at the photocall + The ring
Doesn't she look gorgeous? The dress is simply beautiful (what a flattering colour!) and her hair is so glossy and perfect!
She got Diana's sapphire engagement ring...
See the interview here. I think this is the first time I have heard Kate speak! I like her voice.
She got Diana's sapphire engagement ring...
See the interview here. I think this is the first time I have heard Kate speak! I like her voice.
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!
Labels:
blue sapphires,
Kate Middleton,
Prince William,
Princess Diana,
royal wedding ring,
sapphire engagement ring
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