Jewelry Libations for New Year's Eve

Cocktails and jewelry - what a winning combination. As I was recently pondering what jewelry to break out for my favorite champagne-drenched holiday this Friday (wait for the Carrie Bradshaw moment...), I couldn't help but wonder (there it is...): Why is it that jewelry and luxury libations have such a glittering partnership?

First, there's the cocktail ring. The jewelry category emerged in the roaring 20s during Prohibition at illegal, booze-filled ‘cocktail’ parties. Women went big with fashion statements at these underground soirees, flashing their oversized, colorful baubles along with their newly exposed knee caps.

Cocktail rings generally have an oversized center stone of 3 carats or more and are typically worn on the right hand (any finger will do). But as we jewelry hounds know, there are plenty of costume options out there that won't break the bank.

But there's another drinkable jewelry look emerging from the shadows lately - champagne diamonds. From light champagnes, to burnished browns and rich cognacs, these natural diamonds offer a selection of tones and hues to compliment every style, taste and tolerance level.



An informative piece in the New York Times reports that the stone made its debut in the late 1990s when it was discovered in Rio Tinto's Argyle mine in Australia, but is only now gaining a strong following - including from yours truly and a bevy of Hollywood's leading ladies.

If you really want to tie one on, how about a double shot with a champagne diamond cocktail ring like this one for almost $400 off retail? 'Tis the season!

And be sure to check out the champagne diamond treasure chest on Jewelry.com for more bubbly bling - it's jewelry that's perfect for teetotalers and the tipsy alike!

Crazy About Cocktail Rings

Cocktails and jewelry make such a handsome couple, and there's a sparkling new interpretation: Piaget's Limelight Cocktail Ring Collection.

While I'm not usually a fan of the 'literal' jewelry interpretation ("#1 Mom" pendants, anyone?), these little libation-inspired lovelies are designed to look like ACTUAL cocktails - from the 18kt white gold Mojito ring with (count 'em) 182 diamonds and a 24-carat green tourmaline, to the classic Cosmopolitan.

Shut. It. Down.

There are 6 rings to choose from.  Or if you're like me after an introductory 'nip' - you can sample them all! The bad news is: the price points are more likely in the 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' range - and, well, if you can afford four rotating nannies, I say: "Go for it!"

For the rest of us mere mortals, there are still plenty of cocktail rings to choose from that won't break the bank - like this fun blue topaz and peridot style for only $83.64 on JewelClub. That'll leave in room in the wallet for another round (or two), right?

So raise your glass to cocktail classics - from top shelf treasures to affordable concoctions that (unlike that 3rd 'well drink' at Happy Hour) won't leave a nasty hangover.

Chin chin!

Jewelry Trend Alert!: Statement Rings

Fall jewelry trends for 2010 are starting to reveal themselves, and while layered chain necklaces and bangle stacks continue to shine bright, there's a fun new look that's sure to stir things up - statement rings.

More than just a pretty cocktail piece, statement finger candy makes an entrance. Think Gaga, not girl-next-door. This fun style on Katerina Graham at the Teen Choice Awards is one shining example.


This 80s throw-back I spotted on Trend Hunter is a two-trend-in-one solution since the decade of Duran Duran continues to influence the taste-makers (Those are little onyx dots! Love!).


The H. Stern Alice in Wonderland rings would be the perfect solution (for those of you with cash to burn).


It's not so easy being green? Think again, Kermie. Check out these verdant statements from Hafsteinn Juliusson's "Growing Jewelry" collection.


And flower rings are still blooming bright, like this Juicy Couture 'Flower Punk' ring from Nordies on Jewelry.com.

I love a lower-jaw-drop moment that doesn't necessarily come from carat count.

What do you guys think of the trend? Do you have something in your jewelry box that qualifies? Or is this the perfect excuse to start shopping?