About Jewelry / Accessories

Ruby-Red Gemstones on a Budget

2009-07-02T16:06:11Z

A natural ruby can be expensive, but you don't have to buy a ruby to wear drop-dead gorgeous red jewelry. So if red gemstones are your thing, but a ruby's out of the question, it's time to explore the affordable alternatives. Other gemstones can fill your need for crimson.

_{Garnet Photo by Ryan McVay / Getty Images}

Jewelry at the BET Awards

2009-06-30T10:18:23Z

Held just a few days after Michael Jackson's death, it wasn't surprising to see the BET Awards converted into a tribute for the King of Pop and his music. BET Awards jewelry was dramatic, and circular motifs were among the most popular trends. Amerie's big-link necklace is one of my personal favorites, and I like the goth-and-heart piece that Elise Neal wore.

_{Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images}

What's the Mohs Scale and Why Should You Care About It?

2009-06-27T07:30:57Z

The Mohs Scale was developed in the early 1800s and is still used today. It's not a scale that weighs something -- it's a comparison chart that tells us which minerals are harder than others, something that's important to know before buying and storing a gemstone.

_{Photo by Don Farrall / Getty Images}

Goodbye Michael and Farrah

2009-06-25T23:05:40Z

The world lost two talented entertainers today. Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, to what is being called "cardiac arrest." Michael was also the king of accessories (shades and his trademark glove were just the beginning). This photo, taken in London in 1990, is the way I'll remember him.

Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer today, and friends report that she fought the disease to the very end. Many will always remember her famous poster, where she posed in a red swimsuit, her sincere smile and of course her trend-setting 1970's hair. Her look was more subdued in recent years, and many photos of Farrah showed her wearing sunglasses and understated jewelry (her ethic, layered necklaces illustrate that she was ahead of the trends in this 2003 shot).

_{Photo of Michael Jackson by Dave Hogan/Getty Images; Photo of Farrah Fawcett by Dave Hogan/Getty Images}

Multi-Strand Beaded Bracelets

2009-06-24T09:19:53Z

Beaded bracelets never truly go out of style, so even your older beads can add a blast of texture to the look of bangles and cuffs stacked on your wrist -- just be sure to stack with care so that beads are protected against the movement of other bracelets. All of the multi-strand bracelets in this collection provide a built-in stacked look -- you might not need to add more.

_{Photo © Forzieri}

Budget Bangles and Cuffs

2009-06-21T15:10:56Z

Bangles and cuffs remain a popular jewelry trend for 2009. They can be worn alone or stacked on your wrist with other bracelets. Most of the pieces in this collection are priced under $20, like this colorful peacock bangle at $14.

_{Photo © Buckle}

$400K in Dior Jewelry Missing After Lohan Photo Shoot

2009-06-18T20:05:36Z

Earlier this month, a Dior necklace and earrings valued at $400,000 went missing after Lindsay Lohan's Elle Magazine photo shoot in London. Her spokespeople say Lindsay has not been contacted by law enforcement regarding any information she might have about the jewelry's disappearance. British police haven't made an arrest and haven't named suspects. Approximately 20 other people were involved in the photo session.

_{Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images}

Pearls Are the June Birthstone

2009-06-17T10:20:23Z

Pearls and Alexandrite are both June birthstones, but genuine Alexandrite is rare, and usually expensive. So most Junies wear pearls to represent their birth dates. There's no shortage of pearls. You'll find them in so many colors and shapes that you might have a hard time choosing just one piece of jewelry. Try wearing an assortment of pearls in different sizes and colors, or mix them with other jewelry like Sandra Bullock did for the premiere of The Proposal.

Most pearls are very affordable -- if you love them you can build a collection without too much strain on your budget. Use these resources to learn more about the types of pearls you'll encounter when you shop.

_{Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images}

What You Need to Know About Jade

2009-06-15T16:35:29Z

Genuine jade can be one of two different minerals. Each variety is slightly different, and that means this pretty gem is available in a range of colors and prices. Explore the variations to discover which one you like best. While you're exploring, learn how to avoid jade impostors.

Steelers' Super Bowl XLIII Ring

2009-06-12T19:53:48Z

The newest Super Bowl ring weighs almost a quarter of a pound, with 63 diamonds that total nearly 4 carats. The six largest diamonds radiating outward from the center of the ring signify the team's six Super Bowl wins -- a first in NFL history. Every other design element has a meaning, too, like a band of seven smaller diamonds that represents the same number of championship wins. The sides of each ring are packed with details to commemorate Super Bowl XLIII -- the final game score, each player's name and number and other images are worked into the design.

Super Bowl rings get larger and more intricate every year (compare the Steelers' bling ring with the one-diamond version awarded after the first game in 1967).