abiaty acedba: 2009

Jewelry Insider's Top Ten Blingy Bits of 2009

Another year down, jewelry hounds, another year of frivolous fun in jewelry land. We've seen red carpets sparkle (and stink up the joint), the entire D-list attempt to start their own jewelry lines, stunning diamond auction sales despite a Bernie Madoff-induced luxury melt down, and plenty of 'lower jaw-drop' moments.

As we bloggers are predisposed to do this time of year, I've taken a look back at 2009 and culled together some of my favorite jewelry moments with some of yours. The result? This little Top Ten list for your reading pleasure.

Thanks to all for joining this shiny place of jewel-filled sarcasm, schadenfreude and joy. Here's to another bling-filled year!

10. Brad Pitt's Diamond Daughter

The third most popular post this year involved a random tidbit detailing Brad Pitt's diamond jewelry gift to his daughter, Shiloh. Lesson learned? Some kids have all the luck. And always write about Brad Pitt.

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/06/brad-pitts-diamond-daughter.html

9. Technicolor Diamonds

Lower jaw-drop moment of the year alert: Despite the economic woes taking most of us mortals to our knees this year, some lucky as*&, I mean, folks snapped up some stunning natural-color diamonds off the auction block in 2009 - inlcuding the Wittelsbach blue diamond that broke the record for most expensive rock ever sold at auction.

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/05/rare-blue-diamond-sets-record.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/11/champagne-diamonds-sparkle-around-us.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/06/black-diamonds-get-in-touch-with-your.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/12/rare-pink-diamond-sets-auction-record.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/12/carrie-underwoods-diamond-engagement.html

8. Woodstock/Mad Men Mania

The 60s came back with a vengeance this year, with Woodstock celebrating it's 40th anniversary and Mad Men taking the entertainment and fashion worlds by storm. Jewelry fashion followed suit, with this fourth most popular post for 2009.

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/08/woodstock-may-be-turning-40-but-jewelry.html

7. Celebrity Jewelry Robbery Ring

Just when you thought Hollywood couldn't get any more tawdry, a ring of wannabe reality star youngster thugs robbed D-listers like Paris, Lindsay, and that vacuous brunette from The Hills of their beloved family jewels. The horror! And they didn't even get an agent out of it...

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/08/lindsay-lohan-robbed-in-hollywood.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/10/lindsay-lohan-jewelry-thief-charged.html

6. Paris Rules

Nope. Not talking about 'the Hilton' - despite writing about her over a dozen times this year (sorry 'bout that). Paris, France was - yet again - my favorite Fashion Week by far, with jewelry exploding all over the catwalks. Bigger, better, bling-filled bliss.

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/01/jewelry-explodes-in-paris.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/10/jewelry-explodes-on-paris-catwalks.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/10/paris-pearls-and-perfection.html

5. Vampire Chic

From Team Edward to True Blood, it was all about the undead in 2009. Enter: blood red rubies, cross necklaces, vampire-inspired jewelry lines, and lots of black eye-linered brooding. Oh - and angst.

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2008/10/spooky-jewelry-for-your-inner-goth.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/08/vampires-diamonds-and-true-love.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/09/jewelry-inspired-by-silver-screen.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/11/jewelry-no-show-at-twilight-premiere.html

4. Paula Abdul – From Mess to Maven

Oh, Paula. How you confuse me so. You gave us some of the absolute worst fashion moments on the red carpet in 2009, yet somehow your jewelry line sells out in minutes? And recently, you've made some classic red carpet appearances with jewelry that actually fits the occasion. Let's hope you have enough sense (and money in the coffers) to keep your current stylist now that Ellen is stealing your spotlight.

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/02/paula-abduls-grammy-fashion-miss.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/03/paulas-kids-choice-jewelry-misfires.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/11/paula-abduls-ama-jewelry-redemption.html

3. Celebrity Engagement Rings

From The Bachelor bungle, to my second most popular post - Ivanka Trump's engagement ring bling - the celebrity world of betrothal never disappoints. Here are some of the year's highlights for your drooling pleasure.

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/07/ivanka-trumps-engagement-ring-bling.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/10/ivanka-trumps-wedding-jewelry-low-down.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/03/vince-vaughn-celebrity-engagement-ring.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/03/kendras-engagement-ring-bling.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/03/bachelor-diamond-drama.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-york-housewive-spotted-with-diamond.html

2. Angelina's Oscar Emeralds

The most popoular post of 2009 was my early report of Angelina Jolie's emerald Oscar jewelry. Sorry, Jen - 2010 is gonna be your year.

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/02/emeralds-oscar-and-angelina-jolie.html

1. Michelle Obama

Mighty Michelle jump-started a sinking fashion industry when her husband's historic campaign and election took the country by storm. So I joined the throngs of other fashion bloggers who followed her every move in those first few months of 2009. The good news is, she continues to breathe fresh life into the jewelry world with statement pieces, brooches and classic pearls akimbo. No matter your political persuasion, you gotta give it up for bling you can believe in.

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/01/michelle-obamas-borrowed-bling.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/01/holy-toledo-michelle-obama-sparkles-in.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/01/loree-rodkin-michelle-obamas-jewelry.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/04/michelle-obama-brings-fuchsia-fashion.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/04/michelle-obama-dazzles-in-london.html

http://jewelry01.blogspot.com/2009/05/michelle-obamas-bare-arms-and-big-bling.html

Did I miss any of your favs? Weigh in, jewelry hounds!

A Golden Smile for the New Year

We all know gold fillings and glittering grills are status symbols famous hip-hop stars and wannabes use to put the Midas Touch on their teeth. But a recent study uncovered evidence that wealthy hip-hoppers aren't the only ones who like to decorate their dentures.

According to National Geographic, sophisticated dentistry allowed Native Americans to add bling to their teeth as far back as 2,500 years ago.

An analysis of thousands of teeth examined from the collection in Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History revealed that ancient peoples had semiprecious gems soldered on to their teeth as a pure form of decoration.

While the origins of the samples are not known for sure, it's clear that people - mostly men - from nearly all walks of life opted for the look, noted Jose Concepcion Jimenez, an anthropologist at the institute.

The ornamental gemstones (including jade) were attached with an adhesive made out of natural resins, such as plant sap, which was mixed with other chemicals and crushed bones, Jiminez said. He added that the dentists likely had a sophisticated knowledge of tooth anatomy. For example, they knew how to drill into teeth without hitting the pulp inside, he explained. Lucky for them.

Today, the art of tooth decoration is still alive and well - and not just on the likes of Lil Wayne or 50 Cent. Some folks opt to have gold, diamonds, birthstones and more bonded to their teeth as more dentists offer the service as a way to distinguish themselves in a crowded market.

And if you decide that bling on your bicuspids is getting in the way of say, chewing or speaking clearly? The decoration can be easily removed without causing any damage. Lucky for us.

Carrie Underwood's Diamond Engagement Ring Details

Carrie Underwood flashed her diamond engagement ring this week after news hit that her hockey-player boyfriend, Mike Fisher, popped the question. Trouble was? No one could find any details about the little tidbits we jewelry hounds find most important - carat count, cut, and COST!

But People Magazine reports that the large center stone we could barely make out in all the photos isn't just any old diamond, folks. It's a flawless yellow diamond designed in a platinum setting by her by jeweler Johnathon Arndt, who said in a release,

“This ring is a symbol of love from Mike Fisher to Carrie Underwood,” as he wished the couple congratulations.

The five+ carat rock is reportedly worth over $150,000

Johnathon Arndt Gallery of Jewels came into the national spotlight when they formed an alliance with the Academy of Country Music and The Country Music Association. His Gallery of Jewels is an "invitation only" Gallery with only six locations Worldwide.

Here are some other links of Carrie's red carpet bling over the past year if you're curious how Arndt bedazzled her for her high profile events. I can only imagine what the wedding will bring!

Carrie at the CMAs
Carrie at the AMAs
Carrie at the Acamedy of Country Music Awards (ACMAs)
Carrie at the Vanity Fair post Oscar party
Carrie at the Grammys

Julianne Moore Bares All for Bvlgari

Like Charlize Theron for Dior, Julianne Moore is entering the luxury lexicon of jewelry spokesmodel-dom, appearing in famous watch and jewelry brand, Bvlgari's, latest campaign peddling their 'Serpenti' line, among other styles.

Almost as jaw-dropping as her nude photo shoot is the pair of Colombian pear-shaped emerald earrings she'll wear, weighing 52.86 and 62.32 carats each. The stunning emeralds were part of Bvlgari's first retrospective exhibition at Il Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome earlier in the year.

Dare I say that they rival Angelina's emerald Oscar earrings from Lorraine Schwartz? I'm just saying...

The Serpenti collection is designed around snakes and scale shapes - a slithering genre that's trending big for 2010 (including Brangelina's line for Asprey). Bvlgari touts the new collection as a return to the design aesthetic that made the brand famous to begin with, with the A-lister ads (called "Eccentric Charisma") set to debut in February.

Does Julianne Moore's tasteful nudity and amazing emeralds make Bvlgari more attractive? I've always admired her talent, but have never taken her for the 'spokesmodel' type - so it's a surprise they would choose her out of all the other 'sell-outs', I mean, serious actresses out there.

What do you guys think?

Kevin Jonas Weds in Platinum and Diamonds

Trading a promise ring for a platinum ring, the oldest Jonas Brother (Kevin) got hitched to Danielle Deleasa over the weekend - breaking tween-aged hearts from the Jersey Shore to Japan. The Jo-Bro did such a good job designing his bride-to-be's engagement ring (Jewelry.com covers all the diamond deets here), I was curious if his taste would trickle down to the wedding jewels.

I wasn't disappointed.

The young bride reportedly walked down the aisle in a strapless tulle and Chantilly lace Vera Wang gown and wore a silk-and-crystal flower in her hair designed by Denise Leli. The happy couple exchanged classic, yet chic eternity bands crafted by celebrity jeweler, Jacob & Co (who also did the engagement ring).

Danielle's diamond eternity band is set in 18kt white gold and features round cut brilliant diamonds (totaling 3.83 carats), and Kevin's is set in stainless steel with single rows of brilliant-cut diamonds along each edge and on each side (totaling 2.24 carats).

And like many celebrity grooms, Jonas glammed up for his special day in custom-made platinum accessories. Designer Eric Aulis from CliQ Jewelry spent months perfecting the jewels which consisted of platinum cufflinks with 186 round diamonds (valued at $15,500); platinum tuxedo shirt studs surrounded by diamonds (valued at $8,900) and a platinum tie accent with round diamonds (valued at $5,400).

The Disney dude knows how to work the ice - nicely done.

41 Signs You drank Too Much

We’ve all done it, but usually when we do, we do it on the couch and wake up with funny paintings on our face. But if you’ve got no friends and no where to go, you’re likely one of the following top 41.

You went on a date but were so tired that decided to take a nap on a mat