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.

Chocolate Bar Goes for the Gold

Famous UK chocolate-maker, Cadbury, is on a golden mission: they’re scheming to convince the folks at Guinness Book to name their famous Wispa Gold chocolate bar as the most expensive in the world.

Must be a slow news month in candy land.

The Wispa Gold, discontinued in 2003, is a chocolate bar wrapped in edible gold leaf and sheathed in a gold leaf wrapper. Priced at $1628 each, the new batch of bars will be delivered to the record keepers by none other than Tony Hadley, the singer from Spandau Ballet whose biggest hit was “Gold” back in the day.

I personally would have picked a gold medalist, but I guess Spandau Ballet still pulls weight across the pond. (???)

The original Wispa was released on the UK market in 1981 and quickly became one of Britain's most treasured Icons. One story tells of an un-named arab who imported batches of the bars to his home in Saudi Arabia for around $4,000 a day.

A Facebook Group is stoking public interest in the campaign and there are a surprising number of folks who miss the gold chocolate option for their pantries – even at such a high pricetag. The limited batch will be made available on September 14th.

Cartier Celebrates The Cougar

Diamonds, gold, sapphires, rubies – bless their hearts, they never discriminate. No matter how many crow’s feet, eye-lifts and hot flashes we women might get, they love us all with equal abandon. But these days it’s more than jewelry that’s taken a liking to women of a ‘certain age’.

It’s guys. Young, hot, guys.


46-year-old Demi Moore flaunts her 20-something Kutcher catch around like a proud feline and Sharon Stone’s 51 years haven’t prevented her from showing more glorious ‘gam’ at Cannes than a Vegas show girl convention. And let’s not forget about Madonna, Katie Couric, Ellen Barkin, Susan Sarandon – all cradle robbers, all fabulous.

So what better way for the Cougar to flaunt their prowess than with a big blingy cat worth beaucoup bucks.

Enter: Cartier.


They may call their coveted cats “The Panther Collection” but there’s no better way for the Cougar to shine in my book. Extravagantly priced (it’s Cartier after all), the line is made out of only the finest metals and purest diamonds and gems.

But you don’t have to have an Ivana Trump budget to nab a cougar-inspired gem of your own. Check out Jewelry.com’s collection of cat jewels and add a little shimmer the next time you flirt with the pizza guy.

Meow!

Take a Snooze on a Bed of Gold

If you think a good night’s sleep these days is worth its weight in gold, have I got a tidbit for you.

Italian mattress maker, Magniflex, is launching a new line made out of precious metals (gold and platinum), and if you’ve got a cool $24 thousand lying around, you can pick one up for your next slumber party.

The five-zoned memory foam core is thermo-regulating, anti-bacterial and odor proof and is covered with a sheath of 22-carat gold yarn. The mattress maker says the physical properties of gold act as a barrier to those unwanted dust-mite types. And if you want an even glitzier slumber, you can add on gold pillows for $1,000 each.


Not to leave anyone out of the golden opportunity, Magniflex makes their gold mattress line for pets too. Aside from the obvious glam factor, the gold is also a proven flea deterrent.

Eureka! Form AND function.

Prices range from $1,000 - $3,000 (or just a few year’s worth of Kibbles and Bits).