Jessica Simpson's Red Hot Engagement Ring

Not a week has gone by since Vanessa Minnillo started flashing her huge Asscher-cut engagement ring from Nick Lachey, and that wily Jessica Simpson goes and one-ups her with her own ring finger news - namely, a ruby red engagement rock from her beau of six monhts, Eric Johnson.

Meow!

Another 'shocker'? Simpson's ring comes from celebrity designer, Neil Lane, who seems to have a monopoly on newsworthy engagement rings these days. And this one is a real tongue-wagger.

Here's the blingy backstory:

“Eric wanted the most romantic, beautiful, special ring for Jessica,” Lane tells PEOPLE. The result? A three-stone Lane sparkler with a stunner of a central ruby flanked by two pear-shaped diamonds - each stone weighing over 5 carats. Estimates put the ring at around $100,000, (which is a bit less than the rock Vanessa got. But who's counting?)

While the ruby just so happens to be Simpson’s birthstone (she was born in July), the gem “represents love,” says Lane. “The ruby is a stone of love and it is the most romantic gem and it’s very rare and very, very special.”

Stealing the spotlight from your ex? Also special.

Who's dreaming of a 'red' Christmas? You know who you are! Here are a few affordable buying options:

Still not sold? Click here to see the other singing celeb who recently got hitched with a ruby on her ring finger.

JewelClub's Sample Sale Goes Old School

INTERIOR - WOMAN'S CLOSET - EARLY  MORNING:

The telltale signs of a true fashionista litter the landscape. Racks of Chanel and DKNY finds mingle with McQueen and Miu Miu. Vintage jewelry, costume creations and fine gems light up the joint like a Christmas tree on crack.

A mash-up of the "Rocky Theme Song" and "I Will Survive" BLASTS in the background.

As the music reaches its crazy crescendo, we CLOSE UP on a leggy fashion-type doning riot gear.  

This is SAMPLE SALE GIRL.

SSG WHIPS OUT her notepad and goes through her battle-ready checklist:

1. Super Secret Sample Sale invite? Check.

2. Oversized shopping bag? Check.

3. Pepper spray for the pushy girls? Check.

4. Debit card? Check, check...and check.

With one final tighten of her shin guards, SSG whisks off into the cool morning air -  the lingering promise of sample sale success lighting her way. And her soul.

And...SCENE.

This was sample sale shopping in the (not so distant) past, right? When secret invitations were as important as the designer castoffs that awaited the organized and the determined. These days? Sample sales aren't, well, quite so romantic. Or competitive. Until now.

You all know I love my JewelClub treasure chest. So when news hit that they're throwing a secret couture-level sample sale like the good old days? I had to spead the news to my fellow jewelry hounds.

So here's the skinny. Tomorrow, they're sending out secret invitations with a link to the page with one-of-a-kind high-end styles at up to (drumroll...) 80 - 90% off.

This is so pepper-spray-worthy, people.

ALL of you sample sale sirens need to get your riot gear ready (you can sign up for the Deal Alert invite here - or check back with me tomorrow). And anyone you know who has a big jewelry purchase coming up should follow your lead. This is holiday season. It's time to get serious - and this merch is gonna move.

I'm getting a sneak peak at some of the styles later today - and I'll post my favs on Twitter for you. Stay tuned! And good luck!

2010 CMA Awards Jewelry Fashion

With so many leading ladies from Hollywood's A-list littering the 2010 Country Music Awards, like Gwyneth Paltrow (more on her later), Katherine Heigl and Nicole Kidman, I began to wonder if I was covering the right event.

But these looks came 'round, and I was reminded you can never keep a good rhinestone cowgirl down.

So? What did I learn from last night's jewelry hunt?

Country singers love big old gowns. And Carrie Underwood (almost) won the night with her seven(!) costume changes during her co-hosting gig. But one country music crooner wore a getup that put Miss American Idol in her place - everyone's favorite coal miner's daughter, Loretta Lynn.

 

Now that's country music couture!

Jewelry winners were:

Miranda Lambert in Amrapali statement earrings and a series of bangles:

 

Jennifer Nettles in Kimberly McDonald agate-slice earrings:

Taylor Swift in Neil Lane diamond dangle earrings:

 

Katherine Heigl in sapphire button earrings with a starburst pendant from Ryan Ryan

The other big winner for me was Gwyneth Paltrow. Love her or hate her, the woman showed serious chutzpah by taking the CMA stage and singing a great little ditty from her latest film, Country Strong (see the performance video here).

I know there are a gazillion country singer wannabes out there who deserve their chance, so Gwynnie jumping the line is more than a little annoying. But I like her. Despite her 'lifestyle' website, workout videos and way-too-public friendship with Madonna. And that song is totally sing-in-the-shower-worthy. Well played.

Lots to ponder here, jewelry hounds. What do you think of Hollywood invading the country music scene? Did Gwyneth deserve her standing o? Where is Dolly Parton when you need her? Who wore you fav jewelry look? Weigh in!