Wear Jewelry Designed by Kate Middleton

Official engagement photos of Prince William and Kate Middleton are the latest buzz coming from the royal wedding front, but I found this little tidbit to be much more interesting:

Kate Middleton used to be an assistant jewelry buyer for British retailer, Jigsaw, back in 2007. Who knew?

Sure it's not as juicy as the pics of the happy couple taken by renowned fashion photog, Mario Testino, but it's a sure sign the future Queen of England not only has good taste in men - she knows her way around the accessories landscape.

While most of us won't be able to wear anything close to the jewelry in Kate's stash, we can own a piece of jewelry designed by her.  PEOPLE reports this simple bean charm necklace was created by Kate when she targeted a gap in the teen marketplace for a sophisticated style both mother and daughter could wear together.

 

Designer, Claudia Bradby, helped Middleton realize her vision back in 2007.

“Kate was very clear in what she wanted,” Bradby told PEOPLE of Middleton’s involvement (they met three times during the design process). “It was completely her initiative because she thought there was a gap in the market for something real and sophisticated, that had longevity for that age group.”

The final result is this silver bean pendant, rose quartz and freshwater pearl charm on a long silver chain, priced at 46 pounds ($73). Visit Bradby's website to stock your stuffing with one of your own. 

I also found these whimsical charm necklaces on sample sale sensation, JewelClub, that are great for new moms:

Or just for fun (loving that both Sex And The City silhouttes are represented here - the clover and the horseshoe).

What do you guys think of Kate's jewelry idea? Is there still a gap in the market for sophisticated mother/daughter jewelry? I think she was on to something....

Neil Lane Designs Nicole Richie's Wedding Band

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden finally got married after YEARS of speculation this weekend in a sparkling winter-themed ceremony at Lionel Richie's Beverly Hills home. Did her 150 guests 'dance on the ceiling' in celebration? Details of the black-tie bash are few and far between, but here's what I know so far.

The Dress: Nicole reportedly spent a lot of time choosing the right gown, laboring between vintage Chanel and Marchesa (designer of the dress Richie wears above). Ultimately, Marchesa won the day not once, not twice but three times on the lady throughout the ceremony and reception, according to InStyle.com.

The Jewelry: Neil Lane designed Richie's 4-carat vintage-inspired engagement ring, so it's no surprise his handiwork was all over the wedding band design. No pictures or details have emerged yet - but stay tuned.

The Guest List: Paris Hilton wasn't invited, according to Styleist.com. But BFFs Khloe Kardashian and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz were on hand along with Gavin Rossdale, Gwen Stefani, and Samantha Ronson. Daughter Harlow was the flower girl, and Rev. Run from Run DMC officiated. So it's like that...

The Atmosphere: Winter is Richie's favorite season, so the formal affair was bedazzled accordingly. Which doesn't explain why an elephant was photographed entering the festivities. But what celebrity wedding would be complete without one these days? (click here for more).

All this Nicole Richie news reminds me that her House of Harlow 1960 jewelry line is still going strong, with price points that are stocking-stuffer-friendly. Shop her collection on Pink Mascara here. 

Jewelry Sparkles at Dior and Bulgari Bashes

When two of the most celebrity-friendly fashion houses celebrate themselves, they usually have plenty of A-list wattage on-hand to turn up the star power.

Case in point? The Dior Store re-opening in New York City last night, that featured the likes of Amy Adams and Natalie Portman in black and white with minimal sparkle and Liv Tyler in a feathery frock with a funky statement necklace.

The 57th Street flagship store was closed for the past five months for a complete makeover, WWD reports. Architect Peter Marino aimed to bring the spirit of the Parisian flagship on Avenue Montaigne to New York with a look inspired by the residential feel of a Paris hotel.

The jewelry jaw-drop award, though, had to be the chunky emerald earrings worn by Wendi Murdoch (yup, wife of Rupert). With a household income like theirs, you can bet your assets those puppies are real. Wow.

Alas, my favorite Dior girl, Charlize Theron, was nowhere to be found. Maybe because Natalie Portman is the new face for their new perfume, Miss Dior Cherie? Hmmm...

Across the pond in Paris, the venerable Italian jewelry house, Bulgari, continued to celebrate their 125th year with the opening of '125 Years of Italian Magnificence Bulgari au Grand Palais.'

 

On display until mid January will be some 600 shiny baubles, including famous jewelry worn by the biggest movie stars of the century, including the stunning diamond and emerald brooch Elizabeth Taylor wore at her first wedding to Richard Burton, alongside sparklers worn by style icons Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly.

Bulgari's A-list spokesmodel, Julianne Moore, was there to celebrate in what appear to be peacock-inspired gemstone earrings, along with celebs Juliette Binoche, Lenny Kravitz and Clive Owen.

 

Dear, Santa: All I want for Christmas is a jewelry spokesmodel contract. Love, Laura