zhang ziyi's engagement ring

I was quite surprised when I first read that Zhang Ziyi 章子怡 was engaged. She's so private I didn't even know she was dating! Or, maybe in America, she just wasn't a big enough star to have that sort of press published. (Personally, I'd rather read about her engagement than to endure another cover story on any of the Hiltons/Lohans/Hills girls/etc., but you get the point.)

After much roving, I finally found pics of her gargantuous ring. I have no idea who made it, what cut it is, etc., but it's definitely a sparkler. (That double starfish ring is to die for, though!)


Congrats to her and her MOGUL fiancé, Aviv "Vivi" Nevo. Up until I read his name in Vogue, I had never heard of him, but as his outings w/ ZZ have been more frequent, he is starting to get into the spotlight himself. One example was via this investigative report from the New York Times. It appears, they are very interested in him, too!

As for the ring, even though it's so huge, it doesn't come off tacky at all. The design of the ring feels classic and stately, unlike Mariah's ring pop. :P Can't wait to see pics of her wedding, which is supposed to happen next year...!

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"It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds." - Aesop

I am truly enchanted by this collection of bird jewelry from Lladró. The Magic Forest collection, from their Re-Cyclos line, are simple yet elegant, where the white ceramic birds are both at one with nature while channeling one's inner minimalist. I am SOoooo smitten by the necklaces, rings, hair combs, tiara...basically, all the pieces!


I would have immediately purchased at least one or two items, until the thought of accidentally damaging them from normal use stopped me from buying ceramic jewelry. On a daily basis, if it wasn't silly to wear birds in my hair, I would do so everyday. (It seems it's only suitable for bridal use... :P) Adornment comes in all forms, from precious, glittery stones to warm woods and jangly plastic, so why not with cool, graceful ceramic? I would be happy with even just that one adorable ring. Or maybe the hair combs...sigh...

Lladró - Magic Forest Collection

Open Necklace - $600
Choker - $525
Pendant Necklace - $425
Stud Earrings - $95
Long Earrings - $175
Hair Comb - $175
Brooch - $225
Cufflinks (gold-plated) - $145
Hair Stick - $300
Ring - $125
Bridal Crown - $600
Bridal Tiara - $525

scarlett's engagement ring

I was only gone for a week, but another celeb gets engaged!? Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds may not be in the same caliber as Angelina and Brad, but have to say, they are both equally easy on the eyes. So what does a gorgeous guy buy for his gorgeous gal when he wants to make things official? A very simple solitaire ring (by celebrity standards, anyways...have you seen Mariah's ring lately?).

Wouldn't you know it, but this ring is actually very old-fashioned, in terms of a single diamond, with a yellow gold band, not the white gold or platinum that one would expect, and it's actually very charming. I can't find any clearer pics of the ring than these for now, but I think this ring says a lot about this couple. They are obviously not flashy, but quite traditional, which is refreshing for Hollywood standards. I wonder if they will actually have a wedding, since Ryan's engagement to Alanis Morissette only ended in a break-up.


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mariah's engagement ring

With rumors swirling about whether or not Mariah Carey tied the knot with Nick Cannon, here are some up-close-and-personal pics of the ring, designed by Jacob & Co. It's giant and gaudy and blinding, but I think it suits her diva attitude.

"The ring is crafted from platinum and features a square emerald cut fancy light pink diamond as the center stone surrounded by 58 intense pink diamonds and two half moon diamonds on each side. The center stone alone weighs 10 carats, and the total carat weight of the ring is 17 carats. It's valued at $2.5 million."

Not sure about those "tabs" flanking the sides of the emerald-cut stone. I think one center stone would have been elegant and pretty enough, but I guess they weren't going for elegance, were they?!?


Pink diamonds are so purdy...

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Battle of the Price Tags

Gryson Tate (Paper Patent) $875

vs.
Gryson for Target Drawstring Tote Bag $49.99
Savings of $825.01

Dior Diorette Yellow Gold Ring $5,550
vs.
Juicy Couture Garden Party Ring $88

Savings of $5,462

Louis Vuitton Monogram Tissé Rayure Clutch $1,850
vs.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Airliner Jacquard Wallet $198

Savings of $1,652

I never met a frog that I didn't like...

Ever since I was little, I'd always thought that frogs were kinda cute. In their buggy-eyed, bloated tummies, padded fingers kind of way, they always seemed to represent wide-eyed innocence. Other girls always associated frogs with a handsome prince in disguise, but not me. Maybe because I grew up (for a short time) in an area where I had access to frogs, snakes, turtles, and salamanders, I liked the frogs for the frogs themselves, and these little creatures never really grossed me out.

While frogs aren't normally viewed as creatures reserved for cute accessories, I instantly fell in love with these 2 very frog-centric pieces.

The first is this adorable little ring from J.Crew. This version comes in black agate, but there is also a lemon jade version (which would've been my first choice, but I think that one is sold out). I love that it's a little frog that's wrapped around your fingers, much like the little frogs I used to catch as a kid in Walden Pond. This is an ideal little ring to wear on the index finger, methinks.


Then there is this Marc Jacobs purse! It's kinda silly, is fully impractical, and really, why a frog, but I love it anyways. I like that the frog is smack in the middle, as both a showpiece and an accent to the bag. While you can get it in neon pink or acid yellow, I prefer the muted, plain black version, because the gold frog stands out more.


For a one-of-a-kind frogger experience, Neiman Marcus has an exclusive version of the frog bag.


Yes, even Victoria Beckham would approve (if she was your idol, of course). :p


J.Crew 10kt Gold Stone Frog Ring - $425 at J.Crew

Marc Jacobs Evening Rana Pouch - $795 at eLuxury

Marc Jacobs Angie Evening Frog Pouch - $1,195 at Neiman Marcus

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jewels fit for a king

Louis Vuitton sent out a newsletter this morning hinting at a jewelry collection that will be unveiled on their website at the end of April. A collaboration with Pharrell Williams and Vuitton creative consultant Camille Miceli, the Blason collection will feature four distinct themes.


While the jewelry had already been promoted heavily back in January, this will be the first time you can purchase it from the comforts of your home. The designs span a wide range of European influences, from the power symbols of aristocracy to the more romantic cherub. The line is definitely a one-off collaboration, and does not relate to any of LV's current clothing or bag designs. Although I find the pieces to be too loud and dare I say, a little on the pimpin' side, it definitely aligns with Pharrell's unique style.


You can see a promotional video for the collection here. The video's ok, but the song is really strange. :p




Louis Vuitton Blason Jewellery Collection - €1,400 - €420,000, or approximately $2,070 to $621,000

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