Celebrity red carpets bring out the best in jewelry--imagine having access to Fred Leighton’s antique jewels, or Harry Winston’s timeless designs. I’m not sure which route I would go--would I choose to be dripping in Van Cleef & Arpels’ diamonds or choose designer Gucci fine jewelry with a more sleek, trendy look? I like how Kate Walsh chose a matching look, all diamonds and blue sapphires, with different jewelry time periods being represented. I see Art Deco, 1950s cocktail and modern. Jewelry is so everlasting, with pieces from the 1920s looking beautiful with something created in modern times.

I've been terribly busy as of late; studying, planning, working on photo shoots, and booking travel plans. Excited to share some of these with everyone soon. However, I always have time to look at jewelry!  Just a few of my favorites below. Have you purchased any jewelry this summer?  Maybe while on vacation? Let me know!

Jennifer Fisher makes some amazing jewelry designs, I don't think there is one that I don't like! Double finger rings have still got me, and this one is especially unique being a snake. The ring is done in 14k yellow gold and black diamonds, price: $2800

Imagine this peacock inspired cuff on your upper wrist? It would be the same effect as if a peacock was showing off feathers. I think that is exactly what Carrera y Carrera was going for with this bracelet. The bracelet is done in white gold with diamonds, green tsavorite, iolite, blue sapphires, and green tourmaline.

I've always disliked Trillion cut diamonds (triangle shape). After seeing this ring, I've realized that I wasn't disliking the cut of the diamond...it was the design of the ring. I love everything about this design and I can't imagine how flattering it looks on a finger. I want to see! Designed by William Goldberg with a Trilliant diamond (check out his Ashoka cut).

Dree Hemingway wearing the cat ring from Chopard's 150th Anniversary collection called Animal World.

Love many of the pieces so far...wondering if all 150 pieces of the collection will be revealed eventually...at least online...?? Anyone know?

pic via MK MAG

Antique-masterpieces is a wonderful shop featured on RubyLane which sells some beautiful antique jewelry. Not only does owner Erica aim to please with stunning jewelry, but she also enjoys educating people about antiques. By becoming a fan of Antique-Masterpieces on Facebook, you can get daily mini-lessons on certain aspects of antique jewelry, art and other antiques. I love it when sellers want to educate their customers--it is a part of customer service that is a lost art.  

A Victorian serpent ring, with a ruby and diamond. Done in 14k yellow gold for sale at Antique-Masterpieces' RubyLane shop for $420

A navette style, early 19th Century ring done in seed pearls and ruby. As most Georgian rings, this one is 18k yellow gold with a silver-top. Price: $345

Another 19th Century piece is this 18k gold miniature in canetille frame on a delicate seed pearl chain. Has a beautiful painting that depicts a courtyard and building. The price is $650

>> Check out Antique-Masterpieces' RubyLane Shop

Gem Gossip was featured in Notable Week--a weekly newsletter devoted to fine jewelry. The publication is put together by Hilary Heard of the National Jewelry Institute and although fairly new, has already become my favorite read of the week. I look forward to it being in my inbox and really wish I had the opportunity to visit the special exhibit put on by the National Jewelry Institute. The exhibit features fashionable women of the 20th Century, held at the Museum of the City of New York from September 14, 2010 to January 3, 2011. If you would like to receive Notable Week in your inbox, email Hilary at HilaryHeard@gmail.com

Having Gem Gossip as an resource, an outlet, and a place to share ideas about jewelry has been so enjoyable for me.  One of the best parts is getting to meet some amazing designers and incredibly talented people!  Case in point, Richard--who has a deep interest and love for designing and fabricating jewelry; he calls his designs Fish Head Jewelry.  He works out of a small studio where he often cuts his own gemstones himself.  

In today's world we live in, everything is retreating more and more away from the kind of work Richard does on a daily basis.  Machines and technology continue to replace hands, sweat and time.  This is why I have so much appreciation and respect for designers like Richard who feel it is important to preserve past techniques and be inspired by history.  

So what goes into creating a custom ring? Richard is making a beautiful vintage-inspired ring for me and has updated me on the progress.  Let's see what he has done and wait in anticipation for the final outcome!

Next the ring has to be made into a rubber mold, a cast has to be made from that mold, then cast in 14k yellow gold!

>>Check out Richard's other designs, if you love sterling silver his rings are well-priced and have amazing craftsmanship.

Gem Gossip has been spotting more and more stud earrings being worn than any other type of earring. What is great about stud earrings is that there are so many different and unique styles out there.  They are also easy to wear, light weight on the ears, and go with any look you are putting together.  I've compiled a few of my favorite styles as of late.  Let me know if you find any unique pairs or if you own a favorite pair!

These studs are designed by Lauren Wolf and feature slices of Montana sapphires. They are done in 14k yellow gold and are $260.

What is this emerald cut gemstone? It is actually gold! I love this concept and these are done by Metalicious. Most designs are shown in silver or gold-tone, however 14k solid gold can be made to order for $168!

I really love these white topaz and diamond earrings designed by Janna Conner. They are done in 14k yellow gold with a 7.46 carat white topaz cut in an interesting shape. Pave diamonds encircle the topaz as well. Price: $1425

Designer Sandy Leong has a wonderful signature collection consisting of curved discs of gold.  I wonder what these would look like on; I have a feeling they are perfect!  Such a classic look yet very modern and sleek. These are done in 18k yellow gold and priced at $500.

These black diamond earrings are designed by L Frank of southern California. Black diamonds are becoming increasingly popular and a pair of stud earrings like these are a great way to try this trend out. These are done in 18k yellow gold and the total carat weight is 3.38, with a unique three-prong claw setting. Price: $3850

I am still warming up to yellow and brown diamonds and these rings designed by Neil Lane are easy to like. Studying about them through GIA has also made me appreciate their rarity. Actresses like Tori Spelling and Milla Jovovich had these beauties sitting pretty on their ring fingers. Good choices...and awesome designs Neil Lane!

photos via pricescope

My sister had a photoshoot for her bio page on Fashion News Live, where she is the editorial supervisor and producer. I was happy to let her borrow one of my rings--the antique onyx ring in white gold. Although my sister has the eye for putting together an amazing outfit being a stylist, I think my suggestion of the ring was perfect for her outfit. Congrats Alisha, have fun at Miami Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week!

Susan Foster designs some amazing jewelry--she’s been doing so for over 12 years. And things are just getting more and more exciting in her world. This November Susan Foster haute couture collection launches, with very little clues as to what these jewels are going to look like. Judging from past collections, the new designs are going to be nothing less than breath-taking. Gem Gossip will be sure to cover all the details when the designs are revealed in November. Until then, check out this quick interview with Susan Foster:

It was great.  I would highly recommend a budding jewelry designer to study at GIA, as one cannot fully create nor understand the physics of a piece of jewelry without knowing and appreciating the materials involved.  I gained a wealth of information at GIA and I cant image having moved forward in my jewelry career without studying there first.   I wanted so badly early on to work with a spectrum of rare gemstones but I needed the knowledge to back it up......with eventually lead to confidence in my decision making! 

hmmm, that is really hard to say.  I would have to look back in previous collections to answer that.  Once I'm done with a collection I truly move on and cannot remember what sold over the years. I've been designing over 12 years so it's hard to remember. In my current collection everything is selling very well and I'm very happy with everything 2010.   

There are a few.   Many years ago, all in the same month Neiman Marcus picked up my line, my jewelry was on the the cover of InStyle, and Stevie Nicks came over to my one bed apartment at the time for my private jewelry party.  Stevie was also wearing my jewelry in the inside of that very same issue coincidentally.   Equal to that was when Maria Shriver (years later) asked me to restore numerous pieces that were heirlooms, given to her by her grandmother, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy.  It was wonderful working on Rose Kennedy's jewelry for the 1920's.

I love this opal handmade bangle which clasps in the front that I designed.   Diamonds surround the opal in front and it's just dreamy.  It is in 18k rose gold, which is my favorite gold and I love opals.  I love handmade.  

Ah, I wish I could tell...... but it's a secret for now.