Is this not the most exquisite brooch you have ever seen? From the American Exhibit at Fred Leighton (one of my favorite jewelers, my husband knows to go there for special treats for me), this estate piece is a Tiffany Edwardian Diamond Fan made of natural black pearl, diamonds, platinum and gold from 1910- a hundred years later and it is still relevant, this is why I love great jewelry. I know brooches remind you of your Great Aunt but when worn right, they can be very young and fun! I love brooches and usually wear them as pendants or in my hair. At Fred Leighton New York and Las Vegas. Call 212-288-1872 for purchase.

In 1932 Coco Chanel walked into a Parisian jewelry workshop and demanded the impossible. As the pièce de résistance of her first fine-jewelry collection, the ever-progressive Mademoiselle had dreamt up a 600-plus diamond necklace that featured an irregularly shaped star and draped around the neck like a light French foulard. "I can only imagine the astounded faces in the workshop when she proposed this," says Marc Auclert, director of Chanel Fine Jewelry.

$138,160

I'm not one to balk at new styles but when it comes to jewelry, I'm a firm believer in sticking with the classics. Bvlgari has been a personal favorite of the Jewel Snob for years (I've been collecting since my early 20's!) because it's commitment to design and quality is unparalleled. Founded by Sotirio Bulgari, a Greek who embraced Rome as his home, the design house has created timeless pieces since 1884 and has since cultivated loyal fans around the world. One of my favorites, the iconic Bvlgari Parentesi, has held reign for decades but this year, Bvlgari introduces the new Parentesi. I was not sure how I would feel about the new line as I am a huge fan of the original (and yes, I do own the entire white gold Parentesi set so I know what I'm talking about here) but the minute I set my eyes on this gorgeous new interpretation of the Roman inspired Parentesi design, I knew I was in trouble. Bvlgari's latest endeavor once again reflects it's ancient Roman roots with modern flair. I love the 20+ carat diamond chain of round cut and pave diamonds (it's not that much really since the chain is 16 inches long :). And the Parentesi pendant with 1.71ct emerald diamond as it's center piece is to die for, it's ultra luxurious but tasteful, a difficult combination to maintain with serious bling bling but Bvlgari does it flawlessly. Priced at $138,160. At Bvlgari - 201 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills or call 310-858-9216

Here is another piece from the same line but about 10 times bigger, check out the ice on the chain! It's not something you'd wear everyday but if you want to impress, this is the piece to go for. Price furnished upon request at Bvlgari.

The Jewel Snob owns more Fred Leighton jewelry than any other designer, Fred's impeccable taste is reflected in both his vintage pieces and new designs and I am addicted to it all! If you have not walked into one of his stores, you must go! Fred's boutiques are a treasure trove of gorgeous baubles. His impressive estate and vintage jewelry collection is touted as one of the world's largest and most important but what I love about his jewelry is that they are so wearable. Unlike certain jewelers who cater to rappers with tacky and giant bling bling (like the one facing money laundering charges and 20 years in prison), Fred's jewels are always in good taste. Next time you are in New York, you MUST check out his store in person! Fred Leighton 773 Madison Ave, (212) 288-1872

Photos courtesy of Fred Leighton

Not your average cocktail ring, this gorgeous piece from renowned French jeweler Cartier is a collector's dream. Diamond petals gently cradle the center of the orchid made of yellow canary diamonds with a ruby tipped bulb. There is no flower more sensuous than the orchid and there is nothing sexier than a woman in a fabulous piece of jewelry.
Price furnished upon request from Cartier. 828 Madison Avenue, New York, 10021 - (212) 472-6400

Photo courtesy of Cartier

Nothing says I love you like a giant rock, Richard Burton certainly wore his heart on his sleeve when he gave Elizabeth Taylor this 33 carat asscher cut stunner known as the "Krupp" diamond. Once owned by Vera Krupp, as in the infamous Krupp family who supplied Nazi Germany with its ammunition. Liz thought it was fitting that a nice Jewish girl such as herself should end up with this beauty! She wears it everyday and in every film, it cost $305,000 when they acquired it in 1968, our guess is it's worth millions today. As the Jewel Snob tells her husband often, diamonds are as good investments as real estate!

Should you be as lucky in love as Liz, send your man to Harry Winston for a similar stunner. For more practical guys, Diamond.com and Mondera.com have fantastic prices for loose stones!

No matter where you get your bling, remember the 4 C's, carat size (bigger is better only in top quality diamonds!), cut (depending on your personality, The Jewel Snob prefers asscher/emerald cuts), color (never sacrifice color!), and clarity (you can get away with a lesser clarity if you've got a D color rock that faces up well).