A Golden Smile for the New Year

We all know gold fillings and glittering grills are status symbols famous hip-hop stars and wannabes use to put the Midas Touch on their teeth. But a recent study uncovered evidence that wealthy hip-hoppers aren't the only ones who like to decorate their dentures.

According to National Geographic, sophisticated dentistry allowed Native Americans to add bling to their teeth as far back as 2,500 years ago.

An analysis of thousands of teeth examined from the collection in Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History revealed that ancient peoples had semiprecious gems soldered on to their teeth as a pure form of decoration.

While the origins of the samples are not known for sure, it's clear that people - mostly men - from nearly all walks of life opted for the look, noted Jose Concepcion Jimenez, an anthropologist at the institute.

The ornamental gemstones (including jade) were attached with an adhesive made out of natural resins, such as plant sap, which was mixed with other chemicals and crushed bones, Jiminez said. He added that the dentists likely had a sophisticated knowledge of tooth anatomy. For example, they knew how to drill into teeth without hitting the pulp inside, he explained. Lucky for them.

Today, the art of tooth decoration is still alive and well - and not just on the likes of Lil Wayne or 50 Cent. Some folks opt to have gold, diamonds, birthstones and more bonded to their teeth as more dentists offer the service as a way to distinguish themselves in a crowded market.

And if you decide that bling on your bicuspids is getting in the way of say, chewing or speaking clearly? The decoration can be easily removed without causing any damage. Lucky for us.

Chocolate Bar Goes for the Gold

Famous UK chocolate-maker, Cadbury, is on a golden mission: they’re scheming to convince the folks at Guinness Book to name their famous Wispa Gold chocolate bar as the most expensive in the world.

Must be a slow news month in candy land.

The Wispa Gold, discontinued in 2003, is a chocolate bar wrapped in edible gold leaf and sheathed in a gold leaf wrapper. Priced at $1628 each, the new batch of bars will be delivered to the record keepers by none other than Tony Hadley, the singer from Spandau Ballet whose biggest hit was “Gold” back in the day.

I personally would have picked a gold medalist, but I guess Spandau Ballet still pulls weight across the pond. (???)

The original Wispa was released on the UK market in 1981 and quickly became one of Britain's most treasured Icons. One story tells of an un-named arab who imported batches of the bars to his home in Saudi Arabia for around $4,000 a day.

A Facebook Group is stoking public interest in the campaign and there are a surprising number of folks who miss the gold chocolate option for their pantries – even at such a high pricetag. The limited batch will be made available on September 14th.

Cartier Celebrates The Cougar

Diamonds, gold, sapphires, rubies – bless their hearts, they never discriminate. No matter how many crow’s feet, eye-lifts and hot flashes we women might get, they love us all with equal abandon. But these days it’s more than jewelry that’s taken a liking to women of a ‘certain age’.

It’s guys. Young, hot, guys.


46-year-old Demi Moore flaunts her 20-something Kutcher catch around like a proud feline and Sharon Stone’s 51 years haven’t prevented her from showing more glorious ‘gam’ at Cannes than a Vegas show girl convention. And let’s not forget about Madonna, Katie Couric, Ellen Barkin, Susan Sarandon – all cradle robbers, all fabulous.

So what better way for the Cougar to flaunt their prowess than with a big blingy cat worth beaucoup bucks.

Enter: Cartier.


They may call their coveted cats “The Panther Collection” but there’s no better way for the Cougar to shine in my book. Extravagantly priced (it’s Cartier after all), the line is made out of only the finest metals and purest diamonds and gems.

But you don’t have to have an Ivana Trump budget to nab a cougar-inspired gem of your own. Check out Jewelry.com’s collection of cat jewels and add a little shimmer the next time you flirt with the pizza guy.

Meow!

Take a Snooze on a Bed of Gold

If you think a good night’s sleep these days is worth its weight in gold, have I got a tidbit for you.

Italian mattress maker, Magniflex, is launching a new line made out of precious metals (gold and platinum), and if you’ve got a cool $24 thousand lying around, you can pick one up for your next slumber party.

The five-zoned memory foam core is thermo-regulating, anti-bacterial and odor proof and is covered with a sheath of 22-carat gold yarn. The mattress maker says the physical properties of gold act as a barrier to those unwanted dust-mite types. And if you want an even glitzier slumber, you can add on gold pillows for $1,000 each.


Not to leave anyone out of the golden opportunity, Magniflex makes their gold mattress line for pets too. Aside from the obvious glam factor, the gold is also a proven flea deterrent.

Eureka! Form AND function.

Prices range from $1,000 - $3,000 (or just a few year’s worth of Kibbles and Bits).

Harry Winston Brings Wares to the Web

It wasn’t long ago that buying diamonds, gemstones and gold online was considered either a big risk or a bit tawdry. But online jewelry aggregators like Jewelry.com and cutting edge retailers like JCPenney helped to redefine the experience, and now shopping jewelry on the web is as normal as buying airline tickets and overstock sheets.

Luxury jewelers have been the last to hold out on the online movement – until recently. Diamond lovers everywhere all know that the words “Harry” and “Winston” signify the ultimate in icy jewelry fashion, and lucky for us, they are finally jumping on the web-worthy bandwagon.

"The Harry Winston Online Salon is an exciting step in our retail development plan," Thomas J. O'Neill, chief executive officer of Harry Winston, Inc. told Fashion Week Daily. "Designed to showcase our signature diamond jewelry collections, the new Online Salon will offer a discreet and highly personalized experience for customers who prefer the convenience of online shopping."

Whether you are lucky enough have immunity from our depressing economy or just want to drool at your computer screen, the Harry Winston online salon showcases diamond styles that will make your inner diva sit upright – from rings, necklaces and bracelets to earrings, pendants and cufflinks.

The pièce de résistance is this stunning necklace from the sunflower collection, which weighs in at approximately 25.8 carats and sells for $135,000. Or you can downgrade to the 15.70 carat sunflower bracelet for $85,000.

There's probably not a Harry Winston Black Friday coupon online yet is there? There's always next year...

Diamonds and Metallics Win Big at American Music Awards

Icy diamond cuffs, dazzling statement earrings, and layered chain necklaces all made a glittering appearance at the American Music Awards last night at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles - and the frocks followed suit with a metallic parade of shimmery sequins in gold, silver and bronze.

Taylor Swift is proving to be as big a fashion plate as she is a singing sensation, appearing in an off-the-shoulder silver gown with tasteful diamond drop earrings. The show’s opening act, Christina Aguilera, dazzled in a sequined number reminiscent of old Hollywood, with a diamond cuff as thick as a McEnroe sweatband. Pink and Paris wore their diamonds with golden fabric hues, and Queen Latifah and red carpet host, Carrie Ann Inaba, brought home the bronze.

Competing for several AMA awards, Rhianna and Alicia Keys also battled it out in the “who wore the biggest earrings” category, with the former in thick diamond and gold hoops and the latter in a unique diamond and mother-of-pearl design. Ms. Keys took the look further by adding a traditional Indian accessory, a diamond tikka, which dropped down her forehead in a glittering display.

The AMAs traditionally center around performances, and last night was no exception. The show featured high-energy sets from Miley Cyrus, Ne-Yo and Beyonce, though a pair of lackluster medleys opened the program from Christina Aguilera and the reunited boy band from yesteryear, New Kids on the Block. Yes, folks, they're still hanging tough.

Other highlights included an inspired performance by the Award of Merit winner, Annie Lennox, who brought the crowd to their feet with her stripped down performance of “Why”. And in a pleasant surprise, Pink joined Sarah MacLachlan on stage to harmonize beautifully to her hit “Angel”.

But the biggest shock of the night wasn't when Kanye West called himself the new Elvis, but when the Artist of the Year award went to a stunned Chris Brown.

"I was shocked," the 19-year-old crooner said backstage. "I'm so thankful and grateful. I thought Coldplay should have won the award, but I'll take it."

Click here for a complete look at last night’s big winners.

Diamonds, Gold and Dreams

Movies and jewelry are always a winning combination in my book, and Cartier is combing both in a unique installation at next month’s Art Basel Show in Miami. Cartier, the only jewelry sponsor of the world renowned art destination, will present a visual installation by the expert filmmaker and creep master, David Lynch, called “Diamonds, Gold and Dreams”.

The installation will be housed in the Cartier Dome, which includes a seven-minute "floating diamond" projection that will be displayed each hour accompanied by a musical score in an atmosphere with golden-fabric walls, gold-printed carpeting, gold trimmed display cases, an ornate curved display case for the famous Patiala necklace, and gold-accented furniture with reflective glass tops.

Lynch has come a long way from Laura Palmer, severed ears and the log lady. Oh how we miss them all…

Cartier will also debut two new glittering jewelry lines. The first, Hypnose, is a collection of black and white rings, pendants, bracelets and drop earrings made of 18-karat white gold with diamonds. Cartier says it’s reminiscent of the Art Deco movement and was inspired by a necklace Cartier created in 1907 with diamonds imitating watered silk. The other is a high jewelry collection of 17 one-of-a-kind tasseled pieces featuring blue sapphires and spinels with red hues.

The jewelry will arrive in Cartier boutiques in March, and the Lynch installation will loom large from December 4th – December 7th. Seems the perfect time to find yourself in Miami, no?

Gold Glitters at Four Christmases Premiere

Reese Witherspoon lived up to her golden girl image on the red carpet at her Four Christmases premiere in Los Angles yesterday. Gold drop earrings and a dazzling gold dagger statement necklace were the perfect accents to her Nina Ricci LBD and gladiator pumps. The only thing missing was her leading man, Vince Vaughn, who was in Bora Bora shooting another movie.

Four Christmases tells the story of couple who is forced to visit all four sets of parents over the Christmas holidays – an event they have blissfully managed to avoid until now. And it looks like they have good reason.

Hollywood is buzzing with anticipation for this holiday film, which co-stars a slew of Hollywood’s A listers such as Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek and Jon Voight. If the laugh-out-loud trailer is any indication, audiences will be rolling in the aisles well into the holiday season.

Back to the red carpet…

A glowing Kristen Chenowith, who plays sister to Reese in the film, looked lovely in a Georges Chakra gown and gemstone cluster earrings. And Mary Steenbergen, who plays their mother, wore a stunning pair of gold and diamond drop earrings. Gold hoop earrings glittered on dancer with the stars, Karina Smirnoff, and new mom, Minnie Driver, kept things simple with a gold locket necklace and gold stick earrings.

I’d like to give a special note of congratulations to the original writers of Four Christmases, Matt Allen and Caleb Wilson, who were two of my closet buddies during our college days (we won’t mention how long ago). They kept me in stitches then, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for the masses this holiday season.

So get out your gold, pass the popcorn and laugh your way through Thanksgiving this year! Four Christmases opens wide on November 25th.

Victoria's Secret Brings on the Bling

Diamonds never strutted like this before! This weekend, Miami played host to the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show, and the glittering angels didn't disappoint.

Thirty-five supermodels walked 64 slinky selections down the runway in the recently renovated Fontainebleau Hotel. R & B singer, Usher, started the show followed by the leggy Adriana Lima, who wore the famous $5 million black diamond Fantasy Bra.

Designed by Martin Katz, the ultimate in luxury lingerie is set with 3,575 black diamonds, 117 certified one-carat white round diamonds and 34 rubies. If that weren’t enough, two huge black diamond drops weighing in at 50 carats each swing down from the center.

Adriana Lima, on wearing the bra, said,

"I always wanted to wear the Fantasy Bra. It’s the first time that Victoria’s Secret makes a black diamond bra. A woman could definitely buy it if they love it - and men, too."

But the night's show stopper wasn't the most expensive C cup to see the light of day, it was Heidi Klum in a pink and red winged get-up that truly ruled the runway. Decorated with what appear to be diamond and gold jeweled accessories, the phoenix-esque Klum looked stunning as she strutted her stuff for the grand finale.

Celebrities appearing on the Victoria's Secret pink carpet included Paris Hilton, P Diddy, Russell Simmons, Michelle Trachtenberg, Kim Kardashian and perhaps the only one who can truly afford the black diamond fantasy bra, one Martha Stewart.

CBS will Bra-dcast the show in its glittering entirety on December 3rd.

Jewelry Sparkles Across the Pond

How much do we love film festivals? It’s like a red carpet wonderland of movie stars, glamorous frocks and jewels, jewels, jewels. And much like Fashion Week, you don’t have to look too far to find one this time of year.

The Times BFI London Film Festival is the place to be in October. Europe’s largest public film event showcases the best in contemporary cinema from filmmakers around the globe and lasts for a glittering two weeks throughout the city.

This year’s lineup features the critically acclaimed, Rachel Getting Married starring a gorgeous Anne Hathaway, Woody Allen’s Vicky Christina Barcelona, and Oliver Stone’s controversial look at our Commander in Chief, W. Other entries include Steven Soderberg’s, Che, and Ron Howard’s film version of the Tony winning play, Frost Nixon.

But enough about those pesky movies - what about the jewels! We spotted a glowing Jessica Biel in diamond drops, Anne Hathaway in gold bangles, Elizabeth Banks in the statement necklace trend, Laura Linney in diamond hoops and Gwynnie in a classic, vintage diamond choker.

And of course, there is Penelope. ‘Nuff said.

Click here for a complete look at the festival line up! In the meantime, on to Rome!

Michelle Obama 'Brooches' the Fashion Subject

Vintage diamonds, yellow gold, glittering gemstones – we’re seeing a bevy of beautiful variations on the brooch theme these days. The sensibly stylish, Michelle Obama, is now synonymous with the jewelry trend, and she launched yet another brooch blitz last night on the Tonight Show.

“I want to ask you about your wardrobe. I’m guessing about $60,000, $70,000 for that outfit,” Leno joked.

“Actually this is a J. Crew ensemble. We ladies, we know with J. Crew. You can get some good stuff online,” a gracious Mrs. O replied.

“Do you order it all online? Doesn’t that take the fun out of it?”

”When you don’t have time, you’ve got to click.”

Indeed.

We are still on the lookout for the brooch details (which, like her convention brooch, most likely came from her own jewelry box), but the J Crew ensemble included their Italian Deco tank, Crystal-button colorblock cardigan in Silver Honey and Metallic cloque pencil skirt in Metallic Sour Lemon.

Even Mrs. O knows it’s all about metallics this season, ladies.

Until recently, the brooch was a forgotten jewelry accessory relegated to Victorian era museum exhibits and grandma’s jewelry box. But with Michelle Obama’s help (and TV’s hit Mad Men), it’s clear women of all ages can “spread the wealth” with this glittering jewelry trend.

Fido's Golden Bark-a-Lounger

It might not take a diamond to woo the woof out of your pampered pooch (unless you’re Paris Hilton), but a little gold certainly never hurt anyone.

For those who have to put your beloved barker in her little cage at night so she doesn’t shred the upholstery (or eat the trash), we found a glittering solution from Daily Candy this morning – a golden doggie crate.

From lap dog to the lap of luxury, Peter Pracilio from designGO! created a 22.5 karat gold leaf round cage for the Fido (or the Sylvester) in your life - as long as they don’t weigh more than 40 pounds.


The limited edition crate is made of steel wire, stands at about two feet tall and includes a removable rubber mat (for obvious reasons).

The gilded beauty will set you back a mere $11,000, but a painted version in black, white, or silver rings in at a much lower $320.

So the next time Mops has to spend a dog day afternoon in the slammer, at least let him bask in the glow.

Available online at gotpetdesign.com and shopurbanpaws.com.

Let Jewelry Go to Your Head

Diamonds, gemstones, gold – it’s easy to fall head over heels for jewelry this season. We all know by now the “big and bawdy” trend is taking the runways and red carpets by storm. But there’s another look emerging that’s giving the statement necklace a run for its money: bejeweled hair pieces.

Maybe Sarah Jessica Parker started the hunkering for headwear with that green bird thingy she wore in the SATC movie this summer? Or maybe it’s a longing for our Richard Simmons, headband-wearing, 80s past? Regardless, it’s clear the noggin is clamoring for a little more attention this season – and the celebs are taking note!

Mad Men’s January Jones threaded an elegant diamond strand throughout her updo at the Emmys. Nicole Richie kicked it old school during Fashion Week with a glittering band across her forehead, John McEnroe style. Paris Hilton and The Hills diva, Lauren Conrad, opted to bedazzle a traditional Jackie-O inspired headband, and Pink threw some ice on just one side of her punk rock locks.

Whether you’re an elegant Audrey Hepburn type or a happy-go-lucky hippie chick, there are many ways you can add a little moxy to your melon. So channel your inner Olivia and get physical with some headstrong jewelry fashions this season!

Solid Gold Just a Click Away

There’s nothing like a lazy Sunday flipping between your favorite Lifetime tear-jearker and Project Runway rerun (Go Korto!). Or maybe you’re more of an NFL junkie (Go Jets!). No matter your channel of choice, we have the perfect way to bring coach potato to an entirely new level: a pure gold remote control. There’s no reason channel surfing can’t be glamorous, people.

Goldstriker is a company known for putting the Midas Touch on all the hot gadgets about town, and the Bang & Olufsen Beo 4 remote is their latest creation. Splashed with 24-carat gold, the classy clicker will put you back about $1,000. A small price to pay for glory. There are only 250 available, so get a move on, sportsfans.

If you happen to miss out on this round, Goldstriker has a full line of golden gadgets, from ipods to iphones, Blueteeth to Blackberrys. And you can even send in your own do-dad for more personalized service. We’re sure you don’t have anything better to spend your money on.

So make your next reality show marathon or Super Bowl party the envy of the neighborhood. Go for the gold from the seat of your Barcalounger. Now THAT’s the American dream!

Solid Gold Meets Heroin Chic

Move over Rue McClanahan, there’s a new Golden Girl in town. The UK’s Independent reports that a 110-pound, solid gold statue entitled ‘Siren’ will debut at the renown British Museum on October 4th. The subject? Kate. Moss. And we thought gold chocolate, gold facials, and gold doggy beds were a little wacky.

The runway’s golden girl is the muse of artist, Marc Quinn, who created a solid gold replica of the supermodel in some kind of yoga pose. The piece is worth $2.8 million and is thought to be the world's largest gold statue since the time of ancient Egypt. Leave it to Kate to give Cleopatra a run for her money.

"I thought the next thing to do would be to make a sculpture of the person who's the ideal beauty of the moment," Quinn said of his creation. "But even Kate Moss doesn't live up to the image." Tell us about it. Ms. Moss has thankfully not been in the headlines much since splitting with troubled rocker, Pete Doherty, but the image of her snorting that “white powdered substance” is perhaps the most lasting one to date.

The museum released only a close-up pic of the statue as a teaser, so we’re not sure what yoga pose dear Kate is immortalized in. Our money’s on Child’s Pose.