I’m going to go ahead and offer the disclaimer that this ring is for a money-is-no-object sort of situation. The price is “available by request”, which means very very expensive, as does the ring of pavé baguette cut diamonds and center emerald cut stunner that the ring is composed of. But a girl can dream, and even if you can’t afford this ring, if you love it then it’s a good place to start getting an idea of what you do want. And, in case you were wondering, yes, that is another diamond set into the bezel of the central solitaire. Breathtaking. Available from Cartier.

Photo Credit: Cartier

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Cartier (Diamonds) are a Girl’s Best Friend

I browsed through their selection and they’ve got such amazing pieces! The following gorgeous gems would make fantastic gifts for your friends and loved ones.

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

The Diamond in the Rough Champagne Bubbles necklace is absolutely amazing! It really does look like those fizzy champagne bubbles doesn’t it?  This necklace is handcrafted in 18-karat white gold with a toggle clasp and 16″ chain. It features 17 rough diamonds (about 15.43 carats – oh my!) and accented by 0.95 carats of micro-pavé diamonds. All those diamonds will cost ya a pretty penny, though. About $22K to be exact. Pricey but oh so beautiful, right?

Ok let me show you something that won’t hurt the wallet as much…

(Image: Neiman Marcus)

Another lovely piece from the collection is this Band Ring.  At $5,500. it’s still expensive but no less as gorgeous. This lovely ring is made of 18-karat white gold with pavé diamond insets. The rough diamond center is about 1.58 carats and the micropavé diamonds are 0.32 carats. This ring would definitely be a showcase piece to give that special someone.

You can purchase both of these Diamond in the Rough pieces at Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman.

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Diamond in the Rough Jewelry

1. Use plants as centerpieces. It’s just a fact of life that cut flowers die quickly. So, why waste hundreds or thousands of them when you could use a plant that could live indefinitely? Just like with cut floral arrangements, you can go as big or as small as you want to, from little white cups of wheatgrass to giant orchids. Then, after the wedding you can keep them all for your home, or give them away to guests.

2. Don’t throw things. Uncooked rice is bad for birds. And if you’ve ever opened a holiday card from an overzealous aunt, then you know that glitter and confetti are bad for everyone. Even bubbles leave a sticky residue. So why not forego all these problems and just hand out hankies for everyone to wave, instead? They’re quaint, sweet, and totally reusable.

3. Go draft or keg for beer. I’m not saying you should turn your wedding into a frat party or anything, but if you’re serving beer, what’s the point of wasting all those bottles? Yes, of course, you can and should recycle them, but why use them at all? Your booze bill will be cheaper and your conscious cleaner (not to mention the environment).

4. Go vintage. Who says everything at a wedding has to be new? Go with a retro theme and you and everyone else can buy fabulous vintage clothes. If you’re not into vintage, then buy a designer gown used. It’s easy, cheaper than paying retail, and cuts down on all the emissions used in garment manufacturing. Ahhh, recycling at its most fashionable.

5. Buy only the best diamonds. I’m not talking clarity here, I’m talking clear-headed. The diamond industry has a dark cloud of questionable practices looming over it, including slavery and other human rights abuses. But if you go with a reputable jeweler that openly declares their diamond-buying practices, you’ll be doing everyone a favor, and what’s good for people is good for the planet we live on.

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5 Green Wedding Ideas

They’re watches!  In pretty colors!

Okay, okay, before I get too excited here… it’s the new “Diamond Color Cruise” collection from Technomarine.  The watches are accented with diamonds (0.6 carats) and have a Mother-of-pearl face.  And just in case you thought they were just too pretty, they’re also water resistant to 660 feet.

image source: Technomarine

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fresh colors from Technomarine

Thanks to Boing Boing for finding this little goodie

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killer engagement rings

May I suggest the sterling silver & diamond “Xs and Os” pendant from Tiffany?

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Valentine’s day gifts from Tiffany

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eyecandy – David Yurman jewelery

Instead of running off batteries, there is a tiny little solar cell on the face of the watch.  The watch is kept charged by a little as 15 minutes of sunshine every few weeks!

Environmentally friendly & fashionable – now that’s a watch I can wear

This is the “Riva Diamond Chronograph”, available in stores September 2nd, 2007.

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Eco-drive watches for women

This lovely ring is made from 18kt gold & diamonds, by designer Gretchen Julius.

This “reverse eternity” ring is by Natalie Uhl and is available in 18kt gold, platinum & palladium – with a full two karats tucked away inside the band!

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unique diamond rings

Have you guys heard about Kickbars? While not everyone can afford $6500 worth of 24kt gold & pave diamonds – if you can, why not have fun with it!

I love the fact that you can also wear them as bracelets & necklaces – versatility is a asset in diamonds

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diamonds on the laces of her shoes