The latest Neiman Marcus "book" hath arrived in all of its metallic silver and turquoise splendor to my mailbox. Amidst the above-the-knee hemlines and long dresses and short tube dresses and trapeze dresses (so confused, so confused, head huuuuurts) there are the so-called "Statement Rings."
The "Statement Rings" are big knuckle-busters that, well, make a big, um, statement. They're sort of this year's version of last year's cocktail ring. Which was last year's version of the previous year's brightly-colored bubble gum machine ring. Which was that year's version of... you get the idea.
Some are beautiful, some are so-so, and some are downright awful. Some of them play that mark-up game wherein they are priced at such a ridiculously inflated price point because you would not otherwise purchase them. You know the ones? If you saw them priced for what they're worth you'd think something was terribly wrong? Right. So take a look at the good, the bad, and the very, very awful. And some nice surprises, too.
At left is a Stephen Dweck cushion-cut green agate ring set in polished bronze. It's offered in sizes 6 or 7.
I picked it because it's green and I like green.
It's available for $330.
WTF?!
Agate and bronze for $330?! Why is it $330? Well, because you wouldn't pay $30 for it, would you, now? And not at Neiman Marcus. That's why.
Moving right along. While it's no secret that I am not a huge fan of David Yurman, he has this "statement" thing down to a science and this one is damn near the pick of the litter. In fact, you could take almost any of the Yurman puppies home and not kick your own ass, which is more than I can say for something I am going to show you later on.
This piece is sterling silver and 18K white gold with a big amethyst and .41 carats of pavé diamonds for $1325. P.S. Most of the $1325 is in those diamonds and the gold. Amethysts, while large and colorful are cheap. Particularly ones that are light purple like this one. Still, it's quite a pretty ring and way more bang for the comparative buck than the Dweck.
More nicely-executed Yurman. Color me shocked. But in this dubious company of rings Yurman is the standout winner.
These are cable-shanked oval rings in either citrine or smoky quartz with rhodolite garnet, garnet and diamond accents set in sterling silver and 18 karat yellow gold.
The citrine is $1650 and the smoky quartz is $1450.
Again, the money is in the gold and diamonds for the most part. You can spend money on citrine, but it's gotta be Madeira or similar. That one is simply large.
And now, for something completely different.
This is called the Palu Saddle ring from John Hardy for $750.
It is made in Bali, and fashioned of woven sterling silver and hammered 22-karat gold.
To me, this one is unusual and different, yet recognizable at the same time. Hardy lovers will feel comfortable with the woven silver and the silver and gold combination. Newcomers to Hardy will like the hammered high-karat gold. It's not what is expected and it's chunky, but also graceful.
Ah, yes. Hello, Shitty Kitty.
The only "statements" that this $4,250 "imported" (read: CHINA) ring makes are:
1. I like kitschy, krappy kitties.
2. Someone best hide the credit cards from me.
3. I want to buy Kimora Lee Simmons a new gold toilet. Because everyone needs a gold-plated throne. Eek.
(all photos from Neiman Marcus)
It pains me to think that the Hello Kitty baubles sell.
DY, so not my favorite, but I'll grant him the citrine -- it's quite lovely (on the right person). The smoky I'd have to see for myself in real life. Generally I love smoky quartz. But as you know I'm all about the stones, and I'm not sure the setting puts the stone in its best light. But sometimes things just don't translate well in photographs.
The John Hardy piece -- on the right person, just wonderful. (Long elegant fingers only need apply.)
Posted by: Wendy | March 20, 2007 at 06:40 AM
I want Kimora Lee's closet. And her fab gay dresser dude.
That is all.
Posted by: Lisa | March 20, 2007 at 08:28 AM
Maybe I am just biased with these small, long fingers. These big rings bother me. They wobble and spin and are chunky as hell. The Hardy piece was very alluring, though, for the reasons you mentioned. I have those fingers and it's unlikely to spin around.
As for you Lisa... how are you? I've missed you! The deployment must be making you crazeeeee if you want a closet full of Baby Phat. Oh, wait. Kimora doesn't wear that stuff. She only "designs" it and peddles it and makes OTHER peoples daughters look whorish. She's got designer goodies. And don't you forget, one of only TWO gold toilets!
Posted by: Susanna | March 20, 2007 at 08:51 AM
Being short of finger, they're just not for me. The largest ring I wear is a 14 by 10 chrysoprase cab bezel set in white gold.
Posted by: Wendy | March 21, 2007 at 12:20 PM
I love your take on this. Yurman bores me and while I like Stephen Dweck's big, showboat styles that is a whole lotta money for bronze. I think one of the reasons I am smitten with Hardy is his whole Bali lifestyle that is such an integral part of the brand.
Posted by: Deidre | March 22, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Hi Deidre - so nice to have you here! I sent you an email.
Yurman is a giant bore most of the time, but in this company you're actually better served spending your money with him than Dweck. However Hardy does the nicest and most elegant work. Not overwrought or over-thought.
Isn't it funny how every year they have to trot out a new BIG RING and call it something different? As if we were operating on room temp IQs. Perhaps some of us are? Hmmm.
Posted by: Susanna | March 23, 2007 at 06:39 AM
Someday your husband should take you to Japan to experience the land of Hello Kitty firsthand. I knew of young women in our company who had entire kitchens in Hello Kitty. Coffe maker, toaster, waffle iron, you name it.
I never had the nerve to ask if they had also purchased the Hello Kitty vibrator.
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/9938/archive/arch120.html
Posted by: John | March 23, 2007 at 05:47 PM
I just love your website. I found it last year while doing research on aquamarines, which is my husband's birthstone ( my husband is from Texas ) and I really wanted a ring with my husband's birthstone. Anyway, I found one I loved at Fortunoff's in Manhattan. Do you know that store? It's the next best place to go buy jewelry when you don't know anyone personally in the business, and we don't know anyone in the business. Anyway, I just love jewelry and can't afford my passion, so I only window-shop, but boy do I love to window-shop. Anyway, I just love your blog and am delighted that you are back posting again. Thanks!
Posted by: Rebecca | March 25, 2007 at 05:34 PM
Oh, sweet Xenu, John, that is priceless. Thank you for making my day.
I suggest everyone click through on the link John has left for us in his comment.
Prepare yourselves! And remember, I never, ever said this was a family website.
Posted by: Susanna | March 28, 2007 at 07:19 PM
These rings are absolutely gorgeous! WOW
Posted by: Engagement Rings Celebrity | July 17, 2007 at 07:35 PM
Wearing Free Fashion Jewelry on various parts of the body to enhance the beauty is a totally woman thing. But there are certain pieces of Free Jewelry that men are more and more getting interested in, like the earrings and bracelets. Sparkling Free Jewelry bracelets for women and men are very much in.
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Posted by: Free Jewelry | October 20, 2007 at 06:48 PM
Silver jewelry is not only beautiful; it is very much in style these days. Silver jewelry compliments anything you wear, and it is usually less expensive than gold jewelry. There are many sources from which you can buy silver jewelry wholesale, but the Internet will offer you the biggest selection possible. After all - you will have the whole world at your feet - or fingertips.
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As with any other jewelry, begin your search online. There are countless jewelry wholesalers online, and many of them specialize in silver jewelry. When you buy your jewelry from jewelry wholesale sources, you will pay a fraction of the cost that you would pay at a retailer's place of business, such as a jewelry store.
http://www.purse.stelocreative.com
When you purchase silver jewelry wholesale, make sure that you are purchasing sterling silver jewelry. Sterling silver is almost always marked with the numbers '925.' This is the highest quality of silver that you can buy - wholesale or retail. Note that there is no such thing as 'high quality sterling silver' and 'lower quality sterling silver.' Sterling silver comes in one quality - sterling silver. The weight of the sterling silver used in the piece should be the determining factor in the cost, unless the item was hand-made, in which case it will cost considerably more than similar pieces that were not hand made.
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Silver jewelry tarnishes - whether it is sterling silver or not. You must clean and polish your silver jewelry on a regular basis to help it keep its shine. There are many different brands of silver polish on the market that can be used to accomplish this. You should plan to clean your silver jewelry on a weekly basis.
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Buying silver jewelry wholesale is the best way to go. Silver is already relatively inexpensive - even at wholesale prices. When purchasing such jewelry, the silver or quality of the silver is not what you need to concern yourself with - again, silver is silver, just make sure it is sterling silver. The settings and stones that are used in the piece should be your concern.
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You need to insure that the piece is solidly constructed, and you need to make sure that the gems used are not simulated gems - unless that is what you want. Of course, when real gems are used, such as diamonds, the cost of the jewelry will rise considerably. But as long as you are buying jewelry wholesale, the price will still be the lowest price you will find.
Posted by: jewelry Wholesale | December 02, 2007 at 12:06 AM
Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Doris | October 28, 2008 at 06:09 PM
I just love your website. Thank you.
Posted by: sell gold jewelry for cash | February 04, 2009 at 02:28 AM
I agree that wearing Free Fashion Jewelry on various parts of the body to enhance the beauty is a totally woman thing,i liked the Stephen Dweck very elegant for me.
by: rhianne
Posted by: tungsten rings | March 25, 2009 at 07:16 PM
I really like your blog so much every time i saw your blog,i am terrible frustrated having at least one of those ring,and i also looking forward to your next post.
rhianne
Posted by: tungsten rings | August 11, 2009 at 06:37 PM
Check out the rings at www.tribalcouture.net. Wayyy more affordable than Yurman, still uses natural stones, and the design is truly original. Love them!
Posted by: Jenn Suh | October 12, 2009 at 05:21 PM
I liked purple color ring veru much. No doubt, Very good work. It looks like you are very talented person. Thanks.
Posted by: Vintage Rings | January 11, 2010 at 07:06 AM
Wow! That was really pleasing to go through those wide set of collections.
Thanks for sharing and keep posting more like this.
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Posted by: Engagement Rings | April 12, 2010 at 04:14 PM
Hello Kitty is mi nice favorite cartoon in the world.
Posted by: kamagra | April 27, 2010 at 10:00 PM
Very nice designs. Quite expensive but really worth buying.
-Rich
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