But anyway, let me climb down off my soapbox and leave the pedestal free for something that actually belongs there: this stunning Rhinestone Cluster Necklace by Armani Exchange.

Rhinestones most definitely make a statement, and these rhinestones make a particular one. This ornate necklaces features faceted beans and stones in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, along with fringe accents dangling from the clusters. The fringe is comprised of little chains as well as small black rhinestones.

This elegant, sinuous Snack Necklace is a gorgeous example of her work — and it explains why celebrities like Salma Hayek, Nicole Ritchie, Eva Longoria, and Lindsay Lohan have all worn her jewelry.

It is slick but dainty, not to mention completely one of a kind. The necklace is double stranded, plated in 14k gold, and it features a smooth little snake charm.

This gemstone Panagea Pendant is a great example of his gorgeous, intricate work. It contains green peridots, white diamonds, and green chrysophrase, all put together to create an exquisite final product.

Though normally not a fan of yellow gold, even I have to admit that the green peridot makes a stunning complement to the gold.  The necklace is bright and bold without ever veering into the realm of gaudy.  It is at once antique looking but edgy.

As the name suggests, these rhinestones are evocative of that beautiful phenomenon of the weather. The stones reflect stunning flashes and darts of color.

One beautiful example of them can be seen in this to die for Dior Crystal Tedior Necklace in Pink. It is encrusted with gorgeous pink crystallized Swarovski crystals. The teddy bear is absolutely, one hundred percent adorable — not to mention completely articulated.

The arms move, the head moves, and even the legs move!

The 18k White Gold Rose of France Flower Necklace is nothing less than exquisite. The chain is both 18k white gold and Diamond Clover. The Rose of France stone in the center is 26.65 carats. All the clovers have diamonds, which make a beautiful contrast to the gorgeous lavender stone.

Classic pieces get an innovative and very urban twist, making it easy to understand why you can see pieces from the line on so many male celebrities and entertainers.

One classic piece which has gotten a very cool, very edgy makeover is the dog tag necklace. As you can see here on the Stainless Steel & Leather Dog Tag Pendant with Diamond Accent, even dog tags are getting seriously blinged out.

The pendant has a very polished finish complete with a round diamond accent on silver side. The back side features black leather.

This can be had for less than three hundred dollars in certain locations.

Jewelry is something that should be special and that is how I view the brand new collection from Susan Wong — Castaway Jewelry.  Her vision is something that I absolutely agree with and she is basing this particular collection around treasures lost at sea … and that is exactly the inspiration behind this particular necklace!  The pyrite and sand dollar necklace are two things that are definitely sea-worthy and look amazing on.

Susan Wong, just a little background on her is actually a self-taught jeweler, which is something that I respect very much as I am a self-taught … a lot of things actually.  She started making jewelry early on and has just released Castaway Jewelry which is a collection that she is very, very proud of.

With good reason too! This chick is on the high-rise and she will definitely be gaining a lot of business from me … you can bet on that!

The design company is known for creating stylish and fashion forward accessories and pieces of jewelry. Specifically, they are meant to reflect the current fashion trends featured all over the world. Although the company only launched during the fall of last year, it is already extremely popular, especially in the many trendy boutiques dotted around Los Angeles.

It is no wonder. The pieces from Yukester Jewelry are extremely distinctive. They are worldly and charming, yet completely unique at the same time.

You only need to take a look at this gorgeous Snake Necklace to see that. Made of a gorgeous matte, it is now one of the jewelry company’s signature pieces, partly in thanks to the one of a kind coiling which allows the necklace to hold its distinctive shape.

You can bend or twist the necklace to create all kinds of different looks. It is forty two inches long and you can get it in both gold and silver.

It mixes trendy pieces which make strong statements with classic and elegant accents and gems, making for one of a kind designs — as you can clearly see here. After all, there are definitely reasons for her pieces being featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, The New York Times, and Lucky.

The choker is made with a beautiful antique bronze thread and it is accented with two stunning strands of translucent rhinestones. It is eighteen inches and typically available for only $220.

This is the Van Cleef & Arpels Virevolte Necklace.  The moment I scrolled through the catalog on the site and saw this, I couldn’t help but think that this necklace would be suited for Arwen and/or Galadriel.  The delicate leaves will, in fact, add a touch of whimsy and mystery to any woman who wears it.

I have to confess, I’m beginning to fall in love with Van Cleef and Arpels, big time.  I haven’t been struck by a designer so quickly in a long time.  Specifically, its the design aesthetic that gets me.  It’s so unique, while the craftsmanship is just exquisite.