Women > Jewelry / Timepieces

Fashion - Women > Jewelry / Timepieces

While some costume jewelry is acceptable, pearl jewelry is where I draw the line. Must. Be. Authentic.

With that in mind, number three on my top ten essential pieces of jewelry for every woman is the pearl necklace.

You've seen pearls worn by some of the world's most memorable women —

Grace Kelly, Lady Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, —

and for good reason: Pearls are timeless, elegant, and wear well with anything.

Here are my choices for favourite pearl necklaces, priced high to low:

• Tiffany Signature™ Pearl necklace: The 18-inch long strand of pearls for women who want to be spoiled. Seriously. Tiffany & Co.'s cultured pearl necklace features an 18k white gold clasp, and it doesn't come cheap. ($18,000 CAD, Tiffany & Co.)
• White Freshwater Pearl necklace: Birks is synonymous with quality. When you purchase anything from Birks, you're purchasing it for looks, and keeping it for life. And, if you'll have a pearl necklace forever, why not go all out and buy a 100-inch long pearl necklace? Fashion meets function with a longer length; you can wrap several times are your neck, or wear at full length. ($895 CAD, Birks)
• Cultured Freshwater Pearl necklace: Ah, Costco. Not the first place that comes to mind when you're shopping for pearls, but they sell a quality product for an affordable price. Made in Canada, this 20-inch strand of pearls features a 14kt white gold clasp and pearls in semi-baroque shape. ($119.99 CAD, Costco)

Fashion - Women > Jewelry / Timepieces

Here's a little history for you: Also known as a dinner ring, the cocktail ring really came into fashion in the 1940s and 50s. A cocktail ring is easily identifiable because of its size, and because it typically contains precious or semiprecious stones. Originally worn at the cocktail hour over dinner gloves, cocktail rings started out being worn on the fourth finger of the right hand (this is where the "right hand ring" name comes from). Today, however, cocktail rings are commonly worn on either hand, and come in sizes fitting index, middle, and ring fingers.

And, in case you're wondering, a cocktail ring doesn't have to contain genuine stones; in fact, costume cocktail rings are completely acceptable and will allow for you to have multiple variations of this eye-catching jewelry essential.

I love that a dramatic ring can instantly glamourize whatever you happen to be wearing. Whether worn with more formal attire as it was originally intended, or worn with your favourite skinnies and a white t-shirt, the cocktail ring is number two on my list of essential pieces of jewelry that every woman should own.

Here are some stylish interpretations I think you'll appreciate, priced high to low:

• Costco Flower Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring: Hellllooo. Sparkling pear-shaped pink tourmaline gemstones act as a lovely accent to 38 .30 carat diamonds. Set in 14 karat white gold, this is a ring you'll wear for life, and pass to the next generation. ($1999.00, Costco)
• House of Harlow 1960 Spike Black Cabachon Cocktail Ring: Sure it's only gold-plated, but for the occasions when you wear this Nicole Richie-designed ring, that's a fact you can easily accept. A resin cabochon is highlighted by rough-around-the-edges spikes, making for interesting take on ladylike elegance. (About $74 CAD, Shopbop)
• Forever 21 Excess Shine Ring: I'm not usually a fan of Forever 21, but for the price, you really can't go wrong with this ring. I really like the center stone, and the eye-catching rhinestone encrusted surround. For less than 10 dollars, who wouldn't? (About $7 CAD, Forever 21)

Fashion - Women > Jewelry / Timepieces

Swarovski crystal, bib style necklace, and splash of neon.

Can you say summer any better?

Best worn as a statement piece with all camel or black, and a serious top knot.

_{Tom Binns Swarovski Bib Necklace, Expensive at $1900, Net-A-Porter}

Fashion - Women > Jewelry / Timepieces

Reminiscent of American artist Robert Indiana's Love sculpture, this Tiffany Love charm and chain would make a beautiful and thoughtful Valentine's Day gift for your girlfriend (or wife, or sister, or mother). A darling necklace sprayed with brilliant round diamonds, this charm features the letters 'L', 'V', and 'E' in 18k white gold, and a heart-shaped 'O' in rose gold.

_{Tiffany & Co. Love charm and chain, $1100 and $425, Tiffany}