Michelle Obama to Ring in the New Administration

President-Elect, Barack Obama, hasn’t let a little thing like appointing a new cabinet, a sinking stock market, the failing auto industry, two wars and global warming get in the way of a little romance. And what better way to show her you love her than with a little jewelry?

Smart man.

The Daily Mail reports that Obama has commissioned famous Italian jewelry designer, Giovanni Bosco, to create a special ring for his wife to thank her for her support during the campaign. He plans to give her the gorgeous gem in time for the inauguration ceremonies on January 20th.

The Harmony ring is made of rhodium - the world's most expensive metal --and is encrusted with diamonds. One of the world's rarest and most precious metals, only about 25 tons of rhodium are mined each year, setting the price at over $7,660 per ounce -- or about ten times the cost of gold.

The ring is expected to cost around $30,000 – or close to a year’s salary for Joe the Plummer – so we’re not sure how much the jewelry conservative Mrs. O will want to flaunt the gift from the nation’s First Husband.

But will the public let the J-Crew wearing Michelle Obama get away with wearing a big time bauble without calling foul?

I think this well-deserved ‘thank you’ can be considered ‘bling we can believe in’. When she breaks out a rhodium and diamond tiara, then we’ll talk.

Lipstick, Luxury and Libations

Want a diamond with your drink? Sapphires with your spirits? The folks at Mohegan Sun Casino in southeastern Connecticut will give you just that - if you have $6200 to burn. And you just might if you visit their new Casino of the Wind, which had a dazzling opening last week.

Lipstick Jungle star, Kimberly Price, was at the star-packed launch party and left her own lipstick mark on the luxurious libation, appropriately called the Windfall. The fruity concoction is made with champagne, cognac and a bevy of berries. And the garnish? A platinum diamond and pink sapphire celebration band by Tiffany. That’s downright double down-worthy.

Mohegan’s new Casino of the Wind joins the existing Casino of the Earth and Casino of the Sky and features a 42-table poker room, nearly 30 traditional table games, over 650 slot machines - and an indoor water wall. What is a casino, really, without a water wall?

If you want your own Windfall, cash in your chips at the Leffingwells Martini Bar or Todd English’s Tuscany in the casino through October 31st.

Justin Buys Diamonds for Jessica!

Not to worry JT fans. It’s not THE diamond. Not yet, anyway. Superstar lovebirds Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel made their Roman holiday a lot brighter this week with a stop at an exclusive, unmarked jewelry store that specializes in pieces from the 1950s and 1970s.

People Magazine reports that Justin picked up a diamond bracelet and a diamond right hand ring for his talented love interest – both from the 1970s.

The couple spent about an hour in the shop and asked the sales assistant to empty the safe with all their best merchandise. Biel apparently tried on every piece in the store before making her selections.

A woman after my own heart!

At one point, Justin started serenading her with a song from her latest film – a period piece called Easy Virtue – while Biel tried on a vintage diamond necklace from the 17th century.

Yes, that’s gag-worthy it’s so cute, and yes it’s my personal fantasy come to life.

"I could tell they had very refined taste because they asked about the history of all the jewelry," shop owner Nicola Boncompagni told People. She added that the couple seemed "shy but in love."

Awww....

So are wedding bells in their future? A recent quote from the actress reveals her ambivalence.

“The actual idea of signing those papers and doing all this stuff ... I’ve never been someone who’s like, ‘I have to, have to, have to have it.' But the idea of being with somebody I care about, who is my soul mate, that sounds groovy!”

So does a lifetime of JT serenades and jewelry shopping sprees. Get into the groove, girlfriend!

Record-breaking Diamond Ring To Debut– Did ‘The Donald’ Get Trumped?

There are certain things in life that are better left unsaid. If a woman is looking a bit puffy around the middle, you don’t dare ask her if she’s preggers, right? If your boss has his fly down in the middle of a presentation, better wait until the power point comes to a close before pointing out the obvious. In the land of diamond rings, the unspoken rule is, well, bigger is most definitely better.

Don't worry, guys. We know you can't all be "The Donald", who is rumored to hold the record for buying a rock worth $2 million for current wife, Melania. But let a girl dream, won't you?

No one knows this better than Czech Republic-based ALO Jewelry, who plans to debut the most expensive jewel ever made in the country during a Prague jewelry fair in October. According to the Prague Daily Monitor, the gold ring will support a diamond worth close to $1 million, and model Petra Nemcova will be the lucky lady to show it off to the gawking public.

"The demand for luxurious jewelery has definitely been on the increase," says Aloiz Ryšavý, owner of ALO. "Anyone can afford a diamond jewel nowadays," Ryšavý adds.

Well, maybe not THIS diamond jewel. But I would be happy to, say, guard it for them if they need any special assistance. In the meantime, maybe Melania needs a babysitter…

Two Diamond Engagement Rings, One Couple!

Presenting a diamond ring on bended knee has long been the traditional way to seal the deal when it comes to a proposal of marriage. The man agonizes over how exactly to pop the question (and how big a rock he can afford). The woman feigns surprise (even though she knew this day was long in coming – perhaps a little too long). Tears flow...And scene. But this ritual may soon be recast and revamped by a bevy of gay couples who are rewriting the way a proposal goes down.

According to E! online, Heather Matarazzo, best known for her gawky roles in Welcome to the Dollhouse and The Princess Diaries, proposed to her girlfriend, Caroline Murphy, last week. Because they don’t have the traditional male-female roles, they BOTH popped the question. “It was really cute,” says Matarazzo’s publicist, Lisa Jammal. “First Heather proposed to Caroline, then Caroline proposed to her!” Good for them, and good for the jewelry industry, no?

And the bling? There will always be fans of the tried-and-true diamond solitaire. But The Jewelry Insider looks forward to seeing some new designs on the ring finger as more and more couples (gay and straight) put their own stamp on the ritual. Diamond right hand rings, with their multitude of stylings, are starting their migration left. Gemstones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires can offset a diamond or replace it altogether, if you so desire. And guys are getting in on the act by creating unique interpretations of the (snore) traditional gold band.

No matter who you are or who you love, the good news is the engagement ring is opening its doors to more looks and now more and more fingers. Lindsay and Sam - -are you taking notes?

The Engagement Ring Debate Takes A Celebrity Turn - Calling It Quits? Who Gets The Rock?

Brace yourselves readers for a real shocker. The Bachelor’s Matt Grant and Shayne Lamas have called off their engagement! Mere month’s ago, the 27-year-old British financier told Reality TV World, "When I proposed, I said the only reason there's been any question really is because it just seemed too good to be true." Apparently my dear Matt, it was.

While an official statement reports the split was a mutual decision, the rumor mills put the young bride-to-be as the dump-er. A ‘devastated’ Shayne tells People.com she plans to keep the 2.85-carat Tacori platinum-and-diamond eternity ring,”...in a glass box, like a slipper.” Yeah. Right. Diana’s rock from Dodi might be worthy of a shrine, but my guess is this bauble will find its way on eBay in no time.

Call me clairvoyant, but a few days ago this “keep it or chuck it” engagement ring dilemma was on my mind, and I encouraged jilted women to keep the rock and make it their own. But what happens when it’s us gals who do the jilting? Bachelor Matt wants his ex to donate the bauble to charity. Seems a fair solution to me. Legally, though, I discovered that the ring is the property of the ‘giver’ until a wedding takes place. Gasp! In other words, until you say those “I Do’s” the bling on your finger isn’t really yours in a court of law. Kind of takes the romance out of it, no?

So to those newly betrothed like CSI Miami’s Eva LaRue (who was presented with a - wait for it - 4 carat(!) diamond from her businessman boyfriend), proceed with caution. If you or your guy has a change of heart, better hope the bloke doesn’t want to take it to the judge – or the local pawnshop.

Jilted - Take The Diamond Ring and Make It Yours

Once an engagement is called off, should the women return her engagement ring? Some say absolutely, others say absolutely no. If she keeps it, what should she do with it? Some say put it in a box, stuff it under the underwear and let it be a reminder of a 'narrow escape'. Others say sell it, auction it, give it away or even have the diamond reset into a solitaire pendant.

A friend of mine, whose boyfriend bought her diamond engagement ring from Wal-mart (a good deal it was too) actually returned it for store credit and for at least a year, didn't pay a dime for her toilet-paper, bleach and mega-sized bags of potato chips.

But, the return of the ring is going to be the least of a jilter's troubles if a recent ruling is anything to go by. A woman in Florida was awarded $150,000 when her fiancee called off their wedding.

Apparently leaving a note in the bathroom expressing doubts isn't the best way to let your intended know you're having second thoughts. This intended obviously wasn't going to go with the 'we'll still be friends line'. Instead, the jilted bride to be, Rose-Marie Shell took her once-betrothed to court claiming she suffered significantly, both and emotionally and financially, from his decision to call off the nuptials.

The 2-carat diamond engagement ring remains hers, although she said she plans to sell it. Instead of selling your rings - take the pain and make it yours. Have the diamond re-set in a cocktail setting - after all if this doesn't call for some self-indulgence - what does?

Angelina's Diamond Duo - Two For One

So she did it..... Angelina - always one to push the limits - this time pushed twice as hard. Well, almost pushed. The super-sexy mom welcomed on Saturday two more to the world's most beautiful family

Joining the Brangelina's fiercesome foursome (Maddox, Pax, Zahara and Shiloh) are twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline, weighing in at 5.03 lbs and 5 lbs respectively .

Always one to take on a challenge, Angelina admitted to Entertainment Weekly that when she and Brad found out they were expecting twins they were somewhat taken aback. "It did shock us, and we jumped to six [children] quickly," she said. "But we like a challenge."

Anyway Brad, the question today is what are you going to get the woman who has just given birth to two more (hopefully) mini Brangelinas. A woman half the world wants and the other half wants to look like.

This was a non-brainer as far as jewelry (and really Brad, what else is there to give?) is concerned. It has to be a diamond journey necklace. A 'Journey' necklace has a series of diamonds, each one larger than the previous representing growing love. After all, isn't that the very cruxes of a relationship. It evolves, it moves, and in Brangelina's case it grows and grows.

This necklace (and we know how Angie loves a bargain) is currently on sale - reduced to $260 at http://www.jewelry.com/ for Zales.

If not a Journey necklace then a 'Duo' ring. These feature two perfectly matched diamonds. What's more appropriate for a woman who's just had twins?

Back to http://www.jewelry.com/ and the sales and here we have one for just $255.

Diamond Rings For Nicole And DeAnna

This week, it's all coming together with diamonds, gold and some rocking rings. Nicole had her Sunday (that's the name of her new baby girl - not the outrageous idea that the Australian actress had eaten some ice-cream....... god-forbid) and hubby Keith Urban is rumored to have gifted his wife a $73,000 Cartier diamond 'trinity' ring. It's actually three rings intertwined - a yellow gold ring dusted with diamond that represents friendship - a rose gold diamond encrusted ring for love and a white gold ring with diamonds symolizing fidelity.

As we talked about yesterday, Lindsay's love give her a diamond ring for her B-day and then on Monday, the suspense was finally over thanks to a Tacori diamond ring. Yep, the world has been put to rights and we can all rest easy - the Bachelorette, DeAnna Pappas has chosen her man.

Cyncism aside (as well as issues such as gas prices and the threat of an Iranian super-missile) -

DeAnna Pappas chose pro-snowboarder Jesse Csincsak to be her man. Both Jesse and account executive Jason Mesnick proposed to the once-spurned 'Bachelor' contender, but DeAnna went for the snowboarder who presented her with a platinum and 2.3 carat diamond ring that featured a princess cut center stone and princess-cut channel set diamonds.

The nuptials have apparently been set May 9 in Bahamas.

LiLo's Diamond Promise Ring

Are they or aren't they? One of the great questions plaguing modern civilisation. Nope, it's nothing to do with the price of oil, Middle-Eastern conflict or global warming, according to the amount of press coverage - most Americans are truly considered with knowing whether Lindsay Lohan is involved with DJ Samantha Ronson. Now more fuel has been added to the love tryst rumours. Samantha has allegedly bought her actress girlfriend a $22,000 Carter diamond ring.

The ring is apparently a 'promise ring' for Lohan's 22nd birthday - a token of Ronson's 'commitment' to Lilo.

According to a British tabloid, Lindsay, whose partying ways have been curbed by Sam, is said to be “thrilled".

Now, back to global warming......

J-Lo's Hunky Ring Holder

Here's a gem of a story from the British daily 'The Sun'. There's always that difficult question of what to do with your mega-rock. As the paper pointed out its 'one danger few people consider before they nip for a dip – being dragged under the waves by a hulking great diamond.'

Jennifer Lopez though is nothing, if not practical. Before jumping in the sea she slipped out of a few carats with hubbie Marc Anthony standing on-side as a portable ring holder.

As soon as she got back on the deck of their boat, he quickly slipped the gigantic rock on a ring back on her finger.

Oh to have the life of J-Lo

$40,000 Diamond Ring - Owner Wanted

Taking a cigarette break in a parking lot isn't normally the most exciting (or even pleasant) of activities (believe me - I speak from experience) but occasionally there's a gem to be discovered in them there parking lots. There certainly was in a parking lot in Virginia. When Keith Stetzer stepped outside of a quick puff, he certainly didn't expect to find a 3.02 carat ring.

But, there, next to a concrete barrier was a diamond solitaire ring all alone. The construction worker pocketed the ring and...... well he took it straight to the jewelers whose name was stamped on the ring to try and find the ring's rightful owner.

"Most of the items that get lost don't reappear," said Ronnie Mervis, owner of Mervis Diamond Importers in Tysons Corner who made the ring. "They get lost and they're gone, even those with laser inscriptions." This one had no such identification.

He said his company can measure the angles of a diamond's cut to help identify it. But those measurements aren't like a fingerprint, he said, and it would be hard to trace a ring to a specific customer.

"It would be easier if it goes the other way, if someone comes to claim it and says, 'My name is Jones.' Then we can search for it. Otherwise, it's a needle in a haystack."

Sometimes though the needles are found

Last month, a Michigan woman was reunited with a class ring she had dropped in Lake Michiganin 1954. A man in Bakersfield, Calif., got his class ring back after losing it 15 years before; the bank teller who found it recognized his name.

Uma Thurman is engaged and has a mighty big ring to prove it.

The Kill Bill star broke the news in none other than the wedding section of the UK's The Times newspaper. In last week's Saturday edition of the paper, it read "The engagement is announced between Arpad, son of Mr Pascal Busson, of Paris, and Mrs Florence Harcourt-Smith, of South of France, and Uma, daughter of Mr and Mrs Robert A. F. Thurman of New York."

Uma's fiance is Swiss multimillionaire Arpad "Arki" Busson. He was previously married to supermodel Elle Macpherson. This will be her third trip down the aisle - her first marriage was to Gary Oldman and then to Ethan Hawke whom she divorced in 2003.

According to the papers, her engagement ring is a mega-rock - an 8-plus carat center stone surrounded by 20 smaller stones. One report in the New York Daily News, quoted a source saying "it's so big, she can't fit it through the sleeve of her coat".