Prince William's Wedding Band Diss

What gives, Wills? I've been bombarded with reports that the King of England-to-be will (gasp!) NOT be wearing a royal wedding band.

Kate Middleton, of course, will be putting the pedal to the metal with a Welsh gold band bequeathed by the Queen, but her famous fiance is rejecting the most hallowed of bridal traditions for no other reason than - he just doesn't have a taste for jewelry.

Yeah, neither does most of the warm-blooded male population, but they suck it up and wear the universal symbol for 'I'm taken' just the same. Just sayin'.

“It was something the couple discussed, but Prince William isn’t one for jewelry,” a St. James Palace aid tells the Daily Mail. “It really is just down to personal preference.”

It’s a bold decision for any groom to make, royal or no. Even Will’s father, Charles, wears a wedding band beneath his signet ring. But according to insiders, the Prince has Kate’s blessing.

What do you guys think of William's wedding band balk? Is it OK for guys (any guy - not just the most famous groom on the planet) to take a pass on the wedding band tradition? Or is it all's fair in love and ring fingers? Thoughts?

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Jewelry Insider's Top Ten Blingy Bits of 2010

It's been a year full of surprises my fellow jewelry hounds. From diamond dentures and bug jewelry to gold parties and Gaga, the "Year of the Tiger" was nothing if not 'unusual'.

So as the last days of 2010 take their final bow, it's time to do what we media folks love to do best: Look back. And make lists.

Here is a smattering of some of my favorite jewelry moments combined with some of yours - because without you guys, I'm just all alone in the universe writing about Lindsay Lohan's jail jewelry and diamond dog collars as if it actually MEANS something. 

So my heartfelt thanks to you all for joining this shiny place of jewel-filled sarcasm, schadenfreude and joy for yet another year. Here's to more days of diamond diversions!

10. The 'Ears' Have It

If 2009 was the year of the statement necklace, 2010 brought the sentiment to the ears. The trend started with the smashing success of Courteney Cox's Golden Globe teardrop triumph and continued throughout awards season. Look for swinging chandelier shapes and shoulder dusters to continue to shine well into 2011.

9. Baseball Bling

In the year's 4th most popular post, I got to the bottom of those weird rope necklaces all the baseball players were wearing last season. I was surprised as anyone to know that jocks not only get emotional about jewelry - they believe it has super powers. And I thought I had issues...

8.  Pink Diamond Shatters Price Record

So. There's this dude, Laurence Graff. And he has piles of money. What does he do with it? He gobbles up the world's most valuable diamonds like pints of Chunky Monkey. His latest acquisition was a 24.78-carat piece of pink perfection that sold for a record-breaking $46.16 million. And now back to our regularly scheduled budget deficit....

7. Neil Lane - Jeweler of the Year

My jeweler of the year award has to go to Neil Lane. He's always been a red carpet staple but his monopoly on celebrity weddings in 2010 was staggering. He designed Anna Paquin's bridal jewels, Nicole Richie's wedding band, Jessica Simpson's newsworthy ruby rock - along with the bling for the entire Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise. AND he launched a bridal line with Kay Jewelers to reach the mere mortal market. Just call him the  Kim Kardashian of the jewelry world: He somehow seems to be everywhere. And he's taking it straight to the bank.

6. Black Diamond Blitz

When Howard Stern awarded his 'Tiger Woods Miss Mistress' winner a black diamond ring for her trouble back in March, I feared one of my favorite stones would be forever branded the 'other women'. But Sex And The City II (despite being one of my biggest disappointments this year - see #5 for more) gave black diamonds a glittering close up - and the stone is now a must-have for red carpet divas and regular folks alike. I'm giving it my 'most likely to succeed' award. Stay tuned.

5. Diamond Disappointments

Not to be all Debbie Downer and all...but there were some MAJOR jewelry/fashion bummers this year.

Exhibit A: The Oscars  

When Kathy Ireland's questionable interviewing skills are the only thing worth squawking about - you know you've got a bummer year on your hands.

Exhibit B: Fashion Week: Spring 2011: 

Where. Was. The. Jewelry?

Exhibit C: Sex And The City II: 

My favorite New York women finally jumped the shark. Aiden? In Abu Dhabi? "I Am Woman" karaoke? C'mon!


Exhibit D: Angelina Jolie. 

The world's most stunning actress (a la Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn) can't seem to wear anything but black and diamond studs on the red carpet. And Jennifer Aniston and Julia Roberts are stuck in the muck with her. Help me, Housewives of Beverly Hills. You're my only hope.

4. Where's The Beef?

Lady Gaga wore a meat dress. 'Nuff said.

3. Kanye West's Diamond Dentures

In the third most popular post for 2010, we learned that replacing your teeth with real diamonds might help people forget you're an egomaniac for a week or so. 


2. Chelsea Clinton's Engagement Ring

More people read my post on Chelsea's engagement ring than any other entry in the history of the blog. Despite the fact that I (and all of my other fellow jewelry hounds) STILL haven't found a decent picture of the thing. Hat's off to you, Chels, for keeping us all well out of your business. And for making my Alexa rating skyrocket.

1. The Sapphire Heard 'Round the World.

Hey. Did you hear? Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton. Shocker! Seriously, though, you're going to have to endure many a royal wedding post in 2011 - cuz there's gonna be major crown jewels on display. I'm already hyperventilating.

But perhaps the most important repercussion from all this nonsense, is the resurgence of the Lady Di ring silhouette and sapphires as a popular stone for engagement rings. I hope the trend continues, because if there's one thing I've learned in 2010 - you don't have to break the bank to get a great piece of jewelry these days (JewelClub, anyone?). And that includes engagement rings.

OK. I think I hear the champagne calling my name. (It happens.) I hope you all have a safe and shining New Year. In the meantime, weigh in with your favorite jewelry moments from 2010! As always, I love to hear from you. (Janet - that means you!)

See you on the flip side!

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The History of Princess Diana's Sapphire Engagement Ring

Forgive me for my myopic view of the jewelry landscape this week, but I've got to share more information about the stunning royal sapphire engagment ring that's creating more buzz than a chainsaw convention.

Some of you have expressed interest in learning more about the specs and the history behind the ring. Your wish is my command.

Since I was a wee lass when Princess Di first came on the scene - I had no idea that the sapphire ring now making headlines was once a controversial choice - perhaps the first sign of trouble to come for Buckingham Palace and its relationship with Diana.

So, as Fraulein Maria would say: "Let's start at the very beginning."

Prince Wet Blanket.. (um, I mean) Charles apparently proposed to Di after a formal dinner party. Without a ring. Bo-RING. BUT - she at least got to sit down with the royal jeweler, Garrods, to pick out a rock of her choosing - every girl's dream, right?

But instead of selecting a custom-made diamond gem like 'most' girls of good breeding, Lady Diana acted like (gasp!) a commoner and decided on a catalog gemstone style instead. The horror! Despite the urgings from the palace, the bride's wish overruled any royal rumblings - and the rest, as they say, is history.

You gotta love that story - she was the People's Princess from day one. That said, the sapphire is HUGE and of top quality according to most jewelers. The 18-carat center stone is surrounded by 14 diamonds and cost around $60,000 back in 1981 but is worth over $500,000 these days. And at auction? The sky is the limit, really.

Sapphires for a Steal:

So, as promised, I've scrounged together a few more of my favorite sapphire rings for your browsing pleasure. Get those gift lists going, jewelry hounds. And let me know if you find/have other sapphire stunners you'd like to share!

What do you guys think of these selections? Did you know about the 'commoner ring controversy' back in the day?

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Kate Middleton Gets Princess Diana's Sapphire Engagement Ring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jewelry hounds? Prince William gave Kate Middleton Princess Diana's stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring - and here are the pictures to prove it. It's just the perfect sentiment. I think I'm getting misty-eyed.

Not only is Princess Diana's rock the Holy Grail of engagement ring history - it's actually on trend, if you can believe it. Diamonds are taking a back seat these days to gemstone alternatives (click here for more). And, well, Kate has one whopper of an 18-carat sapphire gemstone on her hands. Literally.

Wasn't it just a few years' back the first baby pictures of the world's new little Prince William hit People Mag (because that's the only place you could find them back then!) Now look at him. Must be a bittersweet time without his mother here to share in his happiness.

In their first appearance earlier today since announcing their engagement, Kate was asked about the legacy of Princess Diana, and she expressed her sadness at never having had the chance to meet her.  Now? Kate's got probably the most famous ring in the world on her finger as a reminder.  And the entire free world watching her every move.

No pressure.

Of course I wouldn't be me without trying to find affordable alternatives for my fellow royal ring watchers. How about this one for starters.... 

 Cheerio! And congrats to the happy couple!

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Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring: Royal Rock Alert!

Official news broke last night that Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged! And while that means true love for those crazy kids - let's get on to more important matters, shall we?  HER ENGAGEMENT RING!

From Vanessa Minnillo to Jessica Simpson to the gtranddady of them all - Kate Middelton!?. My friggin' head is spinning this week.

OK. So as of two hours ago, the royal ring has not been revealed. But you can bet your arse I'll be on the lookout. What we know so far is that - unlike his father who proposed before choosing a ring - William popped the question with a rock in hand (good boy). 

How do we know? The all-important looky-loo and the like spotted her wearing the sparkler over the weekend, according to the British press. 

Will she choose an unconventional gemstone ring like William's mum Princess Diana, who selected the now famous 18-carat oval blue sapphire ring? 

Will I need a cocktail before noon while I wait for those pesky royals to release the details?

Better yet? Let's bum rush Buckingham!!!

Stay tuned! 

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