Emeralds Explode at Cannes!

Jewelry at the Cannes Film Festival is a 'go big or go home' explosion of some of the world's most expensive jewels and gems. Why? Because high-end jewelry house (and my personal fave), Chopard, is the sponsor, and that means the red carpet waltz is all about the 'BA-ling'.

While diamonds are always dripping from the likes of Hollywood celebs, models and various other socialite types - the opening of the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival will forever be known as "The Year of the Emerald".

First, there's Uma Thurman. A festival juror this year, the A-lister dazzled in a stunning white Versace strapless gown and jaw-dropping Chopard emerald jewels (the chandelier earrings alone are 54 cts(!) set in 18 K white gold).

Not to be outdone is model, Bianca Balti, whose emerald statement necklace, cocktail ring and dangle earrings almost defy description. My jaw is still scraping the floor.  Credit is assumed to belong to her red carpet companion, Fawaz Gruosi, who is one of the most sought after jewelry and watch designers working today (he owns Geneva-based de Grisogono) .

Salma Hayek makes every Cannes red carpet a spectator sport - and this year she wowed in head-to-toe Gucci. Win!

Creative couture is the hallmark of Chopard, and their Co-President Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele brought out their big-time bling in what appear to be peacock dangle earrings and a matching wrap-around cuff from their Animal World Collection.

Here's a smattering of some of the other incredible jewelry looks I spotted on opening night, where Woody Allen's latest, Midnight in Paris, screened. But this is just the beginning. Stay with me and Jewelry.com for more crazy carat coverage from Cannes as the festival continues!

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Rachel Zoe Trades Diapers for Diamonds

Hard labor has its perks. New mom Rachel Zoe got one doozy of a 'push present' from hubby, Rodger Berman - a 10 carat cushion-cut right hand ring from celebrity designer, Neil Lane!

“Rodger wanted to surprise Rachel with something romantic — and huge,” Lane told People.com of the sparkler, which is surrounded by smaller diamonds in a platinum setting. “I knew she’s wanted a cushion cut forever. It was their first baby and she’s been working so hard that Rodger wanted to do something very special. Rachel was thrilled and hasn’t taken it off since!”

Cushion-cut stones have becomen the 'must-have' look among the celebrity set and bridal crowd the past few years.

"A lot of it has to do with Hollywood," president of New York manufacturer J. Birnbach told National Jeweler. "Celebrities have been embracing the cushions and the Asschers for the last couple years."

Famous brides like Ivanka Trump, Alyssa Milano and Anna Paquin each received cushion-cut engagement rings. And we're seeing A-listers like Penelope Cruz wear cushion-cut jewels to big events like the Oscars.

And if it will 'cushion' the blow of the baby blues - I'm all for it.

Did any of you get a 'push present'? Weigh in! And here's a link to my previous post on other great jewelry gift ideas for new moms. Enjoy!

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