Lock 'n' Load

If you know a little something about jewelry, then you know what a Cartier Love Bracelet is. For the uninitiated, it's possibly the most recognizable Cartier piece following the Pathère de Cartier line and the Tank watch. Locking upon the wrist, the bracelet can only become unfastened with the tiny matching screwdriver, a symbol of commitment given by a lover. So when Belle casually appeared wearing the classic 18K gold version, a gift from her generous and attentive husband, my reaction was somewhat similar to the Loony Toons wolf. Stunning! ($4,850)

House of Slytherin

During yesterday's lunch break I strolled past the poor schmoe's waiting in a ridiculously long line at the Apple store to purchase their iPad 2 straight into Bergdorf Goodman's. The designer bag section was a yawn, but the center fine jewelry salon is where the magic happens. It's there that I discovered an amazing collection from Italian designer Paolo Costagli. About 2 or 3 cases were filled with his gorgeous treasures and I fell in love with each and every piece! The 18K Snake Bracelet in rose and yellow gold received the most attention; the scales flex and move, mimicking the serpents movement. Lovey! ($30,000)

Long Kiss Goodnight

Three hours wasn't enough for one of the greatest artists of all time to play every hit from over 30 albums, 10 of them platinum. But at Monday's concert Prince did manage to slip in what is quite possibly one of the best dance tunes ever, Kiss. Fans were pantomiming, air-kissing, kissing one another, and just plain old making out to the live sounds of America's own Purple Majesty. Once I ran across this 18K rose gold and pink sapphire kiss pendant the tune became permanently fused into my brain. Owwwa! ($2,945)

Bone Cuffs-n-Harmony

Wonder Woman's arsenal included a pair of bullet-deflecting golden bracelets. Should Beyoncé score the role as Amazon Princess, let's hope the wardrobe includes the Bone Cuff in 18K yellow gold. Famed jewelry designer Elsa Peretti re-forged the iconic accessory into a completely organic shape based on the contours of human anatomy. Lovey! ($6,400)

Legal Tender

One of the most pure of the precious metals, gold has been used as a reliable currency since it's discovery. Once the domain of Scrooge McDuck and pirate ships, gold coins are back in vogue. With only one purchase allowed per household, demand for mintage like the one-ounce 24K 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin from the U.S. Mint is off the charts! The market is falling, but gold futures are up to $1,001 an ounce. I hate to say "I told ya so", but I kinda did... ($1,289)

Simply Irresistible

Looking for a lovely estate piece without the five-figure price tag? Go for the quartz! That's right, the most copious mineral in the Earth's crust has been a popular jewelry making material for ages, why stop now? Blood diamonds be damned, pure Austrian quartz crystals are where it's at. Elegantly wrought in 24K gold and worthy of a silver-screen star, the clear quartz crystal bracelet is designed for maximum sparkle. ($650)

Appealing to the Base

This classic gold bangle bracelet is polished 24K perfection, a great addition for any serious jewelry collection. Like the basic tanktop, the gold bracelet is the base to your jewelry wardrobe. Lovely on it's own, but best worn in pairs, the silky smooth gold looks great stacked in combination with the same. A great investment piece which will retain it's value despite the tanking dollar. ($1,700)

Cuff Me

Shine like Fort Knox with 4-5 of these 18k gold plated geometric cuff bracelets stacked on your wrists from Kenneth Jay Lane. The hinge makes for easy on and off, wear them over long sleeves for a bewitching look. ($100)

Hair Apparent

I like to imagine that the ancient Egyptians (the royal ones anyways) kept those heavy wigs in place with beautiful 22kt gold hair ornaments like this copy from the Metropolitan Museum. A fabulous solid piece of handcrafted hair jewelry, the museum commissioned limited quantities for collectors, connoisseurs, and fashionistas. Traditionally used materials, lapis to ward off evil, and turquoise for luck and healing, are carved into the shape of lotus blossoms to decorate the fan shaped crown. This one gets future heirloom status. ($5,750)

Kiss My Asp

As the supreme ruler of Egypt, Cleopatra used her wit and guile to charm a few snakes in her lifetime. Gold and diamonds were valued then as they are now, and I'm quite certain she would have gone gaga over these gorgeous 18kt gold snake earrings. Intricate details abound upon these unusual doorknockers; from the textured scales to the forked tongue and diamond eyes, they're sure to be future heirlooms. As an empress by birth, and ruler of my very own 450sq ft fiefdom, they are a necessary addition to my paltry, but growing jewelry collection. ($5500)

Trend Bucker

Presidential candidate Barak Obama recently made headlines for his decision to forgo the American flag pin as a visible sign of his patriotism. Like the "awareness" ribbons of the '90s, the flag trend is nearing an end of it's lapel domination and making way for lighter fare like this 14kt yellow gold crown stick pin. Fashion and glamour are the only statements I want to make with my choice of jewelry... this one says "all hail the queen!" ($395)

Hoop-La

The most prized of all metals, gold is one of the most recognizable symbols of wealth. Ancient cultures mined, bent, forged and hammered the ore into natural shapes to adorn their bodies. Reminiscent of a primitive relic, the handcrafted 18K Soleil Crescent hoop earrings have a modern organic feel as well. Designed by former sculptor Shaesby Scott, they're certain to survive this age and beyond. ($660)

Gold(card)member

Gold has been popular since the stone age — even the rappers are trading in their platinum chains for traditional runDMC gear. Gold isn't just about fashion, it's also an investment. Currently priced at $666.70 an ounce, it won't depreciate like a pair of Manolos, which loose 30% of their value as soon as you leave the store. Karat lovers out there know that 18K is 75% pure gold, and this lovely gold rope chain is exactly that. ($575)