In 1902, Joseph Asscher invented the now famous Asscher cut, a stepped square style with cropped corners. While this remains one of the jewelry industry’s most beloved designs, his family didn’t stop there – they developed the Royal Asscher cut in 2001, naming it after their thriving diamond empire. The style plays off of the original only it has larger corners that create the appearance of an octagon. With the Royal Asscher’s latest collection, Stars of Africa, they’ve continued to innovate on a grand scale. My favorite pieces are the pendants, which look like galaxies of diamonds set inside orbs. I recently got dinner with Joseph’s granddaughter Lita (we have a mutual friend) and spent the whole time transfixed with her pendant.

The orbs spin on both the pink ($20,400) and blue ($28,500) necklaces, and the circles on the blue rotate, as well. The sight is breathtaking to say the least, and the rings ($7,600 each) are a close second in the race to win my heart. I love cocktail rings, and this one is an heirloom investment I wouldn’t mind making soon! The earrings ($25,800) come with another galactic-sized price tag, but considering they sparkle as much as a diamond the size of the orb itself (which also spins), it’s completely justified. Need a little more prompting? Well, the name Stars of Africa comes from the family’s initiative of the same moniker, which was launched in 2008 to help fund healthcare, education, and self-sufficiency programs in Sierra Leone. They’ve promised to donate at least $50,000 towards sending African students to the African Leadership Academy. Statement jewels for a statement-making cause – I just might have to indulge! Available at The Royal Asscher.

Is it Halloween already? It’s no secret that Delfina Dellettrez has an unusually gothic sense of style (she draws inspiration from famed 16th century anatomist Andreas van Vessel), but this is just creepy. The Terminator exoskeleton look is not for everyone. While I think we can all agree that bony hands aren’t sexy, you’re sure to spark some interesting party conversations with this cuffed on your wrist. The contraption is fully articulated and each skeletal finger has a ring attached, so you’ll even be able to hold your drink while your explaining to fellow guests just what possessed you to purchase this. Because with a price tag topping 4 grand, the novelty most certainly doesn’t match up with the cost. You’d be giving away an arm and a leg just to buy it – hardly seems a fair trade-off. Available on Luisa via Roma for $4,325.

Father’s Day is less than a month away! That may sound like there’s still tons of time to shop, but when you’re looking to get something really nice for dad (or your hubby!), you need that extra time to make it good. To ease the process, I’ve put together a list of the best cuff links, ranging from trendy to personalized to tech-saavy. We all swooned over Leo in Gatsby, and that was thanks to his impeccable wardrobe (Brooks Brothers designed costumes for the film with Catherine Martin). Make dad just as dapper with their set of black onyx cuff links and studs (at Brooks Brothers for $395). Read on for more…

Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Love & Kisses Cuff Links: With these cleverly designed XO cuff links, he’ll have a piece of your love wherever he goes. At Tiffany & Co. for $225.

The season of superhero blockbusters is in full swing, but the best of all is missing from the pack – Wonder Woman. I’m overly obsessed with her (my sister and Tina had me dress as WW for my bachelorette party in Vegas!!), so in honor my missing in action heroine, I’m arming my summer wardrobe with these indestructible Bracelets of Victory. While I can’t promise you’ll suddenly have superpowers, you’re sure to look like you do and that’s half the battle. Now if only truth lassos would come into style…and be a real thing.

Hervé Van der Straeten Ruben Hammered Gold-Plated Cuff: When it comes to cuffs, strength isn’t always in numbers – it’s in size. On NET-A-PORTER for $665.

Emilio Pucci Gold-Tone Galalite Cuff: You don’t need your jewels to be all metal to show your metal – some white galalite can make just as much of a statement. On NET-A-PORTER for $690.

Gucci Gold-Plated Leather Cuff: Black leather promises to give you the edge of a superhero costume without any of the weird stares. On NET-A-PORTER for $1,295.

Maiyet Gold-Plated Elongated Cuff: With everyone going all out with summer style, the spare, clean looks are the ones that end up standing out. On NET-A-PORTER for $2,200.

Charles Albert Alchemia Shine Cuff: While this may be a Frugal Snob pick, what the cuff lacks in cost, it makes up for in coverage – perfect if your bullet reflecting skills still need a little more work. On Shopbop for $75.

Avant Garde Paris Star Arm Cuff: I couldn’t resist! To complete the theme what’s better than WW’s signature stars?? On Shopbop for $155.

This peacock feather fan is for the Snob who has everything. The bright and delicate plumes make for an over the top accessory that is just as functional (feeling a little hot?) as it is fun. Duvelleroy has been handcrafting fans in Paris since 1827, so you’re dealing with the best of the best here. The base of the fan is constructed from shimmering mother of pearl that branches out in royal blue silk to the iridescent display of feathers. Clearly this is no night at the movies accessory – pair it with your most extravagant gowns for evenings at the ballet or opera. It’s a real showstopper. Before whipping it out, be sure to check out Duvelleroy’s cheeky 19th-century guide to the language of the fan. You’ll be surprised what just what a tiny flick of the wrist might suggest! Available on ModeWalk for $3,875.

Have some old outfits that need refreshing? The quickest way to bring them back to life is with an eye-catching collar. This coral-shaped design from Kara Ross (on Kara Ross for $315) was crafted out of slick black resin and wrapped it in gold-plating and crystals. Toss it over a your favorite white t-shirt, slip on a flowery skirt, and you’ll feel ready to sip Caipirinhas in Capri!

Marni Embellished V-Neck Collar Necklace: This collar is so big it could pass for a sash. Wear it over a simple dress for maximum impact. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $740.

Lucy Liu attended the American Ballet Theatre’s Spring Gala in a stunning all-white ensemble, but my eyes went straight for those earrings! She even pulled her hair back into a sleek ponytail to give us a good look (as if all those diamonds could be hidden). The Lorraine Schwartz sparklers coordinated perfectly with her silver-accented J. Mendel capelet. The icy flourishes seemed to mimick the angelic ruching of her Vivienne Westwood gown. When it comes to diamonds, more is never enough, so her wrists got a heavy dose of shimmer, as well. If you can’t be extravagant at the ballet, where can you?? With jewels as blinding as the lights on stage, Lucy looked positively on point. Inquire at Lorraine Schwartz.

When we talk about “rocks” as Jewel Snobs, we often mean huge gems like the ones on colossal diamond engagement rings. In the case of this ring, it’s a literal rock. Who knew that such a stunning, high-end piece of jewelry could be built off of a mere pebble? Athenian designer Dolly Boucoyannis! She studied jewelry design in the UK, gemology in the US, and goldsmithing in Florence, so she comes at design with a truly unique, original perspective. She masterfully cut two holes into this pebble to fit in a gold band that loops into a large, flowery support at the base of the ring and covers the top of the rock with a row of shining white diamonds. The juxtaposition is immediately striking. You’ll never look at the pebbles in a riverbed the same way again. Available on Luisa via Roma for $1,375.

A set of gorgeous gold bangles is a style statement for sure, but what if each of the bracelets had meaning behind it? That’s the idea with BuDhaGirl’s all weather bangles. The PVC bracelets are filled with 24K gold dust (meaning you can walk right through that TSA metal detector, jewels on hand) and sealed up with prayer beads, a reminder that each individual piece should be put on with a happy thought, meditation, or goal in mind. When I saw my girlfriend wearing just three, she told me she hadn’t had time to list all of her intentions that morning. BuDhaGirl’s set comes with nine, wrapped together with a prayer ribbon. They make for truly meaningful gifts and are available for different faiths. Choose from Buddhist, the Lord’s Prayer, St. Teresa, or Serenity (best for general spirituality) beads. With these, you’ll find a balance in your life and style to match! On BuDhaGirl for $110.

When Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection went up for auction at Christie’s in late 2011, Bulgari bought up $20 million worth of their creations. Smart move – the value of pieces rapidly appreciated in the actress’ keeping. This summer they will exhibit several of these special gems in honor of the 50th anniversary of Taylor’s film Cleopatra (where she famously met Richard Burton, the gifter of many of these jewels). Jessica Chastain will host the Cannes Film Festival event wearing Taylor’s famous emerald and diamond necklace, so you can probably bet that the matching brooch (which went for a cool $6,578,500 at Christie’s) will also be on display. Cleopatra’s gold and turquoise mirror is of course on the roster, and I imagine so is Burton’s 40th birthday present to his love – the sapphire and diamond sautoir. One exciting surprise? A brand new Bulgari exclusive that’ll be auctioned off to benefit the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Sounds like an event fit for a queen!

In addition to being Jewel Snobs, Tina and I are both Mom Snobs, and since Mother’s Day is the most important gift giving time of the year, we both wanted to offer up some ideas. No matter what extravagant gift she tells you to get her, all mom really wants is to know she is appreciated for her daily selfless acts of love and servitude. Yeah, good luck finding a gift that will fully convey that to her satisfaction. That’s why sentimentality is key when getting her jewelry. These are gifts I know I would shed a tear of joy over. And the reality is, your mom has no interest in breaking your bank, these are gifts she will cherish forever and are all within budget.

Tiffany and Co. 1837 Interlocking Circles Pendant: Who wouldn’t want a gift from Tiffany and Co? The circle (which has no beginning and no end) symbolizes never-ending love, while the intertwining rings can represent members of your family. At Tiffany and Co. for $300.

Jennifer Zeuner Mattea Double Heart Necklace: For a new mother, there is nothing more endearing than a baby heart next to a mommy heart. On Shopbop for $165.

Minor Obsessions Gold #1 Stud Earrings: We all know who’s the boss. Keep it straight and to the point with these cute studs (although, I’m pretty sure she can already tell where she stands in your life!). At Barneys New York for $200.

Oscar de la Renta Gold-Plated Rose Ring: A rose for a rose! Why give a real flower that will wither and die? This is eternal (and she’ll love how it’ll pop against her summer wardrobe). On NET-A-PORTER for $185.

Jennifer Zeuner Addison Cursive Love Bracelet: Simple and sweet! All she’ll have to do is look down at her wrist to be reminded 365 days/year of how much you love her. At Neiman Marcus for $140.

Mom is always sitting on the sidelines cheering us on. It’s high time we let her shine, and what better way than in the season’s must-have gold jewels?? I always have my Vita Fede close at hand (or more likely, on hand!). Right now my favorite of piece is Cubo Eclipse Bracelet (on Vita Fede for $375). Get a mini ring ($150) – or three – to match. Then check out the rest of my Mother’s Day gift guide…

Katie Decker 18K Yellow Gold Earrings: Katie’s mom turned me on to these delicate designs (I hope she returns the favor by giving mom a gorgeous pair like these diamond-encrusted chandeliers!). Inquire at Katie Decker.

Jennifer Meyer 18-Karat Gold Diamond Letter Necklace: After you and dad, diamonds are mom’s best friends. Go in with him on this gift and she’ll have a present to remind her daily of how much you all love her. On NET-A-PORTER for $1,800.

Sarah Chloe 14K Cara Monogram Necklace: Have her initials monogrammed into the pendant or use a mix of family members’. On Charm & Chain for $398.

Stephen Dweck Etched Mother-of-Pearl Drop Earrings: What’s more appropriate for a mother than mother of pearl jewels? Puns aside, these gorgeously etched earrings will make a stunning addition to her jewelry box. At Neiman Marcus for $370.

Gift Boutique Three Level Jewelry Box: Speaking of which…Mom’s been amassing an impressive jewelry collection over the years, and with her new Mother’s Day gifts, she’ll surely need a bigger box to hold them all! On Shopbop for $116.

The Punk Shop section of Moda Operandi is my new obsession. I’m dying to see the MET’s “Punk: Chaos to Couture” exhibition (running from May 9th – August 14th) – these jewels will have to get me through until then. I would never get a tattoo like the VBH Black Diamond Tattoo Band ($8,250), but replace the ink with gems and the style becomes refined and ready for display. You get to be a bad girl for the day without committing to it for a lifetime!

Zana Bayne Black Leather Choker Collar with Nickel Hardware ($125): If you want to make a statement without crying at the sight of your credit card statement, then take a walk on the wild side with this dominatrix-style choker.

When a jewel has been designed for the film version of The Great Gatsby, you know it’s going to be as over-the-top opulent as the titular character himself. Costume designer Catherine Martin collaborated with Tiffany’s to create the headpiece for Carey Mulligan’s character, the charming Daisy Buchanan. In the novel Gatsby says Daisy’s voice is “full of money” and it seems her hair is, too! The platinum band drips in pearls and 25 karats of diamonds. I was immediately awestruck – Art Deco is my favorite style era and Fitzgerald my favorite author. After a couple of sleepless nights (nursing a sick 8-year old), I misread the price as $2,000 and leapt for the phone only to realize I had missed a couple of zeros. Try stealing the look on a smaller scale with a headband like Deepa Gurnani’s (on Shopbop for $65). Available at Tiffany & Co. for $200,000.

This spring is all about excess. After a long, drab winter, it’s time to break out the biggest and the best jewels. Clusters of colorful gems, chains by the foot, and an abundance of sparkle the likes of which hasn’t seen since the glittering Jazz Era. If you’re not rocking at least ¾ of the rainbow, you’re doing it wrong. Check out some of the brightest baubles here:

Bijoux Heart Sucre Gold-Plated, Swarovski Crystal and Chrysolite Necklace: A garden of colored chrysolite and Swarovski crystals flowers on this thick gold chain necklace. Exclusively on NET-A-PORTER for $1,560.

Erikson Beamon Bosa Nova Pink Bracelet: These vivid hues would stun if worn with a basic white sheath. And since “bossa nova” means new trend in Portuguese, need I even say more? On Charm & Chain for $514 (from $642).

Shourouk Arlequin Silver-Plated Swarovski Crystal Ring: Yes, bright stones always garner attention, but that neon glow isn’t what is so special about this. These three rings sit staggered along your finger, creating a unique look that no one else will have. Exclusively on NET-A-PORTER for $655.

One Off Fancy Gears Necklace: This one-of-a-kind necklace looks like it was made with the inner workings of a clock. It was inspired by Steampunk, a sci-fi genre featuring steam-powered machines. On Luisa via Roma for $1,128.

Les Néréides Champêtre Enamel Necklace: As you plant spring flowers in your window box, don’t forget to plant a few in your jewelry box, too! On Luisa via Roma for $423.

I met Kendall Conrad on one of my recent trips to LA. The fifth generation Californian has an empire that includes everything from bags to shoes to jewels. I love it all, but the clean lines of her brass and leather jewelry line are impeccable. Their distinctive curves were inspired by the work of architects such as the great Frank Gehry and artists like her father (whose second career as a bullfighter influenced her Lusitano collection – look for the bull and matador jacket charms!). With its modern bohemian style, the jewelry begs to be heaped on without abandon. And at such great prices, you can buy up as many thin stacking rings ($36 each) as your fingers can fit! Same goes for bangles, although the shapes of the leather cuffs ($215) have me even more transfixed. While there are classic designs like hammered hoops ($160) and a pretty shell pendant necklace ($500), Kendall’s more unusual pieces are the ones that set her apart. Shopping for the girlfriend who has everything? A brass hair hook ($100) won’t fail to impress. Available on Kendall Conrad.

Jewelers are always trying to sell you diamonds with the best of the four C’s, but there’s something almost more beautiful about a rough diamond. While it may not be as precisely cut as others, its surface is polished to bring out sparkle (left unpolished, there would be no shine at all). A rough diamond has a sense of hope bubbling just under the surface, so that each escaping twinkle feels special. This is especially true when you have a whopper like this vivid yellow “Dieu de Soleil” solitaire ring (on Diamond in the Rough for $275,000). At 12.41 carats, this stone doesn’t need a flawless cut to grab attention. Yellow is the most rare type of diamond in the world, so why waste one just because it’s not completely “perfect?” This is a one-of-a-kind wonder, just like the Champagne Bubbles Wreath necklace (on Diamond in the Rough for $295,000). The name says it all – wreath? You’re getting 100 diamonds, a.k.a. 106.88 carats! For something more attainable, try the De Deers Talisman yellow gold hoops (at De Beers for $9,500) or Diamond in the Rough’s dark cognac ring (at Neiman Marcus for $8,880).

I just bought a multi-layered necklace and absolutely love it! The profusion of chains makes you feel untouchable and abundant à la Marie Antoinette, but you don’t need to be in a ball gown to rock the look. I stack bracelets all the time, so this is just the next step in my obsession. What about you? When it comes to jewelry, what’s your lucky number? Here are some options with anywhere from one to eight chains that you can mix and match:

Chan Luu Set of Two Beaded Charm Necklaces: This is probably my favorite since you can control the lengths of the necklaces. Double one up or wear both long. On NET-A-PORTER for $85.

Ben-Amun Layered Pendant Necklace: From the mix of chain links to the huge centerpiece, this piece is unapologetically in your face. On Shopbop for $182.

Lulu Frost Immortality Tassel Necklace: A chain fringe tassel cleverly adds length to the third tier of this necklace, while the green stone provides a fresh pop of color. On Shopbop for $288.

Wouters & Hendrix 8 Strand Gold Chain Layered Necklace: This is another fun one – with eight different chains you can create whatever look suits your fancy, be it minimal or plentiful. On Shopbop for $626.

By Malene Birger Lutan Necklace: But maybe plain metal alone is not enough for you. Neon nylon gives this simple silver necklace bold style for summer. On Shopbop for $95.

People have been crafting turquoise imitation stones since the time of the Ancient Egyptians, so there’s no shame in that game. There are even benefits to it – just look at this Kenneth Jay Lane ring (on The Outnet for $40). Finding turquoise this perfect is basically impossible. It’s a mineral, so there are many “imperfections.” If you prefer a burst of solid color, then this turquoise resin might actually be better. Check out more after the jump, including a couple of authentic gemstones –

Kevia Gold-Plated Turquoise Earrings: Since these gold-plated leaves are dotted with real turquoise, this set of earrings is probably the best quality find of the bunch. On The Outnet for $57.50 (from $115).

Earth Month is a nice reminder to appreciate all things natural, but the look never goes out of style. While often you see jewels modeled after woodsy elements like leaves or flowers, it’s better to just go for the actual organic materials. Horn and wood give you that relaxed feel that’s perfect for summer (especially in rich, neutral tones), so answer nature’s call with these woodsy favorites!

Nest Set of Five Horn Bangles: Stack these natural African horn bangles or wear them out solo. With their distinctive edge, you don’t need many to get noticed. At Neiman Marcus for $250.

Ashley Pittman Pande Zote Hoop Earrings: You could also go for polished horn. With the hand-inlaid gold studs, these hoops are best for the Snobs who need just a touch of metallic in their jewels. At Neiman Marcus for $265.

Nest Wooden Bangle: Nest is all about repurposing, yet when you look at this gorgeous wooden cuff, it seems brand new. At Neiman Marcus for $95.

Lela Rose Wooden Chain Necklace: Chain links this big might have looked tacky in metal, but wood cleverly gets the job done. Wear this chunky statement chain with a sleek mini for serious contrast. Pre-order at Neiman Marcus for $295.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Blixen Wood and Cubic Zirconia Necklace: Only Marc could mix metal with wood this flawlessly. The bold juxtaposition deserves an equally bold color pairing, so go all in. On NET-A-PORTER for $158.