Does it ever seem unjust that those who can actually afford to buy their own baubles and bling borrow them from designers for red carpet events and other occasions? It is the proverbial case of, “the rich get richer!”

Thanks to www.blingyourself.com, there is justice for the masses! Now, women and men can rent designer jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s most sought-after designers such as Christian Dior, Gucci, Roberto Coin, Tag Heuer, Rolex, John Hardy and Judith Ripka.

I love this site! It’s an awesome way to impress your materialistic label-conscious friends and save money for stuff that actually matters.

As a special Valentine’s gift from them to me to you - they have offered one reader a $50 gift certificate to their site, just to try it out. For your chance to win, leave a comment telling me about the most meaningful piece of jewelry you’ve ever owned. Best answer by Friday wins.

Check out my awesome new Star of David pendant from Rock Your Religion!

Made by hand, this gorgeous sterling silver pendant is the perfect complement to your holiday dinner (and makes an appearance in the soon-to-premiere Aly and Allie’s Chanuka video!).

PS: Rock Your Religion is a partner of the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. So by buying this, you are helping to save music education in America’s public schools.

Points & Prizes Keyword: PENDANT worth 25 points good throgh 12/16/07

Every woman needs a few statement jewels feel a little extra unique as she travels through her day. And one that delivers a special message of love and friendship, that’s just a little better!

This Tiffany-inspired silver bracelet will be available exclusively from Barefoot Parties (the same people who brought us our adorable bunny slippers!). It includes a heart charm that reads “you are the gift”. It is the perfect way to show someone how much you appreciate them - or the perfect complement for your own keepsake wardrobe.

www.barefootparties.com

I have this bracelet gracing my wrist, and have already received tons of compliments. And now it’s your turn! I have one more to give away - to the reader who gives me the most heartfelt plea. Who will you give this to? (It’s OK to say yourself, I did!) This is the first giveaway of jewelry, so it’s pretty exciting - act fast! Deadline for all entries is Thursday at noon.

So many of you have written in that you were blown away by Amy Kahn’s line that she has generously agreed to award one piece to a lucky reader!

The sterling silver butterfly shape with gemstone cluster is perfect for spring - and could be yours! Leave a comment and tell me why you need to have this piece in your own collection. The winner will be notified by Monday morning!

With so many new flirty Spring outfits, I needed the perfect jewelry to accent them all. My new love is the Anesha line by Amy Kahn Jewelry. Amy works with metals and stones to create unique, hand-crafted pieces, and some of them are sure to be the trendiest pieces this summer.

This Butterfly necklace is just about the cutest thing to come into my wardrobe, ever. It is available in Cherry Quartz/Red Garnets, Light Blue Jade/Moonstones, Green Jade/ Blue Aquamarine, Red Jade/Purple Amethyst and Freshwater Pearl/Crystals.

I love spirals, and this design is perfect if you do too. My Spiral Rose Necklace is hand-hammered fine silver on a sterling silver cable.

Check out more Amy Kahn designs at www.amykahnjewelry.com

“Everyone deserves to have that one piece of jewelry that makes them feel special,” says jewelery designer Colette Steckel, whose collection of high-end designer jewels utilizes gems like peridot, citrine, apetite, diamonds and sapphires to create uniquely colorful and energetic pieces.

How did you get started in jewelry design?

I started making jewelry seventeen years ago once I saved up enough money to purchase my first stones and metals to create my first piece of jewelry. However, I sold my first piece of jewelry when I was only six years old. My mother had a gem rock collection, and I took a piece of amethyst one day. I used a nail file to polish it until it sparkled. I then attached a paper clip to the stone and sold it to my mothers friend.

What are your inspirations?

I find inspiration in my life, nature and my surroundings.

Your creations are beautiful, and very high-end. Who are your typical customers?

I think that everyone deserves to have that one piece of jewelry that makes them feel special. When I make my jewelry, I leave with each design a part of my heart. I have been blessed to experience the arts and culture of my French influence, as well as the colors and appreciation for life that come with my Mexican heritage. In combining the two, I hope to have created a piece of jewelry for everyone. Whether you are a little girl receiving your first pair of earrings, a bride to be, or even a grandmother, I have created designs that will help capture every phase of life.

Your line seems to be growing and evolving with time, what are your hopes for it in the future?

I hope to continue to grow and evolve. I have a very creative mind, and hope to continue my education, using further research in colors, stones, and metals, to help insure that my designs will always be fresh and unique. In time, I hope to expand my business world wide.

Colette

8457 Melrose Place

Los Angeles, CA, 90069

323.951.9148

www.colettejewelry.com

  
What were you thinking???

 Funky Oysters is a hot line of jewels made out of classic freshwater pearls - but “classic” has no resemblance to traditional or boring in this case. These pieces let wearers create their own style with pieces that mix chunky sizes with the petite, classic colors with multi-colored longer lengths.

Grandma may have owned pretty pink pearls, but now you can have hot, hip ones…especially if you use the coupon below.

***

For a limited time only, Funky Oysters is offering a 20% coupon exclusively for readers of my column! Visit the site and use Coupon Code: JUST4MOM07

Expiration: 5/31/07

Website:  http://www.funkyoysters.com

Does your wardrobe need a little rocking out?

Rock Your Religion is a high-end accessories company inspired by ancient religious symbols, transformed into rock-inspired metal pendants and leather cuffs. Launched at a packed SOHO party this weekend, it’s destined to be hit with rockers and trendsters alike, and it goes for a noble cause: 1% of all yearly Rock Your Religion purchases will be donated to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

This is not your mom’s traditional jewels and are perfect mates for your sexy summer jeans and tank outfits. Check them out at: http://www.rockyourreligion.com

I am presently rocking the Chi Ro pendant and planning on grabbing up the Star of David line when it’s available this summer.

Feel like classing up your look a little bit? It seems that the answer may be pearls. Word is, they are the latest trend, and a way of using subtle classic accessories to revamp your wardrobe. Pearls are also very versatile, and it’s easy to pair them with simple gold or silver chains already existing in your collection.

The downside? Pearls are usually pretty pricey - but they don’t have to be! If you are like me and trying to curb the habit of spending *way* beyond your means, check out Moon River Pearls. Their styles are hot and unique but none have sticker shock.

Check them out at www.moonriverpearls.com, and be sure to say you found them on Alytude. (We want Moon River love.)