Jewelry Most Wanted: Gem Fatale

Sweeten any outfit.

Jewelry Box: The Best Jewelry around.
Jewelry Box: The Best Jewelry around.
(Image credit: Jeff Harris)

RAZZLE-DAZZLE

DIAMONDS A GIRL'S best friend? Clearly . . . not.

Style icons since forever have known the allure and infinite variety of colored stones. From the treasure buried with ancient queens to the baubles of Princess Diana, these trinkets can be pricey, but they'll be forever trendy.

$5850 Bulgari; (800) BULGARI.

$1578 (each) Tous; tous.com

$1720 Roberto Coin; (800) 853-5958 for stores.

$1840 Zil Jewels at Fragments at Unique Designs; (415) 863-3384.

$3500 Marco Bicego; (866) 4-BICEGO for stores.

$2700 & $2800 David Yurman; (212) 752-4255.

$3700 Nina Basharova at Manika Jewelry; (415) 399-1990.

BUYING TIPS from Nina Basharova, jewelry designer:

WHEN TO SAY NO: If the surface has thin scratches or fissures, the stone may crack and fall out.

WHEN TO INVEST: If the stone's color is strong in direct sunlight, it's the real deal.