According to this article on AOL, sparklier diamonds are often actually fakes (especially with a rainbow sparkle). And then I think, “then give me the fake!” What I want especially out of my engagement ring (or any diamond) someday is such a brilliant cut, etc., that it’s as sparkley as can be. So why is genuine always better?

Can an inspired BAG be better than the higher priced originals? I once though I liked my Birkin-style bag from Wilson’s Leather because it had shoulder straps (like the JPG Shoulder Birkin) but now I think, “eww, long straps!” (To be fair, they weren’t, like, down at my hip long or anything!) So maybe the experts always know what’s best for us, even if we do not? I mean, higher quality (if it exists in higher price - but that’s another entry) usually means longer life. Diamonds may NOT be “forever” but they can cut up a mean amount of things, while remaining in tact. While I want my true love to be gentler than that, I want our feelings toward each other to be just as tough to trials and time. Genuine diamonds DO kind of give that statement.

Of course, they also give the statement, “I don’t care who’s blood shed for your diamond, honey, I love you so much, I just care about you having your selfish bling!”

What says love like the uncaring of all others, huh?

I snark, I snark. Seriously, what do you think?

Stay tuned, for in a few days I’ll feature some obviously fake, but totally fun, bling. (I promise, for I made such a ring myself, and how can I resist the publicity?)

Do you give your lady high-priced items or more fairly priced yet quality gems?

Well, here are some ruby jewelry options for three budgets:

Budget Blower:

Cushion-Cut Ruby Ring
highest price, but synthetic stone,
plus cubic zirconia accents
by Fantasia by DeSerio
$630

Quality Keeper:

Poinsettia Flower Pendant/Necklace
with 5 ct. center ruby, fine silver
by Lucinda Fox Wood

$299

Passionate Cheap Thrill:

Jewels of My Heart
shaded rubies & sterling silver
by Sky Dreams

$89

Notice the materials get more quality, truer gems or silver, when the price decreases? Take a lesson. Although the fake ruby and the “fine” silver (aka silver plated, etc.) look more expensive, and are more expensive, they’re less of the “true” fineries. Hmmmm?

That being said, there’s nothing wrong with fine silver, or any of these items. But $630 for faux stones is wrong, imho. Thanks, Needless Markup.

The African Well Fund, a small non-profit raising money to build wells in Africa (you’ll never know all the needs around the world, huh?) has an auction going for celebrity-type shwag. They’re offering on eBay an audience gift bag from Stacy London’s new show, Fashionably Late.

The auction text gives the best rundown of the goodie contents:

Gift bag and assorted items from taping of the first episode of Stacy London’s new show - Fashionably Late with Stacy London The show was taped Oct. 15th in NYC and it will air on Nov. 23 on TLC All audience members received the gift bag after the taping. All items with the gift bag are new and unopened. Items: Gal Pal - Garment Deodorant Remover, Hollywood Fashion tape - the stars’ secret apparel and body tape, Strap Tamers - bra strap concealers, YogaToes - flexible treat for fabulous feet, Ice Rocks - Spring Water Ice Cubes, Alexis Bittar - 18k Gold-plated moonstone ring (retail value $80), Alexis Bittar - 18k Gold-plated amethyst ring (retail value $80), Shubi 1 piece fully-lined drawstring shoe bag 100% of proceeds benefiting clean water and sanitation projects in Africa!

100% of the proceeds will go to the charity, and I’ve not added an affiliate link to this post.

Again, Fashionably Late, Stacy London’s new talk show (which was only previously previewed [oy the alliteration], and not canceled after one episode as was considered by fans, will air (BLACK) Friday November 23rd at 10 p.m. on TLC.

What a great holiday gift idea for a best gal pal or relative; these are great products and your gift will keep on giving to others in her name! Not only are these products some of the best and most necessary for modern woman and fabulistas, but it goes to a charitable cause for those who need so much less than hiding bra straps and removing deodorant marks from tops! The auction ends on Nov. 18th. Oh and you’re bidding against moi, so good luck to all!

There’s no crime in copying Marc Jacobs when his Marc by Marc Jacobs line uses LEGO brand brick toys!

Find LEGO-made accessories on Etsy.com, like from new seller, Kasi Made This.

Or you can make your own! Get creative.

This post has nothing to do with blood diamonds, and it’s mostly just good fun.

Can you tell which diamond is real in this photo?

This test is taken from an archive of AOL content, and hopefully there can be no cheating at this point!

Comment away!

Sparkle and charm with America-themed jewelry from Etsy sellers.

Diva $$$: American Icons Charm Bracelet: $70

Fashionista $$: Lampwork Bead Bracelet: $22

Budgetista $: Shooting Star Fireworks Earrings: $14

Maria Palma is a dear Internet friend of mine, and you know her well from blogging at The Runway Scoop. And if that’s true you probably are familiar with her own designed jewelry, or at least remember a mention here and there. Salon de Maria is the blogger’s other job, with fine hand-made jewelry and even home-designed greeting cards. Pictured above is one of her creations.

You can browse and luckily buy from her shop on Etsy, and while you’re there, you may find yourself lost in the other independent jewelers and gosh - just anything that can be made with two hands! Fun. Thanks to indie jewelry designers, or any apparel and accessory makers working from their own homes, the public (you!) can look more attractive and stay unique!

And of course, keep reading Maria’s thoughts on the workings of haute couture at www.therunwayscoop.com!

One last note, this designer jewelry offers EXTREME bargains! I ordered one piece, so trust me on this! Order order order before that silly girl realizes she should raise her prices considerably! Your gain is well … her sale at least!