Best Jewelry for Spring 2011

The heavy duty hardware look is in this spring, so pack up your dainty jewels and bring out the pieces that look like they could decorate a Christmas tree. Bold and beautiful are the keywords for jewelry this spring and below are the top eight picks you can wear during the day and night to any type of location or event:

This gorgeous citrine cocktail ring by David Yurman will sparkle at any benefit or dinner party this spring. Contrary to popular fashion belief, yellow stones like this look quite well set in sterling silver like this one is. Bezel set with a high luster rope surrounding the citrine is the only decoration needed in this ring. The top measures 1" and the shank is wide but smooth so you do not have to worry about it catching on rings next to it. Of course, this may be the only ring you will want to wear on your right hand for the spring season. Available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,475.00.

You might see chains like the one on this necklace on an 18-wheeler but this one is definitely intended to go with an evening dress. Created by Allen Schwartz, this glass pave link and chain wrap necklace is made of brass that includes "braids" along the chain that wraps around your neck. The front part is set with pave glass that looks rich and could pass for diamonds by candlelight. The stones here are designed to sparkle like the Milky Way when you are on that special dinner date. Available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $195.00.

Now here is a pair of earrings that will stand out during the daytime. Created by Iosselliani, these chain frame earrings are made of oxidized sterling silver with a crystal chain and have a gold plated frame with stones nestled at the base. These measure 3 1/2" long and have post backs. These earrings are so casual you can wear them to the beach or pool side while on the Italian Riviera. Available from Barney's for $180.00.

This pair of earrings look like they could have been worn by Cleopatra herself. Carnelian, lapis, turquoise, and white diamonds don these 18 karat yellow gold earrings in that exotic, museum quality style. Irene Neuwirth is the brains behind this and as usual, her talents are very pleasing to the eye. You can wear these earrings with a chic jumpsuit or little black evening dress. Available from Barney's for $3,630.00.

I do not often see howlite used in jewelry even though it is a semi-precious stone. This wide cuff bracelet by Devon Leigh has four howlites that are bezel set, but the setting is pinched to provide that primitive, tribal feel. Made of 18 karat gold over bronze, the bracelet will fit any wrist and make you feel like a tribal princess. Available from Neiman Marcus for $710.00.

Oscar de la Renta is a personal favorite of mine, and maybe I am saying that because I did meet him one time, but this cuff bracelet with a coquellage design is too good to pass up. The base metal here is pewter and brass, dipped in 24 karat gold. The bracelet looks like it could be antique but it is very modern. Wear this with a sparkling evening dress. Available from Neiman Marcus for $365.00.

Stephen Dweck is well known for his sea-inspired designs and this abalone ring is no exception. Dweck actually took a section of quartz and laid it over the abalone to produce a stunning effect. This reminds me of those vintage rings from the 1950's that would have a metallic design encased under a dome of glass. Set in gold with an impressive swirl design, this ring is perfect for wearing to cocktail parties this spring. Available from Bergdorf Goodman for $320.00.

This pair of lucite drop earrings by Alexis Bittar have a smattering of Swarovski crystals in pink and clear at the bottom and just around the curve of the teardrop shapes. You can wear these practically anywhere at any time of day or night. Available from Bergdorf Goodman for $235.00.