Top 5 Jewelry Pieces Designed by Hollywood Stars

Fifty years ago, actors’ and actresses’ only job was to entertain – but today, Hollywood’s hottest stars are truly multi-talented. Many celebrities are utilizing their stardom to rally support for charities and philanthropic missions, as well as to embark on various entrepreneurial endeavors of their own. In fact, many of Hollywood’s A-list female celebrities are adding “jewelry designer” to their already-extensive and impressive resumes.

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie, the famous adopted daughter of Lionel Ritchie, has always loved living life in the spotlight. This reformed party girl is now married and has a family of her own. Her new jewelry line, “House of Harlow 1960,” is named after her first-born daughter, Harlow. The line was created in 2009 and launched its first collection in 2010. The “House of Harlow 1960” collection reflects the unique design aesthetic that Nicole is known for.

Perhaps the most popular piece in this exquisite collection – the silver or gold-plated antler ring with the large center cabochon – is a showstopper in its own right. Large antler-inspired details hug the cabochon stone with a mystifying grace. This ring would look great with a powerhouse pencil skirt and blousy peasant-style top. As beautiful as it is edgy, the antler ring can also be worn in a more rocker-chic way by pairing it with tall shaft leather boots, skinny jeans, and a cropped leather blazer.

Selena Gomez

Disney’s bright young star, Selena Gomez, has a huge fan base among young girls everywhere. She initially stole hearts as a Disney Channel sitcom star. Her spunky character, “Alex,” on Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” put Selena in a new light and really boosted her career. Her relationship with teen sensation Justin Bieber gave her an edge over other teen celebrities and resulted in her subsequent “Dream Out Loud” Collection and partnership with Kmart stores. Selena’s affordably-priced “Dream Out Loud” line offers head-to-toe dressing.

Fun and preppy blazers can be seen paired with floral leggings and messenger bags. The look is refreshing and modest for any young lady. Featured in many magazines and online fashion blogs, her earring collections are perhaps one of the line’s bestsellers. Each style features vintage-inspired doves, beads, feathers and other regal symbols that turn ordinary ear accessories into jewelry for the head. They look exquisite with many of the other pieces from her clothing collection, and they also pair beautifully with virtually any outfit because of their simplistic and understated beauty.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez has had an incredible career over the years. Starting out as a dancer on the TV show “In Living Color,” she was noticed by Hollywood’s elite and quickly became a household name. Amidst raising a family, promoting her music career, co-hosting American Idol and creating new fragrances for her popular perfume line, she somehow managed to find the time to create an extensive collaboration with Kohl’s. Her newest entrepreneurial venture brings an elegant line of apparel, jewelry and housewares to the thriving department store. True to her image and sense of personal style, customers can expect to see trendy jewelry pieces with lots of bling, crystals and fringe done in classic shapes and designs.

The star of her new jewelry line at Kohl’s is the long, bead station necklace. Understated and classy, this gorgeous necklace provides just the right amount of sparkle and shine without going overboard. It looks perfect when peeking out from underneath a cardigan and patterned tank. When worn to the office with a sheath dress or a power suit, this beautiful necklace will frame the face and demand attention at the next board meeting. Perhaps the best part about this necklace and other pieces in the collection is its modest price.

Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen

Arguably two of the most successful young Hollywood stars-turned-designers, Mary Kate and Ashley have been making their mark on fashion and setting trends since they were youngsters on the show “Full House.” They first began their formal transition into the fashion industry with the “Mary Kate and Ashley Collection,” which did very well at Wal-Mart and Kmart stores. Since then, they have joined forces with famed jewelry designer Robert Lee Morris back in 2008 and even had artistic input on the collections from Louis Vuitton and Sidney Garber.

In 2011, Mary Kate and Ashley were inducted into the CFDA, which is one of the highest honors for new designers. Their new “Elizabeth and James” collection can be found at many upscale and luxury department stores and online boutiques. Their pieces are not for the faint of heart; they scream edgy and sophisticated. Each piece in the collection is almost like its own unique piece of art and looks just as beautiful stacked with other pieces as it does on its own. The silver and black onyx “Fox” earrings and necklaces are simply to die for. Black lace, dark leather, silk and tulle fabrics are excellent choices to pick when pairing with “Elizabeth and James” jewelry.

Nicky Hilton

While she may not be as “in the spotlight” as her sister Paris, Nicky Hilton has been quietly working behind the scenes to create her very popular “Chelsea Collection” of jewelry inspired by her extravagant life spent in the Waldorf Astoria hotel. While her designs are simple and substantial, they are also incredibly contemporary and wearable. Her cocktail rings are the stand-out pieces from her collection, and they certainly set the bar high for designer luxury jewelry.

These large right-hand rings are made from domed and etched metals, and some feature large, faceted center stones. They are meant to be worn alone to grab the attention of onlookers. A floral maxidress or simple ballet flats and a long tunic tank with colored jeans are the perfect backdrop for the pieces in the “Chelsea Collection” jewelry line from Nicky Hilton.