Cartier, Saks, and the Limited? Timeless Jewelry Without Spending a Fortune.

Just as I believe in investment dressing and pieces I will wear for years to come, I am even more particular about my accessories. My criterion has always been: will I wear this ten years from now? Often, in the late 90s, I could not find the exact pieces I wanted, so I had them custom-made by master jeweler Gabriel Aminov (47th St. in NYC), famous for his micropave technique and the artisan behind many Graff, and Van Cleef & Arpels pieces.

Whether it's for work, casual wear or evening, I wear the following pieces every day: two rings and 18kt gold hoop earrings for my non-pierced ears from Mr. Aminov, a Cartier Tank Americane 18k gold watch bought in the mid 1990s, a Luc Kiefer smoky black lucite bangle inlaid with Swarovski crystals, and now....an absolutely fabulous bracelet (above) featuring quality rhinestones set in dark metal with a toggle clasp that I scored for $29.50 from the new jewelry collection by the Limited.

"The jewelry was really inspired by a desire to create drama and excitement at an affordable price, with the complexity and detail that you would expect from more expensive costume pieces," explains Christa Schuman, Creative Director, about this impressive collection in which nothing is over $50. "Mixing chains, jet beads, pearls, charms and large stones gives the jewelry an eclectic, yet elegant, sensibility perfect for Holiday. Hitting all the trends of the season, such as statement necklaces, cuff bracelets and dramatic earrings was very important, as we found Holiday a great time to step out and really wow the customer with a truly beautiful and trend-right assortment. We also love mixing pieces that are considered "evening" with day clothes for that little extra sparkle you need around this time of year! "

From left: Statement Nested Chain Necklace Made from twisted dark metal chains and embellished on one side with dramatic silver and clear rhinestones ($49.50). Pave Twist Band Ring Dark rhinestones in dark metal; the pavé rhinestones set in a woven pattern with a domed silhouette make it look like an antique-shop find. ($24.50) Chain Mix Rhinestone Bracelet A tangle of multiple chains and strands of clear and metallic rhinestones in dark metal color with a toggle clasp. $29.50

And my own Dripping Fireballs Bracelet Chunky Chain Bracelet (top) festooned with bejeweled "fireballs" in a dark metal setting with a toggle clasp for $29.50? After amortizing the price of this bracelet over ten years, it will have cost me less than 3 cents a year...now that's investment dressing.

Available at The Limited stores in the US.

- Michelyn Camen