Be Your Own Bedazzler

A kiss on the hand seems quite continental, but is a diamond still a girl’s best friend? The gemstone that DeBeers marketed into a must-buy symbol of love seems so played out. The baubles that catch our eye these days are vibrant and bright — rubies and emeralds and sapphires, oh my! We’re gonna be in expensive-rock heaven at the International Gem & Jewelry Show. Yeah, there’ll be diamonds, but discriminating shoppers won’t have to settle for the typical “every kiss begins with Kay” crap. There will be a display to rival the trove in Elizabeth Taylor’s safe, as well as exhibitors from around the world hawking everything from loose gemstones and fine jewelry to clasps and beads. That means a trinket for every customer.

If you’re looking for a special rock for that special lady — or if you are that special lady and you deserve a sparkler, dammit —head to the Miami Beach Convention Center at the crack of noon. That’s when the exhibit opens and the true ballers come out to drop ducats. Admission is seven bucks, and Friday the floor is open until 6 p.m. Visit www.intergem.net to see exhibit hours for Saturday and Sunday.
Aug. 29-31, 2008