One of Italy's greatest street parties, the Carnevale di Venezia, was born in the 13th century. In the generations since then, Venetians have perfected the art of dressing up... way up. Costumed participants along the Venice canal strut like luxurious peacocks in painted white masks, lush ruffled robes and massive headresses of feathers and plumage. It's a grand parade of humanity, with every person starring as his or her own float. Not surprisingly, what caught my eye this year was the jewelry. Some wore florentine gold rings on every finger, slid over thin white gloves. Layers of golden pearls and glass bangles clicked and rattled with every step. And bold colors leapt off of them, striking and crisp as if just squeezed onto a painter's palette.

Not surprisingly, what caught my eye this year was the jewelry. Some wore florentine gold rings on every finger, slid over thin white gloves. Layers of golden pearls and glass bangles clicked and rattled with every step. And bold colors leapt off of them, striking and crisp as if just squeezed onto a painter's palette. I fell hard for the gemstones, each strand shining like a succulent string of sun-ripe fruit. Especially enticing were stunning strands like this Faceted Amethyst Necklace, which smoldered with a full spectrum of deep royal violets and light lavenders. The 20" necklace features fat beads of faceted amethyst strung together with hand-knotted jeweler's thread and secures with a .925 sterling silver lobster claw clasp. A remarkable cache of precious purple gemstones that can transform even the most ordinary evening out into a cause for celebration.