Jewelry designer Ana Cavalheiro has released her first collection. Cavalheiro, who grew up in Lisbon, Portugal, had a career in marketing before deciding to follow her passion for jewelry. She trained in Paris two years at the "École du Louvre (BJO Formation) " where she learnt to handcraft jewelry in the traditional European way. Although Cavalheiro lives in Southern California now her designs recall her Portuguese youth with bright colors and romantic and medieval motifs. The pieces are handcrafted in 18K and 14K gold and gemstones including large cocktail rings and earrings and necklaces whose designs are influenced by traditional European tile designs. Check out the gallery below for more looks at her romantic yet modern designs.

Diane Griswold Johnston is a champion equestrienne as well as a jewelry designer. Naturally therefore she creates a range of equestrian jewelry for the horse-obsessed. The jewelry is set in 18K gold and includes a hand-carved onyx horse head pendant, silver horse coin earrings, horsehead earrings, an onyx horse head bracelet and a charm bracelet that features a gold horse and gold ribbon charms with tiny lapis centers. Her jewelry can be ordered online, through Saks or at selected horse shows.

I like the look of these tattoo-inspired designs from Mark Silverstein Imagines. The designs, in gold and diamonds subtly evoke the look of flames on race car or motorcycle. Silverstein, who has been in the diamond and jewelry business for close to 30 years, also specializes in bridal designs that feature engraved platinum. The matching earrings and bracelet for this piece are after the jump.

Ok, we all saw the movie The Blood Diamond a while back and can no longer avoid contemplating the probability that the sparkly rocks on the market today were perhaps obtained by violence, human-rights abuses, child-labor, or environmental destruction. I practically swore-off buying diamonds all-together after seeing the movie -- for about a week. As conscientious consumers, we therefore must seek out alternative and ethical sources for our need to shine. Poom Fine Jewelry is one of these sources; not only does Poom use "conflict-free" diamonds, but she donates a portion from every sale to various local animal charities. Her designs are unique and current, yet simple and timeless. She has designed for important brides-to-be, movie stars, and has been featured in Elle Magazine numerous times. Her current collection includes very fashionable pieces such as cocktail rings, modern bangles, and circle-motif earrings meant for those of us who still value the elegant understatement in jewelry design. This creation, cleverly-named "Mr. Big" in 18K rose-gold, diamonds, and pink-sapphires, forecasts the hottest upcoming trend in diamond pendant forms: the circular disc. Stay envious and ahead of the rest all the while knowing that with your purchase, you may have saved a child from horrid working conditions and a goat from starvation. "Mr. Big" retails for $5,000.