I’ve always thought that high end designers must be really irritated about street side vendor hawking bags with their logos plagarized. It’s seems common sense to think that this kind of fakery would be a problem. But recent research shows that counterfeit bags actually boost high end sales.

For one thing, counterfeit bags function as free advertising for designer goods. I never really thought about fashion houses like Chanel and Gucci as needing free advertising, but now that I think about it the fact that every other person in a major city is carrying a bag with a recognizable logo (real or fake) must be a booster. Counterfeiting is one of the reasons, actually, that these logos are so recognizable.

Other research suggests that counterfeit bags act as sort of a gateway to designer purchases. So, then, fake Louis Vuitton is to real Louis Vuitton what marijuana is to cocaine? Interesting. Still, if you’re in the market for a fake, there’s more to consider than the impact on the label.

Most high end lines manufacture their bags responsibly, using ethically-source materials and humane labor practices. This is, of course, not true across the board, but for the most part, the more status a line has, the more accountable it is to its fans. Street vendors, since they operate illegally, are beholden to no one, and I have read exposes of the terrible conditions in which this products are produced.

This version is pretty one-of-a-kind. In fact, they are one of a kind, because at $200,000, most people aren’t going to be buying them for daily use. The frames are made of gold accented with diamonds, and the glasses must be protected by security guards around the clock while they’re on display.

The glasses are featured in the Shiels Carillion window in Perth currently, but inquiries have been made by an unnamed celebrity who wants to make them their own.

The design is classic McQueen, with his signature skull motif combined with Swarovski-accented flowers and butterflies. It’s the combination of these seemingly contradictory elements that make the design so effective. It looks as though the heavy, scary looking skull has been graced with a lovely halo. I guess some people might find the look a little creepy, but it fits in well with this season’s dark, edgy aesthetic without getting too goth.

Geoffrey Parker, the British game-maker has produced the most expensive set of poker chips in the world. Not just because f the denominations shown on the chips, either, although those are significant and can be tailored to the desires of the customer. Each chip is encrusted in fine jewels. White chips have white diamonds, red have rubies, blue have sapphires, emeralds for the green, and the black have black diamonds.

Not only that, but the chips come housed in a gorgeous case, which is covered in alligator skin and lined in suede. The interior frame is lined in white gold chips, each inlaid with stringray skin. Total, there are over 1,000 carats of gems in the set, more than 20,000 jewels in all. Not to mention the four platinum-plated sets of poker cards and the dealer button inlaid with two rows of white diamonds. This is some pretty serious bling to be sporting at the poker table, and it’s safe to say that it’s for high rollers only.

I love this ring’s combination of scary and chic. It’s the kind of statement ring that whispers instead of screaming. It would make an extraordinary gift for a young, hip woman or anyone who likes a little edge in their jewelry.

Okay, gentlemen, you officially have ten days until Valentine’s Day. Ladies, that means you have three more days to get in reasonable gift requests or drop relevant hints. If you’re the kind of woman that likes glossy, pop art inspired jewelry, this Hot Lips ring by Solange Azagury-Partridge would be a great addition to your collection.

The sterling silver base has been coated with an extra thick layer of enamel, which makes the lips look extra glossy and lacquered.  The bubblegum pink color is bright and eye-catching. But if the eye-popping color isn’t enough to attract attention, the substantial size will be.

I have to say that while I’m not usually the kind of girl that goes in for pink anything, there’s something cute and kitschy about this ring that is really appealing. Even girls who aren’t girly girls can find a way to work this one into their wardrobes.

This year, actresses Lea Michele (of Glee) and Natalie Portman were both hooked up with classic gems by the illustrious Tiffany & Co. Michele wore nearly $1 million in Tiffany baubles, including a platinum pear-shaped diamond ring, platinum lever-back earrings, and several diamond studded bracelets. Portman wore $2 million white and yellow diamond earrings and a couple of diamond bangles.

Not everyone was outfitted by the house of Tiffany, however. Mila Kunis wore Cartier, and Clair Danes wore Fred Leighton. For the most part, classic, iconic styles were favored over edgier, more contemporary looks.

Rose gold is a new rage that I didn’t really see coming, but suddenly some of the hippest jewelry designers around are using it. It has an instantly vintage appeal that is buffeted in this case by the handwritten design. This necklace has a lot of length to it, so it’s really better for a younger woman who layers on her jewels rather than one who goes for something big and classic. Not that this is any small bauble. No, indeed, but it does have a subtle delicacy to it that is feminine and sweet.

If you’ve noticed the lobes of any high glamour celebrities, lately, you have for sure seen more than a few pairs of sparkly angel wings. I’m not always one to get behind the trends, but when they’re as beautiful as this, who can resist? Why bother with cheap knockoffs when the real thing looks better? Besides, real diamonds have resale value, as opposed to paste, which won’t get you a penny if you get tired of it soon.

These gorgeous white gold angel wings are set with 1.2 karats of white diamonds and pave. They have a large butterfly closure that will ensure that they sit well against the ear. These babies are the perfect accompaniment to a multitude of outfits. They’ll work with jeans and a tight tee just as well as they will with your evening attire. The combination of hipster chic and glam makes them not just versatile, but also super fashionable. What a way to wear your bling!

If she’s a downtown boho type, this Aurelie Bidermann dreamcatcher necklace is a great choice. It’s embellished with semi-precious brown chalcedony, and the sterling has been woven into an intricate traditional Native American design. It’s also a gift that’s meant to bring good luck, as the web is meant to catch your dreams. What a great way to show your hippie chick that you dig her unique brand of chic.