Statement necklaces are everywhere! A fashion staple for spring/summer 09 has turned into a must have piece for fall/winter 09. A long admirer of all things big, bright, and jeweled I hopped right on this trend a long time ago investing in a black jeweled bib necklace that was simple yet breathtaking. It was this necklace that introduced me to my latest obsession: Roberta Freymann.

A standard on the Upper East Side for the past few years, Roberta Freymann’s shop is chock full of exotic and eclectic pieces of jewelry, handbags, tunics in addition to bold and colorful textiles that make you feel like you just came back from a vacation in India. It was here that I got hooked on statement necklaces and haven’t looked back since.

I had this vision in my mind of what I wanted and kept it on my mental wish list: black jeweled bib necklace, something that could be worn during day or night, under $500. Price was the biggest dilemma when it came to these iconic pieces since they often started in the $500 range, which is more than I wanted to spend. Now with statement necklaces being all the rage, they can be purchased at every price point with high street shops such as Forever 21 offering versions starting at $6 to high-end shops and fashion designers with intricate pieces starting in the 4-digit range. Roberta Freymann’s price point came in right where I hoped it would be since the necklace was $200. I understand that during tight financial times people are hesitant to invest in a piece of jewelry at this price, but it’s a piece can it timeless and can be worn constantly. In fact, paired with basic pieces in your wardrobe this statement piece can bring to life some of the items taking up space in your closet.

My black jeweled bib became a wardrobe staple and was worn with a black tank and jeans for a night of drinks, paired with a white sleeveless crew neck top and pencil skirt for work, and added to a little black dress for an instant upgrade. Addicted, I headed back to Roberta Freymann to indulge in yet another necklace, but this time something with color and a more exotic flair.  I walked out with a huge smile on my face and a navy blue Indian-inspired necklace with vivid colored, semi precious gems. Priced at $220, the Wine Drop Necklace oozed luxury and over-the-top glamour. I was hooked.

New York socialite Olivia Palermo has been photographed wearing the exact same necklace to various events and looking fabulous every time. Her flair for pairing it with everything from striped-tees to red carpet events made me realize I didn’t have to go for such a matchy-match approach and the bib could be worn both casually and dressy.  Garcelle Beauvais wore her Wine Drop Necklace with a strapless dress for a red carpet event. The jeweled necklace paired with a simple dress added a dramatic and bold dash of flash to her look making her a standout at the event.

Photo by Red Carpet Fashion

Since then I’ve been back numerous time to add more of the jewel encrusted bib necklaces to my collection. For fall I purchased a bib necklace covered in goldtone jewels to complement my warm weather attire. On order (it’s sold out already) is another gem encrusted necklace in blue tones with a ribbon tie neck. Also, I got a sneak peek of the fall line which arrives in stores at the end of August and the jewelry will make your jaw drop. One standout piece is a statement necklace made of metallic lace and priced under $150.

Roberta Freymann, 153 East 70th Street, 212 585 3767, http://www.roberta-freymann.com/ .