Hailing from the country who knows fashion like no one's business, Italian-inspired chocolate gold jewelry is reaching the shores of the U.S. and making real waves. This evolution is a new gold alloy in a warm brown shade. The cutting-edge, breathtaking color creates a deeper dimension to skin tones of all types, as well as today's current fashions. The discerning jewelry lover who is seeking something truly unique will fall in love with the look of chocolate gold - a great twist on a timeless classic.

In fact, chocolate gold is so popular right now it's the new black in jewelry design. Designers are creating some spectacular treats that look good enough to eat. Whether you prefer gold, pearls or gemstones, this irresistible color is one of the season's hottest trends.

Chocolate gold, specifically, is created in a special process called PVD (physical vaporization and deposition). A designer begins with rose gold and applies the PVD treatment to produce the chocolate gold. While some pieces can range as much as $10,000 and beyond, there are also jewelry pieces that create the same look with 14K chocolate brown gold coating.

Chocolate diamonds are enjoying some well-deserved recognition recently on the red carpets. Celebrities such as Fergie, Halle Berry and Terri Hatcher have been seen wearing the gem that was once an object of disdain. Known as brown diamonds, these gems were once considered low grade. These naturally-occurring diamonds pair beautifully with white diamonds, chocolate pearls, turquoise and other colored gem stones. Chocolate diamonds possess the same properties and durability as white diamonds. The only difference is their color.

For several years chocolate pearls have been riding a popularity wave reserved only for those who could afford their pricey status. Recently, these beauties are being made available with the mainstream crowd at more affordable prices. These tiny delights are actually Tahitian and freshwater pearls that have undergone a proprietary, pigment-altering heating process, or organic dyeing process that transforms them into that delicious chocolate hue. Imitation pearls are created through a dyeing process with silver nitrate.

Like chocolate gold, chocolate pearls are favored by those with a fashion-forward sense when it comes to jewelry. Not to be confused with grandmother's classic string of pearls, chocolate pearls have an unpredictable flair that goes well with today's fashions. And fortunately, it's a hue that wears well on nearly anyone. Worn against all the brown fashions available these days, brown pearls creates a tonal quality against camel, adds soft contrast to creamy white and gives the all-black urban style a new dimension. For the bride, chocolate pearls add a burnished dimension to wedding whites and creams.

The idea of chocolate and jewelry are certainly not new concepts. What woman doesn't love a beautiful piece of jewelry accompanied by rich, dark cocoa treats? One Italian jewelry designer was inspired by these two elements in her recent collection. It didn't hurt that the town she lives and works in is also known for its superb chocolate. In fact, the city's first chocolate candy factory was founded in the 1800s. Using that as inspiration, the designer applied the PVD process and added elements of rose gold to her jewelry designs.

Wearable Chocolate Jewelry

Perhaps not surprisingly, this love for chocolate and jewelry has inspired a few notable European chocolatiers to create cocoa jewelry that is both wearable and edible. For example, a Belgium chocolatier has for several decades been creating chocolate diamonds, surely inspired by the city of Antwerp, Belgium, the historic center of diamond trading. The diamond-shaped confections come in milk, dark, white and marbled chocolate.

Combining chocolate and sugar paste, an English chocolatier creates edible, wearable necklaces and earrings. Meanwhile, in Switzerland two confectioners design chocolate, jewel-covered treats. Their collection includes pieces that are covered with edible foil in silver or gold, as well as edible diamonds or gemstones.