Shiny new Disney jewelry line goes upscale

Disney must think the recession is finally fading in the rear-view mirror. For real this time.

The company last week introduced a line of Disney Parks Authentic Diamond Icon jewelry that screams “consumer confidence.” Or, possibly, “consumer craziness.”

The line includes rings, earrings and necklaces in 14 karat gold — your choice of yellow, white or rose — set with diamonds. Whatever you think of the designs, the price is certainly swoon-worthy: as high as $5,000.

If you think you’ve seen these pieces before, it’s probably because some of them bear a strong resemblance to Disney’s costume jewelry (think Swarovski earrings, which will set you back a cool $9.50, or the sterling silver swirl icon necklace priced at $58).

No judgment here, but I’d rather fill up my jewelry box with faux baubles and spend that 5 large on a week at the Grand Floridian. Or the Contemporary. In a room with a Magic Kingdom view …

Sorry, got lost in the revery for a minute there.

Here’s a sampling of the new Disney bling:

“Bypass” ring, 0.21 carats total weight.  $1,125

Icon pendant necklace, 0.71 carats total weight.  $4,375

Large icon necklace, 0.70 carat total weight, 7/16″ in diameter. $5,063 (The small version, at 0.21 carat total weight, will run you $1,000.)

Earrings range from $1,000 (0.28 carat total weight) to $4,375 (0.90 carat total weight).

Men’s ring, 0.33 carat. $3,062.50

Women’s ring, 0.75 carat total weight. $3,625.

And don’t worry, if diamonds aren’t your thing, Disney has also introduced 14 karat Tinkerbell earrings ($500) and necklaces featuring Sorcerer Mickey ($1,250), the iconic Mickey Mouse hat ($1,000) and the Disney castle ($1,125).