Sparkle Week kicks off today! And this might just be the most awesome, yet tackiest, stunt ever. It's a first for this city, and it's not a joke. Mayor Bloomberg officially proclaimed Sparkle Week last month as an effort to boost the jewelry economy and diamond district — which has been hit hard by the recession. No money means no one's buying diamonds. But in keeping with the spirit of Sparkle Week, jewelry stores are hosting events and sales. So get out your gaudiest baubles and layer them on: Tackiness is officially a citywide celebration. And wouldn't Mayor Bloomberg look absolutely divine with a sequin cowboy hat? We think that would really make him shine.

Sparkle Week Calendar of Events April 20 – April 26 [National Jewelry Institute]