Warning: The UV protection in the average pair of sunglasses may not save you from the blinding bling of diamond-encrusted frames now being worn by accessory-loving fashionistas.

In the must-have accessories race, sunglasses are coming up the rear fast, gaining on handbags and shoes. But who would believe they would one day outprice your Manolos?

You can purchase crystal-embellished sunglasses from luxury brands such as Dior, Chanel and Gucci for around $450 and up. On the opposite end of the spectrum, jewelers such as Bulgari and Cartier have collections and limited editions of diamond-laden sunglasses that can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $130,000.

Instead of swerving to avoid the glare of blinged-out sunglasses, I think I’ll buy a pair. After all, four-figure shades should be able to deflect light from any source.