She is friends with some of Hollywood's hottest and Britney Spears even spent $50,000 to hang out with her on a video shoot. She has also worked side by side with lofty ladies like Kimora Lee Simmons. She is a worldwide icon. But most importantly she stands for happiness, love, and friendship (and also, style -- just check out the necklace to the right, which we're currently giving away!). So who this mystery girl?

Hello Kitty of course! So what makes this little girl so special to so many?

According to Janet Hsu, President of Sanrio Global Consumer Products, Hello Kitty is special because "She conveys a strong emotional connection that is felt by girls, teens, and women from all around the world. Mothers who grew up with Hello Kitty are now introducing her to their daughters, creating a positive generational experience."

And seriously? Who doesn't love her? Apparently everyone – including jewelry guru Kimora Lee Simmons. The diamond encrusted Hello Kitty journey began when Russell and Kimora were out one evening with Paris Hilton, who just so happened to have on a cute little plastic Hello Kitty necklace. As a well known diamond lover, the necklace got Kimora's wheels turning. The idea was quickly put into production and shortly after Britney Spears spent a whopping $50k to wear the first publicly debuted Hello Kitty in her "Do Something" video three years ago. Thus, the glittering Hello Kitty collection was born.

But just because Britney and other starlets spend big bucks on their Hello Kitty gems, doesn't mean that you have to pinch pennies to afford a gorgeous piece says President & CEO of Simmons Jewelry Co, Scott Rauch. All you have to do is check out your local Zale's for the Hello Kitty by Simmons Jewelry Co., which features pieces that retail from $150 - $1000. Or try the newest branch of the line, Hello Kitty by Diamonique. This version launched on QVC in fall 2008 with the most affordable price tags to date; all of which are well under $100.

Rauch also informed us that the company has, "requests for many celebs to make new lines of fine jewelry as well as design their own hello Kitty jewelry piece." So who knows? Today it's Kimora but maybe tomorrow it'll be Miley or Mariah. Rauch says if you want to know, "stay tuned!" Don't mind if we do!

Before we go here are a few more fun Hello Kitty facts straight from Hsu that will really test your knowledge on this adorable little girl.

• Hello Kitty has no mouth because she speaks from the heart.

• Hello Kitty is not a cat, she is a little girl.

• Hello Kitty has a twin sister Mimi.

• Hello Kitty is the ambassador of tourism for Japan.

• Hello Kitty was born November 1, 1974 and this year marks the 35th Anniversary for Hello Kitty. So expect to see some fabulous new expressions of the iconic classic!

• This February, you'll find Hello Kitty teaming up with M•A•C Cosmetics.

• Hello Kitty will also be featured in an upcoming McDonald's Happy Meal program.

Now you are truly a Hello Kitty aficionado!