12 Cool Apple iPhone 5 Cases

Design site, Quirky, collaborated with online retailer Fab to create seven sophisticated new iPhone 5 cases and accessories. Among the best designs—all of which were submitted to by real people—is the super-cool Crossover, which consists of two silicon bands that strap to the back the iPhone to hold credit cards and cash. $34.99; available at fab.com. 

For Blackberry users contemplating a switch to the iPhone 5, this sleek case by Boxwave promises to make the transition a little easier. The new "Keyboard Buddy"offers a physical 5-row keyboard that snaps to the back of the phone, and can hold a charge for up to two weeks. $89.99; available at boxwave.com.

For slightly goofier fare, it doesn't get much cuter than Case-Mate's "Creatures" line for iPhone 5, which is available in monkey, peacock, penguin and panda editions. It may seem silly, but we found the penguin surprisingly chic. $32; available at case-mate.com.

Luxury heavyweights should look no further than to this The Natural Sapphire Company jewel encrusted 18k white gold case. It features 2839 blue ceylon sapphires, 38 rubies and one green marquise-cut sapphire. $100,000; available at thenaturalsapphirecompany.com. 

A glossy finish and cool, perforated fabric make the X-Doria Dash—which also features a window for showing off the white Apple logo on the back—a fashion-forward option for accessorizing the iPhone 5. $34.99; available at shop.x-doria.com. 

Think of the elegant Element Sector iPhone 5 case as a complete accessories kit, from the satin gun metal grey case to the zip-around carrier and super-thick screen protector (note: new 5 versions of the 4s version pictured above are now available for pre-order). $146; available at elementcase.com.

Gym rats who intend to use the iPhone 5 for workouts should scoop up the Incase Sports Armband, which features an adjustable elastic arm strap. The sporty case also boasts special "sweat-proof" technology, which will prevent your phone from meeting an unhappy, sweat-related end. $39.99; available at goincase.com.

Incipio's smart new Kicksnap case features a retractable kickstand, making it far easier to watch the occasional YouTube video at your desk. Plus, it's fashioned from high-tech"plextonium"—a tough polycarbonate—so it can survive the most dramatic drops. $34.99; available at www.incipio.com.

Scoshe's new iPhone 5 case features a cool, zig-zagging geometric pattern along the back. For users who are extra hard on their iPhones, a special tech material resists sweat, dirt and oil. $29.99; available at scoshe.com.

Belkin knows an elegant new iPhone doesn't need much in the way of adornment. Its sleek new View Case series is executed in transparent polycarbonate—so you can see the entirety of the phone—while a colored rubber "bumper" wrapped around the edges fends against occasional accidents. $25; available at belkin.com.