Chanel Premiere Mini Watch with Rubber Strap

When reading the December issue of In Style magazine, I was surprised to see a watch with a rubber strap amid their selections for evening watches. Rubber for dress? I had actually not considered it before, but I must say that I’m liking the idea. When I first saw this photo, I didn’t even realize the Chanel watch had a rubber strap, as it blends in so effortlessly with the others. It seems to hold its own amidst the other watches.

 

Top to bottom: Movado, Harry Winston, Dior, Tiffany & Co. and Chanel
Top to bottom: Movado, Harry Winston, Dior, Tiffany & Co. and Chanel

If you’re not familiar with Chanel’s Premiere watch, let me fill you in a bit. It was the first watch ever from Chanel, launching in 1987. The shape of the watch is based on the shape of Place Vendome. Here’s an ariel shot which really shows the outline. It’s also the shape used as the stopper in a bottle of Chanel No.5 perfume. In 2013, the Premiere watch collection added new styles and sizes.

ParisPlaceVendomeAerial
The Chanele Premiere mini watch with a rubber strap comes in two color ways: black or white.

chanel premiere mini rubber watch in black
chanel premiere mini rubber watch in white
It’s the perfect juxtaposition of sporty (the rubber strap) and elegant (the diamonds and clean design). And for $5300, it’s definitely a lower price point than many traditional, luxury evening watches. I just may have to stop by the Chanel store in San Francisco to see it in person…(and leave my credit card at home!)

chanel premiere mini watch

December Birthstone: Turquoise

I’ve been a fan of turquoise ever since my dad brought me a necklace with turquoise beads from a business trip when I was about 4. (I still have it, in fact!) As a young adult I visited New Mexico, and I couldn’t decide which hue I liked best — from the true blue to the blue-greens. I’ve come to the conclusion I like it all! (shocker, I know) I’m a fan of everything from vintage Native American Squash Blossom necklaces to sleek, modern pieces.

Turquoise, which gets its name from the French words for “Turkish Stone” has been part of the human culture since ancient times. Turquoise beads have been unearthed from 5000 BC, if you can believe it! Throughout history, this stone has been an amulet of protection, a sign of wealth and wisdom. It’s considered sacred by many cultures. In addition, this stone promotes:

-strength
-serenity & peace
-relieves stress
-heightens creativity
-aids the immune system
-grounds oneself
-promotes honest communication
-helps your body detox

With all these amazing attributes in mind, which piece of jewelry from the selection below would you pick if you had a bottomless wallet?

Ann Dexter-Jones turquoise ID bracelet

ann dexter-jones turquoise ID bracelet
Jennifer Meyer double drop turquoise and diamond earrings

jennifer meyer double drop turquoise and diamond earrings
Arik Kastan turquoise ring

arik kastan turquoise ring
Blackbird and The Snow rose gold and turquoise bird earrings

blackbird and the snow rose gold turquoise bird stud earrings
Suzanne Kalan turquoise ring

suzanne kalan turquoise ring
Pascale Monvoisin turquoise and diamond cuff

pascale monvoisin louise turquoise cuff
Feathered Soul sleeping beauty turquoise and diamond necklace

feathered soul sleeping beauty turquoise pendant necklace
Armenta green turquoise and opal band

armenta green turquoise and opal band ring
Zoe Chicco turquoise cuff

zoe chicco turquoise cuff
Andrea Fohrman turquoise crescent moon ring

andrea fohrman turquoise crescent moon ring
Now don’t forget, that turquoise is one of four birthstones for the month of December. If you missed my article on tanzanite, then click here to get caught up. Happy birthday to you December babies!

Lafayette 148 Fashion Jewelry

I’ve shopped the Lafayette 148 clothing line for many years with some of my clients. They have clean lines, often some very unique color palettes, and they have an extended size range (woot!). But much to my surprise, I was very impressed with the fashion jewelry shown in their latest catalogue that appeared in my mail box. Is this something new for them? Or have I just been missing the boat? I’ve never seen any of their jewelry shown in the San Francisco stores that sell their clothing, but I think it might be time for the buyers to clue into these hidden gems. Here are some of the pieces that intrigued me the most. Aside from the first necklace shown, the rest of them are in the $198-$248 range. I think it’s a lot of look for the price point.

This was the cover look, and the biggest investment of the group: Swarovski Crystal Bib Necklace.

lafayette swarovski crystal cluster bib necklace
Pentagon Mirror Pendant

lafayette 148 pentagon mirror pendant
Art Deco Lucite Collar Necklace

lafayette 148 art deco collar necklace
Geometric Pendant Necklace

lafayette 148 geometric pendant
Metal Signature Circle Necklace

lafayette 148 metal signature circle pendant necklace
Metallic Pendant & Mesh Collar Necklace

lafayette 148 metallic pendant and mesh collar necklace
So what do you think? These are certainly larger scale pieces, so not for the faint of heart. They will definitely make a statement! Could you see yourself wearing any of these designs? Have you ever seen them for sale near you? I’d love to hear from you.

Stud Earrings: Building Your Collection

With the ever-increasing popularity of multiple piercings, stud earrings are gaining a lot of momentum in the jewelry world. I have to say they’ve certainly become a staple for me this past year or so. Especially during winter, when I often have scarves wrapped high around my neck, stud earrings give sparkle without getting in the way of my outfit. When you think about building your stud wardrobe, I suggest you start with your metal of choice (silver or gold) with neutral colored stones. As you build your collection, then it makes sense to start adding in more color. I’m going to share 11 hot looks, many of which have been road-tested by either yours truly or by one of my clients. This selection ranges from $165-$2000, and they are listed in order of price, lowest to highest.

First up are these Sharon Zimmerman “In the Rough” recycled diamond stud earrings in 14K gold. Hand made right here in San Francisco, I love the eco-friendly aspect that they are from recycled materials. Sold in singles or as a pair, I bought one for my second piercing, and I love it! It’s only 5mm in diameter so perfect for piercings higher up on your ear.

Sharon Zimmerman recycled diamond stud earrings
Corey Egan, another San Francisco designer, created these studs with a unique hand-carved shape. They are offered in both brushed silver or oxidized silver. Which would you choose?

Cory Egan tiny fragment diamond studs
Melissa Joy Manning, who has stores both in Berkeley, CA and Soho in NYC, is the queen of organic beauty. Last fall when I was working in New York, I picked up this pair of pyrite and yellow gold studs. I’ve been amazed at how effortlessly they blend with my wardrobe. The pyrite has a cooler tone, but it’s warmed up with the pyrite. I get constant compliments on them.

Melissa Joy Manning pyrite studs
Though I’ve yet to see Alexis Russell jewelry live, I’ve visited her website more than a few times. This tiny trio of diamonds is such a cool alternative to the traditional singular diamond stud. You can order them in yellow or rose gold. They would be perfect on their own, or as a lovely compliment higher up on your ear.

Alexis Russell diamond bezel trio studs
Kendra Renee has a fashion-forward take on the stud with her white topaz and gold pyramid studs. It would be fun to play with the angle you wear them — either vertically, horizontally or slanted.

Kendra Renee white topaz pyramid posts
Have you been to Lauren Wolf’s store, Esqueleto, in Oakland? (And she now has one in LA too!) Her store carries a wide array of jewelry, both vintage and new, as well as curated objects de art. But I digress…Lauren’s octagonal rutilated quartz studs in yellow gold are fabulous. They truly have a presence when worn.

Lauren Wolf yellow rutilated quartz gold studs
Meredith Marks makes her Jacklyn studs in a variety of stone combinations. This particular pair combines grey moonstone with black diamonds, but there are eight varieties currently available on her website. The price varies with the type of stones in the earring.

Meredith Marks Jacklyn studs
This list would not be complete without Nak Armstrong’s rainbow moonstone pyramid earrings. When Nak was having a trunk show at Barney’s in San Francisco I, of course, had to stop by. He selected these for me to try on, and I knew I had to invest in them right there on the spot. Though they weren’t inexpensive, I’ve worn them so many times, the cost-per-wear has dropped significantly. (In a few years, they’ll basically be free!) If you have small earlobes like I do, then the curved design of the earring gracefully cups your earlobe. Architectural genius!

Nak Armstrong rainbow moonstone pyramid button earrings
nak armstrong pyramid studs
Tura Sugden is a master with the German blow torch. When I visited her at her studio, I was dazzled by her diamond slice earrings. The cage-like setting really takes the diamond slice to the next level. My client who purchased a pair agrees, as I know they’ve become one of her go-to pieces of jewelry.

Tura Sugden gray diamond slice earrings
Black diamonds are definitely both avant-garde and chic in my book. When combined with white gold by Sethi Couture, you’ve got an alternative classic design on your hands. (or in  your ears, for that matter) The rose cut diamonds create a black glow, rather than a harsh, black look. Perfection.

Sethi Couture black diamond studs in white gold
I conclude this list with a pair by English designer Polly Wales. The way she sets white sapphires in 18K gold in such a sophisticated yet unstructured way is awe-inspiring. Jaw-meet-floor.

Polly Wales large crystal disc earrings with white sapphires
Though I could go on and on with stud suggestions, I’ve got to stop here. As you contemplate what earrings to add to your jewelry box, I urge you to ONLY buy what you love — what makes your heart truly sing. These are the purchases which will go the distance for you. Don’t settle. Be patient and save up for what will work best for you. I promise you’ll be happier in the long run.

December Birthstone: Tanzanite

How is it that December has FOUR birthstones? If you’re lucky enough to be born this month, then you can choose from tanzanite, turquoise, zircon and blue topaz. With it’s blue-violet hue, tanzanite is the subject of today’s article. Coming from only one place on the planet (Tanzania in East Africa), I was surprised to find out that this gem can actually be found in browns and yellows. It is heat, either from the earth or by man, which changes the stone to the most prized blue-violet color. Originally discovered in 1967, this stone is both rare, valuable, and fairly fragile. (Translation: Use care when wearing and never put it in an ultrasonic cleaner!)

Tanzanite is known as the stone of transformation, aiding in metaphysical healing and spiritual exploration. In addition, tanzanite helps with:

-happiness and freedom from worry
-compassion
-finding your calling
-getting rid of old patterns and opening oneself to growth
-self-awareness
-strengthens your immune system

I’m in! Are you? If so, here are some fantastic tanzanite creations by some very talented designers.

Kaali Designs tanzanite cabochon and diamond ring from Zaver & Mor

kaali design tanzanite ring
(and because you need to see the stellar side view)

kaali designs tanzanite ring
Carla Amorim Castanhas earrings

carla amorim castanhas earrings
Phyne by Paige Novick tanzanite, diamond and blackened white gold ear cuff

phyne by paige novick tanzanite diamond and blackened white gold ear cuff
Rosanne Pugliese tanzanite cage ring

rosanne pugliese tanzanite cage ring
Arman tanzanite hoop earrings

arman tanzanite hoop earrings
Celine Daoust tanzanite trio ring

celine daoust tanzanite trio ring
Selim Mouzannar caged tanzanite and diamond drop earrings

selim mouzannar caged tanzanite and diamond drop earrings
Carole Shashona dream wing necklace

carole shashona dream wing necklace
Irene Neuwirth drop earrings

irene neuwirth drop earrings
Maragret Solow double tanzanite drop necklace

margaret solow double tanzanite drop necklace
I think these selections will resonate with a wide variety of personal styles — from edgy to bohemian to luxe and beyond. If you had the *infamous* bottomless wallet that I dream about having, which piece would you desire most? Do tell!