I, probably more than most, can certainly appreciate the sentimentality of jewelry. I’ve got my Italian grandmother’s engagement ring, which features blue glass that has been weathered by work in harsh chemicals. I’ve still got a lovely black safety pin embellished with beads from a German pen-pal from when I was nine. Oh, and of course some of my Swedish grandmother’s “cruise” jewelry. (translation: pink rhinestones)
But when you wear all your mementos on your fingers all at once (along with a dated manicure) it’s just not right. Though I loved hearing the story of each and every one of the rings this sweet woman wears daily, I really think she should selectively wear her rings and not over-accessorize. (Curious side bar: why has she ignored her pinky fingers when she is clearly into abundance?!?)
So what exactly is Art Deco that we’ve been hearing so much about? Basically it’s a jewelry style that gained popularity during the World’s Fair in Paris in 1925 and remained en vogue for about 10 years. It’s name is derived from the official name of the fair, and it’s characterized by very architectural features: squares, circles, and triangles that form very cool geometric patterns.
Art Deco has been popping up everywhere from the fashion mags to the street, so if this trend appeals to your personal style, then jump on the bandwagon! I’ve seen examples at a range of price points. Here are a few cool pieces that have caught my eye. First up is a pair of earrings that would take you from jeans to a LBD.
Aventurine & Crystal disc earrings by CA & LOU
I think this red resin ring by Trina Turk would add a lot of umph to a maxi dress, with a margarita in hand, of course!
Trina Turk Button Ring
This fabulous Deco bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane is very hot. It really combines two trends, with the cuff being another important theme this season.
Yum!
Finally, this necklace would spice up a slim cardigan and skinny jeans. Love it!
Kara Ross Art Deco Necklace
So if you want to get your speakeasy on, then scoop up this trend while it’s in a store near you…because you know these things never last.
I first have to apologize for the quality of this photo…it was taken in a dark place during a concert. Even though the show on stage was quite tremendous, the hand of the gal next to me just stole the show. It’s one thing to rock the huge, embellished cross ring. I can get into that if it jives with the outfit. But combined with one of the most frightening manicures I’ve ever laid eyes on, I just was flabbergasted. What was she thinking?!? (And really, those nails must be a safety hazard!)
Forget the rule that you have to wait till 5 o’clock for a drink. The NEW rule is that ANYtime is cocktail time…you do realize that I’m talking about cocktail rings, right?!
Don’t save your big bling for going out in the evening. Instead, enjoy that heavy weight on your finger all day long. I, myself, have been having fun with this trend. Here’s a picture of me wearing a killer taupe Alexis Bittar ring that I picked up for a song at a pre-Christmas sale at Decorazzi in Las Vegas.
The ring picks up on the color of the boots
This is not a ring for the faint of heart
Whether the ring be made simply of metal or with a stone, don’t be afraid to get your milage out of it! (Remember the cost-per-wear rule…the more you pay for something, the more you should wear it to get the best value.) A large-scale ring can really add some attitude to the simplest jeans and t-shirt ensemble. If you need some inspiration, here are some gorgeous options.
I found this labradorite stunner on Net-a-Porter (fab site, if it’s not already on your radar). It’s designed by Monica Vinader.
Labradorite with 18K gold vermeil
I have admired Steve Vaubel’s work since I purchased my first pair of his earrings at Sak’s years ago. He makes striking, modern jewelry, and this ring is certainly no exception.
Utterly modern and architectural at the same time
Finally, here’s a bit of the floral craze interpreted in a cocktail ring by Yves Saint Laurent. By the way, if you only associate this brand with high-end clothing, shoes, and bags, you may be pleasantly surprised at their costume jewelry line!
Arty flower ring by YSL
So go dig deep into your ring collection. While you’re at it, see what your mom and grandmother have tucked away. They may have just the perfect ring to bring your outfit to the next level…and to think that these rings were normally just brought out for special occasions. Isn’t everyday a special occasion?! I truly think so.
While being unexpectedly entertained at a middle school production of “Anything Goes” on Saturday night, I was equally impressed with the ring on the woman sitting next to me. It once belonged to her mother-in-law, who apparently had a very well-edited style. Her wardrobe was full of black, white, pops of red and accented by extremely modern jewelry. This ring, with it’s large scale and simplistic design creates some real drama for the wearer. Love it!
In the morning you’ll usually find me munching on an Golden Delicious apple and working on the computer with “Live with Kelly” on in the background. (I still miss Regis, though.) I love to see what Kelly Ripa strolls out on stage with each morning. Back in January, she started wearing a brightly colored necklace, really almost day-glow, each and every day. Well her stylist was right on trend with that choice! (Side note: I love that she feels comfortable re-wearing items, instead of having to don an entirely new look each day. How real and refreshing, especially for a TV personality!)
Now that I’m once again hitting the stores daily with clients shopping for their spring wardrobes, I am running into bright bursts of color everywhere! For those of us who don’t want to wear head-to-toe brights, as shown in the magazines, adding a carefully selected bit of colorful jewelry can make your outfit very fashion forward. Here are a few of my favorite finds.
This necklace by Tom Binns is a major investment, but wow!
Tom Binns Handpainted Crystal Massai Necklac
Dannijo creates a multitude of looks in her line, and this pair of earrings is quite smashing.
Cocktail rings might be relatively small, but they can pack a colorful punch! Gotta love this coral creation by Kenneth Jay Lane!
Kenneth Jay Lane Coral Ring
If the tidal wave of color overwhelms you the next time you walk into a store, don’t fret. Remember that you can take it down a notch yet still be stylin’ with your brilliant baubles!
The way I look at Valentine’s Day, or basically any other holiday, is that it’s the perfect opportunity to buy yourself a lovely gift! Pricey, inexpensive, it doesn’t really matter — just do it! (You know I’m a strong proponent of self-gifting!)
As I’m strolling around the internet this morning, I’m coming across quite a few lovelies that would be the perfect gift. I thought I’d share some of my finds and hopefully inspire you to go look for yourself.
1. Check out this stunning labradorite ring by Armenta. It’s an investment, but it would look to-die-for with a necklace I already own.
2. Since I’m always in search of gorgeous stud earrings, these rose gold druzy studs by Dara Ettinger might be just the ticket. (Love that they’re under $100 too!)
3. I can always find some fabulous, ethnic jewelry at Maison K in Montecito, CA. This rhinestone and turquoise necklace from Istanbul would be amazing with an all-white linen outfit and gold sandals…with a drink in my hand…
4. I own these Jennifer Meyer hoops in yellow gold, and I’m surprised I haven’t worn them out yet. Perhaps I need a pair in white gold as well? Decisions, decisions….
5. A statement necklace makes the simplest of tops look like you came right from Fifth Avenue. This neutral druzy necklace by Isharya would pair beautifully with jeans, a white tee and a camel cardigan. Yum!
6. I’ve tried this bracelet on twice at J.Crew recently. My wrists are tiny, and it actually fits perfectly. Layered with some of my bangles, I think it could be a very inspired combination.
Oh, the choices I have… And who’s to say I won’t come across something else while I’m out shopping today? And the bonus, is that this treat is calorie free, unlike those giant chocolate-filled heart boxes. So go treat yourself and enjoy Valentine’s Day! Feel free to share any of your great finds — I’d love to see them.
I’m sure you all get inundated with catalogues in the mail. Personally, I throw most of them straight into the recycling bin without even opening them. But there are two jewelry catalogues that you just might want to peek through — I know I have found some treasures in each of them.
Two of my faves: Sundance and Ross Simons
The first one is the Sundance catalogue, which is a company owned by Robert Redford. Just like many of the characters he has played on the big screen, there is a relaxed, “country” feel to this collection. (Jewelry is just part of it…Sundance has everything from clothing to furniture!) Most of the jewelry has a rougher, rustic finish to it and veers toward a bohemian sensibility. There is a wide range of price points. Here are two different sets of stacking rings that demonstrate this.
Sundance Quintillia Stack Rings, $138
Sundance Diamond Ring Quintet, $890
Sundance offers jewelry from a wide array of designers, including some I just adore, like Anne Sportun and Love Heals. There are more pieces on the website than in the catalogue, so be sure to check out both.
Now Ross Simons is a different ballgame all together. Truth be told, when I first started receiving this catalogue I thought it looked like a bunch of old lady junk! But if you look carefully, there are definitely some finds mixed in with the other tacky pieces. And they are constantly running promotions, so you rarely have to pay the advertised price.
Recently, Ross Simons has been increasing their collection of Indian jewelry, which includes one of my latest loves, polki diamonds (which are usually erroneously called rose cut diamonds) and other small, natural diamonds set in oxidized silver. Here are a couple things that have caught my eye.
Ross Simons Polki Diamond Bangle
Of course, this bracelet is a big investment…currently $2306.50 down from $3295. But, it’s 4 ct. total weight, which isn’t bad!
Ross Simons Labradorite & Natural Diamond earrings
When shopping on any retail site, don’t forget that there might be some online coupons available. For example, the last time I bought something from Sundance, I first googled “Sundance coupons.” I found one for 30% off one item. Perfect! It worked like a charm. You may not always be so lucky, but it’s always worth a try.
If you come across any wonderful jewelry catalogues, please let me know — I love the tips!
When you get all your money stolen while in South America, you’d never think that it would lead to an amazing career in jewelry design, but that’s just what happened to Sara Freedenfeld. Finding herself without funds, she learned to macrame wearable art and sold her goods on the street each day. Clearly…she had talent! Soon thereafter she met a metal artist in Venezuela who taught her the basics in metalwork, and hence her life in jewelry was launched.
With many of her pieces dripping in delicate chain, it’s clear that it’s her signature look. Rings, necklaces and earrings are all hand made in Astoria, New York of solid 18K gold, precious and semi-precious stones. This necklace, made of grey quartz and silver diamonds, woven in 18K gold is so special! It is very feminine, yet sexy at the same time.
Necklace by Amali
Here are a couple pair of earrings that showcase black diamonds woven with the same 18K chain. And you know…you can never have enough hoop earrings!
Moss aqua and black diamond earrings
Black diamond hoops
I think Sara herself sums it up quite nicely in describing her jewelry as, “a line of jewelry that delicately unites the natural simplicity of handcrafted artistry with the sophistication and glamour of high fashion.”
If you don’t already know this about me, I just looooove to travel. As I type this post, I’m looking out from the 33rd floor at the Wynn Hotel onto the Strip in Las Vegas. Here for a few nights of pre-Christmas fun, I’m a happy girl!
Not all bad from the 33rd floor!
While I was madly packing last night…wondering what shoes? what tops? jacket? The one thing that was pretty darn easy to pack was my jewelry. Now I know that I have already talked to you about how to get your jewelry from point A to point B in a previous post, I haven’t yet talked about what to bring!
Of course, the destination and duration of your trip will help determine this, but for the “general” 3-6 day trip, I do have a standard “to bring” list that’s pretty much guaranteed to take me anywhere from casual sightseeing to a fancier dinner out.
So here’s my packing list:
1. Watch (not too dressy, and not the one you wear at the gym)
2. Hoop earrings in your metal, be it silver, gold, etc.
3. A pair of fancy earrings–chandeliers, diamond hoops, that sort of thing (And trust me, they don’t need to be expensive–my current faces are a pair from Stella & Dot that I think cost about $45!)
4. Some sort of studs, be it diamond, cz or metal that work back with your necklaces
5. An everyday ring or set of daily stacking rings
6. A statement cocktail ring to glam it up!
7. A daily necklace
8. A statement necklace for jazzing up everything from jeans to a cocktail dress
9. Since I’m a bracelet girl, then a set of 3-5 mix and match bracelets and bangles
As we were in the security line as SFO this morning, Jeff asked, “Are you really going to wear all that through the line? Don’t you have to take it all off?” (I was wearing a watch, 5 bracelets, 3 stacking rings, my statement necklace and hoops) Well yes, I did have to take off some of it, but thanks to my friend Jen, I learned that I can leave on all “real” jewelry since that doesn’t set off the alarm, so I only had to take off half of it. Nice tip, Jen!
Remember, all the jewelry that you’re NOT wearing needs to be properly packed and in your purse — not your checked luggage, not your carry-on, and not in your significant other’s backpack. It’s valuable and it’s your responsibility!
Hope these tips help you enjoy your next holiday even more! Cheers!
