Earrings – Page 23 – Jewelry Fashion Tips

Travel jewelry: what should I bring??

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!

view of the Vegas strip from the Wynn hotel — 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!

Alicia Van Fleteren: Designer

When I recently attended a fundraising trunk show at a private home in Hillsborough, I saw the designer, and I just knew that I had met her before. It only took us a few minutes to figure out that we had indeed met years earlier, when her business was called Little Dot designs. Well I think the new name, Alicia Van Fleteren Jewelry, and the nine years of experience have really enhanced and broadened her line. It’s just lovely, extremely wearable and reasonably priced in the $40-$250 range.

Alicia Van Fletern — Amy, Alicia and Jen, wearing Alicia's necklaces

I appreciate how Alicia mixes pearls, stones, silver and gold with materials such as leather, linen and silk. Many of her pieces are quite delicate and are just begging to be layered. The day I attended the trunk show, I was wearing a necklace that I’ve had for some time, and there I found the ideal necklace to layer with it. They were just made for each other!

Here’s an example of some of her necklaces, which have a bit of a bohemian edge to them:

Alicia Van Fleteren necklaces — Necklaces by Alicia Van Fleteren

Not only is Alicia a talented designer, but she really believes in giving back to the community. Many of her trunk shows are fundraisers (like the one I attended), and proceeds go everywhere from Art in Action to San Mateo Family Services to local schools. (as a former 3rd grade teacher, I especially love that one!)

You can find her designs in many stores in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you still have some holiday shopping left to do, you may want to check her out!

Gift Ideas

Yep…it’s true! You’ve only got a few shopping weeks left until the holidays arrive. Now I know I’ve given you some tips on how to select jewelry as a gift, but I thought I’d make your life even a little bit easier with some specific gift ideas.

1. Personalized mom or grandmother jewelry is a very thoughtful gift, and there is a wide array of choices out there! Initials, birthstones, names, you can find it! One site I discovered that has a very nice selection at reasonable price points is Hearts on Your Wrist. Don’t let the name fool you, as it’s much more than just bracelets! I thought these pendants were especially versatile, as they’re not “too too” and can be layered with other necklaces.

Hearts on your wrist necklace — Darling pendants from Hearts on Your Wrist

2. If you’ve got children, grandchildren, a niece or any little one in your life who loves jewelry, then a children’s jewelry making kit would be an ideal gift! I vividly remember the shoebox full of beads I had as a little girl, and the hours I spent creating the most exquisite (in my mind!) pieces! Crayola’s Model Magic Jewelry Studio is double the fun, because you actually get to design and make your own beads!

I also think the Bead Bazzar Sofista Bead Kits are very chic, from the packaging to the contents. They come in beautifully coordinated collections, so your creations are bound to be stunning.

Bead Bazaar Sofista Bead Kits - Mountain Peak — Chic bead set by Bead Bazzar

3. Long ago I wrote about charm bracelets, and I still think they’re one of the best gifts around. They’re appropriate for any age, and once you start one for someone, you have a built-in gift to give them each year. Suppose that this year your gift recipient went to Paris? Or just decorated her place in a French style? Then perhaps a charm of the Eiffel Tower might be just the ticket for her! I have ordered from Precious Accents many times, and I feel it’s one of the most comprehensive sites out there.

Eiffel Tower charm by Precious Accents

4. Family heirloom jewelry is an amazing gift you may not have thought about. Usually gifted after your love one passes away, consider how wonderful it might be to give one of your treasured pieces to someone while you’re still here to see them enjoy it. I have been the lucky recipient of such amazing treasures on more than one occasion. My Aunt Jean has given me quite a few things that belonged to my grandmother, and I just adore them! In fact, just this past week I wore her big opal ring, which I can clearly picture my grandma wearing with her floor-length lavender crystal-pleated, polyester dress back in the 1970’s. To make it even more special, my aunt also gave me matching opal earrings which she herself purchased on a trip to Australia. Sooooo special!

Antique opal ring and earrings — My grandma's opal ring with my Aunt Jean's earrings

5. Cubic zirconia studs are a basic to almost any jewelry wardrobe no matter what your personal style may be, yet I’m surprised how many people don’t have them! Now of course diamond studs are fan-tabulous, but personally I love my cz’s, because I can get the carat weight I want (I think 3-4 tcw is best) without the hefty price tag. And do you think anyone can tell that they’re faux? Certainly not! I learned the hard way not to get them set in sterling, as they quickly tarnish and there goes the whole “lookin’ real” thing! Instead, I think cz set in real white or yellow gold is best. Gold, platinum or rhodium-plated sterling are also good bets. Nordstrom has many cz options, so it’s a good place to check out.

I hope you find these suggestions helpful, and if you come up with some gift ideas you love, please share!!

Juliet Roger: Designer

Though I pride myself on being a jewelry and fashion expert, I always love to encounter designers not already in my repertoire. Such was the case when I recently met Juliet Roger at her trunk show at Pink Tangerine in Menlo Park, CA.

Color is Juliet’s signature, and it’s quite stunning when you see it displayed in all its glory. This Seattle-based designer is in her tenth year of producing a collection of sterling and 18K vermeil jewelry that drips with pearls and semi-precious stones, her most favorite which she sources from Jaipur, India.

juletroger1 — Earth tones from Juliet's line

I really enjoyed her bangles with stone stations (of course I had to add a labradorite one to my wrist) and her uber-versatile earrings which come in virtually every color of the rainbow.

Even better, the price points begin at $55, which makes it quite accessible in the world of jewelry. So if Juliet Roger hasn’t been on your jewelry radar, you may just want to check her out.

Stephen Dweck: Designer

When my younger brother, Scott, was married 10 years ago, my mom was all aflutter about her mother-of-the-groom outfit. Her personal style meant that none of the traditional silk suits or conservative dresses would suit her at all. Instead, she opted for a beautiful pair of flowing black pants, a silk shell, and chiffon kimono-type top with a water lily print that was simply art-to-wear. The crowning glory, though, was the magnificent pair of yellow-green Stephen Dweck earrings she invested in. Though the outfit may have only been worn a couple times since the event, the earrings have been worn like crazy.

I was very honored to meet Stephen Dweck at a recent trunk show in San Francisco (where I did in fact tell him about my mom’s earrings). He’s currently celebrating his 30th year in business, and from what I could tell, he was just as enthusiastic (or even moreso) than he must have been when he launched his line with his three brothers all those years ago in Brooklyn.

dweck:me — Hanging out with Stephen Dweck

Stephen’s jewelry is inspired by nature, in all its forms. He travels the world collecting amazing stones, and then comes back and sets them in gold, silver and bronze. He has many coveted one-of-a-kind pieces which are marked by a little beetle, named Adam. (You can read more about Adam on his website.)

Stephen’s jewelry is on the chunkier side, making it ideal for clients looking for that scale. Just look at this stunning necklace and these cocktail rings! It was all I could do to leave the show without a new ring on my finger!

dweckchunky — Large scale pieces by Dweck

I also love Stephen’s use of color–he’s certainly not afraid of it! At the trunk show, there were groupings done by hue, creating a virtual rainbow on the jewelry counters.

Not only is this line versatile in the variety of stone and metal colors, but I really feel it’s multi-generational. I have clients in their 20’s wearing some of his amazing statement rings and a client near 70 who adores her bracelet in all shades of purple and amethyst. When I brought up this aspect to Stephen, he said that it’s not unusual for him to work with the daughter, mother and grandmother all at once.

Throughout his career, teaming up with everyone from Donna Karan to Oscar de la Renta, Dweck has kept his factory and production in Brooklyn. Score two points for that! I also feel that he has kept his genuine passion and talent alive, while remaining a lovely, grounded person.

So when you have the opportunity, be sure to stop and try on some of his attention-getting pieces. They may just be exactly what you’re looking for and didn’t know it! 🙂

Jewelry that gives back

While I certainly never need a reason to go jewelry shopping, I must admit that when I find out that part of the proceeds from my purchase will go to charity, then I’m doubly happy! I’m encountering more and more designers who do give back, and I’d like to tell you about three that I’ve found right here in the Bay Area.

First is Joan Hornig. I first saw a stunning necklace of hers at Philanthropist on Sacramento Street, but now even Neiman Marcus has picked up her line. And get ready for the shocker…100% of the profits from each purchase are donated to the charity of your choice–it’s almost too good to be true!

I would describe her line as modern chic, with pieces ranging from chunky to more streamlined. You’ll find both silver and gold, either on their own or combined with color and neutrals. Her larger scale necklaces are sure to be conversation starters!

joanhornignecklace — Joan Hornig butterfly necklace

I think this pair of earrings would be just as beautiful with a cocktail dress as they would be with jeans and a sweater.

joanhornigearrings — Joan Hornig earrings

While in Manika Jewelry recently, I was excited to see and learn about Jeanne Johngren’s line. She donates a portion of her proceeds to various charities, some of which focus on children, education, and health literacy. Jeanne combines her background in art and cinematography to create stunning pieces in silver, gold, and gemstones. Two circular pendant necklaces specifically jumped out at me while in the store.

jeannejohngren1 — Gold medallion with diamond starburst

jeannejohngren2 — Mandala inspired necklace by Jeanne Johngren

Finally, I have to tell you about a jewelry line that I’ve had a long-time love affair with…Love Heals. This family company (mom, son and daughter) is based right here in California and they have 10 trees planted for every piece they sell. How amazing is that?! This organic, bohemian-flavored line is just divine. I find their simpler, long necklaces are ideal layering pieces, and their more ornate pieces are stunning on their own. Here are a couple examples of their design:

Love Heals sells at a wide range of stores and boutiques. I often find a nice selection at the various Margaret O’Leary boutiques in the Bay Area.

So with these designers in mind, go hit the stores with a happy heart, knowing that your new treasure will be helping others as well. 🙂

Jen Hansen of Peppina Jewelry

Last February, during an impromptu one-night visit to Beverly Hills, I happened upon the most amazing necklace at Fred Segal on Melrose. It has become one of my most-worn items, so I was just thrilled to meet the designer in person at her southern California trunk show back at Fred Segal last week.

Jen Hansen is the creative talent behind her Peppina jewelry line. It sparkles, it mesmerizes, and it just begs to be tried on!

Jen started her business almost ten years ago, although jewelry making has been a life-long hobby. She decided to delve into metal smithing and was hooked! Her beautiful jewelry is all produced in Los Angeles (very cool!), and is made of rhodium plated silver, 22K gold clad over sterling, and lucious druzy and semi-precious stones. Fred Segal is the only store in California that sells her line, so if you decided to buy one of her pieces, you’ll be sure to have something you don’t see coming and going.

Not only is Jen wonderfully creative and kind, but she also has a big heart! She is passionate about children and battling against human trafficking, so 10% of her profits go to such organizations as Not for Sale.

If the lure of druzy calls to you, then you just have to check out the Peppina Jewelry line! Enjoy. 🙂

Rona Pfeiffer: Designer

I must confess…Rona Pfeiffer is one of my all-time favorite jewelry designers. Her exquisite creations just sing to my bohemian luxe heart. From the antique beads to polki diamonds and sapphires, her pieces reflect her unique creativity and esthetic.

rona jewels2 — Necklaces by Rona Pfeiffer

I first met Rona a few years ago at a trunk show and acquired my first bracelet. Since then, I’ve made it a point to attend all her local trunk shows. I was thrilled to see her in a new venue this past week at In Her Shoes in Palo Alto. I feel this boutique is the perfect fit for her, as all the profits from this store go to charity.

Formerly of the film/tv industry, Rona uses her background in painting to “paint with stones,” as she says. She is one of the only designers I’ve met who actually makes each and every piece by hand herself–no outsourcing, no big company, just Rona. She finds her distinctive materials in her travels, be it from a dark, underground store in New York where she found some vintage ivory, to a shop in London where she discovered a pile of antique beads so amazing she couldn’t pass them up. And that’s one of the cool things about her jewelry…she doesn’t have an unlimited supply of different materials, so once they’re used up, they’re gone. This really ensures that you’ll have a one-of-a kind treasure.

rona p.jewels — More lust-worthy pieces by Rona Pfeiffer

If this line appeals to your personal style, I highly encourage you to check out her amazing jewelry in person. It will easily mix and match with your current collection, be great as layering pieces or on their own.

Accessories for Canning Tomatoes?!

When Jeff casually asked what I was up to today, I mentioned that I’d be helping my mom can 100 pounds of stewed tomatoes. (Gotta love having a mom who’s 100% Italian!) Of course his response was, “Is there specific jewelry for that?” I had to laugh…but really, when am I EVER without jewelry?! I had to forgo a watch, bracelets or a ring, but I definitely managed to wear a big pair of hoop earrings. I told you hoops could really take you anywhere. 🙂

Turquoise: A Summer Staple

Turquoise has been one of my favorite gems throughout my life. Though it can certainly be worn year round, many people associate it with summer. I can see why this is the case when I visit places like Capri, Italy, where people are adorned with turquoise in everything from their jewelry to their sandals.

Generally, turquoise comes in colors ranging from blues to greens, although it also comes in white. It has been used in jewelry and other items for thousands of years. Cultures from ancient Egyptians to Native Americans have made exquisite turquoise jewelry.

I was at a party and spotted this to-die-for necklace on my friend, Michelle. Come to find out, it once belonged to her grandmother, but she usually only wears it for special occasions. Tell me it’s not true! I think this necklace would be just as fabulous with a t-shirt and jeans as it would be with a cocktail dress, and I encouraged her to wear it more often.

Michelle's turquoise necklace — Michelle's vintage turquoise necklace

I find that turquoise usually comes set in silver. When I was at the Wynn in Las Vegas I came across these Peruvian turquoise earrings set in gold. Of course, I had to swoop them up. Plus, they have a much greener hue, which really appealed to me.

vegas earrings — Peruvian turquoise earrings set in gold

When I mention turquoise to my clients, many of them have the reaction, “Oh, I don’t like that southwest look.” But the truth of the matter is that you can find turquoise in every sort of style. Here’s an example of a modern take on turquoise.

turquoise buddah necklace — Buddah meets turquoise

If turquoise makes your heart happy, then I think you should explore the colors, settings, metals, and styles it comes in. I’m sure you’ll come across something that fits right in with your personal coloring and style.