Necklace Trend: Flattering & Floating

With this jewelry trend, all you need is a pretty shirt with a neckline that allows the necklace to drape down without interfering.  This look is sleek and flatters any style.  Check out the floating pretties below--are you a fan of this necklace style?

 

shaesby

This necklace is designed by Shaesby, a design studio based in Austin, Texas. It can be customized in white or yellow 18k gold, and measures 16 inches in length. Price: $515

twist

A floating petal of diamonds grazing across your collar bone is exactly what this necklace will give you! Such an elegant piece of jewelry designed by Andrea Fohrman. Done in 18k white gold and measuring 16 inches in length. From Twist, Price: $1700

lanajewelry

Created by Lana Jewelry, this necklace has an emerald accenting the "evil eye" design. Done in 14k yellow gold here, but can be customized in white gold. Price: $456


Special Valentine's Day sale from Ariel Gordon Jewelry

arielgordonsale Valentine's Day brings on some major sales in the jewelry world. This is by far my favorite--it's not only a good value but includes really cute pieces of jewelry.  I think all four would love perfect worn together. Check out Ariel Gordon jewelry, and use discount code LOVE at checkout.

Gem Gossip Featured in Glossy !!

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So excited to have been featured in issue 5 of Glossy magazine! Glossy is such an amazing online publication which is based in London. Issue 5 has some great contributors including Jade Jagger, Gala Gonzalez, Jane from Sea of Shoes, photographer Nick Knight, model Rosie Huntington Whiteley, and many others! My article is called Why I Love Antique Jewelry and it talks about my fascination for all things jewelry, and how it has become my passion.  The online version of Glossy can be purchased here.

 

SHOW ME YOUR RINGS! III

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{from top to bottom:

designer Kristin Pasternak's take on the stacking trend

a lovely reader's favorite jewels

via blogger Cartoon Styles

Beautiful!  Golden years, love grows as the years pass

Designer Ariel Gordon's everyday rings, she designed her own engagement ring!

some of Ariel Gordon's rings she has designed

another reader's contribution, she has tried out stacking because of Gem Gossip!

lots of pretties! can you spy the Karen Karch ring this reader is wearing? love the trinity ring as well

designer and blogger Maria Nilsdotter, love her claw rings

it's Kanye West and his ornate hands, via purple Diary

it's me wearing a piece from the Gem Gossip jewelry store, and two other personal favs

Joanna Seetoo Designs, with all her fabulous work--nice rings }

 

SHOW ME YOUR RINGS volume II

SHOW ME YOUR RINGS volume I

 

New Items at Erie Basin

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Erie Basin continually updates its inventory with exciting acquisitions from Russell Whitmore's treasure hunts. I believe the constant change is necessary because customers can't get enough of his curator-style.  It's like going into a favorite museum, and having the opportunity to buy the items displayed.  Not only do I love the interesting antique items, but the antique rings are truly my favorite.  The two collections below are perfect examples.  The best way to make sure you don't miss the latest additions, follow Erie Basin on Twitter.   

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{photos from Erie Basin}

Obsession: Carolina Bucci Interlocking Bracelet

Carolina Bucci is an Italian designer that has an incredible array of unique jewelry, especially her woven gold pieces.  Her designs are fun and girly, but not in a cheesy way.  These interlocking bracelets of hers are girly and incredibly sophisticated.  I like the gold and gemstone combinations: white gold with blue sapphires, rose gold with orange sapphires, and yellow gold with pink sapphires.  These bracelets are £1,885 and can be purchased at Browns.

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Jewelry Inspiration Board V

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{Inspiration from past times, may have to ask to go back in time once I get to heaven;

from top to bottom:

scenes from Marie Antoinette

gorgeous rings from an editorial

Blackamoor ring from Rowan & Rowan, a popular symbol in Western Art £3000

more scenes from Marie Antoinette

my favorite portrait of Queen Victoria

18th Century pastoral scene ring bordered by flat cut garnets, Rowan & Rowan £1950

postcard found treasure hunting by Paris Hotel Boutique owner Lynn, more here }

 

Billy as a Ring

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My dog Billy has made several appearances on Gem Gossip, however this time I've found him in jewelry form. This ring designed by Jessica McCormack, called The Cunning Mr. Fox, has an uncanny similarity to Billy when he smiles.  Lucky for me Billy can smile on command, a trick very rare in terms of dog capabilities.  Billy may not be able to roll over, speak, or shake hands, but he can sure smile.  

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Amazing Vintage Full-Finger Amethyst Ring 

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We put a man on the moon in 1969--would you expect anything less than this spectacular full-finger ring being circa the 1960s?  All American-made, done in 14k yellow gold with amethysts.  This ring extends to fit your entire finger (top to bottom) even being hinged in two places for maximum comfort.  The seaweed look of the design makes for an eclectic feel, leaving onlookers gawking at its amazingness.  From New York City's Primavera Gallery, located on 11th Avenue at 25th Street, priced at $12000.

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Q & A with Broken English owner Laura

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Have you ever been inside a store where you absolutely love EVERYTHING?  

 

Broken English is gorgeous-jewelry-overload, with each piece thoughtfully hand-picked by owner Laura.  The jewelry boutique is located in Santa Monica, California right on 26th Street.  With its eclectic ambiance, the store features antique deco and modern jewelry cases plus a beautiful Italian glass chandelier from the 1950s.

 

Broken English showcases jewelry designers like Pade Vavra, Carla Amorim, C Greene, Todd Reed, Wendy Brandes, Ian Saude, Darlene Desedle and many others.  

 

Gem Gossip had to know more about this amazing jewelry boutique, and owner Laura helped out by answering our questions: 

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q1

Laura: My love of jewelry began at an early age. My mother was a show girl at the Lido in Paris and I would spend hours looking at her old photos admiring the elaborate costumes and life style that she once lived.

 

q2

Laura: I look for jewelry designers who are artists and leaders in the style that makes their jewelry unique and special. The most important thing that I look for in a piece of jewelry is that it is timeless. That quality to me is the most important thing. I see myself as a curator of my clients jewelry collections. I want them to build a lasting collection that represents the memories and mile stones in their lives.

 

q3

Laura: I am always looking for new designers that are pushing the edge of the envelope. There is nothing more exciting to me then to be blown away by an artist's talent and creativity.

 

q4

Laura: The trends that I see coming in jewelry for 2010 are bold, clean lines, big chunky gem stones, accented with lots of pave, and always the basics.

 

q5

Laura: My favorite piece of jewelry is my C Greene snake bracelet. It is made to be a full circle that connects at the head of the snake. It's very symbolic to me that everything is connected, and to follow my intuition.

 

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{above are two snake cuffs designed by C Greene, owner Laura's favorite piece of jewelry she owns.  You can purchase one for yourself at Broken English!}

 

Broken English

225 26th St  #17  

Santa Monica, CA