Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Obsessions

Trend Spotting: Flower Power!

Earrings can really make a difference in an outfit or a look.  There are so many styles to choose from: hoop, dangle, stud, chandelier... you can go bold or dainty, gemstone or gold.  More overwhelming than you thought?  Well, one trend that has a unique look is a bold flower, which nearly covers your entire earlobe.   This actually catches your eye and draws your attention to the face.  It looks great with your hair up or down, and really balances your entire look.   Less jewelry worn in other places is usually a good idea when wearing earrings this bold.  Don't have your ears pierced or don't like earrings?  I have a great option for you too!  Check out below. Vintage Tiffany & Co. from 1960, with ten rubies totaling .33 carats and two diamonds, total. These can be purchased from the Ross-Simons Estate Collection for $1276. If you want to do the flower trend without going so bold, these earrings are for you. From Israel Rose, these are made of rubies and 18k yellow gold. Price: $750 Poppies are what inspired these earrings--add some pearls and 18k yellow gold, and you got yourself some great earrings. Ross-Simons let's you choose whether you want clip or post style earrings, at a price of $355. The color and style would be easy to dress up or down. From 1950s, these lovely earrings feature rubies and 18k yellow gold. They measure 1.25 inches all around, so they are a perfect size for this trend. These are from Israel Rose, a jewelry company who calls the heart of NYC's diamond district its home. Price: $1900 And for those who do not have pierced ears or like earrings? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Show some flower power with this amazing necklace designed by Elisa Solomon. The daisy is front and center, all in 18k yellow gold and diamonds for $909. Making the necklace even more special is the ancient beads that are used. How could you have a bad day wearing this?! Read More

Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Great Vintage Finds for Under $250

Every month I nearly die writing out that $550 check for my car payment.  Do you realize how nice of a piece of jewelry I could have purchased with that kind of money?!  Having a budget and bargain shopping have become everyone's reality.  So how are Americans ever supposed to afford diamonds and gold?  With that in mind, I have scoped out some amazing vintage finds that are all under $250.  Antique jewelry is the way to go--not only is it "greener," but its quality and craftsmanship is like no other.  Besides, $250 is totally doable if you save change over several months or sell some of your old stuff laying around.  With your latest acquisition, it can lift your spirits during these harsh times everytime you look at it! This necklace is trendy and cute, would be great layered with other necklaces. Circa 1975, the black onyx hearts are totally 70s but would still be fashionable. The setting and chain are 14k yellow gold and priced at $137.50 from Beladora. Also from Beladora are these great statement earrings. You would never guess these cost $175.50! Such a great investment, and these can be worn with anything and everything. They have a nice twisted style to them, called a "doorknocker" done in 14k yellow gold. Need some luck? Or maybe even just another stackable bracelet to add to your collection? This is a great find for only $245. The buddha is carved jade, which dangles from a braided leather cord with 14k yellow gold clasps. Make this your everyday bracelet! From C.H.A.R.M. These are lion doorknocker stud earrings from Doyle & Doyle. From their contemporary heirloom collection, these are 18k white gold. I can picture these looking great with diamond studs and gold cross studs in as well, if you have multiple piercings. Price: $150 And finally, my last pick is this charming necklace from Beladora. I think it would look great layered with the heart necklace above. This is actually an antique bar pin converted into a pendant necklace. Three diamonds top it off, all set in 15k yellow gold (yes, 15k it is not a typo, it is of English origin). Price: $175.50 Check out Beladora's other pendant necklaces that feature a bar pin converted into a necklace. They are great! Read More

Education & Advice

Jewelry Time Periods: Edwardian Period

King Edward VII took the throne, which began the Edwardian Period in 1901 and lasted until around 1915, around the start of the first World War.  During this time, fashion and opulence were the forefront of society.  Women were as feminine as possible, outfitted with delicate layers of feathers, bows, lace and silk.  Queen Alexandra was iconic.  She often wore many strands of pearls and other necklaces all layered together, as illustrated in the picture below.  Progress made in gem cutting made triangles, baguettes and trapeze shapes new and interesting.  This time in history marked England as a global, dominant force, with the rich living in extravagance.  The start of World War I made for a quick end to this lavish era of a carefree spirit.  Precious metals became scarce, while many people hid away their jewels in vaults or had to sell them.  Some motifs and distinctive elements of this time period: overuse of platinum; platinum and diamonds jewelry imitated lace; "lace translated into platinum and diamonds" milgraining négligée pendants- two drops of unequal length sautoir necklaces- long necklaces usually composed of pearls, with tassels on ends stars, ribbons, bows, garlands dog collar style choker necklaces jewels for hair Peridot was considered the "good luck stone" as popularized by King Edward bar pins Important People of the Time: Queen Alexandra Read More

Shop My Picks

ShopGemGossip.com

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Tina Tang

Anyone who has the guts to quit a job on Wall Street must have some big dreams, a creative brain, and a daring edge to them. This combination is what led Tina Tang to making her dream of designing jewels into a reality several years ago. Today, her work has been featured in countless magazines and dazzled on celebrities. Worth the risk, right?! Her style is unique and I especially love her description, "classics with a twist" because it is literally just that! Texture is lovely in all aspects--fashion, home decor, art--and this can be seen in her jewelry line. I love the twisting of the gold, it gives her jewelry a nautical, luxurious feel to it. Check out some of my favorites from her collection below. Read up on what is going down at her NYC studio and everyday life here on her blog. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="14k gold Toby Bird Necklace, Price: $750"][/caption] [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="14k Diamond Twist Ring, Price: $568"][/caption] 14k yellow gold bow earrings, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption=65 [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="18k Carnelian & Diamond Starfish Necklace, Price: $7800"][/caption] 14k Citrine Earrings, Price: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption=65 Read More

Celebrity Jewelry

Rachel Bilson’s Engagement Ring

The paparazzi got a quick glimpse of Rachel Bilson's new engagement ring. It looks as though it is a solitaire, possibly round cut set in either white gold or platinum. No idea about the carat weight, but being that the photo was shot from afar and it still looks big, I'd say it is at least 3 carats. More details will soon emerge, I'm sure, but it is always exciting to see an engagement ring of anyone's--whether they are famour or not! There is so much meaning behind these significant pieces of jewelry. Rachel's ring definitely suits her style, best wishes for the happy couple! Read More

Celebrity Jewelry

From Beyonce to Amy Adams: That Necklace Gets Around

Everyone is talking about Amy Adams' Fred Leighton bib necklace. Decked out in 630 carats of sapphires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds this isn't the first time we've seen this stunning piece of jewelry. Beyonce actually wore the necklace in the November 2008 issue of InStyle magazine. Whether you loved or hated the red carpet look, statement necklaces are taking their turn in the limelight. Read More