Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Obsessions

June Birthstone: Pretty Pearls

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="Pewter Oyster Keepsake Box: Price $82 from Michele Varian"][/caption] Pearls are classic, elegant and a staple to any girl's wardrobe. Go ahead and see for yourself how vast and popular this gem is by counting how many women you see wearing pearls. Whether it's pearl stud earrings or a strand of pearls, June has a wonderful birthstone. And there are so many varieties: keshi pearls, blister pearls, Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls, cultured pearls, freshwater pearls...with so many colors: grey, black, white, peach, pink... Below are my top choices for pearl jewelry! Pearls make many gemstones pop when used together in one piece of jewelry. Here you see this done with emeralds. The bypass design is always a favorite since it creates the illusion of stacking without actually having to wear two rings. This one is from the Ross-Simons Estate Collection and features two cultured pearls set in 20k yellow gold. From the 1970s and priced at $1270. Tassels are a vintage collectors dream, with these earrings showcasing the style beautifully. These are done in platinum with ten strands of pearls on each earring. From Meriwether Estate Jewelry and priced at $7800.     This bracelet twists pearls with gold, making it no competition compared to a pearl strand bracelet. From 1965, this vintage piece is done in 18k yellow gold. It can be purchased at Beladora for $1750.   If you already have a strand of pearls and are looking for an alternative pearl necklace, I highly suggest this one! Not only does it give you a different feel by featuring a snake as the bail, but it can be personalized with your own choices.  Each version is slightly different due to the uniqueness of the pearls and the hand work. You can choose golden,white, silver, or black Tahitian pearl, and the price range is $2800-3800 (depending on quality, color, and size of pearl). Or you can choose 9-10mm silver, black, or white freshwater pearl, and the price is $2200. The snake's eyes come in any color stone or even diamonds (add $300). Each pendant is a one-of-a-kind and bears Carolyn Tyler's signature. Orders take 3-5 weeks.  Click here to order! Read More

Designer Jewelry

Treasure Hunting, Sans Hard Hat & Gem Mine

Treasure hunting is my absolute most favorite thing to do. Whether it's at an antique shop, looking for gold frames and vintage jewelry, or at a gem mine, sifting through piles of gravel and dirt--I love the thrill of finding something to be treasured. The beach is one of my favorite spots. It is fun to be on the hunt for sea shells and sea glass. In the above photo, I am searching for sea glass in Southern California. Below are some pieces of jewelry with elements of raw mother nature. Not your typical, finely polished gemstone--just a smoothed beach stone, some quartz found in Central Park and some raw black diamonds. Enjoy! The alluring seafoam green color of the chrysophrase beads goes great with the simple beach stone. This necklace is designed by Renee Garvey and can be found at Eliza Page. Priced at $375. I love the concept of this necklace, along with some other pieces that match in BYLU's Compass Rose collection. The quartz encased in the gold setting is found in Central Park, each is unique. The necklace is done in 14k yellow gold and is $550. Maya Brenner has some great jewelry designs and this black diamond bracelet is a great example. The black diamonds are drilled so they look like beads, and the delicate 14k chain is perfect. Check out Maya Brenner's website to take a look at her other designs. The bracelet is priced at $220. Read More

Designer Jewelry

Cathy Waterman: Love of My Life Collection

The Cathy Waterman Love of My Life Collection. So. Beautiful. For info and pricing check out Cathy's website or Ylang|23 Read More

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Antique & Vintage Jewelry

Jewelry Lookbook: Coral Ring, Pearl Bracelet & Woven Gold Bracelets

Starred shorts, denim button-up, black socks with open-toe heels: it sounds so wrong, but it look so right. And the jewelry combination is just as interesting. An angel skin coral ring, woven gold bracelets, and a three-strand pearl bracelet--check out this look below! All look-alike pieces are vintage and were found at Beladora 2. This three-strand pearl bracelet has 14k white gold bars to keep the pearls tame, and I love the white gold filigree clasp. It is 7.5 inches long and is circa 2005, so only a few years old! Price: $695 from Beladora2. This coral ring is classic and simple. Known as "angel skin" coral when portraying this light peach color, rather than the other, darker versions coral can be found as. This ring, circa 1965, is done in 18k yellow gold and is a size 6. Price: $316 from Beladora2. Although difficult to tell exactly what the stack of bracelets look like worn on the left wrist, I believe some are woven gold. I love this example from Beladora2. It is from the 1970s and is done in 14k yellow gold. The thickness of the piece makes it beautiful. Price: $1450 A circular link bracelet is also stacked on the left wrist, this one is also from the seventies and done in 14k yellow gold. The clasp is actually disguised as a link, which shows great craftsmanship. From Beladora2 and priced at $1125. Read More

Celebrity Jewelry

Spotted: Backward Necklace on Ashley Olsen

Ashley Olsen was photographed at the CFDA Fashion Awards on June 15, 2009 sporting an interesting way of wearing a pearl drop necklace--backwards! From the front, I thought she was wearing a simple yellow gold chain that was choker length. Then I saw pictures of the stunning back of the dress and realized she was wearing the necklace backwards. She may have started something here! Looks beautiful...love the dress and jewelry! Read More

Designer Jewelry

Designer Spotlight: Scosha NYC

Us adults need our version of the friendship bracelet.  This is where designer Scosha comes in, bringing you a mix of friendship-like bracelets reminiscent of our childhood's past.  Only this version is much cooler, has some diamonds added, and made of vintage fishing line.  Give a girlfriend one of these, and I'm sure you'll be best friends forever.  Love how these bracelets can be worn with other stackable kinds.  They have just the right amount of sparkle. This bracelet comes from the Poetry Wheel Collection in Scosha's line. The turquoise, yellow gold and black color combination is just beautiful. This dainty, little bracelet is made of antique silk fly fishing line that has been braided. Can you believe a single line can hold up to 120 pounds?! All the gold is solid, 10k yellow. Price: $550 These bracelets come from the Caravan Collection--with your choice of ruby, emerald or sapphire. This one has a 14k button closure, with a black and white braided fishing line look. Price: $235 each. Want one with more sparkle? This one's for you. It features small, gold rondel beads with the middle bead set with diamonds. From the Jessijean Collection, this bracelet consists of black fishing line crafted so that it adjusts to fit any wrist. A couple of these on and you will sparkle into the night! Each are $179. Read More