At first glance, I didn't even notice the colored "gems" in this jewelry line are actually colored glass. How neat is that? The jewelry design team consisting of Jess Panza and Julie Burton have come together to create Verre New York [verre being French for glass, of course!] Below are a few pieces from the collection which can be purchased online at their website. And, hey, 10% of all sales goes to charity so you can shop and feel good about it.
I like how each and every item on their website can be ordered in either silver, gold filled or 14k gold. This option is so smart! I think more designers need to be doing that. Everything is very well priced, especially for the 14k gold items. Anyone order anything from this site? Read More
Want a shopping experience like no other? Are you nervous about ordering fine jewelry online? Well, Ylang|23 will make you feel like VIP and treat you right!
Earlier this year I had some extra holiday cash and wanted to treat myself. I had been fascinated with Ylang|23's assortment of jewelry on their site for quite sometime...so I thought, why not? When I finally decided to purchase a bracelet by designer Sydney Evan, I noticed it was no longer on their website! I decided to send a quick email about it, but didn't want to get my hopes up. I immediately recieved a response from a friendly sales associate. She had found what I was describing and told me that she would have it ordered. I was even able to get the 7" bracelet sized down to 6.25" at no extra cost! That made my day because it is usually very difficult to find bracelets that can be resized to fit my wrist.
The sales associate always made time to serve me as a customer, even if I lived 1,000 miles away! When I received my bracelet, it was wrapped in the cutest packaging and ribbon...I didn't want to untie it! But, I quickly did and was amazed by my purchase. I also received a thank you card. I want to thank Ylang|23 for their great service and beautiful jewelry. My purchase may not have been as pricey as some of the jewels that go for thousands...but you sure made me feel as if mine did!
Pictured far above is the white gold, sapphire and diamond lucky eye bracelet that I purchased; designed by Sydney Evan. Directly above are a few pieces from Ylang|23 that caught my eye! Designers are Ten Thousand Things, Gurhan, and Andrea Fohrman, respectively. Read More
One of my favorite jewelry designers is Carolyn Tyler. She has an ecclectic edge to her style, and each piece looks like it belongs in a museum case. The gold that is used is 22k and 100% recycled, meaning that no new mining had to be done to make the piece. So, not only are her designs gorgeous, but eco-friendly as well. Bali, an Indonesian island, is the setting and inspiration, and on this island, artisans hand make each piece of jewelry. It is an art that cannot be done anywhere else.
This video lets you take a peek inside Carolyn Tyler's world, where you can see her inspirations and her jewelry come to life.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTWr2AWUhy0]
Here are my picks from her jewelry line, which can be purchased by going to her website at www.carolyntylerjewelry.com Read More
Can't decide whether you want diamonds or pearls for your birthday this year? Well, I may have the answer for you! How about both! Galatea has their very own patent on this remarkable work of art called Diamond in a Pearl. They take a pearl and drill into it, creating a nook for a diamond. Surrounding the diamond is your choice of yellow or white gold. Here is their most basic design, which starts out at $315. The pearl size is around 9mm, and the diamond is 4 points of a carat.
I like how the "chain" is invisible so it looks like it is floating. It probably looks very nice on. The pearls can get very intricate as the price goes up. There are different styles of carving shown on the website.
Even different pearl colors--this one is a black carved pearl with white gold, and then a diamond. This one is priced at $1695, so you can see the difference the carving makes in that aspect. As well as the diamond size, this one is 20 points and the pearl is 10mm.
Galatea also makes rings, earrings and bracelets but I like these best. You can check out the full collection at the website: www.diamondinapearl.com
Which ones do you like? Read More
Earrings can either make or break an outfit. There are trends that come and go, but there are a few classics that will always remain. No matter what date, time period, or season, diamond studs will always remain timeless and classy. You could find an old black & white photograph from the 40s, or a picture just uploaded onto Facebook, where girls are wearing diamond studs.
Diamond studs can come in many different shapes and sizes, and each element affects the price tag. Think of purchasing them as an investment. Some jewelry stores offer a "trade-up" policy where you can continually upgrade your diamond studs and only need to pay the difference in price. That is a great idea. If I were to finally hoard some money and go for the buy, I would purchase something similar to above. They are a nice, clean emerald-cut pair.
Another essential to any girls' earring assortment would be a good pair of gold hoops. The size is up to you. These ones are neat because they are wider than most when looking straight-on. The gold design is another positive--and so is the price! Only $285 from Ross-Simons.
A pair of dangle earrings is another essential. My choice is by designer Jamie Joseph featured on Eliza Page. The navy blue of the lapis will match with just about anything from jeans to an evening dress. These are done in 14k white gold and are priced at $220. Please allow 4-6 weeks for ordering...so these are not a good idea for that wedding next weekend!
The last earring essential is classic, affordable and absolutely necessary: pearl studs (and I don't have any [sad face]) I like the bigger pearls...around 9-10mm. They can dress up anything--even jeans and a t-shirt. These are from Ben Bridge Jewelers in sunny San Diego, California. Price: $139. Read More
My favorite kind of necklaces or pendants are ones that have a vintage-inspired look to them. They look more intricate and have a unique style of their own. The above picture has two great examples. They often have a chandelier look to them or dangles of diamonds. Some prominent symbols are bows, hearts, or drops. Many jewelry stores carry brand new pieces that have the estate-style to them, while other times you can buy the real thing at antique stores or online. Here are three examples of my top choices:
This 14k white gold necklace has round and baguette diamonds that weigh a total of 1/3 of a carat. It is from Reeds Jewelers, which has stores located in the upstate New York area, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Price: $399.
This necklace I have been eyeing for quite sometime! I love the bow at the top and the two pear-shaped sapphires dangling. This is a true vintage piece from 1910. It is priced at $7395 from Ross-Simons. Their estate selection is always amazing!
This last one comes from Fay Cullen. It is from the Art Deco time period and is a pear-shaped citrine hanging from 18k white gold scrolling. So beautiful and for a price of $780. Read More
