Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Obsessions

Badassness; Jewelry that Rawks!

A trend that has swept, and will continue to sweep the jewelry industry is the rocker chic look.  There are many names for this type of jewelry/style: goth, biker, rock & roll, badass, etc...  Some designers and celebrities have really made this style mainstream and have done some pretty good things with it.  I think there is always a way you could glam this style up, so that it doesn't look so hardcore.  Of course I've had my eye out for some rocker chic jewelry that I think is the best out there.  Here are my finds: This is a double finger ring. Very impractical to wear, especially when you are trying to type on a computer, but one can't help to feel badass in it. This type of ring has been seen on the fingers of a few celebrities lately, such as stars of "The Hills"--Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge. This particular one is a 14k gold curved bar with a tiny diamond, priced at $392. It can be found on the website ZoeChicco, which has an amazing selection of jewelry that will make your mouth water! Of course I cannot talk about badass jewelry without including those skulls! A definite trend, that is still going strong, but can easily be tacky if you go about it the wrong way. With these two pieces, I guarantee you won't overdo it. They are tiny, simple and still look tough. The charm is a baby charm with two tiny diamonds (price $110) from C.H.A.R.M. which is a company that carries...you guessed it...charms! They have the best selection, hands down, and even have an array of antique charms. The ring is a tiny skull in 10k gold from a company that specializes in biker jewelry. It is priced at $140, which is the best price I've seen for a skull ring, and this one is the real deal. I never thought a cross could look badass before, until now. This is such a unique necklace, especially with the opals, but then designer Fatima Maria adds two random diamonds in the mix--I love that! I also like how the cross hangs from the chain like that--so unconventional. This can be found on Twist, and be purchased for $2200. Read More

Obsessions

14k Gold + Glass = Effortless Beauty

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

Obsessions

Essential Earrings

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

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Obsessions

Obsession: Vintage-Inspired Necklaces

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

Obsessions

How about some gold bracelets?

Stack 'em high!  A trend that is pretty glamorous, is happening right now.  Gold and diamonds are the perfect combination for a glittery wristful. The picture above could act as inspiration--here are some gold bracelets for you guys to check out. This chunky 18k gold and diamond bracelet is actually a vintage piece from Dover Jewelry. It is priced at $12500, so you can see that this trend comes with a price. I could see this bracelet being passed down through generations, and well worth the pricetag. This bracelet has an interesting bamboo link look to it. The diamonds add some glam to an otherwise organic bracelet. The designer is Henry Dunay, and can be found at Neiman Marcus. Gold Palace has always been a favorite of mine. Their bangles made in India, usually are made of 22k gold. Make sure you click on the help section to figure out your correct size of bangle--standard inches are not used. This one is actually a baby bangle, but would probably fit me since I have such tiny wrists! Read More

Obsessions

Obsession: Crosses

I guess since it is Sunday, it would be appropriate to feature some glitzy crosses for your enjoyment. Over the years, this symbol continues to be a favorite and will never go out of style. So remember that when you are purchasing cross jewelry. In any given day, I bet you will see at least one person wearing a cross--whether it is on their ring, hanging as a pendant or dangling from their ears. Here are my top choices for this classic symbol: This delicate rosary is trendy and would make any white t-shirt look designer. It actually has yellow sapphire beads as the chain, which makes it even more unique. Designer: Me & Ro, Price: $1630 and you can purchase this at the Giving Tree. This little thing is 14k white gold and is a necklace that features an offset cross. It is not your everyday cross pendant that hangs from a chain, and that's why I like it. A tiny diamond completes the necklace which can be found at Ylang|23. Price: $465. Don't forget your ears! I think both these 14k yellow gold earrings would be extremely versatile and and are both under $50 from Ross-Simons! At this price you could buy a few pairs, depending on how many holes you have in your ears. Read More