The hottest accessories for fall

 

Stacking jewelry is a hot trend this season. Gwen Stefani wore gorgeous stackable bracelets on the cover of the November issue of InStyle. Now even you can copy this look by wearing stackable CZ rings.
In the issue of InStyle, Stefani focused on the classic film star style by sporting platinum finger waves. She channeled the “Gentlemen prefer blondes” style with a hot pink Marchesa gown, blonde hair and sparkling Lorraine Schwartz bangles.

Stackable bangles are a hot accessory this season and if you want to keep the look a little more subtle, check out stackable CZ rings. Available in studded white, black and colored diamonds and semi-precious stones, these are a budget-friendly alternative.

The trendy rings can be flaunted in multiple colored stones or you can keep it simple with a single hue. Think contrasts by combining pinks with blacks. These stackable rings can be worn on the middle or ring finger because they get the maximum attention here.
If your style is more over-the-top, then pair these rings with matching stackable bangles. But don’t go overboard with the stacking or else you will end up looking like a fashion victim. As a rule of thumb, don’t wear bangles and rings on both hands. That’s just tacky.
You can sport the rings on one hand and the bangles on the other, but make sure you strike the right balance. Stefani looked stunning in her stacked bangles and avoided over-accessorizing by not wearing other jewelry. Keep it simple and get the trend by wearing stackable CZ rings.

Make a new memory by giving a Tiffany and Co. necklace

 

A childhood romance, an adolescent crush, time-tested friendship, couples in relationships building bonds of timeless love — these are all reasons to celebrate with something precious enough to capture with a tangible item. When we talk of timeless gifts of love, Tiffany and Co is the first thing that comes to mind. Tiffany and Co., also simply known as Tiffany’s, is a well known luxury jewelry brand that is famous for its elegant and exclusive silver and diamond jewelry. Each Tiffany necklace is specially designed to symbolize the different aspects of love: beauty, romance and dreams.

These special necklaces have been crafted to suit all ages and occasions and come in varied materials and settings. Choose from the amazingly affordable sterling silver (.925 highest grade) to more luxurious diamond studded platinum chains, each necklace is beautifully created by renowned jewelry artists. Tiffany necklaces will make the wearer undoubtedly proud to own such a distinctive piece of jewelry.
The varied designs, beauty and elegance of a Tiffany necklace make them a perfect gift to symbolize a lasting relationship. As a young man in love, I know that I would not want anything besides a genuine Tiffany and Company necklace adorning the neck of my sweetheart. And as Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, there could be no better way to express this love than to present your loved one with a piece of Tiffany.
The Tiffany Inspired Cascading Stars Gold necklace is designed to make the wearer feel like a goddess among the stars. The cascading stars add a little starlight and glamour to make heads turn. The simple design of this necklace adds to its charm and at the same time keeping the respectability of being a piece of fine jewelry. This necklace will go with absolutely anything.
The Tiffany Inspired Heart Tag Necklace is perhaps the most romantic necklace you can get. This beautiful necklace comes in 16 to 18 inches. It has 3/4^th of an inch on the heart tag to inscribe your special ones initials or their name. This necklace is great for daily wear as it is not overly flashy or gaudy.
Time passes by, but memories live forever. Create a long lasting memory by gifting your special person a Tiffany necklace. She will remember the day for years and years to come.

Look Stunning in a Circle With Diamonds Necklace

 

I just love receiving and giving gifts, in that order! My husband too shares this sentiment.The only hitch is that Ash doesn’t like to buy a present that the receiver is expecting or to reveal the gift that he is going to give till the D-Day. He secretly buys a gift (without consulting us, of course) and then hides it! He did this when he bought me a vine diamond ring! So more often than not, my children and I receive gifts that we are not exactly thrilled about. This year I would somehow have to make him “come up with the idea” of gifting me a diamond necklace! I want him to present me with a circle with diamonds necklace, as it would match the round diamond stud earrings that I was planning to buy for myself.
I realized that I would first have to select a necklace before I seeded the idea into Ash’s mind. When I searched the net, I saw such a vast selection of necklaces that I would have been totally confused as to what to choose. Fortunately my choice was narrowed down, as I wanted a necklace that would coordinate with my earring perfectly. I found three such necklaces that would make the perfect holiday gift for women:

1. The first circle with diamonds necklace that caught my eye was a Journey Circle Diamond Pendant 1.0 Carat (ctw) in 14K White Gold Chain. The journey circle pendant has 30 dazzling diamonds, with an approximate weight of 1 carat, adorning it. This beautiful necklace is a stunner.
2. The second was a 14k White Gold Diamond Circle Necklace. The design of this necklace is adorable and so is the concept behind the design. It is made up of interlocking circles that have radiant diamonds (1.10 ctw) set in them. It is supposed to symbolize eternal love. When I saw the necklace I thought to myself, “If Ash is going to gift me a necklace, it might as well be accompanied by a romantic message!”
3. I absolutely loved the third necklace, a 14k Gold Diamond Circle Pendant with chain. This necklace with a 16-inch yellow gold chain has a circular yellow gold pendant that is studded with sparkling diamonds of .75 ctw. This elegant necklace seemed to match my earrings the most.

Now I keep giving frequent subtle hints to Ash. I tell him how a white gold diamond necklace looked so pretty on Mrs Smith. I also occasionally allude to the fact that I am buying a yellow gold diamond earring this year and will save to buy a matching yellow gold Circle with Diamonds Necklace next year. I am keeping my fingers crossed – hopefully he shall get the hint before Christmas! Now I have to look for a nice jewelry armoire to keep my new necklace safe.

Try the layered chain necklace for a different look

 

Have you tried putting on a lot of chains of different sizes for a party? When I tried doing it for a recent party, it looked so new and so fabulous to me that I decided on getting a few new layered chain necklaces for myself. Although these aren’t new, they looked so different when I put them on me because I had never tried them before. These necklaces look fine on everything. Whether it’s a lunch meeting at office or just a casual day shopping or lunch with friends, these layered necklaces look very smart. You can choose from two layered ones to multiple layers depending on where you wearing it.

For instance, if you look at the sterling silver 3-tone layered sun necklace, you will find that’s its subtle enough to wear at a casual lunch with colleagues. Its three layers are of three different tones with ascending sun pendants for each of them.  It has a lobster clasp closure for easy use. This piece of jewelry is very eye catching and looks great on a smart shirt or a jacket.
And if you want to add a little flair to an outfit, you can try on the colorful Katharine Sise layered chain necklace. This gold filigree necklace has a briolette cherry quartz drop that will brighten up any color you wear. Plus, you can wear this chain in two ways. Just let the pin out and it will drop into a 30 inch beautiful long single-stranded chain.
Alternatively, go for the Tuleste layered ball and chain necklace if you like a lot of metal and bling to your look. This silver chain necklace can never go unnoticed. It’s made in silver plated chain and gunmetal plated beads that lie alternatively. Just wear this on even a simple dress and you will definitely achieve a glamorous ambience! Although so much of chains and huge beads aren’t liked by a lot of people, I personally think it just depends on the choice. So make sure you really want this kind for yourself.
Layered chain necklaces are definitely a fun way to update your existing jewelry. They can be worn with a variety of necklines and will look quite charming. These necklaces also are a very inexpensive way of making your look an elegant one. Like me, you could also love them after trying it out.

She really wants a platinum infinity necklace

 

Whether you’re looking to surprise her just because, or you are planning ahead for the holiday season, there are definitely trends in necklaces for women.  The platinum infinity necklace has continued to be a popular favorite among women along with the simple gold necklace and black diamond necklaces.  There are many reasons why this particular necklace is at the top of so many women’s lists. Let me break it down for you.

The platinum infinity necklace is not only a thoughtful gift, but it will also make her look and feel elegant. Don’t forget, if she’s happy, you’ll be happy. Most versions of the necklace are dainty, so it won’t make her feel like she’s wearing bulky accessories. Instead she will feel like she is wearing something simple, elegant and sophisticated.
There are many different variations of the necklace. Some are made with diamonds or even a birthstone in the center. Platinum is a great choice because it looks nice with all skin tones and it will go with any outfit whether she’s going to work, heading to school or dressing up for a night out. It’s a great gift for any age group. Even the young Dakota Fanning has been spotted wearing an infinity necklace.
Another reason the necklace is a top contender is because of its’ meaning. When you give her an infinity necklace, you aren’t just giving her another meaningless piece of jewelry. Infinity necklaces symbolize timelessness. It could symbolize your timeless love for your mother, wife or daughter.  I can’t think of a better gift. Women love jewelry and it’s even better when a gift has a special meaning.

Jewelry for the office

 

I am sure there have been several occasions when you have wondered whether you should wear a particular piece of jewelry to your workplace or not. There are certain ornaments such as a statement necklace or chandelier earrings that are a strict no-no in all offices except those associated with creative industries, like fashion or advertising.


Each office usually has an unwritten dress code that is unique to it.  Law offices, for instance, call for extremely professional business attire.  To put your best face forward, you should try to decipher this (for the most part) unwritten norm and adhere to it.  However, there are certain thumb rules pertaining to office jewelry that you could follow:

• Wear minimalist jewelry that is subtle and sophisticated. The ornaments should not be the focal point of your outfit. Their purpose is to enhance the look of your attire.
• Keep it simple- your wedding ring, a discreet watch, a simple necklace, stud earrings and maybe a dainty bracelet should be perfect for a regular day at a conservative office.
• When in doubt, stick to classic pieces, for example the Majorica pearls as shown in the image. A string of pearls, a thin gold necklace with a pearl pendant and pearl drop earrings, all lend an air of refinement. Light sterling silver jewelry also looks classy.
• Those who like some glitter can opt for a discreet circle with diamonds necklace. Ensure that the other pieces of jewelry you wear (earrings, watch, or bracelet) are very simple.
• Avoid wearing ornaments that will attract attention towards you for all the wrong reasons. For example, don’t wear numerous bangles that jangle each time you move your hands.

At the end of the day, you should be known for the wonderful work that you do at office, not for your jewelry collection!

Well designed and functional solution for your jewelry storage

 

Have you been in a situation where you have stored all your jewelry in a big box or in several places because of lack of any suitable case to organize them? This situation causes a heap being formed, tangling and damaging your precious pieces. Additionally, you cannot see through the huge stack to find out what you are looking for, on occasions.

A hanging jewelry organizer is a tidy and planned way to store your jewelry. Its space saving shape and access convenience make is a suitable solution. It has a coat hook style hanger that can easily hang from any closet bar or hook.  It comes in different sizes depending on the total space you might need. It is made with pockets that are designed to accommodate the different sizes of jewelry that you might have. Each jewelry piece has its own individual spot. So, you will no longer have any trouble finding exactly what you are looking for.
However, be sure to consider the total weight of what you will be storing. The hook and attached bar that hold up the whole assembly have limited strength. So see what you are storing as this is specifically meant for jewelry. Hanging other heavy weight stuff might not be a suitable choice.
Hanging jewelry organizers are a definite recommendation to anyone who has a lot of jewelry and finds it messy and difficult to store it in a box or on a rack. With this organizer, now you will never lose an earring again from misplacing one!

Jewelry trend of 2011: Chocolate diamond rings

 

Over the last years, the jewelry world has begun to see a shift in what is desired by jewelry lovers. Classic diamond solitaries are still popular, it’s hard to imagine the popularity of a classic diamond solitaire ring going away, but what is also coming in trend for 2011 are colored diamonds. At first is was yellow canary diamond rings and now the trend is moving to chocolate diamond rings.

Chocolate diamond rings have been around for quite some time, yet it is only now that the chocolate diamond ring is coming into vogue. One of the jewelers at the front of this trend is Le Vian. Le Vian has been crafting chocolate diamond jewelry for centuries; from royalty to celebrities.
Chocolate diamond rings are especially popular for those getting married. The sales of chocolate diamond engagement rings have went up in the last year and industry trends are saying that number is only going to get larger. However, if you’ve already gotten your engagement ring, don’t worry about missing out on chocolate diamonds. You can also get chocolate diamonds in earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants.
If you want to pick yourself up a chocolate diamond ring, here are a few things you should know before purchasing.

• Chocolate diamonds are sold under different names. Two popular names for chocolate diamonds are cognac diamonds and champagne diamonds.
• Chocolate diamonds come in many shades and colors.
• A chocolate diamond is graded on its hue, tone and color saturation. A great chocolate diamond has a high color intensity.
• Dark diamonds mask small flaws more easily then clear colorless diamonds. Use a jeweler’s loupe to look for any black spots of cloudiness that may reduce the brilliance of the diamond.

Trend alert: humongous cocktail rings

 

Time and again, accessories reinvent themselves. Bold, beautiful fashions always come back with a bang each season. The last few seasons were dominated by the big bag, and now the gigantic cocktail ring has made an appearance.


The latest darling of accessories, cocktail rings are available in affordable materials, as well as higher-end semiprecious and precious metals and stones. Depending on your budget, you can get an heirloom ring inset with diamonds or a cubic zirconia – or even costume jewelry – that imitates the look, but is more budget-friendly. Big rings for women are being flaunted everywhere.
Celebrities take pride in accenting their outfits with a gigantic cocktail ring, leaving their necks and wrists bare of any other accessory. You can see these rings on the latest collection of top fashion houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. These latest babies cost anything from up to £50,000 (over $80,000 in USD). However, affordable cocktail ring designs are available with chains like Top Shop, starting from $7-8.
I love the cocktail rings from the Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry house. The turquoise ring in particular looks as suitable on your finger as it would in the sea (pictured above). This fun starfish-shaped ring looks great with most colors, especially the basic black, whites and nudes.
Eye-catching cocktail rings come in an array of gemstones and motifs, but understandably not everyone can afford gigantic diamonds. Fortunately, CZ cocktail rings – CZ stands for cubic zirconia, or an artificial diamond – are pretty common. The ruby ring above looks just like a real ruby, doesn’t it?
Some celebrities who get full marks for sporting these cocktail rings in style are:

• Angelina Jolie with her bold aquamarine gem
• Christina Aguilera’s butterfly shaped cocktail ring makes an impeccable fashion statement
• Cate Blanchett had also sported a cocktail ring in Cannes

Feel free to experiment with costume and affordable designs. Believe me: it is really impossible to tell the difference!

Fleur-de-lis jewelry trend

 

Fleur-de-lis jewelry is hot. From fleur-de-lis rings to bracelets, its hard to settle on just one. Every time I was due to attend a party, I wondered how my jewelry can be different and after an exhaustive search for a unique necklace, I ended up with a Fleur-de-Lis Wood choker necklace earring set. Now, at first it seemed like any other regular necklace but the fact of the matter is that it is quite different from the normal available ones in the market. Its unique selling point is its name which stands for symbol of a lily flower in French.

 Apparently, the symbol and its ornaments have been used by civilizations as a royal emblem and hold a significant worth in the international circuit.My first favorite is a diamond fleur-de-lis wood necklace in sterling silver. It is absolutely one of a kind. Elegance is its middle name. It is the type of necklace you can wear on any occasion without having to think twice. The antique inspired shape makes it a perfect ornament for any kind of outfit. The size is about 16 inches with a chain size of 1mm, and it’s priced at an affordable $120.

My second bet is another great piece that’s easy on the wallet at only $100 . The Mignon Faget Fleur-de-Lis Wood Amulet necklace is more of a hand crafted ornament. I’m told its design and shape is inspired by the culture and the past of New Orleans and Louisiana. Eighteen inches long with a lobster clasp end, the snake shaped chain is made of sterling silver.
After spending over three hours at the Morial Convention Center, I’d be my own enemy not to have picked at least one these masterpieces. I love my Fleur-de-Lis wooden pendant and I’m more than ready to flaunt it to the world.

Jewelery motifs that are making waves

 

If you love to look trendy and chic, all you need to do is to look at the more fashionable celebrities for inspiration. Those who have been following the jewelry trends recently would have realized that some jewelry motifs are more popular than others. Want to know which motifs are the “in thing”?

Bird pendant: Pendants with bird motifs are a great rage currently. The gold plated Juicy Couture small wish bird pendant necklace featured above was seen on Lindsay Lohan, Reese Witherspoon and LeAnn Rimes. Those who prefer a silver tone may like the Fossil small bird pendant jewelry spotted on Jennifer Lopez and Naya Rivera.

Angel wing pendant: Some wear these pendants as a harbinger of hope and love while others wear them because they look adorable. One angel wing pendant that has been seen on numerous stars such as Rihanna, Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton is the CC Skye crystal angel wing necklace. Want the same look for less, take a look at the Emitations.com Rihanna inspired pave angel wing necklace.
Key necklace: The key necklace, and especially the Tiffany and Co. key necklaces are very popular amongst celebrities, for instance Taylor Momsen and Jennifer Aniston were seen wearing them. Jessica Biel, Demi Lovato, Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift have been spotted wearing a design similar to the Florianna’s fleur de lis key necklace shown above. Leighton Meester also wore a fleur de lis key necklace on an episode of the Gossip Girl. Another endearing necklace is the Judith Jack Key Convertible Necklace worn by Demi Lovato.
Feather necklace: The feather necklace is sure to appeal to those with a more bohemian style. Nicole Richie was spotted wearing the House of Harlow 1960 feather necklace shown above while Kim Kardashian and Tilda Swinton were seen wearing the Lanvin tiered feather necklace. When you wear a statement feather necklace, remember to keep the rest of your jewelry relatively simple.
Now that you know which jewelry motifs are making the waves, make sure that you get a couple of them. Accessorize with these motifs to create a trendy fashion-forward image.

Turquoise jewelry

 

I love turquoise! Period! This stone is available in shades of blue, green and even bluish greens, which are so soothing as well as trendy. Traditionally, turquoise is known to represent good luck and fortune, accompanied with health and success. So, something this fashionable and lucky should be a wardrobe staple!

Turquoise was historically known for its medicinal properties – in ancient times, it was used for treating cataracts. For thousands of years, this stone has been considered to be holy and has been named the “gemstone of the people.” Turquoise has even been found in Ancient Egypt grave furnishings! Persians wore this stone for defense against unnatural death.  A change of color meant doom for the wearer.

Today, turquoise is one of the most worn and preferred stones in the fashion industry. Top notch labels like Azaara jewelry present an exquisite collection of real turquoise in rings, earrings and more. This stone can be paired with others – like mother of pearl – or can be worn individually too. However, you should be wary of imitation and fakes, which are made using cheaper substitutes. While knockoffs may be cheaper, there is a huge difference between the feel, color and texture of the real thing.
One of the hottest trends this season is cuff bracelets. Sarah Jessica Parker, for instance, was spotted wearing a turquoise cuff bracelet. I love the Chaco Canyon cuff bracelet in sterling silver. It may be pricey, but I consider it to be an heirloom piece. This chunky accessory is perfect to dress up a regular outfit. Of course, I do believe it brings good luck too!
Don’t worry about pairing turquoise. You can wear it whites, greens, yellows, nudes, blacks and almost any color you can think off. Do avoid overdoing it though. For instance, wear turquoise pendants as standalone pieces. The Studio Barse necklace seeks enough attention from admirers. Pairing this standout necklace with turquoise earrings or bracelet is just too much. Eva Mendes, Salma Hayek and even Sharon Stone have sported one piece of turquoise instead of wearing too many. So, make a fashion statement by wearing turquoise the right way!

Ruby rings are the season’s must-have jewelry trend

 

There are lots of special gifts that can be given on your anniversary such as roses, cards, poems and crafts. But what can be more special than a fantastic ring. Most of us are fascinated by diamond rings these days that we don’t look at any other gemstone. A ruby ring would make great choice for anyone looking for a unique ring. They can even be used to dress up for a casual party.

In the past rubies have been regarded as “the king of the gemstones”.  A ruby ring is one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry. The ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and it would make a perfect gift for that special person if they were born in this month. A ruby ring dose not necessarily need to be used as an engagement ring, with various designs of ruby rings you can use them as party rings as well. Now days you can find ruby rings that look great on men as well.
The White Gold Ruby Stackable Ring is an elegant ruby ring that features rubies that cover the outer surface of the ring. This ring features a 14K white gold band which adds to its beauty. You can wear this ring alone or you could mix and match it with other stackable rings. The rubies cover 3/4^th of the outer side of the ring.
If you’re looking for diamonds along with rubies then you should consider this ruby rings. This ring features a 14K white gold band. In the center it has a genuine oval ruby with a round brilliant accent diamond on either side. This would make an excellent engagement ring.
Ruby rings make perfect gifts as well as great engagement rings. Got an anniversary coming up? Don’t leave it till the last minute to buy the special person in your life a gift to mark this romantic occasion. Gift giving is probably the most common custom on commercial holidays. They are even said to impart positive energy into the person who wears them. So what are you waiting for? Get that special person in your life a ruby ring.

Thoughtful healing jewelry gifts

 

Maybe it’s you or maybe it’s a friend, but everyone goes through their up-and-down periods. When times like this happen to me or someone I know, I think it is great to give a thoughtful gift. Not just any gift though. A thoughtful healing piece of jewelry is the perfect gift for these times.

These gifts can help you or someone remember there will be better times or help you or someone focus on paying attention to better thoughts. And being positive and happy is always in style.
Here are some fun thoughtful healing jewelry gifts.
Ruby red pendant
Rubies are one of the rarest and most beautiful gemstones. They are also known for helping to aid the wearer in having positive thoughts.
Turquoise blue ring or choker
Turquoise is another stone that is associated with imparting wisdom on the wearer. Native Americans associated turquoise with the sky, mankind’s inner nature and healing.
Onyx black pendant or ring
Onyx is know for its ability to stabilize and ground the person wearing it. It has been said that onyx provides a protection against negativity and helps a person increase their productivity.
Topaz earrings or pendant
Topaz is known for calming passions and bad tempers; and topaz is known for giving mental clarity. It’s been said that topaz is connected to energy and spiritual rejuvenation.
Sapphire ring or earrings
Sapphire has been said to give its wearer peace and happiness as well as aid with communication and insight. And if your worries come from thinking about finances then sapphire is the gemstone for you.

A blog interview: Edera Jewelry

With Summer 2011 jewelry trends embracing chunky childhood-approved plastics, modern and edgy rose-gold and bright statement necklaces with bold stones a la Amrita Singh, there’s something wonderfully refreshing, delicate and nostalgic about Edera Jewelry’s lace-bedecked pieces. In Edera, creator Ivy Long channels her love of the handmade and antique into lovely unique jewelry pieces. Read our interview with the woman behind Edera

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When did you start making lace and jewelry? When did your interest in these begin?

I grew up in a creative household where all sorts of supplies were at hand and creativity was encouraged. My mother is a milliner and textile artist, so from a very early age I was surrounded by wonderful fabrics, laces, buttons, beads and trims, and could watch her at work. As a result, I’ve had a lifelong fascination with fiber arts and other handcrafts. In my early teens, I became particularly interested in jewelry making and apprenticed with several jewelry designers while still in high school. About 10 years ago I began crocheting as a hobby.
Shortly after I learned to crochet, while researching period clothing from the Renaissance, I stumbled across illustrations from a lace pattern book first published in 1617 and I was fascinated. The black and white drawings of lace patterns were originally intended for needle lace motifs, but I instinctively felt that they could be adapted to crochet. With no particular goal in mind, I began recreating the intricate patterns using crochet techniques.
From there it was a short step to incorporating beads and turning the lace motifs into jewelry designs, and my business, Edera Jewelry, was born.
While antique and vintage lace patterns were my original source of inspiration, I now design all of the lace patterns featured in my work entirely from scratch, based on sketches and ideas in my head.

What/who are you inspired by? Anything specific? Do you ever find yourself responding to trends?

I find inspiration for my work in lots of different places, but I find I return again and again to art and costume history.
My last collection was inspired by what I called a fairy tale aesthetic and drew inspiration from medieval and rococo textiles and architectural motifs from Versailles. My current collection is inspired by a neoclassical style–the ancient Romans and Greeks by way of the Empire period in France. I seek to capture the opulence and beauty of the past in my jewelry, but updating the application of the techniques and materials so it can be worn today.
While I enjoy reading fashion magazines and do keep an eye on general trends, my goal is to make my work more timeless, less trendy.

On average, how long does it take you to create a single finished piece? Do you make everything yourself, or do you have assistants?

Because of the lacemaking techniques I employ in my designs, they are quite labor intensive. Even the smallest of my designs can take up to a day to create, the more elaborate ones can take a week. I make everything myself in my studio. I do it all by hand, from the creation of the lace, to the embroidery of beads, to the making of hand-linked chains and wire wrapped gemstones. It’s all a labor of love.

Describe a typical day.

My day typically begins with a cup of tea and answering my emails, along with checking my favorite blogs and my various social networks (I promote my work on Etsy, Blogger, Facebook, Flickr and Twitter.)
I create a list of everything I need to accomplish for the day, and after breakfast, it’s typically into the studio. I try to work on custom orders first, some days I can devote entirely to creating new designs. My husband and I both work from home, so it’s nice to take a break in the middle of the day and eat lunch together and discuss our projects.
In the afternoon, I will switch gears and focus on packing up shipments to go out, take care of errands, etc. Then it’s back in the studio until about dinner time. In the evenings I may draw sketches for new designs, look at art books, or sit and crochet as a way to unwind.

Being a jewelry designer/lace maker in Vermont, do you have any thoughts or opinions about the Made in America movement that’s cropped up?

I think we’re now seeing the negative effects of sending so much of our manufacturing overseas, so I’m glad to see movements like the Made in America movement, the handmade movement, and the buy locally movement swinging the pendulum back the other way.

Is there any celebrity or famous person (living or in history) that you would love to see wearing your jewelry?

I think the first famous person who comes to mind would be Marie Antoinette– I’ve always felt an affinity for the fashions of that time period and I think she was a fascinating and complex historical figure.

What do you see in the future for Edera Jewelry, short term and/or long-term? Any exciting projects or changes coming up?

In the short term, I am building an official website for my business, www.ederajewelry.com. I am also in the process of expanding my wedding jewelry line to include more hair accessories. In addition, my designs are going to be featured in an upcoming issue of a national wedding magazine very soon, so I am excited about that. My goals for the long term are to continue creating what I love and to always be growing and improving on my designs.

Keepsake necklaces that celebrities love

 

If you were a famous celebrity and had lots of money to splurge, what would you spend it on? I have no doubt in my mind that I would spend most of my money shopping for clothes and jewelry! Celebrities, since they are always in the limelight, usually ensure that they wear clothing and accessories that are in good taste.

I recently saw a picture of Ali Larter wearing a beautiful linked chain necklace that I fell in love with. On further investigation, I found out that the piece was from Tacori’s 18k925 collection. The necklace comprises of a chain of smooth rounded ovals, made from sterling .925 silver. The chain is joined together by an 18k yellow gold Tacori seal toggle.

Tacori is a jewelry brand that is primarily known for its engagement and wedding ring collection. However it also makes exquisite keepsake jewelry. An instance would be the necklace worn by Paramore’s Hayley Williams to the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. Hayley wore a diamond pendant necklace and drop earrings from the Dantela Collection. The necklace (style FP6427) consists of an attractive diamond drop pendant with design details that bring out the beauty of the diamond.
Heather McComb from NBC’s “The Event” was spotted in another diamond gold Tacori pendant necklace from the Dantela Collection(style FP643 6.5) This necklace comprises of a round diamond with diamond enhancers blooming the stone. Heather wore matching diamond studs to complete her look. Both the necklaces of the Dantela Collection are available in platinum and in 18k white, yellow or rose gold.
The next time you are planning to get yourself an elegant keepsake necklace, take a look at the Tacori range. They have necklaces at various price points in sterling silver, gold and platinum. You are quite likely to find one that you like.

Finding the right engagement ring

 

Want to find the perfect diamond ring for your engagement? Well, the rule of thumb here is the bigger, the better.  I am not taking about the ring size: it’s the size of the rock that counts.  If you want to impress your girl, nothing short of a fist-sized diamond will make a dramatic impact.

Ask any girl about engagement rings, and she’d tell you that finding the right one would be a dream.  Getting that perfect engagement ring doesn’t have to be a fantasy, however, if you plan out your budget with your partner and start hunting in advance.  Diamond costs may fluctuate and other discounts you come across can help to reduce cost. You can fetch a better ring at the same price!
One of the most practical and wearable one is the 3 carat diamond ring. It has diamonds worth 3 carats available in gold, silver or platinum. Of course, you can opt for a solitaire or go for a cluster. Opt for classy and timeless designs since the engagement ring is there to last for a lifetime.
Another option is the solitaire ring, which usually costs a little more.  But don’t shy away from this classic ring just because of the price.  Remember that certified diamonds are an investment, so only pick certified and hallmark approved diamonds.  Shapes of the diamond can vary on the cut, like square, rectangle, and round. I love the heart-shaped pink diamond solitaire rings.  Sigh!  They are so romantic.

You can also check out emerald diamond rings or even turquoise, ruby or sapphire with diamonds. These embedded diamonds enhance the look of colored stone and are more economical. Princess Diana had a blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which her son Prince William will present to his fiancée to keep her memory alive.
Remember when choosing your engagement ring that it is an opportunity to get one you’ve fantasized about since you were a little girl.  Here are some tips that you should keep in mind while picking your engagement ring:

• Fashion trends come and go, but your engagement ring is forever, so don’t give fashion trends undue influence your ultimate decision.
• Pick a stone or ring-style that you adore.
• Platinum and silver rings are very popular, but I still love the matte gold or white gold engagement rings, especially with diamonds.
• Do ask your fiancé’s opinion (even if you know at the back of your mind what you would pick).

jewelry

Stackable rings have been around for ages, but it is only recent that most people have started wearing them again. And it’s only right, stackable rings are a great way to show someone they are special and a nice way to remember another person. For example you can get stackable birthstone rings that have the birthstones of your mom, dad, mate and child.

Here are some tips on wearing stackable rings.

Ring bands should be thin

The rings that you use for stackable rings should be 2-3 mm each. If bands are too thin, the jewelry can easily end up breaking. And if the bands are too thick, you won’t be able to stack a lot of rings on your finger. (Stackable rings tend to look best when at least three or more rings are stacked together.) Plus you’re unlikely to be able to bend your finger with a stack of thick rings on your finger.

Make sure rings fit together

To get the look of stackable rings right, you should use rings that sit flush against each other. You don’t have to use rings that all have the same design, you could even do two rings that have the same design while the third ring is a designed ring that makes it standout, like a ring with an intricate knot design or even a ring with a simple star or heart.

Be creative!

Pick rings with different colored gemstones or metals and be creative. Use your stackable rings to highlight the births of your children by stacking their birthstones together. You can even use rings to celebrate a holiday. Wear a red, white and blue combination to celebrate July 4th; or a red, white and green combination to celebrate Christmas. If you want to be big money, then try a stack of diamond rings together.
Remember these tips and have fun playing with your stackable ring combinations.

Jewelery motifs that are making waves

 

If you love to look trendy and chic, all you need to do is to look at the more fashionable celebrities for inspiration. Those who have been following the jewelry trends recently would have realized that some jewelry motifs are more popular than others. Want to know which motifs are the “in thing”?
Bird pendant: Pendants with bird motifs are a great rage currently. The gold plated Juicy Couture small wish bird pendant necklace featured above was seen on Lindsay Lohan, Reese Witherspoon and LeAnn Rimes. Those who prefer a silver tone may like the Fossil small bird pendant jewelry spotted on Jennifer Lopez and Naya Rivera.
Angel wing pendant: Some wear these pendants as a harbinger of hope and love while others wear them because they look adorable. One angel wing pendant that has been seen on numerous stars such as Rihanna, Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton is the CC Skye crystal angel wing necklace. Want the same look for less, take a look at the Emitations.com Rihanna inspired pave angel wing necklace.
Key necklace: The key necklace, and especially the Tiffany and Co. key necklaces are very popular amongst celebrities, for instance Taylor Momsen and Jennifer Aniston were seen wearing them. Jessica Biel, Demi Lovato, Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift have been spotted wearing a design similar to the Florianna’s fleur de lis key necklace shown above. Leighton Meester also wore a fleur de lis key necklace on an episode of the Gossip Girl. Another endearing necklace is the Judith Jack Key Convertible Necklace worn by Demi Lovato.
Feather necklace: The feather necklace is sure to appeal to those with a more bohemian style. Nicole Richie was spotted wearing the House of Harlow 1960 feather necklace shown above while Kim Kardashian and Tilda Swinton were seen wearing the Lanvin tiered feather necklace. When you wear a statement feather necklace, remember to keep the rest of your jewelry relatively simple.
Now that you know which jewelry motifs are making the waves, make sure that you get a couple of them. Accessorize with these motifs to create a trendy fashion-forward image.

Jewelry Boxes

Jewelry boxes have long been treasured, for they have held precious items-sometimes valuable in themselves, sometimes valuable for their memories.

Throughout history, jewelry boxes were constructed and designed by craftsmen, one box at a time, each a unique piece reflecting the style of the time and locale.

American ladies of the early 1900′s aspired to the “high style” of the world’s great cities like London and Paris. Of course, jewelry stores also carried a selection of jewelry boxes, “the latest” designs purchased from wholesalers and displayed in their windows.
Here are the ones I like from buy.com. What’s your favorite?