Happy Stories From our customers

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When checking the jewelry trends on Twitter this am, our staff became intrigued by the latest news on plus-sized jewelry. According to Mic: 

Plus-size clothing brand Universal Standard is launching a jewelry collection on Tuesday, July 11, Mic reports. The silver necklace, choker, bracelet, earrings, and rings are designed to fit around and lay elegantly on larger bodies.

“The most basic problem [with mainstream jewelry] is just that it doesn’t fit,” Universal Standard co-founder and creative director Alexandra Waldman. “Regular jewelry isn’t made to scale. This is a line of jewelry that is meant to look native on a bigger body. The longer necklace falls exactly as it should on a longer body. The rings fit. The jointed choker always lays flat on the chest, and can be worn on a larger neck really beautifully.”

And yes, we get this firsthand (though we certainly feel we have scaleable jewelry that works on all types of body). We strongly advocate a holistic  approach when it comes to wearing jewelry. That means taking into consideration (prior to purchase) body type, lifestyle, budget (of course) and personal taste (of course).

Jewelry must feel like a natural extension of you, whatever your size!

Joe,

Picked up the package today, and everything looks amazing! They’re more than everything we hoped they’d be. Mine fits perfectly, and we’ll have to wait until N returns to check hers, but I’m sure it will be on the money. I’ll definitely check in with you then to let you know either way.

I can’t say it enough, thank you again for working with us. It’s been such a fun and unique experience knowing that now all three pieces were custom made by one man and his store. Please extend my gratitude to the folks you work with in your shop as well, I know they all have a hand in it too.

For what it’s worth, please see your work in the attached picture from our engagement photos. We can’t wait to send you more after our big day.

Many Thanks,

J

Smack dab in the center of the most exciting tennis match in the world, let’s take a moment to look at the dress code of the Wimbledon players…because it’s strict. And no wonder why: the dress code dates back to the 1800s.

So why all white? For practical reasons. The sight of sweat spots on colored clothing appeared unseemly back in the day, so “tennis whites” became the way to go.

And by white, we’re talking white. The All-England Club takes this rule very seriously:

• “White does not include off-white or cream.”

• “There can only be “a single trim of color no wider than one centimeter.”

• “Any [colored] undergarments that either are or can be visible during play (including due to perspiration)” are not allowed.”

Many players have claimed that this rule is too strict. And many have tried to bend and/or break the rules. But most happily adhere in order to be part of such a privileged event.

As far as jewelry? While we can’t find any rules dictating the wearing of jewelry, from what we see, a few female players don a simple pendant necklace (which also looks great against a fashionable all white backdrop!).

Petra Kvitová

Jim Moore, Adam Rapoport, and Glenn O’Brien teach you to break the rules of style when it comes to men wearing jewelry.

The guideline is simple according to award-winning jewelry designer Phil Crangi:

“Anything you wear, you should feel like yourself when you’re wearing it.”

We completely agree. Jewelry should be a natural extension of your personality and fit into your life seamlessly. So men, stop fighting it: a few solid choices of jewelry for your wardrobe enhance your masculinity, not take away from it. We promise. 

There’s a certain unmistakable beauty to a raw diamond. It’s full of possibility and wonder (to designers like us). For others, the raw diamond represents the truest form of the gem, from the earth and beautiful without any adulteration. Apparently, its also set to be a new trend in engagement rings:

According to House Beautiful:

When it comes to engagement rings, more and more brides are looking for designs that are unique and one-of-a-kind. That’s why colorful gems were a huge trend this past year. And now, a new stunning style is taking over: raw diamonds. These rings embrace the rough, natural texture of stones, instead of polishing them down to a smooth surface.

Considering a raw diamond engagement ring? We can make your custom design dream come true! Contact our highly skilled staff, waiting to make an engagement ring with a distinctly raw and natural touch!

In honor of the 4th of July, we’re taking a step back in time to 1776, the birth year of our country. How did people dress hundreds of years ago? What was the prevailing jewelry style? How uncomfortable were mile-high wigs? (We’re guessing a lot.)

First, the fashion. According to Wikipedia:

Women’s clothing styles maintained an emphasis on the conical shape of the torso while the shape of the skirts changed throughout the period. The wide panniers (holding the skirts out at the side) for the most part disappeared by 1780 for all but the most formal court functions, and false rumps (bum-pads or hip-pads) were worn for a time.

Below: Robe à la Polonaise, France, c. 1775, plain-woven silk with supplementary warp- and weft-float patterning. M.70.85 Shown with quilted plain-woven silk petticoat, England, 1780s.

But what about the jewelry in colonial America? What were the jewelry trends of this critical year in history?

According to Lang Antiques, pearls were all the rage. (See? We told you – pearls are always in!)

Pearls and mother-of-pearl were essential to every woman’s wardrobe. Pearls from the Persian Gulf and the Pacific and Indian Oceans were considered the most desirable and beautiful of gems. Whatever the source however, pearls of all types were found in earrings, necklaces, rings, and brooches just as they are today.

What about diamonds?

Trade with India and Brazil during the eighteenth century brought diamonds to Europe and trade with the colonies brought them to America. Rings, earrings, buckles, necklaces, brooches and lockets set with diamonds were sought out by the colonists.

So there you go: a glimpse into the fashionable jewelry and dress during the birth year of our country. Even 200 years ago, jewelry remained a mainstay in the dress of Americans.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!