Jewelry Education and Advice

Statement necklaces have been trending for…well, for years now. They don’t seem to dip in popularity.

It’s a practical fashion choice if you think about it. One piece of jewelry is enough to capture a room’s worth of attention.

These amazing shots from Gotham tell the story.

Anthracite duchess dress, Zac Posen ($2,590). Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave., 212-753-7300. 18k white-gold, diamond, spinel, moonstone, and akoya pearls Perle de Rosee necklace ($696,000) and 18k white-gold, onyx, and diamond Camélia Sculpte ring ($170,000), Chanel. 15 E. 57th St., 212-355-5050. ON TRAY: Wide diamond bracelet set in platinum, Tiffany & Co. ($140,000). 727 Fifth Ave., 212-755-8000. 18k white-gold Limelight Garden Party cupcake inspiration ring ($59,000) and 18k white-gold with brilliant-cut diamonds Rose ring ($48,200), Piaget. 730 Fifth Ave., 212-246-5555. 18k white-gold and diamond Dentelle de Monogram necklace, Louis Vuitton (price on request). 611 Fifth Ave., 212-940-4635 Read more at http://gotham-magazine.com/style/articles/whats-trending-for-luxury-statement-jewelry#kzLHhj7m2k8G5RkM.99

Dress, Emporio Armani ($1,265). 601 Madison Ave., 212-317-0800. Platinum 55.9-carat Qipao diamond choker (price on request); platinum, diamond, aquamarine, and sapphire Secret Wonder bracelet (price on request); and 18k yellow-gold and platinum, tsavorite, and diamond cluster earrings (price on request), Harry Winston. 718 Fifth Ave., 212-399-1000 Read more at http://gotham-magazine.com/style/articles/whats-trending-for-luxury-statement-jewelry#kzLHhj7m2k8G5RkM.99

See more at Gotham!

Admit it. You have one, maybe two, hanging out in your jewelry box. That necklace with the broken clasp, lonely and unworn. This simple video shows you how to fix it yourself. (Yes, you.)

Even though October is nearing an end, we wanted to take a moment to focus on one the most magical gems: opals.

The name opal is derived from the Sanskrit word “upala,” as well as the Latin “opalus,” meaning “precious stone.” Opal is a gemstone of much variety; the ancient Roman natural historian Pliny once described it in the following way:

“… it is made up of the glories of the most precious stones. To describe it is a matter of inexpressive difficulty: There is in it the gentler fire of the ruby, the brilliant purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, all shining together in an incredible union.”

Source: EarthSky

 

 

 

 

According to the spiritually-inclined, precious stones hold power. Some are meant to heal, others to protect, etc. Even if you’re not that “New Agey” it doesn’t seem that far-fetched, does it? We wear certain pieces of jewelry because we feel it not only looks good, but offers up a certain feeling…and maybe that feeling is coming from the stone or the metals.

Here’s what GemsandMineralsDiva have to say:

Diamonds amplify energy and never need recharging. They are like apartments with free electricity, but prettier. Diamonds increase the energy of whatever it comes into contact with and when paired with other crystals, the healing is amped up.

Diamonds are like Malachite, however and need to be cleansed often. Both Diamond and Malachite enhance all energy including negative energy. Smudging a Diamond with white sage or even washing your hands often (for those who wear diamond rings) will help fix that.

Diamonds will plug all holes in your aura, cleanse your aura of anything blocking your inner light and help your true divine soul’s light sparkle. It’s a gem for the Crown Chakra and links it to divine light and love.

Worn as earrings, Diamonds protect against cell phone vibes.  Diamonds also clear emotional and mental pain while stimulating your creativity.

Being a symbol of wealth, Diamonds attract abundance and like Citrine, help you to adapt to thinking on the level of abundance.

As we approach Halloween, we here at Joseph Schubach Jewelers love to indulge in the scary (and often perfectly tacky) traditions that make this spooky holiday particularly special. Today we focus on the the “evil eye” and jewelry that is meant to protect the wearer from it. As you’ll see, celebrities are carrying on the tradition.

The most popular method of escaping the evil eye’s effects in many cultures is by the use of evil eye talismans, evil eye symbols, and evil eye jewelry. These are meant to “reflect” the power of the evil look. The evil eye amulet originated in Greece, where it was known as an “apotropaic” amulet, meaning that it reflected harm. The most basic design of the evil eye, prevalent in the Middle East, is a talisman designed with concentric blue and white circles made to symbolize the evil eye, known as the nazar. It is often used on houses, vehicles, or jewelry.

Who thought of this brilliant idea of giving rings prior to betrothal. (What the heck is a “betrothal” anyway? ) When you buy your wedding or engagement ring, know it has a long-standing history…one you’re about to know more about!

 

Where did the tradition of giving a diamond ring for engagements originate?

At first, only one ring was used for both engagement and a wedding. Then in 1477, Maximillian of Austria decided to give an engagement ring to his wife-to-be, Mary of Burgundy

 

 

Why is the wedding rings worn on the third finger of the left hand?

Both engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because

it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart. (How sweet!)

 

Style 9585 Narrow Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring With Flat Sides And Single Groove Narrow cathedral style solitaire engagement ring with flat sides and a single groove (setting only, does not include center stone) On Sale! Save an additional 10% with purchase of a moissanite stone and setting. Use coupon code ‘Sale10’ at checkout.

 
 

 

Key rings have driven us close to the madness since the beginning of humankind. Okay, well that might be a slight exaggeration. But it can be annoying. So here’s a quick and easy technique to save your fingernails and mind.

Have you ever broken a fingernail or injured yourself trying to open a split key ring?

Some of them are so sturdy you can hardly slide a key onto them.

But here’s a simple everyday item that can easily open this type of key ring:

All you need is a regular staple remover (available nearly anywhere you can buy office supplies).

Just sink its fangs between the main part of the key ring and one of the ends – and the end spreads open easily so you can slide your key (or a decorative dangle) onto the ring.

You can quickly and painlessly load several keys, using this nifty little tool to hold the key ring open!

(Thanks to Rena Lingenberg for this advice.)

Easy Way to Open a Split Key Ring (Tutorial)

Clip-on earrings are experiencing a resurgence. But not just for the ears. Because of their vintage-y quality and unique craftsmanship, people are using them for other purposes, like sprucing up a hair-do or ponytail.

So blow the dust off of your grandmother’s clip-ons and try them out in your hair (as shown in the following video):

We all know by now that it’s all right to mix jewelry colors and metals. It’s more than all right–it can actually accentuate jewelry shades and add depth to your outfit. In this quick video, we learn the basics of mixing and matching. Try it today!

No one gives more detailed and exacting fashion advice than Marilyn Hellman. Take a few moments to listen to her words of wisdom and choose your earrings accordingly.