If you’re a thrift store connoisseur, you have undoubtedly stumbled across a fair amount of costume jewelry. But is it worth buying? Maeven owner Amy Yee reveals her secret thrift store shopping technique.

Costume Jewelry
“My rule on costume jewelry (and buying any vintage for that matter) is to buy what you really love. And while there are certainly collectible brand names, just as there are for anything fashion-related, there are plenty of beautiful, high-quality, unsigned pieces that are great buys. Plus, jewelry always fits! It’s an easy way to incorporate vintage into an outfit without taking a big risk.”

There is an art to jewelry layering. With that said, there aren’t any hard and fast rules, so feel to experiment.

This video gives you a general idea of how to layer your necklaces according to thickness.

Any pointers on layering necklaces? Send them our way!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKO8hmbYs3A

Many of us feel pressured to get a whole new outfit, new jewelry, new everything, for New Year’s Eve. But why not exploit your own wardrobe and jewelry box? Most of us have a lot of sparkly, festive pieces that we probably forgot existed! As this video points out, it doesn’t take a lot of time or money to add some dazzle to your outfit and work with what you already have.

And Happy New Year!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb5qrT5yldE

If you want to know what’s new, hip and utterly gorgeous, take a moment and wander about Vogue Closet, a “behind the scenes” look at Vogue contributors and what they’re wearing. Beautifully produced yet rather simple in approach.

In this video, Vogue’s fashion writer shares her favorite item—an over-sized ID bracelet balanced with a signet ring as heirloom statement pieces for her future daughter.

Work parties often require a little balancing act when it comes to dressing. You can’t just let it all “hang out” but you can take some liberties you wouldn’t normally. Often jewelry is a perfect answer, since it can jazz up a basic outfit (like that simple black dress) quickly and easily.

For office holiday parties, it’s important to not show off too much skin. While a sleeveless dress is perfectly appropriate, it’s best to keep the hemlines at or just slightly above the knee, and necklines away from any cleavage situations, however, don’t despair over finding a more covered-up look! Using lace as a kind of peek-a-boo element at the shoulders or the hemline is a great way to be stylish and formal, while also work appropriate. Lace also adds a rich texture to any garment that’s great for the holidays, and a great alternative to this season’s sequin embellished frocks that might be too formal for an office affair.

 

 

Source: HollywoodLife

Enamel jewelry has been around a long time. The ancient Egyptians applied enamels to stone objects, pottery, and occasionally metals. The ancient Greeks, Celts, Georgians, and Chinese also used enamel on metal objects.

What is it exactly?

Enameling is the fusion of a special powdered glass to metals. The result can vary according to the designer, but here are some beautiful examples from various designers:

Sterling silver is a smart and easy-to-use metal which most of us have somewhere in the depths of our jewelry boxes.

These simple steps that you can perform in mere minutes will bring that sterling silver jewelry back to life.

A common problem with jewelry is overdoing it. Often simplicity highlights the true beauty of a delicate piece of jewelry. In addition, length often comes into play. A beautiful necklace can become hopelessly lost in your dress if its not the right length. The great part? A few quick tips are all you need to make smart and fashionable choices. Check out the video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65nMxWLiEfo

Beware!

It’s a heart stopper, that’s for sure. Losing jewelry can stop us dead in our tracks and cause a hefty amount of grief, especially if that lost jewelry consists of your wedding ring. So think of this list as a precautionary warning.

Top 5 Ways to Lose your Jewelry

1. In the ocean (or other large body of water)

Have you heard of shrinkage? When your body gets cold, it contracts and shrinks. The most common scenario is wearing a ring into the water of the beach and losing your jewelry due to your body contracting and getting smaller in the water.

Solution: Always remove jewelry from your body before diving in.

2. Washing dishes / Cleaning & Housework

This typical scenario happens far more often than you may realize. It can simply go down the drain if your hands are slippery wet and soapy, or perhaps you forgot where you placed it when you took it off to clean.

Solution: Have a set place where you put your jewelry during cleaning times.

3. Partying too hard 

Who among us hasn’t lost something when out at a club and buzzed (or worse)? If you must wear your valuables out, keep track of them at all times and have a friend keep track as well. It’d be a good idea if that friend was the designated driver.

4. Theft

Unfortunately thievery is still alive and well. If you’re going to be in a sketchy or unknown area, be safe and tuck your jewelry into your handbag or pocket. Also don’t flash your bling around either — in some places, it’s an invitation to be robbed.

5. Simple misplacement

Most jewelry is so small, making it incredibly easy to lose. Set aside a drawer with containers or bowls to place your jewelry in or buy a jewelry holder case. Things get lost unless they have a home — put your jewelry back in its home whenever you’re done with it to avoid losing it.

6. Sports / Gym / Running around

Physical activity of any kind can mean loss of your jewelry if you’re not careful with it. My advice is to always take it off before engaging in any sort of sports or exercise.

Source: TraxNYC

Most jewelry-loving women know intimately the importance of the length of a necklace in relation to her outfit. Too long and a necklace can fall into neckline obscurity. Too short and you have this vague sensation of being choked all evening.

Bookmark this handy visual so you can choose just the right length. Then look at our collection of necklaces here. We have necklaces in all sizes!

Click image to enlarge.