Happy Stories From our customers

Is jewelry an accessory?

That’s the burning question I plug into Google this early am.

Well first, let’s define the term. An fashion accessory (according to vat of all knowledge Wikipedia) is an item used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to the wearer’s outfit. They are often used to complete an outfit and chosen to specifically complement the wearer’s look. The term came into use in the 19th century.

Jewelry contributing in a secondary manner to the wearer’s outfit? We think not. Jewelry can easily steal the show of an outfit…certainly not a mere supporting player.

Over my coffee, I dig a little deeper and find that accessories can be loosely categorized into two general areas:

…those that are carried and those that are worn. Traditional carried accessories include purses and handbags, eyewear, hand fans, parasols and umbrellas, wallets, canes, and ceremonial swords. Accessories that are worn may include jackets, boots and shoes, cravats, ties, hats, bonnets, belts and suspenders, gloves, muffs, jewelry, watches, sashes, shawls, scarves, socks, and stockings.

What? Jewelry after muffs? And what the heck is a cravat anyway?

Well we’ll have to beg to disagree on this one. Jewelry certainly exceeds the definition of a simple “accessory”. Though I would occasionally like to borrow the term “accessorize” because it sounds so jazzy…and on that note:

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Your ring is going to be close to you for a long time. Why not make sure its a perfect fit for your skin type? Each ring metal has its own specific composition, meaning the metal may or may not irritate your skin.

First, what to  avoid (according to moissanite.com):

• If you are allergic to nickel, brass, or copper avoid jewelry that is most commonly made with this type of metal, including costume/fashion jewelry. Opt for higher quality fine jewelry instead. Fine jewelry has higher price tags, but it is made to last!

• Avoid metal alloys (which contain a mixture of two or more metallic elements) as they may trigger a similar reaction. Metal alloys include stainless steel, rose-gold, and to the surprise of many people – white gold! Plated jewelry also involves the use of mixed metals, so make sure to check the label thoroughly before purchasing.

We always like platinum for its naturally hypoallergenic properties but here are some other metal suggestions if you have sensitive skin:

The 1920’s were a period of tremendous social change and nowhere was this seen more in the unique and bold fashion choices for women.

Jewelry was not based on function. No longer design was determined by the cost of the materials. “In addition,  by focusing attention on the design rather than the intrinsic value or materials, the Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th and early 20th century had already suggested that jewelry need not act as a three dimensional bank statement, but instead could be worn purely for its decorative qualities. – A Collectors Guide to Costume Jewelry. Tracey Tolkin

And to this day, some of the same fashion rules apply. Jewelry needn’t be an indicator of wealth, but of personality, of expression. Here are some examples of fashion from the 1920’s. Note how “everything old is new again” since many of these trends exist to this very day.

Statement earrings anyone?

When do strings of pearls ever go out of fashion?

Statement hats…and more pearls, of course.

Chandelier earrings…and Princess Leia buns, way ahead of their time!

We’ve shared countless tips on how to match your jewelry with your outfit…but what about visa versa? Why not choose your favorite jewelry and build out an outfit instead?

Ready to think outside of the box?

Rachel Zoe Studio shows vlogger Sona Gasparian from Simply Sona the chicest ways to wear statement jewelry as well as what to wear to make sure your accessories shine!

Most of the focus (excuse the pun) on photography are on the Big Day, but your engagement photos are equally important and often overlooked when it comes to detail. This sweet little video details the importance of integrating your wedding colors early (if you’re not sure, go with neutral) and the fun fake art of the “pretty laugh.”

What constitutes an Art Nouveau ring?

Well let’s start with what constitutes Art Nouveau first, shall we?

According to Brilliant Earth Jewelers:

As the 20th century was approaching, an imaginative and original style of jewelry-making burst forth from the vibrant European arts scene. The Art Nouveau (literally “New Art”) era, lasting from 1890 to 1910 and was actually a broad artistic movement, with one of its key tenets that art should be a part of daily life.

The mood of Art Nouveau jewelry is soft, mystical, and romantic. Pale colors and flowing, undulating curves helped to establish a soothing aura. Art Nouveau jewelers, greatly influenced by depictions of nature in Japanese art, looked to the natural world for inspiration.

Art Nouveau jewelry also took chances, breaking from traditional diamonds and incorporating less popular but distinctive gemstones like moonstone, amethyst, opal, amber, citrine, peridot and freshwater pearls.

If you’re interested in a ring with an Art Nouveau touch, check out one of our latest custom design engagement rings, then let’s find some “new art” for your ring!

Getting engaged may be one of the most important decisions of your life. And why wouldn’t it? Your life is about to change in a beautifully dramatic and most romantic way!

But…but…!

What if you don’t like your engagement ring?

Well first off, you’re in good company. Many women have had mixed feelings about their engagement rings. And while he may be the man of your dreams, he may be a little off when choosing your dream engagement ring. That’s okay; he can’t be Mr. Right 100% of the time, right?

Here are some pointers when you’re less than pleased with your ring:

First off, bask in the moment. Your engagement ring matters because of what it symbolizes, not what it looks like.

Second, you have options. Most women dislike elements of their rings, not the entire ring. So before you make the next move, define exactly what is you do and don’t like.

Third, understand your ring. The three major parts of a ring are the setting, the metal and the gemstone. Often, there’s only one of these elements that doesn’t work for you and can be changed to make the ring more closely suited to your tastes (yet still contain aspects of your fiance’s initial choice).

Take for example the metal. Luckily, the metal portion of a ring can be traded out relatively easily so it pairs more nicely with the gemstone. The same hold true with the cut of the gemstone, which can be replaced with a preferable cut (or a different color of diamond or a different stone).

If the ring doesn’t fit you, breathe a sigh of relief. That’s an issue that can often be easily rectified by a trusted jeweler.

As the wearer, you just need to be creative and specific. A reputable jeweler is happy to make adjustments so you’re pleased with the end result.

Just like your marriage, often a ring is a work-in-progress!

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It’s no surprise to us. Diamond alternatives are the way of the future. Never before could you purchase such a high-quality gem that possesses (and sometimes exceeds) the attributes of a traditional mined diamond, and for a fraction of the price. For millennials who are conscientious of the world around them, diamond alternatives (like moissanite) provide a sound, eco-friendly alternative.

According to CNBC:

“Millennial consumers have distinctive preferences, which in many ways diverge from previous generations,” Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Ashley Wallace said in a research note this month. “They tend to be more value conscious, more concerned with sustainability and ethical production, and often value unique and individual products versus items that are standardized and mass-produced.”

Millennials also break the mold when it comes to fancy colored gems. They don’t adhere to the mindset that only a diamond represents true love. Instead, they embrace a stone that is significant to them.

“Millennials don’t want what all their friends have and don’t want what they’ve been told to have,” said Amanda Gizzi, a spokeswoman for Jewelers of America, a trade association with more than 8,000 member jewelers.

Below, one of exclusive designs using moissanite.

 

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