Happy Stories From our customers

We mentioned jewelry trends for this upcoming season several months ago. But (no shock) – they change. Here’s an interesting article that gives you some guidelines as you peruse our site. And as always, thanks for taking the time to read our blog and be our client! Happy New Year to you all!

Chunky & Large Metals

Huge and bold ornaments are in this time and ideas such as “not enough” and “much more a lot more-ness” is definitely desirable. Decadently embellished items having drama and generating a main statement will be the showstoppers everyone is hunting. Also, enormous (and expensive!) metal pieces as the giant curb link necklace pieces created by Kenneth J. Lane and other designers are really in. 

 

Antique/Vintage/Retro & New Combinations

Absolutely everyone loves the look of antique, vintage and retro jewelry and now the most recent trend is to thoughtfully mix these and make a new and imaginative item as one. Jewelry designers, say, Elizabeth Locke and Roberto Coin are beautifully infusing their new concepts and marrying them to antique and vintage that seems to be and the resulting styles are perfect.

Dramatic, Special and “Restructured” Necklaces

As opposed to the 60s when the huge brooches and pins are the key component in one’s individual adornment. Now is the necklace. The bib necklace started to grow in the hearts of many at least 3 years ago and evidently, these are still very influential today and in fact evolved to different stand-out pieces like over-the-top multi-chain neckpieces, fabric-made, etc.

Read more.

An example of a bib necklace.

 

Fake & Genuine Pearls

Pearls yell pure classicism. For centuries they have been hugely desired for their natural class and exclusive appeal. Used in the Victorian Era, pearls have evolved from simple one-strand to numerous layers and layers of beautifully hand crafted balls. Even Cartier has revived their classic styling in a lot more eye catching pearl with diamonds as added details. Pearls can be worn with edgy metals and other ornaments to have that feel of “warrior princess” but still exuding glamour.

 

Our Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace starting at $79

According to Bloomberg News, gold prices continue to rise, after recent news about Iran’s nuclear development:

Gold futures headed for the biggest gain in 10 weeks on increased demand from investors after reports that Iran produced its first nuclear fuel rod and as the dollar weakened. Silver also gained.

A domestically-made rod was inserted into the core of Tehran’s atomic research reactor after performance tests, the Iranian Students News Agency reported yesterday. The dollar fell against the euro on signs that manufacturing is expanding in the U.S. and China. Blackstone Group LP’s Byron Wien, who had correctly predicted last year’s gain in gold, said bullion will rally 15 percent in 2012 to $1,800 an ounce.

“Fear trade is back because of Iran,” Adam Klopfenstein, a market strategist at Archer Financial Services Inc. in Chicago, said in a telephone interview. “Also, we are seeing buying across commodities because of the weaker dollar.”

Who makes jewelry resolutions for the New Year? Well, maybe we’re going to start a trend today. And maybe, these resolutions are just a tad easier than the heavyweights (like quitting alcohol or going on a dreaded diet).

Here are a few we came up with in the showroom today:

1. Clean out your jewelry box.

Often some of our best pieces are buried under some of our worst pieces. Sort out your jewelry. Decide which pieces might be great for a friend or a second-hand store. Untangle those necklaces. Pair up your earrings and get rid of the ones that don’t have a mate. When you open your jewelry box, it should be inviting, like a treasure chest, awaiting your choice.

2. Choose your color theme this year.

If you don’t have a color yet, pick one! (Again, easier than quitting smoking, right?) Go through our collection and pick out a piece that either matches or accentuates your color of choice. Gemesis, for instance, is a fantastic vibrant yellow for the new year. Colors can be inspiring, so choose one that seems in alignment with the way you’d like your year to proceed.

3. Pick your lucky charm.

As we start the year, we want the best of luck blessing our endeavors and our relationships. Why not choose a piece of existing jewelry or something from our collection, that represents your belief in your self and your special fate this upcoming year? It could be symbolic or a stone that means something special to you.

See? Not so hard. Jewelry resolutions are easy and accessible…and much prettier than a gym membership.

A Little Symbolic Sunshine for 2012? Choose this dazzling piece.   Filigree Diamond Pendant Hand engraved pendant with hand applied scrolls and a 3/4ct Gemesis cultured diamond with fancy yellow or orange color on an 18″ wheat chain. Pendant measures approx. 8mm in diameter. Available Metal: 18kt White Gold and Platinum Available Stone Size: 3/4ct

We just finished these beauties!  A Schubach.com exclusive available in 14kt/18kt white, yellow or rose gold or in platinum with any gemstone. Shown in 1ct total weight (t.w.) and 2ct t.w. sizes – other sizes and shapes available.

I think fashion resolutions are much more reasonable than the bigger ones (losing weight, quit smoking, etc.) Fashion resolutions can be reasonable changes to integrate into your life. Here are few I found at Yahoo, Lifestyle.

Pretty up in pastels

Bye bye brights, ice creamy pastels are back (see Prada’s spring collection). If you’re worried about looking twee stick to sleek silhouettes, and anchor sugary shades with black tights. Go for warmer pinks if you have sallow skin, and cool blues and greens if you have warmer, pink toned skin. Most of us should leave pastel yellow well alone.

Lighten up

No walk in wardrobe? Next best thing is to light your cupboards properly. Either have your closet fitted with lights, or just angle a lamp so that you can easily see what’s in there. A small change that will make a surprisingly big improvement.

Plan ahead

Do you start everyday thinking: ‘Agh, what to wear?’ There’s a little known object called a valet stand, that’s made for you. Somewhere between a coat hanger and a dressmaker’s dummy, it’s for putting your clothes out on before you go to bed.  Get one on eBay, and wake up feeling smug.

Ditch my platform heels

Excruciatingly high heels are looking distinctly tired. Ditto platform soles. The shoe of now is a mid-height, flat soled pointy court (take a bow, Kate Middleton).  Best of all, you can actually wear them all day. Find yours now at Kurt Geiger.

Banish moths

Thanks to central heating, moths are rife at this time of year. Don’t want them munching through your wardrobe? The first rule is not to put away clothes that aren’t clean, as moths are attracted by sweat. So don’t save your cashmere sweater for best! Next get some non stinky moth repellent (we like Colibri hanging wool protector). If the problem is really bad, you’ll have to put all your woollies in the freezer.

Big up my brows

Strong brows are your fast track to modern looking make up. Have them threaded, invest in a good brow pencil (Shavata products are excellent) and you’ll find you look 5 years younger.

Read more here.

My friend recently wrote me this email (good hint for any men in search of the perfect gift):

“I’ve been dating Mark for close to a year now. He went to Europe for a conference a few months ago and asked me what I wanted. Maybe this is where I went wrong, but I said, “You choose something.” Now, I know we’re still in dating mode but I can tell you I was just a little irked when he brought me back a beer mug! What? I don’t even drink beer that often!

I tried to forget about it that evening. I mean, he can’t read my mind. But finally I broke. “Mark, do you think you could have kicked it up a notch and bought me a pair of earrings or something.” “Oh,” he said. “I thought that would be a bit more of a…serious gift.”

I spent a while explaining to him that an engagement ring would be a “serious gift.” But a pair of earrings, after a year of dating, would have been appropriate. And the thing is (I told him): you don’t have to spend a fortune on a jewelry gift. It’s that thought that resonates for women. Even if we don’t love the piece of jewelry, we learn to love it, because it was given to us.

“Won’t you learn to love the beer mug?”

“No.”

So that’s my jewelry story. If you’ve been dating a woman for a while, guys, don’t think jewelry is that big of a deal. A pair or earrings, a bracelet or a necklace – all sweet and rich with meaning for us!

Here’s a good example of a non beer-mug gift:

Style 10340 Key of Love Necklace with Pave Set Stones “Key of Love” key necklace with pave set stones. For a larger view click here. 1/10ct version measures 17mm tall Other sizes available, call for info

We’ve had a productive and successful year and want to take a moment to thank so many wonderful customers who have graced our presence and shared with us the love of jewelry and the intimacy of sharing special gifts.

Happy holidays and sparkling New Year!