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We see jewelry advice all of the time. But most of it is a pretty dry read. It’s always nice when a jewelry enthusiast (this time, Kirsten at Chicago’s Objet d’Envy) kicks it up a notch and offers creative, personally-infused pointers:

1. Cut up those layered gold chains.
The trend is moving toward ‘statement’ jewelry…that’s one standout necklace. Maybe it’s a dramatic medallion. Or a rich textured chain. If you have a long layered necklace, you can clip off some of the chains to turn it into a solitary piece. Use a wire cutter to cut near the clasp.

2. Less is more.
National Jeweler is recommending wearing bolder, larger pieces that are gem- and color-intensive. Check your jewelry collection for dramatic pieces. Then wear only one or 2 at a time: an oversized cocktail ring or dangly earrings. Whatever you choose, be sure they make an impression.

3. Look for versatile pieces.
A long necklace with a clasp can be worn several ways: as a single strand, as a triple strand choker, even as a bracelet.

4. Earn a compliment.
Pay attention to which piece of jewelry wins you a compliment. If your best friend, or a neighbor, or a stranger compliments you on a necklace, wear it more often. Jewelry is meant to enhance your look. It should catch someone’s attention. Same goes for what you like…if you find yourself giving a compliment, remember the piece. You can keep that in mind when shopping.

5. Buy what you love.
If you’re out shopping and something catches your eye instantly, respect that instinct. That first reaction is powerful. You really like a piece when you feel that emotion of “I want that.” If you love it, buy it. You’ll love it every time you put it on.

6. Try it on!
That being said, try on jewelry before purchasing. Be sure it’s comfortable. Is it the right length? Can you work the clasp? Does it stay on? That test run is important because if a piece doesn’t fit, you won’t wear it.

7. Stack your bracelets.
Women’s Wear Daily declared the bracelet THE piece for this season. Wear any style you like: thin, thick, cuff, beaded, silver, gold, bronze. Many trendsetters are stacking them. Often it’s the same style stacked together. Or it’s the same color in a few different styles. Or it’s a group in complimentary colors. Any way you want to wear a bracelet, you’ll be a fashionista.

8. Give up the watch!
If you don’t wear bracelets, your excuse is “but I wear a watch so I can’t wear a bracelet!” So wear bracelets on your other wrist. Or buy bracelets that are thin and will coordinate with your watch (same metal, same color). Better yet, give up your watch. You carry a cell phone…get the time from that. Or ask a handsome stranger for the time.

Read the rest here.

Thanks Kirsten!

This NPR piece gives the behind-the-scenes reason why jewelry stores conveniently hide the pricetags. (Hint: it’s not the reason you would think!)

“It’s about emotion.”

With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson. Without them, I’m fat and 60.  ~Jack Nicholson

Most of us have seen, throughout history, how celebrities seem to choose the hippest and most influential glasses. Elle Magazine shows us which ones have affected us the most. What sunglasses make you feel like a star?

[Above: Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Julie Christie, Elke Sommer.]

Check out more iconic sunglasses here! 

Armani Exchange and Liberty United are working together with police forces, collecting guns and bullets and turning them, finally, FINALLY, into something beautiful.

http://youtu.be/xdGhRXicNo8

While it seems like a natural extension, we don’t often see jewelers moving into the world of creating high-end handbags. Bochic took that leap to some beautiful results.

Jewelry brand Bochic will introduce a line of evening clutch bags in September, marking the brand’s first extension beyond fine jewelry.

Bochic will introduce the handbag collection at the Westin Hotel Paris during Paris Fashion Week, after which it will be available worldwide through events such as trunk shows and on the Bochic website.

Price points start at $2,500.

The bags in the  initial collection are called “Alicia, “Gilda” and Madeleline,” each inspired by film noir of the 1950s. Each style includes detailed gold handles that were made in Rome, meant to complement the leathers used for the body of the bag–crocodile, python, serpentine and sting ray.

To connect the line with the brand’s heritage, each bag also will feature jewelry detailing, created the same way as Bochic jewels, using enamel and natural precious stones such as rock crystal, onyx, and turquoise.

Source: National Jeweler

The “Madeleine,” pictured above,  starting at $2,500.

This amazing gem is such a work of art!

Washington’s Museum of Natural History is the new home of the Dom Pedro — the world’s largest aquamarine gem, cut from what was believed to have been the largest gem-quality crystal ever found. Discovered in Brazil, the crystal was then taken to Germany where it was transformed into its current shape by world-renowned gem artist Bernd Munsteiner.

In Princess Diana’s life, all that glittered was not gold. But this interesting documentary chronicles the jewelry she wore and how it marked periods of her life with a particular significance.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs0eg6VOWYY