Jewelry PR Division

A favorite line of accessories editors the world around is "and then take one piece" off referring to the rule of removing one piece of jewelry after you are fully dressed and prepared for the day.

Of course another editor tip through the ages has been stretching a wardrobe of basics through clever jewelry usage. But if you are instructed to constantly downsize your accessorising options for day is it possible that you need a wardrobe of jewelry basics too?

Given the classic popularity of a string of pearls, diamond stud earrings, and the tennis bracelet it seems that jewelry lovers the world over agree. This makes discovering the right pieces of jewelry for your even more critical. Even the classics make different statements. Pearls make any outfit more conservative whereas a diamond stud is a classic touch that ups the elegance factor on any outfit. The same principles of choosing basics in clothing applies to jewelry.

But remember even when the editors appear to know better than we mere mortals do it can be good to break the law sometimes and throw it all on. You can always take a few pieces off at the end of the night. That is still technically following the laws of accessorising right?

Who says that chemistry is just for geeks? DuPont has certainly done its part to make our lives better accessorized through chemistry.

The chemical giant gave the world Lucite which became a popular material for decorative jewelry Post-World War II.

Lucite® methyl methacrylate polymer was among the first plastics derived from petrochemicals. DuPont chemists discovered Lucite® in 1931 while exploring the high-pressure technology developed for ammonia production. The polymer’s crystal-clear appearance and its strength were far superior to nitrocellulose-based plastics. Lucite® was in heavy demand during World War II for use in windshields, nose cones, and gunner turrets for bombers and fighter planes. After the war, DuPont marketed it for use in a variety of decorative and functional uses, such as lamps, hairbrushes and jewelry.

Sadly Lucite is no longer being manufactured (though it lives on through Rohm & Haas Chemical Company's trademarked http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymethyl_methacrylatePlexiglas which is an identical chemical compound). But for for Americana lovers there is still hope. Circa Sixty Three
is here to save the day.

The collection is made from uncirculated vintage Lucite, brass and 24k gold plate. Lucite, which was manufactured from the 1950s – 1970s, has recently become a sought-after item – designer Danielle Insetta is showing the line in Paris right now at the W Workshop fashion show. She started Circa Sixty Three in 2005 when she left her career on Wall Street to make jewelry after falling in love with vintage plastics she found at a Paris flea market.

Not only are designer handbags prime targets of knock offs and fakes, but many more times fine jewelry is often sold with a designer price tag, when the unsuspecting consumer has bought a fake. Of course many people don’t mind wearing an imitation jewelry piece, just as long as they aren’t paying top dollar for it.

Since diamonds are the most sought after stone with the largest price tag, it is most often diamonds that are faked, and sometimes even the best jewelry appraiser cannot distinguish a real diamond from a fake one. So how do distinguish a real diamond from its imitator?

Cubic Zirconia is the easiest diamond fake to spot. Cubic Zirconia is much heavier in weight than a typical diamond and a jewelry appraiser can easily measure this with the right equipment. It is also softer and easier to scratch than a diamond. A Cubic Zirconia can be spotted using ultraviolet light as well. Where diamonds will glow blue under UV light, Cubic Zirconia will glow mustard yellow.

 Moissanite is the most difficult of stones to distinguish from a genuine diamond. It is a naturally occurring crystal that has been able to be replicated by man and so closely resembles a diamond that many times even skilled appraisers mistake it for the real thing. This is the one synthetic gem that requires its own specific equipment to make the distinction between a diamond. If you suspect that the jewelry you have purchased is Moissanite, make sure to see a jeweler who is well versed about Moissanite and has the equipment to test your gem.

We all have a wish list of jewelry brands that we are all dying to wear and many times it is the price tag that prevents from doing little more than window shopping. I know I would love to dawn something by Vera Wang, Gucci, Kara Ross or even Stephen Dweck; maybe a gorgeous bracelet, an intricate ring or eye catching earrings. Now we no longer have to window shop, when we can simply borrow these gorgeous baubles at a fraction of the cost of buying them.

Bag Borrow or Steal and Borrowed Bling both offer jewelry that you can rent out whether it be for a big evening out or to impress a few friends. Bag Borrow or Steal offers genuine name brand jewelry while Borrowed Bling offers imitation gems that are said to look as close to the real thing as possible. Both operate on membership with various levels that determine which brands and how many pieces you can borrow at a time. Each site is different in the way you can borrow and which site you chose to borrow from depends on your budget and desire for the luxurious.

The comparison:

Bag Borrow or Steal:

4 membership levels:

+ Couture—Runway worthy handbags and jewelry from top designers such as Gucci and Rosiblu starting at $175 a month.

+ Diva—Luxurious, dream bags and jewelry from designers such as Louis Vuitton and Charriol starting at $90 a month.

+ Princess—Confidently versatile accessories from designers such as Betsey Johnson and Pianegonda starting at $40 a month.

+ Trendsetter—Fresh, trend-forward accessories from designers such as Dooney & Bourke and Lori Bonn starting at only $20 a month.

There are additional fees (per week or per month) for each item borrowed. The first 3 months of membership only allot you up to 3 borrowed items, and after that timeframe you can borrow up to 5 items at once. There is no time limit on how long you can borrow an item for. Borrowing frequency is based on your account being in good standing.

These celebrities looked stunning on the red carpet, but you don't have to pay a fortune buying the same jewelry they wore to replicate their look. See these and more jewelry and fashion styles at ShopStyle.com

The Stylists behind ShopStyle.com are Danica Lo and Kevin Sanders. Danica is a New York City Fashion writer, a prior fashion model and author of the book, "How Not To Look Fat." Kevin has styled for the Oscars, Tony's, Grammy's, Golden Globes, SAG and People's Choice Awards. He is known as the Stylist with the Golden Touch and that is because every celebrity he has been a Stylist to for an awards show has come home with the gold. If anyone can help you achieve the celebrity look whether it is fashion or jewelry, Danica and Kevin can.

Cate Blanchett

Kate Landry Large CZ East-West "Right Hand" Ring A large cubic zirconia flanked by engraved leaves with CZ accents makes this sterling silver band the perfect "right hand" ring. Buy it at Dillard's for $22

J & L Designs Large CZ Ring This rhodium-plated, nickel-free ring offers the look and quality of silver, only it's stronger. The etched band features a large faceted jet cubic zirconia. Buy it at Dillard's for $38

Hand-painted ivory enamel cuff One-inch-wide hinged cuff, hand-painted with glossy enamel and plated with antiqued silver. Magnetic closure with safety lock and chain. Import. Inner circumference: 6 1/2". Buy it at J. Crew for $88

Jennifer Lopez

Stephen Dweck Rock Crystal Necklace Sterling silver with faceted and linked rock crystals. Toggle clasp. Buy it at Bergdorf Goodman for $945

Single Row Sculpted Link Necklace Long single strand necklace with sculpted links in varying sizes. 36" long. Buy it at Ann Taylor for $29.99

Crislu Cubic Zirconia Round Stone Tennis Necklace Platinum plating over sterling silver Clear, 19.0 ct. total weight, Clasp closure, 16"L Buy it at Bloomingdale's for $215

Rachel Weisz

R. Dayan Cubic Zirconia Drop Necklace Cubic zirconia necklace and oval drop. Sterling silver clasp and findings. Buy it at Bergdorf Goodman for $970

FANTASIA CZ Antique Set Necklace 22K white gold-plated sterling silver chain link cubic zirconia accents and antique set pendant. Spring ring clasp, 16" long Buy it at Bloomingdale's for $350

Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Double Circle Pendant This pendant features round-cut cubic zirconia (2-1/10 ct. t.w.) set in sterling silver. Chain measures 18 inches. Buy it at Macy's for $50

Ethnic Rocks is an online jewelry boutique that features some of the best designers in their niche. You can find the ethnic designs of Amrita Singh, Allison Daniel Designs and Dagmar by Pavan Anand, among a few others in this eclectic mix of semiprecious gemstones geared towards ethnicity and era.

Each jewelry designer found on Ethnic Rocks brings something unique to the boutique. From the Tibetan Craftman's Buddist-inspired pendants to the European-inspired jewels from Satellite Paris (the Mindanao Ring is gorgeous!), you aren't likely to find another boutique with such a variety of culture, style and nature intermixing.

To learn more about this one of a kind collaboration, visit: www.ethnicrocks.com 

*Photo Credit: Ethnic Rocks
Rhonda Kelly Abalone & Smoky Quartz Kimono Set

I don’t know about you but I am ready for some sunny weather! We keep getting little ‘teaser’ days of beautiful, summer-esque days and then the rain comes… But enough about the weather, I’m busy dreaming of my summer wardrobe and more importantly, ACCESSORIES! I spent a lot of my extra earnings on my vacation so I am in need of some jewelry that looks luxe but is more in line with my budget. So, I faithfully turn to my favorite budget-friendly fashion spots.

Here are a few favorites I’ve spotted recently…

 I LOVE the enameled bracelets from J.crew – they just came out with a whole nautical theme which is right up my alley. The starfish design on this bangle is awesome but it is $68.00…so, I checked out Forever 21 and they have this insanely cute whale enamel bracelet for $9.99 – can’t beat that! As for necklaces - bright, big, bold, and layered is the way to go this summer.

Top Shop is a one stop shop for the coolest necklaces. My favorite is this long ethnic collar necklace. Throw it on with a white tank, jeans and flip-flops and you are ready for the day. Last, but certainly not least, is earrings – I don’t think there are any rules anymore. I have been seeing large coral pieces, dainty porcelain flowers and of course, the ever-so-popular diamond stud. Head to H&M and you will be buying their entire stock of studs, dangles and everything in between – and I guarantee you will not spend more than $20!

What are your favorite places to shop for accessories? 

* Photo Credit: J.crew, Forever 21, Topshop 

Rachel Bravman: Publicist turned Jewelry Designer

Everything Rachel Bravman touches turns to gold. Yes, most of the fashion jewelry she designs for her line Rachel Leigh is already a gold color, but her finishing touch turns the celebrity coveted baubles into editorial gold.

Bravman was working as an Yves Saint Laurent publicist when she launched her jewelry line in the fall of 2004. The line was a direct answer to demands for luxury fashion jewelry that could compliment designs featured in the best fashion editorials. What resulted was a fun yet fashion forward jewelry empire worn by all the Hollywood "It" girls.

Give em' the ol' razzle dazzle...

One thing I am an absolute sucker for is a large cocktail ring.  I happen to be fortunate enough to inherit my grandmother's custom Cartier, but I am always looking for other finger fringe to change things up sometimes.  This season's offerings tend to be organic and gemstone-rich.

Many people say that it is the accessories that make or break the perfect outfit. The accessories this season have taken on an ego unto themselves--BIG! There has been a rise of presentable oversized pieces of jewelry for the fashionably inclined. Large jewelry pieces have been on the market for years, but with more artisans giving personal touches to jewelry innovation there are now more options for the jewelry consumer. Your fashion statement is huge, so you might as well have some eye-catching pieces to help out in the process. It started early in the year, when I would be walking through the mall and I would catch sight of large gold earrings on several shoppers. The earrings were a welcomed highlight to their outfits, like a star on top of the Christmas tree. Check these out:

These "Foeut" oversize drop earrings by Tryst are a great take on the doorknocker earring trend and big accessories. Reminiscent of ribbons of whipped cream, these are made of brass, as you all know is the new silver. These are a great option to dress up and top off that fabulous outfit.

Recently I was walking around a bazaar full of up and coming jewelry designers and fashion boutiques. The place was full of new and interesting things. A young lady, who I would later learn was named Raven, sat their twisting and turning at what looked like a piece of tangled wire. Raven would introduce me to her art of wire jewelry making. 
 
This image from raven's designs is a wire craddling a Zebra Finch skull (recycled) on a velvet ribbon. Raven’s artwork was a breath of fresh air.

I don’t often see new materials in jewelry design when I am out browsing different department stores and boutiques. I have seen and experienced miraculous things cast in gold and sterling silver--and brass is definitely on the rise because silver is getting to be expensive. Over a gazillion designs to display your Canadian diamonds or your cubic zirconias have been discovered, but the wiring craft and wire art territory is very narrow breed. It was only one booth out of forty that carried wire works that day at the bazaar. Raven’s materials were sterling silver wire and from what I learned, the wire is tarnished and polished using ultra fine steel wool. More photos and products are available on Raven's Etsy store.

In 2009 jewelry is all about making a statement. Costume jewelry is making a comeback due to the economy with big, bold jewelry being the ultimate fashion essential this Spring. Big and colorful statement jewelry were everywhere at the Golden Globes this year with big earrings, huge necklaces and standout bracelets. When it comes to the runway this season, boring is bad--statement jewelry will be catching attention with its big colorful baubles.

Men can now have their bit of one of the biggest trends of the season: large, statement jewelry. Dior Homme introduced oversized, colorful pins and necklaces in graphic resins in sharp colors. The rock star inspired line has consistently provided men with unique, cutting edge jewelry designs, and this season’s resin accessories certainly did not disappoint. Like the Winter 2008, consisting of enamel rings and thick bracelets in black and white, Dior Homme has again presented an original take on classic jewelry, in a masculine and trend-setting fashion.

When it comes to weddings, the budget can be a big deal. Splurging on the dress, but saving on the accessories can be a way to save some serious dollars. From weddings in Colorado to Connecticut, Anne Bellagio provides brides with sophisticated and affordable bridal jewelry in all shapes and sizes.

3" long, delicate and airy Christina earrings by Anne Bellagio. Clear pavé set crystals give a vintage vibe for your pierced ears. Available in silver or gold, $54.

 

Although the jewelry is undeniably beautiful, is it hard to say whether it's wearable outside of the fashion-centric cities. Is futuristic jewelry really the future, or will it just go down in history?

Tights are a winter staple for all women, or they should be. It's yet another way to express your personality through an outfit. Tights can be sophiscated, edgy and beautiful.

But tights are a fashion accessory, right? So why would we be talking about tights on the jewelry blog?  Well, take a look at the tights from the fall runway shows and you'll get it. The bejeweled tights for fall are bedazzling, one might say. Not only will they keep your legs warm, but they'll be the centerpiece of your outfit. These tights will be the only accessory you'll need for fall. You won't even have to wear jewelry, unless you want to of course. But I wonder, are they practical? How will this trend translate to the streets?

It seems like brooches are the least recognized piece of jewelry and I really don't know why. They've been left out of the mass market in recent years so they've been lost on the Generation Y's. But they're worn by our nation's high-profile style icons like the First Lady and Carrie from Sex and the City (remember the huge flower from the movie?) Brooches are an easy way to add sophistication and style to an ensemble without having to spend a lot of money. Plus, if you don't wear much jewelry, brooches are the perfect way to add a little glitz.

I think the best place to put a brooch is the lapel of a blazer or coat, but they can be pinned on blouses, hats and bags. For an edgy look, pin a few brooches next to each other on a lapel. Of course, the runway always displays the most beautiful brooches embellished with Swarovski crystals or diamonds or other gems, but who can really afford those? So I ask, where can you find a pretty brooch that won't break the bank?

Platinum who?  Palladium has been deemed the next cool kid on the block, dethroning platinum for the title.  Initially an underdog in the jewelry world, Palladium is predicted to be driven by designers beyond just bridal and men’s categories, where it has slowly been gaining converts over the past several years.  Despite containing 95 percent pure metal, jewelers remained disinclined to feature it in their stores for fear of consumers’ unfamiliarity of the precious metal.

A sure sign of its rise to fame came at the 2009 American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Awards where they announced that Palladium is finally gaining more acceptance in the designer world.  Many designers including Tenthio, Sasha Primak, and Michael Sugarman will be developing an entire palladium collection in conjunction with high-karat gold and platinum lines.   Additionally, retailers can expect to see an increase in palladium pieces at the summer trade shows.  Solidifying the trend, some of the most highly acclaimed names in the design world will also be adopting the metal, including Robert Lee Morris, Paul Morelli, Zoltan David, Alishan, Michael Bondanza, and Barry Kronen.

But like with all things, the economy plays a role in the rising popularity of Palladium...

Several months ago on Twitter I discovered the Spanish jewelry designer behind the indie brand Leela Bijou. From the moment I laid eyes on her exquisite pieces of what I would like to consider art, I was in complete and undeniable love. I quickly scooped up her Aquamarine crystal ring. It is a combination of Swarovski and Czech crystals and Strass prisms. This ring shines so brilliantly and has grabbed the attention of countless people whenever I wear it.

Zippers are everywhere recently. They used to be a part of our clothing that designers tried to hide, but now exposed zippers are fashionable. They're like an extra decorative piece in your outfit. It seems to coincide with the tough girl look that has become trendy these days. It's also an inexpensive way for designers and manufacturers to add an edgy aspect to a garment or accessory. It's all about the hardware!

So where are we seeing this trend? Zippers are showing up on clutches, jewelry, and shoes (remember those to-die-for zippered Louboutins?) Dresses were decked out in zippers for the 3.1 Phillip Lim and Versace Spring 2009 shows. If you like this look but haven't seen Kate Cusack's zipper jewelry, you'll fall in love. I did! It looks like art, but functions as jewelry. Will zippers remain an outward part of our wardrobes or will they go back into hiding?

In order to take advantage of this season’s biggest trend, statement jewelry, gemstones are a must! Best of all, you don’t have the break the bank when trying on this trend. Even Target has great gemstone jewelry. Erickson Beamon for Target has an array of styles, from bold necklaces to shiny earrings, which are sure to catch your eye and budget! The line has nothing over $50, so you won’t have to feel guilty after picking up this trend for spring.

Who doesn't love iconic singer and actress, Liza Minnelli? At least that is what HSN is betting on when Liza kicks off HSN's programming on June 30th to celebrate their 33rd birthday with the launch of The Liza Collection. This collection consists of fashion and jewelry that is said to be inspired by her wardrobe throughout her career. The timing could not be more perfect as Sex and the City 2 premiers this week, in which Liza has a cameo role. SATC fanatics are more crazed about the fashion than the plot line which hopefully carries over (no pun intended) to the entertainer's debut in the fashion category.

As if the excitement for the release of Eclipse on June 30th wasn't enough, you can now own jewelry based on what Bella Swan wears in the 3rd installment of the Twilight Saga. Infinite Jewelry Company and Stephenie Meyer have collaborated to give Twilight fans a more intimate connection to the lead characters via jewelry. Best of all, you can now own Bella's engagement ring, that is not only beautiful, but comes in 3 price points to make it affordable for anyone's wallet (considering most Twilight fans are still in their teens.)

Bella's Engagement Ring, which comes in Yellow and White Gold (plating if you select "fashion"), carries 13 stones; Russian CZ's if you choose the Fashion Engagement Ring ($35), brilliant cut CZ's if you choose the Fine Engagement Ring ($479) and brilliant cut, SI1 clarity, G-H color diamonds (1.06 carats) if you choose the Genuine Engagement Ring ($1979.)

My prediction is that these will sell out quickly, especially due to the way in which the jewelry company is offering them, which I think was a very smart move. So will your love for all things Twilight drive you to purchase this ring?

This summer’s New York PR jewelry trends will leave no look naked. Several must-have jewelry trends this summer are florals, white paired with gold or silver, chain links and colorful, bold statement jewelry , all of which have been prominently seen on and off the runway. So what do we do? Adopt these trends!

Florals: Florals are a hot jewelry and fashion trend this season. I don’t know about you, but every time I walk into a store, it is flooded with floral merchandise (hence why I am wearing a floral tunic right now.) Even our favorite celebrities have been spotted in floral clothes and accessories. Floral accessories add that touch of femininity to an outfit that most women crave. Can you say flower power?

Inspired by nature surrounding us, this California based jewelry designer, Kerri Wilder creates accessories that are quite different, bohemian, and eclectic. Kerri Wilder’s jewelry can be deemed as ultra hippie chic. She incorporates these delicate hammered gold bands, natural stones and gems into her very own creations. From an early age, Wilder knew that she had this desire and passion for jewelry design. She pursued her calling and now her collections are featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, People, Star, and Esquire.

What distinguishes her from other jewelry designers are her iconoclastic peace sign designs. Celebrities have been spotted wearing these peace earrings all over town. From Lindsay Lohan to Minnie Driver to Halle Berry, these celebrities are truly big fans of Kerri Wilder’s peace sign earrings. Channeling her inspiration from nature and spiritual symbolism, Kerri Wilder carries out a full line of these in her necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings creation. They are all hammered and made out of sterling silver or gold vermeil (retail price at $145).

Big earrings are in-trend this summer and if you are looking for more oomph than your basic statement hoop, then chandelier earrings may be right up your alley. Elegant and sophisticated, chandelier earrings can dress up a t-shirt and jeans or add some glamour to an already stylish ensemble. Bigger doesn't always mean you have to spend more to keep up with the jewelry trends. For example, Nadri has some gorgeous chandelier earrings that won't cost you your first born.

Many of Nadri's tiered chandelier earrings are designed with crystal's, so you have the sparkle and shine, without paying too much. I love the Peridot-colored tier chandelier earrings and the crystal broilette earrings as well. There are also chandelier's wih CZ's as well, for larger looking stones.

Is this a trend you feel meets your personal style this summer?

You may recognize or have heard of Lynne Curtin from Bravo’s hit show, "Real Housewives of Orange County." Well, now she has launched a career as a jewelry designer expanding her line into handbags, belts and wedding accessories. Much of her inspiration in her designs comes from the beautiful scenery and lifestyle of Laguna Beach.

In her latest endeavors, Lynne Curtin creates her jewelry line titled Lynne Curtin Design with fleur del lis as her staple onto her cuff bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Her designs definitely channel the inner hippie chick, glam diva and the rocker chick all rolled into one. Her designs are bold in particular her cuff bracelets which come in hot pink, black, white, gold or silver with the signature supersized fleur del lis embedded.

Admit it, you love the glitz, the glamour, and flashiness of jewelry, after all you’re a glam goddess. And, no glam goddess would dare walk out of her house without adorning her KJL (Kenneth Jay Lane)! Especially, if you ever wanted to dress like the cast members of Sex and the City, here’s your golden opportunity.

Kenneth Jay Lane is well known jewelry designer for dressing celebrities and Hollywood stars in his one of a kind, glamorous, show stopping pieces for decades. His jewelry exudes decorative appeal and functional style. Since his jewelry inception, his imaginative pieces have caught the eyes of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Vreeland, and Audrey Hepburn amongst other A-list clientele.