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.

Dolce & Gabanna and Chanel, watch out! Prada has answered your costume jewelry lines with one of its own and it's just as brand laden as yours!  

Women's Wear Daily reported that Prada "commissioned an exclusive shatterproof material that is cut to resemble a precious stone and is set in metal bezels" in order to replicate the stones that compose the desired color scheme of  kiwi green, teal blue, purple, black and copper.

These "stones" are often fastened to grosgrain ribbons to form necklaces, earrings and bracelets within the line.  The line would not be designer without a status evoking label approach.  This is evident in the well-known PRADA logo taking up prime real estate on many pieces.

The pieces run from $200-800 and should be in stores sometime this month.

It could be speculated that this move was made in the expectation of less than luxe "Dear Santa" letters.  As long as the logo is prominently displayed a costume jewelry piece from Prada conquers the same goal as a few-thousand-dollar bag...status.  I can see more than a few women using the highly-branded baubles as a luxe statement to an otherwise budget-savvy outfit.  What do you think?