What’s the Hottest Trend in 2010?

Right now, it’s all about the turquoise!

Historically and culturally, turquoise jewelry has appeared all over the globe ranging from Egyptian Queens to Persian minors, Native Americans and remains the most popular gemstone in Mexican jewelry. Turquoise, which means “Turkish stone”, earned its name in the middle ages when Turkish traders used turquoise as a means of trade and introduced the stone to Europe. Ancient Europeans then gave turquoise stones as forget-me-not gifts or a sign of adoration.

 Today, turquoise is globally mined with large turquoise deposits in six American states as well as China, Brazil, Armenia, Russia and several other countries. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is one of the most expensive types of turquoise found exclusively in the mines of Arizona. It is considered to be highly desirable, particularly the rare stones containing no matrix and consisting only of a pure blue color.

Turquoise is adored for its vibrant blue shade which has inspired architecture, home decor and the fashion industry. It’s because of this historical stone that this year’s hottest color is none other than turquoise.

 Turquoise jewelry is the perfect accessory to just about any outfit. A turquoise ring looks great with jeans and an ornate turquoise necklace is the perfect contrast to a simple black top. Mix it with shades of purple to create a more vibrant you and add a burst of color to your day.

But turquoise jewelry isn’t your only option. To match that fabulous turquoise top you practically stole off the clearance rack at Target, try on some diamond stud earrings or a black onyx pendant. The best part about turquoise is its versatility - match it with silver or gold so you can switch up your color scheme every day and still be wearing this year’s most fashionable color.

 

Three FABULOUS New Years Resolutions

I’m all about being healthy, but I’ve learned that my weight resolutions each year stick for about a two weeks (even one week’s kind of stretching it) before it’s back to pizza on Fridays and Chinese during the week. So this year let’s make some “practical” resolutions I just know we’ll be more willing to keep.

1.     Step Out of Your Fashion Comfort Zone

Believe me, I understand not wanting to cut your hair and that department store prices don’t meet your budget… but that is still no excuse to not do something a little more exciting with your look than wearing a patterned top.

How about if you pick up some great vintage pieces at your local thrift store or add a splash of color into that “natural” makeup.  And don’t forget, you can always, always, always throw in some vibrant new jewelry.

2.     Whatever the Occasion…Overdress!

I’m sick of settling for an old t-shirt and washed out jeans. Let’s slip into our little black dresses (just brush the dust off) and step into our 3 inch heels (fashion over function) and meet at the local Starbucks for lattes on the patio outside.

3.      Treat Yourself

Yeah, yeah, I know Christmas was just last week… but who cares?! You just HAVE to treat yourself sometimes. This year I promise to treat myself more often to ice cream, shoes, and those diamond stud earrings my boyfriend didn’t take the hint about for Christmas.

Whimsical Weekend

Go Explore!

Sultry Sapphires

I’ve noticed that when I’m working with jewelry – certain pieces always make me feel a certain way. I’ll be working with a group – sometimes it’s the same type of stones or sometimes it’s a variety of different stones in a similar design style, regardless – each lends itself to a certain mood, decade or occasion.

Recently we received a massive shipment of sapphire and diamond jewelry.

….I immediately thought, “Classic Hollywood.”

I can almost see the gorgeous dame waltzing in from out of the rain – pushing her way into the male lead’s detective office past the unkempt secretary’s desk…cigar smoke fills the room while she dramatically unfolds her mysterious tale in a sultry deep voice.  The male lead, suave though he hasn’t shaved in days, doesn’t usually take cases like this, but he’s powerless against her beauty.

Those  movies had such character.  Even though the plots were, by description, formulaic, there is always something unexpected.  They were filled with drama, intrigue, a handsome lead and fantastic clothing.  I absolutely love film noir.  It’s cheesy, but true.

So, the other day, it wasn’t at all surprising that I found myself day dreaming about Humphrey Bogart while clicking away at the deep navy blue beauties.  I couldn’t help it.

I think about how jewelry makes me feel and what the stones seem to say.   To me, sapphires say timeless beauty.  They ooze sophistication.  They’re dramatic because they’re oddly mysterious; that midnight blue color doesn’t reveal anything, it’s as though something may be hiding just under the surface…something you can’t quite reach but want desperately hold.

To me, sapphires remind me of the dame from the classic detective drama, the film noir chic.

What do they say to you?

Purple Passion

I was inspired by Italy’s fantastically vibrant fashions….

The hottest color? Purple.

Everyone except the perfectly chiseled statues were wearing purple. Shop windows were washed with the color, mannequins draped in all shades from the lightest lavender to the deepest wine, even the men donned the delectable hue.

So, in honor of impeccable Italian taste – we stocked this ring: