Fashion Jewelry for the Rest of Us

June 13, 2010

Most of us can agree that it doesn’t take an abundance of wealth to buy fashion jewelry. There is something about fashion jewelry that allows all of us to look good and feel good without having to break the bank. The unique advantage of buying fashion jewelry is that you can actually buy several jewelry pieces for every outfit you wear for a small investment. But if you are buying fine jewelry from Tiffany or Cartier, you might get away with one or two pieces for the same price it would cost for 30 or 40 fashion jewelry items.

The other unique things I see in fashion jewelry is that it is worn by the lower, middle, and upper class. It does not discriminate because it is affordable and available everywhere. Next time you walk into Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Kohl’s you will find a whole section of the store related to fashion jewelry. And yes, there are a few expensive jewelry pieces. But for the most part, you can get nice fashion jewelry for small potatoes in relation to fine jewelry.

But don’t mistake buying fashion jewelry for being cheap. Yes, money plays a part in it, but you also have to look good and be able to coordinate your fashion jewelry with your wardrobe or it is a waste of money (even if it’s cheap). I think that it takes more creativity and style to shop for fashion jewelry then it does to shop for fine jewelry. If you have the money and the riches, you can look great wearing a pair of two-carat diamond earrings. But what if you don’t have the $40,000 to spend on a pair of diamond earrings? Do you have the imagination, knowledge, and smarts to find a great set of earrings, a bracelet, and a necklace to match your outfit for the evening? That takes style to pull off!

By Pocket Watch Guide | Posted in Bracelets, Earrings, Jewelry, Necklaces, Rings, Uncategorized, charm bracelets, silver jewelry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments off

Color Ideas for a Natural Bracelet

April 29, 2010

A really great thing about a natural bracelet is that it brings in a lot of beautiful organic colors that can even be a bright. This is a simple way to add color to your wardrobe and it’s not expensive. You might be afraid to wear a lot of color or you just want something that compliments you. Instead, you can bring it in on your jewelry for a welcome way to break up that basic black or white outfit.

Color doesn’t have to be daring it could even be a subtle champagne diamond. For instance, a lot of this jewelry features delicate bands in different colors of tan, black and brown. You can make these kind of pieces inspirational or sentimental. Often times you’ll find a candidate that looks like a sterling silver charm with a word such as hope or peace. This can be a very organic feeling piece but at the same time it can also be a great gift if someone just needs a little bit of a pick me up. It can be a reminder and also a conversation piece at the same time and is a very budget friendly option.

Of course, you can bring in color by the type of stone that you use. You could make this feel very modern and contemporary by going with a black onyx piece. You can find a lot of rather large pieces that you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe. However, it will be a little bit more elegant than just cheap rhinestone bracelets because you’ll be using a genuine material. It’s also important to pay attention to the metal color. Sterling silver seems to be the staple for these kinds of designs just because it is so inexpensive. At the same time, you want to make sure that it has a brushed or antique finish so that it isn’t too glaring. You want to make sure that the focal point is the stone and the free-form feeling.

By Pocket Watch Guide | Posted in Bracelets, Jewelry, Uncategorized, charm bracelets | Comments off

Silver Heart Charms

April 19, 2010

Dangling gently from a thin metal chain is a small ornament, simple in design but drawing attention all the same. It is a heart-shaped pendant, made from precious silver.

These silver heart charms are the perfect complement to any outfit; with their simple yet elegant design, they accentuate without being overbearing or flashy.

The pendants come in a variety of sizes and designs, but all hold one unique thing in common: they are formed in the shape of a heart, the everlasting symbol of love and faithfulness.  Just like other examples of heart jewelry, they are a clear representation of the feelings that one person has for another.

Gold metal is often a popular choice, but silver holds its own niche in the market. With a smooth elegance that quietly asserts itself, silver charms stand out both in formal and casual wear. They can be found on an assortment of accessories, the most common being bracelets or necklaces, as well as earrings or even key chains.

The availability of designs are nearly limitless; anything from a simple silver charm to exquisite scroll-work and carved designs, with precious stones as accents. A trendy design that is most often seen is a heart-shaped locket. This heart-warming charm is hollow inside, with a tiny clasp that can be opened to reveal the touching memento within. It can be a memorable picture of loved ones such as children or a spouse, or sometimes a lock of hair, such as from a baby’s first haircut, to remember the occasion by. Occasionally the lady’s name, or some other word (“love,” and “hope,” are two examples), is inscribed on the charm in a gentle, curving font.

Whether worn on a thin chain around the neck or on the wrist, silver heart charms are a lovely addition to accessorize any outfit. Blending in with the rest of the attire, they still manage to stand out enough to catch the eye. Casual outing or formal dinner: there are few events that cannot stand such a beautiful complement.

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Dolphin Jewelry Touches The Heart

March 26, 2010

Words cannot describe the beauty and gracefulness of dolphins, as they seem to effortlessly glide through water and perform endearing back flips.  Dolphin jewelry has greatly grown in popularity over the past several years.  Much of this may be attributed to the awareness that is growing toward the endangerment of dolphins.   This is due to water pollution and them taking the same routes as tuna and as a result they are caught in the nets of commercial fishermen fishing for tuna.

Animal jewelry is well loved by many and dolphin costume jewelry has become a favorite in jewelry gift categories.  You will find that costume jewelry design creations are generally quite affordable and many of the creations are charming and beautiful.  Both young girls and mature ladies love this type of jewelry because it enables them to express their style, personality and support of worthy causes, such as dolphin endangerment, at an affordable price.

You can find dolphin jewelry in almost any material; sterling silver, white gold and platinum are well suited for dolphin theme designs because it is reflective of the natural coloring of dolphins.  Some people choose to build their jewelry wardrobes around jewelry created only with designs in precious metals. If someone on your gift list only wears jewelry made from precious metals, then it would probably be best to stay around from fashion costume jewelry as a gift for them.

If you have a young daughter and want to make her aware and conscious of the endangerment of dolphins, then a dolphin jewelry gift would be a great way to do this.  When you give her the gift, you can explain to her about this deep concern.  This will make the gift even more meaningful to her.

Many of us can easily recall seeing the beloved Flipper on television.  Charmingly friendly, smart and loving could easily describe Flipper.  The next time you are jewelry shopping for a gift, perhaps consider a dolphin inspired piece.  Just like Flipper, it will likely touch your gift recipient’s heart.

By Pocket Watch Guide | Posted in Earrings, Jewelry, Necklaces, Rings, Uncategorized, charm bracelets | Tagged , | Comments off

Diamond Tennis Bracelet

March 9, 2010

Diamond tennis bracelets come in a large array of styles and colors. The term tennis bracelet refers to a bracelet that may or may not have a clasp on it and there are diamonds around the entire perimeter of the bracelet. A common design is for the diamonds to be set in square settings. These diamonds are squares all the way around the entire bracelet and are attached to one another. However, the diamonds can be set in other shapes as well, such as flowers, diamonds, circles, ovals and many more. Also, there can be patterns within the diamond tennis bracelet. For example, small circles then flowers and then circles and so on all the way around the bracelet as well.


Furthermore, a diamond tennis bracelet can be made out of gold, either yellow or white, platinum or sterling silver. For example, the bracelet may have gold and white gold combined throughout the bracelet in a pattern. Also, they are usually made as 10 or 14 carat gold with 1/2, 3.0 or 4.0 carat diamonds. However, the diamonds can be any size, depending on the bracelet and manufacturer.

Also, another variation of the diamond tennis bracelet is for there to be no clasp and instead the bracelet is made on a stretch material, so that it can be slid over the wrist. The designs are the same and the fact that it is made of gold or sterling sliver does not change either, just how the bracelet is worn.
Another variation is a tennis bracelet with diamonds and other gem stones added. For instance, diamonds with rubies around the bracelet or other gemstones added as accent color to the bracelet.

No matter what color or style you are looking for in diamond tennis bracelets, there are so many choices to choose from.  If you’re a jewellery buff check out the gold jewellery expert for more of your favorite designs.  A simple, yet elegant piece of jewellery that can be worn as part of casual attire to dress an outfit up or added to evening wear as the main focal piece. Either way, it is versatile and beautiful piece of jewellery with many options.

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Sterling Silver Angel Wing Jewelry

March 7, 2010

I have fallen in love with sterling silver angel wing jewelry.  I just love the way angel wing jewelry looks and feels, it is unique, it is light and dainty, yet, at the same time, it is seems powerful to me.

Does that make sense? Most people’s list of powerful images wouldn’t usually include an image of an angel.  Yet, if you really think about it, and depending on you religious or spiritual persuasion, an angel could very well be one of the most powerful forces in your life.

Of all the angel wing jewelry, my favorite are the ones made from sterling silver.  For some reason, I simply like sterling silver jewelry better than gold jewelry these days.

Sterling silver is less expensive than gold, it catches and reflects the light easier, and goes it with everything from your most most elegant attire to the basic t-shirt and jeans.

I have seen beautifully designed and crafted angel wing necklaces and earrings, but my favorites are the sterling silver charm bracelets filled with all kinds of  angels.  In my mind, I guess the only downside  to sterling silver angel wing jewelry is trying to choose the perfect sterling silver angel charms that I want to wear on my charm bracelet.

There are so many to choose from, sometimes, I get overwhelmed.  I have seen angel wing jewelry at the big chain jewelry stores, but they seemed cold and impersonal.  I usually buy my jewelry from an arts and crafts fair or actually make my own.

When buying ready made sterling silver jewelry or sterling silver findings and components to make your own masterpiece you need to make sure it is .925 sterling silver.

You also need to make sure it is lead free.    Why is lead bad?  Because once you get lead into your system, it is difficult to remove, and it has been known to cause some serious medical problems.

Bargain silver jewelry shoppers usually think that silver jewelry imported from China is a great deal, but actually most of it contains lead.  So, bottom line…pay a little more for real .925 sterling silver, you will be glad you did in the long run.

Whether it is angel wing jewelry or some other form of sterling silver jewelry, check carefully to see that it is stamped or marked .925 sterling silver.

By Pocket Watch Guide | Posted in Jewelry, Necklaces, Uncategorized, charm bracelets | Tagged , , , , | Comments off

Ideas For Charms And Charm Bracelets

January 4, 2010

There are literally thousands of different types of charms out there, as well there are many different ways to pick out charms for a charm bracelet; here are just a few ways to do so. Keep in mind this is just a general outline with general meanings.

The zodiac sign charm is probably one of the most often used on charm bracelets. There are twelve signs in the zodiac.  If a person is a Sagittarius you could get them charms that relate their sign such as a horse and archer or the planet Jupiter or a symbol for fire. Another idea for the person who is into astrology is to get them all twelve zodiac charms so that they will have the complete zodiac on their bracelet.  Other charms that would fall into this category are birthstone charms.

Awareness charms are charms for bracelets that more than likely represent a cause such as raising the awareness for breast cancer. These are great for those who are going through or who have gone through such a traumatic event. These are also great fundraiser ideas to help raise awareness for the cause. Selling the bracelet charms for a couple of bucks is a good way to make money for a foundation or charity as well.

Italian charms are very popular over in Europe and are fast becoming very popular among those who collect here in the states. The main difference between an Italian charm bracelet and a traditional one is the way the charms are attached. The Italian charm attaches to the bracelet much like that of a link of a watch, this is different than regular charms because they usually just dangle or hang from a loop which is connected to a bracelet.

Animals are popular charms especially if it is of the animal that owner of the bracelet has. These come in most every type of breed and variation that one can think of.

Good luck charms that are commonly used are:

The Italian Horn: worn to ward off or protect against evil.

The Horn of plenty/Cornucopia: symbol of food and abundance.

The Four leaf clover: According to legend, each leaflet represents something: the first is for fame, the second is for wealth, the third is for love, and the fourth is for health

The Mustard Seed: Protects against all harm.

The Horse Shoe: Gives general well being.

The Mazel: is the Hebrew word for “luck,” “fate” or “fortune”.

The Acorn: Protects against lightning strikes.

The Akuaba: Gives fertility.

The Angel: Guards against evil.

The Maneki Neko / Beckoning Cat: brings about good fortune.

Dolphins: Believed to give safe voyage in sea voyage and in life.

Double Happiness: Wedding happiness

The Elephant: endure, longevity, and ensure good business meetings or a journey.

The Eye of Horus: Protect from evil and bring good luck.

The FU: means good fortune in Chinese

The Hamsa/Hamesh Hand: good fortune, happiness, love, and good health.

The Jade: Meant to cleanse ones soul, good fortune, Protect from evil.

The Kokopelli: fertility, wealth though charity, good luck

The Ladybug: General good luck, gardening

The Hotei/Laughing Buddha: wealth

The Nazar Boncugu: Wards of the evil eye.

The Peace symbol: Symbolizes peace

The Pig: wealth and fertility

The Scarab: Heart Health, general good luck.

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