Thursday, May 16, 2013

The Great Gatsby Jewelry Inspirations




The lavish treatment of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald in the 2013 movie is embellished with period pieces of remarkable jewelry. 


Women in pearls, headpieces, and Deco-style jewelry are the highlight of the Jazz Age and this style is seen in abundance.




Notice tassel necklaces and jewels with conch pearls that showcase the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.





The glitz of the era is also seen in the sparkling diamond pieces on wrists and fingers. 





“This exuberant, very decorative style [of the 1920’s] constantly comes back as a key point to designers,” Catherine Martin, costume designer of The Great Gatsby, said.





Tiffany’s kicked off a signature Gatsby jewelry collection. Look around for similar styles at fine jewelry stores and you too can be as glamorous as the movie’s Daisy Buchanan!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!



Here’s To Moms!

Cordova Jewelry
When it comes to moms, what can be said? They mean the world to us! Enjoy spending time with your mom – make the most of small moments. She’ll appreciate it and you’ll be glad you did. Caring and sharing is what it’s all about. 



 



If you give gifts, consider something meaningful to her. Cordova jewelry allows you to incorporate the birthstones of all the children into a necklace, bracelet, or ring. 


  

Or how about jewelry created from mother of pearl for your mother? Mother of pearl is a blend of minerals formed in mollusks that has beautiful iridescence.   
Mother of Pearl and Pink Tourmaline Earrings
Lori Bonn Mother of Pearl Charm














Pandora and Lori Bonn have nice selections of Mom charms for her favorite bracelet. 

PANDORA Mom Charm

Lori Bonn Mom jewelry














Alex and Ani Mom Bracelet


Alex and Ani has a cool Mom bangle bracelet and 
a Mother Mary one too. 


 
Whatever you choose, do it from the heart and show your mom some love on Mother’s Day, and as often as you can!
What will you get your mom?

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Hypoallergenic Tips


Problem:
 
Are you sensitive to some jewelry? It’s not uncommon for people to have allergic reactions to metals such as nickel. Materials like nickel are added to other pure metals creating alloys in some jewelry.
Does your skin get red and irritated in the area you are wearing jewelry? Consider hypoallergenic solutions to lessen or eliminate the problem!

Solutions:
  • Do some investigating and get some relief! You may want to go to an allergist and get tested to determine which metals are offensive to you. Also, check with your jeweler to see what may be the issue – others have the same problems, it’s not just you!
  • Try some alternate metals that are deemed hypoallergenic. The most hypoallergenic material is stainless steel – it isn’t combined with other alloys to harden it. You won’t encounter irritation with this metal.
  • For ear piercing, sensitivity to metals can be an issue.  A great, completely hypoallergenic choice is titanium instead of the typical 14K gold.
  • Platinum has a greater purity than most metals and is a perfect choice to combat sensitivity.
  • Do you know about palladium? It is less expensive than platinum (and lighter) and is hypoallergenic.
  • Consider replacing the parts of jewelry that come in contact with your skin like earring posts and backs.
Wear your jewelry in comfort without compromising style by incorporating these hypoallergenic ideas!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Alternate Metals - Try Something Different



Gold, platinum, and silver – if you’ve been following the blog, you know all about those cherished and true metals. Why not consider some alternate choices? When using alternate metals in jewelry, some concerns might be - is it scratch proof, strong, rust resistant, and so on. To see if some other metal choices are right for you, check out these multiple choices…

1)      To which metal is chromium added to make it rust resistant? 
         a)    Tungsten 
         b)    Brass 
         c)    Stainless Steel
The chromium combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a thin, invisible layer on the steel creating c) Stainless Steel. No one wants a rusty watch! Find stainless steel in bracelet watch bands from Michele Watches.


2)      Which metal is an alloy of copper and tin and is harder than copper and iron and far more resistant to corrosion?
         a)  Brass 
         b)  Cobalt
         c) Palladium
Prone to oxidation, a) brass will develop a patina over time.  This layer can actually protect it from corrosion. Try brass cufflinks! There’s a fantastic new piece of John Hardy men’s jewelry in our collection – a stainless steel chain with a brass anchor – combines the first two metals for a fresh new look!

3)      What is a dense, silvery-white, lustrous metal that is extremely strong and scratch proof?
         a)      Palladium
         b)      Tungsten
         c)      Titanium
From the Swedish words which mean "heavy stone", b) tungsten is a favorite for men’s wedding bands because of its durability. Check out some bands that rock from Benchmark.

4)      Which metal is used for its reliable strength, hypoallergenic properties, and high luster?
         a)      Cobalt
         b)      Copper 
         c)     Sterling Silver
Jewelry designers can use a special blend of a) cobalt and other alloys to create unlimited unique styles.  Scott Kay is a designer who works beautifully with this alternative metal. According to the website, it is “The most superior contemporary metal known to man.” – Scott Kay


5)      Named for Greek mythology, this next metal is strong, lightweight, and lustrous.
     a)    Palladium
          b)    Chromium
          c)    Titanium
Extremely strong, Titanium is named after the Titans of mythology. William Henry Studios employs only aerospace-grade titanium alloy in their superior collectible knives.

Next time, find out more about hypoallergenic materials great for anyone who suffers from sensitivity to metals.