Jewelry
- Martha Stewart Jewelry Kits
- David Yurman at Saks Fifth Avenue
- Alexis Bittar Lucite Jewelry
- Stacked Bangles and Bracelets
- Supplies List for Tiara
- Emerald Beads
- Quick Catalog Jewelry Update
- Easy Instructions to Make Earrings
- What's Hot for Spring 2008
- Padma Lakshmi Jewelry
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Check out Martha Stewart's new line of jewelry making kits. The charm bracelet kit comes fully assembled. The only thing you have to do is select small pictures to pres
I started sewing my own clothes when I was 8 and started dying fabric using those Paz Easter egg kits at the same time. I used to stockpile the Paz kits at Easter to use year round.
I'm the type of designer that just gets sick of whatever it is I am making during the design process, hates it when it is done and has to put it away for a few days to gain perspective. Then I'm normally back in love with the design. The same is not true with the Mother's Day charm bracelet. I was happy with that design from start to finish - that's probably because the whole project took about 10 minutes to make and I didn't have a chance to get sick of looking at it.
Want to make a charm bracelet or memory pendant in less time? Check out Martha Stewart's new line of jewelry making kits. The charm bracelet kit comes fully assembled. The only thing you have to do is select small pictures to press on the glue pads placed on the bracelet's flat oval charms. The kits also come with a nice fabric gift bag.
The bracelet kit was $9.99; memory pendant $7.99. I didn't buy one but both kits seemed a good value for the price. After you select the pictures, these projects would probably take less than 3 minutes to complete.
I'm the type of designer that just gets sick of whatever it is I am making during the design process, hates it when it is done and has to put it away for a few days to gain perspective. Then I'm normally back in love with the design. The same is not true with the Mother's Day charm bracelet. I was happy with that design from start to finish - that's probably because the whole project took about 10 minutes to make and I didn't have a chance to get sick of looking at it.
Want to make a charm bracelet or memory pendant in less time? Check out Martha Stewart's new line of jewelry making kits. The charm bracelet kit comes fully assembled. The only thing you have to do is select small pictures to press on the glue pads placed on the bracelet's flat oval charms. The kits also come with a nice fabric gift bag.
The bracelet kit was $9.99; memory pendant $7.99. I didn't buy one but both kits seemed a good value for the price. After you select the pictures, these projects would probably take less than 3 minutes to complete.
David Yurman at Saks Fifth Avenue
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
If your mom is a David Yurman fan, check out the Mother's Day selection at Saks. There is also a fantastic selection of less expensive Gucci jewelry.
Sak's Fifth Avenue has an assortment of about 20 pieces of David Yurman jewelry they suggest for Mother's Day gifts. The jewelry runs the gamut from earrings to bracelets. The cheapest item is $390; the most expensive is $700.
Any one of these pieces would be a much appreciated gift for a Yurman fan. However, I don't see much value in purchasing any one of the pieces otherwise. Honestly, they all look like a stripped down version of Yurman - maybe to keep the prices less than $1000 - who knows.
Don't get me wrong - I like David Yurman. It's just that I'm not particularly fond of any of these pieces.
You want a little more bang for your buck, and still want to be able to present the gift in a Sak's bag? I suggest the Gucci Bamboo Heart Necklace at $275. It's got a nice twist on the heart shape and the bamboo theme shows you're eco-friendly.
Any one of these pieces would be a much appreciated gift for a Yurman fan. However, I don't see much value in purchasing any one of the pieces otherwise. Honestly, they all look like a stripped down version of Yurman - maybe to keep the prices less than $1000 - who knows.
Don't get me wrong - I like David Yurman. It's just that I'm not particularly fond of any of these pieces.
You want a little more bang for your buck, and still want to be able to present the gift in a Sak's bag? I suggest the Gucci Bamboo Heart Necklace at $275. It's got a nice twist on the heart shape and the bamboo theme shows you're eco-friendly.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Lucite jewelry is hot, hot, hot and has been for the past couple of seasons. The king of Lucite design is Alexis Bittar. Some of his designs are now available for rental
Lucite jewelry is hot, hot, hot and has been for the past couple of seasons. Honestly, factoring in it's attractiveness and overall just cool appearance, I don't see Lucite fading from the fashion scene for quite a while.
The king of Lucite design is Alexis Bittar. I mentioned in my wedding article one of his bracelets that would be totally appropriate for a wedding and beyond - it's priced at $395.
The good news is, if you don't want to shell out that kind of money for a special event, Bag, Borrow or Steal now offers about 12 of his pieces for rental.
Two problems - the bracelet that I specifically mention in the wedding jewelry article in not among those available for rental and two most of the pieces are wait listed.
However, it's worth a look. There is one hinged gold bracelet that would also be just fantastic for a wedding or other special event.
The king of Lucite design is Alexis Bittar. I mentioned in my wedding article one of his bracelets that would be totally appropriate for a wedding and beyond - it's priced at $395.
The good news is, if you don't want to shell out that kind of money for a special event, Bag, Borrow or Steal now offers about 12 of his pieces for rental.
Two problems - the bracelet that I specifically mention in the wedding jewelry article in not among those available for rental and two most of the pieces are wait listed.
However, it's worth a look. There is one hinged gold bracelet that would also be just fantastic for a wedding or other special event.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
They have a new line of adjustable bracelets to fit any size wrist.
The big jewelry news for Spring 2008 is stacked bangles and multiple bracelets. I reported that a couple of months ago when reporting on Spring and Fall Fashion weeks. Check out the ads in any current fashion magazine such as W, WWD or Vogue you'll see what I mean.
A reason post at In Style's style file addressed the question of finding bangles and stacked bracelets that were the right size. Alex and Ani to the rescue. They have designed a line of adjustable bracelets that you can stretch out or bring in so that they fit your personally sized wrist.
The standard size bracelet in the USA is 7.5 inches. Have petite wrist bones or slightly oversized ones? No worries, now you can wear just the right size.
"I wanted to create bangles that everyone can wear comfortably" states designer Carolyn Rafaelian. Mission accomplished.
A reason post at In Style's style file addressed the question of finding bangles and stacked bracelets that were the right size. Alex and Ani to the rescue. They have designed a line of adjustable bracelets that you can stretch out or bring in so that they fit your personally sized wrist.
The standard size bracelet in the USA is 7.5 inches. Have petite wrist bones or slightly oversized ones? No worries, now you can wear just the right size.
"I wanted to create bangles that everyone can wear comfortably" states designer Carolyn Rafaelian. Mission accomplished.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Where to buy the copper rods, Swarovski crystals, seed beads, sterling silver beads and beading wire for the prom/wedding tiara project.
All of the supplies for the prom/wedding tiara were purchased at Michael's. Here they are:
Some other suggestions:
Crafts Etc sells 3 1/16" copper rods for less than $3.
Artbeads sells 4mm wide hole sterling silver beads (maybe use 2 copper rods instead of 3) for .16 each.
If you have a beading shop in your area, they should also have a wide selection of beading supplies. Try doing a google search for 'bead shops, your city, your state'. Just for fun I did that for St.Louis Mo and I got about 6 hits in the greater St.Louis area.
- Amaco brand Wire Form three 12" thin copper rods (1/16 inch in diameter). Amaco also has a web presence where you can buy rods. (you'll have to convert the diameter and length)
- Darice brand - TOHO Treasure Beads 11/0 Round. Color: Opaque Luster Creme
- Crystal Elegance brand - 32 Swarovski 4mm Bicone Silk beads. Color:Toupie Coral
- 2 5mm sterling silver wide mouth beads.
- 2 sterling silver bead caps. Size: fit 5mm - 6mm beads
- 20 gauge Beading wire - gold tone was used for this project. You could also use gold filled or sterling silver wire.
Some other suggestions:
Crafts Etc sells 3 1/16" copper rods for less than $3.
Artbeads sells 4mm wide hole sterling silver beads (maybe use 2 copper rods instead of 3) for .16 each.
If you have a beading shop in your area, they should also have a wide selection of beading supplies. Try doing a google search for 'bead shops, your city, your state'. Just for fun I did that for St.Louis Mo and I got about 6 hits in the greater St.Louis area.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Three suggestions for purchasing emerald gemstone beads online.
My latest article about Wedding Jewelry 2008 trends mentioned emerald beads as a cost conscious alternative to emerald gemstones. I also have a few images accompanying that article of various strands of emerald beads.
Wondering where I bought them?
It's a process to purchase reasonably priced precious gemstone beads. You just have to keep your eye out and be ready to buy when you find them.
The spring green emerald necklace with ruby beads - I purchased the emerald gemstrand on ebay for $137. All gemstrands come temporarily strung. I restrung the purchase using about 1/2 the beads on the strand. So two emerald necklaces for $137 - not bad. The emerald is a very light green indicating that it's not the best of specimen but it is faceted and has alot of flash.
Two other venues - Fire Mountain Gems will occasionally carry faceted ruby, sapphire and emerald gemstrand. Make sure it clearly states 'faceted'. WIthout the facet you won't have the flash. So does The Earth Bazaar.
Wondering where I bought them?
It's a process to purchase reasonably priced precious gemstone beads. You just have to keep your eye out and be ready to buy when you find them.
The spring green emerald necklace with ruby beads - I purchased the emerald gemstrand on ebay for $137. All gemstrands come temporarily strung. I restrung the purchase using about 1/2 the beads on the strand. So two emerald necklaces for $137 - not bad. The emerald is a very light green indicating that it's not the best of specimen but it is faceted and has alot of flash.
Two other venues - Fire Mountain Gems will occasionally carry faceted ruby, sapphire and emerald gemstrand. Make sure it clearly states 'faceted'. WIthout the facet you won't have the flash. So does The Earth Bazaar.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Neiman Marcus has some fantastic cubic zirconia jewelry set in 18-kt white gold vermeil. Give the jewelry to Mom in a Luxe Jewelry Box from West Elm.
I'm putting up an article on how to make charmed layered chains for mother's day. Check back in about 2 -3 weeks. I've also just put up an article on how to make a killer pair of princess cut cubic zirconia earrings.
Can't be bothered to make it yourself? Neiman Marcus has some fantastic cubic zirconia jewelry - the brand is Fantasia by Deserio. They are not set in 14k gold - the setting is 18-kt white gold vermeil. The 5 carat square cut studs (Item #17E) cost $125; round cut 4.5 carat studs (Item # 17F) are $89.
Total cost to make the 6mm princess cut (square) 14K gold leverback earrings in my article was under $100. So I still think if you are the least bit handy it's a better bet to make 'em yourself - but the Fantasia jewelry is a nice alternative.
Give them to Mom or that special lady in the West Elm Lux Jewelry Box (Item #59-9480179). It comes in three lacquer finishes: ivory or antique silver with black velvet lining and yellow with natural linen lining. Cost: $89.
Can't be bothered to make it yourself? Neiman Marcus has some fantastic cubic zirconia jewelry - the brand is Fantasia by Deserio. They are not set in 14k gold - the setting is 18-kt white gold vermeil. The 5 carat square cut studs (Item #17E) cost $125; round cut 4.5 carat studs (Item # 17F) are $89.
Total cost to make the 6mm princess cut (square) 14K gold leverback earrings in my article was under $100. So I still think if you are the least bit handy it's a better bet to make 'em yourself - but the Fantasia jewelry is a nice alternative.
Give them to Mom or that special lady in the West Elm Lux Jewelry Box (Item #59-9480179). It comes in three lacquer finishes: ivory or antique silver with black velvet lining and yellow with natural linen lining. Cost: $89.
Easy Instructions to Make Earrings
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Leverback earring hangers and 2 cubic zirconias are used for this easy DIY project.
Here is the supplies list for the instructions to make the cubic zirconia solitaire earrings posted as part of my 3 part series on ring maintenance and jeweler's pliers.
These supplies were purchased at Rio Grande. You will need to set up an account at Rio Grande to shop there.
If you do not want to set up an account at Rio Grande try Fire Mountain Gems. They've got some sterling silver leverback earring hangers with Snap-Tite settings. Just make sure the stone you purchase is the exact same size and shape as the setting.
Ok - here are the exact supplies for the earrings made in the article:
Check out the instructions. They are extremely easy - even for the beginner.
I love my pair - they are my new staple. And, the princess cut is a good twist on wearing round studs.
These supplies were purchased at Rio Grande. You will need to set up an account at Rio Grande to shop there.
If you do not want to set up an account at Rio Grande try Fire Mountain Gems. They've got some sterling silver leverback earring hangers with Snap-Tite settings. Just make sure the stone you purchase is the exact same size and shape as the setting.
Ok - here are the exact supplies for the earrings made in the article:
- 14K gold 6x6 square leverback earring hangers (2 to a package) - Item #620261. When I purchased these in March 2008 the cost was $57.33. Remember - you can always go to Fire Mountain Gems and purchase sterling silver - but you will have to work with round settings.
- Cubic zirconia 6MM princess cut - Item #069484. I got a package of 10 for $14. You will only need 2 but save the rest to make more jewelry.
Check out the instructions. They are extremely easy - even for the beginner.
I love my pair - they are my new staple. And, the princess cut is a good twist on wearing round studs.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Load your arms with leather or cloth bracelets Spring 2008. Charmed jewelry is still a safe bet for up to the minute jewelry accessories.
Here is my recap of two very current fashion trends:
As Marie Claire states in their March 2008 issue, "if you can still raise your arm, you're not wearing enough".
Keep on eye on on my jewelry making articles as this is an easy beginner project that will be published in time to make one for Mother's Day.
- thin leather or fabric bracelets worn in multiples. They do not all have to be the same color. In fact, with a solid color dress or top it makes more of an impact if you use different coordinating colors. If staying in the same color family, vary the type of leather or fabrics used. For example, mix patent leather with suede or braided cotton with buckled linen.
As Marie Claire states in their March 2008 issue, "if you can still raise your arm, you're not wearing enough".
- Charmed jewelry is still a very safe bet for Spring/Summer 2008. This type of jewelry is a perpetual favorite. Even if it goes slightly out of fashion for a few seasons, charmed jewelry, like many fashion trends will cycle back.
Keep on eye on on my jewelry making articles as this is an easy beginner project that will be published in time to make one for Mother's Day.
Posted by
Maire Loughran
Maire Loughran
Padma Lakshmi is always dressed in up to date jewelry that looks fantastic with her garments.
April 19, 2008 Update: Ok - what's happened? Ms. Lakshmi has totally abandoned wearing the cool jewelry of seasons past. She's still wearing some great outfits but has gone totally minimalistic on the jewelry. Very disappointing, she used to be a role model for combining garments with appropriate jewelry.
Top Chef has kicked off it's new season in Chicago. I've watched it for the past three years. A good part of the reason why I watch the show is the fabulous jewelry Padma Lakshmi wears on the show. She is always dressed in up to date jewelry that looks fantastic with her garments.
I remember last year she worn a turquoise blue top with a pair of tan slacks. She had on a pair of awesome turquoise earrings. But the stunner of the outfit was a turquoise studded belt buckle. It was just an amazing look - a great upscale, casual outfit.
Season 4, show 1 did not disappoint. During the Quick Fire Challenge she wore a set of bangle bracelets that had some sort of a set off design element. Very, very cool and they really went well with the simple dress she wore.
Try to catch this show, at least in reruns. Bravo replays episodes frequently each week.
Top Chef has kicked off it's new season in Chicago. I've watched it for the past three years. A good part of the reason why I watch the show is the fabulous jewelry Padma Lakshmi wears on the show. She is always dressed in up to date jewelry that looks fantastic with her garments.
I remember last year she worn a turquoise blue top with a pair of tan slacks. She had on a pair of awesome turquoise earrings. But the stunner of the outfit was a turquoise studded belt buckle. It was just an amazing look - a great upscale, casual outfit.
Season 4, show 1 did not disappoint. During the Quick Fire Challenge she wore a set of bangle bracelets that had some sort of a set off design element. Very, very cool and they really went well with the simple dress she wore.
Try to catch this show, at least in reruns. Bravo replays episodes frequently each week.
Pages 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10