Six Picks: Heartless

In celebration of a certain upcoming jewelry-receiving opportunity holiday, this week’s Six Picks features some romantic jewelry gift ideas.

Since you can’t chuck a charm bracelet* without hitting a display of heart-shaped jewelry, however, I’ve chosen a few of my favorite pieces that convey the romantic spirit of the holiday in other ways. (Nothing personal, heart-shaped jewelry. I still love you.)

1. Initial necklaces like this one from cinnamonsticks on Etsy are incredibly sweet. It would be fun to get your first initial and the initial of your significant other. I love the vintage “wax seal” look, too.

2. Roses are a Valentine’s Day staple, and these earrings (available at Amazon.com) will definitely last longer than your average bouquet. These are made from 14kt gold, with bezel-set diamond accents.

3. Personal notes are always appreciated on special occasions. This necklace (available at Red Envelope) can be personalized with a message that fits into the envelope pendant.

4. These earrings from izuly on Etsy feature a lovely pink color palette. The shades of pink found on the rose quartz and tourmaline stones are a subtle nod to the romance of the occasion.

5. If true love is forever, then the infinity symbol on this bracelet from Tiffany & Co. is the perfect reminder. In classic Tiffany style, its simple, tasteful design could make it a wardrobe staple.

6. Pinterest jewelry addicts may have seen this ring from metalnat before, but I think it deserves a place in this roundup. It’s made by hand from sterling silver.

* Sorry. That’s so stupid, it’s funny. (Maybe that should be my new tagline?) It has just been one of those days, you know?

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On Pinterest? Repin this jewelry and other pieces from my boards, and don’t forget to follow!

I was not paid or otherwise compensated to write about the jewelry shown in this post. All opinions are my own.

News: Accessorize for a Cause

What’s the only thing that can improve a great accessory? Having the money that you spend on that accessory go toward a good cause.

At age seven, Greer Gates began making and selling jewelry to raise funds for cancer research. Gates, now 14, was inspired to start her venture when a family friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. You can read more about her story here (Kitsap Sun).

The necklace shown below is from her Etsy shop, and additional information is available at MyJewelsofHope.com.

As you might imagine, my recent love of pink jewelry made this necklace catch my eye.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news:

• PBS Pulls ‘Downton Abbey’ Jewelry Line: MSNBC
• Police Seek Owners of Buried Jewelry: Battle Creek Enquirer
• Coach and Tony Duquette’s Estate Create Jewelry Line: Star-Telegram
• Couples Create Their Own Wedding Rings: The New York Times

Wedding Jewelry Wednesday: Pretty in Pink Bridal Jewelry

I don’t know if it’s the approaching Valentine’s Day holiday or just a personal preference for the color, but pink jewelry has been on my mind lately. Aside from being a popular choice for bridesmaid dresses and accessories, it’s also a very beautiful color for bridal jewelry.

If you’re thinking about incorporating pink accessories, here are a few ideas:

Multi-strand necklace. Pearls are a classic addition to any bridal attire, but this pink-and-white version is a unique twist. The multi-strand design would look great with a strapless gown. (Blue Nile)

Accent color bracelet. A bracelet is a great option if you want to wear pink jewelry on your wedding day, but don’t necessarily want it to be front and center. I like that this bracelet adds just a bit of sparkle without being too fussy. Plus, how sweet is that heart at the end of the chain? (fineheart on Etsy)

Pearl & stone set. In last week’s Wedding Jewelry Wednesday, I wrote about bridal jewelry sets. Here’s a unique set that incorporates pearls with rough-cut pink stones. (Amazon)

Sparkling chandelier earrings. Dangling earrings are always a romantic choice. These earrings feature a lovely petal pink color that would suit a bride. (1928)

Did you (or someone you know) wear pink bridal jewelry? What do you think of colorful jewelry on brides?

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Six Picks: Starry Eyed

Due to a technical difficulty that was definitely not caused by operator error (cough), you may have gotten a sneak peek at this post.* Sorry about that.

On to this week’s Six Picks, which is all about classic star shapes. Five-point star motifs offer a fun, instantly recognizable touch to a piece. Actress Kristin Bell is even wearing a star-shaped necklace on the February cover of Self magazine (see photos at Celebuzz).

1. These Swarovski starfish earrings from JAMJewelryShop on Etsy are a playful twist on the five-point star. I love the golden champagne-like color.

2. Star-shaped jewelry definitely isn’t all demure. This chunky sterling silver ring from Overstock is simple but makes a statement.

3. There are a lot of great stamped/custom jewelry options on Etsy, but this bracelet from JCGemsJewelry stood out to me because of its oversized ring paired with dainty charms. The four stamped charms give you plenty of space for the initials of your favorite people.

4. Speaking of customization, Things Remembered is well-known for its personalized jewelry. This sparkling swing star necklace shows off the black-and-white gem trend.

5. If you’re a fan of vintage-inspired jewelry (which I definitely am), these earrings from 1928 are a sweet choice. They have a touch of sparkle that’s not over-the-top.

6. This Carrie Saxl necklace, available at Max & Chloe, is the most casual option of the bunch. The cutout star dangling above the larger pendant is a very nice touch.

The title of this week’s post was inspired by the song performed by Ellie Goulding. If you need a workout/get motivated song, check it out:

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On Pinterest? Repin this jewelry and other pieces from my boards, and don’t forget to follow!

*I blame the blog goblins. (Bloglins?) They’re real and they’re everywhere.

Sale Spotting: 1/21/12

It’s the end of a crazy week for me, so I’m definitely excited that it’s Saturday. I’m almost as excited to check out some sales.

Ross-Simons is having a 25% off site-wide sale. I love this amethyst necklace – it’s a great way to get in on the rose gold trend.

• Diamond engagement event through January 23rd: Helzberg Diamonds
• Valentine’s Day jewelry (select items on sale): Emitations
• Take an extra 10% off store-wide: Zales
• Gemstone jewelry on sale: Lilhouette on Etsy
• 70% off select gold-over-sterling jewelry: Kohl’s
• 30% off moving sale: Ooooh…Shiny on Etsy

I’m always on the lookout for deals to feature in future posts. See a great sale? Having one for your store? Email the details to thisjewelrywardrobe@gmail.com.

News: Top Brass?

Is brass the new gold? Some jewelers and designers seem to think so. (Read the article at the Kansas City Star.) Because of the high price of gold, some are turning to brass as a more affordable alternative.

Kelly Wearstler, one of the designers mentioned in the article, sells this brass charm bracelet with cubes. I’m a big fan of Wearstler’s glamorous interiors, and her jewelry captures the same luxe look.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news:

• A look at upcoming trends in the jewelry world: JCK Online
• L.A. gallery helps male celebrities accessorize: Los Angeles Times
• 2011 celebrity engagement rings: Jewelry Information Center
• How is a diamond like a champagne cork? Find out: Wired

Wedding Jewelry Wednesday: Statement Piece or Set?

When it comes to bridal jewelry, the choices can be overwhelming. To break things down, you can start by asking yourself a simple question: Do I want one statement piece, or a coordinating set?

Make a Statement. If you choose just one type of jewelry item as the focus of your bridal accessories, you can go big and bold. Don’t be afraid to get that stunning piece, but keep other accessories simple (i.e. stud earrings with an elaborate necklace) or do without them.

These beautiful earrings from Camla could definitely stand on their own – no necklace required.

Matching Set. Another option is to choose a matching set of jewelry. Bridal jewelry sets come with perfectly coordinated pieces that are similar in scale to one another. These sets usually include a necklace and earrings, but some feature other pieces too. The downside of a matched set is that you have to ensure that the length, scale, etc. of both the earrings and the necklace will work with the design of your gown and your hairstyle.

I love that this jewelry set from FantasyJewelryBox.com could be worn after the big day, too.

As a side note, I wore earrings (but no necklace) on my wedding day. That was because the bodice of my wedding gown featured beautiful beading. I felt that a necklace would detract from – or even clash with – the details of the gown.

So what about you? Would you (or did you) choose a statement piece, or a set?

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On Pinterest? Repin this jewelry and other pieces from my boards, and don’t forget to follow!

I was not paid or otherwise compensated to write about the jewelry shown in this post. All opinions are my own.

Six Picks: Get Golden Globes Style

The jewelry at last night’s Golden Globes wasn’t as bright and dramatic as I was expecting overall. However, the awards did deliver some great pieces (and potential trends for the coming months). Here are some of my favorites – and examples of items that could help you get the looks.

1. Chandelier earrings (as seen on Jessica Alba – JustJared) are nothing new on awards show red carpets, but they certainly steal the show when they’re done right. These earrings from Nordstrom could definitely help you channel your inner starlet.

2. Gorgeous green gems (as seen on Debra Messing – JustJared) highlight what seemed to be the color of the evening. This three-stone ring from Overstock has a great look that’s reminiscent of the one that Messing wore.

3. Dark faceted stones (as seen on Helen Mirren – JustJared) offer a sophisticated alternative. These three-stone white gold earrings from Amazon could look great with so many outfits.

4. Glittering headbands (as seen on Charlize Theron – JustJared) let you add a touch of sparkle to your hair, too. I love the one below  from Zappos. Click the link to see more photos – so cute.

5. Gemstone studs (as seen on Emma Stone – JustJared) contribute just the right amount of glitz to an outfit. I’m so crazy about this set from Ross-Simons. The studs are interchangeable within the diamond “jackets” that come with them. Genius!

6. Statement necklaces (as seen on Freida Pinto – JustJared) were relatively few and far between. But the ones that were seen on the red carpet were memorable – just like this collar necklace from Kate Spade.

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On Pinterest? Repin this jewelry and other pieces from my boards, and don’t forget to follow!

I was not paid or otherwise compensated to write about the jewelry shown in this post. All opinions are my own.

Sale Spotting: 1/14/12

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I’m noticing more and more jewelry sales. Here’s a roundup of some of the deals I’ve seen lately.

The lovebirds necklace shown above is part of a Valentine’s sale on select items: Bits n’ Beads by Gilliauna

• Valentine sale (plus purchase two necklaces and receive a pair of earrings): Jewelry by May
• A menu featuring many Amazon jewelry deals and clearance items: Amazon
• Lots of colorful gemstones and other pieces on sale: JC Penney
• Take an extra 10% off select items through January 16: Zales
• Entire shop 20% off while supplies last: Wearitout Jewelz

I’m always on the lookout for deals to feature in future posts. See a great sale? Having one for your store? Email the details to thisjewelrywardrobe@gmail.com.

I was not paid or otherwise compensated to feature the vendors in this post.

News: Golden Globes Jewelry Trends

This trend prediction report by style expert Michael O’Connor reaffirms what other trend predictions have stated: colorful gemstones are going to be popular in the coming months. Specifically, O’Connor predicts that colorful gemstones will be seen on celebrities at this year’s Golden Globes.

The earrings shown above (by Emitations – no longer available) resemble the ones worn by Anne Hathaway at the 2011 awards.

This year’s Golden Globes air on Sunday, December 15 at 8 p.m. EST.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news:

• Bloomingdales is “renovating and rejuvenating” its jewelry offerings: JCK Online
• U.S. sales growth weakens for Tiffany & Co.: The Washington Post
• Designer creates 3-D-printed coin necklace: ecouterre
• Diver returns lost 1923 class ring to grandson: msnbc