The best magazine covers of 2011, happen to be the ones that have the celebrity girl on the cover, wearing some sort of exquisite jewelry. What is it about jewelry that has made it such a big impact in the year of 2011? Jewelry, as you can see from these covers, accentuates the outfits, adds the extra missing piece and often just brings the outfit altogether, so that the model or jewelry wearer, looks complete. Jewelry can often add that “extra something” to turn an outfit from casual to trendy, boring to bold, and from plain to daring. From crazy necklaces, to that one simple bracelet, to those cocktail rings or those simple dangly earrings, jewelry has come alive this year of 2011. Jewelry will only continue to expand as a fashion-essential in the year of 2012. Check out the top 10 pics of magazine covers, all showcasing jewelry in the three ways that were mentioned: to accentuate, to bring together and to add the final touch.
New Year’s Eve Looks
The old year is passing, as a new one strolls along. The fashion tastes of 2011 are nearing it’s end. The trends of big bold and dazzling, are coming out and alive on the eve of new year’s. Best time to wear the most dazzling dresses, shoes and jewelry you can find; jewelry from emeralds, sapphires, diamonds, rubies and any other precious gemstones are attention-getters and a must-wear for all new year’s eve outfits! If there’s a night to bring this jewelry out, it’s on the 31st of December.
With the blue thin-strapped dress, a gorgeous match, would be a simple sapphire bracelet and sapphire dangly earrings. For the black dress, either sapphire or emerald jewelry would look fabulous. The green dress paired with single studded emerald earrings and a simple emerald bracelet will do just the trick.
An obvious match to this heart-shaped tube dress, would be an exquisite short white gold diamond chained necklace with a big sapphire jewel right in the middle of it. Not only will that bring out that dress even more, but the outfit will be even more eye-catching!
If you’re going for the one shoulder look, with a long sleeve, that dress will dazzle on it’s own, but a good jewelry match would be sapphire studded jewels all around a bracelet and adding multiple bracelets to the arm. Or for a less bold look, just sapphire studded earrings will add enough elegance to the already bold dress.
(Check out New York Dress.com for more New Year’s Eve dress looks)
Emeralds, Sapphires & Diamonds by Hedgestone
Watch and find out how to get the finest quality emeralds, sapphires & diamonds at a competitive price! Perfect for this upcoming holiday season or just any time of the year!
What’s better? Fine or Fashion?
What is the difference between fine jewelry and fashion jewelry? Nowadays, fashion jewelry seems to be more popular than fine jewelry because of it’s affordability and the fact that this kind of jewelry is the one you’re okay with wearing everyday, because it didn’t cost you a fortune to buy. Let’s take a look at the reasons why fine jewelry, regardless of the high popularity or the majority of people wearing fashion jewelry, will always be better.
Fine jewelry contains precious metal or precious stones. Fashion jewelry usually contains semi-precious stones or other types of material that are of low-quality. Therefore the number 1 reason why fine jewelry is better, is it’s HIGH QUALITY. Next, fine jewelry is an investment. Years to come, this jewelry can be sold, especially if this piece of fine jewelry has been worn by a celebrity or by royalty! Fashion jewelry, with it’s charming appeal, will wear-out and won’t even last long enough to be an investment. Fine jewelry also stands the test of time. Because the jewelry is real and of higher quality, you can be sure that this jewelry will last and stay durable throughout a lifetime. This is the type of jewelry that grandmothers pass down to their grandchildren. Fine jewelry is also more attractive, because of the fact that real stones or metals were used to make it. Fine jewelry also pays a lot more attention to the detailing in the jewelry piece. Fashion jewelry may look more complicated, but in actuality, the detailing is very simple in fashion jewelry. Lastly, although fine jewelry is more expensive (not budget-friendly like fashion jewelry), fine jewelry is the type of jewelry that doesn’t follow a trend. Fashion jewelry relies on the trends that are hot right now. Fine jewelry, regardless of time, will always have a classical elegance and sophistication that in and of itself, makes it priceless.
FASHION JEWELRY
FINE JEWELRY
Jewelry Stocking Stuffer Ideas
It’s that time of year again! Reindeer, Santa Claus, egg nog, and of course, red stockings hanging by the fireplace. But those wool stockings, can’t be left empty. Something must be put inside of them. What’s small enough to go inside, but doesn’t take away from the joy of a stocking stuffer? Jewelry, of course!
If you want to do something simple and traditional, pendant necklackes are the way to go. From leaf pendant necklaces, to crosses, horeshoes, clovers, and even snowflakes, these types of necklaces, are the perfect stocking stuffers for girls or women at any age.
However, theme seems to be a strong part of the Christmas season, so if you want to go with a coloured-jewelry theme for your stocking stuffers, keep in mind that the colours best representing Christmas are green, blue, red and white.
If you want to go for a green theme:
Here we have a Gold Diamond and Emerald Bracelet. The shape and the wave-like chain, adds to the simplicity of the bracelet, making it just the right amount of beauty for the holiday season!
A Perfect pendant necklace! We can see this pear emerald shaped dangling pendant with diamonds where the emerald colour is such an extravagant colour placed against the white gold. A piece that all ladies can enjoy.
Heart pendants never seem to go out of style. The round cut emeralds on the Heart Pendant in yellow gold, adds just enough flashiness to this heart pendant, to make it one of a kind.
For the purposes of sticking to the holiday festive theme, this emerald and diamond paved eternity band is beautiful with the x-shaped emeralds going all around it. Definitely looks like Christmas mistletoe from far away.
If you want to go for a blue theme:
This diamond and sapphire heart necklace, is a perfect combination of little blue sapphire stones and diamonds. Sure to be a popular gift!
Definitely an eye-popping gift! The blue sapphires on this baguette shaped bracelet mixed with diamonds, is a classic, elegant look for all women!
These blue tear-drop shaped earrings on a snowflake-shaped diamond, is a simple, yet gorgeous gift. With most simple outfits in monochrome colours, these earrings can add all the elegance the outfit needs!
If you are going for a red theme:
THis diamond and ruby bracelet has a beautiful yellow gold chain that is put together in shapes that are simply stunning!
Ruby Drop earrings, are shaped together like grapes, and are a perfect match to any outfit: casual or formal!
A simple pendant to go along any other gold chain. The trillion cut ruby in the mddle, and the diamons placed perfectly around, is a great present to give away!
Gemstones as Birthstones: the History behind the Mystery
Nowadays, for every birth month of the year, there is a corresponding gemstone to accompany it. How this came to be or happened, has never been fully known, but there have been myths and biblical stories which have been used to try and piece the gemstone mystery together.
It has been said that the first people to ever use gemstones and actually introduced it into the world, was Aaron from the Bible. For reference, check the following bible verses- Exodus 28: 17-20 & Revelation 21: 19-20. In these verses, his religious breastplate, covered in precious gemstones, was said to be linked to the twelve Israeli tribes in ancient times.
From mythical stories, Tibetan culture used gemstones where these stories have been rooted to thousands and thousands of years ago. Some even claim that around 1500 BC, it was Indian culture (gemstones seemed to have an agreed-upon fact that they originated from the East), who found out that these gemstones were actually healers of the sick.
George Frederick Kunz, who wrote the Curious Lore of Precious Stones, wrote about Poland in the 15th century- 1700 (where stones first achieved status and popularity), and the belief that these gemstones had numerous abilities: to being good health and luck, and to get rid of any possible misfortune.
Finally, in 1912, the Jewelers of America, organized a standard list of gemstones and their associated birthmonths. To wear your own birthstone in today’s culture, is to wear the beauty of your own birth month. The historical belief still remains though, that these birthstones can guard oneself against bad luck and to make oneself more likely to gain power, wealth and luxury. The American standard identification of birth months with gemstones is the one used by the majority in today’s culture.
American Country Music Awards 2011 – Hit or Miss
On Monday Dec. 5, 2011, the American Country Music Awards were held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Although this event is about awards and achievements in American country music this year, the real thrill of the night, is showing off the shoes, dresses and jewelry on the red carpet. The night had some fashion hits, leading this hit was Kristin Chenoweth, the spirited host of the evening, and some fashion misses, making the list was Kimberly Perry from the Band Perry.
Susie Brown was a miss that night, wearing a long black gown, partially sequined at the top, with nude-coloured areas near the stomach area of the dress. She decided to wear an all black outfit, but paired it up with gold dangly earrings with diamond studs all around the top of the earrings. The whole ensemble just did not match. She should have gone for black diamond jewelry, specifically just studs, since her bangs already drew enough attention to her face.
Danelle Leverett, on the other hand, was a hit that night. Fashioning a gold necklace with flower shaped diamonds forming the chain, it was the perfect jewelry combination to match her simple, shiny long tube dress. She did not overdo the jewelry, since her dress was already patterned enough.
Shawna Thompson took a chance and was actually hit this night. She went with leaflet shaped fangled silver earrings, and oversized black cocktail ring and multi laytered bracelets with a cross, leopard print and silver and black patterns. Although her dress was already a little over the top, the over the top jewelry, somehow complimented the whole ensemble, making it a hit.
Jordin Sparks was a hit, portraying a classic simplistic look on the red carpet. With a round neck, tight fitting white dress, she mixed this ook with diamond studded dangly earrings, a single diamond studded bracelet and a silver thumb ring. Nothing that stood out, but she rocked the simple girl look.
All three ladies (two of them from Pistol Annies), and the last girl being Miranda Lambert, were a bit of a miss. The first girl on the left, had a very patterned and coloured short dress, mixed with a large amber cocktail ring on the middle finger. The middle girl, had a simple black short tube dress, with a few sequins on the top portion of the dress and black diamond studs. Miranda Lambert was wearing black diamond studs that dangled and 3 different rings: one big square cocktail ring, a diamond studded band and a simple dark coloured band. The first two ladies just did not use jewelry that properly accentuated and complimented their dresses. Miranda Lambert should have worn a simple bracelet or maybe two, just to even out the look.
Kimberly Perry was an absolute miss that night. Wearing a long black diamond studded chain necklace, when her dress already had a very low neckline and ruffles around the neckline of the dress, was just too much. She also wore a black cocktail ring that was hardly noticeable with the necklace. Next time, someone should tell her that less is more.
Kristin Chenowith, by far, was the biggest hit of the night. She sparkled in her emerald green dress and her complimentary emerald jewelry added to accentuate her facial features (especially her eyes) and her skin tone. She wore silver eiffel-tower shaped earrings with an emerald on each earring hanging from the bottom and oversized emerald ring around the middle finger. Not only did this jewelry and this outfit give her a look that stood out, but it added an elegance and refined beauty to her overall outfit.
How valuable is a gemstone?
When looking through your jewelry box, and deciding whether a particular piece of gemstone jewelry is actually worth much, or whether you are shopping for holiday jewelry, and wanting to make sure you don’t get ripped off, it’s important to understand where the value of a gemstone comes from, and how it’s actual worth is determined. It has been said by expert investors, that recently, diamonds and other precious stones, are more stabilized investments than real estate. This craze of jumping into the jewelry market to stabilize the economy, is catching a lot of attention from investors. Therefore, it is important to figure out what to look for when buying gemstones (even if it’s not for investment purposes).
There are five main factors determining the value in a gemstone: the beauty of the gemstone (determined by the 4C’s: colour, clarity, carat, cut), the lasting power of the gemstone, the scarcity of the gemstone, the demand or interest raised from the gemstone, and the use of the gemstone in culture and society.
How much beauty does the gemstone resonate?
Generally speaking, when we look at beauty, we look at the quality of the gemstone. In terms of colour, when the gemstone is brighter & more vivid, it is usually more valuable. You want to avoid any gemstone that may be too dark or too light, even colour that is distorted. A clear colour that is intense and bright will be of good value. When it comes to clarity, as long as there are no visible flaws, and it is clear and transparent, this is usually a sufficient judgment of it’s good value. Carats are determined by weight, not size for gemstones, and differs greatly in the varities of gemstones, but the stones that have a higher carat, combined with rarity, will be much more expensive. Finally the cut, which is used to add value to the beauty of the stone. Certain cuts create a reflection in the light that is more appealing. Popular cuts are: brilliant cut, heart cut, marquise cut, round cut, and so forth.
When looking at the lasting power of precious gemstones, most gemstones have a longer withstanding ability than other metals and lesser precious stones. The longer the staying power of the gemstone, when handled with care and proper cleanliness, the higher the value of the gemstone.
The scarcity and the demand for the gemstone go hand in hand. The demand has to be high enough (or the gemstone has to generate enough interest) in consumers and this has to be mixed with very rare precious stones, for the value of the gemstone to skyrocket through the roof. If the quality of these rare precious stones is also of the finest, then the value is even more.
The final point to look at when seeing the value of the gemstone, is the “name” this gemstone has made for itself throughout history and in culture. From the sapphire wedding ring worn by Kate Williams at the Royal Wedding, to the use of certain precious stones in churches, the name that these precious stones make for themselves, also adds into their final value. If the precious stone has established some sort of achievement (being used by churches or as a symbol to represent a certain event), then that adds to the final calculation of the precious gemstone’s value.
What kind of gemstone are you?
Take the quiz and find out what gemstone your personality best reflects.
In your social circle, you’re the…
1) level-headed one
2) life of the party
3) happy-go-lucky one
4) adventurous one
5) peace-keeper
6) most likeable
7) the advice-giver
When you make a decision, you…
1) trust your instincts
2) take a chance on an impulsive choice
3) think logically
4) look at what’ll benefit you in the future
5) choose what you think will balance out your life
6) think of what others would do
7) choose what’ll bring about stability
In life, an activity you’d enjoy would most likely be…
1) meditation exercises/ yoga or pilates
2) sky- diving
3) art classes
4) debates
5) writing and/or reading
6) joining any contests or sports
7) organizing fundraisers
The kind of music you listen to is mostly…
1) classical music
2) rock music
3) pop music
4) rap or hip/hop music
5) country music
6) gospel music
7) r&b music
A place you’ve always wanted to travel to is (Choose the closest answer)…
1) Hawaii
2) Mexico
3) France
4) Africa
5) Jamaica
6) Hong Kong
7) Greece
Mostly (1):
You are an aquamarine! Known for being the calm and collected stone, those who are considered to reflect the personality of this stone are intuitive and serene. They have a relaxed personality that brings about inspiration to others.
Mostly (2):
You are a ruby! Known to be a little hot-tempered and constantly fighting for what you want. You’re also full of energy and spontaneity with a daring nature. There is a driving force inside of you that makes you want to experience all the exhilirating possibiliies life can bring.
Mostly (3):
You are an amber! As the shining stone, you are generally a very positive person and you like to keep yourself in an upbeat mood. You have a creative side to you, while also maintaining a sense of reason and ration.
Mostly (4):
You are a sapphire. Not easily fooled by anyone that comes your way, you also have a sense of confidence unlike any other. You’re not overly confident, but enough confidence to keep you optimistic about life. You put on a brave face for any situation that comes your way and because of this, are usually quite successful.
Mostly (5):
You are an emerald! The most balanced of them all, you rely on your inner feelings and you hide really well traits and thoughts that no one knows you possess. You can be seductive, free and often peaceful. You give enough mystery to attract attention.
Mostly (6):
You are an amethyst! Known to be the sweetest and wisest one, you have a forgiving heart and are basically loved by all. You have an impressive lifestyle, while remaining noble. There is also an inner spirtuality within you that cannot be easily-explained.
Mostly (7):
You are topaz! The most down-to-earth of all the stones, you keep yourself sensible and reliable. You like stability and are very considerate towards others. You remain a constant companion to many, often putting others before yourself.
If you can’t beat the necklace trend, then join it!
Necklaces have become the new signature must-wear with every outfit. From every possible combination to every possible length size and colour, necklaces have turned into a necessity for every trendy fashionista. The hottest new necklaces are the collar necklaces and statement necklaces. Back in the older days of fashion, necklaces were worn for more traditional, religious and cultural purposes, or even on special occassions. Now, everywhere you go, some girl can be spotted, flashing their necklaces. If you can’t beat’em, join’em! Here we give you what styles of necklacs to wear with different outfits and even different body shapes.
The collar necklace is the trendiest among the celebrities this year. There’s no one way to wear them and definitely no one-style possible with the collar necklace. The collar necklace can look like a choker necklace or it can be mad of precious gemstones to compliment any formal attire (most suited for strapless dresses). However, if you’re in a dressed down, casual look, basically wearing a plain outfit with jeans or tights, sometimes it’s nice to make the outfit look less dull, by adding a leather collar necklace with the outfit.
Although collar necklaces are the hottest thing right now, the bib necklace is still very popular, alongside the waterfall necklace, rope necklace and statement necklaces. Very often, these sorts of necklaces look the most appealing when worn with monochrome outfits, but since this is the season of the extravagant, bold and daring, most have thrown the rule book out of the window!
Something to keep in mind when choosing a necklace for your day or night attire, is the age you want to look. Definitely choosing an all-around the chain pearl necklace, is a sign of either going to a fancy ball, or you’re a grandmother. You want to make yourself look fresh and funky, while also still looking classy and not too young (sterling silver necklaces almost always make you look like a teeny bopper).
In terms of face shapes and body shapes, if you have a round face or a thick neck, it’s important to keep in mind that certain necklaces will accentuate those parts if you wear them. You should not be wearing short necklaces or chokers, but instead you want to draw attention away from there, by wearing long multi-string necklaces or layering those necklaces so that the attention moves downward and gives you a slimmer look. If you have a very thin face, on the other hand, and a very long neck, it’s important to make the neck look less flamingo-like, and more attractive: chokers or collar necklaces are a must-have for you.
If you have average facial and neck features, then the only thing you have to worry about is what necklace to pair with what type of clothing. Of course now that fashion trends have turned into the unusal, there are no strict rules. However, if you still want to compliment your outfit, it’s important to follow these guidelines. When wearing a v-neck, it’s nice to wear long and dangly necklaces, so that the attention isn’t towards the chest area, but away from the neckline. If you’re wearing a scoop neck, a choker or collar necklace is complimentary. For really high boat neck outfits, collar, bib or choker would look awkward. What would be better are the longer waterfall or rope necklaces.
Whatever necklace you choose to wear, choose what your mood is for the day. Do you want to be wearing necklace pieces that stand out? Or necklace pieces that complement your outfit? If you want to stand out, make the neckalce, oversized, extra long and colourful. Wear crazy motifs like snakes or birds or a combination. If you want to compliment your outfit, follow the rules above. But fashion do’s and don’ts only go so far. So take a chance and throw the rule book out completely!
written1nstone 