THE EIGHT CLASSIC AND TIMELESS JEWELS IN A WOMAN’S JEWELERY COLLECTION - PART 2

Hoop earrings are the all time earrings—from babies, flamenco dancers, to tribesman in Africa—they have universal appeal. While the round hoop is among the most popular, they come in a variety of other geometric shapes and are available in a variety of sizes and widths. You can also accessorize hoops by adding charms to them. Hoop earrings will compliment everything in your wardrobe.

Another one of our customers wears her hoop earrings 24-7 because of their versatility. “Whether I have on my jeans, or am in Court, my hoops are multi-functional and project a different look with whatever I wear”.

A good chain, whether a link or flat chain, completes a shirt or dress. A choker length chain displays better when worn with a scoop, tank or open neck shirt. If you choose a longer chain, you have the option of adding a round loop to one of the links so you could adjust the length by wearing it at a shorter length—from one chain you could wear it at two different lengths. With a longer chain, you can also add a pendant.

Part 3 - Continued

The Eight Classic and Timeless Jewels in a Woman's Jewellery Collection - Part 1

Gone With the Wind, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Casablanca, The King and I are a few of the most cherished and beloved classic movies of all time.

The classics, whether they are movies or books, have a universal commonality—they stand the test of time and live on from generation to generation, just like a classic piece of jewelry.

Jewelry trends, like the change of seasons, come and go; however, the eight classic fundamentals are signature pieces that are the most functional, practical, have stood the test of time, can be handed down from generation to generation, will complete and compliment all outfits, but most importantly do not have to be updated or replaced—they are the true and timeless classics.

Pearl and diamond stud earrings can be worn every day and will compliment everything in your wardrobe because they are both neutral color gems—whether you wear them to work, with your favorite pair of jeans or even hit the dance floor with them they will look elegant and classy. It does not matter what size they are, even the smallest diamond will stand out as long as you purchase a quality pair.

One of our customers, Gemma purchased her first pair of diamond stud earrings. In the work force for only a year and with a limited budget, quality not size was a priority for her. She purchased a 5 pt. VVS1 diamond stud pair of earrings. When she wears them, they have so much sparkle because they are a quality stone. This is why size should not be a priority since quality makes up for that.

Diamond and pearl earrings are also the building blocks for add-ons in the future. With pearl earrings, you can eventually acquire a pearl necklace, bracelet, and ring. With a diamond solitaire pair of earrings, you can add a small solitaire diamond pendant, or if you like to play tennis, a matching tennis bracelet.

The Luxury of Layering Necklaces

Accessorizing with layers of chains or beads is one of the most hottest looks this season and one that will be around for a while.

Vision a simple black or white T-shirt and how it will explode with style when you add layers of necklaces to it. You have transformed it from plain to magnificent. You could achieve the same look with a turtle neck or closed shirt.

I personally love the look and feel of chains/beads against skin. It definitely projects a different look, one of sexiness, playfulness or 5 star elegance.

Here are some ideas on how to achieve some unique layering looks:

Chains can be layered at varying lengths, i.e. choker, mid length and long dangling. If your chains are similar in thickness/width, it would flow very nicely. Wearing an assortment of textures, i.e. simple fine chain, medium link chain, large wide chain, would give another unique look.

You can wear the same metal colors together, i.e. gold with gold, silver with silver, or mix and match both. The advantage of mixing is that the rest of your jewellery can be mixed and match too. You could add a silver pair of earrings, while your rings are gold.

To break up the look of the chains, you can add a strand of beads to add color to a matching outfit. So playing with that suggestion, lets say you have a short necklace, add mid length beads and a then a longer chain. Or, mid length chain and long beads--the ideas are endless.

Layering with pendants is another unique look. Imagine beads mixed with pendants, or a couple of simple chains and then a WOW pendant added with a long chain.

Theme layering is also quite unique, i.e. if you have necklaces that have certain designs, i.e. floral, constellation (moon/stars), romance (hearts), animals, could create a unique look.

Mix vintage and antique pieces together with contemporary pieces for another look from another era.

Pearls are always a wonderful accent because of their classic look since pearls can be worn with every outfit for every occasion.

If you can, try to plan ahead the look you want to achieve. Look at what you are going to wear and then see what works with the garment. You don't want to create a 'thrown together' look, unless you want a Bohemian look, then go ahead :)

Have fun in putting together your own signature look.

Reinventing the Charm Bracelet - A New Way to Wear Them

My dearest and most treasured first piece of jewelery was my childhood charm bracelet. I remember receiving the bracelet with a chewed little gold heart (the heart was a pendant that I wore all the time as a very small child--you can see in the pictures the rough surface--first day of school is to blame--separation anxiety from my mother :( . The other charm that accompanied my bracelet, was my first tooth, which my father encased in a bezel setting.

As the years passed, each charm that I received reflected my individuality and what and where I was going in my life. A few that you can see are a ballerina, boat, Christmas tree, and the most recent one, Mother.

No two charm bracelets are alike and that is what makes them as unique as your signature.

My charm bracelet was not worn for many years because it got caught in things and jingled too much.

I missed wearing it because of the personal history behind it and because it was such a sentimental and endearing piece--charms given to me by my parents.

One day as I was admiring it, a light went on in my head--a brainstorm, a great idea--that would allow me to wear it again, in its fully glory!

I had the bracelet transformed into a charm necklace. Originally when I had it modified, I took a simple gold necklace, had my father cut it in half, and each half was soldered to both ends of the bracelet.

After several years of wearing it this way, I once again, wanted to update its look--the result can be seen in the photos above.

For many years, I wore my vintage choker round link necklace on its own. This time, the charms were removed and individually added to the links on my choker.

You can see how elegant and classic this piece looks. It has given my charms a whole new dimension, as well as new necklace for me. Not to mention, that I have a new gold bracelet, charm free, which is now going to be given to my little girl, for her to begin her own collection.

Reuse, Recycle, Reinvent......

Signature Slide Necklace that Delivers Style, Elegance and Bang for Your Buck.

A substantial neckpiece, or "statement necklace", is a necklace that you wear only on its own. They have so much detailing, can be substantial in size, very decorative and ornate, can be worn at varyings length by adding an extra jump ring.

Wear them over bare skin with an open shirt, or over a closed turtle neck, or button down shirt. Wear them with a beautiful evening gown or cocktail dress.

Depending on the design, do not wear overpowering earrings--keep the earrings simple as the eyes will be drawn away from the neckpiece. A complimenting statement ring would flow very nicely as the eyes are drawn from the necklace to the hands.

Owning and wearing a statement necklace adds instant glamour and completes any outfit. Whether you wear a plain white T-shirt with a blazer, a black dress, corporate suit or evening dress, adding a "statement necklace" will transform the look of what you wear from simple to WOW.You can wear them from day to night.

A word of advice, it is not recommended to wear other large pieces of jewelry with statement necklaces as it would look too overpowering since the eyes would be drawn away from the necklace. Definitely a wise investment for a piece you will wear for many years.

This magnificent wearable work of art was inspired from the vintage era when slide bracelets were adorned and collected by many ladies. Slide bracelets are as unique as the individual who wears them.

Each slide is handmade and set with vibrant precious and semi precious gemstones of assorted sizes, colors and shapes--gems included are: amethyst, sapphire, emerald, coral, opal, ruby, citrine, turquoise, tourmaline. All stones are genuine.

Slides are very unique and individual in design, texture, size, and shape. Several of the slides have fine detailing accents on the front that include flowers, engraved lines and small beads. The fine detailing can also be seen on the sides of some of the slides. Slides are matched pairs, but each pair is set with a unique gemstone hue.

The center large amethyst has a very rich color and the intriguing feature of this beautiful gem are the beautiful natural inclusions. This stone measures 14 x 16mm and is prong set in a very regal setting.

All the gems are genuine and are an assortment of sizes--2, 3, 3.5, 6x8mm. There is a small emerald that has natural fissure markings on the surface.

Entire piece is sterling silver and is stamped sterling on the back of the large amethyst and has a vermeil finish. Chain measures 19 inches when completely open and the links have a unique oval design that blends and compliments with the slides. Entire piece weighs 31 grams. Each slide is divided by a bead.

If you wish to view this piece close up and see each individual slide, please click the link below:

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/eternalfinejewels/item/001081

Best Hungarian Meat Loaf Recipe

Being of Hungarian descent, I love cooking at least 1 or 2 good Hungarian meals a week for my family. Hungarian food is rich in flavour and definitely a foodies experience. We use a lot of sweet red pepper powder, as well as onions and garlic for flavour. The recipe I am sharing is my mother's and is so popular with friends that when there is any kind of get together, my mother doesn't ask what to bring--she automatically makes her infamous meat loaf.

Ingredients:
3 pounds of combo--ground veal/ground pork/ground beef
2 large onions - diced
6 cloves of garlic - minced
Chicken Powder Mix - i.e. - Knorr - 2 tablespoons
Dash of Salt
1 large egg
1 Mild Hungarian Kielbasa
Bread Crumbs

Combine and mix the first 6 ingredients. Insert into a loaf pan or something similar in shape. Before inserting meatloaf, sprinkle bread crumbs on the bottom of pan.

Make an incision into the center of the meatloaf to place the Kielbasa in the center and then smooth out.

Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of meatloaf.

Bake at 350 until completely done.

The meatloaf has such a rich smokey flavour.

I serve it with mashed potatoes, vegetables and a salad.

The beauty of this dish, is that you can slice the meat loaf for sandwiches. It's deliriously delicious.

Let me know how you like it.

Bon appetite.

Unique Qualities of Artisan Jewellery

As unique as your signature, artisan jewellers have their own signature markings, style, design genre, personality that is quite prevalent in their design and creations. The beauty of artisan jewellery is that they are not massed produced and truly are distinct because of their unique features.

These could include using specific type of metals , i.e. gold, silver, platinum, copper, plastic, wood, etc. As well, mixing the two or more metals can add a unique dimension to individual designs--coolness of silver and warmth of gold. Some jewellers prefer to use a mix of many semi precious gems in their creations, while some might opt for just a smooth finish--gem free.

Refined and elegant touches can truly dress up what would have been a very simple piece of jewellery. The peach moonstone ring above illustrates this point, with the cluster of flowers set on both sides of the shank. As well, the heart shaped peridot above, is set around a multi heart setting which further compliments and adds that refinement to the heart shaped stone. Its these considerations, that truly make an artisan piece of jewellery so special and unique.

If you have your own design in mind, working together with an artisan jeweller can be beneficial as the two of you can collaborate your ideas for the ultimate signature jewellery.

Angel Jewellery

Wearing angel jewellery can have a very special meaning for each individual.

Angels are messengers of God as well as representing love, protection, unity and friendship.

Many people choose to wear angel jewellery because they feel that their 'guardian angel' is with them always and protects them.

Some wearers feel a sense of peace within, as well as feeling comfortd and protected.

The expression "an angel is watching over you" certainly takes on a new meaning, especially when worn close to your heart.

Unique Craft Ideas for Storing Your Jewellery

If you want to go green, then find thick and long branches, put the branches in a long vase and fill the vase with decorative rocks or glass for stability. You can display your chains and earrings on the branches.
A fun piece that I have seen for rings is a mannequin hand. You might even be able to make one from clay and decorate it.
Your jewellery can also be stored in acrylic jewellery organizers that are designed to hold specific types of jewellery. Some have a stand with a horizontal tube for bracelets and necklaces, while others are multifunctional with drawers and stands.
For your less expensive jewellery or the pieces that you wear every day, have fun in creating some of these very practical jewellery containers and stands. Whether their sophisticated, whimsical, or classic in design, they will be functional, aesthetically attractive and will reflect your personality—as unique as your signature.

Creative and Artistic Make Your Own Jewellery Displays

If you really want a fun and challenging project, then take wire clothes hangers and untwist them at the top leaving the semi circular hook intact. Use a plier to straighten the wire stem. You can join a cluster together by either putting them into a glass vase or you can curve the base upward, secure it together with a wire so it can stand freely on its own. Hang your chains and bracelets from it. You can also shape a clothes hanger that resembles a multi-level bee hive, to hook your earrings on to. With both these ideas, you can spray paint, wrap ribbon or wool around the wires.

If you come across a vintage or decorative lamp shade that has a unique shape and design, then clean it up and decorate it. Add hooks at the top for your chains, beads and bracelets. It would be a unique center piece on your dresser.

Odd pieces of foam can be cut into any shape and then with an exacto knife you can cut slits so that you can place your rings into them. A decorative box can have a piece of foam fitted in and you have an instant ring box.

Clever Ways to Store Your Jewellery

Unused drawers could easily convert into a jewellery drawer by lining it with scented drawer paper and then you could put in large deep seashells, crystal coasters or ashtrays and miniature decorative boxes to place your jewellery in.

Many jewellery stores sell soft cloth drawstring pouches for individual pieces of jewellery. You can also find small plastic mini zip-loc bags in which you can store jewellery—available in craft/dollar stores. By storing jewellery in individual bags, it will prevent your jewellery from getting scratched or rubbing against each other.

Other items that you can find within your household include tie rack hooks and key holders for chains, watches, rings and bracelets. A mug holder that has branches can have rings slipped on them.

www.eternalfinejewel.rubylane.com

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words....So Is Your Jewellery With These Crafty Jewellery Wall Mounts

You can display some of your jewellery on a wall like a beautiful picture. If you have a picture frame, especially one with the original hard backing, you could add hooks to it to hang your chains and bracelets. Make sure to place the hooks at different heights.
Another solution would be to mount a cork board on a wall and also add hooks and knob.
Have fun designing the background and exterior with materials such as small seashells, rocks, twigs, sequins and glitter—express yourself, unleash your creativity and have fun!
If you find a wall mount box with drawers and shelves, perhaps an old spice rack or tools box, you could refinish it and add the necessary hardware to customize it to suit your jewellery collection. As well, if it has a small shelf, you could add a small bowl or ashtray to hold a ring or brooch.
Backings for the ideas mentioned above could also include wallpaper or a mirror.

www.eternalfinejewels.blogspot.com

A Chronicle of How the State of the World Can Inspire a Signature Jewellery Design - Conclusion

It has now come full circle and I am so proud to “unveil” the Positivity=Prosperity Ring and Positivity=Prosperity Pendant/Brooch.

The journey for these two inspirational pieces of wearable art began with a thought, followed by a spiritual message. This vision was followed by numerous sketches, which my father, N. Gatter, an Artisan Jeweler, made into a reality. This dual collaboration has truly been a family affair. My father and I put our hearts and souls into these creations that we hope will bring as much joy to the wearer as it has to us in designing and making the positivity=prosperity jewelry.

When the ring or brooch are worn and as you carry about your daily activities, your inner dialogue, and mind set should reflect the new you - I am empowered for greatness. Today is a new day and nothing and no one is going to get in my way. I walk proudly and hold my head up high. I am positive, strong, energized and confident and can accomplish all. I will shoot for the stars since I am a shining star. I believe in myself. I speak, act and think positively.

These two symbolic pieces of jewelry are your reminder that you are living all facets of your life in a new direction—positively.

The Positivity=Prosperity jewels are an expression of passion, a reflection of endurance to persevere through positive thinking……a new way of life.


Baya Gatter

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/eternalfinejewels/item/001066
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/eternalfinejewels/item/001065

A Chronicle of How the State of the World Can Inspire a Signature Jewellery Design

Everything came full circle as I found the perfect symbol. This symbol represents birth, growth, maturity, change, new beginnings and freshness—a leaf. Leaves epitomize “new beginnings” with each new season as they start off as a bud and then “grow” and “change” as they reach “full maturity”.

From a historical perspective, leaves such as the four leaf clover or shamrock represent fame, wealth, abundance, happiness, good luck. For those that desire change, a leaf represents “turning over a new leaf”.

The heart shaped leaf epitomizes the grace and beauty of all that is symbolic of a heart and leaf. Call it the perfect union—a marriage made in heaven.

The leaf had still not come full circle since I had to find a way to embed the letter “P” within the leaf. Again, it had to be a natural part of the leaf, but also had to stand out. As I was sketching out various “P’s”, I finally hit the nail on the head. The straight line of the “P” is the primary vein in the center, while at the same time, the letter is raised to stand out.

Tomorrow - A Star is Born - THE REVEAL