Using Standard Jewelry Materials Far More Creatively

It’s very easy to feel one has reached the limits of creativity when it comes to jewelry design. If you’re one for contemporary jewelry stypes, it’s even more common. Beads, shells and recycled materials may just not be your type of thing.

Where the human mind fails us is in our tendency to see a problem and assume defeat when there is no obvious solution. But think a little harder; what are you really tired of? Are you tired of gold, silver, platinum, diamonds or crystal? No, because you’re trying to find a way to diversify it. This means that you’re tired of their style and the limitations they bring. –Or better said, that we bring upon them.

This brings us to yet another problem with the human mind – we think along the lines we have been taught to understand in life. In terms of jewelry, we understand “Gold” to equal “expensive”, “expensive” to equal “sophistication” and “sophistication” to equal “conforming to certain expectations”. We expect every gem to be polished and every stone to be refined. Isn’t the popular high-school student always expected to be a blonde cheerleader with a footballer boyfriend? When she isn’t and he’s not, we’re perplexed; but we’re also pleasantly surprised.

My point is that if we just removed the boundaries we’ve been taught when it comes to jewelry design, we’d be able to come up with concepts like these:

1.       German Kabirski (http://kabirski.net/design.html)

2.       Starborn Creations (http://www.starborncreations.com/default.asp)

3.       Kristy Lin (http://kristylin.com/shop/collections/loca-mei)

Jewelry For Your Pet - With or Without The Flash

Oh admit it – there are a lot of pet-lovers out there that may include yourself, who would love to dress up their dog – big or small- like Paris Hilton does. –If they could afford it, of course. Granted, not every dog owner is guaranteed to be as flashy, though.

There are two types of serious dog lovers:

1.       Those who like to show off their dogs and pitch them on their rooftops

2.       And those who just think an accessory would either look hilarious or adorable

So, we went and found some dog accessory items suitable for both kinds of dog lovers… go wild!

Paris Hilton-type Dog Lovers:

·         Duke & Fritz: (http://dukeandfritz.com/pet_jewelry.html) Well, need I really say more?

·         Primp Your Pet: (http://www.primpyourpet.com/site/1586537/page/683749) Really? Really. These neck items take “choke” to a whole new level.

·         The Sassy Pup: (http://www.sassypup.net/Crystal-Dog-Collar-Bone-On-Bead-Necklace-p-17783.html) If they ever decided to do a “Titanic” film with animals, they should consider this place for wardrobe.

·         PetEdge: (http://www.petedge.com/product/Aria-Parisian-Pearl-Tiaras-Dog-Crowns/53596.uts) “What’s that, honey? You wanted to win the pageant so you could wear a tiara? No worries, you can have Muffin’s.”

·         Unknown: (http://www.thisnext.com/item/984E7769/Diamond-and-Pearl-Tiara-Fancy) “And I hereby declare that all my assets shall be left to my dog, Queenie…”

·         Perfect Memorials.com: (http://www.perfectmemorials.com/heart-cremation-jewelry-c-285.html) “I see dead puppies…”

Good-for-a-Laugh-Type Dog Lovers:

·         BaxterBoo: (http://www.baxterboo.com/dog/supplies.cfm/pewter-pet-lover-keychain-cat-did-it-charm) Read it - it’s so true!

·         Tertium Non Data: (http://www.gulnurozdaglar.com/index.html) Hey – at least it doesn’t have rhinestones…

·         Paws & You: (http://www.pawsandyou.com/index.php?route=common/home) -On a more serious note, low-key designs that still look good can be found here. It’s perfect for the average animal lover.

Cubic Zirconia: The Mixed Reaction

There has been quite a hype regarding cubic zirconia lately. It’s hyped for being the solution to the average woman’s wallet. On special occasions, it appears to be a god-send to men, too. The funny thing about competition is that there are always two sides and while both parties may have arguable points, no side will compromise. The two sides that exist in modern day jewelry are the traditionalists who believe that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and the innovators who think cubic zirconia has just proven to be friendlier.

While I’m sure this is an argument that is going to go on for decades, there does seem to be one obvious flaw with the “cubic zirconia” concept: limitation. For reasons that don’t actually exist, when one thinks of “diamonds”, one tends to think of endless possibilities. Take J-Lo’s “Waiting For Tonight” video; that a great example of an extensive use of diamonds, don’t you think? Yet when it comes to cubic zirconia, everyone assumes it will follow a stereo-typed sense of style. It won’t be anything more than a copy-cat to what diamonds have already done. It can’t impress, because there’s nothing new left to discover, so it can only be inferior.

What people fail to recognize is that cubic zirconia does follow in diamonds’ footsteps, but it certainly opens a lot more doors then it closes. Diamonds are becoming rare and with a shine that makes the grade, cubic zirconia stones will be the jewelry industries’ solution. Not only will they fill the gap, but they will make high-end jewelry available to the modest women. Considering the difficult financial times we seem to find ourselves in this time, that’s a pretty impressive feat.

So decide for yourself: can traditionalists really commit their loyalty to diamonds? It doesn’t take much intelligence to understand that diamonds will hold a quality over this nemesis that will remain unsurpassed. -But when some experts in the jewelry industry find themselves struggling to tell the difference between the two at first glance, is that argument really feasible? When the world is more often than not overrun by the average person and he/she can only afford realism, then surely it’s like tradition in this modern world… outdated.

3 Valentine’s Day Propositions – Breaking the Rules of Generic Jewelry

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Obviously. This is a day that brings incredible hope to females all around the world, while that very same sparkle scares most of their men into a corner.

This is what goes through most men’s minds:

“Should I buy her jewelry?”

“Should I get her chocolates?”

“Should I make the card or buy the card?”

“Should I get a card?”

Most of these thoughts are followed by a scary flashback of a woman crying, frowning or letting the whole world know via a social network that her boyfriend is lousy and clueless. This is probably due to the common knowledge that to a woman: jewelry is never expensive enough; chocolate is her favourite, but it’s not special enough and the card was hand-made but not sentimental enough.

In fact, I’m getting tired just thinking about it. I wouldn’t be surprised if most men were driven to Jolie and Thornton measures… After all, carrying a blood vial around your neck is probably as personal, creative, unique and sentimental as it gets. But then again, that wouldn’t be “normal” enough.

The truth is that I feel sorry for men – as it often seems that most women forget that Valentine’s Day is a two-way street any way. It’s because of this that I have listed 3 Valentine’s Day ideas that are related to jewelry; are definitely creative and even a little personal.

1.       Diamond Candles “A Ring In Every Candle”

What’s so great about these? They’re soy; they’re scented and they contain jewelry. The value of the rings ranges from $10 - $5,000.

Pros:

·         The surprise can take the edge off of the outcome of the actual value – and they can’t blame you for it!

·         She could hit the jackpot

Cons:

·         The room could smell like “Cozy Cabin” all day long – we all know women aren’t patient

·          

2.       NanoStyle Jewelry “The Unique Gift of Jewelry”

What’s so great about this? First of all, they offer Cubic Zirconia, which is not only practically identical to diamond, but costs an arm and a leg less. Secondly, if she wants “personal”, what better way to get “personal” than to have a pendant that says “I Love You” imprinted in 24kt gold onto a single stone in 120 different languages?

Pros:

·         This is probably the only time a girl is going to use a magnifying glass on a piece of jewelry and be happy about it

·         They offer free international shipping

·         She’ll get distracted by the “shiny object”

Cons:

·         Even the best cubic zirconia jewelry can’t fool the average woman

3.       Edible Jewelry, from these places:

a.       Greetjie Van Helmond

b.      Artesanal Sweets

c.       Glamjewelance

What’s so great about these? They’re creative; she can’t complain about them not being diamonds and you’ve got the “chocolates” question covered.

Pros:

·         They’re customizable, so you’ve got “personal” covered

·         Who needs dessert?

Cons:

·         Uhm… “Babe, does my butt look big in these pants?”

Cons aside, these suggestions should at least avoid the following:

Which is, of course, the primary aim here - no one wants Halloween early.

7 Jewelry Types My Grandma Told Me Has Never Gotten Out Of Style

This style is commonly worn by those who with religious belief. But this simple cross can be worn by anyone to merely serve as an accessory. Plain, smooth cross, embellished with stones, or engraved, it will blend with any outfit you have.

Pearl

The world of fashion changes from time to time, and every so often we have to update our wardrobe. Even if I want to follow the current trends, it is hard for me to keep up especially that I am a student and do not have the means to go shopping whenever I wish to.

By the time I had already saved up enough cash to buy a high-waisted trousers, they have gone out of fashion. A wise advice that my grandma told me is to save up and buy classic ones that will never go out of date.

When it comes to clothing, little black dress that flatters your body type, trouser in neutral shades with a perfect fit will always be a good investment as well a crisp white shirt. Pumps that are comfortable and jewelries in basic cuts and style is a must to polish the total look.

It is easy to choose the basics for clothing and footwear, but what about in jewelries? So again, I asked the advice of my grandma on what they were, and here is the list:

  

Playing dress-up is one of my favourites when I was a little girl. I would wear a dress and put on my plastic pearl necklace, grab my bag and pretend that I am to attend a party. Ivory pearls will always be popular and suits almost all occasion. Even if most cannot afford to get the real one, which are really expensive, they can settle with a faux strand and you can’t almost tell if there is any difference.

 

Tri-stoned

The three stones represent the past, the present, and the future. Variety of stones can be used for this style. Be it diamond, turquoise, opal, or pearl, it will always be seen to accentuate either on a ring, necklace, and earrings. Most people decide to have it made with their birthstones.

Cross pendant

This style is commonly worn by those who with religious belief. But this simple cross can be worn by anyone to merely serve as an accessory. Plain, smooth cross, embellished with stones, or engraved, it will blend with any outfit you have.

Chain necklace

It is the perfect partner for a cross pendant. You can have it in whatever width and length you want. They also have a range of styles and how each link are arranged to form the chain. With this piece, it is wise to buy the best of quality since necklace may react on the skin and low class material will not have an enduring luster.

Stud earrings

Different trends in earrings come and go but never the stud. The look is chic and it does not cost much. A perfect pearl, a glistening gem, or just a plain ball of silver or gold is enough to have an effect that will surely brighten your face. 

Hoop earrings

This type of earrings, just like the stud, is timeless. With varying sizes of the hoop, one will surely frame your face in a flattering way and suit whatever hairstyle you have. Large hoops looks best for those who have long hair, medium are the choice of those on the heavier side or bigger body frame, while the small size will look great on everyone.

Jewelry is not just a fashion statement. You buy them not to wear once or twice but probably for as long as you want. So it is better to invest on classic styles that you will with assurance adore for a long time.

About the author: Marixie is the relationship manager of Nanostyle.   NanoStyle is the first and only to imprint 24kt gold on Cubic Zirconia jewelry. The company is famous for creating elegant love pendants and Christian pendants.