This is the year that Chanel celebrates its 50th anniversary of the Novella which distinguished the fashion jewellery brand across the globe. So fifty years on in a world where diamante is the new diamond is there still room for a little blue box in our lives? Or is this now the world of fashion jewellery. As the credit crunch blocks your way to Cartier and the expensive jewellery’s you have no choice but to look for viable alternatives and fashion jewellery is fast becoming one of them. Dating back to the early1700′s fashion jewellery has been a part of fashion culture for more than 300 years, providing an inexpensive but beautiful substitute to fine jewellery through the use of materials such as simulated semi-precious beads and pendants. Coco Channel in her collections often featured fashion jewellery; she helped to reinvent its purpose as an investment to a fashion accessory. Replacing gold with gold plated and pearl with pearl effect beads the crime of going ‘fake’ has never been more accepted, and for what fashion jewellery lacks in precious materials, it makes up for in the unique and original designs. Most notably it is the outstanding designer Kenneth Jay Lane who, since the early 1960′s been creating unique and original piece for the likes of Audrey Hepburn, that has led the way in breaking free from the conventional restrictions when it comes to fashion jewellery design. Leaving chandelier earrings behind in favour of proportion defying necklaces and turquoise embellished cuffs. But possibly more excitingly is the wide range of fashion jewellery that is now available to us on the high street. Affordable, stylish, designer and attention grabbing jewellery, from Accessorize’s cocktail rings, beaded necklaces, semi-precious bracelets and earrings and charm bracelets dripping in bright and beautiful beads to Urban Outfitters kitsch pendant and cluster necklaces, fashion jewellry has become a statement of our own individuality. And in this quest to find unique pieces of fashion jewellery that are original, it is individual online boutiques that offer one of a kind and limited designs. Up and coming jewellery designers, often students from the likes of Parsons school of design and Central Saint Martin’s are swapping mass production for handmade and individually sourced handmade jewellery and selling it online. Offering handmade fashion jewellery connoisseurs a chance to not only buy a one of a kind piece but to invest in the future of jewellery design. Local Art and craft fairs are also a great place to be able to find stunning pieces of handmade jewellery that have been handcrafted into stunning pieces of fashion jewellery. If you are looking for something that is totally unique then this is where you may find what you are looking for. Also these jewellery designers may be able to make you something where you have a hand in the design so that you can have a fashion jewellery piece that has been handmade to suit exactly what you are looking for. Whichever you to choose have fun.

The most famous types of Indian jewellry are those that are made by the tribal groups of the country. The ethnicity as well as the designs of these Indian jewellry must be what gained them the acclaim and the popularity that is present among international circles that collect such items. There are many types of Indian jewellry that has gained acclaim all over the world. These jewelry are admired for its wonderful artistry and craftsmanship. they are also  varied in its types that their numbers and varieties seem inexhaustible and could be found  about anywhere. This must be because Hindus from every part of the Indian country has their own styles in making these jewelry and they even use different kinds of materials that could be found in every nook and cranny of earth’s natural bounties. A type of Indian jewellry that is known for the intricacy as well as delicacy of its design is the filigree. Metal threads that are  fine are used to form this Indian jewellry. These threads are plaited, curled as well as twisted to make a design. A blowpipe is used to connect these threads together by the application of gold or silver. This type of jewelry is most well known among the people who are in to fine jewelry. Trendy people go for the type of Indian jewellry now in the market that are known as the terracota jewelry. The Indians making these type of Indian jewellry used clay in fashioning rings, necklaces, bangles and bracelets, pins for the hair and anklets, among others. These items are engraved with different designs and then glazed for a beautiful finish. Elaborate design and chunkiness in its make are also not lost among Indian jewellry. This type of Indian jewellry is called as the temple jewelry. Embedded with precious, this 22 karat gold jewelry is famous among rajahs and queens who wants the best pieces for themselves. Of work, the understated jewelry collectors would still find what they need in Indian jewellry. Pearl jewelry in India is  bountiful with the country being one the major pearl exporters worldwide. accessible in colors that range from white to dark grey, these exquisite beads from the sea are made in to earrings, bracelets, necklaces and hair ornaments. Indian jewellry termed as jute has also been lauded among youngsters, who like the jewelry’s playful qualities. This type of Indian jewellry has exquisite colors because of its adornments. The Indians who made this type of jewelry used threads, beads and shells of different colors that are bright and  eye-catching in its boldness. This Indian jewellry is  affordable. Heavy jewelry is also  common among Indian jewellry. they’ve those bell-shaped earrings that are known for its bead and mirror work as well as those made of silver that are oxidized. there is also the Indian jewellry that is aptly called as lacquer jewelry after the material from which it was made from. This jewelry, which comes embellished with brass and glass, is made from tree sap that is hardened and named lac

Why have tiaras grown in popularity over recent years? It’s not just “bling bling” or the wedding day “princess” effect – 4. 2 million references on Google for the word “tiara” highlight the increasing desire for this stylish headdress. Each website will have over 100 different designs of all shapes and sizes, materials and colours, with crystals, pearls – even feathers! There is a huge choice – with everything except, it seems, edible tiaras!

The V&A exhibition in London underlines the amazing durability and popularity of the tiara. With over 200 scintillating gem-set head ornaments on display, the exhibition is proving a huge hit. Thousands of fine diamonds worn by the likes of Victoria Beckham – and the Queen – are on display including the Oriental Circlet tiara designed by Prince Albert and worn by Queen Victoria, and more recently, the Queen Mother.

Taking pride of place at the exhibition is the Diamond Tiara Russe that the Queen wore on her wedding day in 1947, a tribute to her reign. Not so long ago, many would have considered tiaras to be elitist – something for the Royal Family – and even then only on special occasions.

Today’s tiaras are less formal and less rigid in design, complimenting the hair and dress, rather than dominating like the old, heavy models worn by the crowned heads of Europe. Now, tiaras seem so commonplace and so cheap that there must be factories in China churning out mass-produced tiaras because some of the leading websites are selling tiaras, allegedly silver, at £10 – £15.

On the other hand, London wedding shops stock tiaras with their prices starting at £200. I spoke to several designers at a recent wedding fair in London who said there was no way they could make a silver tiara for as little as £10. Their prices started at £40 for a simple basic model.

Mostly the designers seemed to be concentrating on the “bespoke” end of the market for the more fussy brides-to-be who want something totally different for their wedding. So is the popularity of tiaras going to last? I suppose it will depend on the hairstyle of the day. Picture a tiara on a beehive! Not likely? You’d never find them!

“I was ‘coiffee’ before dinner, with a lovely Diadem of diamonds and emeralds designed by my beloved Albert” Queen Victoria’s journal, 25 April 1845

So you are tired of searching for information on mystical beads? Don?t fret because your search ends here. .

You go the small, hard to find shop. Once there, the proprietor asks you to write your name and address- not deliver anything to you, but to decide which stone beads are “right” for you. Strings of specially chosen beads are created here in Okinawa by reinosha or shamans. These bracelets of elastic with the beads of aventurine, turquoise, topaz, rose quartz and many other minerals or materials are supposed to change your mood, or at least give you good luck.

Each string of beads is said to possess a particular aura effective for the person the minerals were chosen for. There are Wooden Beads painted with Hiragana or Chinese characters to bring luck. Hematite wards off depression. Rock crystal brings strength. Mother-of-pearl attracts money, and rose quartz can make you lucky in love.

WIKIPEDIA SAYS- Certain rocks,(such as lapis-lazuli) and organic materials (such as amber or jet) are strictly speaking not minerals, but are still applied in jewelry and adornments, and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well.

Both stones and beads have long histories in the realm of magic and belief.

From the Middle Ages onward knowledge of the healing or protective properties of stones was considered a crucial factor in alchemy medicine and the occult , three branches of knowledge which in those days were nearly one , together constituting the whole of current science.

The following list is of beads materials and their associations.

Moonstone: Good fortune for lovers

Opal: Bestows hope

Carnelian: PMS relief

Wood: Simplicity

Topaz: Power over wild animals

Tiger’s eye: Courage

Apatite – Enhances creativity

Citrine – Raises self esteem

Garnet – Creates health

Labradorite – Aids digestion and metabolism

Pearl – Signifies faith

Peridot – Overcomes anger and jealousy

Quartz (clear) – Stimulates brain function

Based on the theory that stones, especially crystals vibrate at a certain frequency; a stone’s energy can be used to balance the body’s electromagnetic waves. Others believe that wearing certain stones can affect your chakras or energy centers.

One legendary stone was known as the Black Prince’s Ruby. [Edward, Prince of Wales (1330-1376) was called the Black Prince because he wore black armor. ] The ruby was so-called because it was a large red stone. Edward was sixteen when his heroism during the Battle of Crecy brought him praise; a later battle earned him the stone , already considered to be a powerful amulet. Henry V wore it in his helmet at Agincourt; it was credited with saving his life when the helmet was split by a battleaxe. Richard III wore it at Bosworth. It is still the most celebrated stone among the British Crown Jewels.

Beads also have a rich history of spirituality and ritual use that comes from prayer beads and the belief in healing powers of gemstones. For thousands of years, man has used beads to adorn himself and aid in spiritual and ritual rites. The root word for bead, bede means to pray, and the earliest use of prayer beads is traced to the Hindus. Stringing beads together allowed the user to keep track of the number of prayers repeated.

The traditional Buddhist mala is comprised of 108 beads , whereas Muslim prayer beads , called subha or tisbah , contain 99 beads; the Catholic rosary consists of between 38 and 169 beads.

Once the church decided rosaries were better suited for counting devotions than for talismanic protection, persons of the cloth were forbidden from carrying “pagan” rosaries made from coral, quartz or amber.

DID YOU KNOW?In the middle ages ,opal was considered a stone that could provide great luck because it was believed to possess all the virtues of each gemstone whose color was represented in the color spectrum of the opal.

Whether or not you believe in the power of stones or beads, all jewelry has some magic. Perhaps you have inherited a ring which was actually considered to be a lucky piece, worn daily by a great-grandparent? Or a gemstone in an unusual setting? Or a small string of coral beads whose original meaning as a christening gift has been largely forgotten? So rather than travel to Okinawa for a special shaman’s bracelet, maybe you should just dig through your jewelry box for some magic.

RECOMMENDED READING:Gemstone Energy Medicine: Healing Body, Mind And Spirit by Michael Katz , The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals by Judy Hall ,The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian

Brooches and shawl pins! The extensive use of the fashion industry of pashmina shawls, scarves, and sweaters, among others underscore the continuing preeminence of this unique fashion accessory the world over. Yet, the elegance and sophistication of such fashionable garments will be for naught if not for shawl pins and brooches – accessories that complement the natural beauty and elegance of shawls. Shawls are garments that are traditionally worn over one’s shoulder. These pieces of garments have been largely reminiscent of old Persian and Indian traditions where its primary purpose was to protect the human body against the bitter cold. These garments were never really taken for their aesthetic value but more for what they can provide in utilitarian fashion. With the high quality of these hand spun and hand woven garments, they eventually found their way to complement certain costumes as well as tools in some symbolic rituals. Only with their spread to Western cultures, with the opening of the Silk Road did the preeminence of the pashmina shawl as a fashion accessory gained a significant following. Since then, the pashmina shawl has never looked back. The trick in the use of pashmina shawls is in how to keep it from falling off one’s shoulders. There are a variety of methods to keep it in place but it would seem none can compare to the value afforded by shawl pins and other similar accessories. These pins are ornaments in themselves while providing that desired effect of keeping the shawl in its place. One very common method of keeping a shawl in place is by converting the shawl into a poncho by sewing the two ends together. The problem here is that the resulting hole may be a little too wide to keep the whole shawl from slipping. This specially occurs if the shawl is extraordinarily long. Other methods include the use of binder pins and even a pencil with the latter method rather easy to use – just wrap the shawl around your shoulder and weave through the resulting layers a pencil. Although it can secure the shawl most of the time, it is not at all fashionable to see a pencil sticking on a garment. For best effects, both in offering functionality and form, shawl pins and brooches are simply incomparable. These accessories come in different designs, shapes, colors, as well as materials used for finishing. These are all important to make the shawl pin look more like an accessory and not just an obscure object in someone’s attire. Shawl pins made of pearls offer a great complement to the natural essence of pashmina shawls. These pins are especially relevant to beautiful pashmina shawls. Not only do these pins offer great functionality they also lend an overall sense of elegance to your whole wardrobe. There are also pins for shawls that are made of other materials with some integrating a host of other elements in the design. There are pins that resemble an earring with a mother of pearl and there are pins that made from metal and steel. No matter what the make of these pins, they are essentially useful in securing the pashmina shawl on one’s shoulder. For a more elegant effect, shawl brooches can be used especially in social and other formal gatherings. Evening dresses and other formal wear can even look more sophisticated, more elegant and lovelier if the pashmina shawl has been secured with a shawl brooch. Some career women also would prefer a shawl brooch over a pin because of the flair for sophistication it affords the wearer. There are many resources on the Web regarding shawl pins and brooches including the different designs appropriate for your shawl. It is thus important you spend some time to search through these resources to bring out the best in your modern day shawl.

You have been imagining this day since you were little. The beautiful white dress with the long train, the pale pink roses surrounded by babies breath, the three tier cake with vanilla icing topped by cute little bride and groom figurines. And now that your wedding day is approaching you have found your dress, designed your bouquet and ordered your cake. Now is the time to add a little sparkle. Obviously the most important pieces of jewellery will be the rings, but don’t count out the statement a beautiful pair of earrings, necklace or bracelet will make. Oishii Jewellery integrates quality sterling silver with unique materials like wood, crystal, resin, enamel, pearl and semi-precious stones. The results are sure to bring that extra something to your big day. If your theme is traditional you can choose from their exquisite collection of pearl bracelets which come in several shades including rose, white and cream. If contemporary is more your style then maybe you’d fancy their crystal swirl earrings which are a modern twist on an antique trend. Or maybe for a splash of colour you could choose a candy pendant in blue, lavender or pink. And if a wedding on the beach is your fantasy, you could top off your summery look with a pair of daisy drop earrings with matching pendant. Now that your look is complete, don’t forget about the other important people that will help make your day special, your bridesmaids. You could choose something individual for each or get them all a matching piece to wear on the day and then cherish forever. Some unique ideas are a pair of silver rose earrings, a pearl cascade bangle or perhaps a butterfly necklace. Another great thing about choosing Oishii Jewellery is that you can do all of your shopping from the comfort of your living room with their safe and easy to use shopping cart feature. Make your wedding day as perfect as you’ve imagined it with help from the dream team at Oishii-Jewellery. co. uk.

Get Professionally Sized. There are many ways to determine your ring size, including wrapping a piece of string or paper around your finger, but nothing is more accurate than being measured by a professional jeweler. We recommend that you take a few moments to stop by your local jewelry store and get measured so you can be absolutely confident about your choice of size. Try to achieve a snug fit. The ring sizer should feel tight going over your knuckles but should feel comfortable once it is on your finger. Let the jeweler know if the ring you’re interested in is comfort fit. Most tungsten jewelry are comfort fit, but you should refer to the specific product page to make sure. Comfort fit rings tend to fit a little looser and feel more comfortable, as the name suggests. Some may feel that they want to order a 1/2 size larger than they are measured to be safe. This is not necessary with tungsten jewellryConsider going to more than one jeweler. This is not absolutely necessary but it does help ensure that the sizing is being done accurately. Two jewelers are ideal if you have the time!Consider getting sized during different times of the day. Again, not necessary but it certainly could be helpful because fingers may swell throughout the day and change how your ring feels and fits. Resist ordering a half-size larger for “extra room”. Wearing a wedding band that is too large can actually feel somewhat uncomfortable as it slides around on your finger and a ring that’s even slightly too big can easily slip off when your fingers are wet or soapy. Most design bands can not be re-sized smaller but most can be made a quarter to a half size larger without compromising the quality or integrity of the ring, in case you feel that you need “extra room” at a later date. Qifu Pearl Processing Co. ,Ltd. combines the design with processing, domestic wholesale and export of Akoya pearl cultivation, Akoya , freshwater pearl and pearl jewelry series of products. It is one of the earliest established and most competitive enterprises in domestic pearl process industry with over 20 years experience.  

Also there is a tendency to pour a lot of money into such a gift. But it should be kept in mind that it is not a good idea to buy gifts that are too expensive to afford. The woman who received the gift might not even adorn herself with it if it does not appeal to her. There are many factors to keep in mind before buying jewellery. An important thing to keep in mind is whether the woman is allergic to certain materials, such as gold or silver. If your gift ends up giving her hand a rash, she will not exactly be pleased with it.   Another important consideration is to buy her something she does not already have. Most women possess plenty of diamonds and pearls, and might be happier if given a different gift such as a ruby or a gemstone. Also, many a times, a diamond ring might make her a lot happier than extensive and expensive costume jewelry. For women of the traditional category, traditional gifts such as a trinity ring or diamond wishbone are generally highly appreciated. The occasion for giving the gift should also be kept in mind. The birth of a child might be celebrated by giving an eternity ring. Various types of gemstones are popular as anniversary or birthday gifts. It is also necessary to choose jewelry that suits her style of dressing, whether it is contemporary or vintage. Jewellery should also suit the features of a woman. Women with long necks, for example, are better suited to long, chandelier type earrings. Those with shorter necks are fans of short, pretty earrings. While choosing rings, it is useful to know the diameter of the woman’s finger. This will ensure that the ring fits, and will also determine which type of ring will suit her hand. For example, rings with a sleekly cut diamond transform short, stubby fingers, and make them look longer. But rings with huge diamonds can make the fingers look shorter than they are. In general, intricate, delicate designs should be limited to long, delicate fingers, while large, showy and simple designs should be reserved for thicker fingers, on a larger hand. Jewellry should also be given in accordance with the woman’s profession, if she is expected to wear the jewelry everyday. Flashy jewellery might look quite out-of-place in certain professions. For example, a judge wearing a diamond tiara would undoubtedly look unusual. The jewellry should suit the complexion of the woman in question. When it comes to pearls, shades of pink are generally better suited to a pale complexion. It contrasts the paleness of the skin, and hence looks prettier than it would if lighter colors were used. Pearls of an off-white shade generally suit dark complexions better. They also look pretty on brunettes. All in all, the gift should be a thoughtful one, and should enliven rather than disappoint. Please visit www. shop4holics. com

Now to the second part of jewellery do’s and don’ts, What are your current jewelry choices. Have you been wearing the same gold necklace and conservative earrings for years? Why not add a few pieces of jewelry ? You can visit your favourite fashion magazines for inspiration. Notice how the models are wearing the jewelry. If you read high fashion magazines, look at the jewelry advertisements. Pay attention to the designer’s styles. These are the styles that you will be looking for while shopping. You may have some nice outfits, a great hairstyle, but you may be missing some of the final touches. Here are a few tips to help you spruce up your look with fashion jewellry Jewelry is an accessory that can make or break your look. Wearing jewelry correctly will result in a smart, dazzling result where all the focus is on you! Here are 5 simple tips: 1. Wear just one bold statement piece of jewelry and make sure your other pieces are understated and complimentary. For example, a big, flashy bracelet should be paired with a simple ring and small hoop or stud earrings. Don’t overstimulate your “viewers” by attempting to bring attention to your ears, neck, wrist, and hands at one time. Choose a single focal point. 2. Be practical and consider your activity. Heavy, dangly earrings and ten bangle bracelets are probably not a good choice for a crazy dance party nor outdoor hiking. Reserve large pieces for events when you’re not going to be extraordinarily active. 3 . Necklace lengths can be the trickiest thing to determine when choosing jewelry to coordinate with your outfit. Chokers are fantastic with strapless dresses and tops. Open collar and boat-neck tops look great with a chunkier, shorter necklace. Turtlenecks and tunics are best with a longer pendant or a long string of beads. 4. Make sure your jewelry choices are appropriate for the situation. For example, a flashy choker is not okay for an office. And a set of conservative pearls is probably not the best choice for rock concert. Pair your jewelry to the occasion. 5. Wear size-proportionate jewelry. If you’re petite, a large piece (or worse, several large pieces) would detract versus attract. If you want to wear a bold piece, try a large cocktail ring or bracelet instead of a necklace or earrings. If you’re a plus-sized gal, turn it up and wear large, splashy pieces.

I’v got this dress with black shoes but i dunno what colour jewlery should go wit it. . . either pearls or gold jewellry. . . um, and what colour clutch? (bag)not black though!

http://www. debenhams. com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_102644_1060840_-1

Thanks!

{answer}