Showing posts with label jewelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jewelry. Show all posts

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Hypoallergenic Jewelry

Picture this! You have had a fabulous day. First a small party in the office and then at home. You got all the chances to flaunt your new jewelry. It was a day well spent with good fun and much needed relaxation. The next day you get up, you have an ugly rash around your neck. Well, thanks to the nickel in that necklace you wore, you have got that rash. Quite a few amongst us have been there, experienced that. Fortunately, because of the jewelry making fraternity and those who research on metals used for jewelry, the incidences of people developing a rash from such things are decreasing. The reason? In comes hypoallergenic jewelry! Scan through the text that follows to know what it is!

What is Hypoallergenic Jewelry?

Basically, this type of jewelry is made sans the use of harmful alloys, nickel to be precise. It could be any other metal as well. But in general too, if someone is allergic to a particular metal, hypoallergenic jewelry is the best bet. This type of jewelry is made of titanium, gold (10 to 14 karat), surgical steel, and also niobium is recommended. The best part about niobium and titanium is that they never have a reaction with the chemical makeup of our skin. However, surgical steel may have a slight amount of nickel but it does not lead to an allergic reaction. These metals are therefore used as hypoallergenic jewelry coating. Platinum too is used to create such jewelry. In addition to this, pure copper, free from nickel or nickel alloys, is a hypoallergenic material for jewelry. Even the jewelry which is does not involve metal but involves thread like material, and beads and stuff can be said to be hypoallergenic.

Positives of Hypoallergenic Jewelry

The best part about hypoallergenic body jewelry is that you will not have to wake up with an ugly skin rash or itch the next day. Then you can wear them frequently and for a longer period of time too without any problem. There would not be any reaction. Sometimes, what can happen is that even those who are usually not sensitive to normal jewelry, may even experience rash and the like sometimes. This is good even for them. Moreover, this jewelry does not compromise on the quality and the fashion quotient as well. Sometimes, it can happen that individuals are not sensitive to certain metals but they may develop sensitivity later on. This type of jewelry will be then useful for them too. The fact that it is hypoallergenic, moreover does not restrict the array of designs you can choose from. Consider earrings for instance. These can include the jazziest and the snazziest of the designs to the classic and elegant ones. Hypoallergenic jewelry findings too are useful as if they are used for making other jewelry items as well. They can save money as well for you.

After getting a low down on allergy-free, (so to say!) jewelry, let's see if we can avoid unwanted reactions in case there is a usage of normal jewelry.

Precautions for Sensitive Skin

If you give a little bit of thought, you can easily save yourself from that ugly rash and itching on account of normal jewelry.
  • Be it normal or hypoallergenic, avoid wearing jewelry at home, even if it is gold jewelry. It will reduce the exposure of metal to your skin, automatically preventing any reactions.
  • You can try applying a clear nail polish to an area which is going to be exposed to jewelry you are sensitive to if you have to wear that.
  • The jewelry findings can be used by either plating them again.
  • As far as possible do not go for cheap jewelry or oxidized jewelry, even if you do not go for hypoallergenic jewelry.
  • While buying hypoallergenic jewelry, make sure it is marked as that.
All these things will prevent a skin abrasion from the hypoallergenic jewelry supplies. Last, but not the least, whenever you buy hypoallergenic jewelry, along with the tag saying hypoallergenic, also confirm whether the parts which are going to be exposed to your skin are not which can induce a skin reaction! I sign off here! Take care!

Hypoallergenic Jewelry

Picture this! You have had a fabulous day. First a small party in the office and then at home. You got all the chances to flaunt your new jewelry. It was a day well spent with good fun and much needed relaxation. The next day you get up, you have an ugly rash around your neck. Well, thanks to the nickel in that necklace you wore, you have got that rash. Quite a few amongst us have been there, experienced that. Fortunately, because of the jewelry making fraternity and those who research on metals used for jewelry, the incidences of people developing a rash from such things are decreasing. The reason? In comes hypoallergenic jewelry! Scan through the text that follows to know what it is!

What is Hypoallergenic Jewelry?

Basically, this type of jewelry is made sans the use of harmful alloys, nickel to be precise. It could be any other metal as well. But in general too, if someone is allergic to a particular metal, hypoallergenic jewelry is the best bet. This type of jewelry is made of titanium, gold (10 to 14 karat), surgical steel, and also niobium is recommended. The best part about niobium and titanium is that they never have a reaction with the chemical makeup of our skin. However, surgical steel may have a slight amount of nickel but it does not lead to an allergic reaction. These metals are therefore used as hypoallergenic jewelry coating. Platinum too is used to create such jewelry. In addition to this, pure copper, free from nickel or nickel alloys, is a hypoallergenic material for jewelry. Even the jewelry which is does not involve metal but involves thread like material, and beads and stuff can be said to be hypoallergenic.

Positives of Hypoallergenic Jewelry

The best part about hypoallergenic body jewelry is that you will not have to wake up with an ugly skin rash or itch the next day. Then you can wear them frequently and for a longer period of time too without any problem. There would not be any reaction. Sometimes, what can happen is that even those who are usually not sensitive to normal jewelry, may even experience rash and the like sometimes. This is good even for them. Moreover, this jewelry does not compromise on the quality and the fashion quotient as well. Sometimes, it can happen that individuals are not sensitive to certain metals but they may develop sensitivity later on. This type of jewelry will be then useful for them too. The fact that it is hypoallergenic, moreover does not restrict the array of designs you can choose from. Consider earrings for instance. These can include the jazziest and the snazziest of the designs to the classic and elegant ones. Hypoallergenic jewelry findings too are useful as if they are used for making other jewelry items as well. They can save money as well for you.

After getting a low down on allergy-free, (so to say!) jewelry, let's see if we can avoid unwanted reactions in case there is a usage of normal jewelry.

Precautions for Sensitive Skin

If you give a little bit of thought, you can easily save yourself from that ugly rash and itching on account of normal jewelry.
  • Be it normal or hypoallergenic, avoid wearing jewelry at home, even if it is gold jewelry. It will reduce the exposure of metal to your skin, automatically preventing any reactions.
  • You can try applying a clear nail polish to an area which is going to be exposed to jewelry you are sensitive to if you have to wear that.
  • The jewelry findings can be used by either plating them again.
  • As far as possible do not go for cheap jewelry or oxidized jewelry, even if you do not go for hypoallergenic jewelry.
  • While buying hypoallergenic jewelry, make sure it is marked as that.
All these things will prevent a skin abrasion from the hypoallergenic jewelry supplies. Last, but not the least, whenever you buy hypoallergenic jewelry, along with the tag saying hypoallergenic, also confirm whether the parts which are going to be exposed to your skin are not which can induce a skin reaction! I sign off here! Take care!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Thumb Rings for Women

Today different types of rings are worn by both men and women. The latest trend is to wear what you want and not what is the recent style statement. Thumb rings for women are one of the things that we have suddenly started noticing, haven't we? But you'll be surprised to know that thumb rings were worn by both men and women since ancient times. Though thumb rings for men and women are both in high demand, in this article we've tried to focus more on thumb rings for women, the different types and what those types mean.

Types of Thumb Rings for Women

There are many different types and varieties in thumb rings for women like Celtic thumb rings and sterling silver rings. You can experiment with all these varieties and types and see which one suits you best. Look for the thumb ring meaning before selecting any, as they have different meanings around the world. Here we have described four types of thumb rings for women that you can go through.

Celtic Thumb Rings for Women
These have probably been the oldest thumb rings for women. These date back to ancient times when rings were worn to show hierarchy by men and women. The more the hierarchy, the more elaborate the design. The basic meaning of these thumb rings will be the meaning of the Celtic design it represents. The Celtic thumb rings for women have been in fashion since a really long time and even today, they are worn on a very large scale. Women who like Celtic designs can always opt for these thumb rings. They are worn more by women who are into trendy designs and accessories.

Sterling Silver Thumb Rings for Women
Women who want to wear a ring in their thumbs and keep it simple, usually opt for sterling silver thumb rings. These are cheaper than the gold one's and you can experiment more with the designs. Since it comes cheaper than gold, you can add more to the design if you wish to. You can get these rings from almost all jewelry shops and silver stores. If you don't want to wear something expensive and not something that is fake, sterling silver thumb rings for women are the best choice.

Gold Thumb Rings for Women
Gold thumb rings for women are the only rings that are worn by very few women since gold is one of the most expensive metals. These rings look best when worn only as a band and that's what most women do. If you like wearing a ring in your thumb and don't want it to look very flashy, just wear a simple gold ring. These make wonderful gifts too. Gold thumb rings for women are not very trendy but they do have their own exotic look. Gold ornaments are usually considered unique and your ring will be part of these unique ornaments.

Meaningful Thumb Rings for Women
Meaningful thumb rings for women are those thumb rings which have a particular meaning of their own. In olden times, rings were worn according to the hierarchy, as I have mentioned before. Then, in some parts of the world, it is believed that women who wear a thumb ring in their right hand agree to sexual relationships. It is also believed that thumb rings worn in the left thumb represent faith, trust and hope whereas those worn in the right hand thumb indicate that you believe in practical approaches to everything in life.

I hope you have a more clear idea about thumb rings for women and thumb rings significance after reading this article and that it helps you to choose the best ring for yourself. Do not forget to take extra care when you are wearing rings made up of silver and gold as they require cleaning from time to time. So, get that thumb ring soon and begin flaunting.

Thumb Rings for Women

Today different types of rings are worn by both men and women. The latest trend is to wear what you want and not what is the recent style statement. Thumb rings for women are one of the things that we have suddenly started noticing, haven't we? But you'll be surprised to know that thumb rings were worn by both men and women since ancient times. Though thumb rings for men and women are both in high demand, in this article we've tried to focus more on thumb rings for women, the different types and what those types mean.

Types of Thumb Rings for Women

There are many different types and varieties in thumb rings for women like Celtic thumb rings and sterling silver rings. You can experiment with all these varieties and types and see which one suits you best. Look for the thumb ring meaning before selecting any, as they have different meanings around the world. Here we have described four types of thumb rings for women that you can go through.

Celtic Thumb Rings for Women
These have probably been the oldest thumb rings for women. These date back to ancient times when rings were worn to show hierarchy by men and women. The more the hierarchy, the more elaborate the design. The basic meaning of these thumb rings will be the meaning of the Celtic design it represents. The Celtic thumb rings for women have been in fashion since a really long time and even today, they are worn on a very large scale. Women who like Celtic designs can always opt for these thumb rings. They are worn more by women who are into trendy designs and accessories.

Sterling Silver Thumb Rings for Women
Women who want to wear a ring in their thumbs and keep it simple, usually opt for sterling silver thumb rings. These are cheaper than the gold one's and you can experiment more with the designs. Since it comes cheaper than gold, you can add more to the design if you wish to. You can get these rings from almost all jewelry shops and silver stores. If you don't want to wear something expensive and not something that is fake, sterling silver thumb rings for women are the best choice.

Gold Thumb Rings for Women
Gold thumb rings for women are the only rings that are worn by very few women since gold is one of the most expensive metals. These rings look best when worn only as a band and that's what most women do. If you like wearing a ring in your thumb and don't want it to look very flashy, just wear a simple gold ring. These make wonderful gifts too. Gold thumb rings for women are not very trendy but they do have their own exotic look. Gold ornaments are usually considered unique and your ring will be part of these unique ornaments.

Meaningful Thumb Rings for Women
Meaningful thumb rings for women are those thumb rings which have a particular meaning of their own. In olden times, rings were worn according to the hierarchy, as I have mentioned before. Then, in some parts of the world, it is believed that women who wear a thumb ring in their right hand agree to sexual relationships. It is also believed that thumb rings worn in the left thumb represent faith, trust and hope whereas those worn in the right hand thumb indicate that you believe in practical approaches to everything in life.

I hope you have a more clear idea about thumb rings for women and thumb rings significance after reading this article and that it helps you to choose the best ring for yourself. Do not forget to take extra care when you are wearing rings made up of silver and gold as they require cleaning from time to time. So, get that thumb ring soon and begin flaunting.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

H. Stern and Why We Love to Shop for Jewelry on Girls Getaways

Rihanna in H. Stern rings

One of our favorite things to shop for when we travel has always been and will always be jewelry. It's the best souvenir, because you'll have it forever and when you get compliments on a piece, you can say, "This old thing? I got it in Santorini, Santa Fe, Paris..."

So naturally it follows that one of our most treasured memories is touring and shopping at the H. Stern headquarters in Brazil several years back. In Brazil, you literally can't turn the corner without tripping over an H. Stern outpost, but the workshop in Rio de Janeiro is something else entirely. You learn about the history of the brand, the natural gem stones of Brazil and watch the jewelry makers in action. Then, you're set lose to sip cocktails and shop. Our little square necklace from the Rainbow collection bought at the H. Stern store in Rio is one of our prized possessions.

Fast forward a few years to last week. We were invited to a blogger breakfast at the H. Stern store. Despite our appreciation of H. Stern, we had never set foot in the New York City store before. It's near Rockefeller Center, so we had surrendered the store to tourists. That was a mistake.

We had forgotten the H. Stern heritage of using nature, movement and dance in the jewelry collections--and all at good value. No wonder that H. Stern is a celebrity favorite, including Rihanna who is wearing H. Stern rings, above. Similar to the folks working at the David Yurman Townhouse, everyone who works there was happy to help and let us try on all the pieces we wanted.

Diane Von Furstenberg fans that we are, we gravitated towards the DVF H. Stern collection. The Sultra Sport Watch is sexy, elegant and functional:

DVF


and we also love the Rock Crystal Bracelet from the DVF collection.
DVF H. Stern rock crystal bracelet
The next time you're in NYC shopping at Sak's or the original NYC H+M, be sure to stop by!

FTC Disclosure: I attended a press-only breakfast at the Townhouse, where I was gifted with a piece of H. Stern jewelry.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Pacific Collection by Christine Mighion

We've been a fan of Christine Mighion's jewelry for a long while. Her pieces are unique and hand crafted.   The Pacific Collection was created with recycled gold and sterling silver and ethically mined stones.


One of our favorites is the Clean Water Ring ($400):

"My vision for this collection was to create sexy versatile pieces that would feel perfect for those balmy summer nights- pieces that a woman would instinctively pack if heading to a sunny and exotic vacation spot," said designer Christine Mighion.  

Ten percent from the proceeds of the Clean Water styles will be donated to CharityWater.org, which brings clean drinking water to people in developing nations.

Priced from $78 to $1050. Available at www.christinemighion.com

Another stand out is this set of Long Shore earrings ($540) made with blue topaz and recycled 14k gold.
eco Pacific Collection by Christine Mighion

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

The New David Yurman Townhouse in NYC

david Yurman townhouse

Last week, I had the chance to visit the new David Yurman Townhouse in New York City and chatted with David, himself. (That's us, above.) He was very authentic and charming and even complimented me on my necklace. (It's from Banana Republic!) The townhouse is three stories high. On the first, you'll find David's classic pieces, including a few stunners that are only available in the New York store.
david Yurman townhouse jewelry

Men's jewelry is on the second floor. I fell for this ring that Gerrard Butler owns. Don't forget: jewelry soothes over a grumpy SO post a girls' trip.
david Yurman townhouse men's ring

The third floor is home to couture and bridal jewelry like this pearl jaw dropper that costs more than I make in a year. The staff was very accommodating and let us try on all the baubles.
david Yurman townhouse amazing pearl necklace

Be sure to stop by the David Yurman Townhouse next time you're in NYC!


FTC Disclosure: I attended a press-only cocktail event at the Townhouse, where I was gifted with a piece of David Yurman jewelry.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Sponsored Post: Win a Pair of Diamond Earrings from Kohl's for Mother's Day

win diamond earrings


I just set foot in my first ever Kohl's last weekend. I had seen pictures of the Simply Vera by Vera Wang collection in magazines and online before, so I knew a little bit of what to expect--in the store, I wished the selection was bigger. I was surprised by how much I liked the LC Lauren Conrad Collection. But my biggest shock was the jewelry selection. Along with trendeir pieces, Kohl's sells gold, pearls and diamond jewelry.

Just in time for Mother's Day, JSG is giving away a pair of Kohl's 14kt White Gold or Yellow Gold 1/2cttw Round IGI Certified Diamond Studs (Reg Price $1750.00). The earrings have a four-prong setting with 14k gold screwback posts and come with an International Gemological Institute certificate of authenticity that verifies clarity, color and carat weight. And they come in a cute white leatherette gift box.

You won't have them in time for the big day, but won't mom forgive you when she sees what you did get her?

Follow us on Twitter at JSGHope and JSGAnne for details on how to enter. Giveaway ends midnight EST on May 9, 2010.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Cartier and America

Cartier and America
If you haven't seen Cartier and America at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, you're lucky that it has been extended through May 9th, 2010.  It features an extensive collection of Cartier jewels and stand alone pieces. We'd love to see the pieces of Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Grace of Monaco - including the Princess' 10 1/2 carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Tiffany's Marrakesh Collection from Paloma Picasso


Paloma Picasso is celebrating her 30th year as a Tiffany's designer with a collection that would make Carrie and company proud: Paloma's Marrakesh. The 18 karat gold, turquoise, emerald and diamond collection features Moroccan-inspired pieces and starts at $525.

Available this month at Tiffany's.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Cocktail RIngs

We've been on a cocktail ring kick these days. They add bling and color in a way that no other type of jewelry can.  A few of our recent lust-worthy pieces:


Monday, February 15, 2010

Lauren Conrad for Mark's m.powerment


Lauren Conrad might have gotten her start on reality shows like Laguna Beach and The Hills, but she definitely has chosen to use her fame to support a cause that is far more real: Dating Abuse. Apart from being an aspiring fashion designer, writer of two books, a beauty trend setter and constant fix on style sites, she has teamed up with mark cosmetics to create m.powerment by mark. This initiative was launched to help educate young women about abusive relationships and how to seek help.

With the help of her makeup artist Amy Nadine, LC created two lip-glosses, the m.powerment gold and m.powerment peach shades, the net proceeds of which will go directly to the m.powerment fund. LC personally admits to wearing the gold gloss often over lipstick to add shine or her bare lips for a nude look. I found this shade volumizing on my lips as well because of the reflective gold pigment.

Lauren Conrad also helped to create the mark Have a Heart Necklace and matching bracelet (new), which make great gift items. LC has been spotted in the scene wearing the Have a Heart Necklace, like at the debut of the Lauren Conrad Spring 2009 collection at LA Fashion Week.

Pick up the necklace for $22, bracelet for $12 and lip gloss for $6 at www.shop.meetmark.com.


Review based on a free sample of the m.powerment gold lip gloss.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry on Sale Today Only!

 

Happy birthday, Emily Elizabeth, and thanks for celebrating with us! We love the Good Fortunes Necklace (below) because it's unexpected and a great conversation starter.  This was featured in People Style Watch, and with 20% off, it only costs about $50!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Animal Inspired Jewelry


At Bazaar at the SLS Hotel in Los Angeles the other night, the oh-so-chic waitress was sporting a sexy pair of peacock feather earrings. We were inspired to see what other animal jewelry we could find.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Valentine's Day Earrings

Whether you're headed out to dinner with your man or headed out for cosmos with the girls, the Emily Elizabeth heart-shaped earrings are the cutest way to spread the love. We love Emily Elizabeth's Jewelry for her attention to details--the stars on these earrings give an unexpected twist of superhero glam.

From now until February 14, you'll receive 25 percent off when you sign up for a Valentine's Day coupon on OpenSky, where you can buy them at our store.