Battle of the Bracelets: Skulls vs. Snakes

I’ve seen many takes lately of snake and skull bracelets/bangles. For now, we will focus on skulls. Yesterday it was all about the snakes. After these two styles go head to head, everyone can vote on which they like better. Check out my favorite skull bracelets below!

This cuff is badass! From Aloha Rag, here we have the mini version of this bracelet done in 14k yellow gold. The cuff style lets you wear it either high up on your arm or stacked with loads of other bracelets. Designed by Luis Morais and priced at $815.  There are other sizes available as well.

Had to include these skull elastics designed by Jessica McCormack for two reasons: 1. I LOVE them. and 2. I received several emails asking me about them since I posted them before. The skulls are set with brilliant-cut diamond eyes (approx. 0.20ct total) and are mounted on black leather. They are only available direct from Jessica McCormack in London (they don’t stock in the USA yet but have plans to in the future)! Price: £400. Originally, Jessica only made about 5 of these and they sold out a long time ago, so they are made for special orders only. Readers, if you are interested in buying one contact them directly.

This skull bangle bracelet is more on the delicate side, if that is important to you when shopping for this trend. It can be found on Etsy, made by Michelle Chang Jewelry. If you want this done in 14k yellow gold, you will need to make a special request. Check out her profile here.  Love the little diamond accents.

Battle of the Bracelets: Snakes vs. Skulls

I’ve seen many takes lately of snake and skull bracelets/bangles. For now, we will focus on snakes. Tomorrow will be all about the skulls. After these two styles go head to head, everyone can vote on which they like better. Check out my favorite snake bracelets below!

Circa 1970, this snake bracelet has some beautiful etchings which give it its unique look. I also like how it wraps, and would look great worn higher up on the arm. This would make a great investment piece as well, seeing that it is made of 22k yellow gold. This one’s from Beladora and priced at $2250.

Love this style, the snake seems to come off as a delicate creature when designed in this way. This little guy has ruby eyes and done in 14k yellow gold. Designed by Sarah Jannerbo, a team of two sisters, using the lost wax method. These lovely ladies are based in Tennessee, not too far from myself.  Price: $1760

If you want a more sparkly take on a snake bracelet, this one outshines them all. From Beladora, this piece has 7 carats worth of diamonds and 3 carats worth of sapphire, set in platinum! The huge pear-shaped sapphire accenting the snake’s head is killer. This one’s from the 1950s and is priced at $7550.

The moment this snake bangle was “Twit-Pic’ed” I thought it was amazing. It is done in 18k yellow gold with a diamond on the snake’s head.  I love the design, with the end curled around, meeting back to the head.  This piece is designed by C. Greene and can only be found at Broken English.  Price: $2200

Sail Away with Tiffany & Co.’s Vintage Nautical Bracelets

Photo taken by FrizzText

These sunny, warm days of September make me want to sail away on a beautiful sailboat off into the sunset. Jewelry has a heavy nautical influence, anything from boat charms, to sailing knots, to the marine link. I’ve pointed out some trendy knot motifs in rings, and even our Charity Bracelet is designed with a special sailing knot in order for it to be adjustable. These bracelets are all designed by Tiffany & Co. from the early 1990s, and can be purchased at Beladora.

Set sail in style with this charming Tiffany “Sailboats” signed designer bangle. This estate designer bracelet is crafted in 18k yellow gold, featuring a fleet of sailboats, inset with mother of pearl and malachite sails atop shimmering lapis waters. This estate signed designer bracelet is approximately 1 1/8 inches wide and retailed for $6,625.00 in 1992. Beladora’s price: $4850

This 18k yellow gold marine link bracelet features lapis along with the bright, high polished gold signed by Tiffany & Co. The bracelet measures 7.5 inches and retailed for $4200 in 1993. Beladora’s price: $3250

I think this bangle has such a beautiful pattern which mimics the ocean’s waves. The classic 18k yellow gold signed designer bangle has a wave-like pattern created with inlaid mother of pearl, alternating with lapis. This bracelet originally retailed for $4,675.00 in 1992. Beladora‘s price: $3650

These make me want to scream, I’M ON A BOAT!

Price Check on 14k Spike Cuff Bracelet!

I was reading the new October issue of Lucky magazine yesterday, when I noticed a beautiful spike cuff bracelet which Kristen Bell points out as being her jewelry must-have.  It was the above spike cuff, done in 14k yellow gold by Lizzie Scheck Jewelry. I couldn’t help but notice the price ($1400) and remember that it looks quite similar to a design by Zoë Chicco.  So I hurriedly looked up Zoë Chicco’s version, and low and behold it is $992 cheaper than the Lizzie Scheck bracelet!  Both are done in 14k yellow gold and seem to be of similar size/dimensions.  Although they are online and not in person, and although there may be a size difference, if you are looking for this style of cuff, then go with the Zoë Chicco version!

Lizzie Scheck Spike Cuff Bracelet, 14k yellow gold, Price: $1400

Zoë Chicco Spike Cuff Bracelet, 14k yellow gold, Price: $408

Drape Chain Charm Bracelet

{14k yellow gold drape chain bracelet
14k yellow gold St. Anthony Medallion charm}

{14k yellow gold textured band
10k yellow gold antique panther ring}

A Gem Gossip “Do-It-Yourself:”

How to get the drape chain, charm bracelet look:

1. Get three very fine 14k gold chains (these came with pendants I’ve purchased that seem too thin to wear on a necklace alone)
2. Clasp them together, so that one clasp connects to the other’s end ring, and do the same with its other end
3. Wrap around your wrist and add a round medallion charm

A Bracelet LookBook//2009

{skull elastics JessicaMcCormack}

Designer Spotlight: Scosha NYC

Us adults need our version of the friendship bracelet.  This is where designer Scosha comes in, bringing you a mix of friendship-like bracelets reminiscent of our childhood’s past.  Only this version is much cooler, has some diamonds added, and made of vintage fishing line.  Give a girlfriend one of these, and I’m sure you’ll be best friends forever.  Love how these bracelets can be worn with other stackable kinds.  They have just the right amount of sparkle.

This bracelet comes from the Poetry Wheel Collection in Scosha’s line. The turquoise, yellow gold and black color combination is just beautiful. This dainty, little bracelet is made of antique silk fly fishing line that has been braided. Can you believe a single line can hold up to 120 pounds?! All the gold is solid, 10k yellow. Price: $550

These bracelets come from the Caravan Collection--with your choice of ruby, emerald or sapphire. This one has a 14k button closure, with a black and white braided fishing line look. Price: $235 each.

Want one with more sparkle? This one’s for you. It features small, gold rondel beads with the middle bead set with diamonds. From the Jessijean Collection, this bracelet consists of black fishing line crafted so that it adjusts to fit any wrist. A couple of these on and you will sparkle into the night! Each are $179.

Summer Time Jewelry

Photo Courtesy of Penshire Media

The sun is shining, temperatures are soaring…it is a hot mess being outdoors these days, especially living in the south. It is a good idea to be aware of what jewelry you are wearing in the hot summer months. One must think of what your day will entail, and then plan what jewelry would be practical. Like today, for example, a BBQ was planned–had to leave the rings at home! BBQ sauce on diamond rings is not fun. Or places like amusement parks and swimming pools: proof that the less jewelry you wear, the better. You wouldn’t want to lose something valuable or sentimental at a park or pool.

I have picked out a few pieces below that are great summertime options, that stand out on their own without needing to accessorize any further. Wearing one of these pieces alone will be a perfect, you wouldn’t need anything more.

This bracelet can easily stand alone on any wrist and be bright and beautiful. The flowers give it a summery look and bracelets are less likely to get dirty, making it a perfect option. Great for those who need to wear diamonds but want to wear less during summertime activities. From Dumont Estate Jewelry, circa 1950s, it features a foxtail link all done in 18k white gold. Price: $4775

If you have a camping or boating or bike trip planned, but you feel “naked” without your rings, this is a great option. Not only is it very earthy itself, but the craftsmanship of this ring will allow you to put your mind at ease while wearing it. Although opal is tough to clean, the bezel setting is much better than a classic prong setting which allows dirt to get up underneath the stone. This ring could easily be wiped with a soapy rag. Designed by Californian, Melissa Joy Manning and priced at $350, can be found at The Clay Pot.

This bracelet is perfect for warm weather. It is easy to throw on and it molds to fit your wrist, so you won’t have to worry about it falling off. Complete with 18k yellow gold caps, it is priced at $286, found at Persimmon and designed by Francisca Botelho.

Giveaway: Brazilets Wish Bracelet

We are giving away a Brazilet Wish Bracelet this week in honor of giving back, and helping to protect the Amazon in Brazil! Sales of Brazilets help preserve the Amazon and have been on the rise in popularity. Although these bracelets have been around for 200 years in Brazil, they have only recently been a hit here in the United States. Celebrities like Lauren Conrad and magazines like US Weekly & Star have promoted these bracelets.

Brazilets are worn fashionably throughout Latin America yet retain spiritual significance as they help grant wishes to all who wear them. Brazilets are worn by wrapping the wrist and tying three knots for three wishes; when the material wears down and the Brazilets fall off naturally, it is believed that the three wishes will come true.

In order to qualify to win, leave a comment which includes your email address and answer this question: What is your most coveted piece of jewelry you own? You can double your chances by doing the same on Twitter! Good luck, winner will be announced in a week!

Interesting Idea for Stick Pins

I came across an interesting idea while browsing jewelry news, that I just loved. If you are a jewelry collector, more specifically a stick pin collector, you will love this idea! A woman from the Palm Beach area has collected stick pins over the years, and decided to have them all fashioned onto a solid gold cuff. This was done by assembling the heads of the stick pins, as you can see in the accompanying photo. Such a great idea and an even better way to get use out of her entire collection. She probably gets so many positive and inquiring comments. That bracelet is sure to be treasured for years to come.

Her collection consists of a platinum and diamond violin, an emerald encrusted pet, a pearl and turquoise tennis racket, gold golf club and many more…a total of 50.

Story courtesy of Firstwater News.

Glimpse into the Past: Retro Buckle Bracelets

We’ve seen mesh belts and bracelets,  but the combination of those two things creates the retro buckle bracelet, popular in the 40s and 50s.  Glam Hollywood starlets decked out their wrists with this look.  The buckle motif is still trendy today.  Below you’ll find some amazing examples of the retro buckle bracelets.

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels with sapphires, diamonds and 18k yellow gold! This bracelet is all about the details: the round sapphires are set in a star setting on hexagonal links, the “buckle” part is bold, with 1.35 carats of diamonds. With 12.5 carats of sapphires to top it all off, any interested party is going to have to request a price check on this piece, from Beladora.

Circa 1945, this buckle bracelet is done in 14k rose gold and platinum from The Three Graces. Although it is not an authentic Cartier piece, this one is almost identical. It can be adjusted to fit your wrist, with its largest size extending to 8.25 inches. The red stones are rubies, with 19 diamonds total. Price: $6250

This bracelet is stunning, from Connoisseur Antiques available at 1stdibs. I like how the buckle is floral, rather than a typical buckle. Everything is set in 18k gold with 3.25 carats of diamonds! Price: $6600

A great alternative to the more expensive and bold choices is this buckle bracelet. The sapphires and diamonds are minimal–the gold mesh is the main focus, which is done in 14k white and yellow. From Lang Antiques, priced at $1450.

Obsession: Marine Link Bracelets

The marine link has an elegant, classic, as well as trendy look to it. Hilary Duff is spotted here with an extremely large version of the marine link bracelet. I wonder if hers is real good or fake…can’t imagine the pricetag if it were real!  Her other wrist dons the double link version of Cartier’s Love Charity Bracelet.

Below is an example from Ross-Simons done in 14k yellow gold, with a price of $445 on clearance.

This option is actually from Sam’s Club and priced at $275.11, very random price. Anyway, it is 14k yellow gold as well but this one has more of an emphasis on the marine links–oversized and bold!

Got my eyeON nyLON

I love jewelry designers who combine the luxury of real gold with materials that aren’t so luxurious. Here is a great example–bright nylon paired with white and yellow gold. Designer Luis Morais is the creator behind these amazing, trendy bracelets. Wear one, two or five…you can’t go wrong! Make this your signature bracelet–you’ve always got to have it on, it’s your good luck charm…while you mix and match other bracelets daily. Similar to the Gem Gossip Charity Bracelet, you have some great colors to choose from–so pick one you like. These bracelets range in prices from $190-340. You can pick one up by going to Aloha Rag or finding other retailers through the designer’s website.

Just putting it out there…

I have been continually inspired by this photo above on a regular basis, as it is my desktop background. I’ve been wanting a leather bracelet that wrapped around twice, and have yet to find a good one. Yesterday, while browsing through the Mizuki trunk show that was hosted by Ylang|23 of Dallas, I came across what I’ve been looking for. Oddly enough it is the perfect size for my tiny wrist and has the initial ‘S’ on the yellow gold tablet. Those of you who know me, know how significant that letter is to me. I think this will be the one and only item on my Christmas list this year. Designed by Mizuki, priced at $300, and found at http://www.ylang23.com

A Few of my Favorite Charity Bracelets

I think it all started with the Livestrong charity bracelet? Maybe not…I’m no charity-bracelet-history-buff, but that is my best guess. I actually still have mine. During the time that I purchased one, they were sort of “in demand.” Some were even being auctioned off on eBay for around $50!!

I love these beaded bracelets that benefit the imbalances of women’s opportunities because of financial and/or cultural reasons. The bracelets are handmade by the Maasai Tribe Women of Kenya. Referred to as the “Brightness of Life” not because of the vivid colors you have to choose from, but because of the brightness that lives in the hearts of the women it supports. Each is only $25, with 20% going to the charity. These can be found at Cathy B Jewelry.

Another charity bracelet that can be picked up at Cathy B Jewelry website is this little red, sequined tie bracelet. Rightfully called the Children of Jaipur bracelet since a portion of the proceeds goes toward Education in Jaipur, India. This one is $35.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund has a mission to develop and empower the regions of Africa where diamond mining is an important aspect of the community’s resources. Each bracelet features a rough diamond that is caged inside a diamond shaped charm. Proceeds from this malachite bead stretch bracelet go toward this fund. The cost is $125 at Simmons Jewelry.

Of course, we can’t forget the Gem Gossip Charity bracelet. As you can see here, these are the two styles you can choose–the wrap style or single cord style. The bracelet now comes in a variety of colors, not just red! Check out the 4-step chart for ordering, and look for a favorite color. If you don’t see a color that you want, send me a special request! I’ve already had a few…Maya from Oklahoma just received a light peach and a dark peach bracelet!

Yum! Fruity Bangles by Mark Davis

Election ’08: Buttons are Overrated;;a Graffiti Bangle is more like it

With the election coming on strong, Americans will be headed to the polls before we know it!  Heck, it’s almost October already!  Crazy stuff.  I’ve seen cars whizzing around with McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden bumper stickers all the time.  But who wants to ruin their car with a huge bumper sticker?  Or how about those button/pin things…they are great, but how do you wear that and look stylish?  The best option to show your political spirit this fall??  Try a Graffiti Bangle!  Gorgeously hand-made using brass and enamel.  The phrase “Obama ’08″ is done up in a graffiti style.  Each costs $100, with $50 going toward the Obama Campaign.  Now that’s showing your support, while being stylish!!  Comes in colors red, white, blue, gold, yellow, beige, or pink.  Each are 1 inch wide, from BYLU jewelry.

Gem Gossip Charity Bracelet!

Gem Gossip is very excited and proud to bring you the Gem Gossip Charity Bracelet, which benefits Rutherford County’s PAWS (which stands for Pet Adoption and Welfare Service). Animals and jewelry are my two favorite things, so I’ve come up with a design for a bracelet that, when worn, will remind people of how special our furry friends are in our lives. Not every animal is lucky enough to have a warm and loving home, and PAWS has been there to take care of less fortunate critters. What a better way to say thank you to such a great establishment than by giving back!

The bracelet is made up of a red, silk cord interlocked by a 14k yellow gold bead. It was carefully designed in order to be able to adjust to most size wrists–about 6.5″ to 7.5″ Just pull to adjust! I made sure that this bracelet is versastile, so it could be worn with other 14k gold bracelets and diamond rings, and still fit in with other high end jewelry, while still being affordable. It is also very trendy since layering bracelets has been seen everywhere in Hollywood. 

Gem Gossip Charity Bracelet: $49.99

The bracelet is seen here layered with another 14k gold chain bracelet that has red enamel beads. Price $49.99, with 10% proceeds benefitting PAWS.  For ordering inqueries, send an email to charitybracelet@gmail.com