Alexa Chung’s Jewelry at the Whitney Museum Gala

Alexa Chung looked gorgeous in the prettiest periwinkle minidress at the 2009 Whitney Museum Gala in New York. Fashion bloggers loved her look, but I was more concerned with her jewelry. Her choices were so subtle, and so perfect. I love the skull cameo necklace, with two antique rings worn on the pinkie and ring finger on her right hand. Below are two similar rings along with the exact cameo skull necklace.

The exact skull cameo necklace worn by Alexa Chung at the Whitney Museum Gala can be yours as well! This necklace is done in 18k yellow gold, designed by Iosselliani. It can be purchased at Aloha Rag by clicking here. Price: $992

On Alexa’s ring finger is a dark stone ring–not exactly sure what it is but I think this would be a good choice. It has a similar dark feel, but rather than a skull it is a lady. This ring is vintage Art Deco from Sylvia’s Antiques. It is done in 18k white gold with a black hardstone intaglio. Price: $595

As a contrast to the two “non-sparkly” pieces, a white gold antique diamond ring is perfect. The 1950s style of this ring is so collectible. These little rings from this time period are fun–this one’s done in 14k white gold with 1.2 carats of diamonds. From Beladora2 and priced at $1350. Beladora also has several others!

Jewelry Inspiration Board

{inspiration is everywhere; here in order, to name a few:
stacked bracelets riding with the top down,
that shield cut is killer via JessicaMcCormack blog,
images of royalty provide endless jewelry inspiration,
collection of antique rings via ErieBasin,
the lovely Empress of Iran, Farah Pahlavi,
unset diamonds are fun to play with via Jessica McCormack blog,
crests & emblems are obsessions}

Jewelry LookBook: Double Medallion Pendants

Given: Ashley Olsen has the best jewelry ever. But anyone can have nice jewelry–it’s how you wear it that sets you a part from the rest. I like how she wears two medallion pendants at the same time, only difference: the chain length. This look is easy to pull off if you have two different chains; one long, the other about 24 or 30 inches. Of course two medallion pendants are needed: go for an Art Nouveau one and another that has gemstone detail. Matching yellow gold is the right idea as well!

This medallion pendant is from Doyle & Doyle’s Heirloom collection, which is designed by the Doyle sisters. So these pieces are modern jewelry, with an antique style. These come in several different choices for gemstone choice–I like the jadeite which is shown above. 18k yellow gold, price: $350

Doyle & Doyle also has this great Art Nouveau medallion pendant. Art Nouveau often features silhouettes of women, all done in yellow gold (often found on lockets). This one is done in 10k yellow gold and features diamonds. Price: $1200

A Bracelet LookBook//2009

{skull elastics JessicaMcCormack}

August 2009: Jewelry LookBook

“Lonely ghosts uttering a truth that nobody would ever hear. 

But so long, as he uttered it, in some obscure way the continuity was not broken.

It was not by making yourself heard but by staying sane that you carried on the human heritage” (George Orwell).

This insane necklace resembles the one above, done in 18k blackened gold from ASSIL New York. Fancy to make a guess as to how many sapphires make up this piece? {answer: nine hundred twenty eight}

A diamond tennis bracelet perfects this look, this one here is similar. It has an Art Deco style to it with the graphic circles and open links of diamonds. In total, this bracelet features 3.5 carats of diamonds! It is from Israel Rose and is priced at $3450.

Featured on the right hand is a round cocktail style ring featuring turquoise. This one from Doyle & Doyle is very similar and is very gorgeous. Done in 18k yellow gold, it has a big, round citrine in the center with turquoise and a few diamonds. The twisted gold work on the shank is pretty–looks sort of like it creates the illusion of two serpents maybe? Price: $2400

Now we go to the left hand, a pinkie ring is a tough find. It has to look just right in order to be worn on the end like that. This ring is great for a pinkie ring–it is dainty yet unique. Sapphire rings from the 1920s are my favorite. From Erie Basin, which describes the side set diamonds as almost “wing-like” love that! Set in 18k yellow gold and priced at $425

Every antique jewelry collector has seen these single stone diamond rings before, and every one has to have at least one in their collection. Each is a bit different, with the filigree work and setting being unique in some way, this one being exactly that. The inspiration photo seems to be featuring one of these rings on the left hand, ring finger. This particular ring is from Lang Antiques and goes for $1395. Check out eBay for others very similar at a steal of a price. Opt for a smaller size in carat weight to make the ring even more affordable. This one is 0.3 carats.

Jewelry Lookbook: Coral Ring, Pearl Bracelet & Woven Gold Bracelets

Starred shorts, denim button-up, black socks with open-toe heels: it sounds so wrong, but it look so right. And the jewelry combination is just as interesting. An angel skin coral ring, woven gold bracelets, and a three-strand pearl bracelet--check out this look below! All look-alike pieces are vintage and were found at Beladora 2.

This three-strand pearl bracelet has 14k white gold bars to keep the pearls tame, and I love the white gold filigree clasp. It is 7.5 inches long and is circa 2005, so only a few years old! Price: $695 from Beladora2.

This coral ring is classic and simple. Known as “angel skin” coral when portraying this light peach color, rather than the other, darker versions coral can be found as. This ring, circa 1965, is done in 18k yellow gold and is a size 6. Price: $316 from Beladora2.

Although difficult to tell exactly what the stack of bracelets look like worn on the left wrist, I believe some are woven gold. I love this example from Beladora2. It is from the 1970s and is done in 14k yellow gold. The thickness of the piece makes it beautiful. Price: $1450

A circular link bracelet is also stacked on the left wrist, this one is also from the seventies and done in 14k yellow gold. The clasp is actually disguised as a link, which shows great craftsmanship. From Beladora2 and priced at $1125.

Jewelry Lookbook: Ashley Olsen

Something that always interests me is jewelry combinations and how each individual puts together their jewelry for the day.  Ashley Olsen never ceases to amaze and always comes up with some great mixtures.  From what can be seen, she is wearing her Cartier watch, a large black stone ring, and possibly a crowned diamond heart ring.  Not sure what the other rings are! Take a look at some similar choices if you are wanting to achieve this same jeweled look.

A crowned heart is a known symbol of love and loyalty. This one is priced at $5500 from Fay Cullen. It is a 1 carat heart shaped diamond set in platinum. A definite necessity in anyone’s ring collection.

Although Ashley’s black stone ring is larger and pear-shaped, this one still gives a similar effect. Designed by Pippa Small, the black stone is actually a Labradorite. I think Ashley’s ring is an onyx. The Labradorite is set in 22k yellow gold, found on TWIST for $1685.

This is the exact watch Ashley has and was featured in her book Influence. Found the match at AuthenticWatches.com, not sure how reputable this company is, although they have high ratings under Bizrate. It is called the Cartier Pasha Seatimer Men’s Steel Watch and sells for $4975 on their website.

Jewelry Style Inspiration: Princess Diana

Totally 1980s, but I love this look Princess Diana is sporting.  The double watches needs to become popular, she makes it look so elegant.  Princess Diana has a style so unique, without looking like she is trying too hard.  She is seen here wearing a gold woven bracelet, which was a popular 80s trend.  Her infamous sapphire engagement ring is on her ring finger, which has 14 diamonds surrounding the oval blue stone.  On her right hand she is wearing a diamond eternity band and a pinky ring which may be a plain gold band or a signet ring.

Glimpse Into the Past: Star Settings

A star setting is a type of setting where a gemstone is placed in the center of an engraved star, secured by metal added to the star points.  This type of setting was popular throughout the 1900s, into the retro period and even into the 80s.  Although this kind of setting can easily look tacky, there are many versions that are beautiful.  Some great examples are below.  Do you like the star setting?

This wide band is done in 14k yellow gold, with ten star set rubies. A great gift idea for anyone with a significance in the number ten–10th anniversary maybe?  Priced at $985 from Doyle & Doyle.

Known as a “gypsy” ring circa 1910, this ring features two sapphires and a diamond, all star set. The three-stone ring style is always a favorite.  Priced at $2550 from The Three Graces.

Also from The Three Graces are these earrings. Each has a .03 diamond that is star set in 10k and 14k yellow gold. These are a definite spin on classic diamond studs. Priced at $525.

For those who prefer white gold, this diamond star set band is great. All done in 14k white gold with very clean diamonds. Priced at $1400 from Doyle & Doyle.

Jewelry Lookbook: Vintage Ring Overload

If I could have anyone’s jewelry collection it would definitely be Mary-Kate and/or Ashley Olsen’s. Everytime they are photographed, the jewelry that they wear is ecclectic and bold, and almost always vintage. Sure there are other celebrities out there that have to die for diamond rings–with monsterous center stones worth millions. But that doesn’t lure me. I like the uniqueness of the Olsen’s jewelry choices. Each seems as though it has an enchanting story behind it from years passed. These vintage rings, all from Israel Rose, seem as though they all belong on Mary-Kate or Ashley’s finger. Enjoy!

This sapphire and diamond ring is set in platinum, dating back to the Art Deco Era. The diamonds are great because they are Old Mine cut, which you don’t see anymore. The sapphires are French cut. Price: $925

From the Victorian Era comes this 18k yellow gold serpant ring. The Olsens have been seen wearing several snake rings. This one has 3/4 carats of sapphire. Price: $650

Now from the Edwardian time period, this sapphire and diamond ring is done in 18k yellow gold and platinum. The center sapphire is a Cushion cut. Very elegant and dainty. Price: $425

Must-Have Jewelry Books

Most book shelves are filled with boring books, with dull subjects and are visually unappealing. If your book collection makes you dread reading and instantly fall asleep, then these will surely entice you! Filled with interesting information about all things sparkly, with vibrant pictures, leaving you wanting to read on. Any jewelry lover would enjoy each and every one of these books.

Jewels in the Lourve
by: Adrien Goetz, Claudette Joannis
Price: $14.96

Rings: Jewelry of Power, Love, and Loyalty
by: Diana Scarisbrick
Price: $31.50

Jewels of the Tsars: The Romanovs and Imperial Russia
by: Prince Michael of Greece
Price: $34.65

Jewels: A Secret History
by: Victoria Finlay
Price: $10.88

Bejeweled: Great Designers, Celebrity Style
by: Penny Proddow, Marion Fasel
Price: $40

Cartier
by: Hans Nadelhoffer
Price: $47.25

LookBook: A Bold Turquoise Ring

Mary-Kate spices up a solid black dress by adding some bold jewelry. The ring definitely catches your eye and a closer look reveals that it is actually turquoise.  The ring is a round, cabochon cut with stones circling around the perimeter–looks as though the stones are diamonds. Ross-Simons Estate Collection has a very similar ring, seen below. Circa 2000, this ring is only 9 years old. The turquoise is surrounded by .75 carats and set in 18k white gold. Priced at $1836–Mary-Kate’s is most likely more!

Victoria’s got a Secret: Great Jewelry Styling

Victoria’s Secret has always brought us beautiful lingerie, clothing and beauty products…but I’ve always looked forward to the release of the new swimwear every year. This year I noticed something more than just great suits and beachwear–really pretty jewelry combinations. The jewelry styling was perfect for every outfit. Whoever is responsible for this fabulous work–great job! Here are my two favorites. I love the necklace combination in the top photo and how perfect is just the one hinge bangle with the oversized blue blouse? Lovely.

Style Inspiration: Huge Diamond Necklace

Not only is the outfit in the photo above pretty insane, but the huge diamond necklace just tops it off perfectly. One would think that such a large necklace like that should be styled with a simple outfit, and no other accessories. However, just the opposite works extremely well as you can see. A huge diamond necklace like that is, of course, very pricey. We can all dream though…so I found a great lookalike at Fay Cullen worth $15000! The carat weight in total is 22.68!