Best Jewelry: 2009 Teen Choice Awards

 

Although I’m not a teenager anymore, I guess watching the Teen Choice Awards keeps you feeling younger.  Unfortunately almost everyone’s jewelry choices were extremely minimal.  I felt Leighton Meester stood out, not only with her dress but her jewelry choices.  The earrings are by designer Cathy Waterman.  I’ve featured her Love of my Life Collection before, however these earrings worn by Leighton Meester are done in rubies.  Here they are below!   

 

If I were a stylist, I think Elisa Solomon’s microphone ring is the best choice for an event like this.  Whether you are a singer first and foremost, or just dream of being on stage singing—this is such a fun find.  I like how diamonds make up the portion you talk into.  It is done in 18k yellow gold and priced at $603.

I <3 this <3 Ring

…It’s true! I love this heart ring! The color combination of the turquoise, pink sapphires and yellow gold is so beautiful. It makes you wonder why we don’t see this combination more often. I think that is what sets Elisa Solomon a part from other jewelry designers–she can take an iconic symbol and give it a fresh look. Whether it is with unique gemstone combinations or different gold textures, her jewelry stands above the rest!

The heart ring is currently $468, and is available in sizes 4-7.5  Only for a limited time, spring savings and free shipping!  Check it out here.

Trend Spotting: Flower Power!

Earrings can really make a difference in an outfit or a look.  There are so many styles to choose from: hoop, dangle, stud, chandelier… you can go bold or dainty, gemstone or gold.  More overwhelming than you thought? 

Well, one trend that has a unique look is a bold flower, which nearly covers your entire earlobe.   This actually catches your eye and draws your attention to the face.  It looks great with your hair up or down, and really balances your entire look.   Less jewelry worn in other places is usually a good idea when wearing earrings this bold.  Don’t have your ears pierced or don’t like earrings?  I have a great option for you too!  Check out below.

Vintage Tiffany & Co. from 1960, with ten rubies totaling .33 carats and two diamonds, total. These can be purchased from the Ross-Simons Estate Collection for $1276.

If you want to do the flower trend without going so bold, these earrings are for you. From Israel Rose, these are made of rubies and 18k yellow gold. Price: $750

Poppies are what inspired these earrings–add some pearls and 18k yellow gold, and you got yourself some great earrings. Ross-Simons let’s you choose whether you want clip or post style earrings, at a price of $355. The color and style would be easy to dress up or down.

From 1950s, these lovely earrings feature rubies and 18k yellow gold. They measure 1.25 inches all around, so they are a perfect size for this trend. These are from Israel Rose, a jewelry company who calls the heart of NYC’s diamond district its home. Price: $1900

And for those who do not have pierced ears or like earrings? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Show some flower power with this amazing necklace designed by Elisa Solomon. The daisy is front and center, all in 18k yellow gold and diamonds for $909. Making the necklace even more special is the ancient beads that are used. How could you have a bad day wearing this?!

Shake it Fast;; Watch Yourself!

Whether it’s floating diamonds, rubies, sapphires or even flecks of gold, shaker jewelry is back in action.  But don’t get this trend confused with what it was several years ago.  It is hard to explain, so I’ll give you some visual pictures.  You will see the difference!

Okay, here is what the trend looked like when it first debuted.  Usually a few diamonds, bezel set (gold around them) “floating” in usually a white sapphire crystal.  Not so cute anymore.

Now here is the newly updated version of the shaker jewelry trend. You can definitely see the difference! Gemstones are not carefully placed inside the crystal anymore, no more gold border to them, and I even like the flecks of gold rather than gemstones. It’s like you just went gemstone hunting, and put all your finds into an empty case.

This necklace has faceted rubies inside a vintage crystal locket. I wonder how many little rubies there are? You can also special order this piece in sapphires or diamonds. Price ranges for this necklace are anywhere between $800-$4000. http://www.77thstreetimports.com

So pretty! This is a different take on the shaker jewelry trend. Why not use flakes of gold? These flakes are actually rose gold, which makes it even more unique. The ring, designed by Moritz Glik, is set in 18k rose gold, using two white sapphire plates to hold the flecks of gold. It is $3160 and can be purchased at Ylang|23.

Another great example of this trend is this peridot shaker necklace designed by Elisa Solomon. Many of us will like the price on this ‘usually very expensive’ trend–only $370. How was this accomplished? Just by using peridot gemstones, instead of diamonds and using 14k gold rather than 18k gold. Still top notch, by all means and the pretty green color of peridot will make this shaker necklace stand out above the rest!

Cute Critter Jewels

There has been an increase in animal and critter jewelry lately.  Have you noticed?  It kind of started off with the enamel bangles that were zebra or leopard that became popular.  Now, the trend has transformed into something less tacky, where there is a subtle creature encrusted in diamonds on a necklace or ring.  I’ve seen owls, panthers, turtles, crabs, and many snakes.  I found a few favorites that I would wear…these are two little birds and an alligator!  I don’t necessarily recommend wearing them all together though!

The first little bird comes from designer Elisa Solomon. This necklace is so charming and I just love the yellow gold/turquoise combination. That precious metal and stone combo creates such a pretty look. The bird has a diamond for an eye set in 18k yellow gold. The price on this necklace is $600.

Do you have a thing for Lacoste polos? That cute little embroidered alligator? Well here’s a golden and diamond encrusted version of that same alligator! Lena Wald has created this unique necklace, which is 14k yellow gold and 16″ long. It is $242 and can be found at Twist.

I love this little enamel birdie ring designed by eclectic designer Solange Azagury-Partridge. I wish I knew price details. On her website, you can view her interesting jewelry designs–like none other! She is located in London, so I’m not even sure if her pieces can be found for purchase here in the U.S.