Battle of the Bands

Bands are such an important staple in a jewelry wardrobe. Everyday I am reminded, as I search for the right ring combinations to put on my fingers. Just adding an extra band or two makes a beautiful stacked look. I have a whole row dedicated to bands in my jewelry box–yes, they are that important! So, if you are wanting to buy a new piece of jewelry and are wondering what would make a good choice, go for a band! Here is a great selection below!

I think a lot of people are obsessed with the studded anything and everything trend–and this ring surely captures that. I love the added diamonds amongst the rich 22k yellow gold. The pyramid-like studs wrap all the way around the band, which is designed by Cathy Waterman. Price: $2110 at TWIST.

Love this branch-like band with an opal all done in 14k gold. The ring is designed by Ria Charisse and can be found at Lunessa. Price: $415

The inspiration photo includes a dangle ring, which is great for stacking. I personally have a 14k yellow gold, diamond cut dangle ring, which has a circular gold disc featuring the virgin Mary. The above dangle ring is designed by Yasuko Azuma and has two small diamond leaves. The ring is 14k yellow gold, with some light texture added to the metal. Price: $715 at Ylang|23.

This type of band ring is stacked already for you. It is called a rolling ring, which is a popular piece designed by Cartier. Although this is not a Cartier piece, it is just as beautiful and is vintage. The ring is 14k yellow gold, with a total of 2 carats of diamonds. From Lang Antiques and Estate Jewelry, priced at $3350.

I like the beaded look of the gold in these bands–each features a diamond which can be white or black. It looks great stacked. Designed by Zoë Chicco, a choice of yellow, white or rose gold is also given. Priced at $316 for white diamond or $272 for black diamond.

Boulder Opal Pendants from Ylang|23

“Joannes Treasure Hunt” jewelry items have recently been added to the amazing jewelry lineup at Ylang|23.  Each piece has been brought back from various travels completed by store owner Joanne Teichman.  With all the jewelry she has seen throughout her lifetime and experiences, it is certain that the pieces that are in the Treasure Hunt line are extremely unique.  Each boulder opal is color coordinated with a cotton cord that compliments the stone nicely.  Each is about 30 inches in length and sell for $325.

Cathy Waterman: Love of My Life Collection

The Cathy Waterman Love of My Life Collection. So. Beautiful.

For info and pricing check out Cathy’s website or Ylang|23

Valentine’s Day, 2009

Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you love or loathe February 14th, these beautiful jewels will brighten your day!

12 carats of sparkle!  Maybe you’re celebrating 12 years, or 12 is a significant number in your life, this would be the perfect ring. The heart-shaped citrine is flanked by two round diamonds. From Ross-Simons Estate Collection and priced at $956.

This sentimental necklace is from Doyle & Doyle. The heart is amethyst and features a triple ring of diamonds. So delicate and pretty! Price: $2800

What a treat this would be if this was a gift to be unwrapped for Valentine’s Day?! This brooch has a romantic, whimsical quality and features 0.35 carats of diamonds. It would go great pinned to a scarf. Priced at $13600 and showcased as Ylang|23’s Estate Collection.

Beautiful diamond necklace…18k white gold…delicate chain…what more could you want? Well, there is more! This heart pendant doubles as a locket, making it the ultimate sentimental piece you will always treasure. Price: $5800 from Delamina.

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

I like it Raw

Rough edges, blemishes, and flaws–raw gemstones create character in the jewelry they reside.  Whether it is a diamond that has been uncut, unpolished and “in the rough” or a prehistoric shark tooth, jewelry that features a raw material is beautiful and has become popular by up-and-coming designers.  You can find examples in jewelry boutiques, online or even create your own if you find a rough stone and feel it is worthy to be showcased.  I’ve found some great pieces that feature a Moroccan Azurite, a prehistoric shark tooth and a Kyanite crystal.  Check them out below!

This necklace is designed by Melissa Joy Manning and features a royal blue Moroccan Azurite. The style of the 14k yellow gold prongs makes it resemble bird’s claws, grasping the stone. The price is $940 and it was even featured in Lucky magazine.

Designer Pade Vavra creates a tough, don’t-mess-with-me look with this great white shark tooth necklace. Those are diamonds you are seeing at the top of the tooth, as well as three black diamonds at the end of the chain (not visible). All is set in 18k peach gold and can be purchased at Ylang|23, for $2090.

I love this Kyanite crystal necklace set in 14k yellow gold from Zoe Chicco. It is geniusly designed to extend from 24-26 inches in length, giving you a nice and elongated look. This will easily layer with shorter charm necklaces. This necklace is $693 and each will vary slightly.

Sleek Wave Rings from Ylang|23

I want to wear all of these rings somehow at once!  The sleekness and flow of these are very pretty.  All are similar, yet very different.  Prices range from $335-385 and they are done in 14k rose and 14k yellow gold.  See for yourself why I’ve been drawn to them by checking out Ylang|23, where you’ll find that these rings are designed by the store’s private label.  You will be left with wanting at least one of them, if not more!

Spotted: Dangle Rings

I’ve always had this tiny, gold, etched band ring with a single, circular charm dangling from it which portrays the Virgin Mary.  I love this ring and I was recently admiring the simplicity of it.  It is also one of the most complimented-on rings that I own.  That dangle definitely sets it a part!  I’ve found some dangle rings that are just as beautiful and will guarantee compliments.  Enjoy!

This dangle ring showcases a pretty color-combination of aquamarine, peridot and apatite. Set in 18k gold and designed by Becky Kelso. This is a fun and vibrant ring! From Ylang|23, for $540.

This ring is also from Ylang|23 and is a great buy at $202.50! That is half off! It looks similiar to the dangle ring I have. A good amount of gold with two charms dangling from m2 Design collection by Mary Margrill.

A unique dangle ring that combines two trends in one! A stack of rings, plus the cross dangle! Believe it or not, there are seven stack rings here, all done in 18k yellow gold. This one is designed by Beth Orduna, priced at $1320 from Ylang|23.

I can’t stop wanting to buy this ring. I think the concept is so neat, and I’m so intrigued by the pieces of jewelry that BYLU creates. That little piece of quartz? Found in Central Park–each is unique and hand cut. Price ranges from $250-280 depending on ring size and can be found in the Compass Rose Collection on BYLU’s site.

Wow is the first word that comes to mind when I see this ring! It is made using 18kt gold and denim silk that is hand woven together. Made in Italy by Carolina Bucci and found on Astley Clarke, an online boutique which houses designer jewelry from around the world. Price is about $1122.

Buddha-rama

Slightly buddha-obsessed, my sister and I were on a mission to find a good piece of jewelry featuring, none other than, the buddha himself. We wanted either a necklace or bracelet, something you couldn’t find in Forever 21 or Claire’s that would tarnish in three days. Fake jewelry is a waste of money for that reason.

photography by ALisha

We found a necklace, a pendant and a bracelet, although the bracelet is not real gold, we couldn’t resist its similarity to the peace sign bracelets seen recently on The Hills’ Stephanie Pratt. Check out our finds below!

This pendant is our favorite. Priced at $150, it is a good buy for being 14k gold and carved jade. It would look great on a short or long chain, depending on what you like. This juicy treasure may even bring you good luck, and can be purchased at c.h.a.r.m.

When we saw this necklace, we immediately wanted to take out our credit cards. Unfortunately, $420 is not in the budget. The buddha is made out of carved coral, with a mother-of-pearl leaf and turquoise bead dangling below. On a 14k gold chain with a lobster claw clasp, this little jigglypuff can be yours by going to Ylang|23 now!

This is the bracelet we found…wish the buddha was made out of 14k gold. [sad face] But if you’re into fake jewelry, he’s good as golden! Max & Chloe is the neat online shop where you can purchase this bracelet for $63 in any color you want!

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!