Copy the Jewelry Style of your Favorite Twilight Character

After the first Twilight movie phenomenon and with another one on the way, we just can't get enough of what our favorite characters are wearing both on and off screen. From their signature rings and bracelets to pieces inspired by the scene-stealing actors, Twilight style is taking the world by storm.

One of the most memorable pieces in the film is the turquoise watch bracelet worn by our favorite character, Bella. This piece is both delicately romantic and uniquely intriguing. To get the look, try a sterling silver cuff bracelet with large turquoise stone as the focal point. For a light look, wear with floral blouses to give off a bohemian chic vibe. Another Bella favorite is the ring with dome shaped stone, which is a gift from her mother in the movie. This fun accessory takes on a youthful twist, as the 'evil eye' ring.

Rosalie also conquers vampire jewelry style on screen with a great pair of eye catching sterling silver hoop earrings adorned with discs. They are feminine but not too over the top for her character. As the movie is tied to family heritage, you’ll also remember the Cullen family crest necklace, which is a jewelry staple. To try a modern take on this movie must-have, consider a charm bracelet that you can adorn with trinkets related to your favorite character or the movie in general.

Off screen, the Twilight cast has been plastered all over the press rocking a laid back vibe in their wardrobe and jewelry choices. For Kristen Stewart, this means chunky metal and leather bracelets and chain necklaces for casual wear. Her jewelry choices for the red carpet are minimal and simple necklaces, which allow her true beauty to shine through. It's obvious we're going to be seeing a lot more of Kristen and the rest of the Twilight crew and we can't wait to see how their style continues to evolve.

Faith and Fashion: Cross Necklaces that Transcend

The cross necklace has always been a classic jewelry piece that adds grace to any outfit. Lately, we've seen a resurgence of our favorite trendsetters adorning themselves with these necklaces. Simple and beautiful, these pieces can range in size and length depending on the statement you want to make.

For a casual piece, choose a cross that is small in size and either sterling silver or gold tone. This necklace can easily be paired with anything in your closet and worn on an everyday basis. Kate Moss was recently spotted wearing a cross necklace and gold hoops with a casual look consisting of jeans, a plaid shirt and a cardigan. Heidi Montag of The Hills shows her faith by donning a cross necklace with a tank top and jeans for daily wear.





For a modern take on the cross necklace, choose chains or cords that are longer in length and have a larger costume-y pendant. Vanessa Hudgens recently played up her bohemian style with laid back layers and a long cross pendant. Even country music star Toby Keith wears an oversize cross pendant on-stage when he performs. It's obvious these stars have very different styles, but they share a common preference for this classic piece.






If you're looking to dress up for evening, throw on a cross pendant adorned in rhinestones for an eye-catching statement. Jennifer Aniston famously made this look a hit when she paired a huge cross adorned with stones with a simple black satin dress. The rest of her look, including hair and makeup, was simple, leaving the gorgeous cross to get all the attention.






Cross pendants also make a great gift for friends or loved ones. With an engraving on the back, a cross necklace is the perfect Mother's Day or birthday present. The recipient is sure to appreciate a classic piece that can be worn for years to come.

Search for more pictures of necklaces, sterling silver jewelry and jewelry sets.

Four Jewelry Style Ideas On Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming, why not get mom something classy and fabulous, like some great jewelry? Here are a couple suggestions for some great finds to suit any mom's style:

Mother's Day Jewelry Style 1
Trendy mom – If your mother is one who likes to get noticed, then opt for buying her fun costume jewelry that will make a statement. This is the year and the season of oversize eye-catching pieces, so finding the perfect gift should be a breeze. Look for pieces that you think she would wear. Is she more of a necklace fan? If so, get her a great chunky beaded necklace in a bright citrus color like lime green or tangerine. Or does she pile on loads of bracelets everyday? If that's the case, aim for a signature bangle bracelet with a fun pattern.

Mother's Day Jewelry Style 2
Classic mom – For the timeless mom, there are some great updates on classic jewelry favorites. If she adores pearls, then opt for a multi-strand choker in silver or pink pearls. If she wears a lot of pendants, then pick out a locket and have it engraved with a special message. Or, if she's a bracelet fanatic, opt for a beautiful charm bracelet adorned with meaningful trinkets. Personal touches always tend to score a lot of points with mom.

Mother's Day Jewelry Style 3
Sporty mom – If your mom is always on the go and enjoys being active, then you might consider getting her a piece of jewelry that she can wear all the time. A pendant necklace with a fun playful charm like a butterfly, a soccer ball or a starfish is something that is versatile enough for her to throw on with any outfit.

Mother's Day Jewelry Style 4
Laid back mom – Chalk it up to the boho chic phenomenon which has taken over Hollywood, but we've seen our fair share of casually chic moms. This mother's day, show her that you know her style by selecting jewelry to compliment her look. Try a couple of different long beaded necklaces so she can mix and match. Or, choose a large pair of sterling silver cutout earrings.

Slow Business or Slow Economy

As of late I’m asked “Is business really slow? How come I can't sell anything? Or The economy is so bad, I’m going to have to sale everything off and get a ‘real’ job." In this slow economy I’m hearing all over that buying is slowing down drastically. I do see a slow down in certain areas of the country, some more than others; but there are areas that are still booming and business is good. So is the question so many people are asking, “Slow Business based on Slow Economy really valid?”

In my business (custom jewelry) I’ve seen a slow down in the big ticket items (single item priced over $100); however, I’ve seen an increase and interest in the lower to mid-market priced items (single item prices $25-45). So, this begs the question, is it really the economy slowing down the purchasing or are people just looking harder at the price of things and then determining if there is enough ‘disposable’ income to make these ‘personal, impulse’ buys? History has shown that when times are good, money is flowing and the value of a dollar is measured in ‘how many toys you have, how big your house is, how stylish a car you drive, what private schools your kids go to, and how much money spouse makes and the type of job’.

Now that times are a little tougher, big businesses are cutting back jobs, and the financial and housing industries have seen their worst years in decades, the trend that many are seeing of people not buying is really, people pulling back, evaluating their situation, and looking to justify their purchases, only after the bills have been paid. It’s a cycle seen many times over the course of history…and if history is correct, this too shall pass…..will we ever seen the ‘good times’ such as the past 10 years, probably not that good, but people will return to the days of impulse buying once the housing - financial - big business dust settles; but the days of the small business owner may not be as successful and may be much tougher than they once were, As a small business owner that wants to last and survive, I’m stepping back to evaluate the situation, listen to my customers and those around, making adjustments as needed in my business. To survive in any situation, one has to evaluate and move forward…learn from history!

Jen's Jewels: A look at Jennifer Aniston's Signature Style

One of the most followed stars on the planet, Jennifer Aniston has graced the covers of numerous magazines and is responsible for some of the hottest trends on the list of must haves. Jen's signature style may look effortless, but her look is always pulled together and completed with classic pieces of jewelry. Here, we take a look at some of her accessory staples.

A simple shape – Jen's the girl next door, only richer, more famous and gorgeous. But that doesn't mean that her look is unattainable. Jen opts for American classics and chooses simple pendant necklaces like crosses and discs. Though a matching necklace and earring set accented with round discs may look simple, it's versatile enough to go with any outfit in your closet. Aniston pulled off the look with a simple white tank top, and added a touch of glam with the shiny and smooth necklace.

Not basic black – Jen can pull off a LBD like no one else, but she always manages to kick it up a notch, adding jewelry that is as easy-going as her cool California style. She glammed it up with a bejeweled cross pendant to accent a plunging v neck dress. And she started a fashion phenomenon when she piled on thin gold bangles and a good luck necklace in a simple organic shape. Jen prefers pieces that are dainty, feminine and understated, but it seems her jewelry always makes a style statement regardless.

Silver screen – Even in the movies, Jen's signature fashion and jewelry sense doesn't go unnoticed. In the recent movie He's Just Not That Into You she stole the scene in a simple yet stunning wishbone shaped pendant. The jewelry that she wears not only compliments her personality, but it doesn't compete with her natural beauty.

It's obvious that Jen knows what works and is comfortable enough in her own skin, shying away from fast-lived trends in favor instead of the 'less is more' mentality.

Plastic Jewelry goes Grown-Up Chic

This season, fashionistas of all ages are going nuts for modern takes on plastic jewelry in striking colors and bold designs. Lucite, which is a lightweight clear resin, is popping up everywhere in a rainbow of bright spring and summer shades. This type of jewelry is not only fun and fashionable, it's also affordable, so it's easy to add a few pieces to freshen up your look.

Plastic geometric jewelry was big in the 70s, with a retro feel and an artistic edge that added expression to any outfit. Today, Lucite, Bakelite and acrylic pieces with funky angles are being worked into bangle bracelets and multi-layered chain necklaces. Pastels and opaques are very popular, and make great vacation jewelry. Prints with stripes and animal spots are a few other hot styles of plastic jewelry this season, and do a great job of adding character to everyday pieces.

Plastic jewelry has a playful aspect to it, and is often characterized by futuristic geometric shapes, such as rounded rectangles or triangle bangle bracelets. We're also seeing a lot of plastic beaded necklaces in a rainbow of colors. These lightweight pieces can easily update your look without breaking the bank.

With all the talk of green-this and recycled-that, eco plastic jewelry is quickly rising in popularity. Recycled and reused plastic jewelry is the new coveted non-precious jewelry of the X and Y generation. Oftentimes, you can purchase cool unique designs for just a fraction of the cost of more expensive options. And the feel good factor makes this a guilt-free pleasure you can't afford to miss.

Just as every style-setter has her own tastes and preferences, plastic jewelry has its own varieties and options from which to choose. So whether you prefer a giant raspberry colored plastic beaded necklace or a transparent safari print chunky bangle, it's all about having fun with this modern take on retro chic plastic jewels.


Related article:
Retro Fashion Jewelry: 40s,50s,60s,70s,80s Jewelry

Summer Southwest

Another beauty out of the Southwest for Summer…..the focal for this necklace are the pillow Terconite Turquoise gemstones accented with non-tarnish artistic silver wire and adding to the design are Chinese Turquoise tubes, Amethyst chips and orange and green Magnesite. A 2” extender has been added so the necklace can be worn a short or medium length; I’ve added dangle earrings in the same gemstones.



Get your hot, bold and unique Summer jewelry at Timeless Designs!

Summer Hot Lime

Be the first to make a statement this Summer in hot lime……a large Mother-of-Pearl pendant hangs from dyed lime Magnesite and accenting gold lined seed beads. A 3” extender for easy change of lengths to fit your mood and dangle earrings completes the look.






Timeless Designs has this and many other hot, bold, exotic gemstone designs.

Betsey Johnson: Timeless Fashion Design

Betsey Johnson first nabbed her spot on the fashion in the sixties and seventies. Her designs were just as hot then as they are now. In fact, they were so hot that they have been referred to as "culty brands" by New York Fashion, which has her fashion status marked as "Established, Household Name."


This fashion designer and fashion jewelry designer has worked with clients such as Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, Janis Joplin, Debby Harry and Paris Hilton. Her designs can be purchased in major department stores including Macy's and Bloomingdale's as well.


Many brands describe themselves as "flirty", but Betsey Johnson's designs really own and exemplify this term. Just consider her Fall 2009 collection, which is brimming with colored leggings, short skirts and short boots; all of which is very '80s, early '90s and Cyndi Lauper-esk. Although there are several designs that tend to "throwback" to these decades, it's easy to see how Betsey Johnson's designs are always on the cutting edge.

Johnson's choice of fashion jewelry to compliment her runway designs is creative as well. Her chosen accessories for her Spring 2009 show include items like thin, black choker necklaces on every model, not to mention colorful wigs and round brim hats. Bangles, colored sunglasses and long, ornate earrings are also used throughout.

Throughout Johnson's lines, it's easy to see that she's really just a punk rocker at heart. She's unique, daring and full of surprises, which is evident from her cartwheels at the end of her fashion shows. And, although they try to remain austere and mysterious, it's easy to see that her models are having just as much fun wearing her fashion and jewelry designs as she did creating them.

When you visit her online store, you will find Betsey Johnson is also one of the hottest jewelry designers as well. She has several new designs including starfish earrings and skull studs that are definitely unique fashion jewelry pieces. Like the marine theme? You'll also enjoy her unique ring designs as well including Lobster and Rhinestone Crab rings. See, Betsey Johnson's jewelry designs are just as fun and timeless as her clothing!

Socialite Fashion Jewelry Style Defined

Not everyone can afford the latest celebrity red carpet trends, but you can get jewelry inspired by these fashionable stylistas who frequently grace the party scene. These socialites get noticed with fun jewelry designs that raise the bar and get their pictures plastered on the front page of every major magazine.

Paris Hilton, the heiress to the Hilton fortune, regularly works the crowd wearing over-the-top jewels such as bubble gum pink Hello Kitty encrusted pendant necklaces or oversized metal cuffs. She's not afraid to take fashion risks in pieces that are youthful and fun. For example, Paris loves animal prints, and has stolen the scene in safari inspired looks, with chunky wooden bracelets, long beaded necklaces and matching headbands to complete the look.





Nicole Richie may be retired from the party-hopping lifestyle, but the famous mom is still a style-setter with her bohemian chic laid-back vibe. Nicole prefers organic looking materials such as teak wooden bangles or floral printed jewelry to accent everyday outfits. For a night on the town, Nicole goes for art deco jewelry pieces like the pave set angel wing necklace she wore on the cover of Elle magazine.





Sienna Miller is truly a trend-setter, with her edgy jewelry choices and dynamic outfits. She's not afraid to take a risk, and it usually results in her landing on at the top of the list of style mavens. Sienna is versatile, wearing medallion shaped earrings for a casual day out or a large statement cocktail ring to dress up for an event. Sienna's signature boho chic style includes a love of large geometric earrings in a variety of metals, most notably bronze. With Sienna's features, she can easily pull off triangles, ovals and other chunky duds to balance her small frame. Sienna is also the master at layering, as she sports several strands of long beaded necklaces or a pile of bangles.

Shades of Purple

Gemstone designs in shades of Purple! Graduation, Anniversary, Birthdays...or just 'thought of you gift'.......get a unique gift!



Peppermint Jasper Magnesite Silver Links Set




Purple Lace Agate Copper Earrings



Purple Jasper Aventurine Bluestone Silver Chain Set (this one is on sale!)





Wild Horse Jasper Ivoryite Sterling Silver Set

Michelle Obama's Fashion Jewelry Style

Over the past few years, we've watched as now First Lady Michelle Obama has undergone a style evolution. From her super-chic sheaths to floral printed dresses, she's upped the style quotient in the White House at every appearance she makes. Not to be forgotten are her look-at-me accessories that define her signature look and pull her outfits together. From bubble-gum size pearls to big brooches and hoop earrings, we examine some of the most memorable pieces she's worn and try to keep up with this fashion-forward all-American mom as she makes history.



Pearls, pearls, pearls – Michelle Obama favors these classic stones, but she adds her own contemporary twist by wearing oversize faux pearl necklaces and gorgeous strands of color in gold and brown.



Pendants – Ever the fashion icon, Michelle pushes the envelope by wearing multiples of classic necklaces. One of her most memorable pendant choices was a peace symbol and hope dog tag necklace, that she has casually sported on several occasions.



Classic shaped earrings – On election night, the new First Lady of Fashion chose a pair of double oval hoop earrings. The silver tone set a beautiful compliment to her black and red dress. She's also opted for gold hoop earrings as a simple accessory to accent colorful pieces.



Color – Michelle is not afraid of adding a pop of color here and there, and that includes her jewelry. She loves look-at-me beads, like the chunky double-stranded blue choker she wore to a speaking engagement. More recently, she wore a layered necklace look with canary and turquoise colored beads to contrast an all-black ensemble.

Mrs. Obama certainly keeps up with – or is responsible for setting – some of the most favored fashion jewelry trends to date. We can only wait in anticipation to see what she pulls out of her hat next.

Read related articles:
How to Wear Earrings

How to tell if your pearl necklace or earing is real or fake
PEARL JEWELRY-TRADITION OR FASHION
MICHELLE OBAMA'S DRESS-MICHELLE OBAMA'S INAUGURATION DRESS

Turquoise & Silver

Here’s a Southwest beauty handcrafted from Turquoise nugget chip gemstones with a touch of copper glass square beads; highlighting a Chinese Turquoise pendant in silver. Dangle hoop earrings with matching stones complete the look.



Check out Timeless Designs for more Southwest designs in Turquoise, Coral and Magnesite.

Jewelry like Jennifer Lopez - Fashion Style

Jennifer Lopez has been on our style radar for some time now, shocking us with daring choices and dazzling jewelry that is fabulously frivolous and over the top. Though most of us probably can't afford to spring for Jennifer Lopez size gems, we can take some tips from her to create jewelry looks that add glamour to our own wardrobe.

Jennifer Lopez makes her own rules, as she chooses combinations including both gold and silver. On a recent promotional experience she wore a large silver chain link bracelet with a jumbo size pair of hoop earrings and a handful of rings. She favors hoop earrings, often choosing oversize textured pairs to compliment a flowing hair style.





Mrs. Mark Anthony also likes to pile on the bangles, wearing wristfuls of sterling silver thin bracelets as a casual accessory. She also stacks large wooden bangles, sporting several at a time, plus big earrings to complete an outfit.

Jennifer Lopez's jewelry style is versatile and fashion, as she switches back and forth from pop rocker to glam goddess. Onstage, she needs to be the center of attention, rocking piles of accessories. But lately, her red-carpet look has leaned more toward tailored and posh, consisting more of classic pieces like humongous diamond studs, which shine with an elegant up-do. Other faves include romantic art deco drop earrings with matching bezel-set bracelet. Often the gowns she wears are decadent unto themselves, so she's careful to choose jewelry that doesn't overpower. Instead, it adds just the right touch of sparkle.





To get her look, try opting for costume jewelry with glitzy gems in fun colors like canary yellow or baby pink. Also, dare to wear gold and silver at the same time if the designs are similar. Just remember that your signature style doesn't necessarily have to follow a certain set of style rules. You can play with jewelry and mix it up, just like Jennifer Lopez.

Coral Designs

Coral is a very nice gemstone and when I do design with it the jewelry pieces are gone as quickly as they are created!




This beauty is handcrafted with white Magnesite that has great brown and black veins; intermixed are pieces of Coral and a nice large hunk of Coral incased in silver. I’ve added a 2” extender and dangle earrings using the Magnesite and Coral to accent the necklace.






This pieces are all about the Coral and both handcrafted with all Coral gemstones; one has two different shapes of Coral with the other in graduating peanut shaped Coral gemstones where the red runs from bright to deep dark; both have matching earrings.




Gemstone jewelry in hot, bold designs exclusively designed for the personality you want to reflect…..pick out a gift for Graduation, Mother’s Day, Anniversary or Birthday! Every purchase comes with a nice gift box; all you have to do is add the card! Visit Timeless Designs to pick our your one-of-kind jewelry gift!

Exceptional Custom Gifts

Looking for that extraordinary gift that makes a statement? Timeliness Designs has designer custom jewelry that reflects any personality; and even better, at prices that won’t break the bank!





















Browse through designs in Turquoise, Coral, freshwater Pearls, Dichroic Glass, Jasper, Agate, and more…..there is a large select of necklace sets, earrings, bracelets and if you are looking for quality gemstone beads, then check our Supplies section for deals.


If you don’t see what you are looking for, just drop us a line and we’ll design something special!

Bold Favorites

These are favorites from the gemstone jewelry collection.



Lapis Lazuli Freshwater Pearls Kyanite w/Sterling Silver Set

Cherry Quartz Chocolate Jasper Silver Set

Turquoise Beige Glass Seed Beads Set



Dichroic Glass Pendant FW Pearls Butterscotch Quartz Set

See these and many other gemstone wired jewerly designs at Timeless Designs!

Eva Longoria Parker's Signature Jewelry Style

Eva Longoria Parker's Signature Jewelry Style - Fashion

Eva Longoria Parker may come in a pint-size package, but her style packs a lot of punch. Always polished and dressed to the T, Mrs. Tony Parker has a jewelry style that is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour meets modern elegance. She knows what works on her tiny frame and what accessories best help her shine.



Eva loves drop earrings. From star shaped danglers to turquoise cascades to diamond teardrops, she likes earrings that have movement and a little swing to them. She's not afraid of color either, as she easily accents gorgeous gowns with fresh colored jewels in sparkling hues. A few of our favorites include ruby drop earrings used to accent a hot pink frock for a charity gala or a canary colored pair of drop earrings she wore with a spring floral dress. For her wedding abroad, Eva pulled out rich colored stones, best of all, the sapphire stunners she wore with matching cascade necklace for her wedding and the emerald oval cut drop earrings she playfully paired with a headband and casual do.







No matter what Ms. Parker wears, she does it with ease and effortless grace. She can easily pull off art deco inspired pieces, such as glittering cuffs and bangles. Or, when she's feeling a bit sassy, she likes pieces that are fun and youthful, such as waterfall earrings. Her favorite accessory is a number 9 pendant that she wears as a reminder of her husband Tony's jersey. You can easily replicate this sentiment by choosing a charm or bracelet with removable charms.







Eva steers clear of 'here today - gone tomorrow' jewelry trends and instead opts for stylish statements that are timeless. She just might be the next style icon in the making. We love watching her rule the red carpet and can't wait to see what jewelry she chooses next.

Bits of Turquoise

This lovely 3 strand necklace is from bits of all natural Turquoise chips; a hint of Ivoryite and accented with a single strand of wood rice beads.




Visit Timeless Designs for more gemstone jewelry designs.

Nicole Richie's Jewelry Style

Nicole Richie's Jewelry Style - Fashion!

From celebrity child to outgoing socialite to artist and designer, Nicole Richie holds many titles. She's been in the public eye for many years, and we've watched her style evolve from eccentric party girl to chic mom, all the while keeping her signature jewelry look. Nicole's effortless laid-back vibe carries through in each piece she wears.

Nicole loves accessories, whether it's headbands, scarves or sunglasses. But she does a great job at complementing her style with fun bracelets that add interest to on-the-go looks. Nicole has long been seen sporting simple thin red and black bracelet as an accent, both day and night. They add just a pop of color and can easily be imitated. Nicole is also known for piling on loads of bracelets. She isn't afraid to play with textures and materials, effortlessly mixing colored beads with black and gold chain bracelets. She uses these types of bracelets to doll up casual everyday looks.

At nighttime, Nicole's flower child persona shines through with long flowing dresses, billowy fabrics and jewelry that is uncomplicated. She's best-known for thin to medium size bangle bracelets that she wears in sets of multiples or pushes to her upper arm. She plays with color combinations and prints to evoke a worldly sense of style.

For necklaces, Nicole favors pendants like circular disc apple shapes. She also regularly wears a cut-out "H" pendant necklace as a reminder of her daughter Harlow. When she does wear beaded necklaces, the beads are small, so as not to overpower her petite frame. She knows what works on her and sticks to it.

The love child that she is, Nicole favors jewelry in materials that are organic in nature. From corded bracelets to natural wood to leather bands, she mixes and matches, throwing in gemstones and metallics to create a jewelry style that is distinctly her own.

The 5 P's

Just received a great article in this week’s Jewelry Artist Flashcard edition; where it talks about the 5 P’s of creative people -- Enjoy!

The 5 P’s for creative people
1. Passion. Love what you do; have enthusiasm and excitement for every part of the process. Equalize the unpleasant by giving it the same attention as the pleasant.
2. Play. Be open to approaching the usual, customary, or repetitive tasks you face in a new way. Kids do this with ease: just watch them use an empty cardboard box.
3. Practice. It is important to master your craft through repetition. Once you’ve done something many times, you’ll have the confidence to do it well every time you do it.
4. Patience. Trust yourself to go through a series of tasks in the amount of time each task requires. Sometimes, it is better to finish well than to finish fast.
5. Perseverance. Don’t stop when you hit a bump in the road. Commit to finding a way to solve a problem in your own timeframe, and don’t abandon it entirely.

Featured and re-printed from the Jewelry Artist Flashcard article.

Visit Timeless Designs for unique gemstone jewelry.

Expert Advice - How to wear fashion with Jewelry

Ever wondered which items you should wear right now, which ones you should store in your jewelry box, and which ones you should part with? Well, we're here to help with some expert advice on what's hot in the world of fashion jewelry.

Necklaces
You should wear big, bold, chunky designs with handcrafted stones or geometric shapes. Long strands of pearls, delicate beads or multi-strand gold and sterling silver chains are also a big hit right now. For a personalized look, nameplate necklaces are still popular.

You should store vintage and hand-me-down birthstone necklaces and keepsake lockets, as these favorites never really go out of style. That's the difference between a trend and a piece with true staying power. Also keep classic short strands of pearls and beaded chokers.

You should toss stretchy chokers that have might be classified as grunge or gothic. Chunky peace sign necklaces have seen their hay day, as this look has been updated in favor of more feminine and delicate designs.

Earrings
You should wear mini florals with small details for a fresh bohemian touch. Large hoop earrings have also made a comeback, and are acceptable outside of the office.

You should store small hoop earrings, lightweight feather earrings and understated pieces. They're sure to make a comeback in years to come.

You should toss earrings that drop below your collarbone, as this will never be a fashion "do", as it causes the neckline to look shorter than it is.

Bracelets
You should wear oversized cuffs and layers of bangles in natural fabrics and textures. A sterling silver or gold metal works with either. Watch cuffs are also one hot ticket this year.
You should store beaded stretch bracelets and basic black bangles.
You should toss spiked bracelet cuffs.

Rings
You should wear a statement cocktail ring or multi finger ring.
You should store rings that are too small or can be worn as a pendant.
You should toss rings with missing center stones. In this case, it's more cost effective to replace the whole ring.

Aegerine - A Cool Find

A new find (for me at least) at Tucson is a stone called Aegerine from Zomba Mountains of Malawi; collected from cracks and crevices in the bare granite. It is said that the locals dig it out with primitive tools, sometimes they have to go down a bare rock with rope of 6-10 meters to get to some of the pockets of Aegerine.

It is a favorite among mineral collectors with its dark colorations, dark green to almost black with clear or opaque spots within the stone. It forms long needlelike crystals which often times have a pyramidal finish to the edges, with a vitreous luster.


Aegerine is said to be a high energy stone, often used in energizing a person. It protects against negative energy, and is helpful for broken relationships, eliminating group pressure, and strengthening self-acceptance. Wearing the stone can bring about self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and helps in matters of the heart.

Mystical and spiritual healing lore states that Aegerine is excellent for the immune system, making it great for general healing and helping the body heal itself. It’s corresponding Astrological sign is Pisces.

How to Wear Native American Inspired Beaded Necklaces and Bracelets

Beaded jewelry is nothing new to the fashion scene, but the way its being worn certainly is. On the street and on the runway, socialites and trendsetters alike are pairing beaded bracelets and necklaces with one-off vintage pieces and classic favorites to create unique fashion forward looks.

Native American inspired beads are hot, hot, hot right now. From Megan's Fox's eye-catching turquoise beaded choker to Drew Barrymore's funky beaded and chain necklace, this look is versatile and beautiful for anyone. You might be wondering how to make this look your own. We've got some great suggestions for creating a signature look out of these stunning Native American inspired pieces.

The bangle bracelet is all the rage on the fashion scene right now. Take Rachel Bilson's chic sense of style for example. She recently paired multicolored beaded cuffs and bright beaded nylon bracelets with an all black ensemble. The bracelets she wore, along with her cuffed sleeves and neutral booties gave a certain laid back sense of style. The vivid colors of the Indian designs on her bracelets offset a standard outfit. At home, you can easily take any classic piece out of your closet and update it with an inexpensive and fun beaded cuff.

For a casual look, don’t be afraid to call out your inner rocker with a long multi-strand American Indian patterned necklace. The arrow and diamond shaped designs add interest and funk. Try pairing the necklace with a t-shirt and blazer for a business casual look.

As spring and summer draw near, bright Native American necklaces and bracelets are a great way to spice up neutrals, such as peasant blouses and sundresses. Wear one at a time as a statement piece, or pile them on for maximum effect. You'll feel like you're on vacation, with these gorgeous cultural beads and natural cut stones.

Pickles & Fish

We have all heard, read or participated in the ‘Fish Philosophy’ for customer service and business in general. The other day I had the opportunity to learn of another great customer service philosophy called “Just Give’em the Pickle!” by Bob Farrell. The Pickle Principal is about doing what is right for the customer; taking a negative situation and making it positive and going the extra mile for the customer.

Combine that with the Fish Philosophy we are all so familiarly with; Play, Make Their Day, Be There, and Choose Your Attitude. Image what kind of business and customers we would have if we took the time to really build upon these tools! Keeping customer service in perspective is the key to any business.


Here are some great tips on Customer Service:

1) Maintain a Positive Attitude: You are responsible and have the ability to choose your responses to people; accept you have a choice and act on it.
2) Monitor Our Self-Talk: Listen to that internal voice ‘self-talk’, sometimes it is warning us or giving us direction; it is our personal coach so make it a positive influence.
3) Look Sharp: Research shows that attractively and nicely groomed individuals are evaluated more positively by customers. Get plenty of rest, exercise and eat right to always look your best for you and your customers. It also leads to a healthy and positive attitude!
4) Make eye contact and smile; even if you’re not in the mood to be positive and show a good appearance, your customers will sometimes bring that avenue to you.
5) Be knowledgeable about your products and industry and give assurances that if you don’t know the answer, then you’ll be glad to find it out for the customer.
6) If you have a lot of repeat customers, remember their name and use it often. This builds credibility and trust with your customer.



Bottom Line: Maintaining professionalism is the key to success; having fun, being happy and doing what you want in your life will bring the positive to you every time!

The deepest principle of human nature is the desire to be appreciated.
-William James

Top Jewelry Trends for spring

This year, spring's hit list includes smart and savvy jewelry trends that can update your closet inexpensively, albeit fashionably. Here are our top favorite jewelry must-haves to get you going:

Top Jewelry Trends for spring - Florals
Jumbo blooms with quirky details are fun, fresh and fabulous. Try an oversize choker necklace in a bright color like canary yellow or hot pink. These pieces can easily take you from a day in the office to a night out on the town.

Top Jewelry Trends for spring - Pink
From hot pink to punch pink to pastels, this feminine color is all over the style circuit. The feminine hue looks best in bold statements like bangles and oversize necklaces. Just remember, a little pink goes a long way!

Top Jewelry Trends for spring - Geometric jewels
High-impact shapes like funky triangles and boxes are all the rage this season. Try geometric bracelets that can be stacked for maximum impact. Or, embrace the look of chain link metal and choose a necklace that is outside the box. These fabulous pieces are fierce and perfect wearable art.

Top Jewelry Trends for spring - Prints
Paisleys, florals and global inspired prints are not just for clothing. Thankfully, these gorgeous patterns have spilled over into jewelry as well. Bangle bracelets are a great way to incorporate embroidered prints, a hint of snakeskin or exotic colors. These eye-catching pieces grab attention and are an affordable way to try out the latest fad.

Top Jewelry Trends for spring - Safari inspired accessories
If you can't afford to be a globetrotter, then at least you can accessorize like one! Work in vibrant fun pieces that have natural stones and earthly materials. Try jewelry made of wood, cork and leather. If you're going neutral with your outfit, make sure your jewelry adds color.

Top Jewelry Trends for spring - Bold choices
Looking for a way to re-invent some wardrobe favorites? Take classic pieces and pair with a daring necklace for a completely re-vamped look. Choose tops that have a simple scoop neck to let the necklace take center stage. You can find some great buys on beautiful costume jewelry right now.

Top Jewelry Trends for spring - Hoop earrings
This accessory is back in a big way. Wear small to medium size hoop earrings to work or for play. Dare to live a little with larger choices for nighttime.

Floral Jewelry - Never Lose Fashion

I'm not sure if florals are really a fashion trend, but one thing's for sure, they have staying power. Florals have always represented an air of femininity, grace and beauty. From the Victorian age to the flower children of the 60s and 70s, floral jewelry, especially necklaces, bracelets and earrings have been all the rage. This season the focus is on the dainty flower, the mini floral, which can be worked into any trend-setter's collection.



Mini floral earrings are a nice touch when done in sterling silver, as they are quite versatile and can easily go from day to night. Another way to wear a pair of floral earrings is to choose a design with color. Your earrings should be fun, whimsical and youthful, so don't be afraid to add a bright pop of color to accent the setting of the metal. Pastel floral earrings are always a hit in the spring and summer months, but wear them with contrasting pieces to avoid looking overly sweet. Mini floral earrings can also be worn in a cluster setting, as they gently overlap one another.



When looking at floral bracelets, there are many options from which to choose. A sterling silver cuff with floral cut outs can provide a modern twist on classic Victorian style. Beaded bracelets are often printed or embossed with beautiful designs of different flowers for a throwback to hippie fashion. These look best when layered and suit any outfit by drawing out the prominent color. Don't be afraid to wear several styles of bracelets on either wrist. For example, a giant floral cuff on one arm with small silver bangles and several beaded floral bracelets on the other is quite fashion forward. Jessica Simpson, Ashley Tisdale and Rachel Bilson have all been spotted wearing multiples of mini floral print jewelry.



With all the varieties offered, this is a style statement you can't afford to pass up.

Pearls

Pearl and specifically Mother of Pearl are beautiful stones with their illuminating iridescent colors; they go with just about anything and never seem to go out of style. You can mix them up with just about any other gems, like Sapphire, Diamonds or Rubies; semi-precious stones like Turquoise, Coral, and Onyx just to name a few.

This month’s issue of Color Stones magazine is dedicated entirely to Pearls and if the writer’s reviews are correct, there has been no slow in the purchasing of pearls and pearl jewelry. The majority of pearls come from China; though they also are sought in Japan, South Seas and off the shores of the United States and Mexico. They range from the highly sought Tahitian pearl that come in shades of black, purple, green, blue and bronze. Akoya pearls are saltwater pearls usually grown on farms in Japan and are traditionally white or cream in color with some ranging in the pink tints; they are known for their perfectly round, smooth surfaces and mirror-like luster.

According to the main article, freshwater pearls account for over 90% of the world’s pearl production coming out of China. These pearls are fairly inexpensive and found in a wide selection of color (often dyed reds, green and blue); some ranging from white, pink, lavender or peach in any size or shape.



These popular jewelry designs don’t last long on the market, this 3-strand chocolate freshwater pearls and mother-of-pearl pendant was listed on our website less than 24 hours before being snatched up by a lady for Easter!

Pearl: Purity, faith, charity, innocence, integrity, focus, wisdom, spirituality, sincerity, fertility.

Visit Timeless Designs for more pearl jewelry designs mixed along or mixed with semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals and metal beads.

Animal Instinct Jewelry - Fashion

Safari inspired jewelry has always been a fashionable way to subtly bring animal prints into your wardrobe, but animal jewelry this season offers so much more.

Wild animals such as cheetahs, leopards and jaguars are now being bejeweled with precious and faux gems to create eye-catching adornments in the form of bangle bracelets, stud earrings and statement cocktail rings. Insects such as crickets, ladybugs and butterflies are covered side-by-side in diamonds or cubic zirconia for glamorous sparkle. And birds are taking flight on precious metal cuffed bracelets and glittery brooches. The call of the wild is truly and beautifully translated into the latest fashion jewelry trends to hit the runways and the street scene this season.

One of the most popular trends right now is the butterfly. It's popping up everywhere from cutout cuff bracelets to fun-loving pendants that can add a touch of youth to any casual outfit. We're also seeing designers send out unique pieces that go out on a limb and incorporate animals such as armadillos and porcupines, for those daring enough to wear these creatures of the wild.



For summer jewelry styles, ocean animals of the deep such as starfish and tropical rainbow colored fish are ever-present in beautiful pendant necklaces and pins. They add an air of far off places and vacation get-a-ways to gauze fabrics and lightweight linen. Animal jewelry is so versatile; it can either be casual or dressy, art deco or geometric. Or, it can add an earthly feel or focal point to plain pieces such as khakis and denim.

If you're wondering how you wear these fabulous pieces, let the jewelry speak for itself. Let your animal themed necklace, earrings or bracelet take center stage and keep other accessories simple and understated. Let the call of the wild shine through, and you'll be sure to be a fashion 'Do'.

Funky Earrings

These earrings evolved out of my new wire mandrel tool. I was able to make two (almost) identical triangles and then put Mother-of-Pearl squares dyed in hot Fiesta colors!









Great inexpensive dangles handcrafted from artistic non-tarnish silver wire and ready to wear!







Visit Timeless Designs for more funky jewelry!

Vintage Jewelry Makes a Comeback - Fashion

Vintage Jewelry Makes a Comeback - A Fashion "Do"!
Remember rifling through your grandmother's vintage jewelry box when you were a little girl? Trying on those strands of pearls and vintage costume jewelry and dreaming of one day being old enough to wear them?

Vintage jewelry has long had a place on the red carpet of Hollywood (donned by the likes of Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett), but it's also just as acceptable to wear it for a night out on the town or to accent a professional look. Vintage has an old world glamour to it, an essence of classiness and a throwback to a time when dresses and pantyhose were a must. Now, mixing vintage necklaces or earrings with modern pieces provides an updated and relevant look, popularized even more with style-setters like Michelle Obama.

If you are lucky enough to have inherited, or be a collector of this type of costume jewelry, then you should know that authentic vintage jewelry sets are the most valuable of the group, given they are in good condition and contain all stones. If you love the look, but don't have access to hand-me-down pieces, there are several options. Many current designers offer this style of jewelry for a very affordable price. Another good bet is to check out the local flea market for deals on one-of-a-kind finds.

Vintage pieces can really dress up an existing look and can act as a good conversation piece. Your jewelry can help you to create a one-of-kind outfit that is sure to garner compliments. The look of antique inspired jewelry is best characterized by brushed metal, giving it that worn-in look and feel. Cameos pendants are a popular choice, as are chandelier earrings. There are many categories of vintage jewelry, so it will depend on how you choose to wear and style the pieces with the rest of your wardrobe.

Bead Shows in Review

Bead shows around the county have been going on for several months now and to many of us who bead, wire, or do lapidary, it’s been a ‘hit or miss’ depending on where you live, what show comes your way and what vendors attend the shows. This years’ crop of shows early in the season has left me wondering if vendors are truly hurting from lack of sales or are they raising their prices too high causing a slow down in purchases.

Here is San Antonio, Texas we’ve had several from wholesale only to public shows to chose from and reading on; you’ll find a review of the shows I attended with pros, cons and bottom line. We hold no affiliation with any of the show producers, vendors or venues. Our review of these shows is strictly independent and based on our observations of pervious attendance at these shows.

Tucson 2009 - February
This goes without saying that if you want to get the largest, widest selection of stones, cuts, exotics, or anything in the lapidary world, Tucson is the place to be each February. Though not a true ‘veteran’ of the Tucson experience, from what we’ve heard and read on other forums and blogs, similar comments were found.

Cons: Still under construction on the major freeway made getting around a little tough if you rented a car. The shuttle services available were again the best way to get around to the majority of the big shows. However, there were about half the shuttles available this year as in the past. Masses developed by end of the week once Tucson was in full swing; this gave longer wait times for those waiting on shuttles. For the first time the many wholesale only shows opened to the public by the weekend to purchase at the same prices of wholesale customers; isn’t that the whole reason for having business credentials?

Pros: Thousands of vendors and hundreds of shows to shop and chose from makes this the best place to get your stock for the year. Everything from raw lapidary material, cut stones, findings, display stuff, finished jewelry and much more can be found here.

Bottom Line: Check shows before attending, many of the big and better shows are wholesale only with purchase requirements. Prices this year seemed lower than last year and vendors were willing to ‘make deals’ to get a sale. Buyers were taking advantage of the discounts and it was hard to sometimes get down aisles for the bags and suitcases used to haul your treasures away. If there is a recession, it wasn’t happening from what was experience at Tucson.

San Antonio Bead Market Winter – February
This is a public and wholesale show that starts off the bead show season in February and is held at the Live Oak Civic Center. To get the wholesale price, buyers were asked to show their Sales Tax Certificate and fill out the proper forms. Always free to the public with free parking.

Cons: Small selection of the same vendors that come to every bead show in the San Antonio area. Vendors this year didn’t have the selections and quality as in the past. Many vendors had dumped stock onto the tables for people to sift through at rock bottom discounted prices; however, looking for quality and unique stones, pay a price by the strand. Check your strands this year, when measuring some of the strands purchased, found that it is not 16” strand, but a 12-10” strand.

Pros: Smaller show to start off the bead buying here; however, have your Sales Tax certificate in order to get the wholesale price on any purchases.

Bottom Line: Many of the better vendors were noticeably absent; so selection was not as good as in the past. Show was much smaller than in the past and buying appeared to be in smaller quantities rather than the larger purchases of the past.

Rings & Things – March
This is a By Invite Only Wholesale show that travels around the country and makes their stop to San Antonio in mid-March at Aggie Park. Rings & Things brings their wholesale store to you the buyer; gives a person the ability to test, touch and feel the product before purchase.
Cons: Of course because it is produced by Rings & Things, only their items are available for purchase. Prices seemed higher than in the past and the selection was not as good or as much as previously.

Pros: Wholesale only show and gives you the opportunity to see what Rings & Things is all about.

Bottom Line: Last year there were bigger crowds and more buying going on; couldn’t hardly get between tables last year, but this year moved about quite easily. Lacked in the pearls, exotic and specialty cut stones this year, as well as not many metal beads.

Fiesta of Gems Mineral & Rock Show – March
The lapidary group in the San Antonio area holds their annual Fiesta of Gems Mineral & Rock show in March at the Live Oak Civic Center; open to the public with free parking with a small attendance fee.

Cons: Open to the public and gives a person the opportunity to see the raw materials of many stones before they are cut and polished. Silent Auction was filled with many finds in the lapidary world; displays were eye opening and educational.

Pros: Small show and way too many ‘finished jewelry’ vendors. Prices seem quite high for lapidary raw material. Not many bead vendors, but then this is a lapidary show, not a beading show.

Bottom Line: Great show for the person just getting into the lapidary or jewelry industry to get educated on gemstones. However, those vendors that did have beads available were overpriced even for retail prices.

Parker Trade Shows – April
Parker Trade show over three days comes quarterly to the San Antonio area, held at the Freeman Coliseum with ample free parking. Not open to the public this is a wholesale only show for those whose businesses are in the Gift & Jewelry industry; you must provide business credentials to include business license and card, along with your State Tax Certificate to gain entrance.

Cons: Appears that vendors change through the seasons; Spring/Summer brings in more of the finished jewelry and gift industry vendors while the Fall /Winter shows bring in a mix of bead, findings and some finished jewelry and gift vendors. Some vendors that attend this show also attend many of the smaller area shows open to the public. Buying appeared on smaller scale compared to other years; vendors offered bigger discounts for volume purchases, especially if done in hanks rather than single strands.

Pros: Smaller scale of vendors and a mass of finished jewelry and gift vendors; offering a wide and vast selection to browse. One should plan on this being an entire day to attend to see everything.

Bottom Line: This year, many vendors had purchase minimums ‘purchase in hanks’ to get bigger discounts while ‘purchase by the strand’ was higher price. Noticeably absent were the lampwork, glass and pearl vendors. Disappointed those quality vendors of the past didn’t live up to the excellence they are known for with inferior stock and selection.


While it was somewhat apparent that buying was alive and well, done on a large scale in Tucson; the local bead shows are not getting the quality vendors and products of the past, just be prepared to pay more this year than in the past. Also, check to make sure to have your state sale tax certificate and business cards available to get the wholesale discounts, as many of the vendors are now requiring those documents to sell at wholesale price.

Twist of a Bracelet

This is a new technique for me using my twisting coil wire and adding beads. I saw this technique a few months back and have been working to get the right beads and gauge wire to work and still be flexible enough to wear, but not break the wire. I kept going back to the original lessons until I finally got it right (practice makes perfect!).



These bracelets are a done with artistic non-tarnish wire; one in silver and one in bronze. I’ve beaded the wire with glass dipped pearls and finished with coordinating accents. One is done in Turquoise with fine black webbing; accented with Onyx and a silver toned toggle. The second is a beauty in peach/campaign glass dipped pearls and then finished with light topaz crystals and a gold toned magnetic toggle.


These would make lovely Easter and Mother’s Day gifts! Visit Timeless Designs for these and other gemstone, dichroic and crystal jewelry.