Blingology

Affordable Bling Alert: Buckle Rings

Buckle rings have become increasingly popular over the last few  years. It's not suprising, considering that the buckle itself is something that has been with us since ancient times. It is another one of those classic silhouettes that will be with us forever. Wearing it as a ring can be very costly, however, as much as $3900, as is the case with the one below by David Yurman: 

Those of us in the real world don't have to buckle under at the thought of paying so much. Take a look (on the right) at the Brilliant Buckle Ring. Over 100 white cubic zirconia gives it lots of sparkle and, at $36.85, the price will make your wallet sparkle as well, so much so, that you'll be able to purchase a coordinating bracelet and set of earrings

The Brilliant Buckle Set is only part of the story. There are a lot more "designer-inspired" styles available at a fraction of the cost at Holsted Jewelers. Try them on for size!

Blinged Out Perfume Bottles

Bond No. 9 is a fragrance company that creates scents dedicated to neighborhoods and popular destinations in New York City.  Some of their recent creations include scents named Union Square, Bryant Park and Saks Fifth Avenue (my new favorite). A few weeks ago I attended a special event at their Soho location, where they unveiled the results of a partnership with Austrian crystal giant, Swarovski:

The larger bottles are called the Bond No. 9 Swarovski Stars. You get your choice of the Bryant Park, Bleeker Street or Nuits de Noho scents. The smaller ones are the Swarovski Stars Bon Bons: all three scents above, plus Eau de New York. Each bottle is blinged out with thousands of Swarovski Crystals. These pictures don't do them justice. They are absolutely beautiful to behold. Imagine one of the larger bottles sitting on your vanity, or, better yet, pulling one of the Bon Bons out of your purse at a party. A glam moment, for sure!

Alas, these limited edition creations (which will be available in a few weeks) are too expensive for the average woman's budget.  The larger bottles will cost $650 each and the Bon Bons set will set you back $700.

Bond No. 9 isn't the only place showing off Swarovski Crystals, however.  Holsted Jewelers has Swarovski, too (minus the perfume, of course). To see it, click here.

New Month, New Arrivals

It's April Fools Day, the day for elaborate practical jokes. I haven't played a joke on anyone today, nor have I been made a fool of (yet). However, I still feel like a fool: I forgot to mention that there are New Arrivals at Holsted Jewelers!

This set is just one of over 700 new looks, all of which are both beautiful looking and affordably priced. Happy April and happy shopping.

Affordable Bling Alert: A Bold Necklace

The new issue of Harper's Bazaar includes their monthly "Buy, Keep, Store" feature, in which they tell you what you should buy now, what things you've bought that you should keep wearing and what things you should store away until they're in fashion again. This month they're focusing on three categories, one of which is jewelry. What piece of jewelry should you buy now? A bold necklace.

The magazine suggests a very interesting one made by a very high-end French couturier. The price: $7,600. Chump change, right? Yeah, sure.

Do you want a truly affordable bold necklace? The Neptune's Daughter Necklace (below) is made with hand-strung glass beads. It's a multi-strand, 14" necklace with a 3" extender and a secure lobster-claw clasp. The $39.75 price includes a pair of chandelier earrings (for pierced ears only).

After this purchase you'll have enough money left to do more shopping. Too bad most of us can't say the same thing about that $7,600 piece!

Affordable Bling Alert: Giraffe Print Enamel Bangle Bracelet

Animal prints never seem to go out of style. They continue to be an inspiration to designers and fashionistas alike who are looking for a way to put together an edgier look. In the world of fashion jewelry, one designer has become famous for his animal-print jewelry, in particular his cross-over bangles. I won't mention his name (but if you don't know who I'm talking about, click here).  His bangles sell for nearly $100 a piece.

Ladies, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: You don't have to pay $100 for an animal-print bracelet. The one pictured here is available for only $39.50. You can even buy a matching ring and pair of earrings and still pay less than $100.

Now, that's what I call affordable bling. Happy shopping!

Spring Bling

Spring will officially be here in a few more weeks. Are you ready for a bigger, bolder and brighter wardrobe?

I'm still thinking about the Spring color report I saw a few weeks ago with all its bold, bright hues.  I know there are some of you out there for whom bigger, bolder and brighter is not an option this season. That doesn't mean you can't be on trend. Chosen carefully, jewelry and accessories can help you look just as stylish this Spring and Summer.

I love this Austrian Crystal Ring and Bangle Set. The crystals on the bangle are very festive and the ring is very cutting edge. I can picture this set on a woman wearing a simple sleeveless beige shift at a casual get together with friends.

These Gold-Over-Sterling Miranda Earrings remind me of a day at the botanical gardens. Can you see yourself wearing these with a white cap-sleeve tee-shirt and  medium-washed jeans?

 

Finally, this Audrey Checkered Evening bag is so chic! It has genuine mother-of-pearl and black horn tiles. Wear it with your little black dress at that big Summer evening event that you know will be on your calendar very soon.

These pieces are all new arrivals at Holsted Jewelers. In fact, there are over 700 new arrivals at the site, so you'll have no trouble getting your Spring Bling on!

Happy Spring!

Trick…or Treat? Which is the Real Thing?

Trick…or Treat?

It’s amazing the amount of “bling” I see on rings these days. I see big bold pieces—substantial enough to compete with knuckles. Heck! Some of them look like weapons.

Could it be the real McCoy? Better yet, could it be a good knock-off at a fraction of the cost?

I ‘m sure many people have thousands of dollars to sport the ring (NOT!), but who would want to carry a 5-carat piece on the number 6 train?

Ladies, there’s nothing wrong with flaunting the next best thing. Nothing!

Jewelry manufacturers and designers are hip to the trend and are making AMAZING works of art. The craftsmanship and the amount of detail is nothing less than that invested in the “real thing”.

Take a look at these beauties. Can you tell if these are real? 

Platinum-over-Sterling Emerald-cut Solitaire Ring     

White Russian Cocktail Ring

Trick or Treat?

Have a safe Halloween and keep sparkling!

Mother Nature and Celebrity Inspired!

Continuing with the October 2007 trends, leaf jewelry is absolutely perfect for Fall—AND—tons of celebrities are showing their love for Mother Nature. Holsted Jewelers has more Autumn and Celebrity inspired options to add to your jewelry collection.

In the movie The Break-Up, Jennifer Anniston wore a beautiful leaf pendant around her neck. Love it? Try on Holsted Jeweler’s Genuine Diamond-Accented Leaf Pendant.

Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson wore diamond leaf earrings on that Oscar-winning evening. Check out Holsted Jeweler’s stunning Diamond-Accent Leaf Trio.

Want a unique, drop-dead-gorgeous ring, perfect for Fall but more dazzling than what the celebrities own? This White Gold and Diamond Laurel Leaf Ring is not only brilliant, but absolutely stunning and incredibly elegant. 

Welcome Fall – Happy October!

The most amazing and best part of fall is the leaves changing colors. After a summer of all gorgeous green, it’s such a special thing to see the first striking splotch of orangey-red hiding in a tree. Over time the splotches multiply and the trees become this painter’s palate of vivid colors.

Simultaneously, fashion begins to change color as well.  The rich vibrant golds, the lustrous copper citrine color, the deep ruby garnet, the deep mysterious smoky topaz, stunning and bold saphire…gorgeous, elegant resonating colors that only look best in the fall. Check out the following warm, brilliant stone colors to add to your fall collection.

One of the newest arrivals is the Pinot Noir Garnet and Diamond Ring.

Another fall favorite is the Smoky Topaz and Champagne Ring.

Also, perfect treat for October is the Gold-over-Sterling Byzantine Bracelet.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on these items! If you own them and love them, let us know by reviewing on the Holsted Jewelers website or posting a comment on the blog!

The new jewelry editor/blogger will be begin posting this week! Check back soon to meet her!

Keep Sparkling!!