Trend: Layering Necklaces & Stacking Bracelets

Big trend for fall and winter is layering pendant necklaces or chains on top of each other by length. You can space them out but allow about 1.5" between each pendant or you can mix it up with black, gold, silver, bright crystals on top of eachother - it all works.  Try to plan it by weight; the chunkier the chain, the lower it hangs. Stacking bracelets with watches is very popular. Go for several looks, i.e., stick to a monochromatic color scheme for a polished look.  Think beyond studs - anything spikey or chain. A serious watch gives you license to add glitzy pieces and colorful beads. Finally,  feminine understated bracelets are more interesting when piled together - more delicate.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Please visit my site at http://www.youniquedesignsjewels.com/ and refer to the chartible jewelry link which shows our breast cancer collection. 10% of the profits on all my breast cancer jewelry collection goes to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and M. D.Anderson Cancer Center Orlando for cancer research and outreach programs. Help us to support to a great cause!

Trend: Rings & Earrings

Wear a single bold oversize ring day or night and mix the metals - its ok! Crazy long nails and a huge ring don't really mix in my opinion but if it pleases you, I say do it!  Do try a minimalist hoop earring with a simple ponytail or sleek chignon for a classic syle.

Fashion Trends For Fall

Ruffle chiffon, deep violet shades....your basic white and black peasant tops with ornamentation coupled with a great pair of jeans and you are ready to go! Wedges, big sunglasses, and cross body bags are still in fashion. Boots will be stronger than ever with round toes and lower heels. The Western boot is still showing strong. Romantic dresses are popular and very urban. Handbags will come in new shapes, colors and textures. Clutch handbags are back in a big way for day or night. Bold bracelets are one of the hottest trends in jewelry this season. Chunky with great gemstones and enamel and rings are still all the rage with interchangeable stones or classic cocktail looks. Charm bracelets are still the hottest jewelry trend. Bangle bracelets are increasingly popular especially those that sparkle! Leather wrap bracelets are also very trendy and layering and wearing bracelets is a huge fashion trend. Here at Younique Designs we have many stretchy bracelets that can be worn together and create alot of sparkle for your wardrobe. Check them out at http://www.youniquedesignsjewels.com/

What New In The Studio

I have been very busy in the studio working with my assistant Emily on alot of wire jewelry and new cold connection jewelry defined as natural brass elements riveted together to tell a story. It's fun, quirky and has loads of personality. We bend, twist, etch, rivet, and emboss shapes into the metal to create jewelry pieces that are meaningful and truly unique. There is no limitation to to this art! Natural Brass can be also used in scrapbooking. The process is eco-friendly, enhancing the natural beauty of the brass, and is safe for your treasured beads. The metal is nickel free and lead-free compliant. Here is a piece from my collection which can be seen on my website at youniquedesignsjewels.com. 

 

Fashions for Spring and Summer in Stores 2011 - Rich, bright and vibrant colors

As seen in In Style magazine and to summarize,tassels are very in this season especially worn as rope belts and tassel earrings. They can be easily made -see link http://ispy-diy.blogspot.com/p/as-seen-in.html.


Straight-leg and skinny jeans are still very in teamed with floral ballet flats. Also the wood-soled, platform shoes will be seen alot especially in summer. The iconic and edgy photographer eyeglasses are in style - the bigger the better. A line of ikat-printed handbags which benefits the Charity "Water" will be seen in the stores - just in time for Earth Day! Natural fibers and textures in necklaces such as palm tree leaves and coconut shells are very in style and big bangle brightly colored wood/acrylic bracelets will be seen everywhere. Here at Younique Designs, we have many new and different styles in jewelry (some mentioned above) for spring and summer.  Enjoy!

Natural Pearls

Pearls are a symbol of power. Pearls are the only gemstones grown inside of a living organism. Pearls are formed within oysters or mollusks when a foreign substance (most often a parasite - not a grain of sand) invades the shell of the mollusk and enters the soft mantle tissue. In response to the irritation, the mantle's epithelial cells form a sac (known as a pearl sac) which secretes a crystalline substance called nacre, the same substance which makes up the interior of a mollusk's shell, which builds up in layers around the irritant, forming a pearl.

There are approximately 8,000 different species of bi-valve mollusks, of which only about 20 are capable of consistently producing pearls. Natural pearls are extremely rare. Because the layers of nacre tend to maintain the irregular shape of the original irritant, natural pearls which are round or spherical in shape are even more rare. Most natural pearls are irregularly shaped. In a completely natural state, only a very small percentage of mollusks will ever produce a pearl and only a few of them will develop a desirable size, shape, and color; only a small fraction of those will be harvested by humans. It is commonly assumed that one in ten thousand mollusks naturally produce gem quality pearls. Obviously, if we relied only on nature, ownership of pearls would still be relegated to the wealthiest and pearl producing mollusks would be on the brink of extinction due to over-harvest. As pearls have been prized for thousands of years, this need has led to the development of cultured pearls.


Stay tuned for my next blog on Cultured Pearls

Trends in Jewelry to Help Buy Your Valentine A New Design For Valentines' Day!!

These times are tough so stick to a budget. We here at Younique Designs have many options that are plentiful in many price ranges which are affordable on an everyday basis.  Remember it is the thought that counts. I know when I receive a handcrafted gift, I know that someone has put alot of thought into it. Pay attention to your intended Valentine's wardrobe and style. Is the person's style sporty/casual or more formal business attire. Fairer toned people wear silver well and gold can pop nicely on olive complexions. Rose gold is a new alternative that complements most skin tones!  Layering necklaces are very in style pairing long chains and pearls are key items. Chunky necklaces and layers of pearls are popular and make the biggest statement. Rose Quartz is the stone of love and rubies which represent wisdom and wealth. If unsure,stick to a classic piece. We can help you with your decision and especially if you are pressed for time.!! 

Birthday Stones for February & March: Amethyst & Aquamarine

This piece I designed and includes Amethyst faceted cut, Kyanite & Topaz crystals.

Featured For February: Natural Arizona Kingman Turquoise is one the official Birthstones for December

Turquoise is one of the official Birthstones for the month of December as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and the accepted gem for the fifth and eleventh wedding anniversaries. Turquoise is also the Planetary stone for Aquarius, Taurus and Sagittarius. Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is one of the most valuable non-transparent minerals used in the jewelry trade. It has been mined by early Egyptians since at least 6000 BC. Most specimens are cryptocrystalline, meaning that the crystals can only be seen by a microscope. The finest Turquoise has come from Iran but is challenged by some southwestern United States specimens. Poorer quality Turquoise is often dyed or color stabilized with coatings of various resins. Stabilization (without color enhancement) is an accepted treatment for cutting cabochons and inlay work as it hardens the mineral and helps with body oil absorption.