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A Jewelry Collector's Story

Gemstone Collection

As far back as I can remember, I collected jewelry.

It all began with my Father, giving jewelry to my Mother and me to mark occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. He always picked out interesting pieces  on his own- one of my favorites being a band of square channel set rubies for a birthday. I was used to seeing bands with round diamonds, so I especially loved that this was different. I think that began my quest for collecting jewelry.

I was lucky that we travelled as a family when Summertime came, and I began to seek out unique jewelry every new place we went. The thrill of the hunt for designs that I'd never seen before was always at the forefront of my brain, no matter where we went. I loved when I could take home something that was different and marked the occasion or place that we'd been. Everytime I wore it, I was instantly transported back to the place where I had found it, and got to relive the experience of where we had been. 

Years later, and I still love to collect jewelry. It's absolutely the very first thing that I think about when a Birthday arises... but these days I seem to settle for more practical necessities. Not to mention, my life is becoming more streamlined and clutter-free...so if I am going to buy something, it's got to be pretty special. And who has time anymore for that kind of search?! Maybe one day soon I'll devote an ENTIRE AFTERNOON to searching solely for a new sparkler to add to my collection. That would be amazing. I mean, the odds that I would be able to just focus on that are... slim to none. Just too many other online distractions to click on to lead me astray -like my four year old needs new cowgirl boots...but maybe one day it'll happen. I sure do love the hunt!
xox-Laura

 

The Choker Necklace Trend

Love it or hate it, since 2018 the Choker Necklace trend was back with a vengeance... with some unique twists:

2018 Jewelry Trends and the Choker | Laura James Jewelry Blog

Lots of ideas there (we also love these delicate alternatives):

Choker Jewelry Trend | Laura James Jewelry | Jewelry Blog

The Gold Choker is Back! | Jewelry Trends 2018 on the Laura James Jewelry Blog

What's your preference? Not ready to take the dive, yet? Enjoy :)

Laura

 

photos via pinterest

Vacation State of Mind

Photography by Laura James of Laura James Jewelry

photo taken by Laura James

 

Nothing refreshes me quite like a visit to the Ocean. Specifically, a very clear blue Ocean with sugar white sand! I frequent our family Florida retreat as much as I can, soaking up the relaxation and inspiration so that I can emerge fresh, renewed, and ready to tackle what's next. It's really the only way for me! 

I loved pulling out my camera to capture this shot at Sunrise this morning. The mix of colors was just what I was hoping for. I am continually inspired by the Ocean and the Beach! It was also fun to vary from my normal Product photography to Landscape photography. It's always nice to try a new route :)...I am already counting down the minutes till the Harvest Moon tonight to see what I can capture!

Where's your Vacation State of Mind?

Jewelry Trends from the Runway at Fashion Week

"Statement necklaces, arm cuffs, art school earrings and raw stones all made an impact on the runway this Fashion Week." Vogue

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It's always interesting to me to see how a Jewelry Trend starts on the Runway as a fantasy and emerges later as a staple!  Trends may come and go, but they often do find their way down the chain, eventually, and I am going to have fun seeing where these Jewelry trends pop up this year...

 
MINERAL JEWELRY 
Agates, Druzy, Stalagmite Crystals...a Mineral Jewelry moment is my favorite trend! I have been juxtaposing shiny objects with a touch of these rough, organic minerals in my own jewelry collections since the beginning:

Mineral Jewelry Trend on the Laura James Jewelry Blog

 
ARTY EARRINGS
Do you also love a big, bold statement earring?! This trend gives added leeway, so you can go out on a limb without a worry:
Arty Statement Earring Jewelry Trends on the Laura James Jewelry Blog

 
DELICATE CHOKERS
Finally, we're downsizing those 3" chokers of yesteryear and trading Goth for Glam with these wispy, delicate options:
Delicate Chokers Jewelry Trend on the Laura James Jewelry Blog

 
STATEMENT NECKLACES
They're here (did they ever leave?!) and they pack a punch...especially with their Pendants:

Runway Trends and Statement Necklaces on the Laura James Jewelry Blog

Now, I can't leave out the UFO Jewelry trend! That's right, there is such a thing. Think TOTAL FANTASY when you see this extremely Avant-Garde jewelry:

Fantasy Jewelry Trends from Fashion Week on the Laura James Jewelry Blog


That's a wrap for today! Now, quick, go through your own jewelry collection and see what's trending...or pick up a new piece or two. :)

xox-Laura James 

 

photos courtesy of Vogue Magazine

2016 Jewelry Trends from Cannes!
Jewelry Trends at Cannes from the Laura James Jewelry Blog

Who else is a fanatic for Independent films? I'll take their artistic, raw beauty over big-budget movies, any day! I am equally psyched when the‪ #‎Cannes‬ Film Fest rolls around each year, and that's exactly what started this past week in France. Here are a few deets (and looks!) from the Festival so far...

Let me tell ya, (trend alert!) long dangle Earrings absolutely ruled the Red Carpet so far. It was hard to find photos of anything but, however, here is a good little mix from the Festival...

#‎JessicaChastain‬ looks incredible in this yellow number, and her diamond choker collar necklace (in the palm design that Cannes is famous for) isn't too shabby, either!

‪#‎BlakeLively‬ was swirling ALL over the carpet in a Cinderella-esque dress by Vivienne Westwood, but these diamond dangles are what stole the show not to mention her bump... PS: she's pregnant again!

‪#‎AmalClooney‬ had on the most fabulous Cartier Coral dangles...
and I absolutely loved the sublime ‪#‎JulietBinoche‬ in this edgier look, topped off with a cool sapphire pendant necklace.

That's a wrap for now, and I hope you enjoyed this recap of my fave looks so far in Jewelry from the 2016 Cannes Film Festival awards!

xox-Laura James

‪#‎jewelrytrends‬ #cannes2016

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