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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

 

"Extra Special" is The Jewelry Trend

Jade Jagger Carved Sapphire Ring

Year after year we swing back and forth from "SILVER is the new Gold!" or "Delicate Jewelry is IN for Spring!" however, this trend is the one I am most excited about. In fact, to me, it's not a trend at all. It's just finally gained more momentum because Art Jewelry is now more available and important than ever before.

Art translates in a very different way from a Trend...it's personal. Like a painting that grabs you the moment you see it, that's is what we're talking about- that "Extra Special" jewelry trend. 

It's Attachment. Jewelry that speaks to you when you see it. Moves you. Maybe it's a sentimental piece, maybe it was made by someone that you know...or maybe it's a reason you can't even explain.

Here are a few examples of jewelry that speaks to me:

Carved Gemstone Rings by Jade Jagger

Jade Jagger Carved Emerald Ring

 

Enamel Earrings

Turquoise Enamel Diamond Earrings Teardrop on the Laura James Jewelry Blog

 

A Vintage French Buckle Ring

French Diamond Gold Buckle Ring on the Laura James Jewelry blog

Monica Sordo Stone Choker

Art Jewelry by Monica Sordo Agate Choker Necklace on the Laura James Jewelry Blog

Gold Gryphon Cuff Bracelet by Sopho Gongliashvili

Gryphon Gold Cuff Bracelet by Sopho Gongliashvili on the Laura James Jewelry BlogSopho Gongliashvili Gryphon Bracelet

 

 

And there ya have it...a few of the many Extra Special pieces of jewelry out there that inspire me. That I would love to have...That I will keep on my running Wish List!

How about you? What are some pieces of jewelry that move you?

xox-

Laura

 

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