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These Are A Few of My Favorite Things
Favorite Jewelry Staples from Laura James Jewelry
Over the years, I have found that one of the main questions I am most asked is..."what is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?"
For me, this is a hard one to answer! Pretty much each piece of jewelry that I own is special to me for its own reason. It marks certain occasions like birthdays or graduations, or the giver was special to me...or it may have marked a time of success in my life and I purchased it to reward myself.
Whatever the reason, each piece has its own special story.
This photo above shows a few of my current faves...the pieces I pretty much rarely take off these days.
The channel set diamond band was a very special gift from my husband to celebrate the birth of our daughter, Lila Lewellyn three years ago... I love that it keeps her near me all day long and I wear it next to my wedding band.
This delicate, rose gold necklace with the bezel set solitaire stone is something I recently created and added to my jewelry line as an answer to an everyday necklace you could wear from the Yoga studio to the Pool. A piece with a little sparkle that you could layer with your other necklaces...and not have to take it off for any reason. As a result, I rarely am without mine!
And, of course, this framed photo as we exited our wedding reception nearly 12 years ago. Not an actual piece of jewelry, though the frame is so pretty it should be! A wonderful reminder of the excitement we felt, the elation of being with all of our loved ones that came so far to see us wed, and the anticipation of what lay before us in the new life we would be building together.
Like a song, photographs and jewelry are closely tied together for me. They are my memory markers that I can always rely on whenever I want to take that trek down Memory Lane.
What are your jewelry staples and why?
xox-Laura
Inspired Design

People ask where I find my inspiration for my Jewelry collections and the answer is...everywhere! I am very curious by nature, and as a result, I tend to have my eyes open wherever I go...especially if it is a new place (and I LOVE to explore new places!).

Things just pop out at me...whether I am outdoors, noticing how blue the sky is against the bright green of the trees or in someone's home, where typically textures and finishes from marbles to shiny brass just seem to jump into my path of vision.

I never know which ones will stick in my brain when I am creating my next Laura James Jewelry collection, but somehow there is a catalog there that I reflect on whenever I am starting my next necklace, earring or bracelet.

I think if you are seeking Inspiration, the best thing to do is try to absorb the moments...open your eyes wide when you walk out of the door. Try to slow down...and see what happens!

When I am aware of these images popping out at me, I get excited because I know I am living in the moment. Life is short, and it's flying by. Take time to look around!

xo-

Laura

 

photos: 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?

Tokens of Love

Love Tokens on the Laura James Jewelry Blog

Is there anything more romantic than these antique love tokens?!

In Victorian times, these were engraved and gifted to Brides...a perfect post for today, as we are Asheville-bound for a wedding for friends!

A bit more history on these gorgeous coins:

"Starting in the late 16th century, the French would fashion 13 specially carved coins, still considered valid currency, to be given to a young couple at their wedding. These treizains, which evolved into modern-day marriage medals, would be blessed by the priest during the ceremony. "

excerpt @CollectorsWeekly

photo found online

"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