Industry News
Gold or Silver Color Analysis-test: Are You Warm or Cool?
The Gold or Silver-test is a simple approach to determining if you look best in Warm or Cool colors. It’s not as detailed as the seasonal color analysis but it helps you to move one step closer to gaining a general idea of what colors look best on you, and that is sometimes enough for some.
It can also be a good indicator to figuring out if you’re a warm season; Autumn or Spring. Or a cool season; Summer or Winter – which is all explained in the Seasonal Color Analysis.
hen it comes to determining your best colors, you’ll have to look for your hair’s, eyes and skin’s dominant undertone. I’m saying dominant as most people have a little bit of both coolness and warmth in their coloring, but the majority will always have an undertone that is more obvious than the other.
The undertone is basically the underlying color of any hue. For example – tomato red has a yellow undertone, while true blue has a blue undertone. A person’s coloring has either a dominant warm, cool or neutral undertone. A neutral coloring usually has both coolness and warmth equally present and can wear both cool and warm colors well.
Skin Tone Not That Significant
The skin tone is getting less significant when analyzing a person’s coloring. That’s because the skin’s undertones get camouflaged with tan and makeup. Also, most skin tones have some cool and warm tones. This can leave you very confused when analyzing your coloring.
The skin tone doesn’t tell the whole story of your coloring – you need to look at it as a whole. As a color analyst, we’ll weigh in your skin’s undertone as needed.
How to do the Gold or Silver Test
Silver and gold are the two most common metals that can easily reflect if warm or cool colors look best on your coloring. Silver is considered cool and complements anyone with dominant cool undertones – and gold is considered warm and harmonize best with colorings that are predominantly warm.
The silver or gold test is one of the effective ways to uncover your undertone. If you’re a cool, it eliminates the warm groups from the seasonal color analysis, or if you’re warm you’ll be able to cross off all of the cool groups. This leaves you with a few groups to work with.
Here’s how you do the Gold or Silver Color Analysis on yourself.
- You need:
A large mirror - Two jewelry pieces – one in bright silver (not pewter as it is more neutral) and the other one in a clear, gold. In some cases, you may need a warm, bright yellow and a royal blue cloth
- Natural lighting
How to do it:
Simply hold the jewelry in those two metals against your face, and take notice of which one makes your overall complexion look brighter and stands out more. This is best done under natural lighting and with NO makeup whatsoever.
Observe the changes in your face…
So Are You Warm or Cool?
As explained in the guide to seasonal color analysis, your best colors make you look healthy and will soften all imperfections such as dark eye circles, wrinkles and discolorations. You need less makeup when wearing your best colors.
However, ‘bad’ colors can emphasize imperfections such as yellow teeth, lines and uneven skin tone, and make you look sick and pale (not in a good way). A sure sign that tells if a color is ‘bad’ for you is if you see any dark shadows where you place the color against it.
Here are a couple of things to observe:
- Do you look healthier? Notice the quality of your skin, eyes and skin tone
- Does the metal make you look bland, or just ok?
- Does the metal create or accentuate dark eye circles?
- Do you see any unflattering shadows? (specifically under your chin)
- Does it make your teeth look yellow/more yellow?
Do you notice any differences when switching between gold and silver?
If the gold medal makes you glow and you feel fresher and look more alive, then you’re definitely a gold!
If the silver metal lights up your face, making your coloring look more luminous and healthy, then you’re a silver!
However, if you can’t decide because both metals seem to look equally well on your face. It may be that you look fantastic in both, or just good, then you might be a Neutral!
Industry News
10 Cool Ways to Organize and Display Your Jewelry
Jewelry Organizing Ideas
If you can’t see it, chances are you won’t wear it. At least this is the case for most costume jewelry. If your jewelry is always lumped together in big, knotted balls, you’ll probably find yourself wearing the same few pieces over and over again.
It’s about time you untangle that pile of jewelry on your dresser and showcase your most beautiful accessories in a way that will encourage you to wear them. These various jewelry organizing ideas combine style and function without breaking the bank.
1. Hang Earrings From Curb Chain
For those of us that have a ton of costume jewelry, sometimes a standalone jewelry armoire just isn’t enough space. Not only that, larger costume necklaces can get lost in drawers, never to be seen or worn again.
If you need more designated space for your baubles, consider adding a jewelry display on a narrow portion of a wall, either behind or on the back of a door. For starters, screw in hooks to thin strips of wood and use these to hang necklaces. Next, drape long sections of thick curb chain for an awesome earring display.
2. Add Hooks to Pieces of Driftwood
This next jewelry organizing idea will appeal to a wide variety of decor tastes. In fact, the driftwood looks as good in a farmhouse style home as it would in a Scandinavian inspired loft. The key is to match the jewelry to the display. Don’t hang anything too colorful or bulky on this one.
These driftwood jewelry displays can be bought or found at a craft fair, but they can just as easily be made. Next time you’re on a beach, seek out some of your own driftwood. Since its very dry by nature, you should be able to screw hooks into the wood without any additional tools. Attach some twine, hang in groupings and you’re all set.
3. DIY an Industrial Pipe Jewelry Display
Adding an industrial style jewelry display to your home is a fun way to balance masculinity with one of the most feminine items–jewelry. If you’re having trouble convincing your spouse that leaving jewelry on display in the bedroom is a good idea, perhaps he won’t mind it as much if this is the display you choose.
4. Spray Paint a Tree Branch
Jewelry is best displayed in a way that will complement your existing home decor. For instance, don’t incorporate feminine frames for earrings if the rest of your decor is very modern.
This branch jewelry display will look great with modern, minimal, and boho decor. To make it, all you need is a dried out tree branch, some spray paint, small rocks and a ceramic dish. It will work best for dainty jewelry that isn’t too heavy.
5. Repurpose an Old Box into a Ring Display
Want to quickly and easily add a little character to your home? The next time you’re at a flea market or antique mall, keep an eye out for small vintage boxes. The more intricate the advertising, the better the treasure. Then, transform the box into an old world ring display.
Don’t keep fine jewelry on display in your home, but instead, pack this ring display with your best costume rings and place the box on your dresser or vanity.
6. Make a Simple Wooden Block Jewelry Holder
Some jewelry displays look so elaborate that they take away from the jewelry. This modern wooden block display is easy to make, but it’s also simple enough to let the jewelry shine.
7. Cast These Cement Ring Cones
Even though you shouldn’t keep diamond and gemstone rings on display, there are areas in your home where you should take your rings off temporarily. These include next to the kitchen sink, in the bathroom, and on your nightstand.
Remember, you shouldn’t wash or sleep in your rings, so these cement cones are perfect for a temporary place to house your most precious jewels. Just be sure to return your expensive rings to a safe or to your finger when you leave the house.
8. Dedicate an Entire Board for a Jewelry Display
This jewelry board has a lot of different jewelry display ideas consolidated into a really neat area. First, you have a frame that has been converted into an earring display by removing the back and adding chicken wire. Next, there’s a shelf filled with various vases and knick-knacks that serve as bracelet holders. Finally, the bottom row is a curtain rod used to display necklaces.
9. Upcycle Old Dishes Into a Tiered Jewelry Stand
For jewelry you wear more often, a tiered jewelry display works well as a temporary go-between in your bedroom or dressing room. At the end of the day, place all your accessories on this stand. At the end of the week, take all the accessories you’ve collected here and put them back where they belong.
10. Showcase Jewelry in Glass Vials and Apothecary Jars
This jewelry organizing idea may not be the most practical for all your jewelry, but it will work wonderfully for statement earrings and jewelry you want to look extra special.
To create these jewelry holders, simply press a piece of wire into the bottom of a cork stopper and shape it into a fish hook using pliers. Then hang jewelry onto the hook and drop the stopper into the vial. Taller apothecary jars work well for necklaces and longer earrings.
Industry News
5 Tips for Accessorizing: Mix ‘n’ Match Your Jewelry to Upgrade Your Style Game
Sometimes all you need to complete an outfit is the perfect accessory or two… or three. We know what Coco Chanel said about removing one piece of jewelry before we leave the house, but these days, less isn’t exactly more. When it comes to wearing jewelry, more is often more. Styling your accessories has become just as fun and challenging as putting together an entire ensemble. It’s practically an art. There are so many different elements to consider, from what kind of ring to wear (midi, knuckle, thin, chunky) to what order your wristwear should be (bracelet, watch, bangle). Here are simple tips to help you upgrade your jewelry game to the big leagues.
WORKAROUND ONE CENTERPIECE
The easiest way to accessorize your jewelry is by picking one piece to work around. That piece can be a statement ring, a gold watch or a chunky bracelet. Work around it by adding pieces that are smaller in size and not as flashy. For example, in this photo from blogger Sincerely Jules, our focus is kept on her gold watch. She compliments it with thin bracelets and matching gold tones.
LAYER BIG WITH LITTLE
If there is no statement piece to work around and all of your jewelry pieces are equal standouts, try to mix them by thickness and size. Layer your bracelets by varying types. In this photo of blogger Chiara Ferragni’s enviable arm swag, she layers her bracelets and keeps the smallest one in the middle.
MIX METALS
Silver, rose gold, copper, white gold. It no longer has to match! In fact, it’s encouraged to mix all kinds of metals when it comes to your jewelry. With just a few different metal pieces, your arm looks instantly dressier.
ADD COLOR
Don’t be afraid to add a pop of color in a sea of gold and silver colored bracelets. Mixing in colorful woven or beaded bracelets is a fantastic way to take on the high-low trend and to make your jewelry game less boring and more unique.
If layering too many bracelets feels like it weighs you down or just isn’t your cup of tea, direct your accessorizing to your digits. Stacking rings has become a huge trend. There are no limits when it comes to stacking — you can wear two or three rings on one finger or wear single rings on each. Stack ’em up to your heart’s content!
Industry News
5 Favorite Pieces of Jewelry
1. Layering bangles
Bangles are nice because you can wear one or two for a more casual look or pile them on when you want more bling. You can certainly layer stretch bracelets and link bracelets and other styles, but bangles are the easiest.
2. Long pendant necklaces
Long pendants are great for wearing over a plain shirt or top when you want to break up the solid color and draw the eye in towards the waist. You can wear a long pendant alone or layer it with one or two (or more) other shorter necklaces for more interest.
3. Large earring studs
While statement earrings are a huge trend right now, my favorites are still a simple pair of studs or mid-size drop earrings.
Current favorites are these filigree drop earrings and these pearl and gold chandeliers for everyday outfits, these gold lace chandeliers for dressier looks, and these two-tone beaded drop earrings for more casual days.
In addition to the wedding rings, always wear a fashion ring on the right hand.
Industry News
The Real History Behind Kate Middleton’s Royal Jewelry
The Duchess of Cambridge is known for her perfectly crafted sense of style, and that extends to her glittering accessories. A decade ago, Kate Middleton wasn’t really one for major sparkle. But access to Queen Elizabeth II’s jewelry vault could turn any woman into a bling-lover. Kate has been lucky to wear heritage pieces either as loans or as gifts, including her diamond-encrusted Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II badge.
We’ve tracked down the history of all the special pieces that Kate has added to her wardrobe. From diamond-encrusted brooches with deep meanings to tricky tiaras, here’s a look at the many diamonds the birthday girl has worn — so far.
The Halo Tiara
Kate’s most famous piece of borrowed jewelry would have to be the Cartier “Halo” tiara that she wore for her wedding day in 2011. The tiara was purchased from Cartier in 1936 by King George VI (the Duke of York) as an anniversary present for his wife, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. She in turn gave it to Queen Elizabeth II on her 18th birthday, and it has remained part of her personal collection. It features 16 graduated scrolls set with 739 brilliants and 149 baton diamonds. The tiara has previously been worn by high-profile women of the royal family, including Princess Margaret and Princess Anne. However, the last time it was seen out publicly was with Princess Anne in the 1970s.
New Zealand Fern Brooch
The Duchess was photographed wearing Queen Elizabeth II’s fern brooch many times during her first official visit to New Zealand in April. The piece was originally given to the queen during her coronation world tour in 1953 and 1954. As what often happens with gifted items from subjects, the brooch was commissioned by a local Kiwi women’s group that wanted to show appreciation for their queen. (The fern is an important New Zealand emblem.) The queen has worn it to many New Zealand-related functions, but Kate gets the very special distinction of being the first person to whom the Queen has loaned it out.
Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring
One of Kate’s most used pieces of jewelry also has a very sentimental meaning to Prince William. Kate’s engagement ring famously belonged to Princess Diana before William used it to propose to his longtime love. After they got privately engaged, Diana and Prince Charles selected the engagement ring from the official royal jeweler, Garrard, in February 1981. It consists of 14 solitaire diamonds and a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire set in 18-karat gold. It was notable at the time since it wasn’t custom-made (which royal engagement rings traditionally are) and was actually part of Garrard’s regular retail collection. The ring was given to Prince Harry after Diana passed, and he eventually gave it to William.
The Maple-Leaf Brooch
Kate was loaned this maple-leaf brooch by the queen before Kate and Prince William embarked on their 2011 tour of North America. The brooch was originally given to the Queen Mother by King George VI in 1939, before they took off on their first Canadian tour, so there is a nice romantic connection to the brooch. Since then, the queen and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have both worn the brooch during Canadian visits.
The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace
The duchess doesn’t normally wear that much jewelry, but earlier this year, the queen reportedly asked that Kate be given more access to the royal jewels to give her a “princess-y” makeover. Enter the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace, which Kate wore during a visit to the National Portrait Gallery (where she serves as a patron) in February. The necklace was given to the queen by (who else?) the Nizam of Hyderabad, as a wedding present. He told the queen to pick out anything that she wanted from Cartier, and she selected this glittering number, which features a chain of 38 diamonds plus a center piece of 13 emerald-cut diamonds.
The Lotus Tiara
In December 2013, Kate wore her second-ever tiara when she attended an official event at Buckingham Palace while wearing the Lotus tiara. (Kate wore it again to a reception in 2015.) Like most of Kate’s borrowed jewels, the item originally belonged to the Queen Mother. The tiara was originally a necklace and was given to the Queen Mother as a wedding present in 1923. George later had the item dismantled and worked into a tiara by Garrard. (This practice is actually pretty common among the royals, and Diana was famous for reworking royal jewels in interesting ways.) The tiara was eventually given to Princess Margaret, who wore it to many official events. It was also worn by Serena Stanhope when she married Margaret’s son, Viscount Linley, in 1993. After Margaret passed in 2002, the tiara somehow ended up back in the queen’s main collection and was loaned out to Kate.
The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara
In December 2015, Kate was able to wear a tiara beloved by Princess Diana. En route to a reception at Buckingham Palace, Kate gave a glimpse at the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara, which Diana wore on numerous occasions including while on tour in New Zealand during 1983. The piece, which is in Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, features massive pearls, surrounded by diamonds, hanging ornately around the top of the tiara. Queen Elizabeth reportedly loaned the piece to Diana for her wedding day; finding the piece too heavy, Diana wore a tiara that had been in her own family. The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara was originally commissioned by Queen Mary and was constructed by the jewelers at Garrard.
The Queen Mother’s Fringe Earrings
For the 2015 Women in Hedge Funds dinner, Kate wore a pair of diamond and sapphire fringe earrings that once belonged to the Queen Mother (pictured in London during 1986). The Queen Mother was a great fan of sapphires and had many pieces in her collection, though it is not known how she acquired the fringe earrings.
Industry News
5 Pretty Pieces of Jewelry You Need to Own by 30
While in their 20s, few women ever think about investing in jewelry. There are bills and rent to pay, and money is rather spent on nights out and Postmates. When there is room to splurge, it’s more likely that a 20-something will put any hard-earned cash toward a cool shoe or trendy bag instead of a classic watch or diamond studs. Yet those luxurious little items are far more long-lasting and well worth the early consideration, especially if you’re smart about the purchase.
It’s about finding a pretty piece you can still wear 24-7, like a simple gold necklace with a delicate stone or a timeless pair of statement earrings to carry you through the endless weddings and other special events you’ll attend in your 30s and long after. Then there’s the idea of finding something sentimental—to celebrate a new job or a meaningful relationship, or just as a personal thank-you for making it through the past decade—while heirloom items like a brooch or timepiece will last a lifetime and always feel unique. It may not seem like it now, but buying fine jewelry is a brilliant move—even if you have to sacrifice a few late-night deliveries to make it happen.
A Classic Watch
A Piece to Wear Every Day
Something Sentimental
An Heirloom Treasure
Industry News
Jewelry to Die For: Bulgarian Ring with a Killer Dose
When a medieval ring was uncovered by Bulgarian archaeologists excavating the remains of the medieval fortress on Cape Kaliakra, near the town of Kavarna on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, they were surprised to discover that it was not a simply a decorative piece but looked to have been designed for the far more sinister use of murder.
The ring, which was found in 2012, had a discrete container with a minute hole in where you would normally find the ring stone and its setting. The cavity is large enough to hold several drops of liquid, and it is thought that it would have been used to dispense poison into the intended victim’s food or drink.
When interviewed at the time of the find, Boni Petrunova, the Deputy Director of the National Archaeology Institute and Museum in Sofia proposed its grim function thus,
“I have no doubts that the hole is there on purpose and the ring was worn on the right hand, because the hole was made in such a way so as to be covered by a finger, so that the poison can be dropped at a moment’s notice. Clearly, it was not worn constantly and would have been put on when necessary.”
The ring is thought to be the first of its kind found in Bulgaria and was located in an area that was home to the local aristocracy. This leads to speculation that it was used in politically-motivated murders that occurred in the second half of the 14 th century. There was disquiet between the ruler of the independent, Dobrotitsa, and his son Ivanko Terter, a feud which was responsible for the death of many members of the nobility at the time.
Although the first found in Bulgaria, this is far from the first ring designed for this purpose to be known of. It is thought that the original use of poison rings was for people to commit suicide in order to escape torture or humiliation. Hannibal is thought to have used poison from a ring to evade deliverance to the Romans. It is also recorded that the ancient Greek orator Demosthenes committed suicide in 322 BC after escaping capture and reaching sanctuary on the island of Calauria. As he was about to be arrested, he drank poison concealed in a “hollow ring, which he wore about his arm,” as written in Plutarch’s Lives, a 1906 book. The means for secreting a lethal dose was clearly available and there are many other examples of rings of various designs for hiding the venom.
The use of poison as a weapon to use against one’s enemy was given a great boost in the 8th century by the brilliant innovation by Arabic chemist of a form of arsenic that was barely detectable. This odorless and tasteless version of this lethal compound made it a very attractive option for the would-be assassin. By the Renaissance, people were selling poison rings, knives, letters, and even poison lipstick. In this way, the ability to perform a relatively risk-free murder attempt was made accessible to the masses.
Back in Bulgaria, a famous case of murder by poison relates to the period of Kaloyan the Romanslayer, who ruled as emperor of Bulgaria from 1197 – 1207. After his death, Kaloyan’s consort, who had married his successor Boril of Bulgaria, took part in the assassination of her son-in-law Henry of Flanders, causing his death by poison on 11 June, 1216.
Industry News
3 Must Follow Tips To Match Jewelry With Your Outfit
People who love to look good all the time can find themselves spending a lot of money buying designer clothes and jewelry. However, it is common for people to forget to team up these two necessary elements. Learn here how to match your outfits and jewelry choice perfectly every time.
If you’re spending your time and money to finding the perfect outfit, it’s important to also spend the time accessorizing it.
You need to understand that rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are an equal part of the equation in terms of fashion. In fact, fashion experts believe that jewelry is indeed the little extra that can bring life to any outdated outfit. Here are some easy ideas to match your jewelry and clothes.
Ensure Each Piece Of Jewelry Goes Well With Your Morphology
The simplest thing to do with each outfit is to check where the “eye” is attracted. You need to look for the focal point. Once you know the focus, you can choose jewelry that will contribute to this. The size of each piece and the general layout of accessories matters a lot. For example, if your outfit is simple, you can opt for layering necklaces. With this, you also need to pay attention to the length of your necklaces. Your goal is neither to truncate your neck nor draw attention to anything you’d rather not.
Jewelry That Matches The Context And The Occasion
The fashion rules are much less conventional than before. You have the freedom to afford a few fantasies. However, this doesn’t mean that you can forget to match your jewelry with the outfit and circumstances. For instance, if you are at the work, it will not look good if you have big blingy rings and a myriad of bracelets hanging on your wrist. These can make it difficult to type and can cause noise that might annoy your coworkers.
Match Your Jewelry With Your Skin Tone
Similar to your dresses, it is important to choose jewelry that not only matches your outfit but also enhances your look. This means you need to pick metals and gems that will illuminate your natural skin tone. There is a wide spectrum of different colors such as sapphire, amethyst, gold, silver, ruby, and so on. You can choose the one that goes best on your skin. There is a chance that turquoise goes better with your eyes, and silver shines more than gold. Don’t go for what appeals to you but rather pick the one that enhances your overall look.
Industry News
9 Jewelry Trends That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Look
When scorching temps call for showing more skin, switching up your jewelry can give your look a quick, easy, and sweat-proof update. Less clothing may be best when it’s hot out, but piling on baubles is still totally doable — and luckily, this season, more is more. Whether you prefer to throw on a statement or layer your favorite personal pieces, we’ve broken down 2017’s MVP jewelry trends.
With everything from hoop earrings to anklets on tap, get ready to refresh your vibe from head to toe.
Gold Hoops
Call it the comeback of the season: ’90s-style hoop earrings (in a variety of sizes and textures) have experienced a major resurgence, adorning the ears of It girls everywhere.
Delicate, layered pendants are the right-now version of the statement necklace. Start with one, then stack as many as you see fit.
How trendy can you be if you don’t own something with these festive, fringe-y embellishments? Tassels have been trending hard and show no signs of slowing down, specifically when it comes to swingy earrings.
This year’s wrist candy is daintier and made for piling on. Try options in cord, chain, beads — or all of the above.
Nail polish isn’t the only way to color up your digits — this season, gemstone ring stacks are the freshest way to do finger adornments.
Delicate Chokers
Chokers are sticking around, and the most of-the-moment iteration is more minimal than its ultra-’90s predecessors. Go for thinner styles that can be layered a few at a time or with pendants.
Ball Drop Earrings
For those of us who appreciate a good statement piece, the drop sphere earring is the ideal evening style: playful, colorful, and party perfect.
Pearls have been making the rounds, having found a home on everything from jeans to shoes, bags, and more, but this year, we’re officially seeing the return of Coco Chanel-esque, bauble-size strands. Pair them with edgy materials to keep the cool factor.
Anklets
The ankle bracelet is the newest installment of the ’90s redux phenomenon. Street style queens have been sporting the trend with flats and heels, in every form from dainty chains to boho beads.
Industry News
All That Glitters: The Best Jewelry and Accessories From the Met Gala
When it comes to major red carpet moments, everyone always wants to know about the dress. And yet it’s often the chic little details—namely, the jewelry and accessories—that have the most game-changing effects. From Solange Knowles’s ice skate shoes by Thom Browne to Cassie Ventura’s OTT ear cuffs, there were some truly epic extras at this year’s Met Gala, many of which channeled the avant-garde magic of Rei Kawakubo.
Adwoa Aboah’s custom ear cuff was designed by Conner Ives, who made it out of vintage pieces he found in a London market. He also designed her outfit.
Rihanna topped off her Comme des Garçons look with tourmaline and black diamond earrings from her Rihanna Loves Chopard high jewelry collection.
Cassie Ventura wore spiky diamond Rinaldy A. Yunardi ear cuffs, which mirrored the sunburst pattern on her date Sean Combs’s Rick Owens cape.
Jennifer Connelly wore head-to-toe Louis Vuitton, from her shoulder-duster earrings down to her ankle boots.
The men of Migos had some of the best jewelry of the night, including a diamond necklace with Yoda’s face on it.
Serena Williams matched her XIV Karats emerald and diamond earrings to her Versace dress.
Only Solange Knowles could pull off Thom Browne’s extra-long puffer coat and ice skate shoes.
Mary-Kate Olsen went the boho route in a (presumably vintage) chain headpiece and layers of beaded necklaces.
Lily-Rose Depp’s pink Chanel dress came with built-in camellia “jewelry” wrapping around her torso.
Kerry Washington’s safety-pin choker lent a subversive edge to her Michael Kors gown.