by | Dec 17, 2015 | Accessories, Fashion |
Antique jewellery has been growing in popularity for a number of years and for very good reasons. Part of the appeal is that fashions are cyclic and the styles of a bygone era inevitably reappear. For many though, the charm of antique jewellery is rooted in a deep appreciation for quality, design, and craftsmanship that is difficult to replicate today. These antique pieces are unlike anything currently available in stores, which make them unique and highly valuable. It is crucial when purchasing antique jewellery to know that what is being offered is the genuine article. Jewellery valuation is a highly skilled profession but there are a number of ways for a layperson to discern the truly valuable from an inferior look-alike.
Image by K.giftedhands via Flickr
HALLMARKS
The most obvious place to begin is to look for any hallmarks imprinted upon the piece in question. These standardised imprints denote the purity of the metal but there may also be other marks indicating the maker or company who fashioned the jewellery, as well as the time period in which it was crafted. Finding out the markings meaning is a complex matter but the fact that the markings exist is a reassuring first step to legitimising the authenticity of a piece.
PATINA
Patina is the gentle wear and sheen on the surface of metals that gradually builds over time and should be well evident in a genuinely antique piece. Be automatically suspicious if the piece looks flawless or shows no signs of aging or prior use. Very few pieces of jewellery remain completely untouched by the ravages of time. By contrast, Kalmar Antiques jewellery for sale online offers fine examples of how authentic antique jewellery should look.
TESTING DIAMONDS
While it may be overkill for infrequent jewellery purchases, there is a handy tool available for under $100 that can test and authenticate diamonds. This pen-like device shoots a beam of light through the stone and is able to discern by how quickly it is transmitted, whether the diamond is real or fake, or even whether it is a natural or synthetic diamond. Such a tool can certainly come in handy for serious jewellery collectors and for those who like to purchase at estate auctions.
WEIGHT AND LAYERED WEAR
As most people are aware, gold is a very heavy metal. Having a piece of jewellery of equivalent size to compare can be immensely helpful. The difference may seem slight but placing each item in one’s hand and comparing the weight is quite noticeable. Also, look closely at the edges of the jewellery and notice if there is any wearing or discolouration. If there is a different coloured metal beneath the gold then it is like the piece is merely gold-plated rather than solid gold.
HISTORY, REPUTATION AND FEEDBACK
With ever more people choosing to sell and purchase jewellery online, it has become harder to make comparisons and get a good hands-on feel for the item in question. Whether buying or looking for ways to sell your jewellery at the best price, it is important to take time to thoroughly research the merchant’s reputation and history, particularly when spending large sums of money or making online purchases.
Consider the following:
* Does the seller have a physical outlet such as a jewellery or antique store in addition to their online presence?
* Are they licensed to sell used goods?
* Are they a registered trader and can they provide an ABN or other documentation that may legitimise their enterprise?
* How long have they been established and how experienced are they?
The number of merchants that only sell online is increasing so it is important to use a search engine to check for feedback of other buyers and to verify any information provided by the seller. A legitimate seller will be happy to tell you of the history of the jewellery, the maker and the time period from which it came. Double check everything, trust your instincts and be sure that the merchant uses a platform that allows refunds if using a credit card. As always, being prepared in advance and knowing what to look for is the best strategy for ensuring the antique jewellery you purchase will be the genuine article. There are many great bargains to be had and the satisfaction of finding a beautiful piece will be even greater when you have used your newly found skills to select it.
by | Dec 15, 2015 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers!
If it’s dark and dreary outside, it can only mean one thing – winter is here. Thankfully, you can remain cheery by investing in a new winter wardrobe and choose from fashion accessories such as scarves, gloves, and hats.
Here are the top 5 fashion accessories this winter.
1. Scarf
A simple scarf can keep your neck warm in winter weather without jeopardizing your ensemble. Choose a chunky winter scarf that complements the rest of your clothing and steer clear of bold designs that catch the eye and create a color clash. Although patterned scarfs can look great, they can be difficult when mixing and matching different styles so keep things simple.
JT styling one of her winters scarves!
2. Gloves
Invest in a good pair of gloves this winter and receive the benefits of warm hands! Leather gloves are among the most popular fashion accessories this year and can be worn with a wide range of winter coats. Looking for a decent pair of gloves? Look no further than home shopping catalogs, where you can find products from big-name brands and new designers all in one place. You’ll be able to have your order delivered direct to your door and spread the cost of your purchase over a period of time by paying in affordable installments.
3. Hats
Here’s a quick tip: wearing a hat will probably leave your hair looking frizzy so don’t wear this accessory on a night out! However, a good hat can be used to conceal a bad hair day quickly – saving you a lot of time and hassle. Brightly-colored bobble hats can be a nice touch on a dark, winter’s morning, and you’ll have plenty of styles and designs to choose from.
4. Winter socks
Once you’ve purchased a new pair of gloves for your hands, you’ll want to keep your feet warm too! Knee-length socks are a great way to provide your body with extra insulation during the morning commute, and because they are worn under trousers, you can be a little more experimental when it comes to design choices. Choose a design that incorporates stars, stripes, patterns or shapes!
5. Bracelets
Winter clothing is often made up of various shades blacks, browns and greys but it doesn’t have to be this way. Inject some colour into your wardrobe by wearing large, chunky bracelets that look great in any weather. The great thing about these fashion accessories is that they’re so flexible, and they can be worn with any winter coat to work or when out at a social function. Choose styles that reflect your personality!
Bracelets – more is better!
*promotional content*
by | Nov 18, 2015 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Beautiful People,
It’s been a rainy couple of days; but with the right piece of jewelry, it always make the day seem bright and sunny!
Delicate Earrings work with long hair
I remember getting my ears pierced for the first time, my mother took me to Sears when I was five with my grandmother. It’s in my blood and I don’t feel complete without wearing some piece of jewelry.
I had the opportunity to style for you these beautiful Oval Garnet and Diamond Shell Earrings in .925 Sterling Silver from Angara.com. Any lady on your Christmas gift-giving list would not mind getting these earrings. They are currently on sale for $119. You can purchase them and pay for them in two or three monthly installments. This is a big plus because if you are not able to pay the full price for your piece of jewelry, you have the convenience of paying only $39.67 for three months. There is also a 110% Refund Policy, 0% Interest Financing, 60 Day Return Policy, and Free Shipping within the USA. Angara also ships free to 64 countries on all international orders over $500. Check out Angara’s website for more details.
The Garnet and Diamond earrings are delicate and small; but eye-catching and attractive.
JTWisdom in Garnet and Diamond Earrings
I wore them in my second hole and it again showed the versatility. The Garnet in the Angara earrings is very clear and not cloudy at all.
JT Style
These earrings are versatile and can meet all fashion needs. I can wear them with a nice dress for a more elegant look. Or I can be more casual, wearing them with jeans and a sweater, playing in the backyard.
Enjoying a Cool Fall Day!
Classic elegance at its best from the minute I opened the box.
The Presentation of the earrings in the Angara box
Who is Angara?
Angara is a family-owned business that puts the customer first, because they deserve the very best.
One great feature about Angara is that you have a wide-range of options available to you when making your decisions, from metals to gemstone quality. For example, if your favorite gemstone is ruby, you can look through the many ruby pieces that are available. After finding the right piece, you can then select what metal you want it to be – anywhere from Sterling Silver to Platinum. You can also select the grade quality of the gemstone – from good, to better, to heirloom quality. Of course, selecting these options will effect the final price of the piece; but you can work it into your budget
If you have questions, Angara has 24/7 costumer service and live chat available on its website.
If you are looking for quality jewelry at a great price please check out Angara.com. I really enjoy the earrings that I received and I know you will like the pieces you will receive as well.
* Disclaimer: Angara sent me these earrings at no cost in order to write this review. All opinions about the company and the earrings are strictly my own.
by | Jul 27, 2015 | Fashion |
Hello Beautiful People,
I recently had the opportunity to receive a custom t-shirt. I thought to myself about the many options available to me, I selected the design in the picture below.
You say, why did you choose that? Well, the thought of the love I have for the man who God sent to me, my husband. The design was so me and I really liked the color.
I paired the T-shirt with a black-and-white shirt and wore it to church this past weekend. I thought it was very cool with a printed skirt. The complete outfit looked well put together – a dressy causal outfit that was a unexpected twist. Not to mention adding my Dooney and Bourke handbag for extra style and pizazz.
The T-shirt is made of 100% Cotton. It is well-constructed and the quality of the cotton is very durable. I can see wearing it for a long while without any worries of it falling apart. I will be looking to add more these T-shirt into my closet.
My Custom Shirt
I also styled the custom T-shirt with my Isaac Mizrahi cotton lace skirt and Calvin Klein peep-toe wedge booties. The look is chic.
My custom T-shirt with black-lace skirt
Custom t-shirts are great because the sayings and designs define your personality. If you had an opportunity to get a custom T-shirt, what would yours says? Leave me a comment below and let me know.
by | Jul 26, 2015 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Beautiful People,
I hope you are having a wonderful day. It has been a great day but it is very hot right now in my neck of the woods.
On these sunny warm days, I enjoy wearing mostly dresses because of their ease and coolness.
Last summer, my hubby and I traveled to San Francisco to visit my Uncle. We went to Macy’s and found a great deals on a couple of dress, including this ‘To Tommy from Zooey’ by Tommy Hilfiger. Zooey Deschanel team up with Tommy Hilfiger to design a line of dresses. I was able to find this one on the clearance rack, plus I had a coupon. What a great combination! It retailed for $139, but I only paid $35 for it. Oh yeah, what a deal!!
Zooey from Tommy dress 2014
This side-zip dress is 100% Polyester and is fully line. In the photo above, I wore the dress to church last year. And in contrast, the photo below shows how I styled it this year.
JT and Hubby
Macy’s produced a television commercial for the new line, although my dress wasn’t featured. This dress is definitely a keeper because it so different and oh so girly.
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The dress kinda brings out my inner cheerleader. The stripes in the skirt part of the dress are so flattering.
Inner Cheerleader
I am including my style essentials to show you how I how styled the dress. I have worn it on several occasions, with my Santa Fe Indian Choker, an Italian Lire bracelet, an Italian Lire watch, and a pearl bracelet. The accessories are endless when assembled with this dress. I almost forgot my Bob’s that I styled for Independence Day.
Bob’s American Flag Design
I can see myself transitioning into fall and winter in tights with this one.
Style Essentials
This was such a good find for a great price in San Francisco. It always pays to look through the racks because you never know what jewel is in the crowd. Leave a comment below to tell me how you would wear it
JT and Hubby
by | Jul 18, 2015 | Fashion |
Hi Beautiful people!
With temperatures reaching almost 100 degrees, it has been all about the natural fibers because comfort and chicness go hand in hand.
I wanted to try a skort that had a unique style, instead of the standard skirt in the front and shorts in the back.
But why a skort?
A skort is a short-skirt combo that works well if you are active and when you don’t have to wear a slip or a shaper.
In years back, I had a design like that but it was not comfortable and the fabric was very heavy. But this Summer, I added two skorts that offered a modern design that has become a workhorse in my closet.
JT in the Skort
The first one is a blue skort from designer Susan Graver, whose apparel line is sold exclusively on QVC. In the photo above, I paired it with a button-down blouse and sandals for a causal Monday outfit. But I believe that it is a wardrobe gem because it can be worn as a sporty look, to the office, to church or walking in a parade. I liked how this skort so much, I went back and purchased a second one in white.
This skort is 95% cotton/5% spandex; with an inner layer of 95% cotton/5% spandex. It is breathable and comfortable and is priced at $45.00.
The second one is a polka dot skort, shown below, also works well for church or a day in the office. This skort, also designed by Graver for QVC, is 95% polyester and 5% spandex. This fabric combination is what she called Liquid knit. Although it is not a natural fiber; I thought the stylish print could be paired with a number of tops and blouses from my closet. The QVC price is $46.00 and you may catch it on easy pay.
JT in polka dot skort
The secret to the skort is the shorts underneath. I can be confident that if the wind blows or I have to bend that that nothing is showing. It is a beautiful thing to have the modesty intact.
Shorts underneath skort
Another feature is that the skort is an official skirt all the way around (not half skirt and half shorts in the back) with the shorts attached underneath.
Susan Graver Skort
Side view
Versatility comes to mind when I think of Susan Graver’s skort designs because they can be worn many different ways.
If you are looking for a stylish alternative to a skort, check out the ones from Susan Graver. Let me know what you think of it or how you would style it.
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