Archive for Holiday Jewelry
Soiree Season: Jewelry for the Mother of the Bride
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It’s that time of year again. Proms, fancy garden parties, and weddings, weddings, and still more weddings. One of the most difficult things about planning a wedding for brides is deciding what everyone who’s involved is going to wear, and that includes the very special and eternally helpful mother of the bride. So what can you get mom to help complete a sophisticated, modern, and beautiful wedding look? Never fear; we’re here to make this an easy decision.
For young moms
The last thing a young bride’s young mother wants is to look matronly at her beautiful daughter’s wedding, so rather than something too demure, a more fun and modern look is a good way to go. To match simple (un-patterned) dresses or solid color pants suits, chandelier earrings can be a great solution. They have a gently flirty appeal that says, “just because my baby’s getting married doesn’t make me a granny.” Plus, they’re still pretty versatile; you can either pair them with a matching necklace, coordinated cocktail ring, or nothing else at all.
To accessorize a more busy ensemble, like a floral cocktail dress or patterned blouse, solid color crystal earrings keep it youthful and fresh while letting the outfit do most of the talking.
For formal affairs
To make traditional jewelry a little extra special, try going with an aurora crystal piece rather than just standard clear crystal. The subtle iridescent shine draws just the right amount of attention, and moms who prefer classic styling won’t object to the chic hint of pastels.
For laid back bashes
If your nuptials are being held in an easy breezy, down-to-earth setting like a backyard barbecue or beachside picnic, it can be a little tricky to find jewelry that’s laid back and a cut above. That’s where shells come in. You can keep it simple with natural tones for earthy moms, or amp up the personality with brilliant hues for modern moms.
To add a necklace into the mix, go for simple layered looks, matching shell pendants, or funky island beading that brings the summery vibe home.
For traditional church weddings
Spiritually inclined moms will really appreciate the luxury of gold or sterling silver mixed with the beauty of faith. Classic religious jewelry says love, connection, and a reinforcement of spirituality as you add to a beautiful, growing family.
Birthstones: Custom Jewelry for Mother’s Day and Beyond
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Birthstones. Over the centuries and across the globe, the traditionally accepted monthly gems have changed again and again. Secondary stones have replaced primaries, new gems have been added, and semi-precious and precious stones have grown or decreased in value or accepted color range. One thing that remains the same though, is the way that birthstones link the generations of a family and express the beauty of every new birth. For mothers and grandmothers, the birthstones of their children and grandchildren hold a precious meaning all their own, as unique and special as their loved ones themselves.
Custom birthstone jewelry is a great way to reflect that special connection tangibly, creating a one of a kind jewelry gift that will dazzle on Mother’s Day, Graduation, birthdays, and many other holidays that deserve a special touch. Personalized birthstone jewelry brings together adorable charms, custom lettering, and high quality Swarovski Crystal Elements, for a chic and glamorous look that any mother would be proud to show off. Whether it’s necklaces, bracelets, or belly rings, birthstone jewelry is always a perfect fit.
Wrapping up Mother’s Day: the Earth Mother Gift Guide
Posted by: | CommentsToday is Earth Day, and in honor of the planet, we’re getting ready for Mother’s Day with some sweet and natural gift ideas that will make earth mothers swoon.
For hip young moms with cool stretched ears…
Organic wood plugs are the way to go. Wood jewelry is eco-friendly because it’s made of natural, biodegradable material, and it’s piercing-friendly because the natural pores in the wood allow stretched ears to breath. Many who’ve made the switch from acrylic or resin tunnels to simple organic wood report a reduction in ear odor due to improved breathability.
For fun quirky moms who love bright color…
Shell necklaces are a fabulous fit. They combine the sustainability of found product integration with the brilliance of modern technology for a neat embellished look that makes any momma a little more of an earth mother.
For fabulously fit moms with cute pierced bellies…
Natural stone belly rings are where it’s at. Not only does natural stone have great durability and leave a far less reaching carbon footprint during fabrication, but it also provides a very unique and interesting look, as no two pieces of semi-precious stone are the same. Perfect for a lady who’s one in a million.
For stylish moms with a classic, unfussy fashion sense…
Feather earrings are an awesome update. Whether she prefers a natural look, or likes to stay modern with saturated hues, earrings made with natural feather are the perfect addition to a sleek and simple wardrobe. A great way to show momma bird a little extra love.
Celebrating Earth Day: Body Modification Goes Green
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April 22nd is a very important day to people all over the world: Earth Day. This is a day for holding open forums, creating community initiatives, and implementing creative changes in the interest of reducing man’s impact on our natural resources and ecosystem. Many of us who are pierced, tattooed, or otherwise modified are already part of a global community that makes daily efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and help preserve our planet, and we’ve already proven that if everyone pitches in, little actions can add up to a big difference.
With that in mind, here a few things that the modified community can do to reduce, reuse, and recycle this earth day:
1. Reduce
If you usually use a lot of electricity in the morning to run hair styling tools or light the way while you put on makeup, leave the juice off and spend the day au naturale. It’s estimated that purchased electricity accounts for up to seventy percent of overall carbon emissions in developed countries like the U.S. and Britain, so even just this one day with the lights out will make a difference.
2. Reuse
Did you know that when you need to make a body jewelry return you can reuse the original package? When you receive body jewelry from BodyCandy.com and decide to make a return or exchange, just place your items and return forms inside the original box or padded envelope, tape it shut with packing tape, slap on your stamps and a new address label, and place it in the mail. The planet will definitely thank you.
3. Recycle
Once you’re done with old body piercing jewelry, there are tons of ways to turn the parts into something new. If you prefer acrylic jewelry, you may even be able to place used parts in with your regular recycling; just contact the recycling plant in your area and find out what types of plastic they accept. You might be very pleasantly surprised to find out all of the interesting items that are acceptable for regular recycling. Wood products are also on the list of admissible merchandise in many areas, and plug jewelry especially can be turned into fun crafts instead if it’s not.
One great project for your ear plugs is to turn them into custom refrigerator magnets. All you’ll need is the plugs, a roll of sticky-back magnetic strip from your local craft store, some scissors to cut it with, and a few permanent markers. Just write or draw designs on the flat surface of the plugs with your markers, attach a small piece of magnet to the other side, and presto!
Body Jewelry Update: Getting Tricky
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April Fool’s Day is just about here, and there’s pranks a plenty to tickle our fancy in the near future. But what about once April Fool’s is over? It seems a little unfair that those of us with a rampant sense of humor have just one day a year to let our inner prankster out, so it’s time to extend our revelry beyond just a few rubber snakes and strategic rick rolls. That’s where jewelry and accessories come in. Now you can let your body jewelry do the talking for you. Just pop on one of these naughty little belt buckles and let the laughs roll. Perfect for a night out with friends, or anyone who digs your sense of humor.
Body Jewelry Update: Some Bunny Loves Easter
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Easter is just around the corner, and with the weather heating up, we’re all looking forward to a fun and sunny egg hunt. If you’re ready for the season of belly-baring and bronzer, then you’ll love these sweet little bunnies that let traditional Easter pastels get just a little naughty. Licensed Playboy body jewelry gives the entire Spring season that perfect extra hint of flirt. No Easter grass required.
Buckets Full of Bling: Celebrating National Jewel Day
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Today, March 13th, is National Jewel Day. This is a special day to give or receive jewelry, or to splurge on that super sweet piece of bling you’ve been eyeing for yourself. Whether it’s quality precious and semi-precious gems, or big and sparkly costume jewelry, the one thing that’s a must on this jewelry-centric day is some swingin’ accessories. Here’s a few fabulous and wallet-friendly gift ideas to get you started:
For a Friend
If you and your bestie go together like PB&J or two peas in a pod, then you’ll love this chance to share something more than friendship… belly bling! It’s like that best friend necklace you had in 1995, but far more sparkly, and with a hot 2013 twist.
For a Special Gal
Ready to make a huge impression? Then huddle up and check out these sweet pieces that are about to land you in the “best boyfriend ever” category. Precious gems are the ultimate gift, but the best thing about these nose rings is that you’ll still have dough left over for dinner and a movie. Hint, hint.
For an Awesome Mom
We all know that moms deserve only the best, so some sweet classic stud earrings that are made with real white or yellow gold definitely top the list. Just like the best mothers, the beauty of what’s inside will last forever.
March Magic: Best Body Jewelry Picks of the Month
Posted by: | CommentsMarch is National Irish American Heritage Month, so be sure to get your green on in time for Saint Patrick’s Day. Whether you’re looking to show the world your Irish pride, or just need to get decked out for one of the hottest holidays of the year, a little lucky clover gives a big Saint Patty’s style pay-off.
Sea turtle nesting begins this month in Florida, and for those who get a front row seat, they’re about to experience a little of nature’s magic. Anyone can celebrate the mystery and majesty of these amazing sea creatures though, with a little help from some sweet oceanic jewelry.
Easter Sunday is March 31st, and it’s time to go for the bunny, honey. Already got your rabbit ears ready? Then you’ll love these pieces of super cute Easter-centric jewelry in sweet pastel hues. The perfect companion to this year’s awesome egg hunt awaits.
Did You Know: Saint Patrick’s Day Tidbits and Trivia
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Did You Know…
Saint Patrick’s Day was originally an Irish Catholic religious holiday in celebration of Christianity’s spread to Ireland, a feat that is credited to (of course) Saint Patrick.
As the most recognizable of the Irish Saints, Saint Patrick has garnered an unofficial honor as the patron saint of Ireland itself as well as of Irish heritage.
The holiday is celebrated on March 17th because that’s the day that Saint Patrick died in the year 461.
The original color associated with Saint Patrick’s Day was not green, but blue.
In Irish folklore, the shamrock, or three leaved clover, is said to have been used by Saint Patrick to explain the Christian trinity to the Irish during his attempt to convert them. The majority of those living in Ireland at the time were pagan.
Saint Patrick’s Day didn’t become an official public holiday in Ireland until 1903, even though the feast of St. Patrick had been celebrated since at least the early 1600s.
The movement to turn Saint Patrick’s Day into a celebration of Irish heritage rather than religion began in the mid 1990s with a committee formed in Republic of Ireland and the first “Saint Patrick’s Cultural Festival” held in 1996. By 2009 the festival was drawing nearly a million visitors.
Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations are currently held in over 15 countries around the world, including Japan, South Korea, Russia, New Zealand, and Argentina.
The Celtic cross, Celtic knot, and lucky clover consistently rank amongst the top 50 most popular tattoo elements in both the united States and the UK.
Although in modern times it’s more widely used as a symbol of Irish heritage, loyalty, or friendship, the claddagh ring was originally used as a wedding ring. Before marriage and during engagement, the bottom or “point” of the heart is worn on the left ring finger pointing towards the fingertips (in other words, upside down), and once married the ring is turned right side up with the point facing towards the wrist.
Body Jewelry History: Mardi Gras and the Flower of France
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Most of us recognize the fleur de lis as a popular symbol associated with the celebration of Mardi Gras, particularly within the confines of its epicenter, New Orleans. But this pretty little symbol that adorns our bracelets and beads every February has a rich and lengthy history, in both Europe and it’s current Louisiana homeland. For starters, the name of the symbol itself, as you’ve no doubt already guessed, derives from classical French as “fleur (flower) – de – lis (lily),” or “flower of the lily,” more acutely, “lily flower.” And that’s precisely what it is: a stylized artistic representation of a lily.
Many connected symbols fall under this umbrella across the entirety of medieval and present Europe, including depictions of similar flora such as the iris or crocus. In fact, the fleur is hardly exclusive to France. Coats of arms from several municipalities in over a dozen European countries contain the fleur de lis or similar lily-like symbols, including Denmark, Finland, and Italy. In modern day Louisiana, the fleur, which has been an official state symbol since 2008, has become an emblem of support for the New Orleans reconstruction effort following Hurricane Katrina. It is also found in the insignia or flags of several sports teams and clubs from the state, including the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Corps of Cadets.
It’s unclear exactly when the first instance of a fleur de lis worn as jewelry occurred, but what is known is that several famous historical figures did adopt it as adornment, including Phillip II and Louis VII. It has also featured in the crown jewels of England and some crowns associated with papacy.
Amongst the more traditional items to be emblazoned with a fleur de lis are the ring, the pendant, and the brooch. Today however, it can be found worldwide printed on almost anything. From simple flower, to international superstar, the fleur de lis retains many meanings to many people, and is certainly worthy of celebration.
