Elegant Sophestication

Last week, I was commissioned to create a jewelry set to match a dress. The wearer of the dress was going to a special dinner and wanted something simple yet stunning to wear.

The dress is brown with just a touch of gold in the neckline and sleeves. The material is silk so it changed shades depending on how the light caught it.

Brown is not an easy color palette to work with. It can appear dull and lifeless if not treated well. What...oh what can I do...??





Then inspiration struck....mother of pearl beads in a brown shade to match the opaline glow of the dress and instead of using gold beads as accents, how about gold wire to loop the beads together.


Here is the complete set.......

Mother of Pearl Necklace and Earrings



 Hooray....it worked. ! This brown is definitely not dull.
The soft shine of the beads is offset beautifully by the gold wire.
 Mother of pearl complements all skin tones and creates a magical glow making it perfect for evening wear.

Needless to say, it made for one special night out !











Rainy Day Cheer

Its been raining here in the bay area for the past few days. Its gloomy and foggy and cold.
 Something had to be done to made the mood lighter and here we have the results.....cheery and colorful necklaces to dispel the weather blues !


 

Vivacity Carnelian Necklace

This necklace is made with carnelian beads.

Traditionally carnelian is believed to enhance energy and remove bad vibrations and I can tell you that I did feel a renewed burst of energy after I finished string this necklace together !

The roundel shape of the beads has been enhanced by stringing two of them together, end to end.

The spacers are antique style sterling silver beads from India.

Look carefully and you can see the center spacer is flower shaped, a little reminder that spring is on its way and very soon the flowers will explode in a riot of color and cheer.

The gleam of the silver, the bright color of the beads say "gloom and fog go away ".








All Things Good necklace

Need more help in dispersing  the blues...never fear, more help is here !

This necklace is not only pretty and colorful, but it has all the positive energies of the gemstones working for you too.

It has orange carnelian for energy, rose quartz for love, amethyst for protection and crystal quartz to enhance the qualities of all the other stones.

Here too, the spacers are shaped like little silver flowers promising of good things that are right around the corner.

Alexander Pope said, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast ;"

Let us adorn ourselves with some good cheer and ride out the blues.

Happy Valentines Day !

Vintage Heart Cabochon Pendant

A heartfelt Valentines Day wish to all my wonderful readers. 


Thanks to all those who post their comments and suggestions, do keep them coming.

 Many thanks to all who chose Whole Gifts as their Valentine gift central....we love you very much and look forward to your continued patronage.

Stay tuned for our spring themed jewelry !

Purple Passions

Amethyst is the birth stone for February. It ranges in color from a light lilac shade to a dark purple.

Throughout history, amethyst is believed to make the wearer gentle and amiable. Its other powers include dreams, love, peace, healing and protection.
The ancient Greeks believed amethyst protected against drunkeness...how is that for a reason to get some amethyst jewelery ?

If you are a february born gal or know someone who is, here are some great choices.

Amethyst Cabochon Necklace

For a bold statement, try this necklace.

Deep, dark purple beads are intersperced with antique style silver spacers. The pendant is an amethyst cabochon set in a silver bezel.

Wear it to your next party and feel your spirits uplift !

Lilac Amethyst necklace

For the sweet, gentle and charming part of you, here is a necklace made of lilac colored amethyst beads.


The beads are faceted and catch the light and glint. The silver spacers add even more sparkle.

What a beautiful way to to inspire some love and feel enveloped in peace.










Whether you feel bold and courageous or sweet and lovely, amethyst is sure to suit your mood. Give or get some today !

Valentine Series....Wrapped Up !

Yes...yes, we all know, never judge a book by its cover...its what's inside that counts..etc etc.
But who doesn't like to receive a gift that has been beautifully wrapped and presented ? It shows how much care and effort has gone into the whole gift giving process, not to mention the anticipation that builds when one sees a festive, colorful gift wrap.

There are plenty of options for Valentine's Day available in the stores....boxes, bags, bows, gift wraps... the choices are dazzling. Any of those will make your gift look lovely and make the recipent feel special.
But for something a little different and charming, here are a couple of ideas.



Sweets For My Sweet




This ivory colored box looks like the standard chocolate truffle box.

 But inside, nestled in the fluted candy cups are goodies that almost rival chocolate (because nothing can rival chocolate) !



There is someting playful and whimsical about the paper candy cups, the truffle box and the simple satin bow.....it is sure to make your gift that much more sweeter.

Antique Kumkum Box

I love using old things in new ways and gift wrapping provides many opportunities to recycle and reuse old items.


This antique carved wood box  was originally used to store "kumkum" (red vermilion powder traditionally applied to the forhead of women....Bindi in more popular terminology)

It transforms into a beautiful jewelry box.....so beautiful that it needs no wrapping or embellishing.

Vintage Sari Gift Wrap

Another item that makes great gift wrapping is old fabric remnants.
Saris and scarves are two easy, elegant options.


Here I have used a vintage silk sari remnant to wrap up a gift....

Scarf Pouch

........and the scarf has been wrapped up into a neat pouch to hold the gifts.
















These are just a few gift wrapping ideas, just to get you started. If you look around your house, you are sure to find many more things that make novel gift wraps.

This "wraps up" our Valentine series for this year. As always please post your comments and suggestions and other unique way in which you have wrapped up or received your gifts.





Valentine Series...For the Niñas

For all the little Valentines--the daughters, granddaughters and nieces who make our lives so much more colorful, joyful  and wonderful, here are some gift picks.



Pretty-in-Pink Bracelet



Pink is always popular with divas, be they small or big, and this bracelet will satisfy the heart of even the most picky diva.

Pink cultured pearls are strung together with gold beads and a large pink pearl forming the focal point of the bracelet.

















Linked Hearts Bracelets





Got two princesses in your life...no problems. This dainty sterling silver heart link bracelet is just right for them.

We all know sisters want everything to be the same, yet different and this bracelet steps up to that tall order.


They are absolutely identical, and the heart charm dangles personalise it. No more fighting over which belongs to whom !








Pearl heart Bracelet




This blue cultured pearl bracelet is simple and elegant.It is finished with a heart toggle clasp and will make a wonderful gift for any little angel.



All these bracelets are inspired by all the tiny loves in our lives who take up such a large part of our hearts and minds. XOXO.

Valentine Series...Say It With Flowers



Spring Flowers Necklace

 If you want to give (or get) flowers for Valentines' Day, here is a piece that is sure to please.

This choker style necklace is made with pressed Czech glass flower beads. Each flower has been individually looped with wire and strung  with gold chain.

The colors are warm and striking and they say "spring is right around the corner".