I had a recent trip to Siesta Key, partly work and partly fun… But seriously, time stood still, I felt like the beach mentality was fully embraced in Florida. I love a slower pace of life where things just flow. This feeling and lifestyle is exactly what is inspiring my collection for Spring 2011. Think Bridget Bardot playing guitar in Buzios Brazil. Envision gray moonstone, more blue/ green chalcedony and violet purple haze opaque chalcedony; I am going through a chalcedony moment so it is my current “LOVE”. Enjoy the lovely photo and stay tuned for more inspiring moments and posts.

We all have been in the doghouse, and of course we would rather be in a fun house, so we do whatever it takes to make things right again. Or, as some boutiques and jewelers are suggesting, you can try another approach, such as purchasing jewelry as a way to solve your problem. When I first heard this I thought it was a brilliant way to market and increase revenue… BUT this is not how I  would go about selling my product.

However, I do have some suggestions for other ways of marketing, such as the “just because” gift. The “just because” gift is perfect because it means you are totally in love with your partner, in fact so in love that you wanted to show your affection “just because”.

And some ideas for your surprise “just because” gift! I promise I won’t take credit for your idea!!

1. Pearl Crystal Earrings

2. Oasis Earrings

3. Oval Draped Chain Earrings-Blk

Over the top statement pieces of jewelry are very current. Large chains, large stones and interesting details give these pieces their unique edge. I have been inspired by YSL and their use of raw agates, yet my initial inspirations go to the Mediterranean sea and the islands of Monaco and Capri. The feeling that you get from being in a pure raw state with nature and absorbing the ocean, sea and island breeze. I have also been inspired by Grace Kelly and her role in High Society, her graceful approach to life and her ease in having it all and of course her Cartier 10 carat Emerald cut diamond and its absolute rare beauty. The Cartier Exhibit also gave me tremendous amounts of inspiration. Cartier is my favorite jewelry house and I have always been intrigued with their use of fine stones and the barely visible metal that holds them all together. The pieces below are limited edition pieces and are made with many raw agates, the layered effect and draping of metal chains give these pieces a one of a kind, completely fresh look.

Chunky Agate Button Necklace… RB Designs

Agate Silver Circle Necklace… RB Designs

It seems when an item is featured on Sex and The City all of a sudden the product catapults into the “must have” “need it now” category. I believe this is the case with Black diamonds. If you have not seen the movie then see it, immediately, just to be current and up on fashion. SATC does set trends and in the black diamond case this is exactly what is happening.

Black diamonds have been under the radar as an indie style trend that has been circulating for some time, but it is time for the explosion. I have been incorporating small accent black diamonds paired with yellow gold and silver for awhile. I love the black pop of color. Black is an essential element to all of our wardrobes and it is also essential in our jewelry collection. Here are several designs, some of mine and some of my favorite designers, for you to see what is going on in the Black diamond world.

RB Designs 18k Blk diamond ring

One of my wedding rings… I have a few!!

Melting Diamond pendant with Blk diamonds

Jack Vartanian Malachite Cuff with Blk diamonds and Sapphires!

Renee Lewis Colored Diamond Shake earrings

Items featured for reference. Black horn crystal necklace, Chunky Agate button necklace, Agate bracelet w/ silver circles, Draped Pearl Earrings, Long Gold Laureate Necklace

My version of hoops are the Asym Rio Earrings. I wear these daily, all the time, they are surprisingly easy to wear with shoulder length hair and the asymmetry gives a new fresh approach.

(P.S. I can make them symmetrical too either short or long. Many of my clients like symmetry!)

1. Erickson Beamon

2. Jamie Wolf

3. Gurhan

We want MORE! That is the current mind set. Having a beautiful product is not enough, there has to be a “MORE” factor… the jewelry has to be of lasting value, it has to be ultra unique in design and created with new materials and it has to last the tell of time with a timeless, collector quality.

A few designers who are designing with these additional  values are Cathy Waterman, who is using calming inspiring messages integrated into her elegant gold rings. The word “listen” is written in her beautiful jewelry pieces, for example. Or, Dean Harris who’s amazing raw stone necklaces are all about the unique, one of kind feel you get from his stones. He is using the stone to be the focus, giving high value to obtain such a rare unique gemstone. Similarly, Rettore is creating edgy, super avant garde jewelry items integrating oxidized silver with black diamonds and hints of gold. The designs are so innovative. The after effect of the sterling silver with slight oxidation gives a sea urchin appearance to the design. This cutting edge technique gives the cuff bracelet extreme character and a timeless nature.

House of Waris is also using materials and fresh design ideas to give their brand a sought after label. The materials are dark and edgy giving this ring featured, a particular one of a kind feel, covered in black diamonds and oxidized gold it has a fresh style we all crave. Cocktail rings are completely now, receiving more attention than wedding rings. With cocktail rings and right hand rings there are no limits, the stones are over-sized and the details are exquisite and outrageous, there are no rules and the more they are broken the better! The last designer who I feel is at the top of the charts is Alexis Bittar, with his Lucite bangles that are adorned in beautiful stones, they are totally fresh and in a class of their own. Lucite is an amazing material and Bittar has dominated the market with his fresh chunky necklaces and large cuffs. He does it all, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings, you can have a whole Lucite family with Alexis Bittar and still feel like you could own his whole collection, his pieces are so unique that they each have their own style.

]]> http://www.rachelburklund.com/news/?feed=rss2&p=1789 http://www.rachelburklund.com/news/?p=1785 http://www.rachelburklund.com/news/?p=1785#comments Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:17:24 +0000 admin http://www.rachelburklund.com/news/?p=1785

There are so many brilliant blogs, it is inspiring to read about where designers and stylists get their tips of the trade and what motivates them in their careers. I also read a variety of blogs and would love to share them with you and also hear what you are reading too. So here they are, my fave five.

1. Decades Inc.

Vintage oh beautiful vintage. Decades in LA houses the best vintage collection, period. Their pieces are exquisite stunning collector items. I love looking, and window shopping to see what is new in this amazing shop. When in LA I always make it a point to stop in for a visit. I am always impressed!!

2. Garance Dore

Garance is not only a very talented stylist and photographer, she is also a brilliant artist. Her illustrations are so graceful and elegant. Her photography has a romantic feel mixed with this super edgy totally Parisian chic. I love it! Watch her video posting of Fashion Week Fall/ Hol ‘11, you will adore it!

3. JAK & JIL BLOG

Beautiful photographs, incredible style and a diverse range of clothing, this blog is one to follow. I love the layout, the typography but most of all the content is spot on with some of the freshest style. They capture the zeitgeist of fashion.

4. The Glamourai

The Glamourai is pure inspiration to me. She is a jewelry designer, clothing designer, and all around creative genius. She creates wearable art that is one of kind not reproduced and extremely unique. I love to support other artists and designers and give each other credit and appreciation. She deserves so much respect!

5. Jewelry Business Guru by Cindy Edelstein

Cindy is always progressive with the latest jewelry trends and what is happening. She gives much needed news on the industry and provides valuable interesting information. Her articles are current, to the point and provide much depth.

Recycled, organic, non-profit, percentage of proceeds to charity, Eco-friendly…. today we are amongst the most conscious, sustainable minded people around. We all desire to preserve our planet and make a difference, yet how is this awareness shaping our purchases? In some cases you might choose a product because it was manufactured locally or created as a one-of-a-kind piece or hand made. These are all factors that help us decide which brands we would like to support. It is not only about the product and the design but the mission and purpose behind that product. There are so many companies using these key words to market their products, but a few stand out in living up to their promises and paving the way for us all to create earth friendly products. So here are some designers that meet the high standards they have set for themselves.

Joan Hornig Jewelry is designed and owned by Joan Hornig who has created her business model to donate 100% profits to charity. After purchasing one of her unique designs you can choose which charity you would like to support from a list of many reputable organizations. Another jewelry designer who is on track to reduce reuse and recycle is LAS jewelry from LA designed by Daniel and Lisa Soltis. Their mission is to use recycled metals and re purposed fabrics and leathers to create awesome chunky bib style necklaces, plus many more truly “one of a kind” pieces. LAS does a great job of creating innovative, fresh designs while living up to their recycled business strategy. The last designer I would like to give homage to is Linda Loudermilk who has been a pioneer in creating luxury apparel. She has trademarked “luxury Eco”.  Her designs include cutting edge shapes and styles with fabric that she has invented and created to be sustainable and earth friendly, some of these materials include bamboo, sea cell and soya. Luxury Eco combines elegance with Eco friendly fabrics, to make remarkably beautiful clothing.

I have had many requests for unique, one of a kind engagement rings that are custom creations specifically designed by the customer. Of course this option to step out of the norm is always available, but how do you go about it and how can you guys take this step with confidence. It says so much to your fiance if you take that extra step and be creative and original. So here is how you do it.

1. The stone. Diamond, sapphire, ruby, pink diamond? Do your research to find out what type of stone she prefers. More than likely she will let you know, but make sure you know if she is a diamond girl or likes something unique and original like a colored stone. See the gemstone guide here.

2. The design. Take my purchasing jewelry quiz for Men to find out which categories your girlfriend falls into and use this information to give the jewelry designer lots of characteristics about your girl. It is important for the jeweler to know who we are designing for and what types of jewels your girlfriend currently wears, so the ring reflects her personality and taste.

3. The details. This is your chance to be original and make a ring that is one of a kind for your fiance. Add a small detail that reflects your relationship or beliefs. For example, one ring I am currently working on allows the stone to shine through to the skin verses shine on the metal. This detail was inspired by an Indian belief giving energy and a good omen to the wearer. These ideas can give so much meaning and personality to the design.

4. The process. Often times I work with people who like having the one on one relationship with the jewelry designer. It is nice to have a constant contact to bounce ideas off of and to have someone who walks you through the process. It is a huge step to get engaged and even more of a decision to purchase a ring, so designing one can make the process flow easily and be exciting to have a hand in the end product.

The Good: You have the ability to work with a designer and create something original.

The Bad: After awhile all the rings in stores start looking the same.

The Beautiful: Your end vision is always a brilliant reflection of your relationship!