Rachel Burklund Designs

Archive for March, 2010

Trend: Designing jewelry with meaning. Purpose over Product

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

jewels

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.

Engagement Rings Seattle: the good the bad and the beautiful!

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

ring blog

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!

Sandy Powell’s Winning style: Flawless, Refined Fashion

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

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The Academy Awards are always a highlight of who’s wearing what clothing designer, what jewelry designer and who looks the most glamorous. In my mind I was completely wowed by Sandy Powell’s elegant take on vintage style. Of course being the costume designer extravagant she is I would expect nothing less from her elegant take on fashion. She dazzled Hollywood and set a standard that all noticed. It is not about wearing Dior or Armani, it is about how you wear garments and Powell showed us that it is about the whole look and how to accessorize and have a unique take on style. It is evident that she knows fashion and after accepting her 3rd Oscar award, all of the world knows that she is here to rule the costume industry. See more on Sandy Powell’s bio here.

Diamonds more than beautiful stones: Can they heal?

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

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Diamonds are the most sought after stone, they are radiant, brilliant and stunning to the eye. We all light up over a beautiful clear, nicely cut diamond, but is there something else drawing us to these stones besides the elegant way they make our jewelry shine?

Diamonds are the first crystal on earth. “Diamond crystals are over 3.3 billion years old and when a diamond crystal resonates, it induces energy into the carbon atoms of living cells that are in close proximity”, according to www.diamondenergetics.com. Since we are also made up of carbon energy, diamonds have been used in meditation as energy healers to raise and clear our energy bodies. They aid in psychic abilities, clear chakras and help balance energy.

Diamonds are the stone of love, they offer spiritual aid, trust, confidence, peace and act as an emotional stabilizer. It is no wonder that diamonds are the stone of engagements and weddings. The energy that diamonds give off helps to promote clarity and opens up the crown chakra for spiritual enlightenment.

Diamonds have amazing properties, but it should be stated that our true power lies within ourselves, diamonds and gemstones can be aids to enhance energy, but the truth is within us. Diamonds have more than meets the eye and it is exciting to analyze the various healing properties of diamonds to see why we are attracted to them. What is your favorite stone? Check out Jewelry 411 and read about gemstone knowledge to find out more about the energetic properties of stones.

Colorstrology: What colors are influencing your fashion and jewelry choices?

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

colors

So you know that color is the most important aspect of design; it is the beginning and the first point of notice. When shopping color draws us to various pieces, when designing, laying out the color story is the starting point. Our lives revolve around colors, so what do they say about our style?

In this story I will lay out various color tendencies and what that says about who you are and how that reflects your style. Then you can make the decision to try new colors and change your fashion, one hue at a time.

All about black

Black is the most popular color in fashion. It is easy, slimming and goes with everything. Chanel and the little black dress made women gravitate towards the simple sexy feeling wearing black elude. We all wear black and love the effects of a sexy evening gown, but what about the everyday cotton shirts and dark denim. When worn in cotton, black looses its sexiness. So if you are wearing black all the time, what does that say about your style?

Black gives the feeling of strength, attitude and power. See this article by David Johnson on color psychology for a more in-depth look as to how colors affect our moods and reflect our personality. Johnson describes black as being a power color, but underneath power, there is usually the opposite. If black is your color of choice, ask yourself if you are hiding under the color, or wanting to achieve a slimming look. We all wear colors for different reasons at different times, yet being aware of our inclinations can add so much value to our fashion sense.

Nudes and Whites

Wearing nudes or whites are most often worn in summer time with light weight fabrics. White is seen as a pure color representing femininity, honesty and trust. Tan or beige colors are often associated with the outdoors in hiking or safari looks, however tan and beige are also associated with khaki pants and casual attire.

Our mood is generally fresh, light and upbeat when wearing these colors, offering a sense of trust to coworkers or a sense of ease. These are welcoming colors that promote conversation and enthusiasm. According to Christian Boehm, VP of merchandising and marketing for the Tom James Company, earth tone colors portray a person who is down to earth and understanding. They are your best rapport building colors. “Earth tones are a good choice for anyone meeting with an unhappy client or investor, or reviewing an employee, meeting with a small business owner or attending a staff meeting,” commented Boehm.

Bold colors

When wearing bold colors on a regular basis you are inviting playfulness to your wardrobe. Each color has a different meaning, which can be further analyzed here. Inviting multiple colors into your life means that you attract change, movement and evolution your style. When you try new colors that are current or just new to you, you are working in a direction of evolving and growing your look. You like change and are not afraid to try new styles.

Only One

If you are the type of person who always wears burgundy or loves purple and wears it regularly, this can mean several things about your style. One you know what looks good on you or two you are afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Being identified for a color can be very predictable and safe, it is well calculated and does not require change, risk or trial and error. Many people wear black all the time and that is their thing, or some people might identify with blue because they have blue eyes.

People might perceive you as closed or set in your ways if you wear the same color all the time. If this is you, look deeper at your choices and see what your “color” might say about your personality.

How to evolve your color style?

Wear all colors, be flexible, try new colors and add adventure to your look, think playful, fun and exciting when purchasing new jewelry and clothing items. If there is a bright orange necklace or magenta skirt in the stores or on the runways that you love, try it, it never hurts to take a chance, and if it does not work, try another color!


Colorstrology from Pantone click here to find your color.