Where I find jewelry Inspiration?

Many of you have commented on my posts and videos asking where I find my jewelry or where I get my jewelry inspiration, so I thought I would make a dedicated post on this topic. For starters I have one piercing in each ear, and nowhere else, so we're strictly talking about earrings in this post because that's all I know. I love all types of metals for reference, so let's jump right in.

There are a few places that are my "to go" places for jewelry inspiration. The first place to check out is

 is a website called AURATE. I enjoy browsing this site, but the prices are a bit higher than I usually spend, but still, they have great pieces. I especially love their drop earrings. I've been obsessed with geometric jewelry lately, and they have a handful of bar earrings that look so flattering on me and many other people.  They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and  some even have embellishments at the end like a stone or pearl. They have a lot to choose from.

The second being CVS. Why, you ask? I often have store credits, gift cards or extra care bucks to spend at CVS and a few years ago I discovered they carry the iam brand of jewelry and I LOVE it! They had gold rings, necklaces, bracelets but mostly earrings. They have everything from simple studs to elaborate hanging designs. It's always fun to browse the rack when I stop by the drugstore.



The other place that I find my jewelry is at Kohls. I just adore the Lauren Conrad collection. I've loved her ever since the days of the "Hills" TV show in which she appeared, and even now I'm still enjoying her fashion and accessories. She has classy elegant pieces that really fit my aesthetic. It's slightly girls, but still mature yet stylish. 

So these are three places you can find fun trendy earrings if you were in the market for them. Let me know where you find your favorite earrings, in the comments below. Hope you enjoyed!

Thank you to Responsival for sponsoring this post!

#auratenyc

Own a piece of the Eiffel Tower in a Necklace or Bracelet

The Eiffel Tower is undeniably the world’s most famous and beloved landmark, immediately recognized the world over. More than 250,000,000 fortunate visitors have seized the opportunity to experience the Grande Dame of Paris up close and personal, though the vast majority have availed themselves of the convenience afforded by elevators to ascend the tower’s heights.

In 1983, the spiral staircase was removed from the Eiffel Tower to address safety and structural concerns. The spiral staircase was sub-divided into twenty-four segments, one of which remains at the first level of the Eiffel Tower today, still sporting its original coat of vermilion red paint! 

The owner sold one segment (lower portion) in June of 2011 through renowned auction house Christie’s (with provenance cited as the Ader-Picard-Tajan auction, Vente de L’escalier de la Tour Eiffel, 1 December 1983, Paris). 

Korbella™ acquired their companion (upper portion) segment from the same seller in late 2011.

Korbella™ has diligently maintained control and oversight of the staircase throughout the process of creating the beautiful Eiffel Tower Forever jewelry collection. Each limited production piece of the Eiffel Tower Forever jewelry collection acquired through Korbella™ will include a certificate of authenticity.

Korbella Eiffel Tower Jewelry puts a piece of Eiffel Tower around your neck or wrist. What a neat idea, especially for a holiday gift.

I am obsessed with all things French or Paris-related, and I was thrilled to have a chance to own a piece of the Eiffel Tower via Korbella's necklace. They're beautiful, and the story behind the jewelry is so enchanting. It's romantic and perfect for the person in your life who loves to travel. What a beautiful souvenir!

This jewelry can be purchased online at www.korbella.com

Many thanks to korbella for providing this necklace for review.

Holiday Suggestion: Necklace Saver

Holiday gift givers who have something sparkly on their shopping list may want to consider the Necklace Saver as a companion present. Affordably priced at $6.95, the Necklace Saver prevents jewelry chains from tangling, thereby putting an end to one of jewelry lovers’ biggest frustrations. Made of shimmering organza in pretty pastel colors, the Necklace Saver can function as a necklace’s holiday wrapping or can be stuffed inside a stocking for an add-on gift every woman will genuinely appreciate.  

The Necklace Saver’s patent-pending configuration makes traveling with necklaces a tangle-free experience with just three simple steps: 1) Slide the necklace through the generous sleeve; 2) Secure the necklace with its clasp; 3) Tie the ends of the Necklace Saver into a pretty bow to prevent the necklace from sliding out.

    NECKLACE SAVER FEATURES:  

• Keeps your necklaces tangle free and organized
• Is ideal for home or travel
• Allows the necklace to retain its natural circular shape
• Is transparent - see necklaces without having to open boxes or pouches
• Makes it a breeze to select the necklace in a hurry
• Is made from lightweight, iridescent pastel organza
• Can be used by itself - in a drawer, purse or suitcase - or in jewelry boxes and trees
• Available in 3 widths and 2 lengths to accommodate most necklaces
• Only $6.95!

The Necklace Saver is available for purchase online at http://www.necklacesaver.com.

I think this is a really neat idea. I had a ton of necklaces sitting in a drawer in my jewelry box, but when I go to grab one I get them all. They're usually tangled and mixed together. Too often it's more work than it's worth so I give up and go without, but I love to accessorize, so I'm so glad there's a solution to this tangled mess problem I have, and I'm sure I'm not the only woman who has this issue.

I'd suggest adding this to your stocking stuffer list this year!!!

Rose Gilley Designs

Rose Gilley Designs originated several years ago through the creation and desire of Shannon Gilley. Her online boutique hosts designs  created with inspiration, uniqueness, and love of jewelry design and texture.  Each piece is one of a kind to ensure the wearer feels special.  

Shannon's goal is to create pieces of jewelry that make you feel at home, the go to piece that makes you feel like you are with your favorite relative or your best friend.

Her goal has been to add color and element to an individual's day to day attire and personality. Each design is created with semi-precious and precious gemstones, handcrafted in a 1940s, Tudor style bungalow home in Sacramento, California. No two pieces are the same, and only one original design is sold. 

Shannon's hope is that you will find her designs to compliment your lifestyle, as well as add multiple dimensions to your soul. 


I was recently sent the beautiful necklace featured to the left, called "Some Like It Blue Necklace." It's made with faceted aquamarine stones, and round peruvian opal blue stones, wire wrapped together to create a long flowy necklace using 14 kt gold filled chain and metal to create a hammered disc, and a necklace about 30 inches in length. 


I loved how light this necklace was, but it's definitely noticeable. I wear green, blue or some variety of these colors almost every day, so this necklace was the perfect addition to my collection of accessories. I love the texture of the hammered discs in comparison to the smooth stones. I feel the contrasting textures make this even more appealing to the eye, and fun to wear.

I would definitely recommend Rose Gilley to friends or family (or anyone for that matter) who are looking for beautiful jewelry or gift ideas!

Check out her beautiful pieces here:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoseGilleyDesigns?ref=seller_info

Below is a video from Rose Gilley's website showcasing the many pieces available:  http://www.rosegilleydesigns.com/index.html 

Diamond Shark - Pearl Necklace Giveaway - CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Catherine (aka Gertie) said...
I follow them on Twitter! @garlandofrosesgarlandofroses@gmail.com
May 26, 2010 1:22 PM


Diamond Shark is a great site where you can find beautiful jewelry for amazing discounts:


(From their site)
DiamondShark™ is the real deal.

Do you know that in parts of the world some people eat sharks? Well at SharkStores, we eat retail prices, digest them more efficiently than you can imagine, and what’s left is a super deal. A Sharkin’ great deal. Does that sound dirty? Foul, perhaps?

Well it’s not. It’s just good, common sense.

We know what you're thinking – common sense or not, it's hard to believe that these prices are possible. So what's the catch? There is none. Every item sold on DiamondShark is crafted from the same quality genuine diamonds, gold, precious and semi-precious stones that you'd find at national brand name jewelry stores.



And now you have a chance to win a great piece if jewelry!!!!!

WIN IT: Genuine 8.5-9mm White Cultured Pearl Double Strand Necklace with .925 Sterling Silver Clasp (Retail for $69)


HOW TO ENTER:
1) Follow Diamond Shark on Twitter
2) Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
3) Follow my blog (blogger/FB)
4) Follow Me on Twitter, and leave a comment with your twitter name
5) Tweet about this giveaway @melindajoy926 (This can be done DAILY)
"Pearl Necklace Giveaway @melindajoy926 here: _____(link)_____"
6) Post my button on your side bar and leave me the link
7) Subscribe to my blog via email/google reader
8) Send this giveaway link to 5 of your friends and let me know you did or post this link as your FB status - honor system
9) Sign up for Sponsored Tweets, get paid to tweet: http://bit.ly/cJ16rs (not spam, it really works)
10) Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts (up to 5 posts, for up ot 5 extra entries - leave comment for each post you commented on)
11) Join swagbucks - search and earn prizes (it's great)


Deadline: June 20th, at noon EST

Good Luck!

Disclaimer: I received a sample product in exchange for this post, but the giveaway prize will go directly to the winner

Mother's Day Giveaway!!! - CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO

katklaw777 said...
I subscribe via email...great giveaway, thanks.
April 27, 2010 5:53 AM



Mother's Day is just around the corner (Reminder - in the U.S. it is Sunday May 9th, 2010), and is a day honoring mothers, celebrated on various days in many places around the world. It is the day when you acknowledge your mothers contribution in your life and pay a tribute to her, often with flowers and gifts. What better way to honor your mother than by presenting her with a new piece of pearl jewelry?

PurePearls.com is a great pearl jewelry retailer that specializes in selling fine quality pearl jewelry at affordable, wholesale prices to their customers. You will find items in all price ranges, and all absolutely gorgeous. PurePearls.com is a member of the Better Business Bureau and has been interviewed by Time Magazine, InStyle, Fine Living Channel, and the Houston Business Journal among others.

I found out about Pure Pearls a few months ago, and I am a sucker for beautiful pearl jewelry, so this site captivated my attention for quite some time. My favorite pieces were the pearl ring and pendant pictured above. I love how classy and elegant they look, and would imagine they would look quite lovely on me as well, don't you think? :)

I had a chance to review a pair of their coin pearl earrings and they are beautiful. One of the thing I appreciated about this company and their products is that each product comes with a free appraisal. Pure Pearl offers jewelry at a discount, but they provide you with the appraisal so you know exactly how much that piece of jewelry is worth. This is very helpful when insuring any jewelry items, and also nice to know the value of what you are wearing out to dinner. Also, they have so much to choose from, I'm sure you would find something on this site that your wife or mother would LOVE to have for Mother's Day.

---

WIN IT: Signature PureHearts Freshwater Pearl Bracelets (photo below)

HOW TO ENTER:
1) Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link
2) Follow my blog (blogger/FB)
3) Follow Me on Twitter, and leave a comment with your twitter name
4) Tweet about this giveaway @melindajoy926 (This can be done DAILY)
"Pearl Bracelet Giveaway @melindajoy926 here: _____(link)_____"
5) Post my button on your side bar and leave me the link
6) Subscribe to my blog via email/google reader
7) Send this giveaway link to 5 of your friends and let me know you did or post this link as your FB status - honor system
8) Sign up for Sponsored Tweets, get paid to tweet: http://bit.ly/cJ16rs

Deadline: April 28th, at noon EST

Good Luck!

Disclaimer: I received a product for this review, and the company is sending out the giveaway prize directly to the winner

Passion for Beauty Review & Giveaway- CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Dina said...
Follow you on blogger.
(chosen by random.org)

I recently had the opportunity to review a piece of jewelry from “Passion for Beauty” Let me tell you a bit about the seller and her products:
Every item you will see is very unique and made with the greatest care. Passion for Beauty sells a variety of designs and styles - ranging from small and simple to chunky and unique!If you are interested in a piece of jewelry being altered or changed in any way, the seller will do her best to accommodate those changes. Also if you don't exactly see what you had in mind in her shop, the designer would be more than happy to custom make any jewelry piece to your satisfaction!If for any reason you are not happy with your jewelry, she allows you to return the piece within 5 days in the original condition it was sent to you and you'll receive a full refund of your purchase.

The designer is a pharmaceutical industry personnel by profession (chromatography specialist to be exact), but her passion has also extended to jewelry designs and creations! She finds great joy and fulfilment in a finished piece just as any great artist would.
Now for the review… Buki, from Passion for Beauty, sent me a lovely green pearl and crystal two-strand necklace.


This is the necklace’s description, as found on the etsy shop: “The sparkle from the swarovski crystals compliments the mint green pearls in the best possible way. This piece is soft and at the same time captivating. It can easily be worn on casual and formal outfits. The length of this necklace is 17 inches” …which is just perfect for me. It retails for $20 on her etsy store. I absolutely love it. I am a sucker for great pearl jewelry, but I love that this necklace is so colorful because it makes the jewelry more youthful and modern! Passion for jewelry also makes beautiful earrings to match!


I love that all of their pieces are unique and colorful. So often I find myself wearing the same plain silver earrings, or the same crystal studs because I lack a colorful alternative. Passion for Beauty’s jewelry is colorful, elegant, and like the description says, can be dressed up or dressed down. Perfect for any occasion, and especially perfect for gift giving!
Here are some samples of their pieces:


To Buy: To buy one of her gorgeous pieces please visit her etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5281059 and right now Passion for Beauty is holding a sale: Buy any two items and get one item of lesser or equal value free!! The total price of the third item will be immediately refunded back to you.


GIVEAWAY:
Prize: Passion for Beauty has offered one of my readers one piece of jewelry under $25 in value, which would make a great Mother’s Day Gift!!!

To Enter:
1) Please go visit Passion for Beauty’s shop, and come back here leaving me a comment telling me which is your favorite piece (required to enter)
2) Follow me on blogger/facebook, leave a comment telling me you do
3) Subscribe via email, leave a comment telling me you do

Deadline to enter: Wednesday, April 29th at 12pm Noon EST

Good Luck!