Custom Gold Diamond Script Necklace (via @sydneyevan)

I've never bought myself a piece of expensive jewelry, but that is all about to change -- I've found the most beautiful gold jewelry that needs to be mine -- the custom diamond script necklace from Sydney Evan!

My heart actually skipped a beat when I saw her jewelry in Neiman Marcus. It was gold, gorgeous, and eclectic! I've never experienced a designer whose pieces... every single piece... resonated with me. Rosanne Karnes, the founder of the brand, is officially my jewelry spirit animal.

I've decided that I'll invest in my first piece of "fancy" jewelry in 2016. The price makes me scrunch my face up a bit -- it'll be about $1610 for my name (not including tax/shipping) -- but I can't wait! I've had 3 gold nameplate necklaces to date (5 if you count the gold bar necklaces), but I've yet to have a REAL gold, diamond necklace. This is the personification of my gold accessory dreams come to life.

To see more of Sydney Evan's gorgeous designs check out the Instagram page.

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How to Remove Candle Wax from Jewelry

My "Ishea" necklace is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. It's not expensive, but extremely sentimental... so when I accidentally dropped it into hot candle wax I was quite annoyed. Thank God for Google because within a few minutes I came across a 'how to' on removing candle wax from jewelry.

In case this ever happens to you, I wanted to do a transfer of knowledge. Let's be honest - - this was pretty much a freak type of accident on my part, but stranger things have happened...

You Will Need:
- Warm/Hot water
- Toothbrush
- Soft Cloth
- Mild soap or Jewelry cleaner

To Remove the Wax:
1. Fill a bowl or sink with warm to hot water.
2. Place the jewelry int the water and allow it to soak until the heat from the water softens the wax.
3. Once soft, use a cloth to wipe the wax away.
4. For smaller holes and designs, use a soft bristled toothbrush to brush the wax bits out.
5. When all of the wax is removed, dry the piece with a soft cloth.
6. Clean with jewelry cleaner to remove any residue and restore the shine

"Red Love Africa" Earrings by ALS

I'm not really an Afrocentric person, but when I saw Tae Heckard rocking the "Red Love Africa" earrings by ALS I had to have them. I swooped them up pretty quickly, and have been enjoying them ever since! They retail for $22 and feature a red wooden outline of Africa with an adorable heart cutout in the middle.

I've been on an online shopping kick lately and supporting tons of small businesses. It's actually cool to come across online finds and know that you're throwing some bucks to support quality products and entrepreneurial ambitions.

What are your favorite online shops?

Wrist Candy (via Monica Rose)

When it comes to bracelets and watches my motto is the more the merrier, the bigger the better! Monica Rose recently posted some great arm candy on her blog and I had to share. I'm drooling over each of these pieces and can't wait to start building up my very own collection of wrist candy.

Absolutely LOVING the nail jewelry!! Super hot...

A gold watch is still a staple for me. I need to get the battery replaced in mine...

What are your must-have accessories to rock this fall? Sidebar: I think I want to start rocking a friendship bracelet... very old school, but the colors used to make me so happy! lol...

Anthropologie Statement Earrings...

Big thanks to Sophia at Kiffe Coco for her post on her fab Anthropologie earrings... because I never knew the retailer had such a nice selection! The prices are on the higher side, but the unique designs seem to have the quality and character I look for. I've only perused Anthropologie a handful of times, but I'll be sure to give their jewelry section a closer look.

Some of my favorite pieces....

Chiapas Earrings - $148.00

Equilibrium Play Hoops - $38.00



Grand Deco Earrings - $138.00




Jelly Bean Hoops - $34.00




Polygonal Earrings - $128.00




Speckled Rock Drops - $98.00


Sidebar: Did anyone watch the Basketball Wives reunion show and see Evelyn going off on Meeka about who was rocking their signature earrings first? Lol... absolutely hilarious.

Peace Images Jewelry: Beautiful Designs. Peaceful Touch. (via @PeaceImages)

With designs aimed to uplift and reinforce natural beauty and cultural differences, Camille Peace and her PeaceImages line of handmade accessories is one to watch. I had the pleasure of interviewing the talented designer on how she got her start, what to expect from her Spring '11 line, as well as if the bride-to-be will be rocking any of her pieces on her big day.


Q. I've read that you got your start making jewelry after wandering the aisles of a local Wal-Mart in St. Louis. How did you go from someone looking to fix a few pieces of their own jewelry to being the creative force behind all of your wonderful designs?

A. It's been a divine process of shedding bad habits and embracing blessings. Fixing and modifying old pieces of my own, transitioned into creating pieces for others. When I trust the process and my ability to manifest what I visualize, I feel limitless in what I can create.




Q. Your art allows you to channel your various emotions. Which emotion has created your favorite piece?

A. Love.


Q. You seem to have found a unique way of mixing various materials together to create vibrant jewelry. What's your process for picking materials? Do you ever find yourself going "too far" with your designs and needing to be pulled back?

A. My process for picking materials is to stay open. A new piece of jewelry can be found in the oddest of places. Yes, I definitely take it too far sometimes, but i think it's healthy. It lets me know what I'm capable of :) better to take it too far than to never even explore that part of your ability!!


Q. A percentage of all your sales are donated to The Thai Freedom House. How did that become your charity of choice?

A. I know the director personally and have interacted with her on several occasions. The work she does is as grassroots as it comes. You don't come across people like Lisa often. She's endured the best of times and the worst of times during her stay in Thailand, and all in the name of giving children a choice at a better life when they otherwise might not have had one. It's incredibly inspiring.


Q. What can people expect from your Spring '11 line?

A. Something for everyone. I attempted to try some new things while still holding onto the things that make PeaceImages, PeaceImages - - kemetic symbols, natural elements and size!! I challenged myself and I am soooooo happy with the results!!!


Q. What are your price points?

A. I have items starting as low as $10 all the way up to $150. I try not to leave anyone out.


Q. If you weren't designing jewelry what would you be doing?

A. I'd be in social work. My calling is definitely one of service. I've always known this. Before I started doing jewelry full time I worked in a shelter for abused women. It was life-changing work.

Q. Congrats on your engagement! Do you plan on wearing your designs on your wedding day?

A. Thank you! Yes!!!! I'll probably make myself some sort of head-dress and elaborate beaded hand-chain. The wedding will be small, and probably outside. We're both laid back nature-loving music-heads who have never given much thought to how our wedding day would play out.



For more information on Camille and PeaceImages:

Boutique: http://www.peaceimagesjewelry.com
Blog: http://peacemoves.blogspot.com
If you're in the St. Louis area: Yeyo Arts on Locus Ave.

New kid on the Jewerly Block

One of my favorite bloggers, The Moptop Maven, just opened up her online jewelry store, Frank & Myrrh Handcrafted Jewelry + Adornments.

I'm a sucker for great accessories and always on the hunt for a way to make my outfits pop. Her designs are right up my alley - - tons of gold, color, and ethnic hints. The prices are in the $30 range and an affordable way to add some life to your wardrobe this holiday season.

Two of my favorite pieces so far:

1. Pangaea: Pink & Light Green earrings - $35

2. Axum Bamboo Crescent Earrings - $35

To visit the site click here.

Fashion Fix: Bangle Bangle

This season I've been gravitating towards big jewelry. I love bold metals with strong accents and hardware. I came across these two bangles at everyone's favorite, Forever21, and had to get them. While I'm a fan of layering bracelets, these bangles are hot enough to stand on their own. What bracelet trends are you guys rocking this season?

A Diamond is Forever

Diamonds really are a girl's best friend and now thru March 28th, every girl can get a bit closer to their ultimate BFF by visiting The Nature of Diamonds exhibit at the Field Museum.

The 7,000 sq ft full exhibit will introduce attendees to the history and origin of diamonds & how they're mined, educate on the 4C's ever lady should know (color, clarity, cut and carat) and the newly added 5th C - Certification, as well as how they're used in today's technology.

The exhibit highlight is sure to be The Vault, which showcases close to 800 diamond pieces, including the breathtaking 128.54 carat Tiffany Diamond and the 407.48 carat Incomparable Diamond (the largest flawless diamond ever graded by the GIA and 3rd largest cut diamond ever recorded).

While the exhibit does require an additional ticket on top of the basic museum admission ($23 - Adults, $20 students), there is a discount for Chicago residents ($21 Adults, $19 students) ... not much but any money saved is money saved.

Every girl loves to dream and diamonds truly are forever, so hurry and get a taste of the glamorous life before it leaves.

The Tiffany Diamond

Milky Way necklace

The Incomparable Diamond

The Question Mark necklace

Haji Couture

Designer Aya-Nikole Cook


Haji Couture was a featured designer at this year's GenArt Shop Chicago event. The brainchild of designer Aya-Nikole Cook, Haji Couture was established in 2006 as a small feather earrings line. Since then she has branched out to include hair accessories, cuffs, and necklaces (just to name a few).

I was blown away by her unique designs; I literally have never seen anything like it before. The beautiful blend of feathers, vibrant colors popping out, and great workmanship had me sold and becoming another instant fan of Cook's designs.

While they are on the expensive side, you are investing in a stunning piece of jewelry that is so artistically creative and one of a kind, it's well worth the price.

Haji's designs can be found at:

Chicago:
The Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave.

The Silver Room
1442 N. Milwaukee Ave.

New York:
Henri Bendel
712 5th Ave.