Some say love is all one needs and, while this is fundamentally true, there are some accouterments that a bride ought to consider. How about a fabulous accessory symbolic of your love that can be worn time and time again, not just on the wedding day? Well, look no further than the Cartier Love Bracelet.

This luxurious bracelet has been around since the 1970s, only recently gaining more mainstream

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We like to imagine that nestled somewhere in warm lush Indonesian island of Bali there is a coastal hut with waves quietly lapping the shore just a stone’s throw away. Inside, stones of all different shapes and sizes abound with John Hardy looking intently at them. Regardless of what the real shop looks like, all those waves, rice fields, and cool relaxation certainly have found their way into John Hardy’ newest jewelry collection.

Love is the inspiration for the Cinta Collection and like true love, no two pieces are the same size, shape, or color. So original, they are named and numbered, assuring the owner of its true authenticity. Lovingly handmade by local artisans from Bali, Java, Sumatra, and other Indonesian Islands, each piece reflects the rich nature of the area.

The Cinta Collection showcases unusual gemstones encased in wonderfully exquisite pave settings. Striking colors are set in 18 or 22 karat gold, a change for Hardy who is famous for his structured, heavy silver pieces. Coral, conch, and shells are incorporated into the Cinta pieces creating a fascinating combination of gemstones and organic materials. The Mermaid’s Mantle is a scarf-like necklace of coral beads with tassel heads made of tourmalinated quartz globes pieced with jewel-encrusted gold. Sea Blaze is a bangle made from an antique conch with circular-cut orange sapphires and brilliant-cut cognac colored diamonds, all set in 18 karat gold. The organic materials are center-stage and refreshing to see within a piece of jewelry. Cognac diamonds and orange sapphires are contributors to these wearable little pieces of art.

The collection is never static, so be sure to look for new and inspiring pieces. Feel the love, wear these pieces with confidence, and be proud to own a luxurious piece of jewelery that is not only made by local artists, but crafted with true love.

Alluring Audrey Hepburn helped make them famous.  No one can think of Breakfast at Tiffany’s without imagining the gorgeous five-stranded pearl necklace that adorned Holly Golightly’s neck.  Paired with a simple black sheath, big sunglasses, and voila — instant style à la Audrey.  Coco Chanel brought pearls mainstream by embracing them within her sophisticated style, often times wearing as many as seven strands encircling her dainty neck.  She once said, “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.”  Yes, very true indeed!  Effortless, iconic, and easy to wear.

But pearls are not just dainty and royal.  Take the flappers, those fabulous waifs of the Jazz Age.  They helped push pearls into the limelight by wearing long, beaded necklaces loosely draped around their necks.  This style defied conventions and embodied a truly modern and independent spirit.  Think Clara Bow because, of course, the “It” Girl would wear them!

The Art Nouveau period also helped to bring pearls into the forefront, with long swinging dresses, loose necklaces, and lots of champagne.  By the 1950s, almost every well-dressed and well-mannered woman owned a set of pearls.  They were often associated with wealth and were known as symbols of purity and dignity, hence the reason many girls receive pearls on important passages of their lives, such as first communions, graduations, and weddings to name a few.

Think beyond other gemstones, but not just for environmental reasons; think for style!  Remember, Holly Golightly states that wearing diamonds before the age of 40 is tacky.  At pinkG, we wouldn’t go that far, but while times and styles have changed, the pearl still endures.
Remember, pearls don’t have to symbolize conventionality.  Make them edgy, make them unique.  Dress them up or dress them down, either way they work.  Chanel, Audrey, put a strand on and hum Moon River, my huckleberry friend.

More pearls to ponder…

Enjoy a moment with Clara Bow in the 1927movie, IT.  Or refresh your memory of Audrey Hepburn and the look  of her famous pearls.  If you are looking to be a bit more informed, check out a little background and some information on cultured pearls.  Finally, take a quick cyber shopping trip to peruse a Tiffany’s pearl necklace.