Recently in Beaded Category

Just when I thought I was over the bib necklace trend! What do you think about this collection of necklaces?

My new favorite jewelry line, The Woods Fine Jewels, has designed a delectable collection of charms to be sold for a worthy cause-- The Marshall Direct Fund. 100% of the profits will go to the fund, who's mission is to improve relations between the West and the Muslim world by working together to alleviate poverty and illiteracy via sustainable educational and economic development in Southwest Asia.  Education is freedom my friends, yet we all take it for granted.  Buying one of these charms will not only make you feel good about donating to this charity, but you'll look so chic doing it!

I am currently contemplating my first purchase of one of these earthy glam pieces myself, the natural wood element really complement the old mine cut diamonds and shimmering pearls without being too "in your face", you know what I mean?  It's all about subtlety for me when it comes to jewelry but I still want luxe and glam-- "The Woods Fine Jewels" strike that perfect balance for me!  If you are also contemplating a piece, why not buy it through the Marshall Direct Fund so you can feel great about shopping with a purpose.  Go to Marshall Direct Fund here! 

Looking to make a statement this spring? Look no further than Tom Binns, whose limited-edition capsule collection for Disney inspired by Tim Burton's upcoming film, "Alice in Wonderland," launches this week. Anyone who's ever tried on or worn one of Binns's necklaces knows they're not only significant, weighty pieces, but they're true handmade works of art to boot. Of the six pieces in this special collection, priced from $575 to $1,000, I found myself gravitating toward his "All Heart" necklace named after the movie's Red Queen, natch (other characters he drew inspiration from include the Mad Hatter, the White Queen and the White Rabbit). Is it just me or does looking at this necklace of hematite chains, Swarovski crystals and countless red resin hearts make you crave a box of old-fashioned Red Hots cinnamon candies? What I appreciate about this necklace is that it's both simplistic in design yet statement-making in sheer attitude. Can't you just picture it at a spring season gala or Hamptons backyard barbeque? Wallflowers need not apply; a woman brave enough to wear this necklace needs no introduction: she's the center of attention, the life of the party--in short, a real firecracker. $1,000 at Tom Binns Design online.

I don't own any of Tory Burch's shoes, clothes, or bags, but I absolutely LOVE her jewelry and now that she's hired Subversive designer Justin Giunta to be the design director of Tory Burch jewelry I'm even more excited about what's to come! The Tory Burch Siddhartha Cuff  ($250) pictured above is a versatile piece that would pair just as well with an Upper East Sider's Lilly Pulitzer dress as it would with a young, urban girl's LBD or a more bohemian-type who could wear this on one arm and then stack a bunch of more slender bold, gold and patterned baubles on the other arm. As a nice little extra bonus Siddhartha means "he who has found meaning (of existence)" in Sanskrit, so who knows, perhaps wearing it will bring me luck in finding some added meaning!? ... hey, you never know!

What do you think about Tory Burch's jewelry?

This Oscar de la Renta Bib Necklace ($790) is the perfect example of what costume jewelry should do -- make a statement! Jewel Snob Tina gave the low-down on the line which is a collaboration between ODLR and style icon Loulou de la Falaise. For me this piece was one of the stand-outs from the current collection. There's an exotic feel to the necklace given the color and beadwork (steel bugle beads, plastic, PVC, and glass stones all made in India), which can add a nice bohemian touch to a classic look. I love that it has been styled with an LBD in the photo above, because it just goes to show how the right accessory can turn a boring look into something that's wonderfully memorable. Plus how great are all the contrasting shades of red and shapes of the embellishments? Definitely a conversation-starter!

Oscar de la Renta instinctively understands the needs of the modern woman.  Feeling that fashion jewelry is very of the moment and that most women don't always want to be wearing something precious.... he called upon his long time friend, Loulou de la Falaise to collaborate on a fashion jewelry line.  Of course, when two iconic fashion figures join forces, the result can be no less than spectacular.  Like all of Mr. de la Renta's work, the pieces are inspired by the places he calls home and the many global cultures he has long admired.  The Silk Coded Necklace (above) will be moving into my jewel box soon.  The Smoke, Ivory and Matte Espresso Beads lend a tribal chic vibe yet is sophisticated enough for a night out in the city, all I'll need is the taffeta sleeveless dress from ODLR resort!  $790.00

This Corded necklace is based on Oscar's embroideries done in India. With the piece, Oscar wanted to bring his technique of twisting fabric to the jewelry. So, the necklace is based on the idea of twisting metal. Then the jewels were applied in much the same way that Oscar embroiders fabric with crystals.  Silver Silk Corded Mixed Metal, Silver Lame, and Multi Bead Twisted Necklace.  $990.00 (jump for more!) 

The big trend is statement jewelry. Don't even be concerned if you can't drip with diamonds, it is all about bold costume jewelry so have fun and save some bucks. This runway necklace from Oscar de la Renta is the perfect piece to jazz up everything in your closet, one piece of jewelry will renew last year's LBD like a miracle. Especially with something this spectacular and showy, you want to keep your colors and silhouettes simple. Looking chic has never been this easy and good!! Oscar de la Renta Bugle Beaded Necklace for $590.

This YSL bracelet is nice. I wouldn't say it's extraordinary - but it's nice. While perusing the YSL site for new jewels this morning, I happened upon it and thought exactly that. Nice. Thing is, I'm relatively certain that I've seen similar pieces at stores like J Crew and Banana Republic for 1/8 of the price. At $585, I can't really see myself purchasing this... but it's nice. Maybe not snob-worthy, and I would've expected more from YSL, but it's nice. Okay - it's Friday - and clearly I'm desperate for the weekend, since I'm sounding like a broken record and I'm not exactly enthralled by this piece but stay tuned, because Tiffany Week kicks off on Monday!

Until then, enjoy this nice bracelet.

This "Connie" necklace by Fiona Paxton is one of many reasons I'm warming up to gold again. I love the drapey quality and the vibrant graphic design that reminds me of the kind of thing a Roman Goddess would wear with a long column style dress. So feminine - and yet still packs a significant punch. Available for $340.