Clip On Earrings Make a Comeback

Not everyone who loves fashion happens to have pierced ears. In fact, more and more women are choosing to forgo the piercing process in favor of clip on earrings that are just as fashionable and fun to wear. There are many considerations to weigh when making this decision. Here are some of the pros of clip on earrings.

Anyone can wear them – Even if you already have pierced ears, you can easily switch it up and try earrings -clip on earrings as an alternative. Clip earrings are great for little girls who want to play dress up, as well as older women who may not be able to deal with small pieces and jewelry backs.

You can avoid infection – Many women who've had their ears pierced can attest to the fact that there is often a long and cumbersome healing process that goes along with the procedure. However, with clip earrings, you don't have to worry about any of that. It's as easy as clip and go.

You never have to worry about losing an earring back – These one piece wonders make it easy to keep track of your jewelry. With clip on earrings, there's less to worry about.

They're better for your ears – Clip earrings don't weigh down or stretch your earlobes. Instead, they gently hug your earlobe, securely holding the earring in place. This is especially beneficial for women who like to wear larger or heavier earring styles.

They're available in a variety of styles and settings – It used to be that you were dealing with a limited number of clip earring designs, but designers and retailers have been better keeping up with the demand and the realization that not all who want to be fashionable have pierced ears.

They're adjustable – If you have sensitive ears, you can look for a pair of clip on earrings that have adjustable screws on the back. This is your best bet for trying to achieve the most comfortable fit possible.

Web search labels: sterling silver jewelry, sterling silver bracelets

Different types of Cocktail Rings

Sure, you've probably seen a ring or two that you love on the finger of a celeb. And you've probably lusted after a huge rock in the window of a jewelry store. While most of us can’t afford to run right out and drop a pretty penny on these styles, it doesn't mean that we can't still get the same look with cubic zirconia rings that pack all the punch as the real thing – but come with a discounted price tag.

Cubic zirconia statement rings – This style is increasingly popular this year. It includes CZ rings with oversize center stones, as well as CZ rings with a design that uses many stones to create a "wow!" factor.

Animal inspired CZ rings – If you want to add a little fun fierce fashion to your wardrobe, animal inspired cubic zirconia rings are the way to go. Choose from bejeweled insects to ocean animals to jungle creatures. Or, go for a design that uses tiger, zebra or cheetah stripes in the form of a CZ ring. These are great for adding interest to any outfit – from jeans and a t-shirt to an all black ensemble.

Rock and roll inspired CZ rings – This year, dark stones, spiked rings and studded designs are favored both on and off stage. If you want to try this trend, cubic zirconia rings are a great option, as they let you infuse just the right amount of edge into your outfit.

Cut out rings – If you want to try something a little different, opt for classic shapes, but choose from cutout cubic zirconia rings with hearts, stars, or horseshoes. These pieces are fun for younger women but also work for middle aged fashionistas who are young at heart.

Whatever your taste or preference, you can be sure that you can find what you're looking for in the form of cubic zirconia rings. These pieces are fashion-friendly and budget conscious.

Web search labels: CZ jewelry, CZ bracelets

Time For Bead Shows - Part I

It’s that time of year again and with the harvest, football and cooler temperatures comes the buying season for jewelry makers and designers. For shows in your area, check with your local paper or hobby/beading store; make sure to check with the show to see if it is wholesale only or open to the public. Those that are wholesale only require the buyer to usually have a business license, state sales tax ID, and business card; so make sure to check out the show before attending so that you won’t be turned down if it’s not open to the public.

To mention just a few of the wholesale shows, you can check their websites for listings and more information.

Parker Trade Shows
International Gem & Jewelry Show
Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers, Inc.
The Whole Bead Show

The Gem Shows Blog is a very extensive listing of both public and wholesale shows around the country.

Swarovski Crystal Beauty

When it comes to crystals in the world, no one does it better than Swarovski. The beautiful cuts, shapes, sizes and colors that revel beyond the rainbow; if you are looking for one of the widest selections of Swarovski crystals components, give Art Beads a try. You can choose between beads, pendants, findings and much more in every shape, style, size and color imaginable.


This selection of crystals in polygons are one of my favorites, the long slender sleek look of the bead highlighted by Swarovski’s cut makes this one almost a two-tone in the light Colorado topaz (one of my favorite colors); the Olivine is a great compliment for fall colors in the deep hues of color.

A first for to my color of Swarovski crystals is the cosmic oval ring; here in Tabac, every which way you turn it there is color of all kinds; deep colors of the night almost. These will look great as dangle components to earrings (keep watching, they’ll appear soon!).


Everyone has the regular staple of roundel, bicone and rounds in Swarovski; these just arrived in a Period, dark Indigo which is a stunning color of midnight, and a new one in Red Magma; all these can be mixed into any jewelry design as an accent or a major piece of the earrings.


A wide selection of pendants and these are no exception in brilliant colors of Golden Shadow and Silver Shade briolette; mix with the bicones or cosmic ovals and you will have dazzling design for earrings.

Many thanks to Art Beads for the special gift of Swarovski beads; they will inspire me to create several new designs for fall.

A Loft Fit for a King

While unarguably little more than a brilliant marketing tool, Metropolitan Home's Showtime House is nevertheless a whole lot of fun -- and not just for those who are fans of Showtime's many original TV series. The two Tribeca penthouses totaling approximately 14,000 are a wonderful opportunity to see top designer's like Kara Mann, Michael Berman and Susannah Drake at their most irreverent. Sure, interior design can be serious business, but the Showtime House shows that even the best in the biz can let lose and have a little fun. As a lifelong Anglophile, I'd love to have a gorgeous linen chair hand painted with Henry's portrait and studded with crystals. Talk about a conversation piece.

The two penthouses focus on six of Showtime's most popular shows: Dexter, United States of Tara, Californication, Weeds, Nurse Jackie and The Tudors. With the exception of Nurse Jackie (which I simply haven't gotten around to watching), all of these shows are perennial favorites at the Conn house. The rooms inspired by The Tudors though, are my favorites of this year's bunch. Decorated by Richard Mishaan, Piero Lissoni and Nicoletta Canesi, these rooms are a lighthearted blend of 16th century motifs and twenty first century style and technology. One of my favorite examples is the dining room, which features six traditional side chairs, each one silk screened with one of the six wives of Henry VIII. Note that the chair with Anne Boleyn's image (center) is dripping with what looks like blood.

The dining room is awash in King Henry himself -- but then again, wouldn't an egomaniac like Henry want to be surrounded by his own image?

I love the gilt border on the walls of the sitting room, whose lettering and style are dead ringers for 16th and 17th century decoration still visible in many churches and palaces around England. The spare line drawings above the fireplace recall the Tudor Rose, the heraldic emblem of the Tudor family and a symbol of dynastic unity following the defeat of Richard III by Henry Tudor (Henry VIII's father) in the War of the Roses.

The sitting room is a wonderful blend of Elizabethan and modern. Here, artwork resembling Rose windows hang on one wall. On the floor, the circular motif is continued in the graphic and thoroughly modern rug. A gray sofa with modern lines is juxtaposed with traditional damask pillows.

I love the masculine color combination of gray, gold, black and red that the designers used in the sitting room. While all of these colors might have been seen in the King's quarters at the Palace of Whitehall, they have a fresh and modern feel as well that suites the downtown loft. The nude torsos on the console table are a not-so-subtle nod to Henry's lascivious nature.

Like the dining room, the rooftop terrace features more silk screened images of Henry's ill fated wives. Groupings of white pillar candles recall the candlelight that the Tudor family would have had to rely on for light.

Doesn't this look like a great place to have a party? The view alone (especially at dusk as photographed here) is worth the price of admission. That said though, I love the idea of one giant outdoor sofa for lounging, intimate chats and even a little courtly intrigue.

Be sure to check out the other rooms inspired by Showtime's other shows here and let me know which is your favorite.

Photographs courtesy of Metropolitan Home.

Green Fashion Style

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Megan Fox's Jewelry Style
Men's Bracelets - Men's Jewelry Style
CZ Jewelry - Fashion Jewelry Trends
The Best Clip-On Earrings for Every Hair Style

Best Jewelry for 2009

As People magazine is ready to hit the shelves with their own "Best and Worst Dressed" of the year, so are we ready to make our selections on the hits and misses of fashion jewelry. With a myriad of trends fighting for the spotlight, not every one of them is bound to be a winner. But there are some great pieces – from sterling silver jewelry to budget friendly CZ jewelry that are making us swoon. That said, here's what's hot so far for 2009.

1) jewelry sets – These all in one accessory packs are great for the fashionista on a budget. Jewelry sets are great for making an outfit look pulled together and pretty. Choose from bejeweled pieces like CZ jewelry sets to daytime friendly sets with big bold beads and lots of personality. Mix and match jewelry sets with pieces that you already have in your jewelry box for maximum versatility and wear.

2) Sterling silver jewelry – Many women have turned from pricy gold pieces to sterling silver jewelry as an affordable alternative. Sterling silver jewelry looks great with just about anything in your closet, and it will last you for years to come. Sterling silver jewelry is considered a fashion classic for women of any age and with so many new styles to choose from, you're sure to find something to suit your taste.

3) CZ jewelry – It may be a sign of the economic times or just a growing trend among smart and savvy shoppers, but CZ jewelry is growing in popularity. Whether it's a great cocktail ring, a statement necklace or a fabulous cuff bracelet, you can find CZ jewelry that looks just as great as the real thing.

4) Layering – In the past, the trend has been for 'less is more', but this year, women are having more fun with their looks. Chalk it up to escapism through fashion, but the masses love the layering of jewelry. From long necklaces to bangles, you can't go wrong when you pile it on.