Less Frost is More Frost
This holiday season represents the first time in a long time that many Caryites will be splurging on jewelry, according to Donna Hankin, of Joint Venture Estate Jewelry.
“The economic conditions this year have caused many to rethink their spending. When it comes to jewelry (a luxury item), we believe many will be frugal or at the very least a ‘value’ shopper,” she said. “That makes the choice for estate jewelry a natural — you’re getting much more for your money, going green by ‘recycling’ and enjoying the craftsmanship and history of time past.”
Less is more when a wide cuff bracelet or bangle is paired with that necessary “little black dress” for holiday parties. Try the 18 karat gold Victorian gold bracelet from the late 1800s with a sassy tassel ($3,000). Perhaps silver frosting is more your style, in which case try a wide handmade sterling silver cuff ($325) or a woven sterling silver cuff made in Bali ($105).
Get more sparkle out of your diamond studs with a halo of diamonds ($600-$1,000, depending on size; 0.30-0.50 tdw). Every woman’s ears should be frosted this holiday season.
Nothing says more frost for less than a filigree diamond ring from the 1900s for an engagement or right hand. Melt while wearing one of these hot vintage Edwardian early 1900s platinum rings ($825 & $3,000).
Layer on the Cool Blue Frosting
Blue topaz is the birthstone for December, and its cool blue hue is reminiscent of the crisp and icy winter air. Have your winter ice and wear it too with David Yurman’s perfectly designed brilliance of diamond accents and polished sterling silver.
“With such vibrancy in color, this gem never loses its popularity and is thought by some to be the most beautiful of all semi-precious gems,” said Laurie Pittman, with Fink’s Jewelers of Cary. “This year, we are hearing a lot of comments from ladies who are hoping for bigger and bolder pieces for Christmas.”
Turn heads with this sterling silver wheat chain necklace with silver donut and 0.24 carat in round diamond accents ($990) paired with a sterling silver blue topaz and 0.24 carat diamond ($890). Ice doesn’t get any cooler than this!
Catch everyone’s eye with a pair of “mobile” pave diamond earrings in sterling silver with 0.31 carat diamonds ($995).
Ring in the new year looking smashing with this “Noblesse” blue topaz and diamond ring in sterling silver with 0.21 carat diamonds ($695).
Layer on the frosting with this set of cuff bracelets in sterling silver with faceted blue topaz ends and 0.09 carat diamond accents ($525); in sterling silver with 0.30 carat diamonds pave set in domes ($725); and in sterling silver with single blue topaz station and 0.14 carat diamond accents ($795).
Look so good you stop time when you ice yourself with this thoroughbred quartz watch in sterling silver with a white mother-of-pearl diamond dial and diamond bezel ($4,150).
One-of-a-Kind Frosting
Every woman has unique taste in frosting, so it’s important to know the type of frosting they like when shopping for estate jewelry.
“I always recommend looking for distinctive, versatile pieces that can be worn with anything from blue jeans to black tie,” said Marci Bailey, a fashion buyer and consultant for Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Estate Collection. “Each piece has its own story and a unique style that will help pull together a one-of-a-kind look.”
Add a touch of femininity with an antique pearl and diamond sun spray brooch/pendant set in 14 karat gold.
Make a statement when you frost yourself with this vintage ruby and moonstone leaf brooch set in 14 karat gold.
Wear something unexpected with this vintage ruby and diamond swirl ring set in 10 karat gold. Its architectural elements make it a standout piece.
Exude sophistication with this Grecian cabochon ruby ring set in 14 karat gold. Its versatility makes it a winning choice of frosting.
Start a conversation with a pocket watch worn as a necklace like this hand-engraved 14 karat gold heirloom pocket watch fob accented by a bezel set garnet stone multi-layered chain (prices available upon request).
Where to Frost
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry
Cameron Village, Raleigh
(919) 829-7337
www.baileybox.com
Fink’s
Cary Towne Center, Cary
(919) 463-0817
www.finks.com
Joint Venture Estate Jewelry
The Arboretum, Cary
(919) 678-0092
www.jointventurejewelry.com
Special thanks to Tony Winslow, owner of AMD Ice Sculptures, for providing the ice and his expertise. Visit www.amdicesculptures.com to view his work or call (919) 367-2850.
