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Turquoise is such a special gemstone. It’s grounding energy gives life to creativity, compassion and clear direction. A rich butterscotch colored African amber is paired with these turquoise disks to create a remarkable statement. Amber purifies the body, mind and spirit which makes it a perfect complement to ignite your creativity. Spring is the ideal time to try something new and to seek broader horizons. Enjoy your journey.
Below are a few style ideas to help you get started. Remember, there is only one of this necklace.
sundress
Turquoise is a global gemstone favorite admired by cultures from Asia to the Americas. Smoky quartz is a gemstone that is carries balancing and negativity blocking energies like turquoise. Together, they are a powerful spiritual and aesthetic combination.
I was captivated by the slivers of turquoise and the brown hues that permeate the gemstones. When I found these round and oval shaped brilliant smoky quartz gemstones, I thought that the color, texture and size elements made a stunning statement.
With four casual creations from the sophisticated combination of turquoise and smoky quartz, you can create a look that fits your lifestyle and your budget. Find these one-of-a-kind pieces in the Southwest Sizzle Collection.
Denim is back in a big way for the spring/summer 2010 season with an abundance of options. Denim trend colors include blue, black, white or grey with holes, rips, tears and even patches. Although these details may not be for you, embellishments like studs, zippers, rivets, chains and prints might fit your style. Go skinny or appropriately fitted to make your statement. While you’re at in, layer on these denim-inspired pieces of sodalite and clear crystal quartz gemstones for extra texture and fashion fun.
Check out this mini collection of denim-inspired jewelry in the Pop & Print Collection.
Do you remember when you were a kid and wearing stripes and plaids together was an absolute no-no? Well, fashion today is rewriting the rules. However, these new rules can create confusion how to combine the two in a way that reflects your style and makes you feel comfortable. A part of that decisive journey is to figure out how on earth you add jewelry to your stripe and plaid mix. Well, here are some ideas to fit a few different styles on effectively mixing all of the pieces together without looking like a Glamour don’t.
Buy that coral and jet necklace here.
Buy that crystal jewelry as a set or separately here.
Buy that exotic seashell and mother-of-pearl necklace here. And no, you won’t poke your eyes or skin out.
Buy this red coral cuff here.
By now you’ve seen all of the pundits dishing about Oscar fashion. Well, here’s the place for a few comments on Oscar jewelry. The Queen got it right. Her earrings are the perfect shape and size to complement her facial shape curves, scale and overall body scale. The color is perfect as well. She is exquisite from head-to-toe. All hail the Queen!

My next Oscar profile is Monique. I applaud her artistic courage and poignant acceptance speech. But, her accessories bother me. Her earrings are too small for her facial features and body scale. With her hair up, she could have worn something slightly bigger and longer. Since this is the Oscars, some sparkle would have been wonderful on her to match her spirit and the event’s prestige. The key is balancing her earrings and her gardenia. Decide between one strong accent and steal the show. Sorry Monique, this is not your best look on one of your best nights.

Every woman is looking for ways to expand her wardrobe. One of the best ways is through accessories. Especially pieces that add variety and flexibility. These gorgeous earrings provide style, class and flexibility for fun casual to serious business looks. Here are two looks that are built around these earrings:
What I enjoy about turquoise is its versatility. This necklace features some unusual shaped turquoise chunks paired with splashes of red coral to create an unforgettable statement necklace.
An outstanding and unique piece can really jolt a wardrobe revival. It can spark the desire and need to break a dull routine of combining the same wardrobe options. This spark of energy is one reason why I love jewelry. Adding a necklace like this one will instantly add new creativity and style to your existing wardrobe. If you find yourself in a rut, break free by trying new styles and color combinations like these featured below. Go ahead, just try it. You might really, really like it.
Why is it that a few simple strands of these marine marvels always envelop a woman in a cloak of style, grace and class?
Historically, every culture placed high value on pearls even during abundant supplies. Woman of modest and substantial means draped themselves in pearls, sometimes from head to toe. In 15th century Europe, women wore hairnets (called “frets”) of gold threads adorned with pearls. In southern Russia, Jewish women owned black velvet caps embroidered with pearls. In both instances, these pearl- adorned pieces were considered significant enough to serve as legacy bequeaths for daughters.
Throughout the time, it is believed that wearers of pearls experience a reduction in angry, pessimistic or depressing thoughts. Pearls are said to have a calming effect on the wearer and bring peace and emotionally stability.
Find pearl jewelry throughout the site by searching with the keyword ‘pearls’ or visiting the Bridal Bliss and Pastel Paradise Collections.
Pearls seem to beckon to women of all ages, style personalities and social backgrounds. You can buy the earrings and necklace featured in these samples here. Below are three ways to add one-of-a-kind, affordable pearl jewelry pairings to your wardrobe possibilities:
Turquoise and Western wear fit like a bug and a rug. My bet is that almost every woman has a desire to spend a little time on the desert range, even in the city. Check out how to work Turquoise with your inner Annie Oakley. Buy the jewelry in the Southwestern Sizzle Collection.
Turquoise has long been synonymous with Native American culture and Southwestern region. It has an entrancing quality with its various sizes, shapes, colors and textures.
In researching this gemstone, I found some interesting information. Turquoise was first mined over 6,000 years ago in the Sinai Desert. Turquoise stones were used in jewelry and furniture in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
It is a mineral that has no particular shape. What is a dichotomous, yet intriguing fact about turquoise is that it is a water rich mineral, yet forms only in dry regions of the world. It is said that the finest turquoise comes from Iran where it has been mined for 3,000 years. The world’s largest deposits are in the United States, particularly the Southwest.
For gem healing purposes, turquoise is used for protection, courage, creative expression and emotional balance.
Style yourself in pink and shades therefore for October and beyond. Enjoy these style ideas to incorporate jewelry from your casual encounters to your cocktail appearances.
Raspberry + Grey
Luscious in Lavendar
Beige + Butta
Zig + Zag
Remember the way women dressed in the ’40’s? They were always effortlessly polished. They exuded an heir of untouchable femininity. The were always glamorous. It’s time to return to this self-assured woman who is intellectually, emotionally and physically strong and dressed to show it. This fall’s trend look places a strong emphasis on the shoulders with padding or cut-outs. A skirt suit that gracefully defines a woman’s figure is a working woman’s secret weapon. Peplum jackets, long dresses and longer hemlines round out the decade’s details. Make this trend yours by mixing hues, textures and silhouettes that flatter your figure and compliment your personal style.
Buy the necklace and earrings here.
Grey Glamour
More ideas here.
The MTV Video Music Awards are a guaranteed anything goes environment for fashion and behavior. Unfortunately a few celebrities do not understand decorum in behavior. A few more missed it on the fashion tip. Despite the antics and attitudes (a resounding return to class is King thankfully), I did find some fun looks to share. And oh, a few surprising disappointments caught my eye too.
The Decked
Two words - Lady Gaga. She is always adventurous, courageous, edgy, ridiculous and original. I give her big props for being an artist true to her heart.

Kristin Cavallari is sleek and sexy in this sequin, strapless minidress. Her statement bracelet was a perfectly themed and balanced accent.

Alessandra Ambrosio encapsulates the spirit of the VMA’s in this edgy ensemble with just the right blend of trendy picks mixed with her timeless style.

The Surprising Disappointments
Beyonce danced her heart out in her live performance of ‘Single Ladies.’ She also displayed her world-class professionalism by giving Taylor Swift her deserved moment taken away by a rudely behaved rapper. However, this dress is not one of her best fashion looks. Although the color is perfect on her, the fabric is not. Ladies, if you have curves, steer away from taut fabrics. Taut fabrics do not move with your curves, let alone flatter them. You know I love big jewelry, however; there scale, shape and size rules do apply to everyone. I give her major points for stacking those sizzling bangles.

Jennifer Lopez is an entertainer who I love to see on and off the red carpet. However, her choice last night was one of the least flattering selections to show off her coveted curves. This look proves that just because you wear a designer label doesn’t mean that it will automatically flatter you!

All images courtesy of MTV Networks.
Drape, drape, drape is this season’s version of the skin care motto blend, blend, blend. You will find gorgeous ruched skirts, dresses and blouses that accentuate every glorious curve. A neutral palette of cloud, slate and black with splashes of bronze, burgundy and navy is prominent.
Buy the necklace and coordinating earrings here.
Rocker Brown
Draped Down in Brown
Polished for Perfection
Orange is an energy boosting color that definitely attracts attention as well. It is a color that induces a happy disposition and invokes a sense of curiosity. It stimulates enthusiasm and creativity and represents vitality with endurance. Orange symbolizes hospitality, sincerity and thoughtfulness.
Here are the various ways the orange mother-of-pearl and moonstone necklace, cuff and earrings in the Floral Bloom Collection can be added to a variety of wardrobe styles:
White Suit
A tailored white suit works for the office from spring to fall. Work this suite with a pump or a ankle boot, switch your handbags and add a zesty pop of richly textured orange mother-of-pearl and moonstone jewelry for the last unforgettable touch.
Patterned Sundress
Fuchsia Fun
Go Green
Tropical Breeze
Funky Night Out
White Pop
In my inspiration blog, I shared a photo of a piece of jewelry that I was in the process of designing. What started off as a tray full of round green turquoise, chunky green nugget turquoise, chunky blue nugget turquoise and some sterling silver accents, transpired into this chunky necklace and coordinating bracelet found in the Southwest Sizzle Collection.



Turquoise has long been synonymous with Native American culture and Southwestern region. It has an entrancing quality with its various sizes, shapes, colors and textures.
In researching this gemstone, I found some interesting information. Turquoise was first mined over 6,000 years ago in the Sinai Desert. Turquoise stones were used in jewelry and furniture in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
It is a mineral that has no particular shape. What is a dichotomous, yet intriguing fact about turquoise is that it is a water rich mineral, yet forms only in dry regions of the world. It is said that the finest turquoise comes from Iran where it has been mined for 3,000 years. The world’s largest deposits are in the United States, particularly the Southwest.
Turquoise is flexible for casual and more dressed up wardrobe selections.
CARE: Turquoise is inherently fragile and sensitive to solvents. Protect your stones and their colors from perfume, skin lotions and oils (including sunscreens), hairspray and most jewelry cleaning fluids. When you wear turquoise, apply any of these solutions first, wait a while and then put on your jewelry.
Gently clean your turquoise with a soft cloth (100% cotton is recommended) to avoid a build up of residue. Store it alone, but avoid airtight containers so that the mineral can “breathe”.
Below are some ways to add turquoise jewelry to your wardrobe. Buy the jewelry in the Southwest Sizzle Collection.
Fashion jewelry conglomerate, Corocraft, began producing the high-end Vendôme brand in 1944. Helen Marion was at the helm of design and developed the brand’s innovative use of crystals, which became its signature. Most of Vendôme’s designs consisted of floral creations and playful themes. In 1960, the brand was unequipped to compete with the popular beaded jewelry look that began to emerge along with the cheaper jewelry imported from Hong Kong and Japan. In late 1979, the brand became defunct in the United States. However, a Canadian firm continued production until 1998.
image credit-moringgloryjewelry.com
Albert Weiss began his legendary career at Coro, Inc. This company was started by two men in 1901 whose business model was set up to contract with talented designers and then have jobbers manufacture it. Weiss was one of their contracted talents. I am not able to ascertain how many years Weiss designed for Coro, but in 1942, he set out on his own. He was almost instantly successful and designed some of the most fashion-trendy jewelry of his time.
Weiss’s works featured rhinestones, plastics and enamel. His design signature has been pinpointed by two styles: smoky quartz rhinestones with pave loops or icing (similar to Eisenberg) and clear rhinestones as outlining stones. The smoky quartz rhinestones, he referred to as “Black Diamonds,” were created to imitate the real German gemstone. He was particular in utilizing high quality Austrian rhinestones that were prong set in the jewelry. Often times, his jewelry’s quality, was misinterpreted due to its price points.
Through today, collectors remain enamored with his Christmas jewelry, especially his trees. Besides these seasonally themed creations, he was known for his Maltese crosses. He, like most designers of his time, also created floral and fruit designs. Over 30 years, his designs remained consistent and easily recognizable. Nearly all of his jewelry was signed. Experts have discovered numerous signatures including Albert Weiss in script, WEISS in script, Weissco and WEISS in all caps with a copyright symbol.
In 1971, under his son’s direction, Weiss ceased producing jewelry. His timeless designs remain fashionable and desirable.
As a collector of vintage jewelry, I felt like adding key vintage pieces would be a logical addition to StyleFolioJewelry.com which is devoted to bold, modern and luxurious jewelry. My love for wearing and collecting vintage jewelry began with the purchase of a 1940’s long blue glass and pearl necklace and earring set from Germany. I remember the day in the early ‘90’s that I fell in love with these pieces while shopping in a quaint Ventura Boulevard store in Sherman Oaks, California. These pieces marked the beginning of my personal collection that has grown with my travels and my personal style evolution. There is something undeniably breathtaking about vintage pieces, especially ones from 1914 through the 1970. I have such deep love, admiration and respect for these pieces. They are truly statements of great art.
My introduction to Weiss, Haskell and Eisenberg came under the tutelage of an incredible collector and retailer in the Phoenix Biltmore area. She saw my appreciation, interest and lust for the pieces and took extra time with me to share the designer backgrounds and key signature design elements. I began adding these designers to my collection. Each item continues to keep me mesmerized, which is why some of them are on the site. Even some of the unsigned jewelry is phenomenal. Designer or not, the vintage pieces are unmistakable and unforgettable expressions of personal style and exceptional craftsmanship. These attributes are the DNA of my intentions when designing.
The ‘Vintage Viewpoints’ Collection is a collaboration of my and a close friend’s personal collections. We’ve been adding pieces to our individual repertoires over the years and decided it was time to share these pieces with other vintage jewelry lovers. We pulled pieces to match a variety of personal styles and also tie into today’s trends.
Most of the collection features designer pieces that are signed and unsigned. We did extensive research on identifying unsigned pieces and pricing all according to a cross-section of vintage jewelry resources. Because I’ve lived in the Southwest for several years, I found it logical to add some other unique vintage and estate pieces, such as Native American and Old. Some of the finest Native American artists have and do reside in this area and I’ve had the great fortune to be exposed to their creativity and craftsmanship.
Regardless of the piece, in any of the collections, each item of jewelry tells a story and offers a rich personal style and art interpretation.
Here are some of my favorite personal pieces:




Miriam Haskell was one of the only American jewelry houses that stood its ground against European powerhouses like Chanel and Shiaparelli. Although Miriam was not a designer nor had a background in fashion, she had an eye for style and hired the best talent.
She established the company on the fringe of the Great Depression and built it into a flourishing enterprise. She capitalized on American’s French fashion obsession and modeled her designs and components after European costume jewelry. Most of namesake jewelry was handmade and created from imported glass beads and crystal.
Her aesthetic was interpreted in a dominant tone of metal filigree covered with beads, glass beads and faux pearls. Her inspiration points were nature and exotic cultures. Each piece was intricately fabricated and all of its components created a lasting design signature. Therefore, caring and storing Haskell jewelry is important because it is difficult to replace a missing rhinestone or faux pearl.
Miriam Haskell jewelry is still a staple in serious vintage jewelry collectors’ portfolios. Necklaces are some of the most sought after finds followed by bracelets, earrings and pins. Hollywood starlets were some of her most loyal and avid fans. Joan Crawford’s collection is said to have been meticulous stored and labeled. Upon her death, it was auctioned off with a robust flare, much like the actress herself.
Miriam Haskell jewelry was unsigned until 1950. The few pieces that were signed pre-1950 are very rare. Today, the company is enjoying a rebirth under new ownership that continues the design and aesthetic that is at the foundation of its style.
Sample of a Miriam Haskell necklace:

I am constantly surrounded by beautiful sources of aesthetic inspiration. Nature, fashion magazines, art, people, cars; the references are endless. When I find images and words that drive my creative juices, I post them on inspiration boards. These boards serve as creative reference points for my designs. However, my greatest inspiration comes from the gemstones and materials that I use when I create a piece of jewelry. I rarely sketch my designs. Instead, I am moved by each of the stones to create the statement jewelry that you find on this site. Here are a few of my personal items:

Color Stories - colors and textures that inspire me and tap into trends

Cool Jewelry designs

The beginnings of the red, white and blue necklace.

This is in the works.

This too is in the works.
Last week I had the divine privilege of connecting with a remarkable woman named Jane Pollak. I hadn’t heard of her before, but her blog captivated my attention. Here are the specific items that immediately grabbed me:
1) The “leading remarkable women to uncommon success” blog tagline. Looking deeper, Jane and I have a similar vision and intent for our businesses, but we have chosen different paths to accomplish our purposes and from which to share our gifts.
2) “Oprah’s in my Jewelry Box” blog post. I too believe in vision boards and have been creating them since childhood. Last week, I decided to photograph my design inspiration boards and share them via my blog. Her posting was a culmination of what I believe in, what I am currently doing and what I intend to share with others (check back tomorrow for the board post).
3) Jane’s aura. After spending some time reviewing her posts and photographs, it became obvious to me that this woman has a big heart, bright mind and great spirit. She is exactly the type of person I desire to have in my life. Thus, I was moved to write her the email that she has shared in her latest blog.
What I learned from my encounter with Jane is that life will steer you in the right direction so that you can meet the people you need to meet, learn what you need to learn and have the support and resources you need to accomplish your vision. I also learned that when you approach people authentically, in person or online they will respond. Even if you are authentic when you approach people and they don’t respond, that is OK too. It doesn’t make either of you right or wrong, good or bad, it might just mean that the timing is off.
Sometimes it is so easy to ignore or be ignored in our virtual world. However, it is important to be open to connecting with unfamiliar people and opportunities. You never know where your blessings will come from in life. This is something that both Jane and I seem to understand. No wonder we connected!
So, if you are ignored, please don’t be dismayed. I encourage you to keep plugging away, be yourself and have faith that what you need and desire will manifest for you. My wish for everyone reading this entry is that you too will make resonating connections the way Jane and I have over the last few days.
Here’s Jane:

Here’s how you can create several distinct styles based on one interesting dress.
One bridal tradition that remains consistent is wearing pearls. The Greeks believed that pearls symbolize love, happiness and purity. They also believed that wearing pearls would take away the bride’s tears to ensure marital harmony.
Historically, every culture placed high value on pearls even during abundant supplies. Woman of modest and substantial means draped themselves in pearls, sometimes from head to toe. In 15th century Europe, women wore hairnets (called “frets”) of gold threads adorned with pearls. In southern Russia, Jewish women owned black velvet caps embroidered with pearls. In both instances, these pearl- adorned pieces were considered significant enough to serve as legacy bequeaths for daughters.
Pearl’s historical symbolism is their ability to stabilize negative thoughts and feelings like anger, depression and pessimism.
Traditional brides tend to embrace all of the pomp, circumstance and trimmings of classic wedding ceremonies. Ruffles and lace are cornerstones of a traditional bride’s fashion selections. Of course, the Style Folio bride believes in tradition with a bit of twist.
As the title implies, the individualist bride focuses on making her wedding day, HER wedding day. She approaches every detail with a focus that truly reflects her and her partner’s personal styles.
The modernist bride steers towards the edge with assymetrical lines and contemporary details. Style Folio’s modernist bride mixes a little bit of the old and makes it new again.
Is a variety of quartz that contains both amethyst and citrine sectors in the same crystal. Also known as trystine or by its trade name as bolivianite.
Jade defines two minerals, nephrite and jadeite, of similar appearance but different chemical composition. Both minerals are found in a wide range of shades of green, brown, yellow, grey and pink and may be either translucent or opaque. They may be milky or cloudy in appearance and sometimes speckled with tiny black spots.
Like what you see? Great, get a few more ideas on how to wear this edgy clear crystal quartz, vintage chain and turquoise necklace in the ‘Folio Files’ blog.
Edgy Classics by StyleFolio featuring Vanessa Bruno dresses
Howlite is always an opaque white or gray color with black web-like veins or streaks. It is often dyed and can be easily confused with Turquoise.
It has been here all along. His traits are part of my DNA. So what do I have that I regard as so special? Listen and learn about his gifts that have and continue to keep me inspired.
My dad’s football card:

Its uncut color is a dirty grey. But when cut, it is usually blue in color. When placed at various angles, the color can change tremendously showing a metallic luster and beautiful sheen.
Over the last few months, I’ve felt a magnetic attraction to pearls. This is odd because I don’t consider myself a big pearl wearer. My shift has spiked my curiousity which has sent me on a quest for more information.
What did an arranged meeting and assigned writing exercises do for me? Find out more in this pod cast.
Bari Ellen in LA at the Chicken Soup for African American Women’s Soul booksigning event

Bari Ellen and me

What a charismatic gentlemen! Learn what this fashion genius taught me during my one-on-one, exclusive interview.



The classic color combo that anchors both ends of the greyscale spectrum comes out in full force. Exciting presentations include goth vibes, bondage wraps, wavy ruffles, lace and tulling, strip and dot ensembles and everything in between. Now is the time to amp up your closet classics and bring out a new classic twist.
Get graphic with these combinations.
Casual Style
Graphic + Green

Black+White - by StyleFolio on Polyvore.com
Get kissed with silky hues of rose, caramel, cloud, clay, taupe and dove. Showcase these colors in rich fabrics from chiffon to satin. Embody feminine fantasies in draping, billowy designs or something a bit more masculine tempered by fabric weight and color. Add some sheen for an overall luminous affect.
Demure meets rock star.

Flesh for Fantasy - by StyleFolio on Polyvore.com
Silver, gold, pewter, bronze, copper and black are all metal colors that prominant shimmer this season. Sequin and lame metallics are reinvented to play with a mix of hues, textures and silhouettes to make this trend bang and not bonk.
Try basic black with metallic accents like this example.

Black + Metallic - by StyleFolio on Polyvore.com
Or get a bolt of blue.

Bolt of Blue - by StyleFolio on Polyvore.com
Designers continue to play in gardens to find sources of inspiration. Clothes this season are designed with a new range of floral motifs. Enjoy the new interpWinter whites, rose quartz, periwinkle, dove grey and classic crème are all labeled the new neutrals presented in structured silhouettes with power and poise.
Try some inspiration in this feminine ensemble.

Flower Power - by StyleFolio on Polyvore.com
Is transparent and lilac-blue, violet or pink. The stones sometimes resemble pink topaz but are lighter and softer. Photo credit: Eurico Zimbres
The most fashionable woman is one who knows her own style and incorporates seasonal highlights into her mix. Here are some that StyleFolioJewelry.com™ considers the freshest spring picks:
Check out Pantone’s color palettes and lively fashion trend sketches:
Spring 2010 color palettes Click here.
Want to be a Folioista™?
Click here for details on this StyleFolioJewelry.com™ exclusive.
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