6 Jewelry Must-Haves This Season

This fashion trends post was brought to you by Jess Cammerman.

I believe every outfit is improved with the perfect jewelry; therefore, I’m happily presenting some of this year’s favorites. Pursuing and possessing just the right bling is a responsibility that comes with a great deal of pleasure! So, let’s take a look at six top trends . . . jewelry ‘must haves’ this season . . .


1.  Large Hoop Earrings - The larger the better! Hoop earrings add just the right touch to your favorite outfit, especially with hair pulled away from the face, say in a high ponytail. Skinnier hoops tend to appear feminine and lively, while dramatic hoops can be bold and enticing. These modern (yet timeless) additions look fantastic with both casual and formal designs.

2. Simple Diamond Studs - For those days when you prefer something slightly more subtle (or when you feel like wearing your hair down), a pair of gorgeous diamond stud earrings from Michael Hill look great with any outfit. Create a look that’s feminine, elegant, and full of sparkle, and wear them anytime . . . day or night. Diamond studs in gold and silver will complement your other jewelry; the ideal touch; studs are simply lovely!

3. Menswear-Inspired Watches - One of my favorite trends this season is the menswear watch. This hot new craze lends itself to combinations with other accessories… a little drama and practicality combined. Jewelry worn with the watch can offset the masculine touch, particularly feminine accessories. Look for a watch with a large face, enhanced by a leather or metallic wristband.

4. A Turquoise Necklace - An eye-catching turquoise necklace looks fantastic with many popular styles this season. From amazing rose gold, to off-white tops and dresses, the aqua-blue just seems to have it (and say it) all! Whether you choose to combine the necklace with a basic tee-shirt and jeans, or with an ethnic-print dress, turquoise makes an exotic statement. Perfect for almost any occasion, a silver and turquoise necklace, pendant, or choker adds drama and finesse.

5. Pearls - Pearls are a seasonal trend that never goes out of style. Sophisticated and tasteful, pearls can be worn with a little black dress or a soft-pink cashmere sweater. Innocent and sweet, classic pearls provide an eye-catching addition to many of this year’s fashion highlights. Pair the pearls with vintage styles, and allow your image to stand forever in time!

6.  Short Necklaces and Lockets - And speaking of throw-back looks, a lovely vintage locket will add understated femininity to any outfit, while adding updated inspiration to scoop-necked tops. Any short pendant, or necklace, that features a small silver or gold trinket is the perfect piece of jewelry to blend with many of today’s exciting fashion choices.


A statement necklace, men’s-watch, and alluring earring-set make the ideal additions to any jewelry ‘must-have’ list this season. You may also decide to add some metallic cuffs, right-hand rings, and long layered-necklaces to the inventory . . . after all this is the year when everything goes, and isn’t it all about having fun?!

Platinum (and Diamonds) to Celebrate a 20th Anniversary

Diamond jewelry is the official modern-day gift to mark the milestone of 10 years of marriage.  Our 10th wedding anniversary has come and gone.  In fact, this year my husband and I will be celebrating our 12th anniversary.  When our 10-year anniversary did arrive, I thought to myself that ten years did not feel like a long time.  No, we did not feel like newlyweds.  However, although we have gone through so much together, it still felt like there was a whole lifetime in front of us of reaching goals, making new ones, and watching our children grow inside and out.

The official gift for 20 years of marriage is platinum.  I have decided to declare that the gift should actually be platinum AND diamonds.  By 20 years, our oldest will be thinking about college and the twins will be entering high school.  We would be in a completely different phase in our lives.  Now that is something worthy of diamonds!

If you read my shopping blog or follow me on Pinterest, then you know that I have a thing for rings and that, for diamond jewelry, I am a fan of jewelry designs by Simon G.  When I have an extra moment or two, I enjoy browsing for uniquely designed rings, especially engagement rings.  Although I am always drawn towards princess cut diamond engagement rings, I always go back to round cut diamonds, like the one pictured here from Kranich's Jewelers.  I absolutely adore my round cut diamond solitaire platinum engagement ring, but it is fun to wonder once in awhile . . . What if we went with a bridal set? or Maybe we should have chosen a sapphire engagement ring?  In the end, I would never trade in my ring for anything, but I would want something different in platinum and diamonds for our next major milestone.

Choosing A Diamond Engagement Ring That You Will Love Forever

When my husband and I shopped for diamond engagement rings well-over a decade ago, we did not know anything.  We just wandered into a jewelry store at the mall and expected to see a ring that we liked and then we would be done . . . just like that.  After all, that is the way it happens on TV, isn't it?

Thank goodness we had a nice honest jeweler who offered us some guidance.  How do I know that he offered us good advice?  I know because, aside from during my two pregnancies, I have been wearing this ring since the day my husband put it on my finger.

The most helpful piece of advice our jeweler gave us was to look at a variety of certified loose diamonds first.  Once you find a diamond with the color and clarity you like in the carat weight you want (or the one that fits in your budget), then you can think about the setting.  We ended up going with a tapered solitaire platinum setting, similar to the one pictured.

To shop for loose diamonds, ring settings, or even preset engagement rings, visit Brilliance.com.  This site is a good source of information about different types of metals and gemstones, in addition to diamonds.  Be sure to educate yourself so you too can find an engagement ring that you will love forever.  And, although it may be romantic to be surprised, it is far more practical to shop for a ring together.  After all, you are intended to have this ring for the rest of your life.