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?!

Weekend Wishlist: Paul Frank, 'Best Dad' T-Shirt, Nifty Home Products, and More!

It's Friday!  That means I've been browsing the new sales on Zulily.  I love shopping on the weekends because I only pay shipping on my first order and get free shipping on everything else from Friday through midnight on Sunday.  I found the cutest owl doormat yesterday, added it to my wishlist, and this morning it was all sold out already.  I did ask to be emailed the next time it becomes available, so fingers crossed!

What's new on my Zulily wishlist today?

1.  Wilco Edged Frame - $12.99 (Originally $18.00)

2.  Blue Bird Night-Light - $7.99 (Originally $12.00)

3.  Nifty Black K-Cup Small Single Storage Drawer - $19.99 (Originally $32.00)

4.  White Fancy Triple Pearl & Silver Heart Pendant Necklace - $49.99 (Originally $215.00)

5.  Turquoise 'I have the Best Dad' Tee for Toddlers & Kids - $9.99 (Originally $18.00)

6.  Educators Outlet Fraction Sandwich Set - $6.99 (Originally $12.00)

7.  Reunion Apparel Gray Embellished Girl Sidetail Tee - $16.99 (Originally $27.99)

8.  Paul Frank Black & White Polka Dot Julius Tote - $9.99 (Originally $25.00)


If you haven't already, be sure to checkout my post "6 Tips for Shopping on Zulily"!  What's on your weekend wishlist from Zulily or somewhere else?

Freshwater Pearl Pendant w/Gold Chain for Mother's Day

Pearl Paradise offers beautiful and unique freshwater pearls in various colors and in several different settings. They offered me a gorgeous Lavender Pearl Pendant to review, and I was thrilled to get it.

This "Mini Collection" pendant features a small freshwater pearl that is lavender in color and is on a “mini” setting with a pendant cap and set on a Forzatina white gold cable chain. It is very delicate, but utterly stunning, and can be worn alone or layered with other jewelry. The pearl itself is a round pearl, which is very rare, and is an AAA quality pearl with high luster.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

I truly love this necklace. It came with papers of authenticity, which just added to its glamour for me. The pictures on their website do not do it justice, and neither do mine. It is very small and stylish, but truly a gorgeous look for any woman to wear. It would look great in many occasion and styles of dress and would be a wonderful addition to any jewelry-lover's collection. I know I am happy to have it and love wearing it.

You can see this pendant and all the other freshwater pearl jewelry that Pearl Paradise has to offer on their website, www.pearlparadise.com.

Thank you to Pearl Paradise for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our contest prize.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

PLEASE NOTE: Previous winners of Pearl Paradise blog giveaways are not eligible to win this contest.

Good luck in the drawing!

Top 18 Products of 2010

Since 2010 has come to an end, it only seems fitting that my family shares with you which products were their favorites from the many we had the privilege to review last year.  There were so many impressive products that we could have easily made a top 40 list.


1.  Guidecraft All In One Play Kitchen

2.  Melissa & Doug Pretend Play Workbench

3.  Black & Decker Wall-Mounted Paper Shredder and Message Center

4.  1154 LILL Studio Custom Handbag

5.  Slix Closer Boxer Briefs

6.  Angeles Baseline Table and Chairs Set

7.  LeapFrog's Leapster Explorer

8.  Imaginext BIGFOOT The Monster

9.  Paper Jamz Guitar & Amp

10.  Monster Cable Lil' Jamz Headphones

11.  Teagan and Mack Child's Pearl Bracelet

12.  ThermaPAK HeatShift Pad Laptop Cooler

13.  Mouthman Hoodies

14.  Dazzle Dry 3pc Vegan Nail Polish System

15.  Orsani Robby Wash Laundry Ball

16.  The Polar Express Hot Chocolate with Peppermint

17.  Lazoo Incredible Stickers Activity Book

18.  Two Sisters Gourmet Garlic Parmesan Vinaigrette

Although I have received complimentary product samples from either the brands or retailers associated with the products above, I did not receive any compensation for including these products on this list.  This list was put together collectively by the members of my household based on our personal experiences with these products.

Holiday 2010 Review: The Pearl Source Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings

The Pearl Source has been in business for over 15 years and they are one of the largest wholesalers of loose pearls and retailers of freshwater pearl earrings and pearl jewelry in the United States. They are also direct importers of loose South Sea Pearls, some of the most beautiful freshwater pearls available. I was recently sent some stunning, pure white freshwater pearl earrings to try out. These gorgeous earrings are exquisite classics and every girl should get to own a pair of something so beautiful.

These earrings are very well put together because the pearls are attached to 14K gold posts, available in both white and yellow gold. They are almost exactly the same, despite the fact they are not synthetically made to be so. Both are nearly the same exact size, color, and shape. In fact, if there’s a difference, I can’t see it with my naked eye. I have worn these pearls with jeans paired with a cute shirt and with a dress. They are very adaptable and would look good with just about anything, in my opinion.

These amazing freshwater pearl earrings retail for $69 on Pearl Source’s website www.thepearlsource.com and would make a great gift for any special woman in your life.

Thank you to The Pearl Source for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.

Holiday 2010 Giveaway: Teagan and Mack Child's Freshwater Pearl Bracelet [CLOSED]

Even though my daughter is only 3-1/2 years old, I rarely put any jewelry on her aside from sterling silver pieces. I just do not want to worry about tarnishing. She has worn a few different silver necklaces, but has only had one bracelet in the past. It was a cuff bracelet that she found to be very uncomfortable and always asked to have it taken off. That is why I love these children's and baby bracelets from Teagan and Mack, an online boutique that specializes in eco-friendly baby clothing and accessories. They are lightweight, flexible, and sit comfortably on my daughter's wrist.

We received a girl's freshwater pearl bracelet that was custom-sized for my daughter's wrist. The pink pearl bracelet without silver beads is what I selected for her, since pink is her favorite color. She was absolutely delighted when I presented this bracelet to her.

These bracelets are perfect for a birthday or Christmas. Each one is presented so nicely and is ready to throw in a gift bag for gift giving. You also have the option of adding an eco-friendly gift box and note adorned with ribbon to your jewelry order for just an additional $4.00 .

Our little girl has worn this bracelet for almost two months now without taking it off even once. At first I was worried that an active preschooler would break a bracelet, such as this, but I could not have been more wrong. Because of the perfect fit, it has not been at risk of catching on anything. It also looks as polished as the day we first put it on her wrist, even though it has gone through some hot and humid days and many baths.

These girls and baby pearl bracelets retail for $38.00 on TeaganAndMack.com . For a limited time, you can receive Free Shipping on U.S. orders totaling $50 and up or $3 Flat Rate Shipping on orders under $50. You can also receive a 5% discount as a thank you for signing up for the Teagan and Mack Newsletter.

Thank you to Teagan and Mack for sending us a complimentary product sample to base this review upon and for providing a second product as our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a baby or child size Freshwater Pearl and Silver Bracelet from Teagan and Mack.

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Browse the selection of eco-friendly infant/toddler products offered by Teagan and Mack. Then leave a comment telling me the name of one item you think would make an excellent gift (aside from the item reviewed in this article). You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2)

For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, sign up for the Teagan and Mack newsletter. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post. (If you use a different email than the one you are using to enter this contest, please include it in your contest entry. All entries will be verified.)

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Teagan and Mack on Twitter and/or "Like" Teagan and Mack on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.

6)

Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)

Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)

Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)

Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, October 25th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Giveaway & Review: Pearl Paradise Bracelet [CLOSED]

I have always thought pearls looked a little bit too pure and proper, but seeing the beauty of black pearls changed my tune. In fact, before I visited PearlParadise.com, I was not even aware that so many varieties of freshwater pearls existed. It seems as if there is a different size and color of pearl to match everyone's personality.

What I thought about my Pearl Bracelet from PearlParadise.com:

1) I have to say that the presentation was very nice. The black and gold jewelry box came in a ready-to-wrap gift box.

2) This 7.0-8.0 mm Black Freshwater Pearl Bracelet was matched very well as far as the size and shape of the pearls go.

3) I was very pleased about the fit of my bracelet. 7" has always been a tad too long for my wrist, so I requested a 6.75" bracelet. My bracelet fits like it was custom made for my wrist.

4) I also came to learn that black freshwater pearls are not necessarily black, where Akoya black pearls are. Still, the colors in my bracelet compliment my wardrobe wonderfully because I wear a lot of browns. Some of the pearls remind me of one of my favorite gemstones . . . the smokey quartz.

5) I had choice of a white or yellow 14-karat gold clasp. I chose white because I am a sterling silver, white gold, and platinum kind of girl. This clasp is extremely secure. In fact, I needed assistance with both fastening and unfastening the clasp.

6) My bracelet was accompanied by an appraisal certificate, which includes it's estimated value based on the pearls' shape, color, luster, how well they are matched, any blemishes, overall quality, size, length, and clasp metal. The appraisal was much higher than the retail price of the bracelet.

7) For those who are pearl novices like me, also included was a Pearl Care Kit. This kit contained two pearl sachets and a microfibre pearl cloth along with instructions on how to clean my bracelet.

If you are thinking about presenting someone special with pearls this holiday, you can use the following promo codes to save a little off your next purchase from PearlParadise.com through December 31st, 2009.

For $15 off a purchase of $75 or more, use Code: 2009-15

For $40 off a purchase of $500 or more, use Code: 2009-40

For $75 off a purchase of $1,000 or more, use Code: 2009-75

Thank you to PearlParadise.com for providing us with a review product and a contest prize free of charge.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a 7.0-8.0 mm Freshwater Pearl Bracelet. (Winner's choice of white, black, multicolor, lavender, or pink pearl color. Winner may request a specific bracelet length and either a white or yellow 14-karat gold clasp.)

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.


How to Gain Entries:
Browse the vast selection of pearl jewelry on PearlParadise.com . Then leave a comment telling me what other item(s) you would love to give or receive as a gift (aside from the contest prize). You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) Add this blog to your Technorati Favorites. Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so and under what username. Add to Technorati Favorites

4) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND PearlParadise.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

5) Follow Pearl Paradise on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:
This contest will be closed on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!