With the holiday season approaching, we’re all looking for safe ways to add some sparkle to our celebrations. Whether you’re shopping for a jewelry gift for a special woman in your life or looking for a way to add shine to your wardrobe, I have just what you need. This season’s trends are big and bold – statement pieces – to jazz up any outfit, even if you’re being seen from only the waist up. One example is this Art Deco Ruby Bead & Rondelle Pinwheel Brooch from France (see above).  Here are more suggestions from the TruFaux Jewels Holiday Sparkle collection.

Pearls

Always elegant and chic, pearls have been seen in new forms in recent runway shows. These two vintage jewels fit the bill. From the late-1940s, this Pearl Bracelet with Diamanté in Sterling on the left was made by the American company Eisenberg. Each link has a large glass pearl sitting atop a ring of diamantés set in sterling silver.

On the right is a pair of Pearl Cluster Dangle Earrings made in France in the 1950s. They were probably from the premier maker of faux pearls in the first half of the 20^th century – Louis Rousselet. The intricate design reminds me of a cluster of grapes.

Chokers

A choker is a necklace that sits right at the collar bone. It looks great with a V-, scooped, or round neckline. This 1950s Pearl, Crystal Bead & Gold Mesh Choker on the left is from the fashion house of Hattie Carnegie. It has dangling faux pearls and faceted crystal beads on a diamanté-studded, gold-tone mesh flexible band. The necklace is adjustable, so you can wear it in the right position.

On the right is a black velvet ribbon embellished with this Art Deco 1930s Diamanté Winged Duette, Coro’s name for their double clip brooch. Create your own choker with a colored ribbon of your choice and a sparkly brooch. Then you can wear the jewel on its own – a 2-for-1!

Colorful Gems

Large, colorful stones are popular today. Here are two great examples in earrings. At nearly two-inches high, these 1950s Emerald Ear Clips by Schreiner, on the left, feature lush-deep-green-glass stones accented with faux pearls and diamantés. The right and left earrings are opposites, so they frame your face to perfection.

The 1950s Ruby, Diamanté & Pearl Dangle Earrings on the right are by Hattie Carnegie. Each pendant has a large, faceted, ruby-glass teardrop crowned with diamantés and pearl accents.

Diamonds

Whether they’re the main event or accents, faux diamonds (diamantés) bring sparkle and flair to any outfit. On the left, the Diamanté Floral Brooch by Miriam Haskell is an absolute stunner! It combines textured, silver-tone leaves with shimmery faceted stones in a variety of sizes. Classy and classic bling!

The trio of sterling bracelets on the right, from the 1920s-1930s, come from three different makers. At the top, trios of onyx alternate with diamantés. The middle is all diamantés. At the bottom, all onyx with a diamanté clasp. These line bracelets can be worn as singles or in stacks, as shown. Their design is the forerunner of today’s tennis bracelet, made famous by champion Chris Evert.

Brooches

As I wrote in my last blog post, brooches (especially vintage pieces) have been rediscovered because of their versatility. Wear one or more in traditional ways: on your lapel, on your shoulder or at your waist. Try something modern and chic – pin one on a hat, scarf, or bag. Wear one as a pendant on a chain or cord. Or even embellish your hairstyle, as in the photo on the left. This 1950s Brooch by Miriam Haskell has pale amethyst and lavender glass beads and diamantés adorning a bed of textured, silver-tone leaves.

On the right is the most spectacular brooch in the boutique – a late-1950s jewel by Elsa Schiaparelli. It features a trio of flowers, with clusters of ruby-glass beads atop Aurora Borealis navette petals. Their iridescence is hard to capture in a photo. Trust me – this piece looks like a display of fireworks!

For More Jewelry Gift Ideas

See the boutique’s Holiday Sparkle collection.