- Jan1320170Barbara Schwartz
How to Wear January’s Birthstone: Garnet
inRead moreJanuary’s birthstone, garnet, is actually the name of a group of related gemstones that occur in a wide range of colors. Although red garnets are the most abundant and have the longest history, this gem also occurs in shades of orange, yellow, and green. Red garnets have been prized for…
- Jan062017Barbara Schwartz
‘Downton Abbey’ Style Earrings
inRead moreDesigned to complement the streamlined silhouette of 1920s fashion, earrings like these and other jewelry of that decade became accessories rather than ornaments of wealth. Fortunately we don’t have to dress like a flapper or Lady Mary to wear these amethyst and filigree drops today. They remain as appealing now…
- Dec192016Barbara Schwartz
How to Wear December’s Birthstone: Turquoise
inRead moreFollow my blog with Bloglovin Long prized for its intense color, turquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gemstones. It adorned Egyptian pharaohs, the Aztecs of Mexico, and early Native Americans. Many cultures have believed that this gem will guarantee its wearer good health, good fortune, and protection from…
- Nov302016Barbara Schwartz
Dress Up Your Little Navy Dress with Vintage Jewels
inRead moreEver since a 1926 issue of Vogue dubbed Coco Chanel’s black crêpe de chine dress “the frock that all the world will wear”, the little black dress has been the basis for modern women’s cocktail attire. But have you considered wearing navy instead? It’s called the universal color because it’s…
- Nov032016Barbara Schwartz
How to Wear November’s Birthstones: Citrine-Topaz
inRead moreTwo gemstones that range in color from pale yellow to brownish- or reddish orange –citrine and topaz – are both linked to November. Throughout history, the two have often been confused, but legends associated with both emphasize healing – their ability to calm anger and dispel bad omens. The Colors…
- Oct092016Barbara Schwartz
How to Wear October’s Birthstone: Opal
inRead moreA kaleidoscope of flashing colors described by some as volcanoes, galaxies, and fireworks, the opal is the birthstone for October. Throughout history, this gemstone has been admired because it encompasses the colors of other precious gems. For this reason, many have believed that the opal is magical and brings good…
- Sep122016Barbara Schwartz
How to Wear September’s Birthstone: Sapphire
inRead moreDid you know that blue is the favorite color of nearly half the world’s population? It’s no surprise, then, that the gemstone sapphire, which occurs in a variety of hues (including violet, pink, green, orange and purple), is most often associated with the color blue. Since the Middle Ages, this…
- Aug092016Barbara Schwartz
How to Wear August’s Birthstone: Peridot
inRead morePale, yellow-green in tone, peridot has always been associated with light. In fact, ancient Egyptians called it the gem of the sun. Peridot is said to bring the wearer power and influence as well as healing properties to protect against nightmares. Because King Edward VII considered the peridot his good…
- Jul062016Barbara Schwartz
How to Wear July’s Birthstone: Ruby
inRead moreThe name ruby, the birthstone for July, comes from the Latin word for red, a bold, warm color that is associated with passion, vitality and power. Historically this gemstone has been worn to guarantee health, wisdom and success in love. While precious rubies (natural minerals) are among the five most…
- Jun082016Barbara Schwartz
How to Wear June’s Birthstone: Pearl
inRead morePearl, the June birthstone, has always had universal appeal. A simple strand of pearls has been the go-to jewelry accessory for generations of women everywhere. The Gemstone Until the late 19th century, Oriental pearls (those produced by the pearl oyster in sea water ) were regarded as more precious than diamonds,…
- May272016Barbara Schwartz
Spring from Day to Night with Vintage Jewels
inRead moreOften thought of as adornment limited to evening wear, vintage costume jewelry can elevate your office uniform from ordinary to extraordinary and make you feel special as you move from day to evening activities. Here are six classic outfits that start in the office and transform into a dressier look…
- May022016Barbara Schwartz
How to Wear May’s Birthstone: Emerald
inRead moreEmerald, a lush, luxurious shade of green, is the birthstone for May. This gemstone is associated with growth, renewal and prosperity, and was Cleopatra’s favorite jewel. Not surprisingly, emerald jewelry is popular with women born in other months of the year. The Color This rich and elegant hue flatters all…